Cruise Talk Weekly

Carnival is giving cruisers stickers for prepaying their gratuities—but is it a clever incentive or an awkward way to single people out? Tony and Tommy debate the idea, and one of them might actually change his mind.

Plus, we discuss the Villa Vie crisis and its impact on residents, what cruise loyalty is worth when benefits get suspended, and how cruise lines keep finding ways to get us spending more onboard. We also tackle dining room dress codes, nonstop ship announcements, and the risks of bringing prohibited items on a cruise.

Along the way: a coffee-and-cookie dispute, questionable cruise director jokes, and the cruises we're looking forward to next.

Find Tommy on the Always Be Booked Cruise Podcast and Tony on YouTube at La Lido Loca.

Is Carnival REALLY Giving Cruisers What They Want?

Good Change or Money Grab?

Carnival Cruise Line is shaking things up with new Fun Packs, a three-alcoholic-drink Cheers! Social option, and dynamic pricing for drink packages and Wi-Fi. But are these changes actually giving cruisers more flexibility and value, or are they simply another way for cruise lines to increase onboard spending?

In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony Barnette and Tommy Casabona break down Carnival's latest announcements, debate the pros and cons of bundled cruise packages, and discuss whether dynamic pricing could save passengers money or make cruising more expensive.

The conversation also explores Royal Caribbean's casino loyalty program, Carnival's evolving loyalty system, growing traffic problems at PortMiami, and Virgin Voyages' partnership with JetBlue for an adults-only flight and cruise experience.

Plus, Tony and Tommy tackle the increasingly controversial subject of tipping, including cruise porters, prepaid gratuities, and whether tipping culture has gotten out of hand.

Topics discussed:

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Carnival's new Fun Packs and Cheers! Social drink option

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Dynamic pricing for Carnival drink packages and Wi-Fi

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Cruise package value versus a la carte pricing

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Carnival and Royal Caribbean loyalty programs

•

Royal Caribbean's Club Royale casino experience

•

PortMiami congestion and proposed traffic improvements

•

Virgin Voyages and JetBlue's adults-only travel package

•

Cruise gratuities, porters, and tipping culture

Join the conversation: Are Carnival's latest changes a good deal for cruisers or a money grab?

Cruise Talk Weekly features Tony Barnette of La Lido Loca and Tommy Casabona of the Always Be Booked podcast discussing cruise news, industry trends, and the issues that matter to cruise travelers.

Questions or comments? Email askus@cruisetalktnt.com

Follow us on social media: @cruisetalktnt

Cruise Talk Weekly #37 — Are Cruisers Wasting Money on These Things?

Are you wasting money on your cruise vacation? This week, Tony and Tommy debate which cruise extras are worth the price and which ones might be a complete waste of money!

From expensive shore excursions and specialty dining to cruise photographs, drink packages, and balcony cabins, we're breaking down the purchases that divide cruisers. Is paying more always a bad deal, or is there value in convenience, peace of mind, and the overall experience?

Plus, Tony shares his back-to-back cruise experience aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, and we discuss the incredible Odyssey of the Seas overboard rescue, cruise itinerary disruptions, passenger compensation, and the latest cruise news.

And as always, there's plenty of laughter, unexpected stories, and a few strong opinions along the way.

The big question: What's the biggest waste of money on a cruise ship?

Join Tony Barnette and Tommy Casabona for another episode of Cruise Talk Weekly!

Follow us: @CruiseTalkTNT Email: askus@cruisetalktnt.com

#CruiseTalkWeekly #CruiseNews #CruiseTips

What would you happily pay extra for on a cruise? Tony and Tommy dream up everything from pizza delivery and onboard pet care to private parties—and robot girlfriends. Plus, cruise news and passenger shenanigans. What extra would YOU pay for? Tell us in the comments!

See the video of the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt

Get More Tommy here: ⁨@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247⁩

More Tony here: ⁨@LaLidoLoca⁩

Tony and Tommy talk about the cruise things they used to do—but don't anymore. From drink packages and formal nights to pier running, snorkeling, cruise activities and more, how has the way you cruise changed over the years?

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt

Cruise Talk Weekly is back for Season 2! Tony and Tommy catch up and quickly go off the rails with a packed conversation about cruising. This week, they talk short cruises and why cruise lines are putting newer ships on shorter itineraries, a slot machine fire aboard a Carnival ship, cruise casino fees, private-island spending, drink packages, and Norwegian's move from Broadway-style productions to tribute shows featuring legendary artists.

Along the way, the conversation detours into Great Stirrup Cay, Celebration Key, the ABC Islands, cruise entertainment, Gen X nostalgia, the Beastie Boys, old-school hip-hop, giant car stereos, and whether you should really walk away from a slot machine bonus just because the machine next to you is on fire.

It's cruise news, cruise opinions, stories from the ships, and the kind of tangents you'd expect when Tony and Tommy get together. Welcome back to Cruise Talk Weekly.

Have you ever heard someone say they'd never take a cruise because the ship might sink… or that cruise ships are just floating petri dishes?

This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tommy and Tony discuss some of the biggest misconceptions non-cruisers have about cruising. From fears of seasickness and safety to whether cruises are boring, they break down what people often get wrong before the conversation naturally wanders into cruise news, travel stories, and a few unexpected tangents.

Along the way, they also discuss:

• Tommy's move back to New York
• Tony's recent Ireland land cruise adventure
• Frank Del Rio's legal battle with Norwegian Cruise Line
• A Carnival crew member saving a choking child
• Cruise ship fights and lifetime cruise bans
• World Cup fever and why Americans view soccer differently

Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or just cruise curious, there's something here for everyone.

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/VUDdCQKsnHw

Thank you for listening to Cruise Talk Weekly with Tony and Tommy! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with a fellow cruiser. Your support helps us continue bringing you weekly conversations about the cruise industry, travel, and everything in between.

Follow Cruise Talk Weekly on social media: 📺 YouTube: @CruiseTalkTNT 📸 Instagram: @CruiseTalkTNT 🎵 TikTok: @CruiseTalkTNT

Until next time, thanks for listening, and we'll see you on the next Cruise Talk Weekly! 🚢

What kind of cruiser are you?

This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tommy and Tony introduce a new Cruise Frequency Framework and break down the different types of cruisers—from first-time cruisers and occasional vacationers to enthusiasts and full-fledged Super Cruisers.

Along the way, they discuss what turns someone into a frequent cruiser, why some people cruise once and never return, and why others find themselves booking cruise after cruise. Tony also shares his recent experience on a short Carnival Glory getaway and explains why a three-day cruise might be exactly what some cruisers need.

Plus, the guys discuss major cruise industry headlines, including:

• John Heald's changing role at Carnival Cruise Line
• Former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio's lawsuit
• Norwegian's recent strategy changes and canceled sailings
• The growing popularity of short cruises and private island destinations

Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a Super Cruiser, this episode is for you.

What kind of cruiser are you? Let us know in the comments!

🎙️ Cruise Talk with Tommy & Tony

📧 Email the show: askus@cruisetalktnt.com

📺 Follow Cruise Talk TNT

YouTube: @cruisetalktnt Instagram: @cruisetalktnt TikTok: @cruisetalktnt

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#CruiseTalk #Cruising #CruiseNews #CruisePodcast #CruiseVacation #CarnivalCruise #NorwegianCruiseLine #RoyalCaribbean #CruiseLife #SuperCruiser

Cruise comedy is back in the spotlight after another Carnival comedian faces complaints from passengers who attended an adults-only comedy show. This week, Tommy and Tony dive into the ongoing debate over comedy, free speech, cruise entertainment, and whether some guests are simply too quick to be offended.

They also discuss the latest cruise controversies, including a passenger suing Carnival after suffering burns on a hot pool deck, Royal Caribbean guests protesting after missing a glacier viewing in Alaska, questions about alcohol policies and drink packages, cruise line bans tied to social media behavior, and propulsion issues aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas.

Plus, casino talk, cruise ship traditions that have disappeared, and a few unexpected detours into childhood ice cream trucks and cruise gambling strategies.

Follow Cruise Talk with Tommy & Tony

📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/cruisetalktnt 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cruisetalktnt

#CruiseTalk #CruiseNews #CarnivalCruise #RoyalCaribbean #CruiseComedy #CruisePodcast #Cruising #CruiseLife #CruiseShip #TravelPodcast

Cruise Lines Are Getting Pushback | Royal Caribbean, NCL & Carnival

This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony and Tommy dive into another wild week in cruising. From Royal Caribbean hitting a major roadblock in Mexico to Carnival slap fights, buffet crackdowns, NCL ceiling collapses, and the growing debate around cruise line changes, there's a lot to unpack.

The guys also discuss solo cruising, cruise line gimmicks, ship-within-a-ship experiences, Carnival's new loyalty opt-in, and whether cruise lines are starting to push passengers too far.

CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro & Opening Banter 03:10 Cruise Line Threatens Cleaning Fees for Buffet Food 17:00 Are Cruise Lines Cutting Too Much? 24:30 NCL Ceiling Collapse & Cruise Ship Safety 33:45 Cruise Ship Attractions, Roller Coasters & Gimmicks 46:30 Ship-Within-a-Ship & Solo Cruising 1:02:00 Cruise Ship Lines & Crowds 1:12:30 Royal Caribbean Mexico Project Denied 1:24:00 Carnival Slap Fight & Lifetime Ban Debate 1:37:00 Carnival Loyalty Program Opt-In 1:40:00 Camouflage Clothing Ban in Caribbean Ports 1:45:00 Carnival's "America's Cruise Line" Branding Debate

Follow Cruise Talk Weekly: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt Instagram: https://instagram.com/cruisetalktnt TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cruisetalktnt

#cruisenews #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruise #ncl #cruisetalkweekly

Cruise Fights, Virus Fears & Carnival Chaos

This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony and Tommy dive into one of the wildest weeks in cruise news yet. From a slap fight at Carnival guest services that somehow ended up involving the FBI, to growing concerns around the hantavirus outbreak connected to an expedition cruise ship, there's a lot to unpack.

The guys also discuss:

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Carnival's cruise pricing glitch controversy

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Loyalty program opt-in confusion

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Whether cruise lines should honor mistake fares

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Cruise ship fights and growing bad behavior at sea

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Mobility scooter etiquette and cruise accessibility debates

•

The tragic Celebration Key pier accident

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Cruise safety, aging cruisers, and personal responsibility

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Norovirus outbreaks and passenger concerns

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Whether cruising culture is starting to change

Plus, Tony and Tommy share their thoughts on cruise etiquette, elevator politics, scooter chaos, and why people seem more on edge than ever lately.

See this episode over here: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt

#CruiseNews #CarnivalCruise #CruiseTalkWeekly #Cruising #CruisePodcast

This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony and Tommy break down one of the most unusual cruise experiences we've seen in a while… a sailing out of Philadelphia with no cruise terminal 😳

From a chaotic embarkation process that had passengers waiting for hours, to rough seas on the way to Bermuda, this cruise didn't exactly start smoothly. But once things got going? It turned into something pretty special.

🌴 In this episode:

• What it was REALLY like cruising out of Philly without a terminal
• The embarkation issues that had people talking all week
• Rough Atlantic seas and how passengers handled it
• Bermuda's reality: pink sand… or not?
• Why Bermuda might be one of the most underrated cruise ports
• Charleston surprises, southern charm, and incredible food
• Behind-the-scenes of group cruising with 150+ people
• Cruise industry talk: new ships, overbooking strategies, and Royal Caribbean's long-term plans

Along the way, Tony shares his firsthand experience leading a group cruise, the moments that worked (and didn't), and why mindset can make or break your vacation.

Was the chaos worth it? And would we do it again?

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!

—

👉 Don't forget to subscribe/follow Cruise Talk Weekly so you never miss an episode 👉 Watch more cruise content on La Lido Loca👉 Listen more at Always Be Booked 👉 Have a question or topic? Drop it in the comments!

#CruiseTalkWeekly #CruiseNews #BermudaCruise #CruiseTips #CruiseLife

Cruise influencers / Cruise YouTubers have been banned from Margaritaville at Sea for a bad review. In this episode Tommy and Tony give their take on this situation and everything going on in cruising.

In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, Tommy shares one of the wildest cruise stories we've ever heard — booking a cruise just hours before departure and barely making it onboard in time.

But once the adventure began, things didn't exactly go smoothly…

We break down:

• The unbelievable same-day cruise booking story
• Racing to the port and boarding at the last possible second
• Visiting the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao)
• Why Bonaire might be the hidden gem
• Mechanical issues on Carnival Horizon
• A brutal 2+ hour debarkation
• Buffet quality debate and cruise food trends
• The strangest issue of all… missing shower heads?!

It's a mix of cruise luck, chaos, and commentary you won't want to miss.

📩 Have a question for the show? Email us: askus@cruisetalktnt.com

📺 Follow & Watch More:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt
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🎙️ New episodes every week — Cruise Talk Weekly with Tommy & Tony.

There have been a lot going on with cruises over the last week. In this epsiode, Tommy and Tony talk about the latest impacts of the conflict in the Middle East in regards to cruises. They also breakdown the overboard prank on the Oasis of the Seas. Additionally, the conversation touches on cruise ship Godmothers, swimming with the pigs, Rocky V and more.

It's Cruise Talk with Tommy and Tony.

Check out the YouTube channel here - https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalkweekly

🎙️ Episode 24: New Cruise Charges, Outbreak Scare & That FAKE Pier Run?!

This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony and Tommy break down a packed week in cruising—from rising costs to viral chaos and everything in between.

Cruise lines may soon be adding new fuel surcharges as global tensions push oil prices higher. What does this mean for your next vacation—and are more surprise charges on the way?

We also dive into the norovirus outbreak on the brand-new Star Princess, what really happens during those "deep cleans," and whether you should feel comfortable boarding after an incident like this.

Plus, the internet is buzzing over a FAKE pier run video that racked up millions of views—why did it make so many cruisers angry, and does it even matter if it was staged?

And that's not all:

•

Princess raises gratuities (again) and what it means for cruisers

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The growing frustration around tipping culture at sea

•

Carnival's new "speed dining" concept—game changer or cruise killer?

•

A bizarre union standoff in Australia

•

And why the Carnival Splendor still holds a special place in Tony's heart

Whether you're planning your next cruise or just love staying on top of cruise news, this episode has you covered.

🚢 Join the Conversation

What do you think about rising cruise costs, tipping, or speed dining? Let us know your thoughts!

🔔 Follow & Subscribe

Don't forget to follow Cruise Talk Weekly so you never miss an episode

Cruises are being canceled as tensions escalate in the Persian Gulf. Cruise lines are scrambling to move ships and passengers while thousands of cruisers try to get home.

At the same time, cruise lines are starting to charge for things that used to be free. Are these changes the new normal for cruising? In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony and Tommy break down the biggest cruise stories from the past week and what they mean for cruisers.

Topics in this episode

🚢 Cruise lines cancel sailings in the Persian Gulf 🚢 Thousands of cruisers impacted in Dubai 🚢 Cruise lines charging for things that used to be free 🚢 Princess Medallion shipping price increase 🚢 Royal Caribbean soda machine changes 🚢 Norwegian Cruise Line sparks debate with a paid show 🚢 Is cruising still the best vacation value? We also discuss cruise industry trends, travel risks, and what these changes could mean for future cruise vacations. If you enjoy cruise news, cruise debates, and cruise industry analysis, subscribe and join the conversation. See more Tommy at: ⁨@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247⁩ See more Tony at: ⁨@LaLidoLoca⁩

Watch the video version of this podcast here - https://youtu.be/5YiRVH1qUls

This week on Cruise Talk Weekly, Tony and Tommy break down a jam-packed episode covering:

- Tony's experience on the Kevin Smith "Cruise Askew" theme cruise - Escalating violence in Mexico and what it means for cruise passengers - A bizarre hotel "travel hack" gone viral (and very wrong) - MSC's plan to introduce humanoid robots and robot dogs onboard - Virgin Voyages taking a public swipe at Norwegian Cruise Line - The ongoing shareholder pressure campaign at Norwegian Let's dive in. Get more Tommy - ⁨@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247⁩ Get more Tony - ⁨@LaLidoLoca⁩

See the video of the epsiode here - https://youtu.be/MvXhFNem9jE

Copyright 2026 - Cruise Talk Weekly

The cruise world is shifting — and this week we're breaking down the biggest changes making waves across the industry.

From leadership shakeups at Norwegian Cruise Line to new onboard policies and the growing buzz around small-ship and river cruising, we dive into what these developments could mean for the future of cruising. Are travelers looking for more exclusivity? Are cruise lines struggling to define their identity? And how will evolving technology, guest expectations, and pricing models reshape the experience at sea?

We also tackle the ongoing debate around cruise gratuities, enforcement of onboard rules, and how cruise lines are navigating new challenges while trying to keep guests happy.

Whether you're a loyal mega-ship fan or curious about the rise of smaller, more intimate cruise experiences, this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly connects the dots behind the headlines and explores where cruising may be headed next.

🎙️ Listen in for insight, commentary, and a little cruise-world perspective you won't hear anywhere else.

#CruiseNews #CruiseTalkWeekly #Cruising

See a video presentation of this podcast here - https://youtu.be/4MAk8311vWQ

See more of Tommy here - https://www.youtube.com/@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas1247 See more of Tony here - https://www.youtube.com/@LaLidoLoca

Copyright 2026, Cruise Talk Weekly

After 80 cruises, this one might have been my BEST cruise ever. In this episode of Cruise Talk Weekly, we break down a family Comic Con cruise experience that delivered rare "Pure Cruise Bliss" — plus major cruise news impacting Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and the Alaska cruise market. Tony shares what made this sailing so special: cruising with 10 family members, first-time cruisers handling rough seas, theme cruise energy, and why this experience stood out after more than 80 sailings. But it's not all smooth seas in the cruise industry…

We also discuss:

🛳 MSC Cruises expanding in Miami – New headquarters, North American growth, and whether MSC is now officially part of the "Big 4" cruise lines. ⚖️ Carnival under investigation in Australia – Whistleblower claims, crew working conditions, and government inspections. 🎭 Norwegian Cruise Line cutting Broadway-style shows – Cost cutting vs. evolving cruise entertainment trends. ❄️ Alaskan Dream Cruises shutting down – What this means for small cruise lines and Alaska cruise competition. 💻 Carnival IT outage – Embarkation delays, Wi-Fi disruptions, casino shutdowns, and possible guest compensation. Is cruising evolving… or slowly changing in ways longtime cruisers won't love? If you follow cruise news, Carnival updates, MSC cruise growth, Norwegian Cruise Line changes, Alaska cruises, cruise industry investigations, or cruise ship technology issues — this episode covers it all. Subscribe for weekly cruise news, cruise industry analysis, cruise ship reviews, and honest cruise commentary.

🌊 Join the conversation in the comments: What has been YOUR best cruise ever? #BestCruiseEver #CruiseNews #CarnivalCruise