The Joy of Cruising Podcast

Paul C. Thornton

The Joy of Cruising Podcast is a conversation with one of the dozens of amazing cruisers with fascinating stories that have been featured in The Joy of Cruising Trilogy—The Joy of Cruising, Cruising Interrupted, and new, The Joy of Cruising Again. In addition there will be conversations with global cruise personalities and cruisers I encounter with fascinating stories the cruise community would enjoy hearing.  Order here: The Joy of Cruising; Cruising Interrupted; bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain; Contact Me 

  1. 4d ago

    Karyn Clay, Credentialed Professional Gerontologist, Yes! You Can Travel

    Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Karyn Clay founder of Yes! You Can Travel. Karen is located in Hawaii—which Cheryl and I were blessed to visit a couple of years ago. Every time she greets me via email with “Aloha” and closes with “Mahalo” it momentarily brings me back!   Karyn combines her passion for cruising with more than three decades of experience supporting older adults. Through professional travel companionship, she helps travelers who may need a little extra support continue exploring the world and enjoying meaningful journeys.    Karyn is passionate about helping people recognize that getting older does not have to mean leaving their love of travel behind.  She believes that with understanding, thoughtful support, and the right companion alongside them, more people can continue experiencing the joy and freedom of travel.    A passionate cruiser herself, Karyn also loves hearing people's stories and learning about the experiences that have shaped their lives. For her, cruising is about the discovery, connection, and possibility that comes when we continue to say “Yes!” to life. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

  2. Sep 3

    Shelton and Ke', Your Favorite Couple; Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas

    Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, I am delighted to welcome back Shelton and Ke' creators of the YouTube channel, Your Favorite Couple. I first met Shelton and Ke' doing what I do much of my retired-life time—watching YouTube videos about sports, politics, and my passion, cruising. And where I occasionally discover The Joy of Cruising Podcast guests. I enjoyed Shelton and Ke's fun, informative video style and their diverse choices in terms of cruising, so I thought they would be great guests to share their thoughts on the world’s largest ship, Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas. I have had guests on to talk about Star of the Seas but now I have a newfound interest in Star. Plus, it has been well over a year since they have been on, and knowing Shelton and Ke', there is a lot of cruising to catch up to   Cheryl and I thought we were done cruising for’ 26 as we are focusing on the group trip that our travel agency, The Joy of Vacation by Dream Vacations is leading to Africa in the Spring. But you can’t keep a passionate cruiser down. So, recently Cheryl and I made a snap decision to go, and take our other partner of the travel agency, my daughter Shornay, to the Dream Vacations annual conference to be held on Star of the Seas in November. After viewing their great trip report on Star, I thought what a great opportunity to catch up.   Find Your Favorite Couple online   YouTube: https://youtube.com/@yourfavoritecouple?si=iBCfUghiKMe5Moc3   TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@yfc.ke.shelton?_t=ZT-8vHeTzJfGxO&_r=1   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yfc_ke_shelton?igsh=MWkzMzFsdDM3cnNicQ==   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PBVygENSo/   Email: yourfavoritecouple11@gmail.com   Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

  3. Aug 27

    Stacey Parks, Co-creator & Producer, Prime Video Series, Grand Voyages

    Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Stacey Parks, the co-creator and producer of an amazing new television series that passionate cruisers like me and the listener won’t be able to get enough of. "Grand Voyages" is a cruise-focused documentary series now streaming on Amazon Prime in the U.S. and UK.  Stacey has over 20 years’ experience producing more than a dozen feature films and series which have gone on to be distributed across every major streaming platform. In the travel genre specifically, she previously co-created and produced the digital series “The Upgrade” for Bravo’s digital platform. Stacey founded Media Sparks Studios to focus on digital-first storytelling across the streaming and connected TV universe. In her spare time, she enjoys travel and cruising, having visited over 60 countries and enjoyed life on board over 35 ocean, river and expedition cruises.   Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

  4. Aug 20

    Scott Fleming, President of Aon Affinity Travel Practice, Cruisers Protecting Themselves On Vacation

    Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast; I am delighted to welcome Scott Fleming, President of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. Scott and his team work closely with major cruise lines to help design travel protection programs for today’s travelers. Given The Joy of Cruising Podcast audience’s passion for cruising, Scottcan offer a helpful, practical perspective on what cruisers should know about helping protect their trip before they set sail.    Scott Fleming is president of Aon Affinity’s Travel Practice, where he leads customized travel protection programs for some of the world’s most recognized travel companies. With more than 17 years of experience in the travel insurance industry, Scott has built a reputation for strengthening partnerships, guiding product strategy and driving growth across the industry.   I will ask Scott to address:  ·      Common disruptions that can impact cruises, including delays, missed connections, medical issues and trip interruptions  ·      Common questions travelers should ask about protecting their trips  ·      Why demand is increasing for travel insurance benefits like emergency evacuation and supplemental medical coverage  ·      How to compare travel protection policies  ·      What first-time and seasoned cruisers often misunderstand about travel protection Scott brings an approachable perspective that can help listeners feel more informed and prepared before their next sailing. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

  5. Aug 13

    Nyasia Monroe, Singer, Songwriter, Cruise Ship Headliner, Performing On the Ocean

    Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, NyasiaMonroe, a Richmond, Virginia–based—hey homegirl—singer, songwriter, and entertainer known for her powerhouse vocals, captivating stage presence, and versatility across multiple genres. A three-time Stellar Award–nominated recording artist, she has built a career that spans gospel, R&B, musical theatre, and live entertainment.   Nyasia is a graduate of New York City's American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) with a concentration in Musical Theatre. She has performed in productions of Hairspray: The Musical and Dreamgirls: The Musical. Nyasia currently serves as a Lead Vocalist with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, delivering world-class entertainment for international audiences aboard one of the world's most prestigious luxury hospitality brands. Alongside her live performances, she recently released her latest R&B single, "Love." With her exceptional artistry, professionalism, and ability to connect with audiences, Nyasia continues to establish herself as a premier entertainer on stages around the world. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

  6. Aug 6

    Michele Edington, Certified Sommelier, Wine Writer, and Founder, Cruising With Wine

    Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Michele Edington, Certified Sommelier, Wine Writer, and Founder, Cruising With Wine. Michele told me, “I created Cruising With Wine with my dad recently as a stop-by-stop wine guide for European river cruises. It helps travelers understand what to drink in each destination before they arrive, including local wines to try, grapes and wine terms to look for, food pairings, bottles worth bringing home, and wine experiences near the port. The idea came from him booking a river cruise with my mom and noticing that river cruises pass through some of the most exciting wine regions in Europe, but most people still step off the ship without much practical guidance on what to order, what to look for, or what makes that stop special from a wine perspective.”   Michele worked in wine and hospitality for more than a decade, is a certified sommelier, and has spent years helping people feel more confident about wine in a real-world, approachable way. Cruising With Wine is her way of bringing that same kind of guidance to river cruisers. Michele has written a few books about wine and you can see her collection of odd things—books, blog, sustainability, food culture, and much more—at her personal website michelegargiulo.com. Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off Cruising With Wine at https://cruisingwithwine.com/ Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

  7. Jul 30

    Kevin Jordan, Stand Up Comedian, Author, and Screenwriter, Performing On the Ocean

    Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Comedian Kevin Jordan. Listeners know I am passionate about music and stand-up comedy. So, when I get an opportunity to host a top stand-up who performs on cruise ships, I jump at it and am so pleased to have a conversation with Kevin.    Kevin Jordan is an award-winning screenwriter, comedian, producer, and former LAPD police officer. For more than 35 years, he has headlined comedy clubs, casinos, cruise ships, and military bases around the world, with television appearances on The Today Show, Comedy Central, Showtime at the Apollo, MTV, and VH1. His comedy special, Cause I Said So!, is available on Amazon Prime. As a screenwriter, Kevin has earned multiple screenplay awards for projects including Sled Race and Old Patrol, blending humor, heart, and authentic storytelling. Through DemjerdenBoyz Productions, he continues to develop family-friendly and character-driven films that celebrate nostalgia, resilience, and the power of laughter. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

  8. Jul 23

    Deanne Moses-Wright, Founder, Wheelie on The Waves

    Send us Fan Mail Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast; I am delighted to welcome Deanne Moses-Wright, Founder, Wheelie on The Waves, an accessible travel and cruise consulting brand.   Deanne Moses-Wright is an accessibility-focused cruise and travel specialist, disability advocate, and founder of Wheelie on the Waves, one of the UK’s leading platforms dedicated to accessible cruising. Her journey began long before she entered the travel industry. At the age of 11, Deanne was diagnosed with scoliosis and spent much of her teenage years wearing a full body brace before undergoing major corrective surgery at 19. The operation resulted in severe complications and was almost fatal. Today, she lives with multiple health conditions and primarily uses a powerchair, although she also uses crutches when able. Despite the challenges she has faced, Deanne has never allowed disability to define her ambitions. Her love of cruising began 26 years ago when she joined her parents on a cruise to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary while pregnant with her first child. The ship was small, and at the time she had no idea that cruising would later become such a significant part of her life.   After a long break from cruising, she returned to sea in 2017 and quickly discovered the freedom and independence that cruise travel could offer disabled travelers when done correctly. Since then, she has completed more than 20 cruises, spent over 160 days at sea, and has several more voyages booked over the coming months. Wanting to share her experiences and help others travel with confidence, Deanne created Wheelie on the Waves. What began as a platform documenting her own adventures has grown into a trusted source of information for disabled travelers seeking honest, practical advice about accessible cruising. Following changes to accessibility policies within the cruise industry, Deanne became increasingly aware that many disabled guests were not being booked correctly and, in some cases, were being denied travel at the point of embarkation. Determined to help, she became a travel agent specializing in accessible cruise travel. Over the past two years, Deanne has built relationships with cruise lines and accessibility teams across the industry, collaborating to improve understanding of disabled travelers’ needs while providing independent guidance to the disability community. Her work helps people make informed decisions about which ships, cabins, and itineraries are genuinely suitable for their individual requirements.   She has since helped hundreds of people plan and book their own cruise adventures, arranging every aspect of their journey to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free experience. Deanne’s expertise and advocacy have led to appearances in travel publications, television travel program, industry panels, and award ceremonies. She has been recognized as a finalist in both accessibility and travel awards and has become a respected voice within the accessible travel sector. In September, Deanne will host her own event, The Accessible Cruise Show, bringing together cruise lines, industry professionals, and travelers. The show will provide attendees with the opportunity to speak directly with cruise operators, ask questions, and take part in live Q&A panels focused on making cruise travel more accessible for everyone.   Through Wheelie on the Waves, Deanne continues to champion the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to explore the world with confidence, dignity, and independence. Do you have a dream car? Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/ US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

The Joy of Cruising Podcast is a conversation with one of the dozens of amazing cruisers with fascinating stories that have been featured in The Joy of Cruising Trilogy—The Joy of Cruising, Cruising Interrupted, and new, The Joy of Cruising Again. In addition there will be conversations with global cruise personalities and cruisers I encounter with fascinating stories the cruise community would enjoy hearing.  Order here: The Joy of Cruising; Cruising Interrupted; bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain; Contact Me 

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