Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod

Professor Melissa
  • 5.0 (17)
  • HOBBIES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod, your go-to guide for everything cruising! Tune in for top tips, savvy hacks, advice, and stories from a cruise enthusiast who’s been there and done it all (well, not "all", but a lot!). Whether you're planning your first voyage or looking to elevate your next trip... or, if you just love everything cruise-related, subscribe and tune in to the Cruise Pod.

  1. 1D AGO

    Cruise Ship Disaster? Carnival Delays, Teen Incident, and Casino Changes!

    What happens when a cruise ship’s computer system forgets who you are? This week, Melissa unpacks a rare but massive IT failure that left Carnival Firenze stuck in port and thousands of guests confused and delayed. She also gives a raw update on the tragic Anna Kepner case, raising big questions for parents cruising with teens. Plus, there’s growing unease over changing Southern Caribbean itineraries and a controversial onboard assault involving a mistaken identity. If you’re a poker fan, heads up, Princess Cruises might be quietly phasing out tables. And finally, Hawaii's new climate tax has cruisers rethinking those dream itineraries. A lot is happening behind the scenes, and it’s not all sunshine and daiquiris. * *FREE Casino Cruise** https://urcomped.com/Affiliate/LandingPage/60?src=profmelissa

    9 min

  2. 1D AGO

    St. Thomas Cruise Port Guide: What No One Tells You

    Think St. Thomas is just beaches and shopping? Think again. Melissa breaks down what every cruiser really needs to know about St. Thomas, including why renting a car is a mistake, how wild the taxi system actually is, and why the beach everyone talks about may not be the best one. She shares local tips, her favorite hidden beach where you’re almost guaranteed to swim with sea turtles, and must-know advice on private drivers, excursions, and timing your return. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’ll walk away ready to plan a smoother, smarter, and less stressful day on the island.

    14 min

  3. DEC 22

    Major Cruise Industry Shake‑Up: Adults‑Only Sold Out, New Mega‑Ships, AND a Port Disappears!

    Carnival is now all-in on adults-only cruises after an unexpectedly huge demand, even adding transatlantic options. Meanwhile, MSC and Royal Caribbean are building bigger ships with fewer people to make cruising feel more spacious. Plus, Norwegian suddenly drops a popular Caribbean port, and new details emerge in a heartbreaking case on board Carnival Horizon. There's a lot to unpack, and it could affect your next sailing.

    12 min

  4. DEC 20

    Silly Cruise Traditions Explained: Why Cruisers Cheer, Hide Ducks & Wear Pineapples

    Why do we become totally different people the moment we step on a cruise ship? From cheering on pier runners like they’re Olympic athletes to hunting rubber ducks like buried treasure, cruising turns ordinary adults into playful, sometimes goofy adventurers. This episode uncovers the fascinating psychology behind the most beloved (and bizarre) cruise ship traditions, from towel animals to cabin door magnets, and yes, even those sneaky pineapples with secret meanings.

    12 min

  5. DEC 20

    Lawsuit, Prison, and a Viral Punch!

    What happens when a cruise ship serves someone 33 drinks in one afternoon, and he ends up dead? This week, Melissa breaks down the shocking wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean that’s shaking up the cruise industry. Plus, a viral video shows a passenger punching a lifeguard on Icon of the Seas, and Carnival's big move in Ensenada could change that port's reputation. And if you're loyal to another brand, Virgin Voyages has a new status match perk you won’t want to miss.

    10 min

  6. DEC 12

    Carnival Price Hikes, Port Battles, and a Dark Twist in the Anna Kepner Case

    Cruisers are facing new costs as Carnival raises service charges again, while a showdown between Port Canaveral and Port Miami is reshaping Florida cruising. Melissa breaks down what this means for travelers, plus the latest disturbing turn in the Ana Kepner case. We also touch on Royal Caribbean’s return to Jamaica, Virgin Voyages’ pricey Alaska pass, canceled cruises, Galveston delays, and a new home port opening in Philadelphia. **Private Driver Recommendations** https://www.profmelissa.com/drivers **FREE Casino Cruise** https://urcomped.com/Affiliate/LandingPage/60?src=profmelissa **St. Lucia Port Guide** https://www.profmelissa.com/blog/stlucia **Norfolk Port Guide** https://www.profmelissa.com/blog/norfolk

    13 min

  7. DEC 4

    Skip Atlantis? Baha Bay at Baha Mar Honest Review for Nassau Cruise Passengers!

    Think Atlantis is the only waterpark worth your cruise dollars in Nassau? Think again. Melissa just got back from Baha Bay at Baha Mar and spills the truth about what’s included, what’s missing, and if it’s actually worth the sky-high price. From gorgeous pools and short wait times to unexpected towel fees and underwhelming service, she shares the real pros and cons of this resort day pass. Plus, she gives you smarter alternatives like Breezes, British Colonial, and Margaritaville that may be a better fit for your style—or budget. Before you book, listen to this! **Book your resort day passes at Resort for a Day** https://www.resortforaday.com/?Click=96370 **Private Driver Recommendations** https://www.profmelissa.com/drivers

    22 min

  8. DEC 4

    Violence at Sea: Vanished Passenger, Teen Club Drama, and Royal’s Big Setback

    From a passenger vanishing mid tour in St. Martin to a violent week onboard multiple cruise lines, this episode breaks down the cruise stories everyone is talking about. With port attacks, teen club assaults, shipboard fights, construction setbacks, and a major policy change from Royal Caribbean, it is a whirlwind of updates, warnings, and real talk about what is happening across the cruise industry right now.

    13 min
See All (103)

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Welcome to Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod, your go-to guide for everything cruising! Tune in for top tips, savvy hacks, advice, and stories from a cruise enthusiast who’s been there and done it all (well, not "all", but a lot!). Whether you're planning your first voyage or looking to elevate your next trip... or, if you just love everything cruise-related, subscribe and tune in to the Cruise Pod.

Information

  • Creator
    Professor Melissa
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Melissa Newman Consulting & Creatives
  • Show Website
    Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod

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