Episodes

  • Norwegian Jewel: Philly’s New Homeport Ship

    Norwegian Jewel: Philly’s New Homeport Ship
    May 16 2026
    The Norwegian Jewel is now homeported at PhilaPort — the Port of Philadelphia. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the ship: when it was built, how big it is, where it was before landing in Philly, where it sits in NCL’s lineup, its most recent updates, and a quick tour of what’s on board. We also cover what the Jewel is sailing — Bermuda and Canada & New England itineraries through 2026 — before handing off the homeport to its sister ship, the Norwegian Pearl.
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    6 mins
  • CTS — Incoming: Stay Tuned! Norwegian Jewel, Philaport, Bermuda & Charleston

    CTS — Incoming: Stay Tuned! Norwegian Jewel, Philaport, Bermuda & Charleston
    May 16 2026
    A quick look at what’s coming after disembarking from NCL Norwegian Jewel: driving from Canada to Philadelphia, Philaport and the Clarion embarkation process, Bermuda, Charleston, our anniversary cruise as a couple, and also: onboard doctor. Everyone is fine. Ship happens.
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    3 mins
  • CTS — What Cruises Really Cost: Gratuities Explained

    CTS — What Cruises Really Cost: Gratuities Explained
    Apr 27 2026
    What Cruises Really Cost: Gratuities Explained Ever wondered what that daily service charge on your cruise bill actually covers — and where the money goes? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about cruise gratuities: what they are, how much each major cruise line charges, who receives the money, and what happens if you remove them. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser trying to budget accurately or a seasoned sailor curious about the system behind the charge, this episode gives you the full picture. Note: Gratuity rates change regularly. Always confirm current rates directly with your cruise line before sailing. This episode is not sponsored. 💬 Have thoughts on cruise gratuities? Agree, disagree, or have a story from your own sailing? Come find me on Instagram at @cruisellatalksship — I’d love to hear from you.
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    14 mins
  • CTS — Move a Little, Indulge a Little

    CTS — Move a Little, Indulge a Little
    Apr 19 2026
    A no-rules approach to feeling good on your cruise vacation
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    5 mins
  • CTS — The Best Places to Cruise in May: Weather, Crowds and What to Expect

    CTS — The Best Places to Cruise in May: Weather, Crowds and What to Expect
    Apr 15 2026
    May is one of the more underrated months to cruise and this episode breaks down why. From the Mediterranean and the Caribbean to Alaska, Bermuda and the Baltic — we cover the weather, the crowd levels, which lines are sailing where, and what makes each destination worth considering this time of year. Plus a note on hurricane season and why May sits in a reasonable window for Caribbean sailings.
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    7 mins
  • CTS — Cruise Souvenirs and Collectibles: What Experienced Cruisers Bring Home

    CTS — Cruise Souvenirs and Collectibles: What Experienced Cruisers Bring Home
    Apr 14 2026
    What do experienced cruisers collect? This episode digs into the cruise collecting world — from keycards and magnets to ship models, pins and local port finds. Whether you’re already building a collection or haven’t thought about it yet, there might be something here that turns you into a collector.
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    6 mins
  • CTS — All Aboard: Norwegian Star | Cruise Control

    CTS — All Aboard: Norwegian Star | Cruise Control
    Apr 11 2026
    This episode covers some of our time onboard the Norwegian Star — the ship, the entertainment, the activities, and everything in between. From seat selection at the shows to the quieter corners of the ship worth seeking out, this is a look at what part of the onboard experience actually felt like on our March 26 sailing out of Tampa.
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    7 mins
  • CTS — All Aboard: Norwegian Star | Ready Set Sail

    CTS — All Aboard: Norwegian Star | Ready Set Sail
    Apr 10 2026
    Choosing a cruise that works for everyone is not always straightforward. In this episode Cruisella breaks down how and why the Norwegian Star made the cut — a group sailing spanning a wide range of ages and mobility needs, first time cruisers included. From the itinerary length to the port of departure, we cover what factored into the decision and why the Norwegian Star checked the right boxes for this particular group.
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    6 mins