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Ever wondered what makes or breaks a first-time cruise experience? You're about to find out! Join us on this episode as Ant and Glen from Escape with Ant and Glen share their firsthand insights and inspiring stories.

Explore the pros and cons of various cruise lines as we dissect cabin choices, affordability, and the balance between formality and relaxation. From budget-friendly inside cabins to the plush suites, we'll guide you through the labyrinth of options. We’ll highlight why Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are perfect for newcomers, while sharing personal anecdotes about luxurious voyages on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. Dive into the bustling vibes of major ports, the importance of amenities, and how first impressions of new ships can make or break future cruise decisions.

Navigate through the complexities of cruise ship amenities, environmental concerns, and unpredictable weather patterns with us. Learn about the flexibility and safety measures when cruising during hurricane season and the importance of supportive communities for new cruisers on social media. Plus, discover how cruise ships are adapting to environmental challenges and how our special guests, Ant and Glenn, provide invaluable tips to ensure your first-time cruise is nothing short of spectacular. Don't miss out on this treasure trove of practical advice and captivating stories that will have you booking your next cruise with confidence!

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Linzi & Mark

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As much as you research and plan for a cruise, sometimes things happen, and suddenly the cruise isn't what you expected.

In episode 10 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast we take a look at this situations, where unexpected could be good or bad.

Have you ever found yourself standing amidst Alaska's breathtaking landscapes, completely unprepared for the emotional tidal wave that follows? We start this episode with some playful banter about weather and temperature conversions, but soon dive into the heart of our Alaskan cruise experience that left us awe-struck. As we recount the mesmerizing sunsets and majestic wildlife encounters, we talk about how preparing for the unexpected beauty and profound moments can make your cruise unforgettable—far beyond what any ship's amenities can offer.

From the fluctuating weather of the Norwegian fjords to the surprising atmosphere on Virgin cruises, our personal stories highlight the unpredictability and excitement of cruising. You'll hear about our layered-up adventures in rainy Alaskan ports, finding unexpected sunshine, and the exceptional food and diverse demographic on Virgin cruises that defied our expectations. We share how these experiences enriched our journeys and left lasting memories, proving that no amount of preparation can truly ready you for the unique aspects of each cruise.

In the luxurious realm of MSC Yacht Club, we found ourselves delightfully overwhelmed by the exceptional service and exclusive amenities. Imagine the joy of a mysterious lemon meringue pie appearing in your room or fresh pizza delivered by a butler—these magical moments added to our sense of luxury. We wrap up with exciting cruise industry news, including Horned Riker's collaboration with Lindt Chocolate and Princess Cruises' special VIP packages. Finally, we celebrate our tenth episode milestone with a heartfelt farewell, reflecting on the incredible journey and camaraderie that have defined our podcast. Tune in for laughs, insights, and heartfelt reflections on the highs and lows of cruising.

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Ready to step outside your cruising comfort zone? Join us as we sit down with Paul C Thornton, the mastermind behind the Joy of Cruising series and podcast, who has been navigating the seas since 1988. Paul brings his wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes, highlighting the unique appeal of Virgin Voyages' adult-only atmosphere and superb dining. Relive Paul's family adventures on Carnival and witness how his tastes have matured over the years, offering a fresh perspective on why it's worth exploring new cruise lines.

Ever been frustrated by limited dining choices on a cruise? You're not alone. We tackle the thorny issue of complimentary dining, particularly with MSC Cruises, sharing our own trials and tribulations aboard the MSC Meraviglia. From overcrowded buffets to scarce options, we shed light on how these limitations can sour the experience for seasoned cruisers. But it's not all doom and gloom—tune in for our suggestions on how MSC could easily elevate their game and turn first-time guests into loyal fans.

Finally, we debunk some cruising myths and bring you up to speed on the latest industry buzz. Think Cunard requires formal attire 24/7? Think again. We'll clarify those dress code misconceptions and even touch on tuxedo rentals aboard. Plus, learn about NCLs cost-cutting strategies and the introduction of premium liquors on Princess Cruises. As a cherry on top, discover the latest celebrity branding initiatives on the Sun Princess and Royal Caribbean's new loyalty program extension. This episode is packed with insights, surprises, and plenty of reasons to rethink your next cruise adventure.

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Linzi & Mark

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Ever felt like your peaceful cruise was actually a covert operation to empty your wallet? Join us, Linzi and Mark, as we air out the cruise industry's dirty laundry, tackling everything from those aggressive spa sales pitches to the omnipresent upsell lurking behind every corner on deck. We're not holding back as we share our gripes and laughs, revealing the less-than-relaxing aspects of life at sea on both MSC and Royal Caribbean ships. It's a candid conversation that'll have you nodding in agreement or, at the very least, prepping you for your next cruise adventure.

Prepare to cringe and chuckle as we discuss our pet peeves and don't get us started on 'special offers' – we unpack how these sneaky extra costs can deflate the joy of what should be a tranquil experience faster than a punctured baloon.

To round off our sea-faring saga, we explore the good, the bad, and the downright rude of cruise ship disembarkations. From the universal dread of finding your disembarkation documents piled on your bed, signaling the end of your holiday, to the varied farewells of cruise lines—the goodbyes can be as diverse as the ships themselves. Plus, we're dishing out the latest scoop on airline and cruise partnerships, including P&O's TUI tie-up and why Oceania's Allura is making waves with its early launch. For all this and more, make sure you catch this episode—you might just disembark with a few insider tips to make your next cruise a smoother sail.

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Linzi & Mark

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Ever wonder if the extra splurge on specialty dining during your cruise is a ticket to culinary bliss or just another hole in your pocket? We've got the scoop, as the legendary Travel Blog Jamie joins Linz and Mark for a no-holds-barred discussion on navigating the tempting waves of cruise ship culinary costs. We're weighing anchor and setting sail to discover if those £40-Plus-a-plate experiences promise enough gastronomic delight to part with your hard-earned cash, sharing our personal threshold for extravagance, and dishing on the exceptional value that lines like Fred Olsen bring to the dining table.

In this episode, our taste buds embark on a tantalizing journey where memories of the most mouth-watering dishes like the Krispy Kreme-esque bread from Veranda Restaurant linger like the scent of the sea. Together with Jamie, we chat about the specialty dining scenes that have us salivating for more, from the risotto at Eden Restaurant on Celebrity Edge to the customised Cunard burgers that are a voyage in themselves. And we’re not just talking about the hits; we also spill the beans on those less stellar dining experiences that left us adrift in a sea of disappointment.

But it's not all about the food – it's the full cruise adventure that counts. We chat about the maiden voyage of Cunard's newest ship, unpacking our strategies for smooth sailing through those inaugural service hiccups. From the excitement of fresh itineraries to adapting to the brisk Alaskan climate, we cover all the elements that shape a the new Virgin Voyages cruises on Brilliant Lady, and chat about P&O's controversial changes to it's alcohol policy and drinks package price increases.
So join us, whether you're a foodie cruiser dreaming about your next on-board date night or simply love the thrill of the open sea, we've got a first-class ticket to a specialty dining experiences

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Linzi & Mark

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In this episode of the Cruise Cast, we talk about whether cruising remains good value for money. Over the past four or five years, we have seen significant increases in cruise fare, as well as onboard upgrades, so in 2024, is it still value for money, and how does it compare to other vacation options?

We also give our thoughts on a couple of recent cruise stories, and give you our takes, this week we are looking at a Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady's new destinations, Princess Cruises new ship within a ship, and Holland America confirming a second season in the UK in 2026.

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Linzi & Mark

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In Episode 5 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we are taking a look at how to convince someone, whether that your partner, significant other, friend or family member to take their first cruise.

We look at the misconception behind cruising, the myths that lead to them, and the reality of what taking a cruise really is like.

We also take a look at three of the last weeks big news stories and give our take and reactions to them.

When Marky scoffed at the idea of a cruise vacation, little did he know he was about to set sail on an ocean of change. Join us as we recount the comical journey from his outright refusal to his transformation into a cruise aficionado. In a tale rife with laughs and debunked myths, we reveal how a family opportunity and an irresistible suite deal on Royal Caribbean flipped the script on our vacation dynamics. Plus, we've got some hot news stories simmering in the background, ready to serve up some fresh insight.

Selecting your first cruise is like picking the right wine for dinner – it can make or break the evening. We talk about why a seven-night cruise hits that sweet spot for beginners and how matching your partner's vibe to the cruise line can lead to smooth sailing.

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Linzi & Mark

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In episode 4 of the Suite Natured Cruise Cast, we talk about whether the new Sphere Class ship, Sun Princess from Princess Cruises was worth the wait, and years of wait and the hype building up around her.

From the whisper of anticipation that preceded its launch to the spellbinding 'Spellbound' dinner show, this episode will transport you through a sea of stories that'll make you yearn for the ocean breeze. We'll even let you in on a secret or two about the future of cruising with the Sphere class ships, and if you're feeling creative, you might just become the composer of our new theme song ;)

Navigating the tides of cruise news, we've caught wind of some unexpected changes that are sure to stir the waters. Join us as we examine Norwegian Cruise Line's decision to cancel 20 sailings, and speculate on the cascading effect this may have on those looking for their next cruise adventure. We'll also weigh anchor and set sights on the extravagant world cruise by Regent Seven Seas, musing over what makes a 140-night journey at sea a dream—or a drift—for curious travellers like you.

Lastly, as we chart a course through the evolving landscape of all-inclusive cruises, we tackle the big questions that could sway your cruising compass. Are the shifts towards an inclusive model by lines like Hertigruten Expeditions signaling a new tide in travel, or are they merely ripples in the vast ocean of vacation choices? We'll share our candid thoughts on cabin selections, the allure of sheltered balconies, and the nuances of what 'all-inclusive' truly includes. So join us for insights that might just redefine your next escape to the seven seas.

Sorry for all the cheesy cruise puns.

Have a lovely day, and thanks for listening,
Linzi & Mark

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If you enjoyed this episode please consider supporting the channel via our YouTube Membership https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNaAHapT85jdtLYwrJhFsCw/join

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Cheers, and have a lovely day
Linzi & Mark