Cruise Talk Weekly – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Cruise Talk Weekly

Tommy Casabona, Tony Barnette

Society & Culture

Comedy

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 33

Welcome to Cruise Talk Weekly with Tommy and Tony. Each week break down the latest happenings in the cruise travel and the cruise industry as only we can. Buckle up here we go. Video version of the podcast published on the Cruise Talk Network on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalknet).

Read moreCollapse

Site

RSS

Apple

Data updated on 30/10/2026

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

See all

https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCqFivW2VWJtGfvrMreyjNbw
14 shares
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC7rEq-G_L0KLuEFneFMu4SA
14 shares
https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalktnt
6 shares

https://www.instagram.com/cruisetalktnt
4 shares

https://tiktok.com/@cruisetalktnt
3 shares
https://www.tiktok.com/@cruisetalktnt
1 share

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all

RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 63%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

38. Is Carnival REALLY Giving Cruisers What They Want?

Episode 38

Thursday, October 22, 2026 • Duration 01:48:18

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:

Carnival's new Fun Packs and Cheers! Social drink option
Dynamic pricing for Carnival drink packages and Wi-Fi
Cruise package value versus a la carte pricing
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

Read moreCollapse

37. Are Cruisers Wasting Money on These Things?

Episode 37

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 • Duration 01:43:02

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

Read moreCollapse

36. Cruise Extras We'd Actually Pay For… It Gets Weird

Episode 36

Monday, October 5, 2026 • Duration 01:39:21

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

Read moreCollapse

35. We Don't Do These Things on Cruises Anymore

Episode 35

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 • Duration 01:38:36

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

Read moreCollapse

34. A Cruise Casino Caught Fire… We Have Questions

Episode 34

Thursday, September 24, 2026 • Duration 01:28:11

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.

Read moreCollapse

33. People Still Believe This About Cruises?

Monday, July 6, 2026 • Duration 01:22:39

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! 🚢

Read moreCollapse

32. What Kind of Cruiser Are You?

Episode 30

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 • Duration 01:56:31

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

📺 Follow Tony
YouTube: @lalidoloca
Instagram: @lalidoloca

📺 Follow Tommy
YouTube: @alwaysbebooked

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

31. When Did Cruise Passengers Stop Having Fun?

Episode 31

Friday, May 29, 2026 • Duration 01:33:10

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

Read moreCollapse

30. Cruise Lines Are Getting Pushback: NCL, Carnival, Royal Headaches & More

Episode 30

Saturday, May 23, 2026 • Duration 01:43:40

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

Read moreCollapse

29. Cruise Fights, Virus Fears & Carnival Chaos

Episode 29

Friday, May 15, 2026 • Duration 01:28:18

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:

Carnival's cruise pricing glitch controversy
Loyalty program opt-in confusion
Whether cruise lines should honor mistake fares
Cruise ship fights and growing bad behavior at sea
Mobility scooter etiquette and cruise accessibility debates
The tragic Celebration Key pier accident
Cruise safety, aging cruisers, and personal responsibility
Norovirus outbreaks and passenger concerns
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

Read moreCollapse

Cruise Talk Weekly – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Cruise Talk Weekly – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

YouTube22

Instagram1

TikTok2

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

YouTube22

Instagram1

TikTok2

Apple Podcasts

Spotify