La Lido Loca Cruise Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this engaging conversation, Tony and Alex explore the world of travel and cruising, delving into Alex's travel origins, favorite destinations, and money-saving tips. They discuss the evolving landscape of cruising, the importance of loyalty programs, and the debate surrounding the authenticity of cruising as a form of travel. Alex shares insights on hidden gems in the U.S., the impact of new trends in cruising, and his thoughts on the future of travel. The conversation is filled with valuable advice and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for travel enthusiasts.

See the video version of the epsiode here: https://youtu.be/ISUHZzofTc8

Chapters

00:07 The Journey Begins: Alex's Travel Origin Story
04:41 Top Travel Destinations: Exploring the World
07:52 Bucket List Adventures: Future Travels Await
09:22 Money-Saving Travel Tips: Travel Smart
13:46 The Passport Debate: Travel Accessibility
16:13 Hidden Gems: U.S. Travel Recommendations
18:48 Cruising vs. Real Travel: A Debate on Experiences
21:41 Cruise Line Loyalty Programs: Worth It?
22:51 The Power of Loyalty Programs
25:49 Psychology Behind Loyalty and Brand Affinity
28:31 Cruising Preferences and Experiences
32:54 The Rise of Private Islands in Cruising
36:56 Short Cruises: A New Trend in Cruising
40:53 Evolution of the Cruise Experience
43:57 Future Trends in Cruising

Copyright La Lido Loca 2025

As cruisers we are used to the experience that cruise travel gives, but where do go from there? In today's epsiode I talk with an old friend of mine from Nashville, who specializes in host travel experiences in Italy. It's a fascinating look at another way to explore the world with a someone who is deeply connected to Italy.

Contact Chuck at: https://destinationitalybycocos.com/

See the video version of this epsiode here: https://youtu.be/Jf7gcdStvRo

Former cruiser crew member Lucy from the Cruising as Crew YouTube channel joins the conversation today. We talk about her 10 years working as a crew member in the industry, including how she got into cruising, the challenges of working 80+ hours a week and more.

Make sure you check out Lucy's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/CruisingAsCrew

Video version of the podcast is here: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisetalknet

What is a Virgin Cruise Like? My brother Chris Barnette joined me on the podcast today to talk about his first cruise experience on Virgin Voyages. 

Check out the video version of the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisepodcast

Tony and Don discuss their recent cruise experience, focusing on their itinerary and the various ports they visited.

They talk about their favorite spots, such as the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and the icebergs in Greenland. They also discuss the food options on the ship and the entertainment, including the production shows and other performers.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of rude behavior on cruises and the recent protests in Amsterdam that have impacted cruise itineraries. They express their frustration with the protesters and discuss the need for consequences for interrupting legitimate business.

In this conversation, Tony and Don discuss various topics related to cruising, including the impact of protests on cruise ports, the rising prices of cruises, the launch of new cruise ships, the value of cruising compared to land-based vacations, the future of mega ships, the inclusion of gratuities in cruise prices, and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of cruising.

They also address the use of clickbait titles in their videos and the potential impact on viewers' decision to cruise.

Ilana from Life Well Cruised is one of the top cruise content creators in the world. She provides here audience and community with a wealth information about how to make their cruise vacation more efficient and enjoyable. Millions have used her cruise tips to prepare for and make the best of their cruise. We cover a lot in this episode including how Ilana started cruising, what she thinks about the state of cruising in 2024, mega-ships, packing cubes, and her essential cruise tips for both new and seasoned cruisers. 

Check out Life Well Cruised here:

https://www.youtube.com/@LifeWellCruised

Check out the video version of this podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@cruisepodcast

There seems to be a trend in the cruise industry to build bigger and bigger cruise ships. That is certainly the case with Royal Caribbean International. It begs the question are mega cruise ships good for cruising? I am joined today by Royal Caribbean expert Matt Hochberg of Royal Caribbean blog. We talk about mega cruise ship, his recent experience on Icon of the Seas, the role of private islands in cruising and much more. 

Check out the video version of the podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@cruisepodcast

Check out Matt's Videos at:

https://www.youtube.com/@RoyalCaribbeanBlog

This week we talk to Derrick Phillps from the Island Time YouTube channel. Derrick is a seasoned cruiser and a travel agent and he recently completed cruises on both Royal Caribbean and Carnvial Cruise Line's newest cruise ship. He gives his take on Icon of the Seas, Carnival Jubilee, cruising with kids and more. 

Check out the video version of the podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@cruisepodcast

Check out Derrick's channel Island Time here:

https://www.youtube.com/@IslandTimeTravel

Recently I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Bill Panoff, the Editor-In-Chief of Porthole Magazine. He asked my cruise origins and my approach to cruising. Enjoy this reversal where I get asked questions for a change. 

Check the video version of the podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@cruisepodcast

Check out Bill's YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@CruiseandTravelBP

Long time Princess and Carnival cruise Mike also know as The Nauti Cruiser joins me to talk about cruising on the new $1 billion dollar Carnival Jubilee and about how he cruises for free by gambling in the cruise casino.

Video version of the podcast can be found at:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLoGEyIWH6f6mkJxDCweDag