On Deck! Podcasts

PodcastDirectory / Travel and Transport / Travel
PodcastDirectory / Regions / /

A podcast for and by cruisers. Primary Format : Travel Language : en Also Listed as: User Tags: cruise cruising high seas ocean liner travel trip vacations User Votes: RSS Feed Website People found this Podcast Searching for: View this Podcast on a Google Map. Podcast iTunes Link Text Only listing of On Deck! Podcasts Methings.com listings of On Deck! Podcasts If you like this podcast, you might also like:

Episode #52 - Destinations: Panama Canal Thinking about a Panama Canal Cruise?  In this "Destinations" episode, we hear from Scott and his personal experience traveling through the historic locks as well as cover the construction, some cruising options and activities, and the future of the Panama Canal. Download Episode #52 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #51 - The Cruise Ship Captain Ever wonder about the role of the ship's captain and master?  What does it take to be the captain of these huge vessels?  We look at the captain, the personality and types of training and experience he must go through as well as who's in charge when he's not on duty, shaking hands with passengers, eating, and sleeping. Download Episode #51 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #50 - Cruise Secrets: Volume I 2 years of On Deck! and now Episode 50!  In this special edition of On Deck! we'll divulge some little-known cruise secrets... oooh.  What are some of our very own secret cruise tips?  Will we tell?  Who knows what mysteries of cruising we'll reveal in this special anniversay episode? Download Episode #50 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #49 - Hosts at Sea: Sapphire Princess Coastal In this episode, Allie talks about her coastal repositioning cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess from Los Angeles to Vancouver, also dubbed a "wine cruise".   Looking for a different type of cruise with plenty of ports?  Find out why this cruise might be the "something different" you've been searching for in your next vacation. Download Episode #49 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #48 - Repositioning Cruises Repositioning cruises are a great value if you love being on the ship and want to see some new, out-of-the-way ports.  In this episode we'll talk about repositioning cruises, the advantages and the disadvantages of this type of cruise, and how to find them.  Plus, as always, we get to hear some of your great feedback . Download Episode #48 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #47 - Cruise Ship Cabin Choices Trying to decide on which cabin to book on your next cruise?  It may not be the most expensive cabin in your budget.  In this updated version of our popular cabin choice episode, we'll talk about the options and features of cabins you'll find on most ships.  Additionally, we cover the points to help you make the right choice for you.  Plus, our listeners offer up some of their advice on cabins. Download Episode #47 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #46 - Cruise Photos and Memories Photography on cruise ships is big business.  So is it worth the money for those 8x10 prints hanging in the photo gallery?  Can you legally make wallet prints from a photo you bought?  Can you still get prints once you're off the ship?  And what other photography services are there on board?  In this episode we cover this and more about recording your cruise memories. Download Episode #46 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #45 - Cruise Alcohol Policies and Packages This episode, we'll look at alcohol policies on cruise ships.  What, if any alcohol, can you bring aboard your cruise at embarkation or in port?  Can 18 year old adults drink while the ship is at sea?  Do lines offer alcohol and other non-soda packages?  Find out the basics and some surprising information about these policies you may not already know.  (By the way, to find out more about wine on ships be sure to check out Episode #9 in our catalog.) Download Episode #45   Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #44 - Unique Caribbean Are the regular Caribbean ports becoming passé?  Want to do something new, different, and unique?  Building on our last episode, Caribbean Favorites, we talk about some unique ports in the Caribbean outside of the traditional 7-day cruises of the East and West Caribbean.  St. Croix and St. Barts are just a couple of the places we'll cover in this "unique" episode. Download Episode #44 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #43: Caribbean Favorites Grab your sunglasses, swimsuit, and a cool cocktail!  We're heading to the Caribbean in Episode #43: our and your Caribbean favorites.  And why not?  The Caribbean is inarguably the biggest destination for cruising on every major cruise line out there. Download Episode #43 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #42 - Hosts at Sea: Cunard's Queen Victoria In this special episode, Allie reviews her 4-day trip aboard the 90,000 ton Cunard Queen Victoria: the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Does Cunard fullfil the luxury promise it sells at luxury prices?  And what are the things that really make Cunard stand apart from other lines?  If you've also cruised on the Queen Victoria recently, leave us your feedback on facebook or twitter. Download Episode #42 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #41 - Cruising with Kids This week we'll examine several cruise line's facilities to cater to children and considerations when traveling with kids.  From infants to teenagers, we'll cover the activities and services provided as well as kids-only zones on most of the major lines.  In the news, is the SS United States closer to being saved and what are RCL's plans for new ships now that Allure and Oasis are afloat? Download Episode #41 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #40 - Cruise Lines: Costa Cruises In this episode we build on our Cruise Line series by looking at the European-based Costa Cruises (a subsidiary of Carnival).  What makes this line stand apart from the American counterparts and why is this a line you might want to pay more attention to?  As usual, we'll have plenty of news, trivia, and other great cruising tips. Download Episode #40 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #39 - Recent Cruises and New Ships Happy New Year everyone!  Allie's been busy cruising over the Holidays and she'll give us a quick rundown of her trips, meanwhile we'll take a look back at 2010 and overview the new ship deliveries to the major cruise lines.  And, as always, thanks for your feedback on facebook and email! Download Episode #39 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #38 - Discovery Walks Interview Planning a cruise or trip to Europe or the Mediterranean?  Bored with routine excursions?  In this episode we talk with Cary Clark of Worldwide Discovery Walks about an alternative way to see the sights for independent travelers. Download Episode #38 To find out more about Discovery Walks, visit them at http://www.discovery-walk.com. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #37: Travel Gifts and Gadgets Just in time for holidays, we scoured the web for some great gift ideas for the traveler in your life - land or sea.   Be sure to check out our "gifts and gadgets" edition before finishing your holiday shopping.  Thanks to our listeners for recommending this episode idea! Download Episode #37 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #36 - Cruise Junkies We share some of our favorite cruise resources in our "Cruise Junkies" episode.  From ship webcams and newswire information directly from the cruise industry to forums where you can share your cruise experiences with like-minded cruise enthusiasts, we cover a wealth of resources you won't want to miss. Download Episode #36 Links to resources mentioned in this episode, follow along as we talk about each of these great sites. http://www.cruisecritic.com http://www.cruisemates.comhttp: ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #35 - Cruise Lines: Princess Cruises Building on our "Cruise Lines" series, in this episode we look at the history and distinctions of Princess Cruises.  In the news, a number of new ships delivered this fall and Disney comes to the West Coast of the US. Download Episode #35 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #34 - Hosts At Sea: Our First Cruise In this casual episode, Scott and Allie each talk about their first cruise, expectations and impressions, and some anecdotes about the experience.  We encourage our listeners to share their first cruise experience or stories with us via facebook, email, or our voice mail! Download Episode #34 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #33 - Destinations: Hawaii Building on our "Destinations" series, we look at Hawaii. So much to offer and a cruise is great way to get a sampling of the Hawaiian Islands.  From the volcanic Big Island to the bustling city of Honolulu, we'll talk about the favorite activities in the ports seen by most major lines. Download Episode #33 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #32 - Cruise Lines: Celebrity Cruises The first of our series on cruise lines, we'll look at Celebrity.  The history of the line, current ships and itineraries, and position in the industry.  In future episodes, we'll hit all the major lines to see what sets each one apart from the other. Download Episode #32 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #31 - Shore Excursions In this episode, we talk about choosing and booking shore excursions for your cruise.  There are advantages to booking with the cruise line but there are certainly cost savings if you choose not to book with the cruise line.  We'll look at the typical options available and other helpful tips for making the best of your days in port. Download Episode #31 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #30 - Packing Tips Proper packing for your trip can make or break the start to the great vacation you've been planning for months.  In this episode, we'll offer up some of our own advice about packing as well as some other useful tips we've researched from travelers like yourself.  How much to pack?  What to bring and what NOT to bring?  Including some things you probably would have never thought of. Download Episode #30 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #29 - Destinations: Bermuda As part of our recurring "Destinations" episodes, this time we cover the Atlantic islands of Bermuda.  This destination is served by nearly all the major cruise lines out of several Eastern US port cities.  From the pink beaches, snorkeling, golf, and historic cites, Bermuda is a destination with a lot to offer. Download Episode #29 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #28 - Cruising for Beginners 2010 Part II In our wrap-up Part II of Cruising for Beginners 2010, we cover boarding day, getting to know your ship, important things to know about port days, and tips for the end of your trip.  Even if it's been a while since your last cruise, be sure to check out this special annual edition. Download Episode #28 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #27 - Cruising for Beginners 2010 This episode brings you a complete guide to preparing for your cruise.  Even if you aren't a beginner and it's been a while since your last cruise, this is definitely an episode you want to check out.  We have all the updates and recent changes in cruise travel plus several tips.  And don't miss part two coming soon. Download Episode #27 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #26 - Cruising Trends In this episode of On Deck! we talk about some of the industry trends we've observed.  Larger ships, more Caribbean, and creative entertainment options at sea.  Have some thoughts about trends?  Be sure to leave your comments and feedback with us on Facebook, twitter, or voice mail. Download Episode #26 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #25 - The Queen Mary The Queen Mary is one of the last great ocean liners that was used for regular transatlantic crossings between England and America before air travel and the birth of the modern cruise industry.  At the end of our Mexican Riviera cruise we had a chance to visit her in Long Beach.  What a great opportunity to see a bit of cruising history!  In this episode we talk about her history and her retirement, a historical attraction in Southern California. Download Episode #25 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #24 - Year in Review It's been one year since On Deck! Podcast started.  In honor of our anniversary, we recap our episodes from the last year taking a second look at some of the topics we've covered. Download Episode #24 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #23 - Carnival Paradise Scott asks Allie about her 3-night weekend vacations on the Carnival Paradise earlier this spring.  She explains why it's an attractive option and her thoughts and impressions about the line and itinerary.  In the news, Hurricane Season ramps up and the Mercury goes to the German line TUI. Download Episode #23 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #22 - Hosts At Sea: Mexican Riviera For the first time since their Alaska cruise in 2009, Scott and Allie cruise the Mexican Riviera together aboard Royal Caribbean. New to the line and itinerary, Scott offers up his impressions and we both share our opinions about the excursions we took together in port.  So much in this episode, but if you long for additional information about the Mariner of the Seas, be sure to check out Episode #15. Download Episode #22 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #21 - Luxury Lines The best of the best?  In this episode we'll talk about the luxury/premium lines, their smaller ships, and attention to detail.  Is the cost worth it and what makes them stand apart from the major lines?  Special thanks to our listeners for suggestions and recommendations! Download Episode #21 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #20 - Cruise Line Private Resorts Nearly all the major lines have a private beach resort or island in the Caribbean that might be on your cruise itinerary.  Why are cruise lines adding this stop and what's the advantage to the passenger?  Indeed, it's a rather packaged and consistent product compared to port cities.  We'll cover the many reasons why the "ship away from ship" experience is an ideal, fun beach day for families especially and what kind of activities are available ashore. Download Episode #20 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #19 - Short and Weekend Cruises In this episode of On Deck! we'll talk about the astounding number of short and weekend cruise options available in several places around the world like South Florida, California, England, Australia, Spain, South America and Southeast Asia. A great, affordable option for people in port cities who want to cruise, but don't want to take a lot of vacation time, or those looking to add a cruise vacation to land-based trip.  In the news, Crystal cruises, the refashioned Azamara Line, and Alaska ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #18 - Celebrity Solstice We discuss our Caribbean cruise aboard the new Celebrity Solstice a few months ago.  This cruise stopped in San Juan, St. Martin, Tortola, and Labadee, RCI's exclusive beach property in Haiti.  In this episode, we'll talk about the ship, its typical itinerary, and our impressions of the overall cruise.  In the news, more about NCL Epic's "Ice Bar" and updates to their Great Stirrup Cay, Cunards QM2 extends transatlantic trips and QV to visit the west coast of the US in 2011. Download Ep ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #17 - Art Auctions Art Auctions are an on board activity that you'll find on almost every cruise itinerary.  We'll discuss auctions (offer up some opinions, even) and what to expect from auctions if you've been curious and never attended them.  Allie briefly recaps her Carnival Paradise cruise.  In the news NCL adds new ports, Celebrity's iLounge, Crystal does Black Sea, and much more. Download Episode #17 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #16 - Celebrity Mercury January Cruise We've been cruising!  After Allie's report on the Mariner, this week we'll hear Scott's account of his Caribbean cruise vacation out of Baltimore on the Celebrity Mercury last month.  This cruise visited Charleston, Key West, Nassau, and Cococay.  Hear what he has to say about the ship, ports, and sights. Download Episode #16 Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #15 - Mariner of the Seas New Year's 2010 Allie talks about her Mexican Riviera cruise aboard the Mariner of the Seas over New Year's 2009/2010.  She covers the ship and the ports: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.  Additionally, we have an interview with a fellow cruiser, Rich Sauriol about his booking experiences and his related comments about the Mexican Riviera itinerary. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #14 - Shopping In our first episode of 2010 we'll discuss the shopping options on board and talk a little about shopping ashore.  You might find some deals on board -- or maybe not.   What is "Gross Tonnage"?  In the news, the "Cougar Cruise", the Epic's new solo cabin option, and Celebrity's renovations to the Millenium class ships. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #13 - Entertainment Entertainment on a cruise ship is nearly 24/7, from pool bands and live shows to string quartets, we look at the entertainment choices and some exceptional entertainment features on the major lines.  In the news, the new Utopia world cruise and Celebrity's Azamara line notching it up a bit.   Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #12 - Destinations: Greece In this episode we cover the fantastic destination Greece.  Islands and mainlands full of culture, history, and great food.  In the news, Windjammer is being reinvented, Allure Oasis's sister ship, and P&O cruises returns to Alaska.   Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #11 - Holiday and Group Cruise Holiday and group cruising have a lot in common. Many families and friends have extra time off to travel together.  In this episode, we’ll let you know what to expect on holiday cruises as well as information about planning a pleasant experience with your travel group.  In the news, Carnival Dream christened in NY, Oasis (not the band) arrives in Port Everglades, a preview of the Disney Dream, and Celebrity to host the next "Soap Cruise."  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #10 - Top Ten Favs To celebrate their tenth episode (don't laugh, most podcasts don't survive 2 episodes), Scott & Allie talk about their top ten favorite things about cruising.  In the news, security alerts in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean detour many cruise lines, Oasis of the Seas comes to America, and Carnival's Ocean Village ships are turned over to P&O. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #9 - Cruising Wine and Dine Dining on your cruise is probably the one activity EVERYONE participates in.  In this episode we talk about the dining options on many cruise lines: main dining, dress codes, specialty restaurants, cafes, in-room dining, and buffets.  If wine is something you want to explore more, a cruise is a great place to get started since more and more lines are putting an emphasis on it.  We have a fantastic interview with wine professional and avid cruiser Marci Norkin who gives some insight about ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #8 - Destinations: Alaska The second most popular destination is Alaska.  In this episode, we'll cover the highlights of the most popular route in the area which stops at Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, and Hubbard Glacier. And Alaska is in the news again, the lines are pursuing the lawsuit against the state's $50/head tax.  Also, some interesting themed cruises are coming up    Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #7 - Cabin Choice Cabin choice is an important and sometimes overlooked option when booking a cruise.  Many times booking through an agent or online you may not even know what all the options are.  In this program we'll discuss the different kinds of rooms and things to consider when choosing your cabin.  In the news we talk about the new Disney Dream, Holland America's revised loyalty program, and Celebrity's move to the flexible dining option.    Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #6 - Loyalty Programs Loyalty programs for cruise lines offer benefits based on how often you cruise with them and the class of room you book.  In this episode, we talk generally about the benefits offered under most of the popular cruise lines and what we think might be the future of these programs.  Additionally, we discuss casino Player Club programs, cruise line affiliated credit cards, and Amex Platinum Travel.  In the news: Cayman to get a dock, hurricane season cruising, NCL's customer forum, and the n ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #5 - Destinations: Caribbean The most popular cruise destination is the Caribbean.  Although there's enough information about cruising the Caribbean to fill libraries, we touch on some of the highlights of the region and choosing excursions.   Also a little background on how the Caribbean fits into the beginning of the modern cruising industry.  In the news: the new Norwegian Epic, Carnival's "Behind the Fun", and Celebrity's new enrichment programs.   Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #4 - Cruising for Beginners II a This week's topic wraps up Episode 3.   Since there was so much information, we decided to split the episode into two 30 minute downloads.  In this part of the episode we cover news about the new ship Carnival Dream, the Alaska $50 passenger tax, and check-in kiosks in Miami.  On our topic, we discuss getting to the ship, going through the check-in process.  Be sure to download the second half of this episode for the rest of our topic.   Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #4 - Cruising for Beginners II b In this section of Cruising for Beginners Part II, we cover exploring the ship, getting into your room, your daily newsletter, the safety drill, dinner and dining options, using the lounges, and the different entertainment options.  Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #3 - Cruising for Beginners I What are the things you need to know before your cruise?  In this episode, we talk about passports, packing, your cruise packet, air travel arrangements, currency.  Also we have an interview with Joe and Mira who were taking their very first cruise in Alaska when we met them on the Millenium in May. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #2 - Choose Your Cruise In this second episode, we explore the things you need to keep in mind when choosing a cruise that is suitable for your tastes and vacationing lifestyle.  We cover topics such as researching, ship types, cabin types, food, and budget. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website Episode #1 - Why Cruise? Some of the thoughts and views being propagated about cruising are outdated.  Really.  In this introductory episode we discuss the reasons for cruising, attempt to dispell some of those tired myths, and explain why it's the best deal out there.  This episode was recorded while on the Celebrity Millenium during our Alaska cruise in May 2009. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache | Visit Website