Episode #237 - New Things, New Beginnings and All The ScuttleButt!

 Welcome to episode 237!

Tommy and his first mate, Lena, have been planning some new things, new beginnings, and on this new episode, we are going to give you all the scuttlebutt! 

The Cruise Dudes Podcast will be coming soon to you from California to Florida, coast to coast! 

With eight cruise ports and over twenty cruise lines that sail from Florida, we will have many things to explore, discover, and share with our listeners on upcoming episodes.  And we have plans to take cruise journeys along the eastern seaboard and beyond as well. It's going to be a lot of fun!

We invite you to join us on this new chapter of the podcast!

Keep on Cruising and Enjoy the Show!

Tommy & Scott

Episode #236 - The Ins & Outs Planning of "The Cruise Dues Loose In Europe" 39 Days of Adventure!

 

Hello Cruisers!

Welcome to episode 236!

Have you ever wondered how to plan a multi-country vacation, with three different cruise sailings, hotel stays, site seeing and so much more? Well Scott and his first mate, Pam are on their way to Europe for 39 days this summer!

On this new episode they dive into the details on planning this adventure of a lifetime.  Be ready to take many notes, there are a lot of details that they share.

Enjoy the show!

Tommy & Scott

Episode #234 - Refurbished and Refreshed, Majestic Princess

Hello Cruisers!

Welcome to episode 234!

Last Fall, Scott and Pam sailed on the newly refurbished Majestic Princess. On today’s show, they share a conversation about the changes and refreshed spaces on this beautiful cruise ship. They dig deep on the details and share some hints and tips you need to have on hand the next time you board the ship. 

Majestic Princess is one of our favorite ships of the Princess Cruise fleet. We have wonderful memories and look forward to making new memories when we sail on her again soon.

Do you have a memory or tip to share about Majestic Princess? Please email us at thecruisedudes@gmail.com and we will share it on a upcoming podcast.

Enjoy the show!

Tommy & Scott

Episode #233 - Staying Safe While Cruising

Hello Cruisers!

Welcome to episode #233. 

International events can interrupt, delay or redirect your cruise at anytime. While these things happen on rare occasions, we believe while cruising that you must be prepared to keep you and your loved ones safe, and your family and friends at home informed. 

On this new show we share our tips and things you can do while on the ship or shore, before and during your cruise. 

If you have a tip or idea that you would like to share with us, please email us at thecruisedudes@gmail.com. We will share them on a upcoming episode.

Enjoy the show!

Tommy & Scott

Episode #232 - A Look Back At 2025!

Welcome to episode #232!

As the new year arrives, we’re thrilled about the exciting developments in cruising that await us in 2026. However, in this episode, we’re taking a nostalgic trip back to 2025 and sharing our experiences and highlights from the past year.

Cruising with family and friends is our absolute favorite way to create lifelong memories.

We’d love to hear about your memorable cruise experiences in 2025. If you have any stories or moments you’d like to share, please leave a message, and we’ll feature them on a future show.

May your 2026 be filled with many unforgettable cruise vacations and cherished memories.

Enjoy the show!

Tommy and Scott

Episode #231 - Majestic Princess: An Interview With Food & Beverage Director Varun Salian!

Welcome to episode #231 cruisers!

In any conversation you may havre about cruising, eventually, you will definitely discuss two things: food and beverages. 

In this new episode, Scott had the opportunity to interview Varun Salian, Food and Beverage Director on Majestic Princess, during his recent fall colors cruise. Varun shares his career story with Princess Cruises and the hard work he does to make sure their guests have a phenomenal culinary experience.  

There are a lot of responsibilities and logistics involved to keep his department running smoothly. He has an incredible team that not only serves the cruise guests but the crew themselves as well. It was an eye-opening interview to learn how hard everyone works in this very important department. We hope you enjoy this interview!

Thank you for listening and supporting us in 2025. We have some great plans for 2026 and look forward to a fantastic year!

Happy Cruising!

Tommy & Scott

 

Episode #229 - Celebrity Mixologist Rob Floyd: Sipping and Savoring on the High Seas!

Welcome to episode 229.

We are so happy to interview our friend and celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd!

Since 2017 Rob has collaborated and partnered with Princess Cruises where you have probably enjoyed his creative cocktails throughout bars onboard their ships, at his amazing Good Spirits bar or at Spellbound by The Magic Castle on Sun Princess and the new Star Princess. 

Now, Rob has a brand new collaboration with Princess Cruises - his first book!

“Sip at Sea” is a first of a kind interactive cocktail book that features embedded video tutorials where Rob teaches how to mix your favorite Princess Cruises cocktails. We dive in to find out what it means to Rob when he tells us to always “Sip Boldly!”  Along with mixing his uniquely created cocktails, Rob’s gift of storytelling combines his passion and mission to “living life with flavor” to cruisers around the around the world. So many fun and interesting stories - this was a awesome nterview!

“Sip at Sea”, both hardcover and ebook are on Amazon.com are available today!

Hardcover: https://amzn.to/42ExKsR

E-Book: https://amzn.to/3IyPKOy

Follow Rob Floyd on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/drinkwithrob?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

We hope you enjoy the show!

Happy Cruising,

Tommy & Scott

Episode #228 - Questions and Answers: Princess Cruises' Drink Package Changes

Welcome To episode #228!

On this new episode we answer some of your questions regarding the recent changes Princess Cruises has made to their “Princess Plus Package” and “Princess Premier Package” beverage programs. We believe that your cruise vacation is always better when you research and plan what is important to you and your family in advance before you board the ship. Understanding what your options  are and what fits your budget, is the key that unlocks the door to a great cruise. On this new show we go over questions that you may of not thought of and clarify the changes and benefits of the new drink packages. To us, we like having options to pick and choose. One size doesn’t necessarily fit all. Hopefully, you will gain a better understanding of your options and look with great expectations on your next dream cruise 

Enjoy the show!

Tommy & Scott

Episode #227 - A Closer Look At Princess Cruises' Drink Package Changes

 

Welcome to episode #227!

Today we are taking a closer look and discuss the recent changes Princess Cruises has made to their “Princess Plus Package” and “Princess Premier Package” beverage programs. One of the best things about cruising, is you can pick and choose what you like to do. From selecting a interior cabin to a grand suite, or maybe you just enjoy having casual meals at the buffet or you can splurge for specialty dining every night, or maybe you just enjoy a glass of wine at dinner but your spouse likes trying and discovering new distilled beverages without breaking the bank. The bottom line is that you get to determine what is important to you and what makes your cruise vacation unique and special. And that is a good thing. We share our thoughts and would like to hear how you plan and create your dream cruise vacations. 

Enjoy the show!

Tommy & Scott

Episode #226 - Major Loyalty Program Changes: Introducing Carnival Rewards

 Welcome to episode #226!

Carnival Cruise Line has announced their new loyalty program, Carnival Rewards, which will be launching June 1, 2026.  Benefits include priority check-in, embarkation and disembarkation, complimentary laundry services, beverages, speciality dining meals and more.

Scott’s first mate, Pam joins the show to give her perspective as a “loyalty rewards savvy consumer”. Always watching, researching and getting the most out of these programs’ benefits and why you should study and become a savvy cruise consumer too.

We know that this new program has created a lot of commentary all over social media, but we would love to hear your thoughts as well. 

Enjoy the show!
Tommy & Scott

Episode #225 - Carnival Cruise Line Sets The Bar Higher!

Welcome to episode #225! 

Carnival Cruise Line is setting the bar higher and expectations for all cruise passengers aboard their ships. A few days ago, they released a letter that encourages everyone to “Have Fun, Be Safe."  

“Our experience has taught us that everyone has a better time when a spirit of community and neighborliness is shown by all.” 

The letter’s guidelines reinforces their policies and they clearly state they will take drastic measures to maintain the “comfort, enjoyment, safety or well-being of other guests or crew."

We share our thoughts on this timely and important letter and commend Carnival Cruise Line for taking action. What are your thoughts? 

Enjoy the show!
Tommy & Scott

Episode #224 - The Scuttlebutt!

Welcome to episode #224! We dust off our microphones and catch up with latest scuttlebutt and cruise happenings in Southern California. The competition is heating up again and we are going to see new cruise ships and even a new cruise line coming to the west coast!  Are you ready for Real ID, renewing your passport or traveling to Europe soon? We have some updates and information for you. And finally, we share about the beautiful and stunning Sun Princess. Princess Cruises has launched its first Sphere Class ship and it is truly a luxurious ship with fine dining experiences, unique entertainment shows, and introducing Spellbound by Magic Castle, a spectacular new magical venue. Tommy sharesl about his time aboard this phenomenal cruise ship. Enjoy the show!

Tommy & Scott

Episode #223 - Ride In Style: Private Car Service To Your Cruise Port!

Traveling to and from a cruise port can be a challenge especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Ride sharing services and vehicles aren’t able to handle a family, luggage and such. What other options are available? Recently, Scott and his family travelled to Texas for a cruise and they hired a private car service for the first time and had a very interesting conversation with their driver. A impromptu interview was recorded about the features and benefits of hiring a private car service for your upcoming cruise. You will ride in style and comfort, and start your next cruise vacation worry free. 

Enjoy the show! 

Tommy & Scott

Episode #222 - Flashback 2024: Sun Princess Part 1 Interviews, Cruise Content Creators & Cruise Director Corinne!

Hey Cruisers!  The last few months of 2024 was a whirlwind of cruising and busyness, but still we have a lot of catching up to do and audio content to share.  The decision was made to produce a few “flashback” episodes along the way as 2025 gets underway. On this new episode, we gathered with amazing cruise content creators to share our thoughts and excitement about our upcoming media cruise on Sun Princess! It’s a rare and unique opportunity to have Don @eatsleepcruise, Sheri @cruisetipstv, Doug @cruiseradio Ilana @lifewellcruised and JT @cruisingwithjt all in one place at the same time. It was truly such a special moment - thank you friends!  And next up, Cruise Director Corinne Steele shares her nautical journeys and things you should not miss seeing, doing and of course, eating on Sun Princess.  We hope you enjoy this special flashback episode!

Happy Cruising!

Tommy & Scott

Episode #221 - Regal Princess Cruise Director Olivia Shares Her Life's Journey!

During the Thanksgiving holiday, Scott and his family cruised the Western Caribbean on the stunning Regal Princess. Scott was able to spend some time with Cruise Director Olivia and record a very special interview about her life's journey in the cruise industry. It is fascinating and very insightful that we are sure you will enjoy to hear. Thank you Olivia for coming on to the podcast!

Enjoy the show!

Tommy & Scott

Episode #220 - Five Things Cruise Director Jason Tells Cruisers What They Need To About The Majestic Princess!

Hey Cruisers! Scott just recently sailed on the Majestic Princess on a wonderful repositioning cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia to Los Angeles, California. He had fantastic opportunity to interview cruise director Jason Allen and he shares five important things about the Majestic Princess that we need to know. We think that you will find this information entertaining and insightful with Jason and Scott. Happy Cruising! - Tommy & Scott 

Episode #218 - Scott's Summertime Seafaring and Spectacular Sojourns!

With school now back in session and as we are entering into Fall, we take some time to share about our summer vacations. Scott and his first mate Pam, sailed on the Navigator of the Seas to Mexico for a time of relaxation and fun. Then Scott flew back East to join up with his daughter Dyllen for a road trip with a stop at the Niagara Falls. And they even took an exhilarating boat cruise to the bottom edge of the majestic falls. What memorable and incredible experiences! Enjoy the new show! - Tommy & Scott

Episode #217 - Flashback Cruise: Our 2023 Adventures to Alaska on Discovery Princess!

Part One! Welcome to a conversation with my friend and travel buddy Michelle Young. We, along with our spouses, had a cruise vacation of a lifetime. This was Michelle and her husband Tom, first cruise to the last frontier, the majestic state of Alaska. We had the exciting privilege of cruising again on the luxurious and stunning Discovery Princess, sailing us to breathtaking sceneries, ports of call, food, shopping and exciting experiences. There is so much to share, there will be a part two! Enjoy the show! ^Tommy

Episode #216 - Changes Coming To Carnival Corporation!

Ahoy Cruisers! A brand new podcast episode is waiting for you today filled with cruise news, announcements, and pizza. Do you have a favorite type of pizza? What is your number one cruise ship pizza? Let us know in the comments. Enjoy this tasty show! 

Happy Cruising!

Scott & Tommy

Episode #215 - Interview With Cruise Director Joey of the Carnival Firenze!

Cruise Dude Scott has a special interview for you today! He welcomes Cruise Director Joey of the Carnival Firenze on to our show. They take a deep dive into all the exciting things you find on this newly refreshed ship now sailing from Long Beach, California. Also, don’t miss the YouTube version of this interview as well.

Enjoy the show!

Tommy & Scott