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 Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Kristin Owens. Kristin’s debut novel, Elizabeth Sails (Rising Action Publishing Co/Simon & Schuster), launched two days ago. What can be better than discussing with the author the use of an actual cruise ship, The Queen Elizabeth, as a setting. The book Blurb can be found below.
Kristin told me, “After living in Europe, my husband and I moved back to the USA on the Queen Mary 2. The voyage was a life-changing experience. Ten years later, I’ve got my sea legs. Which happen to be a little chunkier because I’ve taken a fair number of cruises and haven’t missed a single meal. And I’ve finagled a way of sailing more frequently – as a speaker. I entertain and educate passengers on writing, literature, and wine. So, I can’t feel too guilty because hey, I’m working, people. I spend about six months on ships and get my best writing done onboard. It’s like a quintessential writing retreat. With tea and scones daily at 3:30pm. To date, I've taken over a dozen cruises (300+ days) as a passenger and over a dozen as a speaker.” Kristen has experience sailing with Princess, Celebrity, Cunard and Viking. Kristin holds a Ph.D. in higher education and is an award-winning faculty member with over 25 years university experience. Now a full-time writer in sticky southwest Florida, Kristin has over 100 bylines as a contributor for celebrated magazines such as Wine Enthusiast, Writer's Digest, and 5280. She holds certifications with the Court of Master Sommeliers and Cicerone and travels the world writing about wonderful wines, beautiful beers, and surprising spirits. Her personal essays have won Honorable Mention for the 2018 New Millennium Writing Awards, awarded finalist for the 2019 New Letters’ award in nonfiction, and included in RISE! Colorado’s Book of the Year 2020. is being featured in The Writer's Digest Sept/Oct issue's "Breaking In" column. Book blurb: Beth Schiff ghostwrites autobiographies for politicians, except her own life doesn’t warrant a footnote. Excitement is re-watching classic movies with a Whitman’s Sampler. But when her adventurous Aunt Ethel dies, Beth must scramble out of her comfy sweatpants and into some Spanx to find the missing will aboard a luxury cruise ship. Figuring out which fork to use at dinner becomes the least of Beth’s worries. The will isn’t lost ... it’s hidden. Aunt Ethel devised an elaborate scavenger hunt, and each exotic port stop forces Beth to confront her list of insecurities to get the next clue. If she fails, millions revert to a much-hated relative, Max, who is responsible for her dismantled family. When someone starts trying to sabotage her search, the game becomes personal and her energetic septuagenarian tablemates rally to help. But Beth must make the puzzle pieces fit before the cruise ends or Max gets his greedy hands on the money destined for charities. For fans of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and The Jetsetters, comes a heartfelt story about an unintended quest for self-discovery, forgiveness, and an awesome buffet. Watch at www.thejoyofcruisingpodcast.com or Home Relying on ship wifi is slow, unsecure, sometimes not available & at foreign ports travelers don’t want to pay their carriers’ high fees. Save $ with GigSky! Get a data package usable on the ship & in ports. Link to GigSky: https://gigsky.pxf.io/nloxor. For a 10% discount use code: joyofcruising Supportthejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingPodcast-BookACruise US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon
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 Hey, cruise lovers! Are you ready to make your next cruise adventure even more exciting and hassle-free? We’re thrilled to introduce the CruiseLegend App, the must-have app designed specifically for cruise passengers worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your very first voyage, CruiseLegend is your essential guide to maximizing your port experiences and discovering new destinations. So, what makes CruiseLegend a game-changer? Imagine arriving at a port and wondering which ships will be docking alongside yours. With CruiseLegend, you’ll know exactly which ships are scheduled to arrive, helping you plan your day more effectively. It’s the perfect way to avoid overcrowded areas and make the most of your time onshore. CruiseLegend features over 300 ships from most major cruise lines, making it the most comprehensive app in the market. But that’s not all! The app is also your personal guide to over 2000 unique ports around the globe. Whether it’s a bustling metropolis or a quaint coastal village, CruiseLegend has got you covered with key information about many popular ports. Many ports even come with basic tips for first-time visitors, so you’re never left in the dark when it comes to exploring new destinations. More than just ship and port info: - Travel agent directory: Looking for expert advice or need help booking your next cruise? CruiseLegend features a handy travel agent directory to connect you with professionals who can tailor your travel plans. - News and reviews: Stay in the loop with the latest cruise-related updates, reviews, and blogs. Whether it’s a new ship launching, a must-try shore excursion, or insider tips from other cruisers, the news function has it all in one place. While CruiseLegend doesn’t offer real-time ship tracking, the app is focused on giving you the insights far into the future by showcasing expected ports-of-call, everything you need to plan ahead for your cruise vacation. Exciting features for businesses: As part of our mission to provide cruise passengers with the best possible travel experience, we’ve also developed dedicated port pages. These will be jam-packed with up-to-date information about local attractions, points of interest, dining options, guided tours, and rental services at each port. This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to showcase their services to a highly targeted audience of travelers who are eager to explore your city. Why CruiseLegend is the go-to app for cruise travelers: - Simple and intuitive design: CruiseLegend is incredibly easy to navigate, ensuring you get the info you need quickly and effortlessly. - Exclusive content for cruise passengers: No more endless Google searches! CruiseLegend provides tailored tips specifically for cruise passengers. - Positive reviews: Travelers are calling CruiseLegend an “indispensable companion,” and we couldn’t be more proud! Download CruiseLegend today! Available worldwide, CruiseLegend is ready for download on both iOS and Android platforms. Whether you’re using your smartphone, tablet, or even a PC, the app is at your fingertips, ready to make your cruise experience better than ever. - Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sea-shore/id6464536349?platform=iphone - Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cruiselegend.sea_and_shore&pcampaignid=web_share Don’t miss out! Be part of the growing community of cruise travelers using CruiseLegend to discover new ships, new ports, and unforgettable experiences. Download the app today, and set sail on your next adventure! #CruiseLegend #CruiseTravel #PortGuide #TravelAgentDirectory #ExploreTheWorld #SupportLocalBusiness #TheJoyOfCruisingPodcast #Listen at www.thejoyofcruisingpodcast.com or here Home  Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, I am delighted to welcome Kevine and Vincent McMillan, creators of McMillan’s On The Go. This episode is one of those I podcast about occasionally when I come across photos and narrative about some unique, bucket list experience. Kevine had posted the following on social media, along with some lovely photos of her family which you may have seen in the promos for this episode: “When you’re told we might just be the very FIRST documented Black Family of 5 to not only visit Antarctica together butttttt to ALL Polar Plunge and your 8yr old might be the YOUNGEST and smallest Polar Plunger!!! She’s tiny y’all, she’s 8yrs but doesn’t look it! She’s very petite!
We will take the title until proven otherwise because I am here for it all!!! 🔥🔥🔥 Mannn, McMillans On The Go is out here doing the dàmn thanggggg!!!” I said yes, yes you are McMillans On The Go and The Joy of Cruising Podcast is here for it and I just reached out cold. “Hi, I’d love for you to share your story with the cruise community on The Joy of Cruising Podcast.” After she agreed, I asked Kevine for some thoughts about their brand. She told me: McMillan’s On The Go was born from a desire to help families experience the joys of traveling together. Frustrated by how many families felt unable to explore the world with their children, we began sharing tips on budget and luxury travel that won't break the bank. I'm Kevine, the brains behind it all, an educator, a mom of three, and a travel enthusiast, married to my high school sweetheart who lets me explore the world and tags along to any adventure. Together, we balance our careers with a passion for exploring new places and creating lasting family memories. For us, traveling is a wonderful way to learn and appreciate the incredible beauty of God's handiwork.” Kevine, a graduate from the University of Central Florida is a full-time educator, a wife, a mom of three amazing blessings—Dominic, Iyanna, and Malanna. She is the main writer behind the blog, McMillan’s On The Go with pop-up collaborations from Vincent. Listen at www.thejoyofcruisingpodcast.com or Home Relying on ship wifi is slow, unsecure, sometimes not available & at foreign ports travelers don’t want to pay their carriers’ high fees. Save $ with GigSky! Get a data package usable on the ship & in ports. Link to GigSky: https://gigsky.pxf.io/nloxor. For a 10% discount use code: joyofcruising Supportthejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingPodcast-BookACruise US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon Wrote this article on assignment for QuirkyCruise.com, the authority on small-ship cruising, https://quirkycruise.com/amawaterways-soulful-experience-cruise/   Just completed that cruise celebrating a milestone like a special birthday? For us it was a Mediterranean cruise for our 30th anniversary. Immortalize that special cruise with a unique, custom-made keepsake you won’t find in souvenir shops or need to stuff in your luggage. Bring your memories home with The Cruise Maps:
Order yours today and use my affiliate link www.thecruisemaps.com/joyofcruising10 to automatically receive a 10% discount!  Send us a text
Hello, passionate cruisers! I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Chef Bri Bullard, creator of Authentique Delights. I learned of Chef Bri when I hosted Nikki and Tommie Jones of Jones Getaways podcast a couple months ago Ep 123. The Jones’ had traveled on AmaWaterways Soulful Epicurean French River Cruise on AmaKristina in June, a bucket list cruise Cheryl and I were booked for a few months later. Tommie mentioned in a way that I can just describe as “mouth-watering,” Chef Bri’s presence and culinary role on that journey. Yes, as you can hear me vow on the podcast, I did follow-up with AmaWaterways to inquire whether Chef Bri was going to be on our voyage. She wasn’t but her presence was felt, which I will explain shortly. Jazzmine Douse, AmaWaterways Senior Director, National Accounts, said, “This past June, we invited Chef Bri her company is Authentique Delight, and she came on as a featured chef in June and she was able to prepare a menu for us as we celebrated Juneteenth onboard the Soulful Experiences. So, we are always looking to continually involve these experiences and add aspects to it, do some trial and error, and this Juneteenth concept is one we want to incorporate in the future Soulful Experiences and it’s our hope to be able to feature Black chefs on each one of these experiences, but it is a work in progress. At least for now we established a fantastic itinerary with Chef Bri, she did a fantastic job and there was so much great feedback onboard from the meals she prepared and just talking about freedom and celebration of our heritage and it was truly amazing.” Chef Bri Bullard was born and raised in the Bahamas and has been passionate about cooking since the age of eight. Growing up surrounded by the bounties of the ocean, she developed a deep love for seafood, which has become a hallmark of her culinary creations. Her early interest in cooking was matched by her diverse skills, including certification as a welder, demonstrating her versatility and dedication. Chef Bri’s exceptional talent has garnered her widespread recognition. She has been featured on CHCH News (Hamilton Ontario), highlighted in The Tribune (the Bahamas' national newspaper), and acclaimed in Cruise Critic. Her reputation as a world-renowned celebrity chef is well-deserved, having cooked for elites across France, the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean. Known for her unique approach to cuisine, Chef Bri aims to create edible art through her dishes, seamlessly blending elegance with bold flavors. Her motto, “Fancy Meets Flavor, Quality Fresh Flavor Always,” reflects her commitment to high standards in both presentation and taste. Currently, Chef Bri is channeling her expertise into several exciting projects. She is working on a cookbook, offering cooking lessons, and developing a line of specialty seafood sauces. Her endeavors continue to inspire and delight food enthusiasts around the globe. Chef Bri is the 3rd chef we have had the pleasure of hosting on The Joy of Cruising Podcast and I appreciate greatly that she has decided to join us. Listen at www.thejoyofcruisingpodcast.com or Home Supportthejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingPodcast-BookACruise US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon Relying on ship wifi is slow, unsecure, sometimes not available & at foreign ports travelers don’t want to pay their carriers’ high fees. Save $ with GigSky! Get a data package usable on the ship & in ports. Link to GigSky: https://gigsky.pxf.io/nloxor. For a 10% discount use code: joyofcruising  This week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, I am delighted to welcome Sarah Dandashy, Ask A Concierge. From time-to-time I have been fortunate enough to host a travel icon who—though they have experienced bucket list cruises—transcend cruising. These individuals are so influential in travel that I want them to share their story and perspectives, with the listeners. At the same time, of course, many of us cruise enthusiasts would love to sail virtually on some of Sarah’s wonderful voyages.
Sarah is recognized as one of the leading concierges in the world. People seek her out for her travel tips, advice, and knowledge of trends from the “frontlines of travel.” Award-winning, she was named “best young concierge” by Les Clefs d’or International, making her the Miss Universe equivalent of the concierge profession. Sarah has worked at some of the most prestigious hotels, including London West Hollywood, Four Seasons Washington DC, L’ermitage Beverly Hills, and the Peninsula Beverly Hills. A graduate of Georgetown's School of Foreign Service, Sarah has lived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; London, Atlanta, Washington, DC; New York City; and Los Angeles. She has traveled throughout Europe, the Middle East, and the US. Conversational in French and basic knowledge of Arabic, Sarah can navigate the streets of Paris, and bust out some solid dance moves she learned on the streets of Hotlanta. Clearly, she is no ordinary travel influencer. Sarah is a television travel expert, best-selling author, and dynamic keynote speaker. With over 18 years of experience in hospitality, Sarah's career took off as a luxury hotel concierge, where she earned numerous accolades and laid the foundation for her widely recognized brand, "Ask A Concierge." With a following of over 250,000 across social media platforms, she offers a wealth of travel insights, practical advice, and the latest industry trends, drawing from her rich experience at the travel forefront. Transitioning from her role as an award-winning concierge, Sarah now travels the world, collaborating with leading industry brands. She has become a go-to travel authority on major news networks like ABC, CBS, and FOX, frequently discussing current travel dynamics. Her expertise has also been highlighted in renowned publications, including the New York Times, Nerdwallet, Business Insider, USNews, Reader's Digest, and Thrillist. As the author of the #1 best selling book, "Hospitality from Within," Sarah also brings her insights to various platforms. She hosts "The Creators" podcast for Visit West Hollywood and co-hosts Good Morning, Hospitality on LinkedIn live. Whether you're seeking practical travel tips or insights into the latest trends, Sarah's work continues to inspire travelers worldwide. Listen at www.thejoyofcruisingpodcast.com or Home Supportthejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingPodcast-BookACruise US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon AmaWaterways Soulful Epicurean French River Cruise On AmaKristina, The Joy of Cruising Podcast, 9/169/14/2024  As an author of cruising books, each of them anthologies featuring fascinating cruise personalities and their backstories, and then continuing that same premise in the form of a podcast, I have learned of a large variety of vessels, destinations and experiences that I barely knew existed before I started capturing these stories. Accordingly, as The Joy of Cruising Podcast listeners know, my cruising bucket list runneth over. Recently we’ve tried to check off some of these bucket list items. In August, Cheryl and I got the opportunity to check our first river cruise off the list—a 7-day AmaWaterways sailing in France on the Rhône River on the AmaKristina culminating with a 3-day excursion to Paris.
The itinerary of the cruise we sailed, 2024 Colors of Provence, Special Friends Soulful Epicurean Experience Aboard the Chartered AmaKristina was:
I wrote about Patricia and Festival at Sea in my 1st cruising book, The Joy of Cruising amzn.to/3lAfyON, and hosted her on The Joy of Cruising Podcast Ep 39. Experiencing a Festival at Sea cruise is an inspiration. When I researched Patricia I learned about its affiliated Friends of Festival at Sea brand which sails the likes of Regent Seven Seas and Viking to exotic location like Africa, Singapore, and Paris, and doing a Friends of Festival at Sea vacation has been on my bucket list for years. As AmaWaterways is consistently rated among the world’s top river cruise lines it would have been an easy choice for our first river cruise journey. What made the choice of AmaWaterways that much easier was the introduction in Spring 2024 of its “Soulful” series of cruises. To diversify its customer base—which included a negligible percentage of people of color—AmaWaterways decided to take select itineraries and add components that would appeal to cruisers from or are interested in the Black and African diaspora. What made it a “no-brainer” was it a full ship charter by Friends of Festival at Sea, and they bring their own party including DJ, Saxophonist, dance instructor, and comedian, Damon Williams who also has been on the podcast Ep 101. I should have known Damon would make stars out of friends we were traveling with! Listen at www.thejoyofcruisingpodcast.com or Home Supportthejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingPodcast-BookACruise US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon  Hello passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Niamh McAnally, a multifaceted cruise personality, that quite frankly would have made a fine guest just to talk about one aspect of her impressive background. We could focus on her status as a best selling author, for Flares Up: A Story Bigger Than The Atlantic, which was conceived in Antigua when she witnessed Paul Hopkins and Phil Pugh cross the finish line after rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic; and the September release of her memoir, Following Sunshine: A Voyage Around The Mind, Around The World, Around The Heart, with a cover inscription by Liam Neeson, “Truly brave, enriching memoir that will take you on a global adventure."
Or we could talk about the adventure that inspired many of her stories about travels on land and at sea, including her memoir. In 2016 she helped a solo sailor crew his boat from Florida to the Bahamas. It was only supposed to last a month. Niamh soon realized she had not only found the life she loved but also the love of her life. She and Captain Gary have sailed as far north as Maine in the USA and to Bonaire off the northern coast of South America. With toes in the sand in Antigua, Captain and Crew became Husband and Wife! Finally, we could focus on Niamh’s ongoing experience as a guest speaker on one of the top cruise lines, Celebrity Cruises! Niamh McAnally is an Irish-born bestselling author, keynote & corporate speaker, former TV director, and youngest daughter of the late BAFTA award-winning actor, Ray McAnally, and actor, Ronnie Masterson. Niamh has traveled all over the world and lived and worked as a volunteer in many island nations in the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Listen at www.thejoyofcruisingpodcast.com or Home Supportthejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingPodcast-BookACruise US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon  Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, I am delighted to welcome San Diego’s Bob and Holly, creators in 2020 of Innocents Abroad, YouTube channel, Facebook group and page, and Instagram platform. Their goal is to grow appreciation for discovery, diversity and conversation about travel, with a concentrated focus on cruising. Bob and Holly note that, “Engaging with other cultures is no small thing to us—breaking down cultural barriers is what drives our travel…” To underscore that, their catchphrase, which I love is--an optimistic outlook of humanity through travel and exposure to other cultures.
Quite the way with words, Bob and Holly. Some of our literature-minded listeners recognize that their brand, Innocents Abroad, recalls someone else with quite the way with words, Mark Twain. It is a homage to Bob’s favorite writer—the channel was named for Mark Twain’s outlook on equality. In his 1869 book, The Innocents Abroad, Twain wrote, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." (This was also the epigraph set at the opening of my second cruising book, Cruising Interrupted amzn.to/3seFU8y.) On their channel Innocents Abroad is serious about their craft. Their style is visual storytelling; cinematography of very high quality, combined with choregraphed audio, and historical facts. How a film looks and sounds is very important to them. Journalistic integrity is of utmost importance to them. They emphasize that every cruise and land trip has been and will be out of their own pocket without exception. (They wouldn’t even accept free WIFI to facilitate their vlogging about their travels.) Bob and Holly have an amazing cruise background. 61 cruises to-date including very high-end cruise lines, with plenty more booked. In fact, what motivated me to reach out to Innocents Abroad—Bob and I are friends and followers on social media—he posted that he and Holly were on a 120-day (!) grand tour of cruising in Europe and a wee bit in the Caribbean. They just arrived home, and I am delighted to bring Bob and Holly to the listeners. Listen at www.thejoyofcruisingpodcast.com Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html Book Cruises https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingPodcast-BookACruise US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast) The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruising Cruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterrupted The Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgain Intl Orders via Amazon |
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