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 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
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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 |
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