Professor Melissa's Cruise Pod

Cruise Prices, Storms & Sandals

What does Royal Caribbean’s $3 billion Sandals deal mean for cruisers, and what other cruise changes could affect your next vacation?*Royal Caribbean Group is buying a 50

5 Worst Things About Cruising to Puerto Plata

Is Puerto Plata one of the best cruise ports in the Dominican Republic, or are there a few things you should know first? We discuss the five worst and five best things a

Costa Maya: 5 Worst And 5 Best

Is Costa Maya still worth visiting before Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico changes this Western Caribbean cruise port? We discuss five downsides and five reasons Cos

5 Worst and Best Things About Cruising to Cozumel

Is Cozumel really paradise, or are there a few things cruisers should know first?** We discuss the five worst and five best things about cruising to Cozumel, including s

Travel Agent TRUTH

Can almost anyone really become a travel agent, and what should you know before signing with a host agency? We discuss travel agent startup costs, commission splits, mont

Panama Canal Cruise: What I Wish I Knew Before Going

**Are you sure your Panama Canal cruise actually goes through the canal?** Full transits, partial transits, and Panama port calls can offer very different experiences. W

Cruise Pet Peeves: The Worst Things Passengers Do

What cruise ship behavior instantly ruins the mood of your vacation? From chair hogs reserving empty pool loungers to crowded elevators, buffet hygiene problems, loud Blu

Your Cruise Is Overbooked: Here’s What Actually Happens

Can Royal Caribbean take away a cruise you already booked? We explain what overbooking emails mean, why cruise lines ask for volunteers, whether GTY cabins face more risk

Do You Actually Need Cruise Travel Insurance?

Could travel insurance protect your cruise budget, or leave you with thousands in uncovered costs? We discuss what cruise travel insurance actually covers, why trip cance

The Honest Truth About Becoming a Travel Agent

Big news, and I wanted you to hear it from me first. After years as a travel agent myself, and helping thousands of you start and grow your own travel businesses, I final

Best Nassau Beach Club Day Passes for Cruisers

Is Junkanoo Beach really the best free Nassau cruise port day, or is a resort day pass worth the money? Nassau has plenty of cruise day pass options, but the price, loca

The Truth About the MSC Sea Ships

Which MSC Sea ship is the best value and actually worth booking? In this video, we discuss MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore, and MSC Seascape, including what all f

Alaska Cruise Budget Guide: Where to Spend, Save, and Upgrade

Are you spending your Alaska cruise budget where it matters most? We discuss which ports are easy to explore on your own, where paid excursions in Juneau and Skagway may

Cruising Isn't All Inclusive Anymore

Are cruise vacations still a good value when so many “included” perks now come with a separate charge? Cruising used to feel simple, but in 2026, many cruise lines are ch

Should You Actually Remove Your Auto Gratuities?

Should you keep automatic cruise gratuities on your bill, remove them at guest services, or tip crew members directly in cash? Cruise tipping has become one of the most d

Is Carnival Still the Best Value in Cruising?

Is Carnival still the best value cruise line, or has the math changed? In this video, we look at why Carnival’s low base fares still matter, but why gratuities, drink pac

Are Cruise Ships Really Floating Petri Dishes?

Are cruise ships really floating petri dishes, or do they just get blamed more when illness makes headlines? Let's talk more! **Disgusting Things People Saw on Cruise Sh

Do You Actually Need to Pay for Anything at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas Review: Genius Design, One Big Problem

Star of the Seas rocked my world and is the *almost* perfect ship. It just has one massive flaw, and if you cruise with kids, it’s one you probably should know about.

9 Things Only Pro Cruisers Know First Timer Guide

What if your first cruise could feel easier before you even get to the port? A smoother cruise starts with a few smart choices before embarkation day. In this video, we d