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Magically Cruising Cruise Podcast

Cruise News, Tips and Reviews


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  • 83. Looking back on 2025, and what we are looking forward to in 2026

    01:02:07||Ep. 83
    In this episode of the podcast, Sarah and Kieran reflect on a huge year of travel, cruising and unforgettable ships, from Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line to Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages.They talk honestly about favourite cruise ships, how cruise pricing really works, why booking early often beats last-minute deals, and how cruise lines continue to evolve with new ships, dining concepts and onboard experiences.This episode covers:🚢 Royal Caribbean vs Disney Cruise Line, what makes each specialšŸŒ How cruise itineraries can matter more than the shipšŸ’° Cruise pricing, sales, packages & why prices fluctuatešŸ½ļø Dining packages, all-inclusive fares & value for moneyšŸŽ­ Entertainment, shows & onboard atmosphere comparisonsā„ļø Winter sun cruises, Caribbean favourites & Alaska cruisingšŸ›³ļø Why some cruise lines feel ā€œfunā€ and others more traditionalāœˆļø Ports, embarkation cities & itinerary planning tipsšŸŽ¢ Cruising for families, couples & repeat cruisersSarah and Kieran share personal cruise experiences, lessons learned after 25+ cruises, and what keeps them excited about cruising year after year — including new ships, evolving onboard experiences, and upcoming sailings.Check out this tour of the Odyssey of the Seas https://minitravellers.co.uk/photo-tour-and-review-of-odyssey-of-the-seas/Book a Cruise with a UK Agent https://magical-traveller.comFor Cruise Tips. Cruising With Kids. https://cruisingkids.co.uk/See Magical Traveller on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@UCBOqXqrrrYnUGk6H2AVk9Zg And Mini Travellers on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MiniTravellers

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  • 82. Cruising for Everyone: How Cruise Lines Handle Allergies, Disabilities & More

    57:22||Ep. 82
    🌟 Welcome back to Magically Cruising – The Cruise Podcast! 🌟In this week’s episode, Kieran and Sarah dive into a topic that matters to so many cruisers: accessibility, inclusivity, and how cruise lines support guests with medical needs, dietary requirements, allergies, and more.Kieran, a travel agent specialising in cruises and Disney travel, and Sarah, a cruise writer at Mini Travellers and Cruising With Kids, share real experiences, expert insights, and honest opinions on how different cruise lines cater to a wide range of needs on board.šŸŽ™ļø In This Episode We Cover:• Why cruising can be one of the most inclusive ways to travel• How cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Disney and Virgin Voyages approach accessibility• Dietary needs at sea: gluten-free, allergies, food safety & restaurant experiences• First-hand stories about travelling with Type 1 Diabetes• How to prepare BEFORE you sail, including medical equipment, sharps bins, special diets & sensory needs• Which cruise lines excel… and where improvements are still needed• The realities of buffets, speciality dining, and consistency between ships• How to advocate for yourself or your family on board• Why early communication with the cruise line makes all the difference• The truth about accessible cabins and why they show up in general inventory• Plus: celiac cruises, sourcing special foods, and what cruise lines will actually do if they can’t meet essential dietary or medical requirementsWhether you’re travelling with allergies, mobility needs, sensory needs, chronic conditions, or you’re just curious about how inclusive cruising REALLY is, this episode has something for you.Get Cruise Reviews Here https://minitravellers.co.uk/category/cruise/ Book A Cruise https://magical-traveller.com/Cruise Tips https://cruisingkids.co.uk/Read about Kieran's time sailing in China with Royal Caribbean:- https://magical-traveller.com/day-two-how-chinese-is-spectrum-of-the-seas
  • 81. Royal Caribbean’s 2027 Europe Deployment, What’s Coming & Why We’re Excited

    56:06||Ep. 81
    In this week’s episode of Magically Cruising: The Cruise Podcast, Kieran and Sarah dive into the freshly announced Royal Caribbean 2027 deployment, and trust us, there is a lot to get excited about!Together, we break down the headline news everyone’s talking about: Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship, is not only returning to Europe but sailing for the entire 2027 season.We chat about why this is such a big deal, how it compares to previous new-ship seasons, and what makes Icon Class feel revolutionary rather than just evolutionary.But that’s not all — we also dig into the more controversial talking point of the week: the return of Mariner of the Seas to the UK. Is she an ā€œold shipā€, or a well-loved Royal Caribbean classic with incredible features, a fab renovation, and one of the best atmospheres at sea? (Spoiler: we think the negativity is totally undeserved!)We explore:✨ Why Mariner is perfect for UK families✨ How ship renovations make a world of difference✨ The realities of sailing from UK ports and why Oasis-class ships will never be based here✨ What itineraries you can expect in 2027 — from Norwegian Fjords to Spain & FrancePlus, Sarah reveals she’s already booked not one but two Royal Caribbean cruises for 2027… and Kieran may or may not be sneaking in a surprise sailing of his own.If you're a Royal Caribbean fan (or just cruise-curious!), this episode is packed with insight, excitement and honest opinions from two seasoned cruisers who know the European market inside out.šŸŽ™ Hosts:Kieran Miller, Independent Travel Agent, Disney & North America Cruise SpecialistSarah Christie, Cruise writer at Mini Travellers, Cruising With Kids at MSN, co-host of Magically CruisingSee us over on Mini Travellers for more cruise tips https://minitravellers.co.uk/?s=cruiseBook a Cruise with a UK Agent https://magical-traveller.comFor Cruise Tips. Cruising With Kids. https://cruisingkids.co.uk/See our tour on Mariner of the Seas https://minitravellers.co.uk/photo-tour-and-review-of-mariner-of-the-seas/Mariner of the Seas for Kids https://cruisingkids.co.uk/7-things-kids-will-love-about-mariner-of-the-seas/And Odyssey of the Seas https://minitravellers.co.uk/photo-tour-and-review-of-odyssey-of-the-seas/See Magical Traveller on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@UCBOqXqrrrYnUGk6H2AVk9ZgAnd Mini Travellers on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MiniTravellersView all the Royal Caribbean 2027 sailing dates and itineraries here https://magical-traveller.com/royal-caribbean-europe-2027šŸ‘‰ Subscribe to Magically Cruising for weekly cruise tips, reviews, and destination advice.
  • 80. The Truth About Sailing Spectrum of the Seas From China

    56:58||Ep. 80
    Join Kieran and Sarah on this week’s episode of Magically Cruising as we dive into an unforgettable adventure in China! Kieran recently returned from an incredible hosted trip, sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai to Japan. In this episode, we share:Insider tips for cruising in China Experiences exploring Shanghai, including local culture, shopping, and more What it’s like sailing on Spectrum of the Seas, including unique features, specialty dining, and must-see onboard highlights Tips for navigating Chinese apps, transport, and visas How Royal Caribbean makes international cruising seamless and stress-freeWhether you’re curious about cruising in China, love Royal Caribbean adventures, or just want travel inspiration, this episode is packed with insights and personal experiences you won’t want to miss!Want To Book Read This And Find Out More About Spectrum of the SeasšŸŽ™ Hosts:Kieran Miller, Independent Travel Agent, Disney & North America Cruise SpecialistSarah Christie, Cruise writer at Mini Travellers, Cruising With Kids at MSN, co-host of Magically CruisingSee us over on Mini Travellers for more cruise tips Book a Cruise with a UK Agent For Cruise Tips. Cruising With Kids. See Magical Traveller on YouTube. And Mini Travellers on YouTube šŸ‘‰ Subscribe to Magically Cruising for weekly cruise tips, reviews, and destination advice
  • 79. What is it actually like to sail with Disney Cruise Line

    01:05:52||Ep. 79
    This week, Kieran and Sarah dive into the magic of Disney Cruise Line, fresh off Kieran’s recent sailing on the Disney Fantasy around the Norwegian Fjords. From hidden Imagineering details to split bathrooms, incredible service, and the pure nostalgia that Disney brings at sea, this is an honest, detailed look at what makes Disney cruises so special.🚢 In This Episode:Why Disney Cruise Line has climbed back to the top of Kieran’s list šŸ†The difference between Disney and Virgin Voyages ✨ Behind-the-scenes insights The immaculate design, storytelling, and maintenance onboard Disney FantasyCabins, split bathrooms, service levels, and those magical little detailsWhat it’s really like sailing Disney in Norway šŸ‡³šŸ‡“Whether you’re a Disney fan planning your first cruise or a seasoned cruiser curious about what sets Disney apart, this episode is packed with insider tips, honest opinions, and plenty of cruise geekery.šŸŽ™ Hosts:Kieran, Independent Travel Agent, Disney & North America Cruise SpecialistSarah, Cruise writer at Mini Travellers & MSN, co-host of Magically CruisingSee us over on Mini Travellers for more cruise reviews https://minitravellers.co.uk/?s=cruise Book a Cruise with a UK Agent https://magical-traveller.comFor Cruise Tips. Cruising With Kids. https://cruisingkids.co.uk/See Magical Traveller on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@UCBOqXqrrrYnUGk6H2AVk9Zg And Mini Travellers on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MiniTravellersšŸ‘‰ Subscribe to Magically Cruising for weekly cruise tips, reviews, and destination advice.
  • 78. The Hidden Costs of Cruising: What’s Really Included on Your Cruise?

    52:51||Ep. 78
    Thinking of booking a cruise? Before you set sail, it’s important to know what’s really included in your fare—and what will cost extra once you’re onboard. In this episode ofĀ Magically Cruising: The Cruise Podcast, Kieran and Sarah dive into theĀ hidden costs of cruisingĀ that can surprise even experienced cruisers.We chat about:What’s included in your cruise fare (and what isn’t!)The real cost ofĀ drinks packages, dining plans, Wi-Fi & gratuitiesExcursions and onboard activities that can quickly add upHow different cruise lines likeĀ Royal Caribbean, Disney, Princess, Celebrity & Virgin VoyagesĀ handle extrasTips to budget smarter and avoid a shock at the end of your sailingWhether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned cruiser, this episode will help you plan, budget, and make the most of your next holiday at sea.
  • 77. Is Virgin Voyages Right for You? Brilliant Lady Might Surprise You

    43:46||Ep. 77
    Virgin Voyages has just revealed its fourth ship – Brilliant Lady – with some smart improvements, design tweaks, and bold new itineraries, including Alaska and the Panama Canal. But is she truly different from her sister ships, or just more of the same?In this week’s episode of Magically Cruising: The Cruise Podcast, Kieran (independent travel agent & cruise expert) and Sarah (family travel & cruise blogger at Mini Travellers) dive into what sets Brilliant Lady apart.Kieran shares his exclusive first impressions onboard, from upgraded cabin layouts and refreshed dining to entertainment changes and Virgin’s softer branding shift. We also explore her exciting new sailings across North America, Alaska, and beyond – plus whether these changes make Virgin Voyages more appealing to first-time cruisers.šŸ‘‰ If you’re wondering whether Brilliant Lady is worth booking, this episode gives you the insider details you need before deciding.What's new on Brilliant LadySee us over on Mini Travellers for more cruise tips https://minitravellers.co.uk/?s=cruiseBook a Cruise with a UK Agent https://magical-traveller.comSee Magical Traveller on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/⁨@MagicalTRVLR⁩ And Mini Travellers on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MiniTravellers