Episode 176: Go Ahead, Pet the Pretty Cruise Ship

Disney is doubling down on Alaska, and MSC is trying to completely change the way Americans think about cruising. We start with Disney Cruise Line adding a second ship to Alaska, then bring in MSC Cruises’ Laura Okonowski to talk about the launch of MSC World America—a brand-new ship built specifically for the U.S. market with 19 restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, family entertainment, and a 250-foot slide dropping from Deck 11 toward the promenade. Yes, apparently taking the stairs is now optional.Laura also explains the thinking behind MSC’s “Let’s Holiday” campaign and why the cruise line is blending European style with the comforts American travelers expect. We get into MSC World America’s upcoming entertainment—including Dirty Dancing Live and a Queen tribute—plus MSC Seascape’s move to Galveston and the aggressive pricing MSC is using to get attention in Texas. Laura even says some of their Galveston cruise fares are roughly 30% below a major competitor, which leads to one of those conversations you probably won’t hear in a standard cruise-line brochure.Then we revisit Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, which is heading in for a much-needed refurbishment. Patrick and Mark talk about what worked, what definitely needs help, and somehow end up debating how many Burger in Paradise burgers Patrick managed to eat during a two-night cruise. We also look at Italy’s proposed crackdown on fake hotel and restaurant reviews, including a plan that could require travelers to prove they actually stayed or ate somewhere before posting a review.And if Southeast Asia has been sitting on your travel wish list, the cruise deal of the week may get your attention. We break down an AmaWaterways Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia aboard the 128-guest AmaDara, with access to Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. Select dates start at $2,089 per person, with the option to save up to $1,500 or choose a two-for-one land package—making this one of the most interesting ways we’ve seen to experience that part of the world without giving up the comfort of a river cruise.This episode of The Vacation Nerd Podcast and Radio Show is presented by Rampage Rental & Repair!  Headed to St. George, Utah? Get out and RIDE! Rent or buy your Ebike at Rampage Rental & Repair—or get your own bike tuned up and trail-ready.Cruise Snow Canyon, ride the Virgin River Trail, or explore Kayenta.Reserve your ebike ride today! Call 435-767-2003 or book at RampageRentalRepair.com.Rampage Rental & Repair—gear up, get out, and RIDE! Support the showThank you for taking the time to listen to the show.  There are literally thousands of podcasts from which you can choose, yet you listened to this show.The entire purpose of this podcast is to help people plan and book their next vacation or give listeners ideas of where they might consider going on vacation next.  Our goal is to help our listeners live their lives deliberately and intentionally.  You only get one shot at life so you might as well make it count.  Make memories with those that matter most to you.TAKE ACTION:  Quit talking about going on vacation, just do it.  If you want more information about any of the destinations we discussed during the show, or have your own custom vacation in mind, I can help you.  Please call, text, or email me.  Here's my contact information:Patrick WiscombeCell/Text:  (801) 874-7717Email:  [email protected] Vacation Nerd (Audio Podcast):  https://www.thevacationnerd.co/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheVacationNerdFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/patrick.wiscombeInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/patrick.wiscombeThreads:  https://www.threads.com/@pa...