TravelStories Episode 84: A Tale of Two Cruises

Summary

Tom Kim and Trevor Mountcastle compare two very different cruise experiences, one on Norwegian in the Caribbean and one on Princess in Europe. The episode is useful if you care about cruise line differences, private islands, food quality, port logistics, and how loyalty status and onboard programs can change the experience.

We discuss why one trip was relaxing but disappointing on food, while the other delivered stronger dining, better port stops, and a more polished overall experience. Trevor also shares several practical travel notes from hotels, airports, lounges, and transfers along the way.

Key Points From This Episode:

00:00 - Cruise update intro and why they have not talked cruises in a while

02:29 - Norwegian Getaway weekend itinerary out of Miami

03:49 - Club Suite booking and what the cabin actually included

05:04 - Relaxing family trip, but the food was a major problem

07:05 - Great Stirrup Key’s docked arrival versus tendering

08:25 - Why Great Stirrup Key exceeded expectations

10:02 - Island layout, pool area, bars, and food walk to the beach

12:27 - Main criticism of Norwegian food quality

13:27 - Great Stirrup Key expansion and the private island arms race

14:30 - Cruise pricing, early booking, and supply and demand

17:18 - Caribbean cruise competition across major ports

19:07 - European cruise setup: Lyon, EasyJet, and Athens

21:14 - EasyJet delay, airport breakfast, and free onboard purchases

24:41 - Grand Hyatt Athens and elite status value

27:57 - Transfer to Piraeus and boarding the Sun Princess

29:14 - Princess Sphere Class and why the line feels more premium

30:28 - Dining on Princess, including the Crown Grill

31:47 - Princess casino policy and how it differs from Norwegian

33:07 - Princess points, free drinks, and better comp opportunities

34:48 - Santorini excursion and the risk of tendering there

36:27 - Bar Montenegro and why Kotor is the more interesting stop

39:33 - Corfu, old town, and Prince Philip connection

41:41 - Messina, the clock tower show, and arancini

43:50 - Cannoli in Sicily and why fresh-to-order matters

46:09 - Sicily, Catania, and why the island deserves more time

48:30 - Barcelona departure, airport lounges, and Priority Pass meals

50:44 - Emirates Gold, Priority Pass, and keeping card benefits alive

52:44 - Air France return, mobility assistance, and smooth immigration

54:46 - Charles de Gaulle heat and Europe’s air conditioning problem

56:24 - Final thoughts on Princess, medallion tech, and Alaska plans

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Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post: 

• Trevor’s quick weekend Norwegian cruise out of Miami on the Norwegian Getaway, with Nassau and Great Stirrup Key as the two stops
• Why the Norwegian booking was unusual: paid cash, weekend timing, and a Club Suite that was cheaper t