Doug Parker

Florida

Executive Producer and Host at Cruise Radio

Executive Producer and Host at Cruise Radio News Briefs

Cruise industry reporter with 15+ years experience. Have a story? [email protected]

Articles

Mexico Sets $5 Cruise Passenger Tax for July 1 After Industry Pushback

1 week ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

Mexico has drastically reduced its proposed cruise passenger tax from $42 to just $5 per person, following pushback from port communities and cruise industry leaders. The new rate, part of the Derecho de No Residente (DNR) initiative, will take effect July 1, 2025. Initially announced in late 2024, the $42 fee drew immediate concern from officials in major cruise ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya (Mahahual), who warned it could stop cruise ships from visiting Mexico.
Carnival Cruise Director Schedule 2025 - See Who’s On Your Ship

1 week ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

Who is your cruise director on Carnival Cruise Line? Find out easily in our Cruise Director Schedule, which is organized clearly by ship. Quickly see who’s aboard your next cruise and their scheduled dates. Carnival Adventure joined the fleet in 2025, bringing exciting new features and fresh entertainment options. Cruise directors Michelle O’Callaghan (through June 12), Abbie Lockett (May 30–Sept 30 and again Nov 24–Mar 23), and Felipe Do Couto (Sept 22–Nov 24).
Downtown Fire Destroys Buildings Near Nassau Cruise Port in Bahamas

1 week ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

A large fire broke out Thursday evening just blocks from the Nassau Cruise Port, engulfing multiple buildings along Bay Street and destroying at least a dozen apartment-style homes. The blaze started shortly after 7 p.m. local time near the Victoria Court building and spread through the densely packed area into the early morning hours. East Bay Street, where cruise passengers arrive in Nassau, is just 900 feet from the site.
From Ocean Views to Stage Lights: What Cruise Entertainers Can Learn from Eurovision’s Boldest Acts

2 weeks ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

Performers on cruise ships face a unique challenge—entertaining in a wide range of venues, from poolside shows to grand theaters. However, they might take inspiration and heart from performances in high places such as Eurovision contests. In terms of acts, Eurovision has had plenty that are well worth imitating.
Singapore to Batam Ferry Timings: Complete Departure Schedule

2 weeks ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

Looking to plan your trip across the Singapore Strait? Ferries from Singapore to Batam offer a fast and scenic way to reach this Indonesian island getaway. Whether you’re commuting for business or heading for a relaxing weekend, having a clear understanding of ferry timings, ports, and operators can make your journey seamless. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the Singapore to Batam ferry time options efficiently.
Royal Caribbean Passenger Caught Smuggling Fentanyl at Galveston Cruise Port

2 weeks ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

A baggage check at the Galveston Cruise Port on Easter Sunday led to the arrest of a Royal Caribbean passenger suspected of drug smuggling. The Galveston County Daily News reported that the suspect was Jeffery Don Conkey, 63, of Henderson, Texas, who was arrested, citing court records. It said he was a guest aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas. It wasn’t a random baggage inspection.
Port Canaveral Breaks Record With Nearly 1 Million Cruisers in a Month

3 weeks ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

Port Canaveral set a new monthly record with 925,994 cruise passengers in March, a 16% increase over last year. The milestone positions the Central Florida port to a projected 8.4 million passenger movements in Fiscal Year 2025, up from 7.6 million in FY2024. Located within an hour of Orlando’s theme parks and the Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral continues to draw drive-to cruisers.
Royal Caribbean Balcony Guests Are Being Offered a Genie-Style Upsell Package

3 weeks ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

Balcony guests on select Freedom of the Seas sailings are being offered a surprising new upsell: Royal Genie-style perks, typically reserved for the most expensive suites, now available a la carte — for a price. Cruise Radio learned about the offer from a reader who booked on a short June cruise to CocoCay and Nassau. While checking the My Royal Cruise planner, they spotted a “Royal Genie Package” listed under the VIP Passes tab, despite being in a standard balcony stateroom. The price?
How to Make Travel Photos Look Professional: Cruise Edition

3 weeks ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

Taking cruise photos is a wonderful way to encapsulate the experiences, vistas, cultures, and special moments. This genre may scare people with no photography experience because of changing environments. However, some basic knowledge, constant practice, and creativity will help you capture remarkable travel pictures. This guide explores travel photography editing techniques to transform your cruise snapshots into professional-looking visual masterpieces.
Carnival Cruise Food Guide: Menus, Restaurants, and Dining Options Across the Fleet

3 weeks ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

Looking for the full breakdown of Carnival cruise food and dining options? This guide covers every restaurant, eatery, and menus across Carnival Cruise Line’s ships. From complimentary quick bites to specialty dining by celebrity chefs, you’ll find prices, meal times, and what to expect at each location. Whether you’re cruising on Mardi Gras, Celebration, or any other Carnival ship, this guide helps you plan where (and what) to eat during your cruise vacation.