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

Why three-toed sloths risk their lives to help moths

3 days ago | nationalgeographic.com | Doug Parker

For centuries, people encountering sloths for the first time have reacted by ridiculing them.
15 Things to Know

5 days ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

If you’re new to Celestyal Cruises, you’re in for a different kind of cruise experience. For one, it prioritizes time in port over time at sea, cultural immersion over big-name stage shows, and personal touches over mass-market scale. Celestyal Journey, the fleet’s freshly refurbished mid-sized ship, relaunched in 2023 and carries fewer than 1,300 guests. That smaller size translates to a more relaxed pace, shorter lines, and access to ports the big ships skip.
A Carnival Cruise in November is Now Adults Only

2 weeks ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

Carnival Cruise Line is changing course for one of its upcoming voyages. The November 1, 2025, sailing aboard Carnival Magic has been reclassified as a Casino Event cruise and will now be adults-only, allowing only guests aged 21 and up. The change was announced via an official letter sent to booked passengers on May 20.
MSC Cruises Overhauls Specialty Dining With Fixed Pricing and Flexible Packages

2 weeks ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

MSC Cruises has rolled out a new era of specialty dining across its fleet, aiming to simplify the experience and boost value for guests. The updates, announced on May 21, include fixed-price menus and fully customizable dining packages available on most MSC ships. The new model centers around guest flexibility and price transparency. At most specialty venues, diners can now enjoy a three-course meal—starter, main, and dessert—for one fixed price.
Casino on a Cruise Ship: Sail, Spin, and Win at Sea

2 weeks ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

Picture this: ocean views, a cocktail in hand, and a blackjack table, all on a cruise ship. Cruise casinos mix luxury travel with real-money gaming, offering slot machines, poker, and more at sea. Whether you’re new or experienced, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll cover the games, rules at sea, top cruise lines, and tips to help you play smart. Cruise ship casinos mix gambling fun with the luxury of a sea trip.
Cruise Ship Gambling: Rules, Games, and Responsible Play

3 weeks ago | cruiseradio.net | Doug Parker

Many Australian cruise passengers plan their vacations around cruise ship casinos, where gambling in international waters operates outside typical legal restrictions. At the same time, you can take in the beauty of the sea and the surrounding nature while enjoying the company of friends or fellow travelers. Let’s look at some cruise casino rules, games, and other aspects of this type of gambling.
Mexico Sets $5 Cruise Passenger Tax for July 1 After Industry Pushback

1 month 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 month 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 month 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

1 month 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.