Ship Happens Raw

About Ship Happens Raw

The cruise industry has a lot of opinions. So do we. Ship Happens Raw is where Kat and Matt take the cruise topics everybody's talking about and throw them right in the middle of the table. We work in the travel industry. We cruise a lot. And we've learned that the loudest opinion in the room usually isn't the right one. No scripts. No corporate talking points. No pretending every cruise line is perfect. Just real conversations, strong opinions, and absolutely no guarantee we're going to agree with each other.

Publisher

Kat and Matt

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 May 2026

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Are Cruise Lines Making Included Food Worse to Sell Specialty Dining

   Are cruise lines making included cruise food worse to sell specialty dining?We recently sailed Mariner of the Seas and compared Royal Caribbean’s included dining with Chops Grille, Izumi, Johnny Rockets and Playmakers. Now we’re debating whether cruise specialty dining provides genuinely better choices—or puts the good food behind another paywall.Your cruise fare already includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. So why are passengers spending hundreds more on specialty restaurants?Tonight on Ship Happens Raw, we’re debating:• Whether specialty dining should exist• If included cruise food is getting worse• Main Dining Room food versus specialty dining• Chops Grille versus Izumi• Whether burgers, wings, pizza and room service should cost extra• Johnny Rockets and the price of casual cruise food• Whether Playmakers charges for food or atmosphere• Specialty-dining packages: great value or psychological trap• The best way to spend an additional $300 onboard• How much is too much for a specialty restaurant• Whether we would purchase specialty dining againMariner of the Seas provides the evidence, but this debate goes far beyond one Royal Caribbean ship.Are specialty restaurants improving cruising by providing more choices—or are cruise lines slowly conditioning us to pay extra for the food quality that should already be included?Join the live chat and tell us:Are you paying for a genuine upgrade—or paying twice for dinner?ESTIMATED CHAPTERS00:00 Are Cruise Lines Making Included Food Worse?05:00 Is Cruise Specialty Dining Worth It?13:00 Should Specialty Restaurants Even Exist?22:00 What Cruise Food Should Never Cost Extra?31:00 Chops Grille vs Izumi40:00 Is Playmakers Worth the Extra Cost?48:00 Specialty Dining Packages: Value or Trap?57:00 Dining, Excursion, Drinks or Cabin Upgrade?65:00 How Much Is Too Much for Specialty Dining?72:00 Are We Paying Extra for the Good Food?Looking for your next cruise?Cruise Search:https://katandmattgetaways.cruisebrothers.com/cb/Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/cw/KatandMattFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/katandmattgetaways/Website:https://katandmattgetaways.comAmazon Storefront:https://a.co/d/08Y8M6TbIf you enjoy honest cruise debates, practical cruise advice and live conversations where agreeing with us is never required, subscribe and join us for Ship Happens Raw.Cruise Smarter. Not Harder.#CruiseSpecialtyDining #RoyalCaribbean #ShipHappensRaw

2. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Margaritaville at Sea Is Betting Big on Galveston Will It Work

   Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber is coming to Galveston in October 2027—but it isn’t a brand-new cruise ship.The ship currently operates as Costa Fortuna, which originally entered service in 2003. After being converted and rebranded for Margaritaville at Sea, Beachcomber is scheduled to begin sailing from Miami on January 9, 2027, before repositioning to Galveston in October 2027.Beachcomber will become the largest ship in the Margaritaville at Sea fleet. Islander remains the cruise line’s current newest ship and flagship until Beachcomber officially joins the brand.From Galveston, Beachcomber is scheduled to offer four-to-seven-night cruises with itineraries including familiar Western Caribbean destinations and less-common options for Texas cruisers. Depending on the sailing, announced destinations include Cozumel, Progreso, Roatán, Belize, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Key West, Veracruz, Aruba and Curaçao.The ship will also introduce Same Boat, a live-music venue developed with Zac Brown, along with entertainment and programming created specifically for the Texas market.On paper, Margaritaville and Galveston should be a natural fit. Texas has an enormous drive-to-cruise market, Galveston continues to grow, and the Margaritaville combination of music, drinks and casual fun fits the Gulf Coast.But Margaritaville isn’t entering an empty market.Beachcomber will face established competition from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, Princess and MSC. Those cruise lines already offer Texas passengers established loyalty programs, newer ships and products cruisers recognize.Tonight on Ship Happens Raw, we’re debating:• Why Margaritaville at Sea chose Galveston• What the former Costa Fortuna will become as Beachcomber• Whether a refurbished 2003-built ship can compete in Texas• Beachcomber versus Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, Princess and MSC• Four-to-seven-night Margaritaville cruises from Galveston• Whether the announced itineraries provide enough variety• Same Boat, the live-music venue developed with Zac Brown• Whether Texas-focused entertainment is smart or painfully forced• How Margaritaville must price Beachcomber• Who should—and should not—book this ship• Whether we would personally sail Beachcomber from GalvestonThis isn’t simply another cruise line adding another ship. Margaritaville at Sea is taking an existing vessel, rebuilding it around its brand and placing it in one of the most competitive cruise markets in America.Can Margaritaville offer Texas cruisers something genuinely different—or are they expecting a famous name, Texas-themed entertainment and frozen drinks to carry an older ship?Join the live debate and tell us:Is Margaritaville at Sea making a brilliant move by coming to Galveston—or are they completely out of their minds?ESTIMATED CHAPTERS00:00 Margaritaville at Sea Is Coming to Galveston05:00 Costa Fortuna Becomes Margaritaville Beachcomber12:00 Beachcomber’s January 2027 Miami Debut18:00 Beachcomber’s October 2027 Galveston Arrival25:00 Can Margaritaville Compete in the Texas Cruise Market?34:00 Is a Refurbished 2003 Cruise Ship Good Enough?43:00 Zac Brown and Texas Entertainment on Beachcomber51:00 Margaritaville at Sea Galveston Itineraries60:00 How Much Should a Beachcomber Cruise Cost?68:00 Who Should Book Margaritaville Beachcomber?74:00 Brilliant Galveston Move or Massive Mistake?Looking for your next cruise?Cruise Search:https://katandmattgetaways.cruisebrothers.com/cb/Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/cw/KatandMattFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/katandmattgetaways/Website:https://katandmattgetaways.comAmazon Storefront:https://a.co/d/08Y8M6TbIf you enjoy honest cruise debates, practical cruise advice and live conversations where agreeing with us is never required, subscribe and join us for Ship Happens Raw.Cruise Smarter. Not Harder.

3. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Is Mariner of the Seas Still Worth It in 2026? #015 Ship Happens Raw

   Is Mariner of the Seas still worth booking in 2026? We recently spent five nights onboard Mariner of the Seas, and now we’re giving our honest Royal Caribbean cruise review while the experience is still fresh. Mariner is one of Royal Caribbean’s older Voyager-class ships. She doesn’t have the size, restaurants, or headline attractions of the newest ships—but does she still deliver a cruise worth booking? Tonight on Ship Happens Raw, we’re debating: • Our Mariner of the Seas cabin • The ship’s overall condition • Main Dining Room versus specialty dining • Entertainment and onboard activities • Service throughout the ship • The Mariner crew • Our best and worst experiences • Whether the cruise was worth the price • Who should—and should not—book Mariner This isn’t a polished Royal Caribbean brochure or a review based on a quick ship tour. We lived onboard for five nights, celebrated a birthday, and experienced what Mariner actually offers in 2026. By the end, we’ll answer the questions that matter: Is Mariner of the Seas worth the price—and would we book her again? Join the live debate and tell us: Would you book Mariner of the Seas in 2026, or are you sticking with Royal Caribbean’s newer ships? CHAPTERS 00:00 Is Mariner of the Seas Worth It in 2026? 05:00 Our Five-Night Mariner of the Seas Cruise 10:00 Mariner of the Seas Cabin Review 18:00 Mariner of the Seas Ship Condition 27:00 Main Dining Room vs Specialty Dining 38:00 Mariner of the Seas Entertainment 47:00 Royal Caribbean Service Onboard 54:00 The Mariner of the Seas Crew 60:00 Best and Worst Parts of Mariner 68:00 Was Mariner Worth the Price? 74:00 Who Should Book Mariner of the Seas? 78:00 Would We Sail Mariner Again? Plan Your Next Cruise Cruise Search: https://katandmattgetaways.cruisebrothers.com/cb/ Website: https://katandmattgetaways.com Email: matt.lajoie@katandmattgetaways.com kat.lajoie@katandmattgetaways.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/KatandMatt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katandmattgetaways Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katandmattgetaways/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katandmatt1 Amazon Storefront: https://a.co/d/08Y8M6Tb](https://a.co/d/08Y8M6Tb As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases made through our storefront at no additional cost to you. If you enjoy honest cruise reviews, practical cruise advice, and live conversations where agreeing with us is never required, subscribe and join us for Ship Happens Raw. Cruise Smarter. Not Harder. #MarinerOfTheSeas #RoyalCaribbean #ShipHappensRaw

4. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Ship Happens Raw #014 Are We Packing Too Much for Cruises?

   Are we packing too much for our cruise?Cruise packing lists are packed with “must-have” essentials: magnetic hooks, packing cubes, towel clips, portable fans, over-the-door organizers, power strips, wrinkle-release spray—and enough backup clothes to survive a maritime apocalypse.But do cruisers really need all this stuff?Welcome to Ship Happens Raw, where we skip the polished travel-brochure answers and have the honest cruise conversations people are already having.We sail this Saturday, the suitcases are open, and Kat and Matt are facing the same debate that happens before nearly every cruise: Are we packing useful cruise essentials—or hauling around a pile of stuff because Facebook groups, packing videos, and Amazon lists told us we needed it?Tonight, we’re putting popular cruise gadgets, packing hacks, and so-called essentials on trial. Which items genuinely make a cruise easier? Which ones never leave the cabin? And when does being prepared turn into packing for a three-month expedition?We’ll also share answers from our Facebook community, take your live votes, and reveal the things we continue packing even though we know damn well we probably won’t use them.Now it’s your turn:What’s ONE thing cruisers pack—but really don’t need?Tell us in the comments and be ready to defend your answer. Someone in the chat probably considers it essential.Plan Your Next CruiseCruise Search:https://katandmattgetaways.cruisebrothers.com/cb/Website:https://katandmattgetaways.comEmail:[matt.lajoie@katandmattgetaways.com](mailto:matt.lajoie@katandmattgetaways.com)[kat.lajoie@katandmattgetaways.com](mailto:kat.lajoie@katandmattgetaways.com)Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/cw/KatandMattFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/katandmattgetawaysInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/katandmattgetaways/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@katandmatt1Amazon Storefront:https://a.co/d/08Y8M6TbAs an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases made through our storefront at no additional cost to you.If our channel helps you Cruise Smarter. Not Harder., subscribe and join us for honest cruise advice, destination guides, travel tips, live conversations, and new episodes of Ship Happens Raw—where the opinions are honest, the audience gets a vote, and agreeing with us is never required.#CruisePacking #CruiseTips #ShipHappensRaw

5. 

   3 Sept 2026

   Ship Happens Raw #013 - We Spent $400 on This Cozumel Excursion—Here Is What Actually Happened

   We paid nearly $400 for two people to combine an RZR tour in Cozumel with a day at Kuza Beach. Was this one of the best Cozumel excursions we’ve booked—or an overpriced beach day with a side of dust?During our recent Mariner of the Seas cruise, we traded the usual Cozumel beach day for an excursion that promised two experiences: an off-road RZR adventure followed by time at Kuza Beach.At roughly $200 per person, this wasn’t a cheap day in port. Tonight on Ship Happens Raw, we’re breaking down the entire Kuza Beach and RZR experience to decide whether it delivered enough adventure, food, drinks, beach time, service, and overall value to justify that price.We’re debating:• What the Kuza Beach and RZR excursion actually included• Transportation, check-in and organization• How much time we really spent driving the RZR• Whether the RZR portion felt exciting or rushed• Kuza Beach, the facilities and overall atmosphere• Food, drinks and service• The best and worst parts of the experience• Additional costs beyond the excursion price• Whether $200 per person was reasonable• Who should book this Cozumel excursion—and who should skip it• Whether we would pay $400 to do it againThis isn’t a sponsored Kuza Beach review or a polished excursion advertisement. We paid for the experience, spent the day doing it, and now Kat and Matt are comparing what was promised with what we actually received.Join the live debate and tell us:Would you pay $200 per person for an RZR adventure and Kuza Beach—or is $400 too much for one day in Cozumel?CHAPTERS00:00 Was Our $400 Cozumel Excursion Worth It?05:00 Why We Booked Kuza Beach and the RZR Tour11:00 What the Cozumel Excursion Included18:00 Transportation, Check-In and Organization25:00 Our Cozumel RZR Tour Experience36:00 Kuza Beach Cozumel Review45:00 Food, Drinks, Facilities and Service53:00 Best and Worst Parts of the Excursion61:00 Was Kuza Beach and RZR Worth $200 Per Person?68:00 Who Should Book This Cozumel Excursion?73:00 Would We Pay $400 to Do It Again?Looking for your next cruise?Cruise Search:https://katandmattgetaways.cruisebrothers.com/cb/Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/cw/KatandMattFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/katandmattgetaways/Website:https://katandmattgetaways.comAmazon Storefront:https://a.co/d/08Y8M6TbAs an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases made through our storefront at no additional cost to you.If you enjoy honest cruise reviews, practical travel advice, and live conversations where agreeing with us is never required, subscribe and join us for Ship Happens Raw.Cruise Smarter. Not Harder.#CozumelExcursion #KuzaBeach #ShipHappensRaw

6. 

   7 Aug 2026

   Ship Happens Raw #012 What's the BEST Meal You've Ever Had on a Cruise?

   What's the best meal you've ever had on a cruise?Was it a perfectly cooked steak in a specialty restaurant? A lobster dinner in the Main Dining Room? A Guy's Burger that somehow lived up to the hype? Or maybe it wasn't the food at all—it was who you were sharing it with.Welcome to Ship Happens Raw, where we skip the polished travel brochure and have the conversations cruisers are already having.Tonight we're talking about the meals we still think about long after we've unpacked our suitcases. From included dining to specialty restaurants, hidden gems to overrated favorites, we're sharing our picks, reading your comments, and debating whether paying extra always means eating better.As always, the best part of the show is hearing from you. We'll be featuring answers from our Facebook community, taking your live votes, and seeing if your favorite cruise meal matches ours.So tell us in the comments...What's the BEST meal you've ever had on a cruise?Be sure to include:The shipThe restaurantWhat you orderedWhether you'd order it againPlan Your Next CruiseCruise Search:https://katandmattgetaways.cruisebrothers.com/cb/Website:https://katandmattgetaways.comEmail:kandmgetaways@gmail.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/katandmattgetawaysInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/katandmattgetaways/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@katandmatt1Amazon Storefront:https://a.co/d/08Y8M6TbIf our channel helps you Cruise Smarter. Not Harder., we'd love to have you join our community. Subscribe for honest cruise advice, destination guides, live shows, travel tips, and new episodes of Ship Happens Raw.Chapters00:00 Welcome & Intro02:15 What's the BEST Meal You've Ever Had on a Cruise?08:40 Matt's Favorite Cruise Meals17:55 Kat's Favorite Cruise Meals27:18 Included vs. Specialty Dining38:42 Your Favorite Cruise Meals49:31 Cruise Food Hot Takes58:16 The Lifeboat Round1:05:47 Final Thoughts & Community Wrap-Up#cruise #cruises #cruisefood #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruise #norwegiancruise #princesscruises #msccruises #celebritycruises #shiphappensraw

7. 

   26 Jul 2026

   Ship Happens RAW #011 Are Cruise Gratuities a Scam

   Most cruise podcasts tell you what happened.Ship Happens Raw asks whether it actually matters.Hosted by Kat and Matt, this is the show where cruise news, industry changes, passenger behavior, loyalty programs, drink packages, and the latest cruise drama get pulled apart from every angle.Sometimes we'll agree.Most of the time we don't.That's kind of the point.If you're looking for cruise conversations with strong opinions, real-world experience, and zero interest in corporate talking points, pull up a chair.Welcome to Ship Happens Raw.

8. 

   17 Jul 2026

   Ship Happens Raw #010 | If You Could Relive ONE Cruise... Which Would You Choose?

   *Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Alaska cruises, Caribbean cruises, Mediterranean cruises, Greek Isles cruises... if you could only sail ONE cruise ship and itinerary again, which would you choose?** Tonight on Ship Happens Raw, Matt and Kat tackle one of the toughest cruise questions we've ever asked.If someone handed you a boarding pass today with one catch—you had to repeat a cruise you've already taken—which ship and itinerary would you choose?Would you go back because of the ship?The destination?The people you sailed with?Or are you really chasing a memory that can never be recreated?Tonight we'll debate:• Can your first cruise ever be topped?• Is the ship more important than the destination?• Would your favorite cruise still be your favorite if you sailed it today?• Are we remembering the vacation... or the season of life we were in?• Can lightning strike twice on the same cruise?This week's episode is powered by hundreds of answers from our Facebook community. We'll be sharing the funniest, most surprising, and most heartfelt responses while putting you in the driver's seat with live polls throughout the night.Whether your favorite cruise was through Alaska, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, Mexico, or somewhere completely unexpected, we want to hear your story.**If you could only cruise ONE ship and itinerary again... which would it be, and why?**This isn't a review show.This isn't a rankings show.This is **Ship Happens Raw**—where real cruisers have real conversations about the vacations we never forget.00:00 Welcome to Ship Happens Raw02:05 If You Could Only Cruise ONE Ship Again...06:18 Matt's Pick: The Cruise I'd Relive11:02 Kat's Pick: Would You Choose the Same?16:45 What Really Makes a Cruise Unforgettable?23:10 Ship vs. Destination: Which Matters More?29:40 The Facebook Community Weighs In36:55 The Most Surprising Cruise Memories43:30 If You Could Change One Thing...50:18 Lightning Round: Cruise Favorites56:42 Final Poll Results1:01:35 Until We See You Again... Remember... Ship HappensFollow K&M for more cruise content:Website:https://katandmattgetaways.comBook Your Next Cruise:https://katandmattgetaways.cruisebrothers.com/cb/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/katandmattgetaways/Amazon Storefront:https://a.co/d/08Y8M6TbPatreon : https://www.patreon.com/c/KatandMattUntil we see you again... remember...Ship Happens.#cruise #cruiseship #alaskacruise #caribbeancruise #mediterraneancruise #greekisles #bahamascruise #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruise #norwegiancruise #travelpodcast #shiphappensraw

9. 

   10 Jul 2026

   Ship Happens Raw #009 | 79,000 Cruisers Answered This Question! We Didn't Expect These Results

   Cruise drink packages. Specialty dining. Spa treatments. WiFi. Priority boarding. Candy stores. We asked cruisers one simple question:What's the ONE thing you'll never pay for on a cruise again?What happened next caught us completely off guard.More than 79,000 people saw the post, over 10,000 reacted, and more than 1,000 comments poured in.We thought we knew exactly what the number one answer would be.We were wrong.This week on Ship Happens RAW, we're reacting to the cruise community's biggest regrets, hottest takes, funniest confessions, and the comments that stopped us in our tracks. From expensive spa treatments and drink package debates to candy stores, specialty dining, and feeling nickel and dimed, this episode wasn't written by us.The internet wrote this one.One person's biggest cruise regret turned out to be another person's favorite splurge, and somewhere in the middle of more than 1,000 comments, we realized this conversation wasn't really about being cheap.It was about value.So did cruisers get it right?Or are they completely out of their minds?Join us live as we react to the comments, debate the results, and let the audience decide.Before you jump into the chat:What's the ONE thing you'll never pay for on a cruise again?If you enjoy honest cruise conversations and a little organized chaos:Hit Subscribe and join us every week for Ship Happens RAW.Know someone with strong opinions about cruise extras?Share this livestream with them. We have a feeling they'll have something to say.Chapters00:00 We thought we knew the answer03:00 One question broke the internet10:00 The comments that made us laugh18:00 The great drink package debate32:00 The painful cruise regrets42:00 The specialty dining hot takes50:00 The comment that changed everything58:00 Final thoughts and audience reactionsShip Happens RAW is where Kat and Matt take the gloves off and have the cruise conversations everyone else is already having in the comments. No scripts. No fluff. Just honest opinions, hot takes, and a cruise community that never holds back.The Morning After brings that same cruise community together with a cup of coffee, a more relaxed pace, cruise news, stories from the week, upcoming adventures, and the conversations you'd have if we were all sitting around the kitchen table.YouTube.com/@KatAndMatt#cruise #cruisenews #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruise #ncl #cruisetips #cruiselife

10. 

    3 Jul 2026

    Ship Happens RAW#008 | Is Cruising REALLY the Best Vacation Value?

    Luxury cruise vs mainstream cruise: Is Royal Caribbean really the best cruise value? We're comparing luxury cruise prices, cruise vacation budgets, and whether Silversea, Viking, Seabourn, and Azamara are worth the money.This week on Ship Happens RAW, we thought we were having a simple debate about luxury cruises versus mainstream cruises.Then we started looking at what people actually spend on vacations.Then we looked at what we actually spend.What started as a conversation about cruise lines turned into a much bigger question: Is cruising really the best vacation value? What does a $10,000 vacation budget actually buy? Is a fully-loaded Royal Caribbean vacation still the best bang for your buck?Could that same budget put you on Silversea, Viking, Seabourn, or Azamara?Would you choose more cruise nights, better cruise experiences, or finally take that bucket-list trip?We'll break down our real-world cruise spending, compare what different cruise budgets actually get you, reveal the luxury pricing that shocked us, and debate whether we've all been looking at cruise value the wrong way.Because maybe the real question isn't whether luxury cruises are worth it...It's what you'd do if you had the same vacation budget to spend.Team Mainstream Team Luxury Team Bucket ListDrop your thoughts in the live chat and join the debate!Some animated transitions, graphics, visual effects, and bumper sequences used in this livestream were created or enhanced using AI-assisted creative tools including Opus Clip and generative animation technology.These elements are used to support storytelling, visual presentation, humor, pacing, and overall production quality while maintaining the original commentary, opinions, personality, creative direction, and editorial control of Kat and Matt Getaways.All cruise commentary, reactions, reviews, discussions, stories, and opinions expressed during this livestream are original human-created content by Kat and Matt Getaways.AI tools were used strictly as creative production assistants for visual enhancement, editing support, animation generation, and post-production workflow efficiency.#RoyalCaribbean #LuxuryCruise #Silversea #VikingCruises #Seabourn #Azamara #CruiseTips #CruiseLife #CruiseNews #CruiseVacation #Cruising #ShipHappensRAW #RoyalCaribbeanCruise #LuxuryCruises #CruiseValue

11. 

    26 Jun 2026

    The Morning After Show Cruise News Over Coffee: Icon Class Ship, Dining Drama & Earthquake Survivors

    We'll break down Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, and whether bigger really is better. We'll talk about Carnival Cruise Line's "Next Course" dining initiative and what it means for Main Dining Room fans and specialty dining lovers alike. And yes, we'll cover the unbelievable story of passengers aboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander experiencing a 6.1 magnitude earthquake near Cuba.Grab your coffee and settle in for another relaxing Saturday morning with Kat and Matt.No cruise drama. No hot takes. No debates.Just good conversation, cruise stories, and catching up with friends who understand why we all start planning the next cruise before we've even unpacked from the last one.We'll also share a few Cruise Confessionals, tell some of our favorite cruise stories, and check in on everyone's cruise countdowns as we get closer to our next sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas.If you love cruise news, cruise tips, cruise ships, cruise stories, and talking cruising with friends, pull up a chair and join the conversation. CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to The Morning After05:00 K&M Catch-Up12:00 Legend of the Seas Arrives18:00 Carnival's Next Course Dining Changes22:00 Earthquake at Sea26:00 Cruise Confessionals40:00 Story Time50:00 Cruise Countdowns57:00 Last SipCruise Search:https://katandmattgetaways.cruisebrothers.com/cb/Cruise Personality Quiz:https://bit.ly/CruiseQuizEmail:[kandmgetaways@gmail.com](mailto:kandmgetaways@gmail.com)#cruise #cruisenews #cruisetips #legendoftheseas #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruise #marineroftheseas #cruiseship #cruising #katandmatt

12. 

    19 Jun 2026

    Ship Happens Raw | #007 Which Cruise Passenger Should Be Banned? | Cruise Jail Is Open #cruisetok #cruisetips

    Cruise passenger meltdowns are one of the biggest complaints in cruising. From chair hogs reserving pool chairs all day to line cutters, balcony smokers, elevator etiquette disasters, and rude cruise passengers, we're debating the worst cruise ship behavior LIVE.Which cruise passenger deserves Cruise Jail?This week on Ship Happens RAW, Kat and Matt break down the most annoying cruise passenger habits that frustrate travelers on Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and more.In this live cruise podcast, Kat and Matt tackle one of the biggest cruise ship debates we've ever seen. We asked thousands of cruisers a simple question: "What's your biggest cruise passenger pet peeve?" The responses generated over 30,000 views and hundreds of comments, revealing the cruise passenger behaviors people hate most on Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages.But who is really to blame?Are cruise passengers becoming more entitled? Are cruise lines failing to enforce cruise ship rules? Has social media made cruise passenger behavior worse? Or have these cruise etiquette problems always existed?Tonight we're putting cruise passengers on trial.We'll debate:• Chair hogs and pool chair saving• Cruise ship etiquette and cruise ship rules• Kids running wild on cruise ships• Line cutters and buffet line behavior• Balcony smoking complaints• Elevator etiquette on cruise ships• Cruise passenger entitlement• Cruise mistakes that drive other passengers crazy• The most annoying cruise passenger types• Cruise tips for avoiding onboard conflictWhether you're planning your first cruise, looking for cruise advice, researching cruise tips, or you're a seasoned cruiser who has seen it all, this episode will probably hit a nerve.One cruise passenger type gets banned forever.Who gets your vote?K&M Cruise Search:https://katandmattgetaways.cruisebrothers.com/cb/Cruise Quiz:https://www.cruisequiz.comPhone: 816-286-7874Email: [katanmattgetaways@gmail.com](mailto:katanmattgetaways@gmail.com)#cruisetips #cruiseship #cruiseetiquette #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruise #norwegiancruiseline #msccruises #princesscruises #travelpodcast #cruisepodcast

13. 

    12 Jun 2026

    Ship Happens: RAW #006 |Cruise Lines Are Charging EXTRA For WHAT?! #katandmatt #debate

    Remember when cruising felt all-inclusive? Now, cruise travel often means a shopping cart for amenities like cruise internet. We're discussing how to save money on a cruise when everything from Wi-Fi to prime beach spots comes with an extra charge. It seems even good shade has a price now!Cruising used to feel simple. You booked the cruise… got on the ship… and most of the vacation was INCLUDED. Now? WiFi costs extra. Drink packages cost extra. Specialty dining costs extra. Thermal spa costs extra. Private island upgrades cost extra. Room service costs extra. Activities cost extra. And somehow cruise lines are STILL finding new ways to upsell people onboard. So this week on Ship Happens: RAW, Kat and Matt are diving into the cruise charges, hidden costs, premium add-ons, and “optional upgrades” that are starting to push cruisers over the edge. What’s actually worth paying for? What should already be included by now? And which cruise lines are the worst offenders when it comes to nickel-and-diming guests? This one should spark some opinions. Tonight we’re talking: Cruise WiFi pricing Drink package insanity Specialty dining upsells Private island VIP areas Paid attractions onboard Thermal spas Room service fees Cruise line monetization The future of cruise pricing And the cruise charges that make people say: “Seriously?! THAT costs extra now?” Join us live and drop your thoughts in the chat. Because cruising smarter… sometimes means knowing what NOT to buy. #cruise #cruiseship #cruising #royalcaribbean #norwegiancruise #carnivalcruise #msccruises #princesscruises #cruisetips #travel #vacation #shiphappens #katandmatt Cruise smarter. Not harder. No stress. Just cruise. We plan it like it’s ours.

14. 

    5 Jun 2026

    Ship Happens RAW #005 |Mega Ships vs Classic Cruise Ships: Does Size Matter?

    Join us for a "full episode" of Ship Happens Raw with Kat and Matt, as we compare "Classic Cruiser" versus "Team Mega Ship" experiences. This engaging discussion dives into the world of "cruise ships", offering insights into the "biggest ships" and a captivating "cruise ship tour" that will appeal to all "royal caribbean" fans. We're here to help you navigate your next adventure at sea!Mega Cruise Ships vs Classic Cruise Ships | Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Icon of the Seas, Oasis Class, cruise ship comparison, cruise tips, cruise advice, and cruise vacation planning.Are mega cruise ships actually better than classic cruise ships?Cruise travelers are divided.Some cruisers love Icon of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, MSC World America, Norwegian Aqua, and the newest generation of mega ships packed with water slides, specialty dining, neighborhoods, entertainment venues, and endless onboard activities.Others believe cruising has lost something.Smaller cruise ships offer fewer crowds, shorter lines, easier navigation, more ocean views, and what many consider a more authentic cruise experience.Tonight on Ship Happens RAW, Kat and Matt debate one of the biggest cruise ship questions in modern cruising:Mega Ships vs Classic Cruise ShipsTopics include:• Royal Caribbean mega ships• Icon of the Seas review discussions• Oasis Class vs traditional cruise ships• Carnival Cruise Line ship size comparisons• Norwegian Cruise Line ship comparisons• MSC Cruises and World Class ships• Princess Cruises and classic cruising• Celebrity Cruises vs mega ships• Best cruise ships for first time cruisers• Cruise ship crowds and passenger experience• Cruise entertainment comparisons• Cruise dining comparisons• Cruise vacation planning tips• Cruise travel advice• Cruise ship pros and cons• Cruise industry trends• Cruise news and cruise debatesWhether you're planning your first cruise, comparing cruise lines, researching the best cruise ships for families, looking for cruise tips, cruise advice, cruise reviews, or trying to decide between a mega ship and a smaller cruise ship, this discussion is for you.Which side are you on?Mega Ships or Classic Cruise Ships?Cruise Quiz:https://www.cruisequiz.comK&M Cruise Search:https://katandmattgetaways.cruisebrothers.com/cb/Phone: 816-286-7874Email: [katanmattgetaways@gmail.com](mailto:katanmattgetaways@gmail.com)#cruise #cruiseship #royalcaribbean #iconoftheseas #oasisclass #carnivalcruise #norwegiancruiseline #msccruises #princesscruises #celebritycruises #cruisetips #cruisevacation #katandmatt

15. 

    1 Jun 2026

    Ship Happens Raw #004 | Is Norwegian Luna Actually Worth It? | Live Q&A

    Norwegian Luna is almost here for Kat, I and a whole bunch of rowdy family — we’re 11 days out.So… is this ship actually worth the hype?We’re going LIVE with Cruise Tubers to break down what we expect, what we’re excited for, and what could go wrong before sailing.Wednesday 8pm CST April 1st - Nope it aint a jokeIf you’re thinking about booking Norwegian Luna — or already have — this is the conversation you want to be in.Drop your thoughts in chat and join us live.#cruise #norwegianluna #ncl #cruisetips #cruiselife #travel

16. 

    1 Jun 2026

    Ship Happens Raw #003 | Cruise Cabin Upgrade Bids: Worth It or Total Scam?

    Tonight on Ship Happens: RAW we’re debating one of the biggest cruise gambling games out there… cabin upgrade bidding.RoyalUp. MoveUp. Upgrade Advantage. Whatever the cruise line calls it — people are throwing money at “better” rooms hoping to score the deal of the century.But are upgrade bids actually worth it… or are cruise lines just monetizing leftover cabins and playing passengers emotionally?Matt says bidding can completely transform your vacation.Kat says most people are overpaying for cabins nobody wanted in the first place.We’re breaking down:- When bidding actually makes sense- The biggest mistakes cruisers make- Upgrade horror stories- Suite upgrades vs balcony upgrades- Bad cabin locations nobody talks about- Whether cruise lines ALWAYS winAnd yes… we want your stories too.Have you ever scored an amazing upgrade?Or got completely screwed by one?

17. 

    1 Jun 2026

    Ship Happens RAW #002| Drink Packages: Worth It or a Waste of Money?

    Join us as we dive into a lively debate about various cruise topics, from the biggest cruise passenger pet peeves to the unspoken rules of the high seas. This discussion provides essential cruise tips for both new and seasoned cruisers looking to navigate the complexities of cruise culture. We tackle everything from Royal Caribbean etiquette to common issues on Carnival Cruise Line and other major cruise lines.Cruise Drink Packages: Worth It or Waste of Money? If you're planning a cruise on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC, Princess, or Celebrity, you've probably asked yourself this question. Should you buy the cruise drink package? This Wednesday at 8:00 PM CST on Ship Happens: RAW, Kat and I are taking opposite sides on one of the biggest debates in cruising. Kat says cruise drink packages are worth every penny. I say most cruisers are spending hundreds of dollars they don't need to. We're breaking down: • Royal Caribbean drink packages • Carnival Cheers package • Norwegian More at Sea drinks • MSC drink packages • How many drinks it takes to break even • Who should buy a drink package • Who should skip it completely • Common cruise mistakes people make when buying drink packages No cruise line sales pitch. No sponsored talking points. Just real cruise experience and real opinions. So let's settle it. Cruise Drink Package: WORTH IT or WASTE OF MONEY? Drop your answer below before we go live. Want to know what kind of cruiser you really are? Take the free Cruise Personality Quiz: https://bit.ly/CruiseQuiz #cruise #cruisedrinkpackage #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruise #norwegiancruise #msccruises #cruisetips #cruiselife #cruisetravel #cruising

18. 

    1 Jun 2026

    Ship Happens Raw #001 | Balcony vs Interior… Are You Wasting Money?

    Join us as we dive into a lively discussion comparing the classic cruise experience with the modern mega cruise ship. We'll share our cruise tips and explore the nuances of various cruises, from royal caribbean to norwegian cruise line and carnival cruise line. Get ready for an insightful debate on what makes each type of cruise unique!We’re settling a real cruise debate tonight… Interior cabins vs Balcony cabins Which one is actually worth it? Some people swear by balconies for the views… Others say interiors are the smartest way to cruise more for less. We’ll also talk: • when a balcony actually makes sense • when it’s a waste of money • real cruise experiences that changed our minds • and how your travel style plays into it And yeah… we might bring up Luna and whether newer ships are changing this debate completely. If you’re not sure what cruise style fits you best: 👉 https://bit.ly/CruiseQuiz Catch the full replay here if you miss it live: 👉 https://youtube.com/live/fpsoitNWTDU?feature=share Cruise smarter. Not harder. No stress. Just cruise.

19. 

    31 May 2026

    Welcome to Ship Happens Raw

    Most cruise podcasts tell you what happened. Ship Happens Raw asks whether it actually matters. Hosted by Kat and Matt, this is the show where cruise news, industry changes, passenger behavior, loyalty programs, drink packages, and the latest cruise drama get pulled apart from every angle. Sometimes we'll agree. Most of the time we don't. That's kind of the point. If you're looking for cruise conversations with strong opinions, real-world experience, and zero interest in corporate talking points, pull up a chair. Welcome to Ship Happens Raw.

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