Meghan Coyle

We have a packed show ahead. We'll discuss new ships on the horizon, why people love cruises and the best credit cards to pay for them and more. But first this. Sally, so remember those early pandemic headlines, floating petri dishes?

So later this year, Disney is debuting not one, but two new ships, the Disney Destiny and the Disney Adventure. That's on the heels of the Disney Treasure ship, which debuted at the end of 2024. Very excited to see what those look like.

So later this year, Disney is debuting not one, but two new ships, the Disney Destiny and the Disney Adventure. That's on the heels of the Disney Treasure ship, which debuted at the end of 2024. Very excited to see what those look like.

So later this year, Disney is debuting not one, but two new ships, the Disney Destiny and the Disney Adventure. That's on the heels of the Disney Treasure ship, which debuted at the end of 2024. Very excited to see what those look like.

I've also had my eyes on Virgin Voyages. Their next ship, Brilliant Lady, will set sail in September 2025.

I've also had my eyes on Virgin Voyages. Their next ship, Brilliant Lady, will set sail in September 2025.

I've also had my eyes on Virgin Voyages. Their next ship, Brilliant Lady, will set sail in September 2025.

Their ships are so huge and over the top. That's including Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. We have a story about it on NerdWallet.

Their ships are so huge and over the top. That's including Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. We have a story about it on NerdWallet.

Their ships are so huge and over the top. That's including Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. We have a story about it on NerdWallet.

I'll definitely put that link in the episode description.

I'll definitely put that link in the episode description.

I'll definitely put that link in the episode description.

Now, they can have a huge upfront sticker price, which can be a turnoff when you see thousands of dollars for your one-week vacation.

Now, they can have a huge upfront sticker price, which can be a turnoff when you see thousands of dollars for your one-week vacation.

Now, they can have a huge upfront sticker price, which can be a turnoff when you see thousands of dollars for your one-week vacation.

That's true. Now, every cruise line has its own policies, but typically your cruise fare includes lodging, meals at the standard restaurants on board, and most entertainment.

That's true. Now, every cruise line has its own policies, but typically your cruise fare includes lodging, meals at the standard restaurants on board, and most entertainment.

That's true. Now, every cruise line has its own policies, but typically your cruise fare includes lodging, meals at the standard restaurants on board, and most entertainment.

And it's so convenient to go. You just like walk down the hallway. They also usually upcharge you for some extras like specialty dining. These are separate restaurants that you can book at, alcohol packages, services like the spa, and sometimes certain activities like gym classes, the arcade, and attractions like those golfing things, go-karts, bungee jumping, whatever your heart desires.