Advertise on podcast: The Uncensored Cruise Podcast

Two of the biggest names in cruising, Gary Bembridge and Emma Cruises, join us for one of our most revealing cruise conversations yet. And nothing is off limits! Can you accept a free cruise and still give a completely unbiased review? Gary admits he’s sceptical, while Emma explains exactly how she approaches hosted cruises and reveals the time Virgin Voyages asked her to take a video down after inviting her onboard. We get into the side of cruise YouTube and travel journalism passengers rarely see, including complimentary cruises, disclosure, the pressure surrounding negative coverage and why Gary sometimes pays more attention to what a cruise creator doesn’t tell you. With cruise lines reporting huge profits and cruise ships sailing full, why are passengers seeing more cutbacks, additional charges and previously included perks disappearing? Have cruise lines realised they can take things away without passengers actually leaving? And are they now more interested in attracting first-time cruisers than keeping their most loyal customers happy? We also tackle falling standards onboard cruise ships, drunken behaviour, fights, disappearing dress codes and whether cheap three and four-night party cruises are changing the type of experience passengers can expect. Then there’s AI. Gary reveals his frustration with AI channels he believes are ripping off his content, while Emma raises concerns about fake cruise accounts pretending to be real people with genuine experience. They also explain why AI-generated YouTube thumbnails are starting to become a problem. And, of course, we put them on the spot about the cruise lines themselves. Royal Caribbean or Carnival? Celebrity or Princess? MSC or P&O? Virgin Voyages or Cunard? Who’s winning in mainstream cruising? Which premium cruise line is getting it right? Why does Gary think Holland America is one of the strongest propositions around? Why does he describe Princess as somewhat “beige”? And which ultra-luxury cruise lines are currently leading the pack?

When the Oceanos cruise ship began to sink off the coast of South Africa in 1991, chaos broke out on board. The captain and senior officers abandoned the vessel, leaving more than 500 passengers and crew behind as the ship took on water and began to list heavily in the storm. But one man — guitarist Moss Hills — along with other members of the entertainment crew, refused to give up. In this gripping interview on the Sail Away: Uncensored Cruise Podcast, Moss Hills recounts the incredible true story of the sinking of the Oceanos, where a group of entertainers, not trained seafarers, took control of the evacuation and coordinated one of the most extraordinary rescues in maritime history. With helicopters circling above and the ship sinking fast, Moss Hills and his fellow musicians helped save 571 lives. The Oceanos disaster remains one of the most shocking examples of leadership failure and human courage at sea. This cruise podcast dives deep into what really happened that night, from the first signs of flooding to the dramatic final rescue — told by the man who lived through it, and continues to work on cruise ships today. If you’re fascinated by sinking cruise ships, real-life heroism, and maritime history, this is a story you’ll want to hear.

n this uncensored discussion, Travel Blog Jamie joins Cruise Lowdown’s Kathy Taylor and the Sail Away Magazine team Dan and Jay to dig into the truth about the modern River Cruise experience. From the food (spoiler: Jamie says it’s the biggest problem) to the passenger demographics, pricing, and value for money, nothing is off limits. We talk openly about what’s working, what isn’t, and whether River Cruising can ever truly appeal to a younger audience. Kathy shares her first-hand experiences with VIVA Cruises and CroisiEurope, while Jamie opens up about his time with TUI River Cruises – and why he thinks the industry needs a serious shake-up. Expect straight talking, honest opinions, and a few surprises along the way. If you’ve ever wondered whether a River Cruise is worth the price, or you’re curious how it compares to ocean cruising, this episode pulls back the curtain.

In this episode of Sail Away: Uncensored, we sit down with Mike Brady from Oceanliner Designs — the man who’s bringing the golden age of ocean travel back to life, one digital frame at a time. From Titanic to Queen Mary, from Lusitania to the last great liner afloat, Mike’s work has become the go-to source for anyone fascinated by ships, design, and maritime history. Known for his meticulous research and cinematic storytelling, Mike Brady has built a huge following through his Oceanliner Designs YouTube channel — where he recreates lost liners, reveals forgotten engineering feats, and separates fact from fiction in the stories that have defined history. In this Uncensored conversation, he joins the Sail Away editors, Dan and Jay, to discuss: The truth about Titanic’s design flaws and what really sealed her fate Why people remain obsessed with Titanic over a century later How Oceanliner Designs started and how Mike brings ships back to life digitally The lost glamour and ingenuity of the great ocean liners Whether modern cruise ships can ever match the artistry of their predecessors The myths, conspiracies, and controversies that still swirl around Titanic today It’s a candid, unfiltered look at one of the most fascinating creators in maritime media, and a deep dive into the history, innovation, and emotion behind the world’s most legendary ships. Watch as Mike Brady opens up about his creative process, the realities of producing detailed historical content, and why the legacy of Titanic still matters in 2025. Whether you’re a cruise enthusiast, history buff, or simply captivated by the stories of the sea, this is an interview you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Sail Away: Uncensored, we’re joined by two of the most influential and trusted voices in cruise content creation — Gary Bembridge from Tips For Travellers and Bill from Ritzy Travel Guide. Between them, they’ve reviewed hundreds of ships, built global followings, and helped shape how thousands of people think about cruising. This is not your typical cruise interview. No brand talking points. Just honest, intelligent conversation about the state of the cruise industry, from two people who have seen it all. Gary Bembridge has long been known for his balanced, thoughtful commentary on cruise travel. His YouTube channel Tips For Travellers has become one of the most trusted sources of cruise advice, especially for mature and experienced travellers. Ritzy Travel Guide, meanwhile, brings a bold, luxury-leaning perspective, delivering highly visual reviews with strong opinions and no fear of calling out when something isn’t good enough. Together, they sit down with Sail Away Magazine to discuss the realities of modern cruising — the good, the bad, and the bits many content creators never mention. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Gary Bembridge or a fan of Ritzy Travel Guide’s stylish approach, this episode goes far beyond ship reviews. It tackles the challenges facing the cruise industry in 2025, and questions whether some parts of the cruising experience are starting to lose their way.

Join us for a no-holds-barred cruise chat with Dr Stephen Payne (designer of Queen Mary 2), Travel Blog Jamie, and Cruise Mummy — as we dive into everything from solo cruiser discrimination, Ambassador Cruise controversies, and repetitive itineraries, to the rise of AI cruise content and behind-the-scenes ship design stories. Expect brutal cruising honesty, hot takes, and plenty of laughs, plus a look ahead to the upcoming CEO Cruise, where you can actually sail with us and take part in something completely unique. In this episode: – Ambassador Cruise: redemption or repeat? – Stephen Payne on why Queen Mary 2’s layout is so confusing – Jamie’s surprising take on Margaritaville at Sea – Why solo travellers still get the worst deal – AI cruise content, lazy itineraries, and industry censorship

WE’VE BEEN BANNED BY CARNIVAL UK – AND WE’RE NOT STAYING QUIET! In this episode of Sail Away: Uncensored, we reveal the letter that shocked us. A formal 5-year ban from every single Carnival group cruise line, including P&O Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Costa, AIDA and Seabourn. Why aren't we allowed to cruise with Carnival anymore? Because Carnival says they “cannot offer us the holiday we are looking for.” We haven’t misbehaved. We haven’t broken any rules. And we haven’t posted anything inaccurate. We’ve simply shared honest reviews, stood up for passengers during cruise cancellations, and asked tough questions about accountability, including the Maleth Aero scandal that left hundreds of P&O Cruises' guests stranded and uncompensated. So why the cruise ban? Is this censorship against paying guests and creators? And could the same thing happen to you, just for leaving a bad review?

What does a cruise ship pilot actually do? And why does every cruise ship hand over control to one before entering port? In this episode of Sail Away: Uncensored, we sit down with Barry Sadler, a veteran marine pilot for the Port of Southampton, to explore one of the most crucial and most misunderstood jobs in the cruise industry. Most passengers never realise that when their cruise ship approaches land, it’s not the captain guiding the vessel in. That responsibility belongs to a local expert known as the marine pilot. Barry has spent decades navigating some of the largest cruise ships in the world through the tight, tide-driven waters of Southampton. From the moment he boards the ship via a pilot boat — often in dangerous conditions — the safety of everyone on board rests in his hands. Over the course of this raw, honest conversation, Barry explains the full scope of the marine pilot’s role. He reveals how these professionals are trained, how they communicate with captains and port control, and what really happens when conditions turn unpredictable. He also shares the intense reality of climbing aboard a moving vessel at sea, sometimes in complete darkness or rough weather, before taking the helm and guiding a floating city to its berth. If you’ve ever searched for how cruise ships dock, what a marine pilot does, or who is actually in control when a cruise ship arrives in port, this episode gives you the inside story. It’s a side of cruising you don’t usually see — and once you hear it, you’ll never look at port days the same way again.

In this hard-hitting episode of Sail Away: Uncensored, we’re joined by leading travel expert Simon Calder to discuss the latest cruise industry controversy – P&O Cruises cancelling Aurora’s R505 sailing just 22 hours before departure. Simon doesn’t hold back as he explores how P&O should have handled the situation, what passengers are legally entitled to when a cruise is cancelled, and why this latest debacle highlights what he calls a pattern of "corporate arrogance.” He also sheds light on the Maleth Aero scandal, where hundreds of P&O cruise passengers have been left out of pocket, with over £500,000 owed and no sign of resolution. This is a must-watch for anyone booked with P&O, or anyone who cares about fair treatment of cruise passengers.

In this exclusive episode of Sail Away: Uncensored, Emma Cruises opens up like never before. From her honest opinions on Cunard, NCL, Havila and MSC, to the video that launched her YouTube career, Emma shares the highs, lows, and cruise lines she's loving (and avoiding) right now. She doesn’t hold back as she reveals what frustrates her about other creators, how she deals with constant hate online, and why she continues to show up with a smile. We also dive into her remarkable charity work, raising over $150,000 for Mercy Ships and making a real difference with every cruise she takes.

In this episode of Sail Away: Uncensored, we sit down with British Airways pilot Josh Draper to talk about what life is really like behind the controls of a commercial jet. From the pressures of flying to the perks of travelling the world, Josh shares his insider perspective on aviation — and how he balances it all with his love of theme parks and cruise ships. Josh isn’t just a pilot — he’s also the face behind Coast to Coasters, a fast-growing YouTube channel packed with cruise reviews, theme park vlogs, and travel adventures from around the world. We chat about the realities of life at 35,000 feet, the myths passengers still believe, and how he and his cabin crew wife make the most of their time off with epic holidays at sea and on land.

In this gripping episode of Sail Away: Uncensored, we sit down with Jamie Hull, a former UK Special Forces Reserve soldier and one of the world’s most remarkable survivors. While training for his private pilot’s licence in Florida, Jamie’s aircraft caught fire mid-flight, leaving him trapped in a burning cockpit at 1,000 feet. With flames consuming his body, his only option was the unthinkable—climbing onto the wing of a moving aircraft and jumping for his life. Jamie was burned alive, suffering third-degree burns over 63 percent of his body, and given just a five percent chance of survival. Yet, against all odds, he lived to tell the tale. His journey through excruciating recovery, mental battles, and finding purpose in his new life is one of the most powerful stories of resilience you’ll ever hear.

What happens when a legendary rock photographer moves from capturing music icons to photographing cruise ship guests? In this episode of Sail Away: Uncensored, we sit down with Scarlet Page, renowned music photographer and daughter of Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, to talk about her new role aboard Fred. Olsen cruise ship, Borealis. Scarlet has spent decades photographing some of the biggest names in music, including Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Now, she is taking on a completely different challenge as part of Fred. Olsen’s ‘Moments Crew,’ where she will document the experiences and emotions of cruise guests aboard Bolette’s 13-night ‘Volcanic Vistas of the Azores and Madeira’ sailing in July 2025.

In this no-holds-barred episode of Sail Away: Uncensored, we’re joined by Dr Stephen Payne, the renowned naval architect behind Queen Mary 2, to expose the biggest passenger ship failures and disasters of all time! From ugly cruise ships and financial black holes to ocean liners that never lived up to the hype, we dive deep into the ships that failed—the ones that bled their owners dry, the ones that were doomed from the start, and the ones that just looked plain awful.

MSC Cruises offers some of the cheapest fares at sea, but is it really a bargain or just a stressful nightmare? In this episode of Sail Away: Uncensored, we pull no punches as we break down our brutally honest experiences with MSC Cruises—covering overcrowding, never-ending queues, lacklustre service, and hit-or-miss food quality onboard their ships. From chaotic embarkation to packed buffet lines and service that left us questioning everything, we discuss why MSC Cruises has become one of the most controversial cruise lines out there. But with ultra-low fares, is it still worth considering for budget-conscious cruisers?