The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake

The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake

THE DAILY CRUISE AND TRAVEL NEWS “PODCAST” WITH TOM DRAKE

For nearly 30 years, comedian Tom Drake has gone where most people only dream of vacationing—performing stand-up aboard cruise ships around the world, crossing countless oceans, visiting faraway ports, enduring crowded airports, and witnessing nearly every kind of travel triumph and disaster imaginable.

After that much time at sea, Tom has seen everything, done everything, and—at least according to Tom—now knows everything.

That’s why he has earned the title “Guru of the Seas.”

Every Monday through Friday, The Daily Cruise and Travel News “Podcast” with Tom Drake delivers the biggest stories making waves across the cruise and travel industries. Tom breaks down the day’s headlines, explains what they really mean for travelers, and shares the frank, funny, and completely unfiltered opinions you will not find in a cruise line press release.

New ships. Changing policies. Airline meltdowns. Port problems. Passenger behavior. Travel trends. Strange stories from the high seas. If it affects the way people cruise, fly, or attempt to get from one place to another, Tom is talking about it.

This is not a polished commercial for the travel industry. It is an honest look behind the curtain from someone who has spent decades working inside it—with a microphone in his hand, a comedian’s eye for the absurd, and very little interest in sugarcoating the truth.

Whether you are a seasoned cruiser, planning your first voyage, frustrated with air travel, or simply enjoy sharp commentary and a good laugh, climb aboard.

The Daily Cruise and Travel News “Podcast” with Tom Drake—weekdays wherever people “pod their cast.”

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Most Recent Episode

The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
September 7, 2027. Duct tape became airborne handcuffs for one moron!

Canadian baggage handlers get arrested for sticking drugs in customers' suitcases! Sorry!

Norwegian's Pride of America has a complete toilet shutdown. Normally, it's the crew members who work slowly on that ship!

The Guru struggles to order food from a bartender with a nose ring! Should he seek help, or should they tell the bartender to take it off?

Happy Labor Day! Remember all the people who are working on this Labor Day!

00:33:58
Sep 7, 2026 7:27 AM
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More Episodes

The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
September 4, 2026 Regent Seven Seas will have and Around the World Massage on their new ship!

Visit Sacramento and enjoy dinner with 800 people on a bridge!

Another moron from Minnesota gets arrested in Maine when he loses his lobster over a flight delay!

The latest addition to the United app is another insult to flyers everywhere!

Well, Caribbean cancels a final Alaska cruise just prior to sailing and sends everyone home. I hope they at least got a bag of ice.

00:33:26
Sep 4, 2026 7:15 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
September 3, 2026 Travel Industry whiners meet with Trump at the White House!

 USA Today says there will be plenty of discounting in the cruise industry. The Guru disagrees!

A Miami man at a luxury resort tells the bartender he's the son of God. The son of God then gets a taser and the sedan cops.

A very tired man in Fort Lauderdale is arrested after deciding to spend the night inside a JetBlue airplane. The guru doubts he got a good night's sleep on a plane.

John Dottie and Tom from Best at Sea Tours on an amazing 14-day cruise from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale in 2027 aboard Crystal Symphony.

 

00:35:44
Sep 3, 2026 7:38 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
September 2, 2026 Full Moon? Another moron at the Miami airport jokingly tell tells officials he has a bomb!

 JetBlue unveils its new domestic first class. Wise move?

Rich Carlton Yachts announces that sales are way up, but they are still losing a little money!

Crime only pays for a little while. Police arrest a man who ran up $ 1,200 in charges to other people's rooms at the St. Regis.

Money, Money, Money. Carnival's new loyalty program might be the template for the future in the cruise industry.

00:37:40
Sep 2, 2026 7:46 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
September 1, 2026 Announcing that you have a grenade in the airport we'll get you arrested!

 The Captain of the Carnival Breeze bounces the ship off a pier in Cozumel. What's new?

John Heald tells Carnival guests not to sell their tuxedos yet!

Royal Caribbean decides to change the name of their perfect private island!

Riviera Travel decides not to sell you a river cruise since there's no river!

00:33:46
Sep 1, 2026 7:20 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 31, 2026 Hard Rock Casino Fort Lauderdale was disappointing in many ways!

Officials arrest a Russian woman accused of trying to smuggle live iguanas from Ecuador into Iceland!

American Airlines admits its airplanes haven’t been getting the cleaning and upkeep they should and now promises to clean up its act!

Princess joins Royal Caribbean in the “Oops, We Oversold the Ship” club and offers a surprisingly sweet deal to the disappointed passengers.

And Airbus tests a new long-range jet that stayed in the air for more than 24 hours because apparently 18-hour flights just aren’t long enough!

00:34:01
Aug 31, 2026 7:54 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 28, 2026 NCL opens their terminal in Philly. Only eight months late which is on time in Philly!

Galveston politicians put a hold on another terminal for raw Caribbean, but they welcome it. Margaritaville at Sea.

Oceania's new ship, Sonata, floats!

Are airport lounges really worth it? The Guru wonders.

Flight attendants to the rescue. When a laptop computer catches fire, they stuff it in a bag designed to put the fire out!

 

00:36:02
Aug 28, 2026 7:44 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 27, 2026 It does not look like Frank Del Rio will get his $8 million handshake payoff!

Royal Caribbean oversold another Alaska cruise and asked customers to wait one year to see the ice melt and the salmon die!

Azamara will have a 179-day world cruise in 2029. 

Oceana will improve its enrichment program with someone teaching American mahjong.

The U.S. State Department confirms they are looking to deport as many as 200,000 people stuck in the system!

00:33:37
Aug 27, 2026 7:38 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 26, 2026 New York passes a whale awareness law. Shamu is safe!!

Dolly Parton drew millions of people to Tennessee every year with her tourism business.

Corporate speak, set to music, still sounds like corporate speak. Listen to the NCLH blues.

Thailand is about to get a boost in tourism and business, with 5,000 sailors visiting!

I guest on the Getaway takes a dive off the 10th deck. They suspect he was overserved!

 

00:32:31
Aug 26, 2026 7:26 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 25, 2026 One Carnival guest is upset because the cabin steward would not eat her homemade cookies!

 JetBlue is opening a second private lounge in Boston. It's all about the money!

The TSA has decided to drop the controversial Gold Plus program. Score one for the unions!

Holland America is refocusing on fun and entertainment. The Guru applauds this.

Beware of scammers on the phone. They know more about you than you know about you!

00:35:14
Aug 25, 2026 7:52 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 24, 2026 Don't ask the Guru about Frontier Airlines this week!

Frank Del Rio’s attorneys are scrambling to find something..anything, to sue Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings over!

Selling old ship memorabilia is apparently big business. The Guru is kicking himself for not bringing more stuff home over the past 30 years. They never would’ve missed it!

It only took the Guru 18 hours to fly home from San Francisco. Not bad for Frontier! Apparently, walking was the only slower option.

And another listener confirms what the Guru has been saying: If you’re going to sail MSC, do yourself a favor, stay in the Yacht Club!

00:34:28
Aug 24, 2026 7:30 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 21, 2026 United's boss is not worried about competition from any airline!

Authorities in Italy arrest the wrong man cruising on Costa. Now he wants payback!

If it's Friday, it must be Eureka. The Guru goes shopping for another magnet.

Viking has signed the papers for two more ships!

Join Dottie and Tom in 2027 for a fabulous Crystal reposition cruise from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale!

00:30:54
Aug 21, 2026 11:2 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 20, 2026 Carnival Breeze barely passes CDC inspection!

 What does it mean if a cruise ship fails a CDC inspection?

Two teens were awarded $550,000 after they were left hanging upside down for 30 minutes on an amusement ride!

Wellness is the word now on cruise ships! The other words are onboard revenue!

Best at Sea Tours offers premium hosted cruises!

 

00:35:57
Aug 20, 2026 11:32 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 19, 2026. Scammers abound. Someone set up a fake Wi-Fi system on a Delta flight!

A whole Lotta bragging going on. Virgin says they had a record sales day, and Viking says they had a record quarter!

American Airlines admits they got it wrong, and they're bringing back in-seat TVs. The biggest in the business.

Another report about hotel bookings says it will be better than the last report. 

Rooms are selling fast from America's funniest cruise on the MS Tottenham. Contact Best at Sea Tours today.

 

00:33:31
Aug 19, 2026 11:54 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 18, 2026. An Ohio couple is fiinshing their cruise in a Brevard County jail!

 Air lubrication systems will not only save fuel they will help save Whale lives.

The government of Greenland is telling cruise ships to stay away from some of its protected Fjords. 

Google is spending $10 million to buy the private information held by Spirit Airlines? 

Come and join Dottie and Tom on an amazing hosted Crystal Cruise!

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00:31:02
Aug 18, 2026 11:50 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 17, 2026 Live from Vancouver! Crystal here we come!!

 

Delta First Class just ain’t what it used to be!

Seattle-Tacoma Airport continues to confuse and disappoint travelers!

If you suffer a serious brain injury on a cruise ship, are you really only suing for $75,000?

Some experts say Thursday is the best day to book a cruise. The Guru says any day is a good day to book a cruise!

00:34:33
Aug 17, 2026 11:33 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 14, 2026 In Soain, Cunard had guests who wanted be in the dark!

Remember when cruise lines offered currency exchange because it was convenient for guests?

Six flight attendants on American Airlines got sick from the airline food before eating it!

Hall of Famer Derek Jeter is part of a new company that will build upscale condo hotels in college towns where the Hampton Inn is five-star.

Carnival Cruise Line will put your old sneakers to good use. The Guru likes this idea.

00:35:52
Aug 14, 2026 7:3 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 13, 2026. Cruise line bosses need to understand if you want to fill your ships then you need to deliver a great product!

Mexico is now charging cruise ship guests double the normal price, but it's still lower than what they were going to charge.

Panama Canal's auction program will eventually cost the consumer more. Another money grab!

NCL's new pricing strategy is nothing new. It's just another boss who thinks he knows better!

There are still two chairs available at the Vintage Room with Best at Sea Tours for New Year's Eve!

 

00:35:46
Aug 13, 2026 7:49 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 12, 2026 How can Azamara afford to keep giving away these amazing evenings?

 A bird strike forces an American Airlines 737 to return to the airport quickly!

And an out-of-control mutant child forces Porter Airlines passengers to stay overnight when the plane doesn't leave and the airport closes. O' Canada.

The Guru says reason is right to reduce the capacity of the older ships. More space is the new catchword.

Rooms are selling fast for America's Funniest Cruise on Holland America. Book your room today.

00:38:50
Aug 12, 2026 6:53 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 11, 2026 Is Costa Rica really the best place to retire? Not for the Guru.

Marella Cruise's bosses are a bunch of sour pusses!

Another report states that hotel bookings are up, so why are the bosses always whining?

John Heald celebrates 39 years with Carnival Cruise Line, and they gave him a plaque. Could they afford it?

Calling all Pickleball players!! Join Dottie and Tom for an alumni cruise in October 2027. Book now!

00:35:42
Aug 11, 2026 8:55 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 10, 2026 How long before cruise lines crack down on kickbacks?

The famous path to Santorini’s donkeys has reopened. The donkeys are thrilled. Probably.

Two women stranded in an Alaska boat that ran out of gas have been rescued but not by Mark Zuckerberg’s yacht. Apparently, they didn’t answer the phone!

America’s Got Talent is heading to sea! Royal Caribbean is bringing the hit show aboard its newest ship, featuring four fast-paced, 15-minute acts.

And Spanish authorities have arrested a man accused of robbing hotel guests while they were at the breakfast buffet. While you were deciding between scrambled eggs and bacon, he was helping himself to your wallet!

00:37:51
Aug 10, 2026 7:16 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 7, 2026. Does giving rebates for your travel service mean your services are worth less?

MSC is adding another private island. Money, money, money.

Allegiant Air is adding first-class seats. Money, money, money.

Port Miami is adding another short power outlet. Good job!! Helping to save the planet by Tuesday.

Check out the unbelievable value: cruising on Crystal from New York City in October 2027.

00:32:45
Aug 7, 2026 8:9 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 6, 2026 the new Boeing 777X is amazing. According to Boeing. The Guru will be happy if it just stays in the air!

 The very popular Captain Kate has decided to retire as a Captain.

Travel and Leisure reports that you should hold onto your boarding pass. It's valuable. The Guru agrees.

Severe turbulence in Denver forces 22 flights to divert to Colorado Springs. Buckle your seatbelts, people!

Rooms are selling fast for America's funniest cruise! Don't wait!

 

00:32:03
Aug 6, 2026 7:24 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 5, 2026 Amtrak is thinking about splitting the company into three separate companies that won't be effective!

Virgin Voyages will be embracing their curry with their new restaurant on Valiant Lady!

Regent Seven Seas will join Oceania and teach their pastry chefs how to make pastries on board!

An alleged Italian drug kingpin is arrested before he can join the Allure of the Seas. As a guest, not a waiter.

The Cyclospora outbreak is forcing a lot of people to sit down and pay attention!!

00:36:48
Aug 5, 2026 7:21 AM
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The Daily Cruise and Travel News "Podcast" with Tom Drake
August 4, 2026 - Are the Bahamas really unsafe?

Marriott's big boss announces that business is better than ever!

Are there really that many people who go on a cruise to lose weight and get healthy?

Margaritaville at Sea gave away 60,000 free cruises at Zac Brown concerts. That's one way to fill your ship.

A waterline breaks on Royal Caribbean and fills an inside cabin with water. No extra charge for that water.

00:34:25
Aug 4, 2026 7:0 AM
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