Episode #231 - Majestic Princess: An Interview With Food & Beverage Director Varun Salian!
Release Date: 12/22/2025
Episode #232 - A Look Back At 2025!
The Cruise Dudes Podcast
Welcome to episode #232! As the new year arrives, we’re thrilled about the exciting developments in cruising that await us in 2026. However, in this episode, we’re taking a nostalgic trip back to 2025 and sharing our experiences and highlights from the past year. Cruising with family and friends is our absolute favorite way to create lifelong memories. We’d love to hear about your memorable cruise experiences in 2025. If you have any stories or moments you’d like to share, please leave a message, and we’ll feature them on a future show. May your 2026 be filled with many unforgettable...
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Episode #231 - Majestic Princess: An Interview With Food & Beverage Director Varun Salian!
The Cruise Dudes Podcast
Welcome to episode #231 cruisers! In any conversation you may havre about cruising, eventually, you will definitely discuss two things: food and beverages. In this new episode, Scott had the opportunity to interview Varun Salian, Food and Beverage Director on Majestic Princess, during his recent fall colors cruise. Varun shares his career story with Princess Cruises and the hard work he does to make sure their guests have a phenomenal culinary experience. There are a lot of responsibilities and logistics involved to keep his department running smoothly. He has an incredible team...
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Episode #230 - Majestic Princess Rejuvenated and Refreshed From Dry Dock, Interview with Cruise Director DuVaul Gamble!
The Cruise Dudes Podcast
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones this year. It’s always a delight to visit and catch up with friends, and DuVaul is one of our cherished cruise friends that we’ve had the pleasure of knowing for many years. Full of life, humor, and unmatched energy, DuVaul is one of Princess Cruises’s favorites among cruisers. In this special episode, Scott has the unique opportunity to share the “behind-the-scenes” stories and changes that have been made to the Majestic Princess during its recent dry dock renovations. Definitely, an entertaining and insightful...
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Episode #229 - Celebrity Mixologist Rob Floyd: Sipping and Savoring on the High Seas!
The Cruise Dudes Podcast
Welcome to episode 229. We are so happy to interview our friend and celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd! Since 2017 Rob has collaborated and partnered with Princess Cruises where you have probably enjoyed his creative cocktails throughout bars onboard their ships, at his amazing Good Spirits bar or at Spellbound by The Magic Castle on Sun Princess and the new Star Princess. Now, Rob has a brand new collaboration with Princess Cruises - his first book! “Sip at Sea” is a first of a kind interactive cocktail book that features embedded video tutorials where Rob teaches how to mix your...
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Episode #228 - Questions and Answers: Princess Cruises' Drink Package Changes
The Cruise Dudes Podcast
Welcome To episode #228! On this new episode we answer some of your questions regarding the recent changes Princess Cruises has made to their “Princess Plus Package” and “Princess Premier Package” beverage programs. We believe that your cruise vacation is always better when you research and plan what is important to you and your family in advance before you board the ship. Understanding what your options are and what fits your budget, is the key that unlocks the door to a great cruise. On this new show we go over questions that you may of not thought of and clarify the changes...
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Episode #227 - A Closer Look At Princess Cruises' Drink Package Changes
The Cruise Dudes Podcast
Welcome to episode #227! Today we are taking a closer look and discuss the recent changes Princess Cruises has made to their “Princess Plus Package” and “Princess Premier Package” beverage programs. One of the best things about cruising, is you can pick and choose what you like to do. From selecting a interior cabin to a grand suite, or maybe you just enjoy having casual meals at the buffet or you can splurge for specialty dining every night, or maybe you just enjoy a glass of wine at dinner but your spouse likes trying and discovering new distilled beverages without breaking the bank....
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Episode #226 - Major Loyalty Program Changes: Introducing Carnival Rewards
The Cruise Dudes Podcast
Welcome to episode #226! Carnival Cruise Line has announced their new loyalty program, Carnival Rewards, which will be launching June 1, 2026. Benefits include priority check-in, embarkation and disembarkation, complimentary laundry services, beverages, speciality dining meals and more. Scott’s first mate, Pam joins the show to give her perspective as a “loyalty rewards savvy consumer”. Always watching, researching and getting the most out of these programs’ benefits and why you should study and become a savvy cruise consumer too. We know that this new program has created a lot...
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Episode #225 - Carnival Cruise Line Sets The Bar Higher!
The Cruise Dudes Podcast
Welcome to episode #225! Carnival Cruise Line is setting the bar higher and expectations for all cruise passengers aboard their ships. A few days ago, they released a letter that encourages everyone to “Have Fun, Be Safe." “Our experience has taught us that everyone has a better time when a spirit of community and neighborliness is shown by all.” The letter’s guidelines reinforces their policies and they clearly state they will take drastic measures to maintain the “comfort, enjoyment, safety or well-being of other guests or crew." We share our thoughts on...
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Episode #224 - The Scuttlebutt!
The Cruise Dudes Podcast
Welcome to episode #224! We dust off our microphones and catch up with latest scuttlebutt and cruise happenings in Southern California. The competition is heating up again and we are going to see new cruise ships and even a new cruise line coming to the west coast! Are you ready for Real ID, renewing your passport or traveling to Europe soon? We have some updates and information for you. And finally, we share about the beautiful and stunning Sun Princess. Princess Cruises has launched its first Sphere Class ship and it is truly a luxurious ship with fine dining experiences, unique...
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Episode #223 - Ride In Style: Private Car Service To Your Cruise Port!
The Cruise Dudes Podcast
Traveling to and from a cruise port can be a challenge especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Ride sharing services and vehicles aren’t able to handle a family, luggage and such. What other options are available? Recently, Scott and his family travelled to Texas for a cruise and they hired a private car service for the first time and had a very interesting conversation with their driver. A impromptu interview was recorded about the features and benefits of hiring a private car service for your upcoming cruise. You will ride in style and comfort, and start your next cruise vacation...
info_outlineWelcome to episode #231 cruisers!
In any conversation you may havre about cruising, eventually, you will definitely discuss two things: food and beverages.
In this new episode, Scott had the opportunity to interview Varun Salian, Food and Beverage Director on Majestic Princess, during his recent fall colors cruise. Varun shares his career story with Princess Cruises and the hard work he does to make sure their guests have a phenomenal culinary experience.
There are a lot of responsibilities and logistics involved to keep his department running smoothly. He has an incredible team that not only serves the cruise guests but the crew themselves as well. It was an eye-opening interview to learn how hard everyone works in this very important department. We hope you enjoy this interview!
Thank you for listening and supporting us in 2025. We have some great plans for 2026 and look forward to a fantastic year!
Happy Cruising!
Tommy & Scott