Description

Fred and his wife have been cruising since 2005, raising their daughters on Disney ships before trading in Mickey-shaped waffles for Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class adventures. With their kids now grown, the couple has embraced cruising as their own luxury escape.

On this episode, Fred shares:

• From Disney magic to Royal perks: Why trading five nights on Disney for nine on Royal was a turning point.
• Suite life revealed: The difference between a Grand Suite and a Crown Loft, from sprawling bathrooms and plus-sized balconies to the love/hate relationship with those loft stairs.
• Neighborhood at sea: How being on Deck 17—steps from Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge—transformed convenience into luxury.
• Value beyond the room: Why he considers Sky Class perks (free internet, concierge service, happy-hour drinks, Coastal Kitchen access) a smarter splurge than a standard drink package.
• The shifting tides of cruising: Thoughts on Royal’s competition with Virgin, Norwegian’s Haven, and MSC’s Yacht Club, plus his honest take on how cruising has changed since COVID.
• Defining luxury: For Fred, it’s simple—“being spoiled rotten,” where every little detail is handled so he can just relax.

Fred also opens up about what makes stateroom time sacred, why two bathrooms can save family harmony, and how a good concierge can turn “impossible” reservations into magical memories. He even shares his bucket-list dream of a month-long sailing through Hawaii, Fiji, and the Panama Canal.

This conversation is equal parts practical (should you book that suite?) and personal (what luxury really means once the kids are grown).

About the Guest

Fred is a lifelong cruiser, tech professional, and proud family man who has turned his passion for the sea into countless adventures across Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean. He’s also an administrator of the Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society Lounge Facebook group, a 40,000-member community dedicated to kind, respectful, and informative cruising conversations.

About the Host

Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is a pediatrician, executive, and life coach for neurodiverse physicians—and the passionate host behind Luxury Cruising. She brings expert insight and honest excitement to every interview, helping curious travelers elevate their adventures at sea.

📍 Website: luxurycruising.net
📧 Email: luxurycruisingpodcast@gmail.com 
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis

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