# 24. New Cruise Charges, Outbreak Scare & That FAKE Pier Run?!

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/cruise-talk-weekly-7479564/24-new-cruise-charges-outbreak-scare-that-fake-pier-run
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/cruise-talk-weekly-7479564/24-new-cruise-charges-outbreak-scare-that-fake-pier-run.md
Podcast: [Cruise Talk Weekly](https://stenobird.com/podcast/cruise-talk-weekly-7479564)
Published: 2026-03-19T16:11:00+00:00
Episode link: https://88e4fc59-d17a-49e3-a45f-37711fab5e8a.libsyn.com/ep-24-new-cruise-charges-outbreak-scare-that-fake-pier-run
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/88e4fc59-d17a-49e3-a45f-37711fab5e8a/CTW24_-_Audio.mp3?dest-id=5146610
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/cruise-talk-weekly-7479564/episodes/24-new-cruise-charges-outbreak-scare-that-fake-pier-run
Duration seconds: 3403

## Resource

🎙️ Episode 24: New Cruise Charges, Outbreak Scare & That FAKE Pier Run?! This week on Cruise Talk Weekly , Tony and Tommy break down a packed week in cruising—from rising costs to viral chaos and everything in between. Cruise lines may soon be adding new fuel surcharges as global tensions push oil prices higher. What does this mean for your next vacation—and are more surprise charges on the way? We also dive into the norovirus outbreak on the brand-new Star Princess , what really happens during those "deep cleans," and whether you should feel comfortable boarding after an incident like this. Plus, the internet is buzzing over a FAKE pier run video that racked up millions of views—why did it make so many cruisers angry, and does it even matter if it was staged? And that's not all: Princess raises gratuities (again) and what it means for cruisers The growing frustration around tipping culture at sea Carnival's new "speed dining" concept—game changer or cruise killer? A bizarre union standoff in Australia And why the Carnival Splendor still holds a special place in Tony's heart Whether you're planning your next cruise or just love staying on top of cruise news, this episode has you covered. 🚢 Join the Conversation What do you think about rising cruise costs, tipping, or speed dining? Let us know your thoughts! 🔔 Follow & Subscribe Don't forget to follow Cruise Talk Weekly so you never miss an episode

## Actions

- request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/cruise-talk-weekly-7479564/episodes/24-new-cruise-charges-outbreak-scare-that-fake-pier-run/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.
- read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/cruise-talk-weekly-7479564/24-new-cruise-charges-outbreak-scare-that-fake-pier-run.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.

A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed.

## Transcript

Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.