Hey there, fellow cruisers and Podcastaways family! It’s Trevor here, and I’ve got a lot to share as we dive headfirst into Season 4 of the Carnival Cruising Podcastaways. It’s hard to believe we’ve already sailed through three seasons, each one a wild ride full of growth, change, and a few rocky seas (but hey, that’s cruising, right?). Let’s take a stroll down memory lane before I spill the beans on what’s to come this season.
Season 1: The Foundation
We launched this little podcast with a couple of cheap mics, a lot of heart, and even more passion for cruising. It was just Tom Kennedy and me, two cruise-obsessed friends who couldn’t stop talking about our adventures at sea. From sharing our favorite stories about unforgettable ports to tips for first-time cruisers, Season 1 was all about being informative and building the foundation of what CCP would grow to be. We were figuring things out as we went, but those early episodes were pure, unfiltered fun. It was messy, it was raw, but it was us—and that’s what made it special.
Season 2: Going Live and Connecting with the Community
By Season 2, we’d hit our stride and found our voice (and maybe upgraded our mics just a bit). We started building relationships with some awesome YouTubers, expanding our reach and connecting with a whole new audience. We jumped into live streaming, which was a total game-changer. I’ll never forget introducing the Blue Card Intern, Reese Schrimsher, to the show. He brought this fresh, hilarious energy that you all loved—honestly, he became an instant fan favorite.
But as much as we loved the live streams, real life started to get in the way. Coordinating everyone’s schedules was like trying to book a cruise during spring break—chaos! So, we eventually dialed back on the live shows, but those early live episodes were a blast and definitely helped us grow as a podcast.
Season 3: New Faces and Finding Our Groove
Season 3 marked another big change for us. Reese had to step back as a full-time host (we missed you, buddy!), but we welcomed Gary Manning from the Traveling Mannings as our newest addition. If you’ve been with us through Season 3, you know that Gary brought a new dynamic to the team—plus, he’s always got a great story up his sleeve.
We also introduced Jenn, who became the voice of reason we never knew we needed. With her in the mix, the show started feeling more like a true family. We shifted gears a bit, diving into all the big news and drama surrounding Carnival. It was exciting to cover the latest happenings, but let’s be honest—it wasn’t always smooth sailing. The cruise industry can be full of turbulence, and it felt like we were constantly navigating through waves of drama. Right at the end of the Season, Reese came back into the fold and things just felt complete.
Looking Ahead: Season 4 and a Return to Roots
Now, here we are, standing on the deck of Season 4. So, what’s next? Well, for starters, you’re reading this on our new, bare-bones website. Don’t worry, we’ve got big plans to turn this into a hub for everything Carnival Cruising Podcastaways. You’ll find blog posts, episode updates, merch links, and all the goodies you could want. It’s all coming soon!
As for the podcast itself, we’re going back to what made us fall in love with this project in the first place. We’re cutting through the noise and leaving the cruise drama behind. This season, we’re focusing on the stories—the kind of tales you’d share over a drink at the Alchemy Bar. We’re diving back into tips for new cruisers, talking about our favorite ports, and sharing the pure joy of being on the open sea.
But that’s not all! We’re also launching The Podcastaways YouTube channel, where Gary, Reese, and I will be going live weekly. It’s going to be a mix of cruise talk, life updates, and whatever wild ideas we come up with. You might catch me attempting to cook a Carnival Chocolate Melting Cake from scratch (wish me luck), or see Gary hitting the road as he tours every stadium he can find. And Reese… well, we might need to teach him how to hit the “Go Live” button first, but we’ll get there!
From the Heart: A Note of Thanks
I can’t tell you how excited I am for Season 4. I’ve had the absolute honor of building this show with Mr. Kennedy by my side. Together, we’ve created something truly special—a place where cruisers can come together, laugh, learn, and share in the love of all things cruising. Words escape me when I think about how far we’ve come and how incredible this journey has been.
So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here. Whether you’ve been with us since Season 1 or you just found us, I’m grateful for every listen, every comment, and every laugh we’ve shared. Here’s to Season 4 and all the adventures ahead.
Love, Trevor
