Professor Melissa

Professor Melissa Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Professor Melissa, Digital creator, Cincinnati, OH.

I’m a university professor who loves to cruise, and who loves to talk ship…

Next 🚢: MSC Seashore 6/7

Visit profmelissa.com for FREE Port Guides, advice, and my top recommendations.

06/19/2026

Five reasons to book a Mediterranean cruise. One: visit Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Croatia in one or two weeks without separate flights or repacking between hotels. Two: these ports are genuinely diverse, Barcelona and Sicily feel nothing alike. Three: the history and culture are unmatched. Four: it beats backpacking Europe, I’ve done that, it’s physically brutal. Five: the food. Every country and region has its own culinary identity and you eat your way through all of them.

06/18/2026

One honest reason I’m obsessed with cruising: my ADHD. I get bored incredibly easily, and traditional vacations where I stay in the same city for a week genuinely exhaust me. With a cruise, I pack once and wake up somewhere completely different every single morning. Where to eat, what to do, getting between destinations while I sleep, all handled. I think of it as a sampler platter: get a taste of a dozen places, figure out which ones light you up, go back later. For a brain that craves constant novelty, cruising is the perfect travel format.

06/17/2026

My honest review of MSC World America. I’ve been a bit of an MSC hater, no sponsorships here, so you’re getting the truth. After this cruise, my opinion has completely changed. The ship is massive, the design is stunning, and it feels noticeably tailored to the American market, which is a shift for a European cruise line. The food, which has been MSC’s biggest pain point for years, has genuinely improved. If you’ve been skeptical of MSC, World America is worth a serious look.

06/17/2026

Things you can ask your room steward for that cost you absolutely nothing. A fan: cabins get hot and a small fan helps with airflow and white noise. An extension cord, especially if you have a CPAP, because Royal Caribbean won’t let you bring your own. A mattress topper: many ships have them on request. Carnival’s fuzzy blue blanket, ask for it, it’s iconic. And a robe. Always tip your steward.

06/16/2026

What if your first cruise could feel easier before you even get to the port? A smoother cruise starts with a few smart choices before embarkation day. In this video, we discuss first cruise tips experienced cruisers use to save money, avoid long lines, pack smarter, prevent surprise charges, and feel more prepared on board. From carry-on bags and cruise security rules to drink packages, shore excursions, seasickness, luggage, onboard accounts, and gratuities, this guide helps you cruise with more confidence and fewer beginner mistakes.

**Get Help Booking Your Next Cruise** https://www.profmelissa.com/book
**FREE Casino Cruise** https://urcomped.com/Affiliate/LandingPage/60?src=profmelissa
**Packing for a cruise essentials** https://www.profmelissa.com/blog/cruisepacking
**Cruise essential favorites** https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr_melissa_newman?ccs_id=773fdd6b-c126-433e-9f36-a612cb682488

Videos:
**Cruise drink packages** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt6nNcjNwCc
**Should You Actually Remove Your Auto Gratuities?** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtTgr0MzD68

**CHAPTERS**
(0:00) What do experienced cruisers know before their first cruise?
(1:03) What should you pack in your first-day cruise carry-on bag?
(3:22) When is the best time to book a cruise?
(5:19) Should you buy WiFi, dining, and spa before boarding?
(6:33) Is the cruise drink package actually worth it?
(7:49) Should first-time cruisers book independent excursions?
(9:11) How should you handle seasickness before a cruise?
(10:52) Should you carry your own bags off the ship?
(12:09) Why should you check your onboard account every day?
(13:17) Should you prepay cruise gratuities?

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PODCAST

Want this video in audio form? Stream my podcast:
Spotify: https://profmel.com/spotify
Apple: https://profmel.com/apple

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LINKS

🛳️ Get my Travel Insurance Guide for Cruisers: https://profmel.com/insurance
🛳️ Shop my favorite cruise outfits and essentials: https://profmel.com/shop
🛳️ Want to become a travel agent? https://www.profmelissa.com/travelagent
🛳️ Get my top recommended travel card: http://www.profmel.com/card
🛳️ Want to book a cruise or take a cruise with me? https://profmel.com/book
🛳️ Grab my FREE Cruise Packing List & Planner: https://profmel.com/subscribe
🛳️ Want to book my favorite private drivers? http://www.profmel.com/drivers

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Please note that sometimes, my posts contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a commission through purchases, but this does not affect you as a consumer or cost you more in any way. I appreciate your use of my links, as this helps support my channel. ♥️

06/15/2026

Nassau is an expensive spot when taking a cruise, so I love finding (and sharing) a good deal when I find one. And yes, ALL fees and taxes are included on this one. 😳

Grand Turk has managed to slip off my itinerary for two full years, and the most recent miss was particularly frustratin...
06/13/2026

Grand Turk has managed to slip off my itinerary for two full years, and the most recent miss was particularly frustrating. I was on Carnival Mardi Gras earlier this year and Grand Turk was on the schedule. Weather called it off. That was the first time in my entire cruising life that a port of call was completely cancelled. Not rerouted, not shortened. Cancelled. After two years away, I really felt that one.

Grand Turk's a port that surprises people who've never been. It's quiet, manageable, and genuinely beautiful. The beach at the cruise center is steps from the ship and it's actually good. Clean sand, clear turquoise water, no long transfer needed.

A few things worth knowing before you go:

The pink Starbucks inside the cruise center is the only Starbucks in all of Turks and Caicos. It doesn't accept the app, but it's worth a photo.

If you want to explore beyond the port, rent a golf cart. The whole island's about six miles end to end. You can see Governor's Beach, Cockburn Town, and the wild donkeys that roam the roads. Book in advance because they sell out fast.

About the beach chairs: the green chairs are free. Some vendors will try to convince you otherwise. Cruisers call them chair pirates and the name fits. Hold your ground.

Hoping I can get back to GT sometime this year.

Have you been to Grand Turk? Is it on your cruise bucket list?

06/12/2026

Have you ever noticed a small boat moving alongside a cruise ship? Here’s the critical role that pilot boats play when it comes to cruising.

If you’re cruising to Nassau, RUN, don’t walk to snag passes for this spot b/c this is a legit crazy deal. Nassau can be...
06/12/2026

If you’re cruising to Nassau, RUN, don’t walk to snag passes for this spot b/c this is a legit crazy deal.

Nassau can be wildly expensive, and the public beaches aren’t pleasant, so even though they can be pricey, I always recommend getting day passes somewhere, and I have a few top recommended spots.

But one of them is running a limited sale for passes for FORTY BUCKS!! AND it includes your food!!

I was just here two days ago, having been several times before, and it was the perfect day. They have two heated pools, private beachfront access, and your pass includes use of loungers and umbrellas. Even renting these at a public beach will usually set you back $25 or so. Plus the $40 includes all taxes and fees.

And as mentioned it also includes a meal. Options are limited, though, to fish tacos, quesadilla (chicken or cheese), burger, or hot dog, and two soft drinks. I got the burger (bunless bc I’m trying GF again), and it was delicious! Bati and I love smash burger style and this was that style and it was sooo good.

I also love that it’s a super short, easy walk from the cruise terminal, so you don’t waste time and money on a taxi.

And if you’re anxious about going independent because you fear missing the ship, this is the spot bc the ships are so close they’re in full view the entire time. 😆

Here’s info: profmel.com/british

06/11/2026

If you’re cruising to Nassau and want a relaxing beach day experience, without venturing far from the terminal, THIS is the spot to go.

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