Podcasts about Costa Cruises

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Travel Industry Black Friday is here!  Welcome to the second of three episodes featuring our event Presenting Partners :)Up this week is LaDonna Allen from Costa Cruises, and she's sharing the scoop on her best sales tips from top travel advisors, Costa's sustainability initiatives, and how to prepare your clients for an immersive onboard European experience.Questions this episode answers:What kinds of cruising trends should travel agents pay attention to going into 2025?What type of clients should travel advisors qualify for Costa Cruises?How does Costa Cruises integrate cultural experiences?What unique itineraries are available with Costa Cruises?Enjoy (and take action)!Sign Up for Costa Extra: https://www.costaextra.com/CostaClick/en-US/Pages/Login.aspxConnect with your Costa BDM: costasales@us.costa.itShop Travel Industry Black Friday:https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/blackfriday/Travel Industry Black Friday Goody Bag:https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/bfgoodybag/---------------------------------------------------------------JOIN the Cruise Content Library: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776JOIN Marketing Business School:https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1117728Say HI on Social:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbsFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622 Direct EMAIL:rita@steeryourmarketing.com

This week we talk about a ship that really shouldn't have sank. And to do so on Friday the 13th is a wild coincidence. The ship Costa Concordia was captained by a most cowardly man known as Francesco Schettino. When you learn of this terrible misshap you will hate him as much as we do. On the edge of Isola del Giglio the Costa Cruises company suffered a great lose but just blaming this on negligence is not enough. Thanks for listening and remember to like, rate, review, and email us at: cultscryptidsconspiracies@gmail.com or tweet us at @C3Podcast. Also check out our Patreon: www.patreon.com/cultscryptidsconspiracies. Thank you to T.J. Shirley for our theme.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4145155/advertisement

In June of 2022, Carnival cruise line announced that it would be acquiring the Venezia and Firenze ships from its sister company Costa Cruises. In September, Donna was able to go on this “new” Carnival ship for a Canadian adventure out of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Lindsay – Sandy – Donna – George

Jackpot Digital CEO Jake Kalpakian joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news regarding the company's partnership with NFL Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson. Johnson, known for his success with the Dallas Cowboys and the University of Miami Hurricanes, as well as his current role as a weekly analyst on Fox NFL Sunday, has been appointed as the company's new Brand Ambassador. He will work to increase visibility and awareness of Jackpot Digital's dealerless electronic poker table, Jackpot Blitz. Kalpakian explained that the company has been experiencing strong growth in its cruise ship customer base, with partnerships with major cruise lines such as Carnival Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises, Holland America, AIDA, and Costa Cruises. Additionally, Jackpot Digital has entered into new agreements for the installation of 23 Jackpot Blitz tables and has received Letters of Intent (LOIs) for an additional 16 tables from undisclosed partners. This brings the total new Jackpot Blitz orders for the year to 39, representing approximately a 60% increase in installations. The company is actively working on obtaining the necessary licensing for these installations, and it plans to begin installing the next generation Jackpot Blitz tables in the fourth quarter of 2023. The partnership with NFL Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson is expected to further boost the company's visibility and market presence, making Jackpot Digital a key player in the electronic poker table industry. In summary, under the leadership of CEO Jake Kalpakian, Jackpot Digital is experiencing significant growth in its cruise ship customer base and expanding its Jackpot Blitz table installations. The partnership with Jimmy Johnson as Brand Ambassador is set to elevate the company's profile and contribute to its continued success in the gaming industry. #proactiveinvestors #jackpotdigitalinc #tsxv #jj #otcqb #jpotf # #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

This week The Joy of Cruising Podcast, welcomes a special guest. In The Joy of Cruising  books, all the passionate cruisers I write about are special—whether they are “ordinary” cruisers with extraordinary stories, or “Googleable” individuals such as TV personalities, Grammy winners and nominees, a Hall of Famer, and UK's first non-royal, non-celebrity cruise ship Godmother. Today I am honored to welcome one of those Googleable individuals: Joseph Farcus, a veritable legend of cruise ship design, and author of the book, Design On the High Seas. I featured Joe in my new release The Joy of Cruising Again in a section called “The Fun Ships.” Joe's entrée into the world of cruising was in 1975 when the architectural firm he worked for, Morris Lapidus Associates, was engaged by Carnival Cruise Line to work on its 2nd former liner to add to its Mardi Gras. Morris Lapidus, renowned for its design of Miami's famed Fontainebleau Hotel, was commissioned to design the ship, which was renamed Carnivale, for its transformation into a cruise ship. Joe oversaw much of the work as the project manager on board at the shipyard and designed Carnivale's theater. By the time Carnival purchased its 3rd ship, a passenger/cargo ship that would become the Festivale, Joe had left Morris Lapidus. Joe approached Ted Arison, founder and CEO of Carnival, in an effort to obtain his first contract as an independent architect. Joe eventually got the contract to design Festivale, and it was a massive success, positioning the Fun Ships to launch their first build of a new ship, the Tropicale. Joe landed the contract to design the Tropicale and went on to design the next 30 Carnival ships. In 2000, he also began designing for Costa Cruises, Carnival's Italian subsidiary and designed 11 ships for them. Joe's last ship where he led the design for a Carnival ship was the Magic in 2011. He designed the Costa Diadema in 2014 before retiring later that year. Support the show

Episode 141 overviewIn Episode 141, You wouldn't believe how many kg's of Fresh produce P&O have sourced in WA in the 2 months that Pacific Explorer has called Fremantle home. From melons to milk, we share it all and delve into the produce used on Holland America Line's recent world cruise. Chris shares some further history around P&O Australia and challenges Baz with a listener's Fact or Fiction PLUS the latest cruise news from around the world.Fast FactsDuring her two-month home season in WA, 40,000 litres of fresh milk and 100,000 kilograms of local produce are used on board, including:30,000 kgs of melons10,000 kgs of tomatoes9,000 kgs of potatoes8,000 kgs of lettuce6,000 kgs of carrots4,000 kgs of apples3,000 kgs of eggplantSupport the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhRun for a Reason – This year Chris will Run for a Reason, raising money for the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre. The Family Centre is a unique WA based home away from home for people with type 1. The team work alongside people living with type 1 diabetes, to support them to live a full and rewarding life. Donations can be made here: https://lnkd.in/gjs7jXXjCruise NewsOceania Vista officially named and christenedOceania Cruises' leadership team including Founder Frank Del Rio, stood alongside celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis – God Mother, as they christened our highly anticipated first Allura Class ship, Vista. Being the first new ship to our fleet in over a decade, the 67,000 tonne masterpiece was everything and more that staff, crew, guests and travel partners alike could have imagined. If you missed the live event, click the link below to watch the recording of the christening, including the bottle-breaking ceremony.https://vimeo.com/826284546/9062172fd6?share=copyCarnival Ship Helps Group After Boat CapsizesCarnival Dream's crew helped rescue 17 people stranded in the Belize Channel Wednesday, after the group's boat capsized. Carnival Dream was heading for Cozumel, Mexico, when the ship's officers spotted the capsized boat and the group in distress.Carnival Dream Captain Francesco Fiorentino's officers and crew immediately alerted the Belize Coast Guard, lowered one of its shipboard tenders into the water in conjunction with local Belize tenders, and helped to safely recovered all 17 people.Each member of the group rescued was in good condition before a transfer with the Belize Coast Guard was coordinated.Carnival Dream resumed its voyage, continuing on to Cozumel as scheduled. The ship departed Galveston, Tex. May 14 for a six-day sailing, and will return May 20.Explora Journeys Announces Owner's Residence On Board Explora IExplora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, today unveiled the design of its Owner's Residence on board EXPLORA I, the first of up to six luxury ships. The Owner's Residence creates the largest living space on board, featuring multiple harmonious spaces to relax, entertain and unwind while enjoying panoramic ocean views from the private outdoor terrace, extending over the full ship's width.The luxurious living space spans over 280 sqm (3,014 sq ft), comprising a spacious suite area of 155 sqm (1,668 sq ft) and a 125 sqm (1,345 sq ft) outdoor terrace, complete with an infinity whirlpool and a dining table for eight guests.In addition, guests staying in the Owner's Residence will enjoy roundtrip home to airport ground transfers, a complimentary pre- or post-journey hotel night, and roundtrip transfers from/to hotel and port. They will also have one private driver ashore subject to availability, and unlimited priority reservations for all culinary venues.The Owner's Residence on board EXPLORA I is available for a maximum capacity of three adults or two adults and one child under 18 years old.The naming ceremony for EXPLORA I will take place in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy on 8 July, followed by her Maiden Journey departing on 17 July from Southampton, UK for a 15-night sailing into Norwegian fjords and the Arctic Circle to Copenhagen, Denmark.Swan Hellenic, Philippe Cousteau Foundation and SDG4MED Join Forces to Restore Ocean HealthSwan Hellenic's environmentally advanced expedition cruise ship SH Vega hosted the signing ceremony of an agreement by which Swan Hellenic, the Philippe Cousteau Foundation and SDG4MED engage to contribute jointly to the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”. Under the agreement, Swan Hellenic commits to provide its fleet for use as “ships of opportunity”, enabling the foundations' scientists to gauge the health of our Blue Planet in its most remote and pristine regions, including Arctic, Antarctica and Africa coasts, where the Swan Hellenic fleet is, of course present for several months every year.In late 2021, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU mandated the Commission to accelerate Ocean and Water health conservation and restoration worldwide. The resulting EU Mission is a coordinated effort to pool the necessary financial, scientific and operational resources.The three organisations were among the first in the world to endorse the Mission Charter, which aims to create a sustainable, carbon-neutral, circular blue economy that plays a key role in achieving climate neutrality, since the oceans are major carbon sinks, protect biodiversity and foster economic prosperity, being expected to generate €2.5 trillion per year by 2030. The Mission 2030 targets include a 30% reduction in marine microplastics and the deployment of EU carbon neutral, circular blue economy communities.Costa partners with bioLNG powered truck to supply Costa Firenze in northern Europe Costa Cruises has signed an agreement with LC3 Trasporti to start using bio-LNG-powered trucks to transport supplies needed by its cruise ships.The collaboration between the two Italian companies will officially begin on May 19, when the Costa Firenze ship will call for the first time in the port of Kiel, Germany, from where she will depart weekly until mid-September to offer seven-day cruises to the Norwegian fjords.The supply of goods needed by the ship, such as some types of food, beverages, and technical supplies, will be transported from Costa Cruises' warehouses in Genoa to Kiel using LC3 Transport trucks powered by bio-LNG, the liquefied biomethane obtained by refining waste from the livestock industry.The use of this alternative fuel for the road transport of goods will cut CO2 emissions by almost 90 percent, and particulate emissions by almost 100 percent as compared to a conventional Euro VI diesel vehicle.Holland America Line's First Grand World Voyage Since 2020 Successfully Concludes after 128 Days, 57 Port Visits and 34,651 Nautical MilesHolland America Line's 2023 Grand World Voyage concluded today at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 128 days after it departed from the port Jan. 3, 2023. This is the first Grand World Voyage the cruise line has operated since 2020 and the 59th since its first world cruise departed aboard Statendam Jan. 7, 1958.During Zuiderdam's journey around the world, the ship visited 57 ports in 30 countries on four continents and cruised 35,651 nautical miles (39,875 land miles). Highlights included funds raised for Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, Africa; blankets knitted by guests for Project Linus; and celebrating the company's 150th Anniversary in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha.Guests Raise Funds and Knit for a CauseZuiderdam guests raised $10,000 for The Bernhard Nordkamp Centre in Namibia, which was presented to the organization during the ship's call at Walvis Bay. The BNC services approximately 150 kids in grades one through seven who come in after their school day to receive support, food, additional education and positive social interaction.Continuing a tradition that began more than a decade ago on the Grand World Voyage, guests made 618 blankets for Project Linus throughout the sailing. Nearly 75 blanketeers and 20 non-knitting volunteers participated in the Project Linus endeavor this year. With yarn brought on by guests, donated prior to departure and funds given by Holland America Line, guests of all knitting and crocheting abilities made blankets for children in the United States who are ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.Organized this year by guests Gail and Marty Gottlieb, the couple drove a U-Haul truck to Port Everglades for the start of the Grand World Voyage with one-million yards of yarn in over 40 different colors, along with hooks, needles and ball winders. The blankets will be picked up by the local South Florida chapter of Project Linus at the port.Themed Events and Culinary DelightsDuring the voyage, guests dressed to the nines for events that featured a Grand Masquerade, Derby Night, Casino Royale, Mardi Gras Night of Music and “Once Upon a Time.”  More than a dozen casual, themed evenings around Lido pool included a glamp out, Burgers and Beer, Grand Fair, surprise party with the ship's team members, Biergarten Festival, “Let Them Eat Cake” and “An Evening in France.”2023 Grand World Voyage Highlights and Fun Facts:Zuiderdam visited imaginary Null Island (0°N/S & 0°E/W) where the equator crosses the Prime Meridian and visitors became an Emerald Shellback, the rarest shellback (a sailor who has crossed the equator) designation.On April 18, Antorcha visited the ship in Amsterdam during an overnight call to celebrate the company's 150th Anniversary.Guests indulged in 31,248 bottles of wine and champagne.200,606 lbs. of fresh vegetables and 173,903 lbs. of fresh fruit were consumed.40,905 fresh eggs were scrambled, poached and used as ingredients.Guests drank 133,293 soft drinks.The ship served nearly 200,000 lbs. of meat (beef, pork, lamb, poultry, veal).Guests enjoyed 56,306 lbs. of seafood.7,793 tea bags were used to brew a cuppa, as well as 3,277 bags of coffee.More than $200,000 in foreign currencies were exchanged.New Star Princess and Sun Princess Headline 2025 Europe Cruises & Cruisetours Season as Princess Cruises Celebrates 40th Anniversary Sailing in the MediterraneanPrincess Cruises is celebrating its 40th anniversary sailing the Mediterranean by featuring two of its newest and largest ships there in 2025 – Star Princess and Sun Princess.The 2025 cruises and cruisetours season offers travellers looking for the ultimate European adventure abundant natural beauty, history and traditions, combined with diverse cultures, all while enjoying a relaxed, stress-free travel experience on six beautiful Princess cruise ships: NEW! Star Princess and NEW! Sun Princess, plus Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Regal Princess and Emerald Princess.Voyages aboard ships sailing out of Southampton UK (London) in 2025 – Sky Princess, Regal Princess and Emerald Princess – go on sale May 25, while sailings on Mediterranean-based ships – Star Princess (NEW), Sun Princess (NEW) and Majestic Princess go on sale June 1.Princess first set sail in the Mediterranean in 1985, and to celebrate the 40th anniversary the new Star Princess joins sister-ship Sun Princess in the Mediterranean for her debut season of cruising. Her maiden voyages depart August 4, 2025, sailing a nine-day Grand Mediterranean voyage to Italy and Greece roundtrip from Rome, followed by a variety of 10-day cruises, also roundtrip from Rome, that visit iconic destinations such as Florence, Barcelona and Mykonos.Both of the cruise line's newest ships offer next-generation features, host 4,300 guests, offer more than 1,500 balconies and 29 restaurants and bars throughout 21 decks. Their ground-breaking design centres on a glass sphere that infuses the Piazza with light and connects guests with dynamic views of the world. Another standout venue is The Dome, a cutting-edge top-deck entertainment space inspired by the tiered cliffs of Santorini.and more...Join the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Co-host: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialListen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Diese Podcast-Episode widmet sich zwei recht unterschiedlichen Themen: Wir waren einerseits bei der Taufe von Swan Hellenics drittem Expeditionskeuzfahrtschiff SH Diana in Amsterdam und haben andererseits Costa-President Mario Zanetti auf der Costa Toscana zur Zukunft und Strategie der italienischen Kreuzfahrt-Reederei interviewt. Im Podcast stellen wir die SH Diana vor und zeigen die Unterschiede zur SH Vega auf, über die wir im vergangenen Jahr bereits ausführlich im Podcast berichtet hatten. Wir sprechen unter anderem auch über das Konzept von Swan Hellenic und die ungewöhnlichen Fahrtrouten des neuen Expeditionskreuzfahrtschiffs. Mit dem President von Costa Cruises, Mario Zanetti, haben wir ein Interview auf der Costa Toscana geführt, mit der wir anlässlich des 75. Jubiläums der italienischen Kreuzfahrt-Reederei unterwegs waren. Mario Zanetti hat uns dabei einen Einblick in die Strategie von Costa nach der Pandemie und die Ziele der Reederei gegeben. In der „After Show“ zu dieser Podcast-Episode besprechen wir zwei News-Themen: Nicko Cruises gibt überraschenderweise mangels Nachfrage das Expeditionsgeschäft mit der World Voyager auf und MSCs neue Luxus-Marke Explora Journeys setzt auf Familien, was am Ultraluxus-Kreuzfahrtmarkt recht ungewöhnlich ist. Die After Show ist ein besonderes Goodie [exklusiv für unsere Unterstützer via Steady](https://steadyhq.com/de/cruisetricks-podcast/about), das wir in einem eigenen, kleinen Podcast bereitstellen. Bei Steady finden Sie als Abonnent eine [genaue Anleitung](https://get.steadyhq.help/hc/de/articles/360002251118), wie Sie diesen Podcast abonnieren können.

Introducing episode 139 In Ep139, you may be mistaken for thinking this episode is sponsored by Cunard, but no… no sponsors this week… its just the way this weeks news landed. Chris challenges Baz once again in Fact or Fiction. And Baz loses hi shi# Enjoy the show.Image Credit: Queene Anne. Float Out. ©Christopher Ison PhotographySupport the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhRun for a Reason – This year Chris will Run for a Reason, raising money for the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre. The Family Centre is a unique WA based home away from home for people with type 1. The team work alongside people living with type 1 diabetes, to support them to live a full and rewarding life. Donations can be made here: https://lnkd.in/gjs7jXXjCruise newsCoronation Celebrations at Sea On Board Cunard's Three QueensCunard joins the nation in celebrating the historic coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort with a range of coronation-themed activities planned on all three of its Queens.From street parties in the majestic Grand Lobby to themed musical performances, films and quizzes, guests on board Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will be able to truly immerse themselves in the regal festivities.An exclusive Coronation dinner menu has been created for the evening of Saturday 6 May, inspired by King Charles' love of farming, agriculture, game, and organic principles. It features a selection of specially curated dishes showcasing some of his favourite ingredients, to create a meal that perfectly commemorates this auspicious occasion.Specially designed cocktails will be available to toast Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, including a “Coronation Oath” made with Prosecco, White Vermouth, Grapefruit and Cardamom Bitters and a “Monarch Martini” using Cunard's 3 Queens Gin.All three ships will be at sea for the big day and will broadcast the ceremony live from Westminster Abbey into the ships' Royal Court Theatres and stateroom TVs. Queen Elizabeth guests will be just starting their nine-night tour of Southern Japan and Taiwan, visiting the stunningly beautiful island of Hualien and the idyllic tropical paradise of Miyakojima, while Queen Victoria will be returning from a 12-night voyage around the Canary Islands.A brand-new Coronation Celebration voyage was announced earlier this week, seeing Queen Mary 2 sail round-trip from Southampton on 2 May to Cunard's spiritual home port, Liverpool.Cunard's world-renowned Insights programme across the fleet will feature royal commentator Dickie Arbiter, historian Caroline Aston and etiquette expert Grant Harrold.Each ship will also host a deck walk in honour of The Big Help Out on Monday 8 May to raise money for youth charity The Prince's Trust, a proud partner of Cunard's for the past 15 years since the Queen Consort was named as godmother to Queen Victoria in 2007. This significant milestone will be celebrated on a special British Isles voyage in August. To date, thanks to the generosity of guests, crew and friends, Cunard has raised over £2.7 million for the Trust. The charity helps young people who have faced disadvantage and adversity to build a better future for themselves, through employment, education and enterprise.Cunard's royal connections date back to August 1861, when Prince Alfred sailed from Halifax to Liverpool on Cunard's SS Arabia. More recently, Cunard is immensely proud that members of the royal family have graced each of the ships in its fleet.Swan Hellenic's third and largest ship, SH Diana, sets sail for Arctic following Amsterdam Naming Ceremony CelebrationsThe cultural expedition cruise pioneer's third purpose-designed expedition cruise ship is now on her way to Tromsø for an 11-day cruise of fjord exploration that opens her Arctic season before she voyages worldwideOn the 4th of May 2023, Swan Hellenic announced that the Naming Ceremony of its third ice-class cultural expedition cruise ship, SH Diana, had taken place in Amsterdam.The purpose-designed new vessel was named by luxury travel visionary and icon Valerie Ann Wilson, Founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel, in the presence of Swan Hellenic Senior Management, local dignitaries, VIP guests, the media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world.Silver Nova Floats Out: 12th Silversea Ship Nears Completion at Meyer WerftSilversea Cruises and the Meyer Werft shipyard celebrated the float out of the new ship Silver Nova℠ in Papenburg, Germany, on April 28, 2023. After water had filled the drydock, tugboats manoeuvred the vessel from one of the world's largest enclosed construction halls into the adjacent harbour. Set to become the 12th ship in the leading ultra-luxury cruise line's fleet when she launches in summer 2023, Silver Nova will be the most environmentally conscious ultra-luxury cruise ship ever built.Excitement ran high among onlookers at the Meyer Werft shipyard as the construction hall's doors parted ahead of the ship's repositioning. In a matter of hours, Silver Nova was positioned alongside the pier in the neighbouring harbour basin, where the fitting out phase will continue. Commemorating the important milestone and in observance of shipbuilding traditions, Captain Cosimo Pontillo welded a special coin to a wall on the pool deck, which will remain visible to the ship's future guests as a symbol of good luck. Meyer Werft's skilled craftspeople cleaned the ship's hull, attached her funnel, and installed her LNG and radar masts. Unique to the Meyer Werft shipyard, Silver Nova's next journey—scheduled for the end of May—will entail a conveyance of 32km (approximately 20 miles) down the narrow Ems River to the sea.Currently under construction in Papenburg as the first of two Nova class ships, the 728-guest Silver Nova is set to become the most sustainable ultra-luxury ship ever launched when she joins Silversea's fleet in summer 2023. Silver Nova will represent the next iteration of Silversea's unique take on luxury, with the largest choice of bars, restaurants, and lounges in ultra-luxury cruising; some of the most spacious guest suites at sea; and a range of innovative features—including an asymmetrical design and horizontal layout—that are unprecedented for the leading ultra-luxury cruise line.Cunard Celebrates The Float Out of Queen Anne4 May 2023 –the world's most iconic luxury cruise brand celebrated a momentous construction milestone today with the float out of Queen Anne at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy.The 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, Queen Anne officially touched water for the first time exactly 365 days before she will set sail on her maiden voyage to Lisbon on 3 May 2024.Steeped in tradition, the float out is marked by a special ceremony where a ‘Madrina' is named to offer blessings and best wishes for the ship, celebrating the flow of water into the ship's dry dock.The float out, completes the first comprehensive phase of construction for Queen Anne, which now transitions to focus on building the luxury ship's interiors.Queen AnneThe design concepts for Cunard's newest ship have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest Queen Anne, which spans 14 decks, will offer travellers several breath-taking moments, including the largest curated art collection at sea.For more than 180 years, Cunard has constantly refined the definitive experience of ocean travel, and Queen Anne will be bursting with Cunard's signature experiences, including world-class dining, exceptional entertainment, and luxurious accommodation.Entering service in May 2024, Queen Anne will make up a remarkable quartet for Cunard alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. It will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service.The float out ceremony follows September's iconic keel laying, in which a coin was embedded into the ship's keel by Captain Inger Thorhauge, alongside an original coin from the ship's namesake's reign, to mark the formal start of her construction.Holland America Line Announces First Grand Voyage ‘Pole-to-Pole' Cruise Roundtrip from the U.S.Holland America Line will sail what is believed to be the first ever Grand Voyage “Pole-to-Pole” roundtrip from the United States in 2025. Details of the new 133-day sailing along with a simultaneous 124-day 2025 Grand World Voyage. With the Grand Voyage: Pole-to-Pole and Grand World Voyage both departing in January 2025, this will be the first time that Holland America Line is offering two Grand Voyages of more than 120 days simultaneously. The Grand Voyage: Pole-to-Pole aboard Volendam enables cruisers to visit five continents on a journey that travels south-to-north, while the Grand World Voyage aboard Zuiderdam covers six continents on an east-to-west route, each conveniently sailing roundtrip from a U.S. homeport.2025 Grand Voyage: Pole-to-Pole Highlights — Volendam133 days. Departing Jan. 25, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.Follows a south-north-south route through the Panama Canal, down along the west coast of South America to Antarctica, then up along Argentina and Brazil to the heart of the Amazon River. The ship then crosses the Atlantic Ocean to Africa, sails north to Europe and up to the North Cape before heading west across the northern Atlantic Ocean via Iceland and Greenland, and finally down the eastern shores of North America.Pole to Pole: Down south Volendam spends four days of scenic cruising in Antarctica and up north the ship crosses the Artic Circle to the North Cape.68 total ports across five continents and 28 countries.8 overnight calls: Fuerte Amador, Panama; Callao (Lima), Peru; Buenos, Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Reykjavik, Iceland.Memorable Moments: Panama Canal transit, Cape Horn, Antarctica, Falkland Islands, exploring the Amazon River, Strait of Gibraltar, Norwegian fjords, North Cape, Iceland and Greenland.2025 Grand World Voyage Highlights — Zuiderdam124 days. Departing Jan. 4, 2025, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.Transits the Panama Canal and makes way to Easter Island before crossing the South Pacific to Australia. Explores the Great Barrier Reef en route to Indonesia and Sri Lanka, then sails south to Cape Town, South Africa, by way of the Seychelles, back up along the eastern coast of Africa, through the Suez Canal to Portugal before crossing the Atlantic Ocean.46 total ports in 32 countries across six continents.9 overnight calls: Callao (two nights); Easter Island; Papeete, Tahiti; Sydney, Australia; Singapore; Cape Town; Mombasa, Kenya; Safaga, Egypt; and Barcelona.7 late-night departures: Manta, Ecuador; Seychelles; Cape Town and Durban, South Africa; Aqaba, Jordan; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Gibraltar, U.K.Memorable Moments: Panama Canal transit, two nights at Callao allowing time to visit Machu Picchu, Easter Island, scenic cruising in the Great Barrier Reef, two full days in Cape Town, the opportunity to visit Petra from Jordan and experience Luxor from Safaga.Grand Rendezvous in BarcelonaOn April 24, 2025, Volendam and Zuiderdam will meet in Barcelona, Spain, for a joint overnight call, bringing the two Grand Voyages together for a celebration. Special festivities involving both ships will mark the occasion of the perfectly planned dual visit.Carnival will transport 3m passengers to Mexico this year Carnival Cruise Line is marking this Cinco de Mayo by highlighting that it expects more than three million guests to sail to Mexican ports this year on its ships, with projections growing to 3.5 million by 2024. Cozumel is Carnival's most popular destination in Mexico, with an estimated 1.6 million guests visiting the port this year. Additional ports in Mexico that Carnival ships visit regularly include: Progreso, Costa Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada and Mazatlan.Carnival offers various tours and excursions across Mexico. Here are five experiences that are among the most enjoyed by Carnival guests in the cruise line's most popular Mexican destination of Cozumel.Five Experiences Popular Among Carnival Guests Visiting CozumelAncient City of Tulum. This tour brings guests to the ancient Mayan paradise kingdom of Tulum. Guests learn the history of Mayan culture and see a former Mayan trade site that stands atop a cliff. A guided tour explores the main temples of “El Castillo,” the Temple of the Descendent God, the Maya Water Temple, and the Temple of the Frescoes.Adventure Jeep, Snorkel & Anemona Beach Club: The natural beauty of Mexico's east coast is on full display during this tour. Punta Sur Ecological Park is the largest nature reserve in Cozumel. It includes Anemona de Mar Beach Club, one of the most exclusive, secluded and untouched beaches located in the natural reserve as well as a visit to the Celarain Lighthouse – a picturesque place that provides the perfect backdrop for a tequila tasting session.Tabasco's Chef Maestro, Cooking & Tasting: Guests learn the secrets of traditional Mexican regional cuisine as they prepare a delicious three-course meal under the guidance of a master chef. Along with the meal, guests also learn how to prepare a perfect margarita.Amazing Secret River: One of the Cozumel region's most unique natural treasures is a series of caverns connected by underground waterways called the Rio Secreto Natural Reserve. Guests are guided through a subterranean world to marvel at natural formations as they wade through the many caverns and swim in the crystal-clear cenote.Xcaret Park: Thanks to its privileged location next to the Caribbean Sea in the Mayan jungle among underground rivers and cenotes, Xcaret Park offers a wide variety of different activities for guests to enjoy. From the aviary that provides sanctuary to more than 1,500 native birds to the underground Blue, Manatee and Mayan rivers and the aquarium that showcases the richness of Mexico's coral reefs, Xcaret Park and attractions honor Mexico's natural wonders and the wildlife that inhabit them.Carnival Venezia receives iconic livery with a twistWith the debut of Carnival Cruise Line's “Fun Italian Style” offering only weeks away, Carnival Venezia is showing off her new hull livery, but with a nod to the ship's Costa Cruises roots, the red stripe on the hull has been painted yellow and will correspond with the yellow on the ship's funnel.The unique take on the Carnival livery is just the beginning of what the ship holds in store for its guests, who will experience fun influenced by the ship's Italian design with the same warm hospitality Carnival is known for fleetwide.Once Carnival Venezia's enhancement project is completed in Spain, the ship will embark guests on a 15-day Carnival Journeys transatlantic sailing May 29, 2023 from Barcelona and arrive to her new home at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City.  The ship's first cruise from New York – a four-day cruise to Bermuda – is set for June 15, 2023.The ship accommodates more than 5,000 guests and will offer 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.Viking doubles capacity for second season in North America's Great LakesThe Viking Polaris Makes Her Great Lakes Debut in Toronto, Joining the Viking OctantisViking today is celebrating the start of its second season in the Great Lakes, as the new purpose-built Viking Polaris arrived in Toronto for her first port of call in the region. The Viking Polaris joins her identical sister ship, the Viking Octantis, which began sailing in the Great Lakes for the 2022 season and returned to the region in April 2023. With two 378-guest expedition vessels now in the region, Viking has doubled its capacity in the Great Lakes for 2023. The ships will remain in the Great Lakes through September 2023, sailing all five lakes and a variety of itineraries that operate between Toronto and Duluth.AIDA Cruises expands the use of shore powerThanks to the growing shore power infrastructure in Northern Europe, AIDA Cruises has reached another milestone on its decarbonization path. With AIDAsol, the first cruise ship in the AIDA fleet could already be connected to shore-side facilities in four out of five ports during its voyage from April 16 to 21, 2023, in Rostock-Warnemünde, Aarhus (Denmark), Kristiansand (Norway) and Hamburg.AIDAsol's voyage started with a premiere in Rostock-Warnemünde last Sunday, April 16, 2023. During a double call, AIDAmar and AIDAsol were the first two cruise ships to be supplied simultaneously with green energy on the same day in a German port.Another premiere followed just one day later: In Aarhus, Denmark, AIDAsol was the first cruise ship to conduct shore-side and shipboard integration tests on the newly built facility. The official opening of Denmark's first shore power plant for cruise ships is scheduled for later this year.Also during the voyage, AIDAsol was successfully supplied with energy from shore during its stop in Kristiansand, Norway, as it was already in 2022.This Friday morning, AIDAsol arrived in Hamburg, her home port for this year's summer season. Shortly after docking at the Cruise Center Altona, the ship was connected to Europe's first shore power plant for cruise ships and switched off its main engines.and more...Join the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialListen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u  I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features an interview with Bettina Deynes, Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Carnival Corporation and your host, Sultan Saidov, Co-Founder and President at Beamery.  Bettina brings a background of business leadership and strategic planning to Carnival. As Global CHRO, she is responsible for attracting, retaining, and rewarding talent; leading more collaborative approaches with the operating companies to optimize our HR functions and further leverage best practices; as well as enhancing the company culture and leading the organization's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts.Bettina discusses how she steered through pandemic challenges within the cruise industry, the culture of trust and diversity at Carnival, and how she is using her position of influence to provide opportunities to the disenfranchised. About Carnival Corporation:Carnival Corporation & plc is a global cruise company and one of the largest vacation companies in the world. Our portfolio of leading cruise brands includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn in North America; P&O Cruises (UK), and Cunard in the United Kingdom; AIDA Cruises in Germany; Costa Cruises in Southern Europe; Iberocruceros in Spain; and P&O Cruises (Australia) in Australia.These brands, which comprise the most recognized cruise brands in North America, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy, offer a wide range of holiday and vacation products to a customer base that is broadly varied in terms of cultures, languages and leisure-time preferences. We also own a tour company that complements our cruise operations: Holland America Princess Alaska Tours in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Combined, our vacation companies attract 10 million guests annually. Key Takeaways:What happens when HR becomes "the table" in times of crisisHow Carnival steered through its unique challenges during the pandemic with Bettina's leadershipHow Bettina is contributing to a culture of trust and diversity Changing the cultural narrative around the ethnic hierarchy aboard a Carnival cruise ship Quote:“I remember in the early days when it was very gloomy and we didn't know what was gonna happen, and I remember I said, we can use this time just to feel bad for ourselves and or we can use this time to our benefit and to come back stronger than ever. And how about really focusing on our culture. Understanding that DE&I is at the foundation of that culture. This is the time that we have to really listen, listen to, understand, and to learn about the experience of being on board.” – Bettina DeynesSponsorThe Talent Blueprint is brought to you by Beamery. Beamery's Talent Lifecycle Management Platform makes it possible for companies to deliver more human talent experiences and unlock the skills and potential of their global workforce using industry-leading AI. Learn more at beamery.com.LinksConnect with Bettina on LinkedInConnect with Sultan on LinkedIn

Costa Venezia Transformation Begins is the lead story on Wednesday Travel and Cruise Industry News, March 22, 2023 with Chillie Falls. Almost four months after ending its last sailing for Costa Cruises, the Venezia recently arrived at Navantia shipyard in Cádiz for its conversion into a Carnival Cruise Line ship. After offering a 15-night transatlantic crossing in late May, the new Carnival Venezia is set to kick off a schedule of year-round cruising out of New York City in June. CLICK HERE to access video feed #scootaround #costavenezia #carnivalvenezia #carnivalcruiseline Thanks for visiting my channel. We have two sought after balcony cabins left on Labor Day Alaska Solo Cruise. https://bit.ly/3XSeLWw NYTimes The Daily, the flagship NYT podcast with a massive audience. "Vacationing In The Time Of Covid" https://nyti.ms/3QuRwOS Chillie Chats with Sylvia Longmire, Ambassador for Scootaround and WHILL Powerchairs https://youtu.be/VovRJ5Fh1I8 To access the Travel and Cruise Industry News podcast; https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/travelcruisenews or go to https://accessadventure.net/ To subscribe: http://bit.ly/chi-fal As always, I appreciate super chats or any other donation to support my channel. For your convenience, please visit: https://paypal.me/chillie9264?locale.x=en_US Chillie's Cruise Schedule: https://accessadventure.net/chillies-trip-calendar/ For your special needs, contact me or Scootaround, https://www.scootaround.com/mobility-rentals, 1.888.441.7575. Use SRN11137 Check out my streaming partner: https://streamyard.com?pal=4889083533852672 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChilliesCruises Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chillie.falls Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChillieFalls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chilliefalls/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chilliescruises Business Email: chillie@chilliefalls.com Accessible Travel Blog: https://accessadventure.net/ Chillie Chats With Sue Bryant, London Times Cruise Editor About Emerald Azzurra https://youtu.be/_bnrkqPf2gE Chillie Chats With Disability Advocate Kristy Durso https://youtu.be/tJ65YgDyNbk Chillie Chats With Special Guest Kevin Martin, 30 And A Wake Up https://youtu.be/TMDG-LfXyXE Chillie Chats with Mark Chilutti on Accessibility of Oasis of the Seas https://youtu.be/ibuJe7sfvrA Chillie Chats With Kelly Narowski, Disability Rights Advocate and Avid Traveler https://youtu.be/NFB7LhkJ7go and https://youtu.be/LxbC5UW-Lsk Casino Loyalty Programs with Sue Sherer https://youtu.be/p0SsewJC_cE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 2023 review of Carnival Luminosa. This was a three-night sailing from Brisbane, Australia with no ports, otherwise known as a cruise to nowhere. A frequent Carnival Cruise Line cruiser, John gives us the details about the ship and his initial thoughts on the refurbishment that Luminosa underwent following its transfer from Costa Cruises.  Listen to unedited interviews with cruise line executives and public figures. Join the Cruise Radio Extra Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cruiseradio 

Episode 134In Episode 134, Loosing my SH&# returns, Chris joins the show from QM2 in Adelaide with a bumper edition of cruise news & Fact or Fiction. Garry S in Sydney shares images of QM2 and MSC Magnifica in Sydney Harbour.QM2 - Garry Stafford 2QM2 - Garry StaffordMSC Magnifica 2 - Garry SMSC Magnifica - Garry SSupport the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhRun for a Reason – This year Chris will Run for a Reason, raising money for the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre. The Family Centre is a unique WA based home away from home for people with type 1. The team work alongside people living with type 1 diabetes, to support them to live a full and rewarding life. Donations can be made here: https://lnkd.in/gjs7jXXjCruise NewsCosta Celebrates 75th AniversaryOne year on: Australian cruise renaissance gathers paceMarch 15, 2023 – More than 40 international cruise ships have returned to local waters in the year since Australia's cruise suspension was lifted, reviving an industry worth billions of dollars a year to communities around the country.Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said today Australia had undergone a cruising renaissance over the summer peak season and was on track to return to pre-pandemic prosperity by the end of the year.The Australian Government announced on March 15 last year it would not renew its national cruise suspension, paving the way for ships to return in a carefully managed revival that began initially with short domestic itineraries in May 2022.Australia has traditionally been one of the world's most passionate cruise markets. In 2019 more than 1.2 million Australians took an ocean cruise, representing 4.8% per cent of the population or almost one in 20 Australians.Costa Celebrates 75th Anniversary On 31 March 2023 Costa Cruises celebrates its 75th anniversary. On that day, 75 years ago in 1948, the “Anna C”, the first passenger ship of the fleet, departed from Genoa bound for Buenos Aires, with 768 guests on board.A historic moment, which started the great success of Costa cruises. Over all these years, day after day, Costa Cruises has taken millions of guests around the world, sharing the happy and unforgettable moments of their holidays.To celebrate this important anniversary together, Costa Cruises has come up with a unique initiative: 75 cruises at a special price, available until April, with different dates depending on the markets, to sail throughout the year, from early spring to autumn, to discover incredible destinations in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.Ships and itineraries of the 75th anniversary cruisesCosta Smeralda, Costa Toscana and Costa Diadema will offer week-long cruises in the Western Mediterranean, discovering the most beautiful destinations in Italy, France and Spain.In the eastern Mediterranean Costa Deliziosa will visit Marghera/Venice, Katakolon/Olympia (Greece), Mykonos (Greece) Santorini (Greece) and Bari, while during the summer Costa Pacifica will visit Taranto, Catania, Malta, Mykonos and Santorini. Both itineraries are one week long.During this summer, the Costa Fortuna will offer a never-before-seen 14-day itinerary between the Greek islands and the Balearic Islands, with Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Messina, four magnificent Greek islands, such as Crete (with a call at Heraklion), Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, Kefalonia (with a call at Argostoli), Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, and then Barcelona and Marseille.From May to September, cruises in Northern Europe will also be available. The Costa Fascinosa will offer 12-day itineraries to the North Cape, or nine-day cruises to the most beautiful cities in the Baltic; the Costa Favolosa will visit Iceland, the Lofoten Islands, Greenland, a new destination for this summer, or Great Britain and Ireland; the Costa Firenze will offer one-week cruises in the Fjords.Celebrity Cruises brings world's fastest growing sport, pickleball, to the high seasGet your game face on, because the world's fastest growing sport, pickleball, is coming to the world's greatest cruise line, Celebrity Cruises, with new courts added to nine ships* in the Celebrity fleet, including Celebrity Eclipse which is currently cruising Australia and New Zealand.A hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, pickleball has been embraced by celebrities and athletes around the world, including Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka and even LeBron James. Having officially made its way to Aussie shores in 2020 with the establishment of the Pickleball Australia Association (PAA), the sport has taken off, with membership to the PAA surging to 5,000+ members in just over two years. Jen Ramamurthy, director of the PAA estimates 15,000 people are now playing pickleball across the country – with numbers continuing to skyrocket!Whether a first-time player or an avid pro, travellers can now enjoy open-air courts and panoramic ocean views on participating Celebrity Cruises ships. Guests can either play at their leisure, or as part of an organised event or tournament led by the ship's activities team.*The nine Celebrity Cruises' ships now offering pickleball include: two Edge Series ships – Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Apex; plus Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit.Celebrity Cruises Launches New Inspirational Content Series, ‘The Tangerine Table'Celebrity Cruises, is launching a new content series spotlighting a wide range of game-changing leaders and crew members across its fleet, diving into their real life stories and their extraordinary achievements.Called “The Tangerine Table, ” each 10-minute episode will feature a small group of Celebrity officers or crew sharing their career journeys, the people and places that have inspired them along the way, and their lives at sea.  The series name is a nod to the striking colour of The Magic Carpet®, an engineering feat soaring cantilevered above the sea on Celebrity's industry-transforming Edge® Series ships and considered one of the greatest innovations in the cruise industry.The first episode out today honours International Women's Day with an encouraging “SEA it to BE it” message from the groundbreaking women aboard the line's flagship Celebrity Beyond, including:  Captain Kate McCue, the first and only American female captain of a cruise ship and the world's most-followed mariner on social media;First Officer Elizabeth Marami, Kenya's first female marine pilot and first licensed Chief Officer, Navigation.Executive Pastry Chef Atziri Chavez – a Mexican-born talented master of the culinary arts who proudly boasts her well-deserved black scarf;Jelena Vukelic, a Serbian-born wine expert that serves as the ship's Cellar Master.Viewers can tune into the conversation and watch full episodes on both YouTube and Facebook, while also seeing short and impactful clips on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.Carnival – Alcohol Alternative CocktailsCarnival Cruise Line is mixing some of its most popular cocktails as delicious alcohol-free alternatives. Guest-favorite drinks from the mixologists at Carnival's ever-popular Alchemy Bar are now available with non-alcoholic spirits produced by industry-leading distiller Lyre's, making Carnival the first cruise line to offer a full range of alcohol-free cocktails.“Our new partnership with Lyre's gives guests who want non-alcoholic cocktails the best options at sea. We've seen popularity for non-alcoholic cocktails grow rapidly, so to meet that trend, our mixologists have been working to craft alternative versions of our most popular cocktails with none of the alcohol, but all the flavour,” said Zachary Sulkes, Carnival's senior director of beverage operations.Lyre's is the world's most awarded line of non-alcoholic spirits and a global leader in the emerging segment. The company uses all-natural flavours, including essences, extracts and distillates, to match the aroma, taste and appearance you find within time-tested classics.Seven Popular Alchemy Bar Cocktails Recreated with Lyre's:Martini Seduction: Red passion fruit nectar, fresh lime juice and a hint of orange mix with Lyre's White Cane instead of vodka to create this swoon-worthy drink.Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini: Lyre's Agave Blanco stands in for vodka to bring this spicy, pineapple cocktail into its non-alcoholic form.The Remedy: Orange juice, pineapple and fresh lime juice are mixed with Lyre's White Cane and Spiced Cane instead of dark and coconut rum.Hearts of Fire: This award-winning concoction featuring fresh thyme and raspberries is re-imagined with Lyre's Dry London instead of gin.Restorative Basil Drop: Lyre's Dry London is mixed with fresh basil and citrus to stimulate and restore the senses.The Perfect Storm: This invigorating boost features strawberry puree, fresh lime and a hit of rosemary and Lyre's Dry London instead of vodka.Cucumber Sunrise: Another award-winning favorite among Carnival guests delivers the same light and delicious flavour with watermelon nectar, cucumber, lime juice and a splash of orange juice mixed with Lyre's Agave Blanco instead of vodka.Windstar Cruises Announces New Whole-Food, Plant-Based MenuWindstar Cruises has partnered with the National Health Association (NHA) to create a new vegan menu on board all six of the small ship line's yachts. The offerings are not only plant-based but also prepared without added salt, oil, and sugar and are gluten-free.Windstar has begun training its culinary team on the new menu and plans to roll out the program fleetwide in June. Vegetarian options, as well as the line's existing omnivore menu items, will continue to be served as usual. Sample dishes from the new menu include:Daily Smoothies at BreakfastRoasted Butternut Squash Velouté with Baked Pumpkin SeedsBaked Cauliflower Croquettes with Salsa Verde and Sautéed SpinachPenne Rigate Pasta, with Crisp Vegetables and Espelette Pepper SauceVeggie Enchiladas with Black Bean & Cilantro SauceChia Seed Truffles with Dates & Coconut SauceTahini Brownies with Fresh StrawberriesThe menu evolved out of hosting several plant-based groups, which have grown significantly in popularity since the start of the pandemic. Lisa McCarl, a former open heart recovery nurse turned travel advisor, has booked several plant-based groups on Windstar and says there is a huge demand for healthy travel options.Holland America Line Introduces New Category of Extended Destination-in-Depth VoyagesHolland America Line is globally recognized as an expert in longer voyages, and to commemorate its historic 150th Anniversary in 2023 the cruise line is introducing extended Legendary Voyages. These lengthier cruises, which range from 25 to 59 days, combine the ceremony of Holland America Line's Grand Voyages with itineraries that feature a comprehensive collection of ports that enrich the experience in each destination.Highlights of Legendary Voyages:Three Legendary Voyages are NEW itineraries for Holland America Line:The previously announced 28-day “Arctic Circle Solstice” that heads north to the Arctic Circle and features 11 calls in Alaska, including lesser-visited ports like Nome and Homer.53-day “Majestic Japan” with 21 total ports, 13 calls throughout Japan and overnights at Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe.28-Day “Coral Triangle, Volcanoes and The Great Barrier Reef” that explores 10 ports in five countries, with scenic cruising in the famed Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, and past the Kumba and Krakatau volcanoes.Destination-rich itineraries focus on a singular region, visiting some of the most unique ports while offering guests an in-depth exploration.Guests will enjoy the “best of” Grand Voyages on-board programming to further enhance each Legendary Voyage with experiences such as iconic theme parties memorable sailaways and classic cruise activities.Shipboard programming is specially curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited.Guests have more time in port to experience the nightlife with overnight stays in marquee ports including Anchorage, Alaska; Hobart, Tasmania; Honolulu, Hawaii; Manaus, Brazil; Moorea, French Polynesia; Papeete, Tahiti; Reykjavík, Iceland; and Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe, Japan.Holland America Line's Legendary Voyages:56-Day or 51-day “Tales of the South Pacific” departing Sept. 27 or Oct. 2, 2023, respectively, aboard Volendam. The 56-day is from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to San Diego, California; the 51-day is roundtrip from San Diego.34-Day “South Pacific Crossing” departing Oct. 8, 2023, aboard Noordam. From San Diego to Sydney, Australia.28-Day “Amazon Explorer” departing Feb. 17, 2024, aboard Zaandam. Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.35-Day “Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas” departing Feb. 17, 2024, aboard Koningsdam. Roundtrip from San Diego.25-Day “South Pacific Crossing” departing April 6, 2024, aboard Noordam. From Sydney to Vancouver.28-Day “Arctic Circle Solstice” departing June 9, 2024, aboard Westerdam. Roundtrip from Seattle, Washington.35-Day “Voyage of the Vikings” departing July 20, 2024, aboard Zuiderdam. Roundtrip from Boston, Massachusetts.53- or 52-Day “Majestic Japan” departing Sept. 1 or 2, 2024, aboard Westerdam. The 53-day is roundtrip from Seattle; the 52-day is Vancouver to Seattle.56- or 51-Day “Tales of the South Pacific” departing Sept. 25 or 30, 2024, aboard Zaandam. The 56-day is from Vancouver to San Diego; the 51-day is roundtrip from San Diego.35-Day “Australia Circumnavigation” departing Nov. 17, 2024, aboard Westerdam. Roundtrip from Sydney.28-Day “Coral Triangle, Volcanoes and The Great Barrier Reef” departing Jan. 5, 2025, aboard Noordam. Roundtrip from Singapore.27-Day “Amazon Explorer” departing Feb. 8, 2025, aboard Zaandam. Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.35-Day “Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas” departing Feb. 15, 2025, aboard Koningsdam. Roundtrip from San Diego.29-Day “South Pacific Crossing” departing March 30, 2025, aboard Westerdam. From Sydney to Vancouver.Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils brand new programme of sailing for 2024/25Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today unveiled a brand new programme of cruising for 2024/25, featuring a host of specially-timed sailings to coincide with natural wonders and destination events, chances to encounter native wildlife and uncover rich and vibrant histories across the planet.The new programme, unveiled on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' website this morning, includes opportunities to follow natural bird migrations, witness meteor showers, experience the world's second largest carnival, and the chance to spot wild polar bears with a specially-planned scenic diversion away from the well-sailed route.For the first time since 2019, the new programme also features an 11-night Mystery Cruise setting sail from Southampton in November 2024 – with guests able to follow in the footsteps of explorers, navigators and seafarers as they guess their next port of call.Continuing their commitment to sailing from regional UK ports, Fred. Olsen will offer departures from Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth, Dover, Southampton and Portsmouth in 2024 and 2025.Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils brand new 82-night ‘Discovering Asia with the Holi Festival' Grand VoyageFred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today unveiled a brand new 82-night Grand Voyage, offering the chance to discover the culture-rich lands of Asia on a journey timed specially to coincide with the Holi Festival.The sailing, aboard Fred. Olsen's smaller-sized Balmoral, features calls into Myanmar and Cambodia, known for their ancient civilisations and rich histories, where guests can explore the temples of Angkor Wat from Siem Reap, the largest religious monument in the world, and Myanmar's ancient city of Bagan.Wildlife lovers will have the chance to spot endemic species in Borneo, home to proboscis monkeys, or visit Sri Lanka's Udawalawa Elephant Park, while those with a passion for wartime history can discover the Củ Chi tunnels, an extensive network of underground tunnels, in a call into Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City.An undoubted highlight will be time spent in India, where Chennai will act as the gateway to the ancient monuments and temples of Mahabalipuram, created by the Pallava dynasty, while time in Mumbai will allow those joining the cruise to experience the annual Hindu Holi Festival or immerse themselves in the local way of life by assisting busy dabbawallas delivering lunches across the city.What is more, in addition to the host of experiences on-board and ashore, guests who book to join this Grand Voyage can enjoy up to £500 per person to spend aboard Balmoral, plus free door-to-door transfers within 250 UK mainland miles to the port.Balmoral's 82-night L2502 ‘Discovering Asia with the Holi Festival' cruise, departing from Southampton on 18th January 2025.Itinerary: Southampton, England – Gibraltar, Gibraltar – Cruising Grand Harbour, Valletta – Valletta, Malta – Alexandria, Egypt (overnight stay) – Cruising Suez Canal – Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt – Safaga, Egypt – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Colombo, Sri Lanka – Hambantota, Sri Lanka – Port Klang (for Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia – Kota Kinabalu, Borneo – Muara, Brunei Darussalam – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Sihanoukville, Cambodia – Singapore, Singapore – Yangon, Myanmar (overnight stay) – Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India – Kochi, Kerala, India – Mumbai, India (overnight stay) – Muscat, Oman – Salalah, Oman – Aqaba, Jordan – Cruising Suez Canal – Asdod, Israel – Haifa, Israel – Heraklion, Crete – Catania, Sicily, Italy – Cartagena, Spain – Lisbon, Portugal – Cruising by Cristo Rei and Abril 25 Bridge – Cruising by Belém Tower & Discovery Monument, Lisbon, Portugal – Southampton, EnglandP&O's Pacific Partnership Program Sponsors First of its Kind Traineeship ProgramP&O Cruises Australia is delighted to announce it has partnered with Cruise Eden to sponsor a two-year School Based Traineeship (SBAT) in Certificate III Tourism. Tailored for cruise, the SBAT Programme is the first of its kind for an Australian regional port, and has been designed to create vocational employment and training pathways for young people in the South Coast region interested in a career in the Tourism industry.Practical training commenced this week when the program's first trainees – Year 11 students of Eden Marine High School, Keely Grebert and Ocea Thiedeman, boarded P&O's Pacific Adventure for a ship tour with the Captain during her port call to Eden.According to educator and Cruise Eden Manager, Debbie Meers, Keely and Ocea will be assisting the Cruise Eden with operations on cruise days, and training with other tourism businesses during the winter months to broaden their industry experience and knowledge.NCL Expands Exotics Itineraries in 2024/2025NCL Has announced new 2024/25 exotic itineraries, including the debut of Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky in Asia, and new ports of call to Manama, Bahrain; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Sokhna, Egypt; and Akita, Japan.  With this new season of itineraries from October 2024 through December 2025, NCL is expanding its voyages to Antarctica, South America, Africa, Asia, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand by 37%, and its Extraordinary Journeys – the Brand's collection of immersive and port-rich voyages – overall by 15%.  This collection of itineraries only reaffirms the company's commitment to providing guests with carefully curated voyages to some of the most sought-after destinations in the world.NCL's maiden call to Bahrain, its first dedicated Middle East sailing – The Brand will offer a seven-day Middle East cruise on Norwegian Sun from Doha, Qatar to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) departing 12 April , 2025. An overnight stay in Abu Dhabi, UAE provides travellers with more time to explore the culturally rich destination. In addition, the open-jaw voyage includes visits to Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Manama, Bahrain – a first time visit for NCL; as well as Dubai and Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island southwest of Abu Dhabi, UAE.Extraordinary Journeys – NCL's collection of immersive journeys that take guests to lesser-visited and once-in-a-lifetime destinations will include two new back-to-back voyages aboard Norwegian Sky. Departing December 2024, the vessel will offer a 16-day Africa sailing to Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, Oman and more during its voyage from Dubai, UAE to Mauritius. Immediately following, she will offer a 17-day sailing from Mauritius to Singapore with calls to Seychelles, Maldives and Zanzibar. On 19 April , 2025, Norwegian Sun will embark on a 16-day cruise from Dubai, UAE to Haifa, Israel featuring 10 ports of call, including Sokhna, Egypt – a brand-new port for NCL. Visiting Sokhna, Egypt allows for easier access to Cairo, where guests can explore the ancient Great Pyramids of Giza.Two NCL ships departing from Haifa, Israel – In November 2024, Norwegian Sky will sail a 16-day Middle East Extraordinary Journey from Haifa, Israel to Dubai, UAE, including the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests to transit the Suez Canal in Egypt. Guests can also choose from an 11-day Mediterranean cruise from Haifa, Israel to Istanbul, Turkey aboard Norwegian Sun. Departing 5 May , 2025, the voyage will call to sought-after destinations in Greece, Turkey and Egypt.Three NCL ships to Asia for the first time – As announced in NCL's APAC deployment release distributed earlier this week, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky will debut in Asia, offering an extensive eight-month season from October 2024 through May 2025, sailing country-intensive voyages in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan – including a collection of coveted Japanese spring cherry blossom and fall foliage itineraries. For the very first time, NCL will call to Akita, Japan during Norwegian Sun's 12-day roundtrip sailing from Tokyo, embarking on 23 October, 2024. Both ships will be joined in region by Norwegian Spirit, who will embark on a brand-new repositioning voyage from Australia to Asia on 7 December, 2024, followed by her first voyage in Asia on 21 December, 2024.Brand-new Australian itinerary – As announced earlier this week, Norwegian Spirit returns Down Under for her third season and launches a new 14-day open-jaw voyage from Sydney to Bali via the Queensland coast in December 2024. The voyage includes calls to Cairns and Darwin, Australia; as well as an overnight visit to Bali (Benoa), Indonesia, providing more time for cruisers to enjoy this exotic destination. In addition, the ship will make the Brand's first port of call to Rarotonga, Cook Islands in November 2025.Sun Princess Milestone: Float Out Ceremony Celebration for Next-Generation Ship in the FleetPrincess Cruises, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year, celebrated a momentous construction milestone with the float out of the cruise line's bespoke, next-generation ship – Sun Princess – at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.Following the Italian shipyard's tradition, the float out is marked by a special ceremony where a “Madrina” is named to offer blessings and best wishes for the vessel, celebrating the flow of water into the ship's building dock. Princess Cruises Hotel General Manager Simona Stumberger was selected to serve in this special role as an ambassador for Princess, because she epitomizes professionalism and always delivers service with a smile.A native of Slovenia where Stumberger studied hospitality management, she began her career at sea in the bar department and further diversified her hotel experience by working in guest services, and hand in hand with the hotel and food and beverage divisions. Stumberger has been with Princess Cruises for nearly five years.The float out completes the first comprehensive phase of construction for Sun Princess which now transitions to focus on building the ship's interiors.The 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will offer an array of exciting new dining, entertainment and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. The ship will be highlighted by amazing, never-before-seen spaces such as The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, the next-level, brand-iconic Piazza, and three-story Horizons Dining Room that are sure to have everyone talking.Cunard to Launch Silent Discos in Onboard NightclubsYou can dance, you can jive, and you can have the time of your life – in blissful silence – as Cunard is set to launch silent discos aboard its very own dancing Queens.The luxury cruise brand is world-renowned for its glamorous onboard entertainment, but lesser known is the fact that Cunard's Queens are home to some of the liveliest nightclubs at sea.And now, as music lovers across the globe celebrate International DJ Day on 9 March, Cunard has announced that it is introducing silent discos to its iconic late-night venues on selected evenings.The stunning G32 onboard Queen Mary 2 is the biggest of the fleet's nightclubs, which is where you'll find partygoers seeing out the evening in style to the sounds of a live DJ and resident party band.Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, however, are home to the strikingly located Yacht Club, where, if you're looking for a night to remember, travellers dance the night away into the small hours.The introduction of silent discos to these venues is a modern twist on the more established late-night traditions of luxury cruise travel – and is another example of the many immersive onboard experiences offered by Cunard.The concept involves partygoers wearing wireless headphones and dancing to music that is only audible through the headphones. This creates a uniquely entrancing and customisable experience as guests control their own volume and switch between channels to hear different genres of music.This new offering also enables Cunard to take the nightclub proposition out of the main venues and into more unexpected places – transforming areas with parties in the Grand Lobby, on deck or other pop-up locations around the ship.And more...Join the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialListen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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Episode 132In Episode 132, Chris is preparing for his next Guest Lecture and shares the history of entertainment and activities on ships. Baz fails this week's Fact or Fiction and of course we discuss the latest cruise news from around the world.Thanks to Garry S in Sydney for the great images of Arcadia and her Union Jack Livery in Sydney harbour earlier this week. Arcadia was part way through her world cruise. And proudly celebrating World Pride with her rainbow flag flying proudly in SYD harbour.Image Credit: P&O (UK) Arcadia in Sydney Harbour. Garry S. Sydney. Support the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhCruise NewsCelestyal Announces addition to the fleet. The Celestyal Journey will offer a lot more of what we know our guests love, including: 149 Balconies – over 28 Suites – 126 Junior Suites – and a stunning Penthouse Suite. A much bigger range of dining options, featuring 7 separate venues, with an amazing Chef's Table and 8 bars allowing us to expand our range of beverages, including our renowned signature cocktails.The Celestyal Journey was owned by Holland America Line before being transferred to P&O Australia and renamed Pacific Aria in 2015. The cruise ship sailed on her maiden voyage for Seattle-based Holland America Line in 1993. The ship was scheduled to join Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) in May 2021 under the new name of Ida Pfeifer.Stellar line up for live broadcast of P&O Cruises ship namingChart-topper Olly Murs will lead the line up of performers at the beach-side naming ceremony of P&O Cruises newest ship Arvia in Barbados in March.The award-winning singer will treat guests watching the live broadcast to his best-loved hits as he performs from Heywood's Beach on Thursday March 16, 2023.Hosting the ceremony, which will be conducted both on board Arvia and from the beach, will be two of the UK's most famous broadcasters and DJs, Sara Cox and Trevor Nelson.Trevor Nelson will take centre stage in Arvia's Skydome for assembled guests and will introduce the famous bottle smash moment with Arvia's yet-to-be-revealed godmother while Sara Cox will host the guests on one of Barbados' most stunning beaches.Both Trevor and Sara will be sailing on Arvia's March 11 departure and will host late night DJ sets on board.To watch the live broadcast with Olly, Sara and Trevor use the following link on Thursday March 16, 2023, at 19:00 (UK time) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI4N7fv4J_QSwan Hellenic announces naming ceremony of its largest ship, SH Diana, to be held in AmsterdamSwan Hellenic announced that the naming ceremony of its third and largest ice-class cultural expedition cruise ship, SH Diana, will take place in Amsterdam on the 4th of May.Description automatically generated with medium confidenceThe SH Diana, a new purpose-designed vessel, will be named by luxury travel visionary and icon Valerie Ann Wilson in the presence of Swan Hellenic Senior Management, local dignitaries, VIP guests, the media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the worldWith over 40 years of experience in the travel industry and serving on almost every travel related advisory board during her career, Valerie's influence remains impactful around the globe and throughout her beloved travel community. Valerie is committed to her true belief that there is no greater power than providing first-hand knowledge and sharing experiences with clients and industry colleagues, while keeping the founding principles of integrity, trust and loyalty as the cornerstones of her business. Following the high-profile events and entertainment after the naming ceremony, Valerie will remain on board as a VIP group host during SH Diana's maiden cruise to Tromso, “Norway Explored,” sailing on the evening of May 4th.Spring Flowers, Summer Festivals and Royal Princess Debut Highlight Princess Cruises' 2024 Japan SeasonDiamond Princess Returns for 36 Departures to Scenic Island Country, Plus Royal Princess Debuts on a New Japan & Northern Pacific CrossingThe lure of Japan is calling with its ancient temples, cherry blossoms, modern cityscapes and vibrant cuisine with the newly released 2024 Japan cruise season on sale now from Princess Cruises. New for 2024, Royal Princess makes her Japan debut and marks the first Royal-Class ship to sail in the region. The series of cruises offers many opportunities to view the magnificent spring flowers, as well as four breathtaking summer festivalsRoyal Princess sails a new Japan & North Pacific Crossing, calling to the northern Tohoku and Hokkaido regions during the magnificent cherry blossom season with the option to combine with the cruise line's popular Voyage of the Glaciers cruise to witness the majestic glaciers of Alaska. Guests can opt to disembark in Anchorage (Whittier) for a 15-day voyage or continue to Vancouver, B.C. for a 22-day cruise. The cruise departs Tokyo (Yokohama) on April 27, 2024.Japan-built Diamond Princess returns to Japan for a March through August 2024 season, sailing roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), calling to 35 destinations in three countries on 31 unique itineraries and 36 departures, ranging from seven to 23 days.Diamond Princess kicks off the season with a series of four 10-day Spring Flowers voyages, calling at all four of Japan's main islands and following the predicted blooming season as it moves from south to north.The Japan festival season reaches its peak in the summer months, and in 2024 Diamond Princess offers guests the opportunity to experience the following festivals with late-night stays in each port:Aomori Nebuta Festival (Aug 2 and Aug 7) which features Nebuta float figures accompanied by traditional music, many vibrant dancers and audience participation, all within easy walking distance from the port.Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival (Aug 12), one of Japan's 10 largest festivals, featuring teams of dancers with colorful costumes and unique performances.Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival (Aug 13), one of the most famous summer dance festivals that dates back to the 1500s and features dancers performing throughout the city well into the night highlighted by the famous “Fool's Dance.”Kumano Fireworks Festival (Aug 17), a display of over 10,000 fireworks visible from the decks of Diamond Princess.Costa Fortuna headlines the best of the East & West Med. Costa Cruises is launching another new program that will make its 2023 holiday offer even richer. It is about three new Costa Fortuna itineraries, which will allow to discover the Mediterranean in a unique way, from east to west, reaching even the Canary Islands.Costa Fortuna's new cruises in the Mediterranean will last two weeks, a formula that for the first time will also be available in the height of summer, allowing guests to enjoy their Mediterranean holidays at their best.This summer, from 24 June to 19 August, the Costa Fortuna will be offering a never-seen-before itinerary, for a unique travel experience that includes two of the Mediterranean's most popular destinations in a single holiday: the Greek and Balearic Islands. The full program of these cruises includes Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Messina, four magnificent Greek islands, such as Crete (with a call at Heraklion), Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, Kefalonia (with a call at Argostoli), Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, and then Barcelona and Marseille.Costa Fortuna's second itinerary will instead be dedicated to the Canary Islands, where it will be possible to explore up to five locations of this wonderful archipelago where the sun always shines (Arrecife, Puerto del Rosario, Las Palmas, San Sebastian de la Gomera, Santa Cruz de Tenerife), as well as Madeira, Malaga, Savona and, on some departures, Civitavecchia/Rome. Scheduled departures run from 29 April to 10 June, plus departures on 2 and 16 September.The third itinerary, available on 16 April, 30 September and 14 October, will instead explore Istanbul (where guests can also stay overnight during the September and October departures) and Izmir, in Turkey, Athens, in Greece, and Malta, as well as Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Catania, Barcelona and Marseille.Seabourn launches Expeditions in South PacificSeabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, has unveiled a program of new exciting expedition voyages for summer 2024 and winter/spring 2025 on its two new purpose-built expedition vessels, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. Both ships will explore remote corners of the globe, from the South Pacific and Antarctica to the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and more. The program also includes the line's first visit to the Kimberley region in northern Australia, where Seabourn Pursuit will travel between June and August 2024.In addition to the Kimberley, Seabourn Pursuit will visit Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and sail to the South Pacific from Chile to Melanesia between March and October 2024. Meanwhile, sister ship Seabourn Venture returns for another season in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Greenland, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic.  Both ships will sail to the “The Great White Continent” at the end of 2024 and early 2025. All of the new 2024 and 2025 expedition voyages are now on sale.The Kimberley – With ancient, otherworldly landscapes, wildlife from short-eared rock-wallabies to flying foxes, and Aboriginal culture that traces back some 50,000 years, the Kimberley is an experience all its own in northernmost Western Australia. With the Expedition Team geared to lead Zodiac rides to Horizontal Waterfalls and guided hikes to surreal sandstone escarpments, spectacular gorges, and visits with the Traditional Landowners to see primeval caves tagged with rock art, Seabourn Pursuit will offer six 10-day voyages to the region between Broome and Darwin in June, July and August 2024.Papua New Guinea & West Papua – Seabourn Pursuit will operate a series of 15-day voyages to the Papua New Guinea and West Papua in May and June and again in August and September 2024, with combination voyages up to 35 days also available. Some of the world's most incredible snorkeling and diving wait at protected reefs off the mainland and islands surrounding Papua New Guinea and West Papua.The South Pacific from Chile to Melanesia – In March and April and again in September and October 2024, Seabourn Pursuit will sail between the islands of the South Pacific and the coast of Chile via a series of voyages of 14, 17, and 20 days, with combination voyages of up to 37 days also available.Pacific Encounter Refit Revealed – Ship gets two 142m long water slidesCheck out Chris's latest video- showcasing the upgrades: https://youtu.be/NNaplwjYqtAAnd more...Join the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialListen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 129In episode 129 of The Big Cruise Podcast, we introduce a new segment “Losing my Shi#”, Baz kicks off with his beef about the cruise industry, Chris brings the Nautical History of Hapag Lloyd, listener questions abound from around the world and of course the latest cruise news, including new ships launching in 2023Image Credit: Europa 2 in Hamburg. Hapag Lloyd. Support the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhListener questionsCarla – congratulations Barry on the award! My question is simple where did the ocean liners go why now all cruise ships?Ann Marie – I'm planning to Visit Hamburg this year with my daughter for ship spotting and photography. Any tips.5-7 May, 2023: 834th With the best views of the harbour front and the maritime events on the river Elbe, enjoy the shows and snacks along the festival promenade.Enjoy the fantastic and festive atmosphere along the Elbe from the trendy HafenCity district to the Museumshafen Oevelgönne, where over 300 vessels from all over the world will visit Hamburg. Visitors can expect magnificent tall ships, spectacular naval vessels, impressive museum ships, unique historic ships, and modern cruise ships. What's more, many ships even welcome guests on board for a visit!But that's not all! A variety of live performances on numerous stages, the colourful supporting programme and the culinary delights in front of the incomparable Port of Hamburg scenery are all integral to the Port Anniversary experience.Everyone can be a sailor for a day at the Port Anniversary. An event for the whole family — explore ships, tie knots or go on a treasure hunt.https://www.hamburg.com/port-anniversary/16795320/activities/Port of Hamburg | Sights in and around the Port of Hamburg (hafen-hamburg.de)Stefan – Chris what do you know about the significance of Happag Lloyd and its history? I believe they have been around for over 100 years but were they big players in the trans Atlantic ocean passage you often talk about?Cruise newsA Celebrity Cruises Family AffairCelebrity Cruises announced today that Greek brothers Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis have been named co-captains of Celebrity Ascent, the company's fourth ship in its industry-transforming Edge Series, debuting December 2023.The accomplished maritime brothers will usher in a new era for the cruise line, taking the helm of the brand's newest relaxed luxury resort at sea, which has been brought to life by a team of modern lifestyle icons including multi-award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE; celebrated American designer Nate Berkus and Michelin starred chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud.“Captain Dimitrios and Captain Tasos are our star-powered siblings, a maritime dream team. They have given so much to the Celebrity family over the years that we are like a second family,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “Seeing their emotional reaction to this appointment and understanding what it means to share this pinnacle of their career together was something I didn't expect and will never forget.Captain Dimitrios has dedicated his entire maritime career, spanning more than three decades, to Celebrity Cruises, having started as an Apprentice Officer onboard Celebrity's very first vessel, the Horizon, in 1990. Today, he reaches the very pinnacle of the industry, being named take-out captain of this trailblazing ship. Born in Piraeus, port of Athens, Greece, Captain Dimitrios graduated from the Merchant Maritime Academy of Syros-Athens at the top of his class, and has held his Master's licence since 2001. He has sailed aboard every different class of ship in Celebrity's fleet, and was also part of the start up teams for Celebrity MillenniumⓇ, Celebrity InfinityⓇ, Celebrity SilhouetteⓇ and Celebrity ApexⓇ, the latter of which he was also the take out Captain.Captain Tasos grew up watching his older brother Dimitrios making a career on cruise ships, and realised he wanted to follow in his footsteps. After also graduating from the Merchant Marine College, he joined Celebrity Cruises in 1998, and over his more than 20-year career with the brand, has been involved in the opening of Celebrity SummitⓇ, Celebrity SolsticeⓇ, Celebrity EquinoxⓇ and Celebrity ReflectionⓇ. Most recently, he has served as captain of Celebrity EdgeⓇ, the very first of Celebrity's award-winning Edge SeriesⓇ, which launched in 2018.The brothers will alternate their time on Celebrity Ascent in a three-months on-and-off rotation.Culinary Queen Karen Martini and Cricket Great Brett Lee to Headline Cunard's Australian Themed Voyages in 2024Cunard announced two exciting new themed voyages for its 2024 Australian homeport season. Celebrity chef Karen Martini will headline the second edition of the hugely successful Great Australian Culinary Voyage, whilst legendary former fast bowler Brett Lee will spearhead the inaugural Voyage of Sporting Greats.The 7-night Great Australian Culinary Voyage and the 7-night Voyage of Sporting Greats will celebrate Australian culture through the lenses of food and sport. Karen and Brett will captivate Queen Elizabeth's 2,081-guests through engaging activities, talks and events aboard the ship, and carefully crafted themed shore experiences.Departing Melbourne on 5 January 2024, the Great Australian Culinary Voyage will see Queen Elizabeth chart an itinerary to Adelaide, Hobart and back to Melbourne over seven nights. Karen will be joined by additional exciting food, wine, and drinks talent to be announced in the coming months.Departing on 13 February 2024, Cunard's inaugural Voyage of Sporting Greats will sail a roundtrip from Sydney to Tasmania and back over 7-nights, with calls in Hobart, Port Arthur and Melbourne. Brett Lee will lead the line-up of Australian sporting icons, with more popular sporting talent to be announced shortly.At 90,900 tonnes, Queen Elizabeth is the second largest ship ever to sail in Cunard's fleet. She is home to just over 2,000 guests and 1,000 crew and features more than 10 restaurants and cafés, a Games Deck including paddle tennis, croquet and bowls, a two-storey library, a ballroom, and the Royal Court Theatre featuring West End style entertainment.Costa returns to Asia Costa Cruises announces the return to service in Asia of Costa Serena. From June to September 2023, the Italian company's ship will be operating a program of “charter” cruises, in cooperation with local Asian partners.The total number of cruises Costa Serena will offer in Asia in 2023 is thirty. Six cruises, in June 2023, will be dedicated the South Korean market; from July to September 2023 another twenty-four cruises are planned for the Taiwan market.The itineraries, lasting from 4 to 7 days, include some of the most beautiful destinations in East Asia, particularly Japan, such as Sasebo, Kagoshima, Otaru, Hakodate, Naha, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki. Departures are scheduled from the ports of Busan, Sokcho and Pohang in South Korea, and Keelung, Taiwan.Costa Serena is an Italian-flagged ship built by Fincantieri and entered service in 2007. She has a gross tonnage of 114,000 tons and can accommodate up to 3,780 guests. Before the pause in operations, which began in late January 2020, the ship offered cruises In East Asia, with departures from China.Carnival Splendor & Panorama are bound for Singapore Carnival Cruise Line has invited Aussie guests to escape the winter cold and set sail for Singapore as the brand announces two jaw-dropping cruises visiting the tropical jewels of Australia and South East Asia,Carnival Splendor's 15-day cruise from Sydney to Singapore departing 21 July 2024Visiting Singapore for her upcoming dry dock, Carnival Splendor will depart Sydney in July 2024 on a 15-day cruise, visiting favourite Sunshine State ports including Brisbane, Airlie Beach and Cairns. Guests will then have the opportunity to explore three special destinations rarely visited by Carnival as Splendor sails into beautiful Lombok Island, Indonesia and water-lovers paradise Benoa, Bali before arriving in the Garden City, Singapore.Carnival Splendor's 16-day cruise from Singapore to Sydney departing 24 AugustFollowing her three-week refresh in Singapore, cruisers will have the chance to be among the first to enjoy the new-and-improved Carnival Splendor as she makes her 16-day journey home to Sydney in late August. With six ports to visit on the two-plus week journey, guests will be spoilt for choice with places to discover across colourful Jakarta, Benoa, and Lombok Island, as well as tropical Darwin, Airlie Beach, and family-favourite Moreton Island. The cruise marks Carnival's first guest sailing to visit Tanjung Priok (Jakarta).Carnival Panorama will be the first Carnival ship to visit Manila, Philippines. Carnival Splendor will mark the cruise line's first visit to Tanjung Priok in Indonesia.18-day Transpacific Carnival Journeys sailing from Long Beach to Tokyo (Yokohama) departing on Aug. 22, 2024 – Ketchikan, AK; Cruise Endicott Arm Fjord; Sitka, AK; Icy Strait Point, AK; Kushiro, Japan; Aomori, Japan25-day Transpacific Carnival Journeys sailing from Singapore to Long Beach departing on Oct. 12, 2024 – Ho Chi Minh (Phu My), Vietnam; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; Manila, Philippines; Guam; Honolulu, HI, Maui (Kahului), HIP&O Cruises Australia's Pacific Encounter Set to Make a SplashHighly anticipated additions during drydock will include the installation of the 142-metre-long and 16-metre-high Twin-Racer waterslide and the P&O Edge Adventure Park. The Adventure Park, designed for thrill-seekers, will feature a 55-metre-long Zipline, Rock Climbing wall, Cargo Net, Walk the Plank, and Beam Walk; each sitting a heart-stopping 10 metres above Deck 16.Pacific Encounter will recommence her full program itineraries from Brisbane in March, visiting 24 unique destinations within Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific this yearHolland America Line Guests Donate $450,000 for Aid to UkrainiansA fundraising effort by cruise line passengers that took place on the high seas around six different continents culminated today with a large donation for Ukrainian relief. Holland America Line presented a check for $450,000 at the Port of San Diego to the global humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief, money raised during the premium cruise line's On Deck for a Cause campaign.For 10 months on every cruise in the line's 11-ship fleet, guests could make a $25 donation to participate in a fundraising 5K walk during their sailing, in locales ranging from Alaska to Europe and the Panama Canal to Australia.The check presentation took place at the Port of San Diego. San Diego is Koningsdam's homeport in the winter, with more than 62,000 guests embarking several Holland America Line ships at the port during the 2022/23 season.The fundraising effort began in March and coincided with a pledge of $3 million to charities helping Ukrainian refugees from the family foundation of parent company Carnival Corporation's chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine. From April through September 2022, the Dutch government and City of Rotterdam chartered the Holland America Line ship Volendam as part of their larger effort to accommodate 50,000 Ukrainians who fled the war in their homeland.Carnival Corporation partners with Space X's Starlink Carnival Corporation & plc announced an agreement for the next-generation of internet connectivity across its global fleet, the latest in a series of moves that have nearly tripled ship bandwidth since 2019. The company has signed a new agreement with SpaceX's Starlink, the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, to provide faster service, greater capacity and more reliable Wi-Fi on a global scale.Fleet roll-out of Starlink began in December 2022 with Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises ships, with plans to expand Starlink to several of the company's other world-class cruise brands, which include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard.and more...Join the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialListen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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Reuben Perez, general manager and senior vice president of Costa Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw aboard Costa Toscana, the cruise line's newest ship, about the staterooms, the top quality restaurants, the entertainment and much more. Perez also details the ship's unusual and exotic itinerary out of Dubai visiting Qatar, Oman and Abu Dhabi. For more information, visit www.costacruises.com. If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.  

Introducing episode 127In episode 127, Chris shares his initial thoughts on Norwegian Spirit, meanwhile Baz answers a listeners river cruise question and delves into the latest cruise news from Carnival, Celebrity, P&O (UK) and Swan Hellenic.Image Credit: Chris onboard Norwegian Spirit, Fiji.Support the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhListener QuestionPrav asks. Chris & or Baz, Considering a trip to Europe in 2023 to see the Christmas Markets by river or coach tour. We are a couple in our early 40's assuming you suggest River Cruise, what river/itinerary/cruise line would you recommend.Cruise NewsImage Credit: Carnival Venezia. Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival unveils new details about Carnival Venezia Carnival Cruise Line unveiled today new details about what guests can expect when they board the next ship to join the fleet, Carnival VeneziaShip Will Sail Year-Round from New York and Feature Unique Italian Cuisine, Special Staterooms, Exclusive ExperiencesThe ship brings many beautiful and unique spaces into the Carnival fleet. When guests first board Carnival Venezia, they will be immediately surrounded by Italian architectural design inside the atrium, which is modelled after Venice's main public square, the Piazza San Marco. The ship also features an elegant theatre, Teatro Rosso, which will provide a beautiful backdrop for popular Carnival entertainment and new programming, along with many other stylish and immersive spaces. Carnival Venezia's outdoor spaces feature Italian touches as well and some first-in-fleet features, with a Lido deck modeled after the Italian Riviera that boasts a retractable roof, so the pool can still be enjoyed when the ship departs and returns to New York in colder months.Carnival has also been planning many new spaces and will be making updates across the ship, such as adding mini-bars and standard American power outlets to the staterooms, so guests feel at home on board. On the top deck, Carnival Venezia will have a serenity area, an adults-only retreat, featuring lounging furniture, sun beds and two whirlpools. The Serenity area will also include a new bar featuring spritzes.Carnival is also introducing a new concept, Terrazza staterooms, which are similar to the Havana staterooms on other Carnival ships. Located on decks 5-9 aft, Terrazza staterooms include interior, balconies (many with aft-facing views) and the special Terrazza Cabanas, which feature private patios complete with plush loungers, a hammock and direct lanai access to Terrazza Carnevale. The special Terrazza staterooms offer exclusive access to Terrazza Carnevale, an outdoor terraced deck featuring two whirlpools, a bar and tranquil lounging space to take in breathtaking views. Guests staying in the 77 Terrazza staterooms have exclusive perks including:Exclusive access to Carnevale Lounge in the morning with complimentary continental breakfast;Terrazza-branded robes and towelsSpecially-curated brunch on select sea days with a complimentary Spritz or MimosaAn exclusive sail-away event in Terrazza Carnevale with live musicEat, Drink and Enjoy the Flavors of ItalyGuests will find signature Carnival restaurants and bars on board Carnival Venezia, including the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki and the Chef's Table, along with Lido Marketplace, Seafood Shack and Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge. In addition, many Carnival mainstays will offer special Italian menu items on board – for example, gelato will join the popular coffee and snack options at Java Blue Café. Guests will also find delightful beverage and food offerings throughout the ship at several new or updated restaurant and bar concepts, including:Dining VenuesGuy's Burger Joint – Italian flavors and ingredients add new flavours to Guy Fieri's famous burgers. Along with classic American burgers and fries, new menu items will feature an Italian twist, such as a pepperoni pizza burger and the Big Mozz – a burger smothered in melted mozzarella cheese.La Strada Grill – Taste the best grilled Italian street food and sandwiches.Tomodoro – Mexitalian fusion creations feature ingredients such as Italian meatballs and Sicilian chicken alongside traditional Mexican tacos and burritos, for breakfast and lunch.Canal Grande and Marco Polo Restaurants – Both restaurants feature delicious three-course meals in spaces surrounded by elegant Italian sculptures and architectural designs, including a real-life Venetian gondola in one of them. Special Italian dishes will be featured, including favorites from Carnival's signature Cucina del Capitano Italian restaurant.New Specialty Italian Restaurant – In addition to the Italian dishes offered in the main dining rooms, an all-new dining concept is being created and more details will be shared soon.Bars and LoungesAmari – Similar to what Carnival guests know and love at Alchemy bars across the fleet, expertly crafted cocktails feature a variety of Italian liqueurs and bitters and are skillfully prepared by professional mixologists for an elevated and interactive experience. This is an elevated and interactive cocktail experience with drinks such as negroni, americano, Amalfi martini and sbagliato. Select Alchemy cocktails will also be served.Frizzante – A variety of bubbly drinks, from prosecco to spritzes and bellinis are served along with Italian beer. Authentic Italian coffees and biscotti will be served here throughout the day.Carnevale Bar & Lounge – Tasty cocktails are served in a lounge inspired by the elegance of Venetian masquerades during Carnevale and features beautiful scenes of Carnivale di Venezia on LED screens, complete with live music, fine Italian wines and classic cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere with a cool vibe.Gondola Lounge – Inspired by the famous Venetian canals, this space features a large stage with a dance floor as well as comfortable seating to enjoy live entertainment. This lounge opens to the outside on either side for a breezy stroll around the lanai.Rococó – Refreshing frozen drinks, from colorful layered creations with unique Italian flavors such as limoncello and bellini to classic frozen cocktails, including margaritas, daiquiris and piña coladas, are served out of a fun and cheeky bar described as “Baroque Goes Pop.”Experience Italian-Inspired Entertainment and Activities Along with ‘Fun Ship' FavoritesGuests can also expect the high-energy entertainment they know and love fleetwide on board Carnival Venezia. The ship will be the first in the fleet to feature the exciting new show “Color My World,” following its debut on Carnival Celebration last month. It's an Indie rock and pop love story that combines different mediums of art to create a visually stunning experience. Some of the other entertainment and activity offerings include:Parties and GatheringsCaptain's Venetian Toast – Carnival Venezia's captain greets guests in true Venetian style, while live music fills the atrium and the cast members don Venetian costumes. Guests are encouraged to wear Venetian masks as well.Italian Street Party – Little Italy meets Lido for a street party featuring rotating entertainment at the mainstage including live music and Italian-themed performances while competitions such as spaghetti and gelato eating contests keep everyone entertained.Playlist ProductionsBroadway Beats – Show connecting the audience to the ship's homeport with a larger-than-life journey through New York City.Vintage Pop – Modern musical with a '20s spin tying in with New York's prohibition era.Epic Rock – Concert featuring rock staples from artists like Journey, Aerosmith and Bon Jovi.Youth and Family ActivitiesCamp Ocean and Club O2 – Children, teens and families can experience different regions of Italy through arts & crafts, games, and themed activities, including gondola racing, Futbol challenges, Italian hopscotch and more.Sports, Games and Attractions – In addition to popular options in SportsSquare, such as basketball and pickleball, families can also choose activities with an Italian twist, including bocce ball and foosball. Guests will also find other familiar top-deck favorites including a ropes course, mini golf, jogging track, outdoor fitness equipment and a water park featuring three waterslides – one open and two enclosed – with a splash park for younger kids.Carnival Venezia will operate a wide range of sailing options from New York's Manhattan Terminal, with 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries beginning June 15, 2023,In 2024, Carnival Cruise Line will welcome a second ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style' ship, when Carnival Firenze™ joins the fleet, scheduled to sail year-round from Long Beach, Calif. Both ships were originally built for Carnival Corp. sister-brand Costa Cruises and debuted in 2019 and 2020 respectively.Carnival Jubilee Delayed Carnival Cruise Line today notified guests booked on the first six cruises of Carnival Jubilee that because of shipyard delays, delivery of the ship has been postponed and the first cruise will now be the Dec. 23, 2023 embarkation from Galveston, Tex.Carnival Jubilee is under construction at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Meyer has notified Carnival that due to supply chain logistics and related matters, the October 2023 delivery date has been re-set for early December 2023. Carnival Jubilee will then transit directly to Galveston to operate the first guest cruise for the Christmas holiday, departing on Dec. 23, 2023.Guests and travel advisors have been notified of the change. In total, the original Oct. 30, 2023 transatlantic journey from Southampton, UK to Galveston, and then five Caribbean sailings from Galveston have been cancelled.Time Out announced as P&O Cruises (UK) exclusive new exploration partnerP&O Cruises has today announced Time Out as its exclusive new exploration partner becoming a prime provider of travel content across all destinations.The partnership will see Time Out's expert team of journalists create bespoke content featuring the best things to do, see and eat in destination. The content will be aimed at attracting a new audience of guests who have yet to consider a cruise holiday and will also be developed to enrich the experience of existing guests. In addition, it will connect P&O Cruises with Time Out's existing audience of avid travellers.The first campaign as part of this partnership launches today and taps into an emerging travel trend amongst holidaymakers wanting to travel authentically whilst not compromising on comfort.A digital content hub on Time Out with features, quizzes and local guides, providing the insider secrets into P&O Cruises destinations. As part of the content, an interactive ‘Scrap the Tourist Trap' quiz will allow travellers to build a personalised bucket list of things to do while they are in each destination.A ‘Detour' video series which profiles local people, from shop and restaurant owners to entertainers and reveals their personal recommendations.A ‘Detour' guide in print form for guests on board a P&O Cruises holiday.Time Out & P&O Cruises email newsletters.Time Out & P&O Cruises collaborative social amplification of the content.Celebrity Cruises Launches the World's First Digital Cruise Ship ExperienceCelebrity Cruises, known for next generation ships at the intersection of architecture, technology and design, is sailing into the future with the launch of a new virtual experience dubbed, the ‘Wonderverse'.In an industry first, travellers will get to ‘see before they sail,' exploring a hyper-realistic, digital recreation of aspects of their newest ship in Celebrity's transformational Edge® Series, Celebrity BeyondSM, complete with the ship's artful and inspiring spaces, entertaining signature moments like Celebrity's famous Martini Bar Flair Show, and the ability to visit top destinations that Celebrity sails to – from Alaska to the Caribbean and Europe to Asia.In addition, guests can meet and chat with the line's key leaders as digital avatars, including President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the inspirational Captain Kate McCue – the first, and still only, American female captain of a major cruise ship, and Nate Berkus, Celebrity's Edge® Series Travel Ambassador and designer of the Sunset Bar on Celebrity Beyond.Once logged in to the Wonderverse, consumers will move from space to space, enjoying immersive, interactive content throughout, as they learn more about the ship and the destinations they can sail to on Celebrity Cruises, including:The Magic Carpet®, considered one of the most unique design innovations ever for a cruise ship, that soars cantilevered above the sea with uninterrupted vistas for enjoying virtual cocktails or dinner. The first space users will experience, it also doubles as a meeting space, providing a dynamic way for users to interact together virtually.The majestic Grand Plaza, the social epicentre of Celebrity Beyond, spanning three decks with the brand's signature Martini Bar at the heart of it all, will serve as a social-first lounge where passengers can connect, listen to music, enjoy Celebrity's iconic Martini Bar Flair Show and chat with Celebrity's President and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.The Resort Deck, featuring a Rooftop Garden, the ship's Main Pool, unique cantilevered float pools and sunken seating offers interactions with Captain Kate and Nate Berkus, who showcases the brand's 2024-2025 season offerings. Visitors can also relax in lounge chairs, jump in the pool, and get a drink from the bar.The Nate Berkus-designed Sunset Bar, where Berkus shares his personal travel experiences reflected in the internationally-inspired ambience at the multi-level, multi-terraced outdoor space while visitors enjoy one of the most talked about spaces on any cruise ship.Built in partnership with virtual event platform architects Surreal Events, Celebrity's Wonderverse is also complete with mini games and activities, entertainment, easter eggs revealing special offers and much more, all hosted on the web at celebritycruises.com/wonderverse.Successful acquisition of SH Diana by Swan HellenicHelsinki Shipyard, having received bids for the auction of NB 518, today announced that Swan Hellenic has been awarded the tender.Helsinki Shipyard exercised the right to sell the ship by tender, provided for by the shipbuilding contract, after the original buyer failed to take delivery of the ship. The auction ended at midnight on Friday the 9th of December and was satisfactory for Helsinki Shipyard, which analysed the bids and declared Swan Hellenic the winner.The Shipyard and Swan Hellenic will now enter into a new agreement for the completion of the vessel, which is scheduled to be delivered to Swan Hellenic in March 2023, in time to start cultural expedition cruises of the Mediterranean from the beginning of April as planned.and more...Join the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialListen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M  Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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Episode 125 In episode 125 of the The Big Cruise Podcast, Chris and Baz answer two listener questions, discuss the history of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and celebrate the latest cruise news from Silversea, Celebrity Cruises, Princess, Cunard, Virgin Voyages, Costa Cruises & Fred Olsen. Loyal Listener Garry, shares images of Star Breeze (Windstar) in […]

Episode 125In episode 125 of the The Big Cruise Podcast, Chris and Baz answer two listener questions, discuss the history of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and celebrate the latest cruise news from Silversea, Celebrity Cruises, Princess, Cunard, Virgin Voyages, Costa Cruises & Fred Olsen. Loyal Listener Garry, shares images of Star Breeze (Windstar) in Sydney for the first time. Support the showSupport the show: Listen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design … all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh or check out Chris's Designs here: https://bit.ly/3FqokGjListener PhotosThanks to Garry in Sydney for the latest images of Windstar Cruises, Star Breeze Arriving in Sydney. Listener QuestionsGabi asks. Chris, you mentioned the number of guests Carnival alone will process through portMiami. I am guessing Miami would be the bussiest port in North America. Would you happen to know which European port would be the busiest for cruise ship numbers of cruise ship passenger numbers?Si asks. Chris and Baz, without too much thought answer the below:Favourite PortFavourite Shore ExcursionFavourite sea day activityYou can go on only 1 cruise in 2023, which ship, where and why… Cruise NewsSilversea returns to Asia Pacific regionSilversea Cruises®, has returned to ocean sailing in the waters of the Asia Pacific region after more than 1,000 days, with Silver Muse® departing on an 18-day voyage from Singapore to Sydney today (2 Dec).While Silversea has operated a successful season in the Australian Kimberley region aboard its expedition ship Silver Explorer®, Silver Muse's arrival marks the highly anticipated return of ocean cruising in the Asia Pacific region, including Australia.Joining Silver Muse in Australia from the Silversea fleet is Silver Whisper®, who will arrive in December, followed by Silver Shadow℠ who arrives in Sydney in January to commence the World Cruise 2023–the first time a Silversea World Cruise has departed from any Australian city.SpaceX's Starlink now available on Celebrity EclipseCelebrity Cruises has announced that SpaceX's Starlink is now available for guests travelling onboard Celebrity Eclipse in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific this season. Providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity for a better onboard experience for guests and crew, Celebrity Cruises is the first and only cruise line to offer the innovative broadband internet service in the region.On 3rd November 2022, Celebrity Eclipse sailed from Sydney allowing guests to Journey WonderFULL on a 12-night New Zealand itinerary – the first local sailing to offer guests SpaceX's Starlink. Making it easier for guests and crew to remain connected to work, family and friends, guests will now have access to the innovative internet service on all sailings departing from Sydney and Auckland through April 2023.Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) announced the deployment of the Starlink technology across all Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea Cruises ships, along with all new vessels for each of the brands. Currently, 3 ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet of 15 luxury ships offers SpaceX's Starlink – Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Eclipse – with the remaining set to be complete by the end of 2023.Princess Cruises Enhances Value with Exciting New Offerings to All-Inclusive Princess Plus and Premier PackagesPrincess Cruises – already the best value in travel – has dramatically enhanced its all-inclusive premium add-on packages, incorporating an exciting juxtaposition of new premium indulgences and premium health and wellness offerings to its Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages.Rolling out on sailings after February 20 are a series of decadent Princess Premium desserts. These elaborate confections overflowing with gelato, pastry, and candy mixtures will be added to both the Princess Plus and Princess Premier and are available in the Gelateria, Swirls or Coffee and Cones.As part of its recently announced exclusive partnership with Xponential Fitness, the largest global franchisor of boutique premium fitness brands, guests will also enjoy complimentary onboard Pure Barre, Yoga Six and Stretch Lab classes as part of the packages starting in February with classes from additional boutique brands including Club Pilates, Cycle Bar, Stride, and Stride to follow shortly thereafter.New packages are available for bookings made after December 14 for sailings February 20 and beyond.Cunard Launches New 2024 Summer Season Offering 195 Voyages To Over 90 DestinationsCunard is delighted to announce that its April 2024 to January 2025 cruise schedule is going on sale on 7 December. Cunard World Club members will be able to book the new itineraries from 7 December, with the programme on general sale from 8 December.The new programme will feature 195 new voyages across 90 destinations worldwide. Guests will be able to make the most of more time in port thanks to several late evening departures and overnight stays, in places such as Reykjavik, Tromso, Rotterdam and Quebec.Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne, will set sail on 3 May 2024 for her seven-night maiden voyage to La Coruna and Lisbon. She will then depart for a 14-night voyage in the Canary Islands before travelling around the British Isles, taking in highlights in Scotland and Ireland, as well as Cunard's founding homeport, Liverpool. Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries.The world's only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, will continue to maintain Cunard's 182-year tradition of transatlantic travel, undertaking 20 crossings between Southampton and New York. She will also voyage to Scandinavia for the Northern Lights and the Caribbean, where she'll spend the 2024 festive season.Queen Victoria will spend summer soaking up the sun in the Mediterranean, offering over 75 itineraries to Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, and Croatia on a series of 7, 14 and 21-night sailings departing from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Trieste and Istanbul.Queen Elizabeth will once again be travelling through the spectacular scenery of Alaska and the schedule for this will be released in the coming months.Virgin Voyages Celebrates Giving Tuesday, Donating 2,023 Cruise Vacations to Honor Local Healthcare HeroesVirgin Voyages, celebrates Giving Tuesday by paying it forward and honoring local healthcare heroes with the vacation of a lifetime. For the second consecutive year, the South Florida-based travel and lifestyle brand is partnering with Baptist Health South Florida and donating 2,023 complimentary voyages – totalling an estimated $5.9 million – for deserving employees to ring in the new year with their friends and loved ones.In celebration of the new year ahead, the 2,023 gifted sailings will recognize employees in the Baptist Health network who have made a positive impact in the local healthcare community, from patient-facing employees to those in behind-the-scenes roles that keep the hospitals, clinics and offices running smoothly.Winners will receive a voyage for two in a Sea Terrace, a trendy balcony cabin with fun mood lighting, rainfall showers and a signature red hammock.Meanwhile Lady Ship 4 – Brilliant Lady was floated out in Italy by Fincantieri. She will join her sisters Scarlet, Valiant and Resilient entering service in Late 2023Costa Cruises introduces “Cruise & Golf” formulaCosta Cruises, Official Cruise Line of the Ryder Cup 2023 and Official Supplier of the Italian Golf Federation, brings the passion for golf also on holiday with the “Cruise & Golf” formula, which combines a unique golf experience with the relaxation and fun of a Costa cruise on its most innovative ships.Starting this winter, “Cruise & Golf” will be available not only for Costa Smeralda‘s Mediterranean cruises, but also for Costa Toscana‘s itineraries in the Arabian Gulf. Golf lovers will thus have the opportunity to play in some of the most beautiful golf clubs in Italy, France and Spain (with Costa Smeralda), or in the Arab Emirates and Oman (with Costa Toscana), during calls in the destinations included in the cruise itinerary. Each day golfers can plat in a different camp, with maximum comfort and convenience, while families on holiday can enjoy the services on board or explore wonderful locations, thanks to the excursions organised by the company. This type of experience is also perfect for small groups of golfers to play together in clubs and share their passion.To take advantage of the offer, guests can buy a Costa Smeralda cruise in the Mediterranean or a Costa Toscana cruise in the Arab Emirates and Oman on Costa website or in a travel agency, and then add to the booking the golf package, which includes three or four ‘Green Fees' to access the golf clubs included in the offer.The new selection of golf clubs for Costa Toscana's winter 2022/23 cruises is exclusive, with the added advantage of being able to play at night, thanks to the long calls on the ship's itinerary.  In Dubai, it's possible to choose the Emirates Golf Club, home to the annual Dubai Desert Classic, an 18-hole course that measures 6,676 metres and winds its way through hundreds of species of indigenous flora and fauna, seven lakes and a spectacular view of the Dubai skyline; or “The Els Club“, designed by US Open and Open Championship winner Ernie Els, home to the Asian Tour. In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, one of the best 27-hole golf courses in the world and home to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship for 16 consecutive years, and the Yas Links Golf Club, which hosted the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in 2022. In Muscat (Oman), the Almouj Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman and home of the Oman Open, which stands out for its incredible location facing the Indian Ocean, with the Hajar Mountains in the background; and the Ghala Golf Club, Oman's oldest and most renowned club, which has hosted the Oman National Championships since the 1970s and the MENA Tour for the past four years.Among the golf clubs selected for Costa Smeralda are the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, the official home of the 2023 Ryder Cup, the challenge between Team Europe and Team USA scheduled for the first time in Italy; the Circolo del Golf Roma Acquasanta, one of the oldest golf clubs in Italy; the Golf Club Garlenda, surrounded by ancient olive groves and pine forests in the enchanting scenery of the western Ligurian Riviera; the Golf Club Genova Sant'Anna, which has hosted two Italian Double Professional Championships and was designed by Robert Von Hagge, one of the world's most famous golf course architects; the Real Club de Golf El Prat, which, for 10 times, has hosted the Spanish Golf Open; the Club de Golf Terramar Sitges, one of the oldest golf clubs in Spain, located 20 metres from the sea; the Son Gual Golf in Palma de Mallorca, one of the best golf clubs in Continental Europe; the T-Golf Calvia, one of the oldest, best-rated and most popular courses on the island of Majorca; the Golf Bastide de la Salette, with spectacular views of the Garlaban mountain range and Marseille; the Golf Sainte Baume, with an 18-hole course that blends in with pines, aromatic plants and oaks.Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines wins gold for ‘Best Cruise Line for No-Fly Cruise Holidays' at the British Travel Awards 2022Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has been crowned ‘Best Cruise Line for No-Fly Cruise Holidays' at the British Travel Awards 2022 after winning the gold award..“Our regional UK departure ports allow us to offer some fantastic hand-crafted, no-fly itineraries, from an around the world tour from Liverpool or an exploration of South America and the Antarctic from Portsmouth, to a short Easter break on the picturesque River Seine from Southampton- our no-fly cruises offer something for everyone to enjoy.And moreJoin the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M  Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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Episode overviewIn episode 120 Chris delves into the Holland America History books to reveal highlights of their services over the past 150 years, we celebrate the five star mariner status of a service dog with over 700 cruise days and so much more cruise news from around the world.Support the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhMaritime HistoryA look into the history of Holland America Line, from its foundation to its place today as a global cruise brand.Key highlights:Established in Rotterdam in 1873.Was a Dutch shipping and passenger line all the way until 1989.Carried over 400,000 passengers to the New World in its first 25 years of service.Became a significant global player, and linked The Netherlands to the USA and Canada,36,000 ton Nieuw Amsterdam in 1937 became one of the most famous ships and was a profitable ship in the hard years of the 1930s, which was always a challenge.Ships were utilised during WWII with many Dutch liners being used as troop transports,Only 9 ships remained at the end of WWII,Rebuilding phase saw the creation of Rotterdam – the Grand Dame – in 1959 – she was a dual purpose liner,Cargo division was divested in 1979, while in 1989 the company was sold to Carnival, for 1.2 billion guilders,HQ was moved to Seattle, and the line grew especially in early 2000s off the back of the Vista Class platform.Today preparing to celebrate its 150thImage Credit: Rotterdam arrives in New York. Holland America LineCruise newsHolland America Line has launched its 150th Anniversary Limited-Edition Pilsner Beer in Commemorative Can:Holland America Line Launches 150th Holland America Line is saying cheers to its 150th Anniversary by introducing a limited-edition Pilsner beer – HAL Pils – made in partnership with Pike Brewing that will be served on board across the fleet. Holland America Line chose the Seattle-based brewing company to honour the location of its U.S. headquarters and position as Seattle's Hometown Cruise Line. Anniversary Limited-Edition Pilsner Beer in Commemorative Can.The commemorative can is adorned with the iconic Jan van Beers poster of 1898 showing a woman in a nautical-blue dress and striped, white hat that mirrors the funnels of the Holland America Line steamship she's holding above her head. Holland America Line gave the label a twist with the company's modern logo and updated colour scheme.Service Dog Sails into Elite Status; More than 700 Cruise Days with Holland America Line Ceremony held in New York to present Joska the Service Dog with award that recognizes premium line's most frequent cruisers. Holland America Line's favourite four-legged friend, Joska the service dog, reached a milestone achievement of 700 cruise days on Rotterdam's current 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing, making her eligible to receive the Platinum Medallion, the highest past-guest award for cruising days.Joska, a 10-year-old black Labrador retriever, is the ultimate globetrotter and spends most of her days cruising on Holland America Line with her owners, Cornelia “Connie” and Cornelis Marinussen, who previously received their Platinum Medallions.A special ceremony for Joska was held on board Rotterdam Oct. 26 to mark the milestone. Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha and Rotterdam's Captain Werner Timmers presented Joska with her Platinum Medallion, 5-Star Mariner status (highest level) in the cruise line's loyalty program and a selection of dog-friendly, Holland America Line-branded gifts.Coral Princess Arrives in Fremantle, visit hindered by COVID hysteria:The first cruise ship to return to Fremantle has arrived today, with Coral Princess returning to Freo early this morning. Unfortunately, a small percentage of passengers aboard have got COVID, which is to be expected from time-to-time aboard cruise ships as the world opens up. This has led to some media hysteria in WA, despite there being over 4,000 daily cases recorded on land.In response, Princess Cruises said: We continue to monitor closely a small number of guests who tested positive to COVID-19 and who are isolating and are being cared for in their stateroom by our medical and support staff.  All cases on board have been asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic. As of today, case numbers remain relatively steady with a vast number of our 2000 guests continue to enjoy facilities onboard. Guests will be able to disembark after undertaking Rapid Antigen Tests to enjoy an extended call at this popular destination.The ship's WA visit has not been easy, with a call in Geraldton being cancelled due to bad weather, while the ship will overnight in Freo tonight due to a cold front approaching the coast.Virgin Voyages welcomes Valiant Lady to Miami:Virgin is excited to welcome their second lady ship, Valiant Lady, to Miami! This Sunday, October 30th, marks another major milestone for the brand as Port of Miami and Terminal 5 celebrate the arrival of Valiant Lady for the first time.The ship will spend its winter season in Miami, the cruise capital of the world offering six- and eight-night itineraries to new ports including Roatán, San Juan and St. Croix. Sir Richard Branson will join Sailors aboard that afternoon as she departs Terminal 5 on her ‘MerMaiden voyage', a sailing full of surprises and unique activities like Halloween celebrations and attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the most mermaids in one place at our Beach Club at Bimini.MSC Euribia commences Maiden Season Ticket Sales:MSC Cruises second LNG-powered ship, MSC Euribia, plays a key role in the journey towards climate change mitigation with the new powerplant reducing CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to standard fuels while also virtually eliminating other air emissions.MSC Euribia's inaugural season commences 10 June 2023 and MSC Cruises wants you to join the celebration with 50% off the cruise fare for the second passenger!MSC Euribia will offer incredible seven-night itineraries sailing to the Norwegian Fjords with weekly departures from Kiel, Germany with calls including Copenhagen, Denmark; Hellesylt, Norway for the Geirangerfjord; as well as Alesund and Flaam, also in Norway, among others.Or experience a European adventure. Departing Hamburg, Germany on 15 October 2023, over 9-nights guests will sail to Rotterdam for Amsterdam, Le Havre for Paris, Southampton and Falmouth, UK, where guests can visit Pendennis Castle, the 16th-century fortress built by Henry VIII.  The next stop is St Peter Port on the island of Guernsey before arriving back in Hamburg, Germany. Booking launch for the AIDA World Cruise 2024/2025 with AIDAIt's “Sail Away” in the Port of Hamburg for AIDAmar, which is going on a 117-day round-the-world journey for the first time. With AIDAmar, AIDA Cruises sends a larger ship of the Sphinx class on a world cruise for the first time. On board the ship, the anticipation for the XXL adventure is huge among guests and crew. “For many, the world trip is a long-awaited life-long dream. As captain of this special journey, I am delighted to be able to contribute to the fulfillment of this wish together with my crew. Unforgettable moments await our guests both ashore and on board,” says Felix Rothe, Captain of AIDAmar. Around 8:00 p.m., the time will come: the ship sets course for the world from the Cruise Centre Altona and does not return to the Hanseatic city until February 20, 2023.Highlights include:Lyttleton/Christchurch: Spectacular, expansive natural landscapes, a vibrant cultural scene and, with the romantic Avon River, a river that runs through the centre.Napier: This new AIDA port is famous above all for its classicist architecture from the 1930s. The New Zealand Art deco city is also home to many Maori motives and patterns.Tauranga: All of the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies were filmed in various locations in New Zealand. Guests can still admire the Shire with the hamlet of Hobbingen not far from the city centre – in the seemingly endless greenery around Matamat.Melbourne: Guests can celebrate their New Year's Eve in the Australian metropolis! Along the Yarra River, in the Birrarung Marr parks, at Federation Square or on the deck of AIDAsol – you have a perfect view of the fireworks and drone show from everywhere.Uturoa: This little place on the island of Raiatea is the pure South Seas experience! Paradise comes true with lush green hills, crystal clear turquoise sea and palm-fringed beaches.Carnival Conquest shows off first Pickleball Court:Pickleball is one of America's fastest-growing sports, and now it has a special place on board Carnival Conquest, which has debuted the first dedicated pickleball court in the Carnival fleet.Carnival Conquest's team members were the first to test out the new pickleball court that was added during its recent dry dock. The new court is located on the ship's top deck, so picklers can enjoy the fun of their favourite game and take in beautiful ocean views all at once. Pickleball is a two- or four-person sport where players hit a perforated hollow ball over a net using solid-faced paddles, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.The game has existed for decades, but it has seen surging popularity across the U.S. recently and growing interest internationally as well. While Carnival Conquest has become the first Carnival ship to feature a permanent pickleball court, the game can be played on board several other ships across the Carnival fleet as well – with equipment recently added to most ships featuring basketball courts, where the game can be played. Pickleball joins several other popular activities as part of Carnival Sport Square, which includes facilities for games such as mini golf, volleyball and basketball. Carnival Conquest's pickleball court is one of several recent ship enhancements, which also includes the addition of Carnival's new signature livery which features a stunning red, white, and blue hull design. Carnival Conquest sails from Port Miami year-round and offers a range of itineraries to The Bahamas as well as other Caribbean destinations.Costa Cruises to arrive in Taranto in 2023:  In summer 2023, Taranto will become a new port of call for Costa Cruises. From June 3 until October 7, Costa Pacifica, one of the Italian-flagged ships of the Costa fleet, will be in Taranto every week as part of an itinerary to discover the Greek islands.The announcement was made today during a press conference organised at the Palazzo di Città in Taranto, attended by Rinaldo Melucci, Mayor of Taranto, Sergio Prete, President of the Ionian Sea Port System Authority and Extraordinary Commissioner of the Port of Taranto, Gianfranco Lopane, Councillor for Tourism of the Apulia Region, Raffaella Del Prete, General Manager of Italian Cruise Ports of Global Ports Holding, and Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises.19 calls are scheduled for Costa Pacifica in Taranto, on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to Taranto, the ship will also visit Catania, Valletta (Malta), Mykonos (Greece), and Santorini (Greece), allowing guests to enjoy the best of the Greek islands, two wonderful destinations in Puglia and Sicily, two of Italy's most popular regions for international tourism, as well as the island of Malta, all in a single holiday.In this itinerary, Taranto will be both port of embarkation and disembarkation, which can also be reached with the “fly cruise” package, and port of transit for guests embarking in other ports, particularly Catania.Sun Princess European Season:Sun Princess debuts in February 2024, and guests will set sail on a memorable 10-day Grand Mediterranean inaugural voyage with departure options from Barcelona, Rome, and Athens. The first inaugural cruise of the 175,500-ton vessel, boasting expansive venues, contemporary entertainment, multi-story dining rooms and next-level accommodations starts on February 8.  Additional Mediterranean voyages will go on sale Nov. 9, 2022, for voyages through September 2024.Highlights of the March through September 2024 inaugural cruise season of Sun Princess, include:10-day Grand Mediterranean inaugural cruise between Barcelona and Rome departing March 9, featuring Mallorca, Sicily, Athens, Kusadasi, Santorini and Naples.Seven-day Mediterranean with Greek Isles & Turkey between Rome and Athens, seven-day Mediterranean with Greece & Italy between Athens and Barcelona and seven-day Mediterranean with France & Italy between Barcelona and Rome, with over 20 departures to choose from between April and September 2024.European Explorer voyages sailing between the Mediterranean and London (Southampton) from nine to 23 days. Nine-day Grand Mediterranean voyage sailing roundtrip from Rome.10-day Grand Mediterranean voyages sailing roundtrip from Rome, or between Barcelona and Rome.10-day Grand Western Mediterranean voyages roundtrip from Rome. 16-day Iberian Passage voyage sailing the Atlantic Ocean between London (Southampton) and Fort Lauderdale.Princess guests wishing to expand their time on land can also choose from three unique cruise-tours:Best of Greece: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Meteora, Delphi, and the Acropolis of Athens and its Parthenon. Offered with the seven-day Mediterranean with Greek Isles & Italy, 14-day Mediterranean with Greece, France and Italy, or the 21-day Best of the Mediterranean cruises from Athens.Classic Italy: Visit Venice, Florence and Rome's greatest sights: Venice's St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, Rome's Coliseum and Vatican museums, the Duomo and Michelangelo's sculpture of David in Florence. All sights are offered with the seven-day Mediterranean with Greek Isles & Turkey, 14-day Mediterranean with Greek Isles, Italy & Turkey, or the 21-day Best of Mediterranean cruises from Rome.Highlights of Spain: Offered with the seven-day Mediterranean with France & Italy, 14-day Mediterranean with Greek Isles, France & Turkey or 21-day Best of Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. Visit Madrid, Valencia, Toledo and enjoy the sights and tastes of Spain.PONANT unveils a new experience designed for Le Commandant Charcot guestsAs PONANT continues to lead innovation with meaningful guest experiences which align with its ‘Explore to Inspire' philosophy, the leading luxury expedition brand has announced Polar Raid, a new opportunity set to be unveiled on board Le Commandant Charcot on select journeys in the Arctic in 2023 and 2024.This new exclusive experience aims to build closer connections between guests, nature and local communities. A voyage within a voyage, a unique and surreal human experience nourished by Inuit wisdom in the wonderful scenery offered by Greenland wild and powerful nature.Open to bookings as an option for a very limited number of guests on very select polar expeditions, the Polar Raid will create the opportunity to meet the Inuit communities established along Greenland's Eastern coast. Silversea Cruises Reimagines Signature Culinary Experiences for Silver Endeavour, The World's Most Luxurious Expedition ShipSilversea has revealed details on the array of dining experiences aboard its newest ship Silver Endeavour℠, the world's most luxurious expedition vessel—set to welcome guests in Antarctica from November 21, 2022. Silver Endeavour will feature four signature restaurants, as well as the cruise line's Arts Café and 24-hour in-suite dining, offering discerning guests some of the finest dining experiences at sea and the luxury of choice—even when cruising in the world's remotest regions, including Antarctica and the Arctic.Silver Endeavour is specifically designed to journey to some of the most remote areas of the world, welcoming guests in comfort and style. The ship features the highest space-to-guest ratio in expedition cruising, some of the industry's most spacious all-balcony suites, and a range of elegant public spaces and restaurants. Serving the industry's finest gourmet cuisine, as well as a broad-ranging selection of complimentary wines and premium bottles, Silver Endeavour's restaurants will be among the most spacious and elegant venues in ultra-luxury expedition cruising. Providing the luxury of choice, she will offer her 200 guests almost 300 seats for dinner each night—plus the option of dining in the privacy of their suites. Silver Endeavour's dining venues include:The Restaurant (4,144ft²/385m²) Set on deck 4, Silver Endeavour's main dining venue welcomes up to 192 guests with a modern, spacious design for atmospheric meals in an elegant setting. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Restaurant offers a wide variety of international and regional menu options, with a selection that rotates daily.Il Terrazzino (1,044ft²/97m²) Featuring a brand-new aesthetic and intimate proportions on deck 4, Il Terrazzino—meaning ‘little terrace', in homage to Silversea's famed La Terrazza restaurant—marks a nod to the cruise line's refined Italian heritage. The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine from an a la carte menu, including some of the best pasta at sea, hosting up to 36 guests in an upscale and intimate setting each dinnertime.La Dame® (495ft²/46m²) Silversea's signature French restaurant, La Dame offers fine French cuisine in an intimate and refined setting on deck 4. Guests can enjoy an a la carte menu or opt for a six-course tasting menu with a wine pairing. Open for dinner only, La Dame will welcome up to 20 guests by reservation only for a nominal fee of USD 60 per person.The Grill (2,806ft²/261m²) Offering 270-degree views of the destination from the ship's aft on deck 5, with a mezzanine on deck 6, The Grill is Silver Endeavour's casual eatery. Located adjacent to The Pool Deck, The Grill features an a la carte menu of flavourful, international dishes, welcoming up to 80 guests for breakfast and lunch, and up to 48 guests for dinner.Arts Café (2250ft²/209m²) Debuting in Polar Regions for the first time, Silver Endeavour's Arts Café is an upscale take on a classic coffee shop, located in the heart of the ship on deck 5. The beautifully appointed coffee shop, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows for exceptional views of the destination, will serve an extensive collection of specialty coffees and teas, as well as a delicious selection of fresh pastries and gourmet bites.And finally, a little bit of news of our own, with Chris' YouTube channel being ranked Australia's #1 by tips for travellers:Leading UK cruise vlogger Gary Bembridge (Tips for Travellers) has released his review of the top 100 cruise vloggers on YouTube: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/what-are-the-top-100-cruise-vlogger-channels-right-now/We are delighted to see Chris' channel “Chris Frame Official” is #40 globally but importantly #1 in Australia, which is very exciting.Thanks to you, for all your support over the last few years to help the channel grow from 1,000 subs in 2019 to 25k+ subs and 8.1 million views today!And moreJoin the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialPeter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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Cruise News Today — September 20, 2022. Progress is well underway on the transformation of Costa Cruises' Costa Luminosa to Carnival Luminosa. A Viking ocean cruise ship broke free from her moorings in Italy this past weekend.  The Port of Alaska in Anchorage saw its first cruise ship visit in nearly two years last week. Cruise line stocks were up slightly for Monday for CCL, RCL, and NCLH. 

Eine Folge voller Neuheiten! Eine Folge über Nachhaltigkeit, soziale Projekte, neue Flotten Zugänge & warum der gute Herr Bors im Stadion das Feld geküsst hast;) Lasst Euch überraschen und lernt Costa Kreuzfahrten von vielen neuen Seiten kennen!

Ep108 OverviewIn Episode 108, Chris brings the answer to another listener question and a wrap up of the latest cruise news. Meanwhile Kabir joins the show from Canada to review his recent expedition cruise to the Great Lakes aboard Viking Octantis.Support the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhCruise reviewKabir joins the show at approx. 24:10 to talk all things Viking OctantisCruise Line: VikingShip: Viking Octantis https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/expeditions/ships/viking-octantis.htmlCabin Type: Nordic Penthouse (NP)Itinerary: Milwaukee – Mackinac Island – Georgian Bay (Parry Sound) – Georgian Bay (Killarney) – Georgian Bay (Frazer Bay) – Soo Locks Transit – Silver Islet – Thunder BayGRT: 30,000Guests: 378Crew: 256Viking Octantis (aft)Viking Octantis Hangar Launch in AntarcticaViking Octantis RestaurantViking Octantis Manfredi's CornerViking Octantis MamsensViking Octantis AulaViking Octantis Living RoomViking Octantis Spa PoolViking Octantis The ShelterViking Octantis Expedition CentralViking Octantis The LabViking Octantis The HangarFollow Kabir Follow Kabir (Cruise Director, Weather Presenter, Podcast Host and Vlogger) Website & Podcast: https://www.cruisedirectorkabir.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/travelwithkabircdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruisedirectorkabir/Listener QuestionLeighton from Adelaide asks Chris, Where did Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure come from? Presumable they are not new builds?Cruise NewsP&O Cruises Pacific Encounter on the Way from Singapore to Join Flagship Pacific Explorer in AustraliaPacific Encounter, the latest addition to the P&O Cruises Australia fleet, today sailed from Singapore on her way to Australia, another step in the revival of Australia's $5 billion a year cruise industry.Pacific Encounter will sail into Sydney Harbour on August 2 where flagship Pacific Explorer is already home ported having become the first of Australia's home-grown cruise line to return home after more than two years.Encounter's time in Sydney will be a relatively ‘brief encounter' before heading to Brisbane where she will continue the long tradition of basing P&O ships at the epicentre of the Queensland cruise market.Pacific Encounter will depart on her first guest cruise from Brisbane on August 20, a 7-night Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise.Silversea acquires Crystal Endeavor Royal Caribbean Group has been confirmed as the purchaser of the Crystal Endeavor expedition yacht which was on the auction block following the collapse of Crystal Cruises parent Genting Hong Kong.The ship will sail under RCG's Silversea Cruises brand as Silver Endeavour – the fifth expedition ship in the line's 11-strong fleet – with the company paying USD$275 million for the vessel. The purchase price is significantly less than the USD$385 million which Genting Hong Kong paid for the ship's construction, making it the most expensive passenger ship ever built at USD$1.9m per berth.Endeavour, which was delivered to Crystal just last year has capacity for 200 guests, as well as a submarine and helicopter, which Silversea MD Roberto Martinoli said would no longer be part of its offering.She will sail in Antarctica in place of the 132-guest Silver Explorer, with guests booked on that ship to be moved to Endeavour.Costa Group Starts the use of Bio FuelsA few weeks after announcing the creation of its dedicated decarbonization department, the Costa Group, Europe's leading cruise operator with its two companies Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises, and a member of Carnival Corporation & plc, has taken a major step forward in its decarbonization strategy by announcing that it will start testing the usage of biofuel aboard one of its AIDA Cruises ships.As part of its CO2 emissions reduction efforts, on July 21, 2022, AIDAprima became the first larger scale cruise ship to be bunkered with a blend of marine biofuel, which is made from 100 percent sustainable raw materials such as waste cooking oil, and marine gas oil (MGO) during its layover in Rotterdam. The cooperation partner is the Dutch biofuel pioneer GoodFuels. AIDAprima is currently sailing on seven-day voyages to the metropolises of Western Europe and to Norway from/to Hamburg.The current project represents an important milestone of the Costa Group's decarbonization strategy, which includes testing technologies and processes to improve the efficiency of the existing fleet.With the successful start of biofuel usage, it will be proven that gradual decarbonization is possible even on ships already in service. An important prerequisite to be able to use biofuels, however, is that it becomes widely available on an industrial scale and at marketable prices.Carnival Cruise Line Brings Texas Flair to Carnival Jubilee's Keel Laying CeremonyCarnival Jubilee is fixing to start sailing from Galveston, Texas, next year and Carnival Cruise Line's third cruise ship to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) got its first taste of Texas today with the keel laying ceremony at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany.Wearing cowboy-shaped hard hats, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy was joined by Meyer Werft Managing Director Bernard Meyer and Carnival's Senior Vice President of Newbuilds Ben Clement, among others, to celebrate the construction milestone by placing coins under a 375-ton keel block.The coins signify good luck for the ship and will remain under its foundation as the structure is built. One of the ship's lucky coins is an official ship coin, which commemorates an important part of Carnival history while celebrating its future by showing Carnival Jubilee alongside the original MS Jubilee from 1986. The coins will later be placed in a special compartment near Carnival Jubilee's mast as permanent fixtures of the ship.Carnival Jubilee will be the first Carnival Cruise Line ship built in Papenburg, Germany. Meyer Werft has already built four other LNG-powered ships for other cruise lines under Carnival Corporation. Carnival Jubilee will be Carnival's third ship to run on a liquified natural gas (LNG) technology platform. Carnival Corporation pioneered the introduction of LNG fuel in the passenger cruise sector as part of the company's ongoing commitment to sustainability and emissions reduction. Meyer Turku in Finland delivered sister ship Mardi Gras last year and will deliver Carnival Celebration later this year.Carnival Jubilee will begin sailing from Galveston in November of 2023 and will offer seven-day Western Caribbean cruise vacations with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, as well as Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan), Honduras.Virgin Voyages relaxes Voyage Well In response to the conclusion of the CDC's voluntary program, Virgin Voyages will continue to consider the recommendations set forth by the organization, while also adhering to the industry policies outlined by CLIA. As a result of this update, Virgin Voyages will remove the requirements for pre-embarkation testing.Virgin Voyages has responded immediately to the CDC's decision to discontinue their voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships and will mirror the rest of the travel industry in removing pre-embarkation testing for sailings from July 24 on EU sailings, and from July 27 on US sailings. Vaccine requirements will remain in place for both Scarlet Lady, operating out of the US, and Valiant Lady in the EU. Virgin Voyages is currently evaluating this policy and will announce further updates in the near future.Passenger and crew well-being is the major focus and they continue to follow the advice of their expert medical team. To clarify these updates:From the dates mentioned above, passengers will no longer be required to complete a pre-embarkation COVID test, applicable across the fleet, including US and EU operations.For US sailings, passenger vaccination requirements will now be marked at 90%. This opens the opportunity for passengers who are not vaccinated to contact Virgin Voyages' Sailor Services to book a sailing if these thresholds are met.Ship crew on all US and EU sailings will maintain their fully vaccinated status.Holland America Line Reveals Plans to Mark 150th AnniversaryOn April 18, 2023, Holland America Line is celebrating its 150th Anniversary — making it one of the longest-operating travel companies in the world. To commemorate the milestone, the cruise line is planning special events and activities, including two commemorative transatlantic crossings. The April 4, 2023, crossing has opened for booking, while the October 15, 2022, departure has limited space remaining.During the October and April 150th Anniversary Transatlantic crossings, Holland America Line is planning memorable experiences that will weave the company's history into the menus, activities, entertainment, special guest speakers and more.“A milestone like a 150th Anniversary doesn't come around often for most companies, and our celebrations will bring to life our century-and-a-half of amazing history,” said Gus Antorcha, Holland America Line's president. “Holland America Line has touched the lives of millions of people throughout the years — whether by bringing them to a new life in America or providing a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. We have some really special experiences planned over the next several months to honour our heritage.”150th Anniversary Commemorative Celebrations:15 crossing, 15 nights: Rotterdam VII will depart Rotterdam, the Netherlands, exactly 150 years to the date of the departure of Rotterdam I's maiden voyage, which took place before the company was incorporated. The crossing will recreate Holland America Line's first sailing, leaving from Rotterdam and visiting Plymouth, England, and Le Havre (Paris), France, before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to New York City for a rare overnight call; then it sails on to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.April 4 crossing, 16 nights: Departing Fort Lauderdale, Rotterdam heads to New York City for an overnight call; it will then spend eight leisurely days at sea crossing the Atlantic Ocean, calling at Plymouth and Dover (London), England, before arriving April 18 — Holland America Line's 150th anniversary — at Rotterdam for an overnight full of festivities.During the crossings, guests will be treated to a host of experiences, including commemorative historic menus and cocktails offering a taste of the brand's history, live music with special performances by guest artists, presentations reliving the history and roots of Holland America Line, and an Olympic-style event with classic cruise sporting activities and games.New York City Anniversary Event: Holland America Line will kick off its 150th anniversary year with a special ceremony aboard Rotterdam when the ship overnights at New York City Oct. 26, 2022, including a memorable stage performance to mark the historic night.Rotterdam Welcome: When Rotterdam arrives at Rotterdam in the Netherlands April 18, 2023, the ship will receive a grand welcome on its 150th birthday in the city of the company's founding. During the overnight call, guests and city of Rotterdam will help mark this historic milestone at an evening event on board.Additional Special Anniversary Themed Cruises: The anniversary year will include specially marketed cruises that help relive Holland America Line's history of exploration through unique ports visited. The cruise dates will be announced in the coming months and will include special programming for each voyage.Retail Merchandise: Limited-edition, specially designed 150th Anniversary retail items will be available in the shipboard shops.Le Commandant Charcot takes guests to the geographic North Pole for the first time!On Wednesday 14 July guests on board PONANT's Le Commandant Charcot, the world's first luxury icebreaker, reached the geographic North Pole, a first for PONANT passengers.14 July which coincidentally is Bastille Day, Le Commandant Charcot, reached the geographic North Pole. This is a highly symbolic achievement for PONANT, expert in expeditions to polar regions and the only cruise company sailing under the French flag.Indeed, last September, Le Commandant Charcot was the first French vessel to reach this latitude (90,00,000°). This time, the feat has been repeated with guests on board, who are living a unique experience in the footsteps of great polar explorers.Le Commandant Charcot is also the first hybrid-electric LNG powered polar exploration ship to accommodate scientific research teams onboard, providing them with dedicated work areas. She puts scientific research at the heart of PONANT's commitment and unique concept of travel.Navy Bronze Medal of Merit awarded to Captain Pietro Sinisi of Costa CruisesThe medal was awarded by the Commandant of the Italian Coast Guard by delegation of the Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino, during the military ceremony held on the occasion of the 157th anniversary of the establishment of the Harbour Masters Corps, which occurred on July 20, 1865.As stated in the announcement, the prestigious recognition has been awarded because “on the occasion of the shipwreck of the motor vessel Kilic, on which a fire had developed of such magnitude that it could not be extinguished by the systems on board, Captain Sinisi, in command of Costa Luminosa, supported rescue operations demonstrating high expertise and uncommon nautical skills, contributing in an effective manner to the rescue of the 11 crewmen of the Turkish motor ship. Despite adverse weather conditions, Captain Sinisi was able to ensure the safety of his guests while simultaneously putting in place a timely intervention, which turned out to be providential for the success of the rescue operations. With his behavior, he brought prestige to the image of Italian Navy in the institutional framework.”The rescue that is referred to happened on November 21, 2018. At around midnight, Costa Luminosa – sailing south of the Peloponnese and heading towards the port of Katakolon – received a distress call from the Greek Coast Guard's Rescue Coordination Center. Commander Sinisi was asked to provide aid to the motor vessel “Kilic,” a cargo ship used to transport fish, which was in serious trouble due to an outbreak of fire on board. The crew of eleven men were rescued by a Costa Luminosa tender steered by Safety Officer Marco Genovese, and then transshipped to another cargo ship previously involved in operations by the Greek Coast GuardAnd more...Join the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialPeter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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1st Rendering of Carnival Luminosa Released in anticipation of her transfer from Costa Cruises. This is today's lead story on Travel and Cruise Industry News July 7, 2022 with Chillie Falls. Details within. Also today, some personal news, the NYTimes Podcast First Person, Hurricane Bonnie; Norwegian's Miami Terminal Features New Artwork; MSC Orders 2 More Explora Ships; NCL Drops Some Pre-cruise Testing; And Much More, LIVE At 11 AM EDT. Cruise Ships Sailing From North American Ports Today July 7 Bayonne Adventure of the Seas Jacksonville Carnival Elation Port Canaveral MSC Divina West Palm Beach Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Miami Carnival Sunrise Tampa Carnival Paradise New Orleans Carnival Valor Seattle Carnival Spirit, Nieuw Amsterdam L, Zuiderdam L Vancouver Silver Muse, Roald Amundsen Anchorage Silver Shadow, Nieuw Amsterdam L, Grand Princess L Fairbanks Nieuw Amsterdam L, Grand Princess L CLICK HERE to access video feed Thanks for visiting my channel. Recent NYTimes Feature: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/26/opinion/a-cruiser-sets-sail-despite-covid.html To access the Travel and Cruise Industry News podcast; https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/travelcruisenews or go to https://accessadventure.net/ Fly For Free https://bit.ly/35YeWqF Save On Airfare https://bit.ly/3h6lXLf To subscribe: http://bit.ly/chi-fal As always, I appreciate super chats or any other donation to support my channel. For your convenience, please visit: https://paypal.me/chillie9264?locale.x=en_US Chillie's Cruise Schedule: https://accessadventure.net/chillies-trip-calendar/ For your special needs, contact me or Scootaround, https://www.scootaround.com/mobility-rentals, 1.888.441.7575. Use SRN 11137. Special Needs Cruising: https://youtu.be/DWR5kNM2x_g Check out my streaming partner: https://streamyard.com?pal=4889083533852672 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChilliesCruises Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chillie.falls Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChillieFalls Business Email: chilliefalls@gmail.com Accessible Travel Blog: https://accessadventure.net/ Chillie Chats With Sue Bryant, London Times Cruise Editor About Emerald Azzurra https://youtu.be/_bnrkqPf2gE Chillie Chats With Kelly Narowski, Disability Rights Advocate and Avid Traveler https://youtu.be/NFB7LhkJ7go and https://youtu.be/LxbC5UW-Lsk Casino Loyalty Programs with Sue Sherer https://youtu.be/p0SsewJC_cE Chillie Chats with Camille Segobia on Solo Cruising https://youtu.be/PsoTywFMuSo Chillie Chats with Author Ivan Cox a/k/a Dr. Gerald Yukevich, The Cruise Ship Doctor, https://youtu.be/juZmIuYv-IU Chillie Chats With Speaker, Writer and Wheelchair Traveler Lilly Longshore https://youtu.be/tyrV6KZE-9Q Cruise Amigos with Jeannine Williamson https://youtu.be/_s9L_cV72fk Chillie Chats With Jordan Taylor, of JJ Cruise https://youtu.be/O5Khw0avcTQ Chillie Chats With Coleen McDaniel, Cruise Critic's Editor-In-Chief https://youtu.be/5mbjRqNcRXk Chillie Chats With Cruise Critic's Adam Coulter from Norwegian jade https://youtu.be/NVEPLIQ-tH0 Cruise Amigos with Jeannine Williamson https://youtu.be/_s9L_cV72fk Chillie Chats With Captain Mick, Active Disabled Americans https://youtu.be/B3g17D8Tv6Y Chillie Chats With Ashley Lyn Olson, WheelchairTraveling.com https://youtu.be/N4kCil4xT3M Chillie Chats with Allison More about Norwegian Fjords https://youtu.be/Y2V4c6TVauY Chillie Chats With Shelby Frenette about TA Training https://youtu.be/OhBRwS5Hp1M Chillie Chats With Bubba Shumard On CDC, RCCL and HAL https://youtu.be/UtFrYjOVkXk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OverviewIn episode 104 Chris answers a listener question about the ss Norway, whilst Baz brings the latest cruise news from around the world, including the new Kimberly season for Le Ponant (pictured).Image Credit: Le Ponant by Ponant. Support the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh.Listener QuestionAlice from Miami asks Chris “Was the ss Norway originally a liner before conversion to cruising?”Cruise NewsPONANT unveils Pinnacle Kimberley Experience onboard iconic Le Ponant for 2023Ponant is set to take luxury expeditions to another level, opening sales for their highly anticipated 2023 inaugural Kimberley sailing expedition programme onboard the company's iconic three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant.Commencing on 7 April 2023, Ponant ‘s programme of 26 new itineraries onboard Le Ponant for the 2023 Kimberley season covers the Northern Kimberley, Southern Kimberley, and the Rowley Shoals.Ponant's expertise and signature travel visions onboard Le Ponant highlight the unique mix of adventure, sustainability, and barefoot luxury. The newly refurbished yacht has been transformed to feature the latest technical innovations to reduce emissions and is equipped with state-of-the-art Zodiacs for shore landings and excursions. Having been entirely renovated with a sleek, sophisticated design by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio, Le Ponant offers an intimate setting with only 16 staterooms for a maximum of 32 guests being looked after by 32 crew members.  An invitation to sail and experience Australia's breathtaking Kimberley coastline on a journey that combines exploration and eco-responsibility in luxury. As an exclusive addition to this experience, the Northern and Southern Kimberley itineraries include an exclusive charter flight between Kununurra and Kuri Bay or Broome and Kuri Bay on board one of Australian company Paspaley's vintage Grumman Mallard flying boats to take guests from or to their embarkation point, as well as an exclusive guided visit of Paspaley's pearl farms in Kuri Bay.Viking Saturn Meets Water for First TimeViking announced its newest ocean ship—the 930-guest Viking Saturn—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Scheduled to debut in April 2023, the Viking Saturn will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.The traditional float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out of the Viking Saturn began at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time when the Viking team cut a cord that signalled water to flow into the ship's building dock. Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Saturn afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.Viking Saturn – Viking's ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that can host 930 guests. The Viking Saturn will join the award-winning fleet of identical sister ships, which includes Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter, Viking Venus and Viking Mars. The Viking Neptune will be delivered in late 2022.Its Official – Authentic Gelato Experience at SeaItalian Chamber of Commerce Certifies Gelato Experience On Board Princess Ships as First to Offer the Authentic Confection Outside ItalyWith the start of summer, scooping up one of Italy's most famous desserts from Gelato onboard Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess just got a little sweeter. The Princess Cruises gelato shops have been designated as Ospitalità Italiana, and are the first and only locations to offer an authentic Italian gelato experience outside of Italy.The prestigious Ospitalità Italiana designation is issued by the Italian Chamber of Commerce committee, an organisation of the Italian government, and confirms that every step of the gelato-making process meets or exceeds a strict set of standards as approved by official Italian auditors and experts, who review the process on a yearly basis. Only gelato shops that attain outstanding quality status are awarded the official Ospitalità Italiana certification.Princess Cruises handcrafts its fresh gelato with Italian-certified ingredients and equipment each day in the pastry kitchens onboard the cruise line's three newest ships – Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess. Corporate pastry chef Eric Le Rouzic trained with the best Italian chefs at the Gelato Carpigiani University in Bologna and the Gelato Comprital Atheneum in Milano to master the art of making this heaven in a bowl. Princess uses top-of-line gelato machines by renowned manufacturer Carpigiani and the Gelato display cases were produced in Italy by expert craftsmen.Fun Fact – Gelato Isn't Ice CreamAccording to legend, the recipe for Gelato was popularised when architect Bernardo Buontalenti was asked to create a special confection for a member of the Medici noble family in the 16th century. Buontalenti mixed milk, eggs, sugar and extracts in a special machine surrounded by ice and salt, and egg cream-based gelato was born.While it's creamy, gelato has less butter fat and fewer calories. The authentic Italian ingredients are combined with Princess' freshly sourced fruit and is made each day with milk, not requiring the extra fat from cream that is needed in ice cream for a longer shelf life. As a result, a scoop of gelato is 80-100 calories and the sorbet or “fruit gelato” has no fat and is only 50-60 calories, with no dairy.Christening Ceremony in Barcelona for Costa ToscanaCosta Cruises celebrates in the port of Barcelona the christening ceremony of Costa Toscana, the newest Italian-flagged ship in the Costa Cruises fleet, that leads to the discovery of “the art of living the sea”.Godmother of Costa Toscana is Chanel, a young singer, actress and dancer who enjoyed great success in Spain and in all Europe after her exhibition during the 2022 Eurovison Song Contest. She will join the ship's Captain Pietro Sinisi for the ribbon-cutting ceremony in which a bottle will be shattered on the ships bow, as per maritime tradition.Costa Toscana represents the restart of Costa Cruises' fleet, which will operate 10 ships this summer. Summer 2022 appears to be heading toward a significant upswing in travel. According to research commissioned by Costa Cruises from Human Highway in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, nearly 14 million of Europeans dream of taking a cruise in the next 12 months.Costa Toscana is a true travelling smart city; Thanks to the use of liquefied natural gas, it is possible to eliminate almost completely the emission of sulfur oxides (zero emissions) and particulates (95-100% reduction) into the atmosphere, while also significantly lowering emissions of nitrogen oxide (direct reduction of 85%) and CO2 (up to 20%).During summer 2022, Costa Toscana offers a week-long itinerary making calls in some of the most beautiful cities and islands of the Western Mediterranean, including two calls in Spain: Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Naples, Ibiza, Valencia, and Marseille.COSTA by CARNIVALCosta Cruises announces a new program for the next seasons for Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze as the Company teams up with Carnival Cruise Line creating a new concept for Carnival's North American guests when COSTA by CARNIVAL debuts in the spring of 2023 and Costa Venezia joins the Carnival fleet. Costa Venezia will be followed by Costa Firenze arriving in the spring of 2024.Carnival will operate Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze with an offer that will marry Costa's Italian style with the great service, food, and entertainment that Carnival's guests enjoy. The ships will continue operating their regular Costa itineraries until they are assigned to Carnival for deployment.Carnival Luminosa will homeport in Brisbane from November 2022 Carnival Cruise Line announced today that Costa Luminosa will join the Carnival fleet in September and will start guest operations as Carnival Luminosa in November 2022 from Brisbane, Australia. The acquisition of Luminosa is an update to the previously announced plans for Carnival to take Costa Magica, which will now remain at Costa Cruises.After this delivery, Carnival Luminosa will operate seasonally from October through April from Brisbane, then reposition to Seattle, where it will sail Alaska itineraries from May through September, before returning to Brisbane.Luminosa is a sister ship to the four other popular Spirit class ships that already sail for Carnival. Entering service in 2009, the ship accommodates up to 2,826 guests and 1,050 crew at 92,720 gross tons.Rolls Royce on Carnival Ecstasy Gets a New Home on Carnival CelebrationFor three decades, an antique Rolls Royce has been sailing the high seas – on board Carnival Ecstasy. Now, the well-known fixture will continue its travels on Carnival Cruise Line's next new ship, Carnival Celebration.The vintage car, a 1934 Rolls Royce Saloon, was carefully offloaded from Carnival Ecstasy while the ship was docked in Mobile, Ala. last Thursday (click here to see video). It is being carefully shipped to the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland where Carnival Celebration is under construction.The car thousands of Carnival guests have admired and taken pictures of over the years will soon find a new home adjacent to The Gateway, a two-deck zone aboard Carnival Celebration which celebrates travel and the excitement of exploring new destinations.The Gateway zone includes The Golden Jubilee, a bar venue highlighting Carnival's evolution of ships over the last 50 years. The bar will feature memorabilia and original pieces from several of Carnival's earlier vessels and so the Rolls Royce will add to the nostalgia.Carnival Ecstasy's designer searched all over the United Kingdom to find the perfect car to fit the space outside the ship's Rolls Royce Café. It was acquired from a small antique car dealer in the hills of Northern Wales. Carnival Ecstasy is finishing its final sailing season and will be retired in October.Carnival Celebration, the second of Carnival Cruise Line's new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered ships will begin service in early November with a 14-day transatlantic voyage from London (Southampton) to its homeport of PortMiami. Her arrival will continue the celebration of Carnival Cruise Line's 50th birthday.THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS! – 100 DAYS UNTIL CARNIVAL SPLENDOR'S RETURNCarnival Cruise Line is today celebrating 100 days until the return of Carnival Splendor to Aussie shores. Following a successful season cruising in Alaska, Sydney's own Carnival ship will arrive home on 30 September, bringing the Carnival fun back to guests and crew.With over 900 days since her last Australian cruise, Carnival Splendor will offer Sydneysiders a range of action-packed itineraries from Aussie favourites including Moreton Island and Carnival's famous Melbourne Cup cruises, to New Zealand and to stunning South Pacific ports including Noumea, Isle of Pines and Mare.Carnival Splendor offers a host of exclusive features for Aussie guests to both discover and rediscover, including:Green and Gold waterpark: The action-packed Carnival Waterworks was built specifically for Australia in green and gold colours, complete with a world-first on a cruise ship – the Green Lightning thrill-slide that begins with an impressive 11.3-metre free-fall drop. Waterworks also boasts a 104-metre-long Twister Waterslide, power drencher tipping bucket and mini racing slides.Splashy Cove: Splashy Cove is a special waterpark created just for little ones with fun to be had splashing about with spray toys and mini waterslides. It's also home to a colourful mural inspired from drawings by patients from The Children's Hospital at Westmead.Cloud 9 Spa and Serenity Retreat: For Aussies who love to relax, Carnival Splendor features the Cloud 9 Spa and Suites, offering everything from a thalassotherapy pool, to thermal suites and state-of-the-art fitness centre. Adults can also unwind at the well-known adults-only Serenity Retreat and enjoy the sea breeze with a cocktail in hand.Dining options: Featuring over 17 different dining options including Masala Tiger, made precisely for Aussies' adventurous tastebuds and offering fresh and flavourful Indian cuisine straight from the tandoor. Juice and Java, a juice and coffee bar, has also been created exclusively for the Aussie market, while Fahrenheit 555 offers the finest cuts of beef available at sea, cooked to perfection. These tasty offerings join Carnival fan-favourites, such as Seafood Shack, Pizzeria del Capitano and Guy's Burger Joint.Australia's favourite coffee: Carnival has partnered with Vittoria Coffee, Australia's number one pure coffee brand, to make sure the fresh new JavaBlue Café delivers flat whites, long blacks and lattes to perfection.Carnival Splendor's first passenger cruise from Sydney will depart on 02 October 2022.Six Months Until Norwegian Spirit Debuts Down UnderNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL), is celebrating the six-month countdown to the Australasian debut of the all-new Norwegian Spirit for her inaugural local sailing season.A completely reimagined ship following her extensive bow-to-stern USD$100m renovation – the most expensive refurbishment in NCL's 55-year history – Norwegian Spirit's arrival on 22 December 2022 also marks NCL's long-awaited return to Australian waters.Norwegian Spirit will sail 10 local itineraries between December 2022 and March 2023, including a selection of eight 12-day open-jaw sailings between her dual home-ports of Sydney and Auckland, visiting a variety of regional and metropolitan destinations such as Hobart, Burnie, Melbourne and Eden in Australia, as well as Napier, Tauranga, Wellington and Akaroa in New Zealand. Plus, she will offer two Extraordinary Journeys through the South Pacific, from Papeete to Sydney in December and Sydney to Papeete in March 2023. Norwegian Spirit then returns in December 2023 for her second season home ported in Australian waters.Top Three Destinations to ExploreBurnie: Tucked away on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie is a quaint seaside enclave renowned for its eclectic shopping, local maker's workshops, boutique chocolate shops, cafes and galleries – the ideal spots to pick up unique souvenirs to treasure back home. Other highlights include strolling along the Emu Bay waterfront, learning about local wildlife at the Little Penguin Observation Centre or whisky tasting at the internationally acclaimed Hellyers Road Distillery.Tauranga: The largest city in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is a hub for fishing, sailing, kayaking and adventure sports. Those who prefer their action on the ground will enjoy the city's shopping and gallery scene, or a seaside meal at the buzzing Strand Waterfront precinct. The nearby Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park is popular with travellers keen to hike, spot native birds or learn more about the area's gold mining history.Doubtful Sound: A genuine wilderness wonderland, Doubtful Sound is less a port of call and more a scenic sailing experience, characterised by dramatic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff faces and captivating wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins. Larger yet less visited than Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound's majestic beauty will captivate travellers who enjoy areas of untamed natural beauty, and there is no better way to take it all in than from the deck of a cruise ship.NCL commits to Asia 2023-2024 ItinerariesNCL will return to Asia for the 2023-2024 cruise season, featuring 12 immersive and port-rich sailings ranging from 10- to 12-days on board Norwegian Jewel as well as a 16-day Extraordinary Journey from Seattle, Washington (U.S.) to Tokyo, Japan.The extensive season will operate from October 2023 to March 2024 and will see a vast choice of departure ports including Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; Taipei (Keelung); Singapore; Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia; Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand; Benoa, Bali; and Seoul (Incheon), South Korea. In addition, the Company will make “Brand first” visits to four ports in the region including Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Salomague and Hualien, where travellers will explore the natural beauty and rich culture of the Philippines and Taiwan.Norwegian Jewel returns to Asia for her second successful season in the region following a 16-day repositioning cruise from Seattle, Washington (U.S.)  to Tokyo, Japan via the wilds of Alaska. Her port-intensive Asia itineraries mostly include less than two sea-days per cruise as well as multiple late-night departures and overnight calls on select itineraries in Osaka, Japan; Singapore; and Phuket, Thailand. Almost all cruises are open-jaw, allowing travellers to bookend their voyage with land explorations in different exotic destinations.On board Norwegian Jewel, guests can enjoy numerous amenities including action-packed activities at the outdoor Sports Complex, high energy Zumba® and Flywheel Sports® classes, and multiple uniquely themed bars and lounges, including Bliss Ultra Lounge where guests can dance the night away. Norwegian Jewel, with a guest capacity of 2,376, also offers some of the largest suites at sea with staterooms that accommodate every style and budget. The ship also offers a Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite that features the most luxurious, well-appointed accommodations on board, including a 24-hour butler service.NCL Year round in Europe Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), announced its return to the Canary Islands for the first time since 2017, delivering guests more choice and flexibility with a year-round Europe cruise offering in 2022.Following a grand 22-day transatlantic voyage from Miami to Lisbon, Norwegian Sun will make her return to Europe offering immersive Canary Island sailings from 21 November 2022. Cruises on board the nearly 2,000-passenger ship will range from 10 to 14 days and will provide guests with greater flexibility by offering a choice of embarkation ports, including Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga, Spain; and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands. Furthermore, during Norwegian Sun's debut six-month season in the region she will call to various new ports for NCL, including Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) and San Sebastian de la Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain; Cueta, Spain; Agadir, Morocco; and Horta (Azores), Portugal.Including Norwegian Sun, nine NCL ships are sailing in European waters this summer and make up the greatest European fleet in the cruise line's history. Calling at more European ports than any other contemporary cruise line, NCL will offer guests greater choice than ever before, including Norwegian Prima, the newest member of NCL's fleet and the first in the ground-breaking Prima Class, set to debut in Iceland in August 2022. NCL's extensive range of European itineraries in 2022 include voyages to the Greek Isles, the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean and the Canaries.Double Newbuild milestones for MSC The Cruise Division of MSC Group and Chantiers de l'Atlantique celebrated two important milestones for MSC Cruises' first two liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels both under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France.MSC World Europa, the first LNG vessel to join the cruise line's fleet and set to become the biggest LNG-powered cruise ship in the world, completed her first set of sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean that included testing the performance of the ship's engines, manoeuvrability, fuel consumption, safety systems, speed and stopping distances.Meanwhile, MSC Euribia was floated out and has now been moved to a wet dock for work to continue on the ship before she also joins MSC Cruises' fleet in June 2023.MSC has invested €3 billion in three LNG-powered cruise ships and the construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique yard in Saint-Nazaire of the third ship – ‘World Class II' – is due to start early next year.Viking Announces New 2024 Ocean VoyagesViking has today announced the release of several new ocean voyages and new 2024 departure dates on some of their most popular itineraries.New voyages include the 36-day Grand Fjords & Iconic Viking Shores taking in the striking natural beauty of Iceland, Greenland and the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia; plus two new itineraries combining the West Indies with the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula.In addition to new 2024 departure dates on some of their most popular voyages, Viking has also announced they will be re-opening two Hawaiian voyages exploring the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai and traversing the South Pacific to Moorea, Bora Bora and the secluded Marquesas Island.New itineraries include:36-day Grand Fjords & Iconic Viking Shores from Amsterdam to New York City or v.v. Departures: June and July 2024.25-day West Indies & the Mediterranean from San Juan to Venice or v.v. Departures: March 2024.13-day West Indies & the Iberian Peninsula from San Juan to Barcelona Departures: March 2024.Voyages with new departure dates:17-day Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailing Los Angeles return – Departures: December 2023 and February 2024.33-day Grand Hawaii & Polynesia sailing Los Angeles return – Departures: November 2023 and January 2024.18-day Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles or v.v. – Departures: January and March 2024.29-day Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Beyond from Bergen to New York City or v.v. – Departures: May to August 2024.22-day Mediterannean & Adriatic Sojourn from Athens to Barcelona or v.v. – Departures: February to September 2024.15-day Iconic Iceland, Greenland & Canada from Reykjavik to New York City or v.v. – Departures: June and August 2024.8-day Iceland's Natural Beauty circumnavigating Iceland from Reykjavik – Departures: July and August 2024.Windstar Celebrates 35 Years in the Tropical Paradise of TahitiIt's the island paradise so beautiful that French artist Paul Gauguin couldn't stop painting it. Fletcher Christian didn't want to leave it and mutinied (on the HMS Bounty) to stay there. Remote, tropical, romantic, and beautiful – it's one of the world's most aspirational places to visit: The Islands of Tahiti, otherwise known as French Polynesia.  The Islands of Tahiti are best accessed via small ship – allowing effortless travel amongst some of French Polynesia's most storied and iconic 121 islands and atolls. Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises simply knows it best, having sailed the longest of any operator in the region and celebrating 35 years of Tahitian sailings in 2022. It's also the only destination where the U.S.-based cruise line sails year-round, giving guests ample opportunity to plan a once-in-a-lifetime visit in any season.This October, there's double the chance. The 148-guest Wind Spirit, complete with sails built for the breezes of the South Pacific, is sailing around the Islands of Tahiti now, but in October, Windstar will move the all-suite, 312-guest Star Breeze to the region, increasing capacity with two yacht options to choose from. All-suite Star Breeze features newly transformed guest suites,  two new restaurants, a new World Spa, an infinity pool, and more. Although without sails, Star Breeze is ideal for accessing the shallow lagoons that helped make the destination famous. Both Wind Spirit and Star Breeze feature Windstar's signature sports platform, opening up right off the back deck into crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding .  In February 2024, Star Breeze will move to Tahiti year-round in place of Wind Spirit.A-ROSA SENA completes maiden voyageOn 18 June 2022, the A-ROSA SENA departed from Cologne for her maiden voyage with her first guests on board. Prior to this, the ship was blessed in Düsseldorf by Deacon Michael Inden, as well as christened by Clara Eichler, daughter of A-ROSA CEO Jörg Eichler, in the presence of the management, the investors and the crew. Due to supply challenges, the first cruise started slightly later than initially planned, which meant that this ceremony took place in a small circle only. Thanks to the hybrid propulsion system, the first departure was accomplished with the help of electrical energy from the battery storage.Guests and crew were excited about the sustainable new ship: “A-ROSA SENA's design is truly unique on the river. Together with the spacious interior layout, she offers a completely new travel experience”, comments hotel manager Dennis Brenner. Captain Ulrich Schwalbe adds: “Thanks to the hybrid propulsion system and the exhaust gas purification filter, you don't notice any emissions on board and can just enjoy the pure cruising experience.” The E-Motion Ship recently received the “German Award for Sustainability Projects 2022” for her environmentally friendly technologies.Throughout the summer, the A-ROSA SENA offers 7-night voyages from Cologne via Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Dordrecht and Antwerp. Guests can disembark individually or discover the destinations through exclusive shore excursions organized by A-ROSA. Whether a gracht tour in Amsterdam, a visit to the miniature world Madurodam in Rotterdam, a canoe trip through the nature reserve Biesbosch or a culinary city tour through Antwerp – there is something for all tastes. The last day of the trip is a cruising day during which guests can enjoy everything the ship has to offer at their leisure: The large SPA-ROSA with sauna, whirlpool and massage room, the fitness area, two pools on the sun deck, the Kids Club for little guests and various restaurants and bars.Queensland Couple Embarks on Two Years Back-to-Back Cruising as Coral Princess Begins Historic Inaugural Cruise SeasonIn an amazing illustration of their passion for cruising, Brisbane couple, Jessica and Marty Ansen, embarked on an incredible two years of back-to-back cruising as Princess Cruises' Coral Princess, the first cruise ship home ported at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, began its first cruise season following the restart of the Australian cruise industry.Jessica and Marty Ansen have previously sailed on 31 cruises with Princess with 1,173 days at sea. They have been anxiously awaiting cruising's restart to indulge their love for holidaying on the high seas with a landmark 53 separate cruises between now and August 2024.And the couple is not ruling out adding more voyages to keep their life at sea sailing along into the future.“Cruising offers the ultimate holiday experience. You go onboard, you only unpack once, and you have all this amazing entertainment, exceptional food, great company and you can see the world. And, the crew deliver incredible service – that's why we cruise.”The Ansens booked their two years of back-to-back cruises (795 sea days) – including two round world cruises in 2023 and 2024 – with Brisbane-based family-owned travel agency, which has specialised in booking cruise holidays since 2007.And moreJoin the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialPeter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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Cruise News Today — June 23, 2022. Carnival Cruise Line will be adding two Costa Cruises ships to its fleet, offering a new experience in North America called ‘Costa by Carnival.' Two Crystal Cruises ships and the brand itself have been purchased by a travel company, and will be relaunching in 2023. An Australian couple embark Coral Princess for 54 back-to-back cruises. Cruise stocks were flat for CCL, RCL, and NCLH. 

THERE ARE FOUR DIFFERENT CRUISE PORTS IN CALIFORNIA!1.   LONG BEACH2.   LOS ANGELES3.   SAN DIEGO 4.   SANFRANSICOLong Beach: Carnival Miracle, Inspiration and Imagination destinations are Baja Mexico 3 & 4 day, Mexican Caribbean (Cabo) 6 days and Hawaiian Islands 15 days Carnival Cruises, Carnival Miracle Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship 15 Days Hawaii from Los Angeles, CA 15 Days - Starting in Long Beach with stops in Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kona, Ensenada Los Angeles: Princess Cruises--Star, Island, Celebrity, Coral, Crown and Sapphire Princesses cruises last 4 days, 15 days Mexico, coastal Santa Barbara, Panama, Hawaii, Osaka Japan, Vancouver BC, Panama, Ft. Lauderdale, Cape Horn, Santiago Chile Seabourn, Seabourn Sojourn world voyages up to 94 days or segments Silversea, Silver Whisper lasts up to 113 nights to China, Barcelona or 20 nights to Auckland, New Zealand Carnival Imagination, Inspiration, Miracle and Legend Baja sampler 4 days, Tahiti & Fiji 23 days Costa Cruises, Costa Deliziosa up to 72 days Celebrity Century to Santa Barbara 8 nights Holland America up to 71 days to Great Barrier Reef Azamara Club Cruises, Azamara Quest to Sea of Cortez, Copper Canyon  San Diego: Holland America up to 45 days to Panama, Incan Empires, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas, Vancouver BC, Coastal Celebrity Cruises - Century, Infinity to Panama Canal Cruise 15 days Royal Caribbean (RCL), RCL Legend of the Seas 15 Night Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise, Fort Lauderdale Disney Wonder 14 day to Vancouver, Port Canaveral Florida, coastal California  San Francisco: Cunard Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria world cruises up to 91 nights Princess Grand, Star Princesses - Panama, Mexico, Coastal California, Hawaii Oceania Cruises, Oceania Regatta 18 days trips goes to Alaska, New York Regent Seven Seas Navigator 31 Nights to Montreal, Vancouver Canada, New York Celebrity Century up to 23 nights to Sydney, Alaska Holland America 17 night Panama Canal Crystal Cruises Serenity 102 nights Grand Pacific Panorama

Episode 98In episode 98, Chris answers a listener question from Ann about the history of the Cunard Class System (Britannia, Princess & Queens), plus the usual round-up of the latest cruise news from around the world.Suport the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhImages from Garry Stafford in SydneyListener QuestionAnn asks Chris about the history of the Cunard class system, eg, Britannia, Princess and Queens. Cruise NewsP&O Cruises Australia Welcomes the Return of Ni Vanuatu Crew Onboard Pacific ExplorerP&O Cruises Australia is proud and excited to welcome back our Ni Vanuatu team mates to work onboard our first ship to start sailing from Australia in more than two years.P&O Cruises has always valued its strong relationship with Vanuatu and is the only cruise line in the world to employ Ni Vanuatu team mates onboard our ships.The first Ni Vanuatu crew left Vila this morning to join the P&O Cruises flagship, Pacific Explorer, which will begin carrying guests from May 31.PONANT welcomes Le Lapérouse in Darwin ahead of Kimberley season kick-offPonant this week announced the arrival of small expedition ship Le Lapérouse into Darwin, Northern Territory, following a 2-year pandemic stand-by in Noumea.With operations resuming 28 April 2022, the monumental moment comes as Le Lapérouse anticipates setting sail for PONANT's highly anticipated Kimberley 2022 season, operating between Darwin and Broome.Le Lapérouse will be accompanied late May in the Kimberley by small luxury expedition ship Le Soléal, PONANT's second expedition vessel showcasing the wild and grandiose landscapes of the Kimberley across multiple departures of their popular 10-night ‘Australia's Iconic Kimberley' luxury expedition itinerary between April and September this year. Due to high demand, PONANT has recently released two new sailings available for booking, departing on 28 May and 7 June on board Le Soléal.Discovery Princess Officially Named by TV Star GodparentsIn an imaginative ceremony on 29 April 2022 at the Port of Los Angeles, television stars and show hosts united as godparents and officially named Discovery Princess. The godparents included fashion designer Randy Fenoli, chef Alex Guarnaschelli, special effects designer and fabricator Adam Savage, and real estate broker and flipper extraordinaire Page Turner.Standing together at the Retreat Pool on the open deck of Discovery Princess with the ship's Captain Gennaro Arma, they pronounced, “We name this ship Discovery Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her.” They then sent a giant Nebuchadnezzar-size bottle of champagne against the ship for the celebratory smash, officially welcoming Discovery Princess into the fleet of Princess Cruises, the world's leading international cruise line and leader on the west coast.The “Discover Our World” themed ceremony blended maritime tradition with contemporary elements, celebrating the cruise line's exclusive, seven-year Discovery at SEA™ program – bringing the spirit of curiosity and exploration to every cruise through branded experiences like Shark Week at Sea, exclusive shore excursions and onboard activities such as the Camp Discovery youth centers and Stargazing at SEA.Discovery Princess expands the cruise line's fleet of MedallionClass ships to 15, offering elegantly appointed accommodations, world-class entertainment, gourmet dining and cocktails, extensive alfresco dining areas and expansive views from the cruise line's largest balconies at sea in the Sky Suites.The 3,660-guest Discovery Princess was built at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and is the sixth and final Royal-Class newbuild sharing all of the spectacular style and luxury of her sister ships – Enchanted Princess® Sky Princess®, Majestic Princess®, Regal Princess® and Royal Princess®.Costa Venezia – Home Ported in TurkeyCosta Venezia's new cruises to Turkey and Greece will make their debut from Istanbul on May 1. This is an absolute novelty in the current panorama of organized holidays, which marks the collaboration between Costa Cruises, Turkish Airlines, the Turkish National Tourist Board and Galataport Istanbul.The proposed formula is the “flight+cruise” package, available from all the main European countries, with scheduled Turkish Airlines flights, which will make it possible to reach Istanbul easily, and then embark on board of Costa Venezia from the new Galataport cruise terminal, equipped with all the comforts and services for the next generation of ships.Costa Venezia's program in Turkey includes three different itineraries, all with embarkation and disembarkation in Istanbul, designed to include longer calls in the ports to enjoy the destinations with plenty of time, among cities rich in history, splendid archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage sites and crystal clear seas.In spring, summer and autumn, from 1 May to 13 November 2022, Costa Venezia will offer two one-week itineraries dedicated to Turkey and Greece, interchanging with each other, which can be combined into a single 15-day “super tour”, with 8 calls in port longer than 10 hours.The first itinerary is ideal for those who want to explore the best of Turkey and Greece in one holiday. It includes a two-day, one-night call in Istanbul, the beautiful Turkish destinations of Izmir and Bodrum, the island of Mykonos and Athens in Greece.The second itinerary allows to explore some of Greece's out-of-the-ordinary locations and the best of Turkey. It includes two two-day, one-night calls in Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey, before heading off to explore Rhodes and Heraklion, Greece. In winter 2022-23, Costa Venezia will be offering a third 12-day itinerary to Turkey, Egypt, Israel and Cyprus, visiting Istanbul (with a two-day, one-night call), Bodrum, Limassol, Haifa (also with a two-day, one-night call), Alexandria and Kusadasi. From spring 2023, the two itineraries in Turkey and Greece will resume.Holland America Line Wins ‘Best Beverage Menu' for New Concept Half Moon BarHolland America Line took home a win for “Best Beverage Menu' for its newest onboard bar —  Half Moon Bar —  at the 2022 VIBE Vista Awards that were presented during the VIBE (Very Important Beverage Executives) conference this week in Carlsbad, California.Holland America Line's Half Moon Bar is a new concept for the brand that was exclusively introduced aboard its most recent ship, Rotterdam, which launched in November 2021. The venue is an immersive experience looking at the history of Holland America Line and cruising through the lens of a cocktail. Each drink comes with a fascinating tale of its inspiration that is vividly described in the bar menu for guests to peruse.The creative cocktails at Half Moon Bar aim to take guests back in time, on a journey though Holland America Line's history. Drinks on the menu include:“The Original” celebrates the line's first ship, Rotterdam I, made with a Dutch gin and a hint of single malt Scotch, ingredients inspired by the building of the ship and Holland America Line's Dutch beginnings.“De Halve Moon” is an ode to the Dutch sense of exploration and the botanical wonderland Henry Hudson found in present-day New York, made with Old Duff genever, lemon rosewater shrub and DDG Bitters.“Three Mile Run” is a prohibition cocktail that tells the story of Holland America Line Prohibition-era cruises to nowhere for New Yorkers, where cocktail bars on the ship could be legally open. It is made from a combination of lemon, honey and gin for a Bee's Knees, whiskey for a Gold Rush or rum for a Honey Bee.“May She Be Blessed” is an ode to the godmothers who bless the Holland America Line ships, made with champagne and a choice of essence.“Rotterdam VII” is dedicated to its namesake ship and the ship's unique blend of tradition and innovation, made with smoked gin and maraschino cocktail.Rotterdam is currently approaching Europe where she will home port from Amsterdam on voyages throughout Northern Europe.PLUS Holland America Line this week announced that Westerdam will be redeployed from Asia to Australia with Itineraries announced soon.NCL Elevates Spa offering on Prima and Viva Norwegian Cruise Line, today shared details surrounding its elevated spa and fitness offerings for its highly-anticipated Norwegian Prima Class vessels – Norwegian Prima and Viva.The first two of six ships within this cutting-edge class will feature the cruise industry's first charcoal sauna at sea as well as a two-story cascading indoor spa waterfall. The Cruise Line has also incorporated several guest favourites including thermal experiences and hot-stone loungers.Industry's First Charcoal Sauna at SeaAs part of the ongoing only-found-on-NCL's Prima Class holiday experiences such as the world's first three-level racetrack at sea and dry drop slides, the Brand will unveil the industry's first charcoal sauna. Derived from Japanese and Korean wellness practices, the charcoal sauna uses a radiant heat system with an outer charcoal layer to reach temperatures between 86-122 degrees Fahrenheit (30-50oC). Guests can recline into relaxation as the sauna helps boost circulation and metabolism while also removing toxins from the body. The sauna also effectively treats muscle stiffness and tension, including relief from backache, headache, and arthritis, by promoting the deep release of connective tissue and muscles. Thermal ExperiencesThe charcoal sauna is just one of eight thermal spa offerings available at the elevated Mandara Spa. Guests can also indulge in a series of blissful experiences such as a salt and steam room, as well as a gambit of Brand-first spa experiences including an Ice Room, Experiential Showers, a Flotation Salt Pool and Infrared Sauna.The Ice Room: After unwinding in the sauna or steam bath, guests can cool off in the refreshing Ice Room. The cold air helps to increase blood circulation, invigorate the respiratory tract, and strengthen the immune system.  The Experiential Showers: Multiple water jets and lighting effects help invigorate the body, lower body temperature, and stimulate blood circulation.Floatation Salt Pool: This treatment allows guests to fully relax all of their muscles while floating in warm water. An experience similar to experiencing zero gravity due to the buoyancy of the saltwater, the Floatation Salt Pool is beneficial for easing mental anxiety and muscle tension.  Infrared Sauna: Unlike traditional saunas that use conventional heat to warm the air, infrared saunas utilise infrared lamps to directly warm the body — and at lower temperatures than traditional saunas. This promotes relaxation, better sleep, sore muscle and joint relief, improved blood circulation, and detoxification.Royal Caribbean Group and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Recommit to PartnershipRoyal Caribbean Group, announced its new commitment to the next phase of its ongoing partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for guidance and counsel in establishing bold environmental goals and sustainable business practices.Royal Caribbean Group first partnered with WWF in 2016. Since then, WWF has advised Royal Caribbean Group to embed sustainability into the core of the company's business and across the industry, promote responsible tourism in priority coastal destinations and help protect the oceans by investing in conservation programs globally.This year, WWF and Royal Caribbean Group will work together to establish sustainability goals across three key areas of Ship, Sea and Shore:Ship — Continuous improvement of operational sustainability, including emissions, marine mammal protection, seafood sourcing, plastics reduction, and food waste.Sea — Investing in ocean health through targeted philanthropy; engaging with a global science-driven agenda and consumer-facing education and fundraising campaigns.Shore — Embedding principles of sustainable development in projects and increasing sustainability and certification of tour operators.Royal Caribbean Group will also continue to provide financial support to WWF's global ocean conservation work through a $5 million philanthropic contribution and collaborate with WWF to build global awareness about ocean conservation issues among Royal Caribbean Group's millions of guests.From ‘Hocus Pocus' to ‘Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo,' Disney Cruise Line Puts a Spell on New Experiences for Halloween on the High SeasFirst-of-its-kind character meet and greet inspired by “Hocus Pocus” awaits guests across the fleetHalloween on the High Seas will return to Disney Cruise Line with more sailings than ever before and new one-of-a-kind experiences for families in September and October 2022. Guest-favorite entertainment and activities, including trick-or-treating, spooky parties, elaborate décor and themed food and beverage items, will await guests on these limited-time voyages as each ship transforms into a ghoulish wonderland.First-of-its-kind character meet and greetDisney Cruise Line guests will be the first to experience an all-new character meet and greet opportunity across the fleet during Halloween on the High Seas sailings. While all of the Disney characters on board will adorn Halloween costumes as part of the festivities, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow will debut a never-before-seen look as they dress up as their favorite Halloween sisters, the Sandersons from the movie “Hocus Pocus.”Disney Wish debuts all-new magical Pumpkin TreeDuring its inaugural season of Halloween cruises this fall, the Disney Wish, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, will introduce a unique twist on a Halloween on the High Seas hallmark.The centerpiece of every ship during Halloween sailings is the signature magical Pumpkin Tree towering over the atrium lobby, each with sprouting Jack-O-Lanterns and flickering lights.Aboard the Disney Wish, guests will witness the debut of an all-new Pumpkin Tree in the “Cinderella”-inspired Grand Hall. Featuring lighter bark, graceful branches and a mystical face, this enchanted tree that grew perfect gourds with the help of a Wishing Star at night produced the perfect pumpkin that became the coach that carried Cinderella to the Prince's Ball.Other special experiences on Halloween on the High Seas sailings include:Mickey's Mouse-querade Party: Beloved Disney characters in Halloween attire will join guests for a fun-filled costume party.Halloween Isn't Just For Kids: Adult-exclusive venues across the fleet will become a ghoulish setting for costume contests and a Villainous Takeover on the dance floor.Spooky Movies: To get guests into the spirit of the season, Halloween-themed movies will be shown on Funnel Vision by the family pool and in staterooms.Ghoulish Delights: Guests will enjoy special themed food and beverage items.More spooky fun includes mask-making and a ghostly takeover of ship announcements.Halloween on the High Seas voyages will be offered aboard select sailings in September and October. Departing from ports in Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida, San Diego and New York City, each cruise will take families to fascinating destinations including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico. All sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami will include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island paradise outfitted for family fun and relaxation and brimming with special Disney touches.Disney Cruise Line Celebrates Summer 2023Disney Cruise Line will offer families a variety of enchanting vacations in summer 2023, including cruises to new and favourite ports of call around the world. From the majestic glaciers of Alaska to the sun-kissed Greek isles, pink sand beaches of Bermuda and picturesque fjords of Norway, these summer destinations will sparkle with adventure and excitement. Plus, for the first time ever, families will have the opportunity to sail around the Mediterranean and British Isles on the Disney Dream during its first season in Europe. Bookings open 9 May 2022.Disney Dream Marks Inaugural Season in EuropeFor its first-ever summer season in Europe, the Disney Dream will call on a wide variety of destinations among the most treasured in the world. With sailings anywhere from four to 11 nights, the Disney Dream will sail from Barcelona and Rome to picturesque ports of call throughout the Mediterranean, including a first-ever seven-night sailing to the Greek Isles with stops in the ever-popular ports of Santorini and Mykonos.Late summer/early fall departures of the Disney Dream from Southampton will feature cruises to a wealth of destinations including Spain, France, the British Isles, Norway and Iceland. New ports of call include the postcard-worthy La Rochelle, France and two new ports in Norway – Skjolden, home to a wealth of natural attractions, and Sandnes, a small city just outside the metropolis of Stavanger known for its outdoor activities.  Summer 2023 sailings to Alaska aboard Disney WonderThe breathtaking natural beauty of Alaska will combine with the magic of Disney on five-, seven- and nine-night sailings on the Disney Wonder from Vancouver, Canada. Beginning in May, cruisers will be invited to discover exciting ports like Ketchikan and Skagway, with their prehistoric glaciers, gold mining relics and spectacular land- and sea-life. Three Alaskan itineraries call at Icy Strait Point, home to a coastal rainforest, wilderness tours and – for thrill-seekers – ziplining above the treetops.Tropical Escapes to the Bahamas and Caribbean from FloridaSun-splashed tropical isles throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean will await guests on three Disney Cruise Line ships from Florida in summer 2023.For its first full summer of sailing, the Disney Wish will homeport in Port Canaveral near Orlando for a series of three- and four-night Bahamas cruises to Nassau and Disney's private island oasis, Castaway Cay. The Disney Wish will feature exciting new additions including Disney's first “Frozen”-themed theatrical dining experience and AquaMouse, a wild water adventure and first-ever Disney attraction at sea.Port Canaveral will also be the departure point for the Disney Fantasy for sailings ranging in length from five to 10 nights. In addition to seven-night cruises to popular ports in the eastern and western Caribbean, guests will also be able to experience a five-night Bahamian sailing with back-to-back calls at Castaway Cay, a 10-night southern Caribbean itinerary to the islands of Aruba and Bonaire and an eight-night cruise featuring two days on the beautiful pink sand beaches of Bermuda.The Disney Magic will make its summer home in Miami for an assortment of exciting destinations. Starting May 27, the Disney Magic will sail four-night Bahamas cruises and five-night western Caribbean voyages, followed by two seven-night sailings in July to the eastern and western Caribbean. Select summer voyages aboard the Disney Magic will include double days – for double the fun – at Castaway Cay.AIDA Cruises opens season in Kiel with AIDAlunaAIDAluna is the first AIDA ship to arrived in Kiel this season on April 25, 2022. A total of four ships in the AIDA Cruises fleet will depart from the Schleswig-Holstein state capital for the great North Country adventure.From April 25, 2022, AIDAluna will offer the 17-day voyages “Highlights at the Arctic Circle,” which are particularly popular among lovers of the North. Ideal for tasting are the 3- or 4-day short trips to Norway or Denmark in September. A total of 15 different routes from Kiel are available.AIDAprima will arrive in Kiel on April 29, 2022, and will depart four times in April and May for Norway and Denmark.AIDAnova offers seven-day voyages to Norway and Denmark from May 14, 2022 until mid-October. In addition to a visit to the Danish capital Copenhagen and Kristiansand in Norway, AIDAnova guests can enjoy the very special flair of the midsummer nights during a two-day stay in the Norwegian capital Oslo. On individual sailings, AIDAnova calls at a new AIDA port: Denmark's Skagen, City of Light. Endless beaches and the country's largest shifting sand dune, from which only the tower of the silted-up parish church still peeks out, attract visitors.Starting May 15, 2022, AIDAbella will embark on 14-day voyages to the Lofoten Islands and the North Cape, and will also call at Great Britain and Iceland.Atlas Ocean Voyages includes COVID Insurance for all guestsAtlas Ocean Voyages announced today that the luxe-adventure cruise line will include Covid trip interruption and isolation insurance for all guests on all future voyages. The new Covid insurance coverage for all guests augments Atlas' expansive list of inclusions, among which are emergency medical evacuation insurance, repatriation insurance, and emergency medical and travel assistance, known as Atlas Assurance. Atlas Assurance provides guests greater peace-of-mind when they are aboard a once-in-a-lifetime, luxe-adventure journey with Atlas Ocean Voyages.World Navigator will cruise England, Holland, France, the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, Greenland, and The Arctic in summer 2022; Central and South America in the autumn; and return to Antarctica for her winter 2022-23 season. In winter 2023, World Traveller will sail her inaugural season in Antarctica. Three additional sister ships, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer, will join the fleet through 2024.Cunard responds to demand for Britannia Club accommodation experience on new ship Queen AnneCunard is so confident with guest demand for their Britannia Club staterooms on new ship Queen Anne, that they have increased their volume of this accommodation category by more than 200% versus other ships in the fleet.The accommodation and dining on board Queen Anne offer upgraded levels of luxury, whatever type guests choose, from Britannia staterooms to Britannia Club through to Princess and Queens Grill Suites.Guests staying in Britannia Club, an experience unique to Cunard, will be able to dine in the dedicated Britannia Club Restaurant, which is positioned at the heart of the ship next to the atmospheric Grand Lobby, boasting breath-taking panoramic sea views. Guests will have their own dedicated table, reserved exclusively for the duration of their voyage. They can dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, at whichever time they choose, and will be attended to by Cunard's renowned White Star Service trained crew.Queen Anne will set sail in early 2024, with her maiden season programme available to book from May 2022Azamara Onward Splashes on the SceneAzamara, will introduce its newest ship, Azamara Onward, to the world next month with a christening and maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Venice. Azamara Onward's inaugural season will take travellers to the heart of the Mediterranean, exploring its hidden gems and bringing guests closer to the true culture of each destination they visit. The new sister ship will offer guests fresh additions to its onboard venues and luxury retail spaces, as well as refreshed accommodations and new entertainment options for travellers to enjoy throughout their sailing.MSC's Journey Towards Net-Zero Emissions By 2050Having made the pledge in 2021 to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, MSC Cruises is continuously exploring and investing in new technologies that are helping to decarbonize, some with very promising results. On this journey, minimising the impact of cruises ships on port communities and their environment while berthed is key.Starting this Northern Hemisphere summer season, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Poesia will be consistently using shore power at the ports of Southampton (UK) and of Rostock-Warnemünde (Germany).MSC Cruises has also signed an agreement with Cruise Baltic to achieve widespread use of shore power in the Baltic Sea region by 2024.MSC Cruises is ready to plug into more ports. Over half the fleet is projected to be shore power compatible by the end of 2022.On top of this, MSC Cruises' first hybrid LNG ship operating with the largest solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) ever installed will be launching later this year – MSC World Europa.By the end of 2022, 11 of MSC Cruises' 21 ships – including all the new ships built since 2017 – will be fitted with shore power capability. Existing ships are currently being or will be retrofitted in the future as their itineraries take them to ports where shore power will be available.MSC announces Seascape will be christened in NYC. New York City will serve as the glittering backdrop for an extraordinary inaugural event when MSC Cruises' newest flagship – MSC Seascape – comes into service later this year. The cruise line announced plans to hold the ship's Naming Ceremony at New York's centrally located Manhattan Cruise Terminal on Wednesday, 7 December 2022. The star-studded event will bring MSC Cruises' distinctive European style and glamour to the Big Apple and will be attended by local dignitaries, important partners, top travel advisors, media from around the world, celebrities and international artists. And of course, no Naming Ceremony would be complete without Academy Award-Winning star Sophia Loren carrying out her iconic role as godmother to her 18th MSC Cruises ship.MSC Seascape will offer two different 7-night itineraries from PortMiami:Eastern Caribbean: Calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Nassau in The Bahamas, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Puerto Plata in the Dominican RepublicWestern Caribbean: Calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel in Mexico, George Town in the Cayman Islands and Ocho Rios in JamaicaEuropean Waterways' ‘Opera Cruise'European Waterways has a limited number of cabins available for the July 17, 2022 departure of the company's annual “Opera Cruise” in Venice. Exclusive to luxury hotel barge La Bella Vita (20 guests), the 6-night all-inclusive cruise features premium seats to a performance of George Bizet's “Carmen” at Arena di Verona Roman Amphitheatre. The cruise is an opera lover's dream, with an itinerary that brings to life the traditions, history and lore of one of the world's most enduring musical art forms. Guests will also enjoy private excursions that include a wine tasting and dinner with a countess, as well as regional wines with gourmet meals prepared onboard by their master chef.The cruise will take guests to the island of Pellestrina, where they can enjoy a sunset stroll or bicycle ride along its 18th century sea wall. A visit to Chioggia's bustling fish market is also on the itinerary, as well as cruise through the Po River Delta, a nature reserve that is home to migratory birds such as flamingos, heron, and snipe.And moreJoin the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialPeter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnEImage Credit: Queens Grill Lounge, Cunard Line. 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Support The ShowListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhSupport Chris in his walk from Cape to Cape: All donations support zero2hero empowering young people to deal with mental health.  https://donate.mycause.com.au/cause/263123?donateToMember=156839Cruise NewsHolland America Line Ship Will Become Temporary Home for Ukrainian Refugees in the NetherlandsHolland America Line's Volendam will be used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees as part of an agreement announced by Netherlands and City of Rotterdam government officials. The ship will dock in Rotterdam for three months to provide a temporary home for approximately 1,500 Ukrainians, part of a larger commitment from the Netherlands to accommodate 50,000 people who fled the war in their homeland.Under the agreement to charter Volendam, Holland America Line will provide three hot meals per day, private stateroom accommodations, housekeeping services, use of public spaces, fitness facilities, internet access, and other necessities. Volendam will be staffed with approximately 650 crew members.Volendam was scheduled to return to service May 15, with voyages from Rotterdam to Norway, the British Isles and Iceland. To accommodate the three-month commitment, Holland America Line will cancel three of those voyages and resume service on July 3 instead. Guests on canceled cruises are being notified today and will be accommodated on similar itineraries.Volendam will be docked at Merwehaven, a cargo port on the north side of the River Maas in Rotterdam. Remaining docked will ensure Ukrainian families can transit easily to and from services in Rotterdam.Holland America Group has already been working with its own team members who are Ukrainian. A $1 million emergency assistance fund provides direct financial support. Team members from the region also receive counseling assistance, free internet service to communicate with family, and scheduling accommodations such as early disembarkation or an extension to remain on board as needed.Costa Cruises is offering one of its cruise ships to house Ukrainian refugeesCosta Cruises is offering one of its cruise ships to house Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of their country. The company offered the cruise ship Costa Magica, which is currently out of service, to the Italian government as a potential hosing vessel for the Ukrainian refugees, if the number of refugees arriving in Italy increases in the coming weeksCosta Cruises added that the costs of managing the ship, including staff and meals, will be covered by the company in the initial time period.Costa Magica is a 102.587 gross tonnage ship with a capacity to accommodate up to 3.250 people. The ship is not in service and is currently located near La Spezia, Italy.In June 2021, Carnival Corporation announced that Costa Magica will be sent to dry dock to be rebranded and transferred over to Carnival Cruise Line sometime in mid-2022.Pacific Explorer bound for SydneyPacific Explorer departed the anchorage off Cyprus and is headed for home and that wonderful prospect of the first guest cruise from Sydney on May 31.P&O Cruises celebrates full return to serviceWhen Arcadia sailed to the Canary Islands on Sunday, 27 March, it will mark P&O Cruises full return to service following its pause in operations.Britannia and Azura have had a very successful season in the Caribbean from Barbados and will spend the summer in the Mediterranean. Iona has spent her maiden winter months in the Canary Islands and northern Europe and will soon head up to the spectacular Norwegian fjords for the summer of scenic cruising and thrilling adventures.Arvia will join P&O Cruises in December as the seventh ship in the fleet. The maiden voyage will be to The Canary Islands followed by a winter season of fly/cruise holidays in the Caribbean from Barbados. Arvia, which, similar to its sister ship Iona, will be powered by liquefied natural gas, will have many sustainable and environmentally-friendly innovations and technology on board.P&O Cruises Australia Celebrates its Return to the High Seas with a Sparkling Pride CruiseP&O Cruises Australia is celebrating its return to the high seas by counting down to its first dazzling ‘Pride Cruise' – a celebratory weekend at sea created especially for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their friends, family and supporters.Setting sail on 4 November 2022, the three-night cruise will give Australians the chance to join P&O Cruises in proudly recognising individuality, diversity and inclusion in Australian society.The celebrations will continue with a Pride Cruise departing Melbourne on 9 December, followed by three dedicated sailings in 2023.Joining P&O Cruises in the new sailing will be a raft of community organisations that support the LGBTQIA+ community through health, well-being and social initiatives.The home-grown cruise line has also partnered with some of the best names in the Australian entertainment business to develop the three-night cruise, including talented artists and entertainers who are champions of equality.Headlining the fun with plenty of feathers, sequins and flamboyance, will be international superstar, accordionist and Berlin boy-wonder Hans the German, the award-winning comedy cabaret star who found fame on America's Got Talent.P&O Cruises Pacific Adventure will depart Sydney on the inaugural Pride Cruise on the afternoon of Friday November 4, 2022, and will return on the morning of Monday November 7, 2022.Carnival Cruise Line unveils bucket-list Transpacific Journeys CruiseCarnival Cruise Line has today unveiled the cruise of a lifetime, as Carnival Splendor returns home to Sydney in September via four incredible Hawaiian Island destinations on her Transpacific Journeys Cruise.The 23-night journey from Seattle to Sydney will offer guests ample opportunity to immerse themselves in the ‘Aloha Spirit', as the ship visits the tropical Hawaiian Island ports of Maui, Honolulu, Kona and Hilo ahead of heading to Fiji and Australia.Crossing the world's biggest ocean, Carnival Splendor will treat guests to the awe-inspiring views of the Pacific, before she makes her long-awaited return to Sydney.Splendor's arrival in the harbour city will kick-start Carnival's birthday celebrations early, with the cruise line celebrating 10 years in Australia in October.Carnival Splendor's 23-night cruise from Seattle to Sydney departing 6 September 2022 starts from $1799 AUD* per person twin share interiorSydney  White Bay Cruise Terminal to use shore power derived from certifiable renewable energy Australia's main cruise organisation, Carnival Australia, representing seven distinctive cruise lines including P&O Cruises Australia, has joined the Port Authority of NSW in signing a letter of intent for cruise ships using White Bay Cruise Terminal to connect to shore power derived from certifiable renewable energy.The Port Authority project to progressively install shore power infrastructure at the cruise terminal and each of the four major commercial berths at Glebe Island is an element of the NSW Government's Bays Precinct urban renewal project involving a 95-hectare site on Sydney Harbour's western fringe.Carnival Australia has embraced the shift to shore power at White Bay, demonstrating its local commitment to environmental protection. This is in line with being part of a global organisation that is committed to strong sustainability goals including achieving net carbon neutral ship operations by 2050.Silversea Christens Silver Dawn in Lisbon Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, officially named its 10th ship, Silver Dawn, in Lisbon on 31 March. Executives from Royal Caribbean Group®, Silversea Cruises, and Fincantieri, as well as local dignitaries and esteemed guests, celebrated the milestone with a formal ceremony and gala dinner. An expression of Silversea's rapid expansion, Silver Dawn becomes the cruise line's third new ship to debut in nine months. The launch of Silver Dawn also marks the debut of Otium, travel's most indulgent new wellness programme, as well as the next iteration of Silversea's S.A.L.T. culinary programme.The newly named Godmother of Silver Dawn, Nilou Motamed—an influential food and travel editor, tastemaker, and television personality—subsequently cut the ribbon to trigger a champagne bottle to smash on the ship's hull, signalling the end of the ceremony.NILOU MOTAMED: GODMOTHER OF SILVER DAWNAn Emmy-nominated television personality and former editor-in-chief of some of the world's leading culinary brands, including Food & Wine and Epicurious, Nilou Motamed has been shaping the conversation in food and travel for more than 20 years. Born in Iran, raised in Paris and New York, Motamed is fluent in four languages — and believes “food is a language of its own, one in which everyone can find comfort, compassion, and community.” Her passion for culinary adventures and far-flung cuisines has found a perfect match in Silversea's S.A.L.T. programme, which the New York resident first experienced with its launch in 2021.Silver Dawn departs on her inaugural voyage on April 1, sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona. She is scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean until November, when she will cross the Atlantic Ocean, via the Canary Islands, to unlock the Caribbean and Central America for guests.Cunard reveal impressive line-up to join Matt Moran aboard its Great Australian Culinary VoyageAfter the well-received news that acclaimed Australian chef Matt Moran will be headlining Cunard's inaugural Great Australian Culinary Voyage, the luxury cruise line is thrilled to reveal the high calibre line-up of culinary talent onboard this highly sought after 5-night voyage, setting sail from Sydney on 28 January 2023.Both on board and on shore, Australia's culinary story will come to life for Queen Elizabeth's guests as they are treated to a robust itinerary of food and wine experiences including bespoke dinners, exclusive menus, talks, interviews, cooking masterclasses, wine tastings, and curated onshore excursions.Cunard's Great Australian Culinary Voyage talent line-up joining Matt Moran:Mark Olive has been a celebrated chef for over 30 years, establishing himself as an Australian food icon through his work with Australian indigenous and native ingredients. A Bundjalung Man, Mark's family originated from the Northern Rivers region in NSW. Mark will treat guests to a native Australian ingredient cooking demonstration, collaborate with Cunard's chefs to create a 3-course menu incorporating indigenous produce for a special dinner and participate in an engaging Q&A session.Darren Purchese, owner of cult favourite B&P Sweet Studio in Melbourne, is one of the most respected pastry chefs working in Australia today. Aboard Cunard's Great Australian Culinary Voyage, Darren will be putting his spin on Cunard's famous Afternoon Tea, creating unique pastries to feature on an exclusive menu, and giving a live cooking demonstration where guests can learn tips and tricks from one of Australia's most acclaimed pastry chefs.Terry Durack and Jill Dupleix, touted as Australia's most famous foodie couple, have masterfully mapped the last 30 years of Australian wining and dining as two of the industry's best food writers, restaurant critics and cookbook authors. For the sailing, Terry and Jill will be the expert hosts for talks, cooking demonstrations, Q&A sessions and a very special dinner for guests on board Queen Elizabeth between them.Huon Hooke is a leading Australian independent wine writer and critic, writing about wine since 1983. Huon will delight guests with his extensive knowledge of Australian and international wines through a wine masterclass, various talks and wine pairings at special dinners.No stranger to executing some of the industry's best themed event voyages, Cunard's inaugural Great Australian Culinary Voyage will be the first of its kind for the luxury cruise line, celebrating all aspects of Australia's unique food and wine landscape.Departing Sydney on 28 January 2023, the sailing takes in three of Australia's culinary hotspots, sailing to Melbourne and Burnie (Tasmania), before arriving back in Sydney on 2 February.Popular TV Game Show “Deal or No Deal” Comes to Life on New Discovery Princess StageOne of the world's most popular game shows, “Deal or No Deal,” is about to set sail onboard Discovery Princess℠, the newest cruise ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, debuting from Los Angeles on March 27, 2022. This live, hosted experience with high energy, and lots of onboard buzz offers contestants the chance to win prizes ranging from a free cruise to the grand prize of $1,000. “Deal or No Deal” is also available on Majestic Princess®, Regal Princess® and Sky Princess®, with plans to roll out across the fleet.In partnership with TimePlay, an award-winning entertainment company with a deep history of awakening audiences through interactive games, “Deal or No Deal” takes place on the Princess Theater stage of the new Discovery Princess during every voyage. This exhilarating experience offers contestants the chance to play and deal for cash or free cruises in a suspenseful contest of nerves and raw intuition. Guests can play along with their “case card” with a buy in ranging from US$25-$50, as well as be one of two contestants—selected at random—who play live on stage for a chance to win up to US$1,000. Guests in the audience who have purchased a game card are also working towards achieving eight matches to win up to US$1,000 or even a free cruise.Discovery Princess is homeporting in Port of Los Angeles and will sail on a series of Mexican Riviera and California Coast voyages from March 27 – April 24, 2022. She will then head up the Pacific coast to begin a season of seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle, making her the newest ship sailing in the Alaska region.The Love Boat but not as you know itInspired by the Classic Hit Scripted Series “The Love Boat,” theNew Reality Romance Series Sets Sail on Princess Cruises in the U.S. and Australia in 2022U.S. network CBS and Australian broadcaster Network 10 jointly announced today they have ordered localized versions of THE REAL LOVE BOAT, a reality dating competition series inspired by “The Love Boat,” the hit 1970s scripted series that used Princess Cruises ships as its setting. Production begins summer 2022, and both versions are expected to air in the U.S. and Australia later this year.The “The Love Boat” IP is owned by CBS Studios which, along with CBS and Network 10, are Paramount Global brands.“‘The Love Boat' is a timeless, romantic concept with universal appeal, and we're excited to reimagine this popular series for audiences in two different countries,” said George Cheeks, president and chief executive officer of CBS, and head of global content strategy for Paramount's free-to-air networks, including Network 10. “On the heels of NCIS: SYDNEY, today's announcement is another example of our global franchise strategy to use our rich intellectual property and vast international footprint to develop new content for viewers around the world.”THE REAL LOVE BOAT brings singles together to cruise the Mediterranean on a luxury cruise ship while looking for love. Destination dates, challenges and surprise singles will test the couples' compatibility and chemistry. Like the beloved original scripted series, the indispensable crew members including “captain” and “cruise director” will play pivotal roles in the matchmaking and navigation of the romantic (and sometimes turbulent) waters ahead.After almost a month at sea, only one winning couple will make it to the final port and take home a cash prize plus a once-in-a-lifetime trip courtesy of Princess Cruises, the series' exclusive cruise line partner.CBS and Network 10 are casting for their local versions.Click HERE for CBS casting information.Click HERE for Network 10 casting information. The All-Inclusive Photo Project by Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises is launching a bold new initiative to change the meaning of “all-inclusive” in the travel industry.Recognising the need to improve the representation of all people who travel in marketing materials, the new-luxury cruise line has created both a new campaign and the world's first free to use, ‘open source' travel image library. The campaign and collection –  ‘The All-Inclusive Photo Project' (AIPP) – aims to start a movement, calling on travel companies to help address the lack of diversity in travel marketing imagery.The stunning new images were unveiled today and feature the work of acclaimed photographers including: Annie Leibovitz; Giles Duley, an English documentary photographer and a triple amputee; Naima Green, a Black, queer New York-based photographer; and Jarrad Seng, an Australia-based photographer, filmmaker and creative director of Malaysian-Chinese descent.The collection features models, musicians, athletes, artists, advocates and activists, refugees and more, all change-makers in their own right from underrepresented groups, as they enjoy the varied offerings on Celebrity's ships and within the destinations visited.For more information on the photographers and talent featured in the AIPP campaign, consumers can visit www.celebritycruises.com/PhotoProject.Celebrity Cruises will make dozens of the images available via an open-source online library for other travel brands and companies to use to help kickstart their journeys towards more inclusive travel marketing.Disney Wish Reaches Key Milestone After Leaving Meyer Werft Shipyard for Open WaterThe Disney Wish reached another key milestone after nearly two years of construction, leaving the Meyer Werft shipyard on a journey to reach open water for the first time. When it sets sail this summer, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship will be filled with innovative new experiences steeped in Disney storytelling, including the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, immersive dining experiences themed to “Frozen” and Marvel, and a high-end lounge set in the Star Wars galaxy.Oceania Cruises Reveals NEW Solo StateroomsOceania Cruises, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announced the addition of dozens more dedicated staterooms for solo travellers along with the debut of the line's Go Green and Beyond Blueprints shore excursion concepts as part of its industry-leading OceaniaNEXT initiative.Each of the four ships will feature 14 Solo Oceanview Staterooms, which will debut aboard Regatta on 25 September 2022; Nautica on 26 September 2022; and Insignia and Sirena on 1 October 2022. With the addition of these 56 staterooms, plus those that debuted to a sell-out success on Vista last year, Oceania Cruises is reinforcing its commitment to solo travellers.The line also revealed two new shore excursion concepts – Go Green and Beyond Blueprints – to provide curious travellers with even more options for discovery, exploration, and personal connections with the destinations visited.Go Green Shore Excursions include:Bordeaux Wines and Sustainability: Bordeaux, FranceA Sloth Paradise – Give Back to Nature: Puntarenas, Costa RicaBeyond Blueprint Shore Excursions include:Beyond Blueprints: Copenhagen, Denmark, The Royal Library & The Blue PlanetBeyond Blueprints: Oslo, Norway, Equinor & MunchmuseetNorwegian Jewel returns to Service from Panama City Norwegian Cruise Line, has announced the return to service of Norwegian Jewel, which will be the Brand's first ship sailing from Panama City (Colón), Panama. The fully renovated Norwegian Jewel becomes the 13th vessel in the Company's 17-ship fleet to return to service offering immersive itineraries to Alaska from May through September before homeporting in Panama beginning 24 November 2022. The November voyages will mark the Brand's first time homeporting in the destination from either port – the Colón Cruise Terminal and Fuerte Amador Cruise Terminal in Panama City.Guests on Norwegian Jewel can enjoy numerous amenities including action-packed activities at the outdoor Sports Complex, high energy Zumba® and Flywheel Sports® classes, and multiple uniquely themed bars and lounges, including Bliss Ultra Lounge where guests can dance the night away. Norwegian Jewel, with a guest capacity of 2,376 (double occupancy), also offers some of the largest suites at sea with staterooms that accommodate every style and budget. The ship also offers a Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite that features the most luxurious, well-appointed accommodations on board, including a 24-hour butler service.Through the end of March 2023, Norwegian Jewel will offer a total of eight Panama Canal roundtrip cruises ranging from eight-to-10-day itineraries starting from Colón, the Caribbean side of Panama, and ending in Panama City (Fuerte Amador), the Pacific side of Panama, and vice versa. In addition, the vessel will offer a selection of 12-day open-jaw repositioning voyages that begin or end their sailings in Panama City (Colón), Panama.Coral Expeditions Kicks Off 2022 Kimberley SeasonCoral Expeditions, set sail on their first Western Australian voyages of the 2022 season. The occasion was marked with much excitement for guests and crew on both Coral Adventurer which departed Fremantle for Broome on a 12-night exploration of the Abrolhos and Coral Coast, and Coral Geographer which departed Broome on a 10-night Kimberley cruise. The fleet will be joined by Coral Discoverer in mid-April. This year, there are 50 planned expeditions in the Kimberley and Western Australia, hosting over 3000 guests between March and October, the highest number in the history of the company.Coral Expeditions pioneered small ship expeditions in the region and are renowned as the Kimberley experts with strong local roots, Australian-flagged ships specifically designed for the Kimberley environment and expedition crew with years of local experience.Through the pandemic, Coral Expeditions have operated over 105 successful domestic voyages and paved the way for the Australian cruise industry with their SailSAFE health protocols. Now, with the opening of the Western Australian borders and the entry of the company's cruise ships into the state, sustainable cruise tourism is poised to come back to the Kimberley. The classic Kimberley Cruise is a rite of passage for many who seek to connect with the unique landscapes and rich Indigenous heritage of this remote part of Australia.With the opening of Western Australia's borders and greater confidence in the travel industry, there has been unprecedented demand from Australian travellers for the Kimberley region in recent weeks. In response, Coral Expeditions have added additional capacity to their 2022 season, giving a rare opportunity for guests to secure last-minute berths. This week they have also published their refreshed 2023 rates and launched their full 2024 Kimberley season sailing schedule which is now open for bookings.Aqua Expeditions launch in Ecuador's enchanting Galapagos IslandsKnown for scouting some of the most unique and uncharted corners of the world to set sail, Aqua Expeditions is gearing up to launch their most opulent vessel to date in the breathtaking Galapagos Archipelago, 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coastline.Beginning operations on June 3rd, the stunning seven-suite Aqua Mare will be the first true superyacht to sail the Galapagos, offering guests the most luxurious seat in the house to experience the beauty of this pristine UNESCO World Heritage Site.One of the major drawcards of the Galapagos region is that it is a melting pot of diverse wildlife, flora and fauna, and remains one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world.As you meander through the islands and inlets aboard the elegant Aqua Mare, you'll get up close and personal with some of the rarest species found nowhere else on earth.Magnificent marine iguanas, rare waved Albatrosses, playful sea lions and gigantic sea tortoises are only a few of the vast number of species that guests will encounter.With Aqua Mare's eight-guests to one-naturalist guide ratio, guests receive the most comprehensive discovery of the archipelagos as they cruise through the Isles, taking in the wonders of the fascinating biodiversity with expert knowledge at hand.Guests can choose from 7- and 14-night itineraries that explore both the East and West of the islands, tailoring their experience to be as action-packed or laid-back as they like.Hong Kong reopens for transit travel to the rest of the worldFrom 1 April, transfer and transit services at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) resumes for all passengers flying via Hong Kong to all destinations. In addition, the Hong Kong SAR Government has lifted the flight ban from Australia, Canada, France, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States into Hong Kong.If Hong Kong is your destination, eligibility to enter is open to fully vaccinated Hong Kong residents. The quarantine requirements for returning residents has also eased, with a negative PCR test required 48 hours prior to departure, and quarantine reduced to 7 days.Best April Fools Prank Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils ‘Magical Music of The Beatles' world cruise from Liverpool in 2024Fred. Olsen has today unveiled a brand new world cruise for 2024 celebrating the magical music of The Beatles – including a specially-commissioned yellow submarine to offer tours to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.Fred. Olsen's Journey Planners have come together to hand-craft an itinerary that follows – as closely as possible – in the footsteps of The Beatles when they embarked on their 1964 World Tour, with a call into Copenhagen to mark 60 years since the opening night in the city.More than just day trippers, our guests will find ‘newspaper taxis' waiting ashore to take them on tours to many of the venues played by The Beatles during the famous tour. In addition, in Australia guests will be able to purchase a ticket to ride aboard Fred. Olsen's new submarine – of course, painted yellow and aptly named SS Penny Lane – to witness the Great Barrier Reef.On board, guests will find their very own Cavern Club where they can dance the night away to their favourite Beatles songs, and also a special ‘hill' out on deck – built from Norwegian wood from our homeland – where guests can sit and enjoy scenic sailings and sunsets.The cruise is a celebration of Fred. Olsen's long-standing links to Liverpool, with new ship Borealis homeporting from the city for another year in 2022. The ship will berth almost opposite the statue of the ‘Fab Four' at The Beatles Pier Head.And more... Join the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialPeter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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Cruise News Today — March 24, 2022. Carnival Cruise Line details 820 Biscayne zone on its upcoming mega-ship Carnival Celebration. Another Norwegian Escape cruise has been canceled. Costa Cruises has offered its ship Costa Magica as temporary housing for Ukrainian refugees. On Wednesday, cruise line stocks were down for CCL, RCL, and NCLH. 

Emotional moments for Carnival’s 50th birthday commemoration Maurice Zarmati is one of the original Carnival Cruise line team, he started in 1972 as Southeast regional representative and ultimately became VP worldwide sales, before going on to lead Costa Cruises of … Continue reading →

Episode 90In Ep90 Chris answers a listener questions from Jeff in Singapore about Ship Bridge Wings and we run through the latest news of the week from P&O Australia. Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa, Silversea, Explora Journeys, Coral Expeditions, Princess, Carnival and more.Image Credit: Costa Cruises, Costa ToscanaSupport The ShowListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhSupport Chris in his walk from Cape to Cape: All donations support zero2hero empowering young people to deal with mental health.  https://donate.mycause.com.au/cause/263123?donateToMember=156839Cruise NewsAida Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC and Royal Caribbean International (RCI) have become the latest companies to cancel stops in Russia.One of P&O Cruises Australia's favourite captains is set to retire after a 42-year career at seaCaptain Boon is currently in command of Pacific Adventure as the cruise line awaits the restart of operations in Australia.In nearly 10 years at P&O, Captain Boon won the love and respect of guests and crew alike for his leadership and his down-to-earth human touch.And he, in turn, has said that his years with P&O were the happiest of his long career as a seafarer.On popular Christmas cruises, Captain Boon loved nothing better on Christmas Eve than to be reading Yuletide stories to his younger guests as they experienced the joys of a Christmas at sea.Captain Boon was also with P&O for some landmark events including Pacific Dawn's inaugural cruise to Papua New Guinea in 2013 and the Five-Ship Spectacular as the fleet sailed into Sydney Harbour in formation in November 2015. Captain Boon is planning for a busy retirement in his beloved Yorkshire Dales devoting time to beekeeping, learning the art of rock wall building and volunteering in his community.Vista Floated out for Oceania Cruises  Oceania Cruises, the world's leading culinary and destination-focused cruise line, celebrated the float-out of its new 67,000 tonne, 1,200 guest Vista on 25 February  at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy, bordering the famed seaport of Genoa. Shortly after the ceremony, held in full compliance with current health regulations, the massive building dock began filling with water and Vista became one with the sea for the very first time.Vista will sail her gala maiden voyage from Rome to Barcelona on 14 April  2023 followed by twelve additional European voyages prior to commencing sailings from the United States to the Canadian Maritimes and New England, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean.Vista Highlights12 dining options, four of them brand new1,200 guests served by 800 crew members = two crew members for every three guestsThe most spacious standard Staterooms at sea – more than 26 square metresAll Penthouse Suites and Staterooms feature large bathrooms with oversized rainforest showersAll Owner's, Vista and Oceania Suites feature luxurious soaking tubsPalatial Owner's Suites and top-of-ship Library styled exclusively in Ralph Lauren HomeNew Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms for Solo TravellersEight bars, lounges, and entertainment venuesAquamar Spa + Vitality Center and Aquamar Spa TerraceStaffed Concierge and Executive Lounges for Concierge Staterooms and Suites, respectivelyA Wonderous Debut Wonder no more, Royal Caribbean International's highly-anticipated ship, Wonder of the Seas, welcomes its first guests, as it sets course for the Caribbean from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cruise line invites vacationers of all ages onboard the world's largest cruise ship to experience the ultimate combination of all-new adventures and Royal Caribbean favorites designed to inspire wonder and awe. Wonder is sailing 7-night Caribbean cruises through April 2022 before heading to Barcelona, Spain, and Rome for a summer in the Mediterranean.Costa Toscana InauguralCosta Toscana, the newest Italian-flagged ship in the Costa Cruises fleet, will set sail on 5 March, from Savona on her maiden cruise.Costa Toscana is a latest-generation ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the most advanced technology currently available in the maritime sector to reduce emissions. Costa Group, the parent company of Italy-based Costa Cruises and Germany-based AIDA Cruises, was the first in the world in the cruise industry to use LNG. The company currently has four ships powered by this technology: AIDAnova, Costa Smeralda, Costa Toscana and AIDACosma.Costa Toscana's first cruise, departing from Savona on March 5, 2022, will include a week-long itinerary visiting Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Palermo and Civitavecchia/Rome. Following her debut, the new flagship will remain positioned in the Western Mediterranean until late November. During the summer season she will call at Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Naples, Ibiza, Valencia, Marseille, while during the fall season Palma de Mallorca will take Ibiza's place.From summer 2022, the entire Costa fleet will be back in service, with more than 1,800 cruises available and itineraries ranging from 3 to 127 days in length. The company's ships will visit 179 destinations worldwide, with a completely revamped excursion offer, providing about 1,800 tours.Silver Origin ChristenedSilversea Cruises, christened Silver Origin on February 25, 2022, during an expedition-inspired ceremony in San Cristobal, the Galápagos Islands. Guests took to the water on Silver Origin‘s Zodiacs, raising a glass as Silversea officially welcomed the ship to its fleet of 10, before Johanna Carrión, esteemed conservationist and permanent resident of the Galápagos Islands, was unveiled as the ship's Godmother—a selection that underpins Silversea's long-term commitment to sustainability.SILVER ORIGIN: BUILT WITH THE ENVIRONMENT IN MINDSilversea's first destination-specific ship, the 100-guest Silver Origin was built with the environment in mind to unlock immersive experiences for guests in the Galápagos Archipelago, inspiring travellers to form meaningful connections with the destination. Designed with a focus on the pillars of sustainability, destination on board, expedition experience, authentic local culture, and comfort and service, the all-suite, all-balcony Silver Origin welcomes travellers year-round in the unique archipelago. The ship provides guests with the ultimate destination experience, inspired by Silversea's accrued expertise and founded on a deep respect for the fragility of the natural environment while maintaining the cruise line's trademark quality of service. Silver Origin incorporates state-of-the-art technology, including a dynamic positioning system that protects the delicate seabed and an advanced propulsion system. All suites feature a freshwater purification system that significantly reduces plastic bottle usage. Silversea also offers reef-safe sunblock to guests Explora Journeys kicks-off 2022 with Coin Ceremony of EXPLORA I and… Explora Journeys, the new luxury lifestyle travel brand of the MSC Group, is excited to announce the Coin Ceremony of their first ship EXPLORA I, on 24 February 2022, ahead of the ship's maiden journey scheduled for May 2023.This centuries-old maritime ceremony that dates back to Roman times, reflects the family's seafaring heritage. Explora Journeys was born from a long-held vision of Pierfrancesco Vago, his wife Alexa and the Aponte/ Vago family. Their nautical heritage of over 300 years coupled with their inspiration and passion for the sea, as well as their innate understanding of luxury, created their mission to define a new category in travel and present an unparalleled ocean escape. EXPLORA I is being constructed in Monfalcone, Italy by Fincantieri, one of the world's largest ship building groups, in recognition of the family's Italian roots.Construction work commenced on EXPLORA II, the second vessel in Explora Journeys' fleet of luxury ships, in November 2021 and is due to welcome its first guests in Spring 2024. Two further new ships will join the fleet in 2025 and 2026 as a demonstration of MSC Group's commitment to establish the Explora Journeys brand, created for the next generation of discerning luxury travellers.AND… Explora Jouneys has unveiled its first year of Journeys – for its first of four vessels, EXPLORA I from May 2023, with a promise to take its guests to a harmonious mix of both well-known and off the beaten path destinations.The Inaugural Journeys Collection covers the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the U.S. East Coast, Caribbean, South America and Hawaii.Sailings start from 6-night journeys and culminate in a 44-night Grand Journey – EXPLORA I, in its inaugural year, will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries, including two destinations, Kastellorizo, Greece and Saint Pierre, Martinique that have not been visited by cruise ships before.In Search of Elusive Small Islands of the WorldCoral Expeditions, Australia's pioneering small ship cruise line, today released their 2022 and 2023 expedition schedule including a return to their Small Islands of the World series. The season is headlined by five epic new voyages that see Coral Geographer sail from Australia all the way across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean to the fabled isles at the edge of Africa – Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and Zanzibar.Coral Expeditions led the return to operations for the cruise industry in Australia through 2020 and 2021 with the implementation of their SailSAFE health protocols at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, operating over 100 successful domestic voyages since October 2020. Now, with greater confidence, improved global health protocols and the re-opening of borders, Coral Expeditions is once again returning to international voyages. The release of these voyages features some favoured destinations such as New Zealand and the Spice Islands along with new adventures. To South Sulawesi & Borneo for Christmas | Broome –Singapore | 17 Nights > Departing 13 Dec ‘22Island Traditions to the Edge of Africa | Singapore – Seychelles | 25 Nights > Departing 8 Jan ‘23The Seychelles, Madagascar & Reunion | Seychelles –Mauritius | 15 Nights > Departing 3 Feb ‘23Africa's Frontier Islands | Mauritius – Zanzibar | 17 Nights > Departs 19 Feb ‘23A Navigation Voyage: Across the Indian Ocean | Zanzibar – Fremantle | 19 Nights > Departs 8 Mar ‘23Princess Personalised Medallions A new licensing agreement between Princess Cruises and NBA and WNBA Properties means basketball fans can now proudly showcase their favorite NBA and WNBA teams during their MedallionClass vacation.The addition of the NBA/WNBA customizations gives guests more than 175 Medallion options to show off their personalities on their Princess MedallionClass cruise across a variety of categories including celebrations, birthstones, destination landmarks, domestic pets, traveler flags, zodiac signs, and more. Customizations are $5 and are ordered pre-cruise through the MedallionClass app.Carnival releases additional itineraries into 2024 (on the re-assigned ships).Carnival Cruise Line continues to implement its ship deployment changes announced earlier in February, with ship and homeport assignments extended into 2023 and 2024, including:Carnival Elation – JacksonvilleCarnival Elation, previously announced as moving to Jacksonville, Fla., will continue service of 4- and 5-day sailings formerly assigned to Carnival Ecstasy. Itineraries for additional cruise vacations from Jacksonville will soon be open into 2024.Carnival Freedom – Port CanaveralCarnival Freedom, previously announced as redeploying to Port Canaveral, Fla. in April 2022 to replace Carnival Elation, will continue to operate 4- and 5-day itineraries from Port Canaveral and itineraries will soon be open through Apr. 29, 2023.Carnival Spirit – Miami and SeattleAfter completing its recently announced summer 2022 season in Alaska, Carnival Spirit will continue to operate 6- and 8-day cruises previously assigned to Carnival Freedom from Miami through Apr. 8, 2023.Following the completion of its Caribbean itineraries from Miami, Carnival Spirit will sail a Panama Canal Journeys cruise on Apr. 16, 2023, arriving in Seattle, and will then operate a series of Alaska cruises from May 2, 2023 through Sep. 12, 2023, with those itineraries to be open for sale soon.While Carnival completes the swap of existing reservations to the new ship assignments and provides equivalent accommodations, the itineraries will remain closed for sale, and reservations will not be accessible for up to three weeks.Cruise Ship MingleAn Online Dating Platform for Cruise Hookups and Dating, Is Offering Discreet Services on Cruise Ships Around the World.The platform allows individuals to reach potential love interests before they embark on cruises, facilitating communication and interactions with hookup and dating prospectsThe Dating Platform that specializes in connecting Cruise Goers for Amazing Hookups, Dating, Cruise swinging & other Cruise fun adventures. With an inbuilt massager and Live Chat capability, members can discreetly send and receive messages to and from people they decide to communicate with.And moreJoin the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialPeter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris joins the show today to talk about the historical significance of the naming of the Cunard Queens, ahead of the announcements next week about Cunard's newest ship naming. And of course, we have the latest cruise news from around the world. Support the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhSupport Chris in his walk from Cape to Cape: All donations support zero2hero empowering young people to deal with mental health.  https://donate.mycause.com.au/cause/263123?donateToMember=156839Cruise NewsCarnival Australia ships re-deployed back to North America Both Australian ships will now be based in the United States, with Spirit to depart until late next year.Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled all Australian cruises until Oct, with the brand to also temporarily reposition Carnival Splendor to North America, joining fellow former Australian-based fleet-mate Carnival Spirit.Splendor's Australian sailings from 10 Jun to 26 Sep 2022 have been cancelled, while Carnival also announced Spirit's sailings from 05 Jun 2022 all the way through to 05 Oct 2023 have been cancelled.Guests impacted by these changes will receive an e-mail with further details, along with specific offers available to their bookingAnd more from Carnival Carnival had previously shared that Carnival Sensation's restart was delayed, and that Carnival Ecstasy would move from Jacksonville, Fla. to Mobile, Ala. to operate what were previously planned as the Carnival Sensation itineraries, effective with the Mar. 5, 2022 restart.  In addition, Carnival said that Carnival Spirit would go to Jacksonville to take over the Mar. 7, 2022 restart in Jacksonville, operating the previously scheduled Carnival Ecstasy itineraries.Carnival is now announcing the following updates:Jacksonville: As previously announced, Carnival Spirit will replace Carnival Ecstasy in Jacksonville. While that will happen for departures from Mar. 7 through Apr. 9, 2022, the next two cruises are being cancelled, and then a new ship will be assigned from the Carnival fleet to Jacksonville for the Ecstasy itineraries, effective Apr. 23, 2022. That announcement will be made shortly.Mobile: Carnival Ecstasy will reposition to Mobile for departures from Mar. 5 through Oct. 10, 2022. Cruises from Mobile that were planned for Carnival Sensation from Oct. 15, 2022 through Sep. 30, 2023 have been cancelled. At a later date, Carnival will be announcing a new operating plan for Mobile cruises.Australia: Carnival is cancelling planned operations of Carnival Splendor from Jun. 10, 2022 through Sep. 26, 2022, and of Carnival Spirit from Jun. 5, 2022 to Oct. 5, 2023. Details for a two-ship return to Australia will be announced when they are confirmed.As part of this deployment plan, Carnival Sensation will not restart guest operations and Carnival Ecstasy's last cruise in guest operations will be the Oct. 10, 2022 departure from Mobile and both ships will leave the Carnival fleet. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' Flagship PortMiami Terminal Awarded Prestigious LEED® Gold CertificationNorwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, announced that its brand new state-of-the-art Norwegian Cruise Line flagship terminal at PortMiami received an honorary recognition as the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold New Construction v4.0 cruise ship terminal in Florida, the United States and the world.  Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world, and LEED certification is a globally recognised symbol of sustainability achievement. LEED for Building Design and Construction, specifically New Construction, provides a framework for building a holistic green building while addressing both design and construction activities.The state-of-the-art terminal often dubbed as the “Pearl of Miami” welcomed guests for the first time in August 2021 upon the Company's return to service in the U.S. with Norwegian Gem.The 17,500 square metre terminal, which can accommodate cruise vessels carrying up to 5,000 cruise guests, was designed with innovation and sustainability at the forefront. The team created a platform that optimises the terminal's energy performance, indoor air quality, water efficiencies, utilisation of local materials and resources and much more. With high levels of energy performance in mind, the project was designed to perform at least 38% better than the average building. In addition to significant water quality permits and protections, the terminal includes manatee protections and pollution discharge protections, and plans to have shore power capabilities by the Northern Hemisphere Autumn of 2023.Norwegian Cruise Line introduces Norwegian VivaNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has unveiled Norwegian Viva, the next ship in its brand-new Prima Class.Providing guests with elevated experiences including more wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design and exceptional service, Norwegian Viva will begin sailing remarkable Mediterranean itineraries in June 2023, homeporting in key Southern European port cities including Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece. She will then sail the Southern Caribbean for her 2023-2024 northern hemisphere winter season offering warm-weather getaways from San Juan, Puerto Rico.Mirroring the upscale design and structure of her record-breaking sister ship Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, also built by renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy, will debut at 294 metres long, 142,500 gross tonnes and accommodate 3,219 guests at double occupancy. Travellers will live up every second of their journey in the most spacious accommodation including NCL's largest inside, ocean view and balcony category staterooms.This world-class vessel offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise categories, as well as the largest variety of suite categories available at sea. Luxury-loving guests will enjoy a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, NCL's ultra-premium keycard only access ship-within-a-ship concept. The Haven's public areas and 107 suites have been designed by Piero Lissoni, one of Italy's most renowned designers, with features including an expansive sundeck, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the ship's wake and an outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.The Prima Class' variety of recreational activities also make their elevated comeback on Norwegian Viva with only-available-on-Prima-Class experiences including The Rush and The Drop, the fastest freefall drop dry slides at sea, and the Viva Speedway, the largest three-level racetrack at sea.Norwegian Viva will feature Ocean Boulevard, the 44,000 square foot outdoor walkway which wraps around the entire ship; 11 diverse eateries at Indulge Food Hall; The Concourse boasting an outdoor sculpture garden; Oceanwalk's glass bridges over water; and expansive pool decks and infinity style pools at Infinity Beach.Norwegian Viva will boast eye-catching hull art designed by Italian graffiti and sculpture artist Manuel Di Rita, commonly known as “Peeta,” who also illustrated the exceptional hull design on Norwegian Prima. World-class architects who helped design Norwegian Prima including Rockwell Group, SMC Design and Miami-based Studio Dado, have also returned to influence the aesthetic of various restaurants, staterooms and public areas.The first two Prima Class vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, will feature cutting-edge alternative technologies, such as a NOx reduction system (SCR), that reduce the ship's overall environmental impact.  SCR catalysts filter out sulfur oxides up to 98% and nitrogen oxides up to 90%, ensuring the vessels meet Tier III NOx compliance. Further, they will be equipped with an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), an Advanced Wastewater Treatment System to treat and clean all wastewater to meet stringent international standards, as well as Cold Ironing functionality to connect to onshore power grids to further reduce emissions while in port. For more information about the Company's environmental, social and governance efforts, please click here.LIVELY ITINERARIES ON NCL'S NEWEST SHIPNorthern Hemisphere Summer 2023: Mediterranean from Rome, Athens and LisbonFollowing a string of inaugural cruises and beginning June 2023, Norwegian Viva will become the newest ship embarking in the Mediterranean. Between 15 June and 6 November 2023, she will sail a series eight, nine and ten-day voyages from Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece, offering guests the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean's Spanish, Italian and Greek regions.Northern Hemisphere Winter 2023-2024: Southern Caribbean from San JuanNorwegian Viva will become the largest new ship to ever homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On 15 December 2023 she will depart San Juan on a seven-day Caribbean voyage with her first stop in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. She will then make her way to Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. John's, Antigua; and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands before returning to San Juan on 22 December. Future sailings will also include notable ports in the Caribbean for seven- and nine-day sailings.Cunard takes Shakespeare to the high seas with the Royal Shakespeare CompanyCunard will be taking Shakespeare and new work to the high seas in 2022, as it joins forces in a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to bring world class theatre to its transatlantic stage.Available exclusively on-board flagship Queen Mary 2, guests will enjoy tailored theatrical performances by the RSC, which creates captivating theatre by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and other literary legends past and present. The performances will be available for all guests on board, including a unique blend of Shakespeare's iconic love scenes in a brand new piece called Boundless as the Sea, created by Owen Horsley.Guests will also have the opportunity to see critically acclaimed new work from the RSC with Miss Littlewood: a musical by Sam Kenyon exploring the life of one of theatre's most playful and radical figures, making its transatlantic debut.For those interested in learning what it takes to be an RSC actor, the on board cast will be leading a series of workshops that explore their craft. Guests will also be able to access “Shakespeare Tales,” intimate, informal events where the actors will perform their personal favourite sonnets and speeches, and answer questions from the audience.n addition, Queen Mary 2 will host a touring exhibition, “Digital Diorama: An Augmented Journey Through Shakespeare's Stratford.” Guests will use devices to experience scenes from his plays come to life before their eyes. Some of the RSC's most popular productions in recent years including Hamlet, Henry V, The Merry Wives of Windsor and As You Like it will also be screened in Cunard's on board cinema, Illuminations.The three year partnership will begin on May 29 until August 12, 2022 and then again from September 15 to November 13, 2022, and will offer this bespoke programme exclusively to Cunard guests on Queen Mary 2 throughout these two periods. Guests will experience either Boundless as the Sea or Miss Littlewood on each featured voyage. Dates for future years to be announced at a later date.Literature Festival at Sea with Cheltenham Literature Festival returns in 2022 with stellar line-upThe extraordinary Literature Festival at Sea, curated by the programming team of the Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, will return once again in 2022 with a line-up of some of the world's finest talent, including Bernardine Evaristo, Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith, Mary Beard and Richard Osman.The seven-night crossing, which departs New York for Southampton on 3 December 2022 will include a plethora of workshops, talks and readings as Queen Mary 2 sails across the Atlantic.Guests will hear from award-winning authors about their life and work, go behind the headlines with The Times journalists and get to improve their writing skills in workshops led by literary experts.Princess Cruises Expands Contactless MedallionPay Payment into DestinationsGuests sailing on Princess MedallionClass™ ships now have a contactless purchasing option that eliminates the need for them to carry cash or credit cards into destinations on their cruise vacation. The premium cruise brand today announced the expansion of MedallionPay™, the frictionless payment experience that lets guests use their Princess Medallion® wearable device to shop, play, eat and drink, with a number of merchants in ports of call in the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and all Alaska ports of call, and also to now include 7% back on shoreside purchases as an onboard ship credit for the inaugural year.MedallionPay currently is available in St. Thomas, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, and Puerta Vallarta, with more destinations and merchants being added in the near future, including extensions into all Alaska ports Princess ships call on.  Among prominent merchants now accepting MedallionPay are Diamonds International and Cariloha, as well as more than 65 other retailers from restaurants, bars, souvenir stores, and jewelers to museums and excursion operators. MedallionPay is available to all retailers large and small with no setup or monthly fees to register as a MedallionPay merchant, no required long-term contracts and the software is free to use. Merchants simply pay a transaction fee that includes all credit card processing fees and can cancel service at their discretion.Guests who make purchases with participating merchants enjoy the convenience, security and a 7% shipboard credit on purchases when they associate a credit card with a MedallionPay account. And it equates to even bigger rewards when guests associate their MedallionPay account with a cash back credit card.No credit card or personal information is stored on the Medallion. And the MedallionPay ecosystem exceeds the security levels used in financial institutions and passports by using the latest methods of tokenization, abstraction and encryption.When making a purchase with participating retail locations in select ports of call, merchants securely confirm the transaction with two-factor authentication that exceeds typical credit card transaction.Discovery Princess Officially Delivered to Princess CruisesThe newest cruise ship in the Princess Cruises fleet – Discovery Princess – was delivered on January 28 during an official handover at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Discovery Princess expands the Princess Cruises fleet to 15 MedallionClass vessels and features an evolution of the design platform used for the cruise line's previous Royal-Class ships. The 3,660-guest Discovery Princess is the sixth and final Royal-Class newbuild and shares all of the spectacular style and luxury of her sister ships – Enchanted Princess℠, Sky Princess®, Majestic Princess℠, Regal Princess℠ and Royal Princess℠. With an array of innovative new experiences, guests will enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies at sea in the Sky Suites, unwind in ultimate comfort at The Sanctuary and indulge the senses with world-class dining options. Plus, Princess live entertainment presents mesmerising new Broadway-style production shows that can only be seen in the state-of-the-art Princess Theatre.  Discovery Princess uses the latest technologies to reduce fuel consumption, treat wastewater, and support our environmental compliance effortsDiscovery Princess will depart Italy and make her way to the Port of Los Angeles to sail on a series of Mexican Riviera and California Coast voyages from March 27 – April 24, 2022, before heading up the Pacific coast to begin a season of seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle.  Costa Toscana tasked the Sanremo Festival to the seaThe 72nd edition of the Sanremo Festival, the most popular Italian song contest, will be hosted at sea for the first time, thanks to the collaboration between Costa Cruises and Rai Pubblicità.Costa Toscana, the new “green” ship of the Italian company's fleet, will be the floating stage for the live shows of two stars of the past editions of the Festival: Orietta Berti and Fabio Rovazzi. They will be joint by exceptional Italian artists, who will perform every evening on the stage of one of the ship's theatres.Costa Toscana will be a constant and regular presence at the Sanremo Festival not only on television, on Rai Uno, but also on the radio. Indeed, the program “Tre per due” of Rai Radio Due, with the “Gemelli di Guidonia” singers, together with the band “Stefano Signoroni & the MC”, will be on board for the entire duration of the Festival.Costa Toscana is moored at anchor about one kilometre from the port of Sanremo, where she arrived on January 30 and will stay until February 6. On board, there will be no public presence, except for who will contribute to the events planned on board, in addition to the ship's crew members. For the occasion, a special health protocol has also been developed and shared with the relevant health authorities.Costa Toscana is the new Italian-flagged ship in the Costa Cruises fleet. Built at the Meyer shipyard in Turku (Finland), she will leave for her first Mediterranean cruise on March 5, 2022, from Savona.  Designed as a true traveling “smart city,” the ship is powered by liquefied natural gas, the most advanced technology currently available in the maritime sector to cut emissions, which Costa was the first to introduce on cruise ships. On board, 100% separate waste collection and recycling of materials such as plastic, paper, glass and aluminium is carried out. The entire daily water requirement is met by transforming sea water through the use of desalinators. Energy consumption is reduced to a minimum thanks to an intelligent energy efficiency system.The interiors of Costa Toscana are the result of an extraordinary creative project, curated by Adam D. Tihany, created to enhance and bring to life the best of this wonderful region in a single location. Furniture, lighting, fabrics and accessories are all “Made in Italy“, created by 15 partners highly representative of Italian excellence. The on-board offer is perfectly integrated into this extraordinary context: from the Solemio Spa, to the areas dedicated to entertainment; from the themed bars, in collaboration with major Italian and international brands, to the 21 restaurants and areas dedicated to the “food experience”, including the new Archipelago restaurant, which offers menus created by the three star chefs Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze and Ángel León, as well as raising awareness and funds for sea conservation projects carried out by the Costa Crociere Foundation.Spectrum of the Seas to arrive early in Singapore International Guests can Sail on Royal Caribbean International's Popular Ocean Getaways as soon as April 2022Holidaymakers can now pack their bags from  11 April 2022 for the ultimate adventure on board Royal Caribbean International's Spectrum of the Seas, Asia's largest, newest and most innovative ship, for spectacular 3- to 4-night Ocean Getaways. Six months sooner than anticipated, guests will enjoy world-class dining, showstopping entertainment, a private enclave for suite guests and state-of-the-art amenities exclusively designed for the Asian market. Sailings are now open for bookings.Guests on board Spectrum can savour an array of Asian-inspired cuisine, such as teppanyaki and hot pot-style dining, a showcase of unparalleled entertainment that touches on the cultures, colour, music and dance styles of Asia; high-tech experiences; and more. Highlights include:Sky Pad – Asia's first, this virtual reality, bungee trampoline adventure is where guests can strap in, don a headset and transport themselves to another time and planet.Suite Enclave – Royal Caribbean's first and exclusive space for the exquisite Royal Suite Class Star, Sky and Sea accommodations in a private area, featuring exclusive floor access, an elevator, private restaurants and a dedicated lounge area. Two70 – Boasting stunning 270-degree ocean views by day and transforming into a multidimensional theatre by night, this transformative space flaunts six agile Roboscreens, breathtaking live performers and mind-bending aerialists to create unimaginable visuals.SeaPlex – The largest indoor active space at sea, featuring bumper cars, laser tag, fencing, archery and more.Star Moment – A lively and energetic karaoke venue where family and friends come together to belt out and sing like stars.Family Friendly Accommodations – From exterior balcony staterooms to interconnected rooms, to the signature two-level Ultimate Family Suite, an expansive, multiroom retreat complete with its own slide and cinema that also doubles as a karaoke stage, there's an array of staterooms designed for the whole family.Signature Experiences – A bold lineup of guest favourites are on deck, including the FlowRider surf simulator, the North Star, an all-glass observation capsule which ascends 300 feet above the ocean to deliver incomparable 360-degree views; and RipCord by iFly, the first sky diving experience at sea.A World of Flavours – There are 19 dining options that serve up a variety of cuisines, including Hot Pot, an authentic Chinese dining experience; Teppanyaki, a celebration of Far East flavours cooked in Japan's traditional teppanyaki style; and Sichuan Red, a new specialty dining experience tailored just for Spectrum, where diners can savour a bold tapestry of spices and Sichuan flavours. Signature classics include imaginative cuisine at Wonderland, American steakhouse Chops Grille and authentic rustic fare and handmade pasta at Jamie's Italian.In line with its Royal Promise and regulations stipulated by the Singapore government, Royal Caribbean continues to implement health and safety measures for the well-being of its guests and crew members, and the destinations it visits. The comprehensive, multilayered set of measures include pre-departure wellness screenings and testing, contactless embarkation and debarkation, enhanced ventilation and sanitization on board, as well as sailing with fully vaccinated crew members and guests. The cruise line will continue to evaluate and update its measures as circumstances evolve with various government and health authorities.Guests who book their vacation on Spectrum on or before 31 March 2022, can be assured of flexibility in their plans with Royal Caribbean's Cruise with Confidence program, which allows for changes and cancellations up to 48 hours before their cruise sets sail. As long as holidaymakers cancel at least 48 hours before their sail date, they will receive a Future Cruise Credit. The credit is valid for future bookings on or before 30 Sept 2022, for sailings departing before 31 Dec 2022, or one year from the original sailing date, whichever is later.Viking celebrates float out of Newest Egypt Ship Viking® today announced its newest ship for the Nile River—the 82-guest Viking Osiris—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set to debut in August 2022, Viking Osiris will sail Viking's bestselling 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. The arrival of Viking's new ship later this year coincides with several key events in Egypt in 2022, including the highly anticipated opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum outside Cairo on the Giza Plateau—as well as the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb by Howard Carter and his benefactor, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Building on Viking's longstanding relationship with the Carnarvon family, guests who sail on board Viking Osiris will experience Privileged Access® to memories from 1922 and the events surrounding the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb.Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Osiris is inspired by Viking's award-winning river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. The vessel features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Viking Osiris will join the company's other ship on the Nile, Viking Ra, which launched in 2018. Additionally, in response to strong demand, Viking Aton, an identical sister ship to Viking Osiris, will join the fleet in 2023.AIDA Cruises Announces the Expansion of its Selection ProgramThe cruise company AIDA Cruises will further expand its Selection program. The AIDAselection voyages, which are very popular with guests, will be offered and further developed in the future regardless of ship class. Guests can expect a wide selection of special itineraries with authentic travel experiences.In October 2022, AIDAsol will be the first Sphinx-class ship to embark on a world cruise. Highlights of this 117-day XXL adventure include the circumnavigation of Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope, destinations such as the Avenue of Glaciers, Tierra del Fuego, Mauritius, Cape Town and New Year's Eve in Sydney.Guests will travel to the Lofoten Islands with AIDAbella, the highlights of the Arctic Circle with AIDAluna, and AIDAblu will offer extraordinary experiences on voyages to Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar. The new offer will be complemented by the voyages of AIDAvita and AIDAaura, which will provide unforgettable Selection moments in the summer of 2022 with their routes to the Scottish Islands or to the archipelago off the Swedish coast, among others.Each AIDAselection voyage will feature unique highlights. Thanks to exclusive excursions and longer shore stays, guests get to know the country and its people intensively. Experienced guides surprise with real insider tips. Depending on the route, renowned lecturers come on board.Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep to set sail with P&O Cruises on IonaP&O Cruises is partnering with Aardman, the creators of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, to bring a range of character-based activities for all generations to newest ship Iona.Children in The Reef clubs will be able to participate in themed dance classes and craft workshops where they can make Gromit ears or Shaun the Sheep masks. All the family can then come together for quality time to enjoy special screenings of the Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep films in the cinema, or have photos taken with the eccentric inventor Wallace and his loyal friend Gromit at special character appearanceHolland America Line Celebrates Naming of Rotterdam with Ceremony in Namesake City and Special Seven-Day Voyage Holland America Line‘s newest ship Rotterdam is set to get the royal treatment at a naming ceremony in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, May 30, 2022. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship's godmother, carrying on a Dutch royal tradition that began in the 1920s.Rotterdam‘s special seven-day “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise sails roundtrip from Amsterdam, Netherlands, departing 29 May 22 and also visits Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flåm, Norway, with scenic cruising in SognefjordAnd moreJoin the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/  Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg    Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialPeter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home  Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF  Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI  Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u  I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8  Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz  Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M  Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs  Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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