Podcasts about Oceania Cruises

Louise Craddock Oceania Cruises (Director of Sales UK & Ireland) shares her journey into her current role as well as an overview of the Oceania brand. Having been with Oceania Cruises for over 14 years her passion remains as she tells us more about what sets Oceania apart and how they have elevated what they offer their guests onboard and ashore. For those lucky to be joining us at CLIA conference they will get their first chance to catch a glimpse of their latest ship Oceania Vista which will also give agents a taste of what's to come in their upcoming ship Allura. She also has some exciting updates about shorter sailings which can be a great entry point for first time customers looking to experience Oceania. Join the Join the Trader Inside Oceania Cruises UK Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EXD1z6ZTg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Alaska cruise comparison , Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, and Celebrity go head-to-head—find out which offers the best value and experience! Confused about which premium or luxury cruise line gives you the most bang for your buck? In this eye-opening episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken is joined by travel expert Christy Fitzharris of Wheels Up Travel to take a deep dive into a real-world pricing and value comparison of Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises—all sailing to Alaska in July 2025. You might think Regent, the luxury option, is always the most expensive—but the results may surprise you. Christy walks us through her expert process in helping clients compare not just the sticker price, but the true cost after inclusions, add-ons, excursions, dining, spa access, and more are factored in. She also reveals an exclusive, unpublished fare for Regent that dramatically changes the equation. We'll look at: ✅ What each cruise line includes (and doesn't) ✅ Crew-to-guest and space ratios ✅ Cost per square foot of cabin ✅ Value of the "ship within a ship" concept on Celebrity Retreat ✅ Differences in onboard vibe and experience ✅ Kid-friendliness and dress code expectations ✅ The hidden perks of working with a travel advisor If you're debating a luxury or premium cruise, or considering upgrading from mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean or Princess, this episode is your essential guide. Get clarity, avoid decision fatigue, and learn how to make your cruise dollars go farther—whether you're booking solo or with family.

Angelo Impoco, head of air services and strategic partnerships for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which encompasses Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Inside Travel Report about winning the Top Cruise Line North America award at the TAP Air Portugal Awards. Impoco outlines his role in ensuring a seamless experience for guests from their homes to their cruises and highlights the partnership with TAP Air Portugal that offers North American guests extended vacations in Portugal. For more information, visit www.nclhltd.com or www.flytap.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.  

There are so many luxury cruise options that travel advisors can book for their clients—from small ships to mid-size vessels to large ships, expeditions and river ships. This panel examines how several segment of the luxury cruise market offer and what support and training they provide to advisors. Moderated by James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, the panel includes Rebecca Stacey, area sales director-West for Quark Expeditions; Elizabeth Fettes, vice president-sales for Scenic Group; and Tricia Wolf, vice president-field sales for Oceania Cruises. To watch the entire Virtual Roadshow on demand, RSVP for free at www.taconnect.travel/2024-agent-reg-lux-vrs.  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.

Oceania Cruises is one of my all-time favourite cruise lines, and so I was incredibly excited to try their new class of ships. Until I did. I went on Vista, the first of this new class, and despite many great things, that I will tell you about, there is (for me anyway, and some others I spoke to) one deal breaker that means I will be sticking to their older ships unless something changes. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers  

Oceania Cruises is one of my all-time favourite cruise lines, and so I was incredibly excited to try their new class of ships. Until I did. I went on Vista, the first of this new class, and despite many great things, that I will tell you about, there is (for me anyway, and some others I spoke to) one deal breaker that means I will be sticking to their older ships unless something changes. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tipsfortravellers and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tipsfortravellers

Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at last week's Seatrade Cruise Global about why NCLH just contracted for eight new ships across its three brands—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas. Sommer provides an update on where his company is today as the cruise industry continues its resurgence. For more information, visit www.nclhltd.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.

New Luxury Ship Delayed i today's first story on Monday Travel and Cruise Industry News Podcast LIE from Miami, Florida with Chillie Falls, February 5, 2024. The upcoming Allura from Oceania Cruises is now delayed, with the first six sailings of the ship's maiden season cancelled in the summer of 2025. Also today, Carnival Ties Royal; Delays In Galveston; IMAX Theater To Remain; Pearl Ditches Venice; Carnival Mardi Gras Delayed; and Lots More LIVE at 8 AM EST. CLICK HERE to access video feed #mondaytravelandcruiseindustrynews #podcast #cruisenews #travelnews #cruise #travel #chilliescruises #chilliefalls Thanks for visiting my channel. Travel Hacker's Toolkit https://bit.ly/travelhackertools NYTimes The Daily, the flagship NYT podcast with a massive audience. "Vacationing In The Time Of Covid" https://nyti.ms/3QuRwOS To access the Travel and Cruise Industry News podcast; https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/trav... 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.... Chillie's Cruise Schedule: https://accessadventure.net/chillies-... For your special needs, contact me, or Whill.inc/US, at (844) 699-4455 .or Scootaround, For information on cruises, or special needs travel, contact me or Incredible Memories Travel 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://youtube.com/live/YNyiUDyW82o Chillie Chats with Sylvia Longmire, Ambassador for Scootaround and WHILL Powerchairs https://youtu.be/VovRJ5Fh1I8 Chillie Chats With Ali Ingersoll, disability advocate and 2023 Ms Wheelchair America https://youtu.be/o31zOMYYqiw Chillie Chats With Special Guest Kevin Martin, 30 And A Wake Up https://youtube.com/live/7Q5AFPDD0YY 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://youtube.com/live/YKzSpi8jdB0 Casino Loyalty Programs with Sue Sherer https://youtu.be/p0SsewJC_cE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kathyrn Kelly, executive chef and director of culinary enrichment for Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the Culinary Arts Center on Regent's brand-new Seven Seas Grandeur. Guests on the cruise have the chance to take cooking classes to help them learn how to make great food using simple culinary techniques—and yes we did take the course and we did eat the food. For more information, visit www.rssc.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.

Bernhard Klotz, senior director-culinary for Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about all the fantastic dining options aboard the brand new Seven Seas Grandeur. Klotz details the gourmet culinary offerings at the newly designed Compass Rose, Chartreuse, Prime 7, Pacific Rim, Sette Mari, La Veranda, and more, which together make the ship of the most luxurious dining venues in the world.  For more information, visit www.rssc.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.

Grand Voyages, Langzeit-Schiffsreisen, von bis zu 180 Tagen, sind das Thema von Audiotraveller Henry Barchet und Maik Schlüter, Director Business Development, in dieser Folge des Kreuzfahrt-Talks mit Oceania Cruises. Außerdem wird als Special Guest Inke McMinn über eine Umrundung des australischen Kontinents und Schiffreisen nach Neuseeland berichten. 

In der neuen Ausgabe des Kreuzfahrt-Talks mit Oceania Cruises wird es diesmal richtig lecker, denn Audiotraveller Henry Barchet spricht mit Maik Schlüter, Director Business Development, über das Essen an Bord, die feinste Küche auf See. Als Special Guest erklärt außerdem die Spitzenköchin Stephanie Hersh  das Konzept der Kochschulen und der Kulinarik-Touren von Oceania Cruises.

Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Guillaume Cameron from Oceania Cruises for this week's Podcast. . If you want to help this channel, you can buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/plentyofsunshinetravel. One of the cruise industry trends is people moving to small ships. Small ship cruising IS the wave of the future. (Pun intended) Small ship cruising is a MUCH better way to cruise. You will spend less time in line, more time enjoying the destinations you visit, and less time waiting for service onboard. Small Ship cruising is fantastic! Oceania now includes so many items in your cruise fare. Simply MORE INCLUDED 2 for 1 Cruise Fares FREE Roundtrip Airfare FREE Airport Transfers FREE Shore Excursions FREE Champagne, Wine & More FREE Gourmet Specialty Dining FREE Unlimited WiFi. We then moved on to MY cruise! This is the cruise I am going to host next summer. Watch this space for the daily videos of my top three things to do in each port video series coming soon for our Norway Cruise. Legends of Norway. JUL 26 to August 5, 2024, on Oceania Marina Copenhagen to Tromsø We will have port stops in Copenhagen, Denmark Oslo, Norway Kristiansand, Norway Bergen, Norway Norwegian Sea (Cruising) Leknes, Norway Harstad, Norway Alta, Norway Honningsvag, Norway Hammerfest, Norway Tromsø, Norway This is a 10-day cruise. Oceania has a brand new ship available to book before she launches in Allura in 2025 . . If you want to learn more about Oceania or any other cruise lines I have met with. Please get in touch with me at info@PlentyofSunshineTravel.com. You can also fill out this simple form https://bit.ly/3mxFUNd, and I will get back to you. . Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to ensure you catch all upcoming cruise videos. . If you want to see the images in this video, click HERE to go to our YouTube Channel. . Search #PlentyofSunshineTravel on Facebook or Instagram to see our posts. . . . #Ocean #travelagent #CruiseSpecialist #Cruise #CruiseGuru #TravelAgent #luxurytravel --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cruisingthewavespodcast/message

Frank A. Del Rio, who was named president of Oceania Cruises last December, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about Vista, the line's first new ship in 12 years, future ships and existing ship upgrades. He also details Oceania's place in the industry and how it offers understated elegance in the upper premium category. Del Rio also discusses Oceania's Simply More all-inclusive packages, which include free Wi-Fi on two devices per guest starting in October, as well as the future of Vista, which will feature a world cruise in 2026. For more information, visit www.OceaniaCruises.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.

Diese Ausgabe des Kreuzfahrt-Talks mit Oceania Cruises hat Audiotraveller Henry Barchet live an Bord des Oceania Schiffes "Marina" aufgezeichnet. Gemeinsam mit Maik Schlüter, Director Business Development, hat er sich das Schiff im Hamburger Hafen angesehen. 

Here is a preview of one of the panels taking place this week at Virtual RoadShows-Selling Cruise Vacations. Luxury cruising has evolved dramatically in just the last few years, with new players entering the market and the concept of luxury itself changing as well. Luxury cruise lines are adding new and more exotic itineraries, refocusing on world cruises, changing the onboard product, and offering a more inclusive experience. This panel looks at how luxury cruising is changing and how travel advisors can better sell it to their higher end customers. Moderated by Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report. this panel includes Tricia Wolf, vice president of sales for Oceania Cruises; Brenna Abels, director trade management for Regent Seven Seas Cruises; and Elizabeth Fettes, vice president of sales for Scenic and Emerald Cruises,. To join Virtual Roadshows-Selling Cruises Vacations,, visit and sign up at www.taconnect.travel/agent-reg-cruise-vacations-vrs.  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.

Tropical Storm Eugene Weakens is the lead story on today's Travel and Cruise Industry News Podcast, August 7, 2023 with Chillie Falls. A significant slow down from Tropical Storm Eugene and turn to the north are forecast to occur on Tuesday and Wednesday. Since Eugene is expected to become a post-tropical cyclone by tonight, the possible negative effect on the cruise industry is lessened. Also today, Cruise For $49; Another Ferry Accident In Philippines; Oceania Cruises launches 100 sailings in the Caribbean & Tahiti 2024-2025; Juneau Flooding; Disney Changes Internet Packages; and lots more LIVE at 11 AM EDT. To access video feed, CLICK HERE #tropicalstormeugene #nationalhurricaneservice #mexicanrivieracruises #cabosanlucas #mazatlan #puertovallarta #margaritavilleatsea Thanks for visiting my channel. NYTimes The Daily, the flagship NYT podcast with a massive audience. "Vacationing In The Time Of Covid" https://nyti.ms/3QuRwOS 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, Whill US, or Scootaround, https://www.scootaround.com/mobility-rentals, 1.888.441.7575. Use Code CHILLIE For information on cruises, or special needs travel, contact me or Incredible Memories Travel 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/EY3ZxxYGPCw Chillie Chats with Sylvia Longmire, Ambassador for Scootaround and WHILL Powerchairs https://youtu.be/VovRJ5Fh1I8 Chillie Chats With Special Guest Kevin Martin, 30 And A Wake Up https://youtube.com/live/7Q5AFPDD0YY 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

Am 8. Mai 2023 hat die italienische Starköchin Giada De Laurentiis  das neue Schiff von Oceania Cruises auf den Namen "Vista" getauft. Maik Schlüter, Director Business Development bei Oceania Cruises, war einer der ersten Passagiere an Bord. Im Kreuzfahrt-Talk mit Audiotraveller Henry Barchet berichtet er von seinen Eindrücken. 

Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Guillaume from Oceania Cruises for this week's cruise chat. . Oceania Vista is coming soon we discussed the inaugural cruises and where she is headed on all her new voyages. This ship is out of this world! This is one of two brand-new ships coming to Oceania. The next ship, Allura, and she will launch in 2025. . Riveria and Marina just came out of a full refurbishment. They are spectacular! The refurbishment was right down to the studs!! That is a 100% overhaul! The new colors in the staterooms and the design is spectacular. I just love the serene colors while you view the ocean. The rooms are designed to look just like your home. They are comfortable and designed with a homey living room right down to a fireplace mantle. I feel that everyone will feel right at home and that you will want to keep coming back. . We then chatted about the cruise that I am going on next summer. I am cruising with Oceania for 11 days starting on July 26th This is something that has been on my bucket list for a long time! I have wanted to go above the arctic circle. This Norway cruise does just that. Legends of Norway, from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Tromso, Norway. With port stops in: Copenhagen, Denmark Oslo, Norway Kristiansand, Norway Bergen, Norway Cruising the Norwegian Sea Leknes (Lofoten Islands) Harstad, Norway Alta, Norway North Cape (Honningsvag), Norway Hammerfest, Norway Tromso, Norway . This itinerary is chasing the midnight sun! We are very close to 24 Sunshine at this time of year. That is going to be great! . The views from your balcony of the Marnia will be spectacular. We will pass Norwegian Fjords, see glacier waterfalls and have panoramic views of mountains, and we will breathe in the crisp clean air on our balcony Join me as we embark on an unforgettable Oceania Cruises Norwegian adventure, starting from the vibrant city of Copenhagen and venturing all the way up to the stunning destinations of Tromso and the North Cape. Our cruise begins in the enchanting Danish capital, Copenhagen, where we explore its charming streets, historic landmarks, and world-renowned attractions. From the colorful Nyhavn Harbor to the iconic Little Mermaid statue, Copenhagen sets the stage for an incredible voyage ahead. As we set sail on our luxurious Oceania Cruises ship, get ready to be pampered with exceptional service, exquisite cuisine, and top-notch amenities. With Oceania Cruises' commitment to providing an unparalleled travel experience, you can relax and indulge in the finest comforts throughout your journey. As we cruise northward, the awe-inspiring landscapes of Norway unfold before our eyes—Marvel at the majestic fjords, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls that adorn the Norwegian coastline. Our ship glides through pristine waters, offering stunning panoramic views and the opportunity to witness nature's grandeur at its finest. . Join us as we set sail on this once-in-a-lifetime journey from Copenhagen to Tromso and see views of the North Cape. . Get ready for a visual feast of breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable moments. Bon voyage! . If you want to learn more about Oceania Cruises or any other cruise lines I have met with. . Please get in touch with me at info@PlentyofSunshineTravel.com. You can also fill out this simple form https://bit.ly/3mxFUNd, and I will get back to you. . Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to make sure you don't miss any of our upcoming cruise videos . If you want to see the images on this week's episode, click HERE to see our YouTube Channel . Search #PlentyofSunshineTravel on Facebook or Instagram to see our posts. . . . #Oceania #OceaniaCruises #Chasingthemidnightsun #ExploreNorway #OceaniaTravelAgent #travelagent #CruiseSpecialist #Cruise #CruiseGuru #TravelAgent #canadiantravelagent .

Topics: Huddler In The Hot Seat with Nikki Upshaw, Senior Vice President, Sales at Oceania Cruises, and more…

Oceania Cruises ist eine internationale Reederei deren Gäste das internationale Ambiente und den Austausch mit Reisenden aus aller Welt schätzen. Die vorherrschende Bordsprache auf den Schiffen ist daher Englisch. Doch manche Anliegen und Fragen lassen sich oft einfacher in der Muttersprache klären. Diesem Wunsch kommt die Reederei nach und bietet Gästen aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz Kreuzfahrten mit deutschsprachiger Reisebegleitung. Dafür hat die Reederei langjährige Oceania Cruises-Reisende als Gastgeber engagiert. Audiotraveller Henry Barchet spricht mit Maik Schlüter, Director Business Development, und Achim Klump, einem der engagierten Gastgeber, wie Sprachbarrieren an Bord überwunden werden.

Exciting news for cruise lovers! Oceania Cruises is launching its brand-new ship, The very impressive Oceania Vista, in Rome in May 2023. Featuring beautiful cabins, a grand crystal staircase, a Ralph Lauren-designed library with over 2,000 books, and the biggest Aquamar Spa and Vitality Centre, the ship offers a unique experience like the Spa offers holistic wellness encounters to encourage a lifestyle of health and longevity. With the finest cuisine at sea, destinations, and wellness programs, Oceania Vista is a great choice for cruise enthusiasts. Listen to Jason Worth the Oceania Cruises' Asia-Pacific VP sales and GM chat with Rose and Peter as we explore this wonderful new addition to the Oceana Fleet. PLUS, if you book within the next 7 days you will get an exclusive 3 bottle wine bundle on your arrival! Just mention #Onboard_Oceana when you book. For more information: Bookings Now Open For Oceania Cruises

Audiotraveller Henry Barchet spricht mit Maik Schlüter, Director Business Development bei Oceania Cruises, über Landausflüge in aller Welt. Mit dabei ist auch Südamerika-Expertin Daniela Rameil-Erdel mit Insider-Tipps für Landgänge in Patagonien, Chile und Brasilien.

Audiotraveller Henry Barchet spricht mit Maik Schlüter, Director Business Development bei Oceania Cruises, über Boutique-Kreuzfahrtschiffe. Die Folge ist gleichzeitig der Auftakt zur Serie "Kreuzfahrt-Talks" in den Audiotravels.   

Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Guillaume from Oceania Cruises for this week's cruise chat. . Guillaume & I were very excited that Oceania is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! Oceania started in 2003. Oceania started so small that they rented out desks so they didn't have to pay to furnish their office space. WOW, how they have grown. . Oceania now has six beautifully appointed ships, and they are one of the best premium/luxury cruise lines available for you to sail with. . The special offer for Oceania Cruises is: . As they celebrate 20 years of The Finest Cuisine at Sea, you can plan your next lifetime voyage with a special anniversary gift of up to $800 (USD) Shipboard Credit. Plus, take advantage of the OLife Choice offer 2-for-1 Cruise Fares, Free Roundtrip Airfare & Airport Transfers. Choose one free amenity: up to 8 Free Shore Excursions, Free Beverage Packages Up to $800 USD Free Shipboard Credit. . Oceana cruises is the only cruise line with a partnership with Don Perrion so that you can get a wonderful chef's table six-course dinner with three different vintages paired with Don Perrion. . Oceana cruises has extended its schedule to 2025 so you can book your cruise experience through me all the way up to 2025! Oceana cruises are one of the few cruises with solo cabins that are still ocean-facing. Many times the solo cabins are the interior, so it's wonderful to have an ocean-facing or balcony cabin and yet not have to pay a single supplement. . I really love that Oceania cruises are a maximum of 1200 passengers, so they have enough room and space for the extra amenities but yet small enough that the 900 crew will give you your personalized attention. . Oceana cruises always obtains fresh ingredients from the locals from the locations that you visit. Your meals are going to taste authentic, fresh and delicious! They're all made the minute you order. They are not premade and sitting under a warning lamp! . If you are interested in learning more about Oceania or any other cruise lines I have met with, please contact me at info@PlentyofSunshineTravel.com. You can also fill out this simple form https://bit.ly/3mxFUNd, and I will get back to you. . If you want to see the video with this episode. Please visit our YouTube channel click HERE . Search #PlentyofSunshineTravel on Facebook or Instagram to see our posts. . . . #Oceaniacruises #Oceania #OceaniaCruiseslDifference #OceaniaTravelAgent #travelagent #CruiseSpecialist #Cruise #OceaniaSpecialist #cruisespecialist #CruiseGuru #TravelAgent #CanadianTravelAgent

Im Kreuzfahrt-Talk spricht Audiotraveller Henry Barchet mit Maik Schlüter, Director Business Development bei Oceania Cruises, was die Vorteile sind, wenn man mit einem kleinen Kreuzfahrtschiff unterwegs ist. Außerdem sind ungewöhnliche Landausflüge und der Wunsch der Passagiere nach Freiräumen und Weitläufigkeit auf hoher See Thema dieser Episode.  

Noelle Barille, senior chef instructor on Oceania Marina, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about an excursion to the food market in Riga, Lativia, one of the largest in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site the size of five zeppelin hangers. The goal was to buy fresh local ingredients for sampling and cooking back at the ship. A special feature of this class was the built-in interaction with the local merchants, because participants were given an envelope with Latvian euros, a short shopping list, and instructions to have fun and "go shopping." For more information, visit www.oceaniacruises.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.

Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Guillaume from Oceania Cruise Line. . We chatted about current trends that Oceania is seeing, with longer voyages and fantastic itineraries. We also discussed what makes Oceania different than the cruise lines, with their shore excursions and the opportunities that Oceania gives to make your voyage memorable. . I love how Oceania provides the opportunity to learn more about the areas you visit. From Truffle hunting with local farmers or cooking with Grandma in the kitchen. You can also learn from an Architectural Historian about the castles and museums that you will visit. The collection of excursions are called Go Green, Go Local, Food and Wine Tours, Wellness Tours & Beyond Blueprints, among other classic excursions. . If you are interested in learning more about these Oceania Cruises or any of the other cruise lines I have met, please contact me at info@PlentyofSunshineTravel.com. You can also fill out this simple form https://bit.ly/3mxFUNd, and I will get back to you. . If you would like to watch this episode on YouTube, click HERE. Search #PlentyofSunshineTravel on Facebook or Instagram to see our posts. . . . #Oceania #oceaniaCruiseLine #BeyondBluePrints #CulinaryDiscoveryTour #FoodandWineTour #WellnessTour #GreeceCruises #GoLocal #GoGreen #Cruisewithme #TravelAgent #CanadianTravelAgent

James Rodriguez, the new president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, who is already well known to many travel advisors, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at Virtuoso Travel Week about the changes he will make to better sell and grow his luxury expedition cruise line. Rodriquez, who has spent most of his long cruise career at Oceania Cruises, is now relishing the chance to shape a relatively new product in a burgeoning category of cruising. For more information, visit www.atlasoceanvoyages.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. 

Tricia Wolf, vice president of sales for Oceania Cruises in the U.S, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about her premium upscale ships that border on luxury, with new innovations in culinary and mixology that will be featured on Vista, the cruise line's newest ship, due out in the spring of 2023. Wolf also explains the new and hopefully final COVID protocols as well as future itineraries, including a 180-day around the world cruise.  For more information, visit www.oceaniacruises.com.  If interested, the original video of this podcast -- with supplemental pictures and video -- can be found on the Insider Travel Report Youtube channel  or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube. 

I review and explore Oceania Cruises and looks at what they do the same and different to other similar lines – and why I like them and keep going back to them, and recommend Oceania Cruises to other cruise passengers

There are now more luxury cruise options for your clients than ever before. In this panel from our Virtual Roadshow series, you'll find out what top luxury cruise lines have planned now and in the future as well as how they view the luxury travel market. Panelists include Steve Smotrys, vice president, sales and trade relations for Seabourn;  Eric Schmit, director of business development for Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Jennifer Suarez, associate vice president national accounts for Celebrity; Kathy Lu, business relationship leader southeast for Explora Journeys;  Tricia Wolf, vice president sales for Oceania Cruises; and Marcus Kenny, director, business development and agency sales, the Americas for Silversea.  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. 

Pat Blassie on how Oceania Cruises has some great options that can be booked for later this year or 2023! Follow Altair on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltairTravelCruises/

This week we have the indescribably delicious Stephanie Hersh as our guest! Denise and Stephanie go way back. These days she is the onboard chef instructor on Oceania Cruises. You can watch her videos on Oceania's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/oceaniacruises/videos/1178549419210379/ While interested in food from an early age, Hersh recalls that pursuing a career in food was not always viewed with esteem, respect, and a degree of celebrity, but rather as invisible, manual labor. Regardless, after receiving her undergraduate degree, Hersh studied at the Culinary Institute of America, and happily began working in Boston-area hotel kitchens and as a private chef. While taking a course to augment her administrative skills, Hersh got word that Julia Child was looking for an assistant. “I never in a million years would have pictured myself with Julia,” she says. “It was a dream job.”    She currently lives in Christchurch, teaching adult education cooking courses and a twelve-week food technology course to New Zealand school children, 11 to 13 years of age. This food technology course is required across the country and serves as a pre-cursor to home economics courses, which are taken in high school. She teaches students how to use kitchen equipment, the basics of food processing, and creative, critical thinking skills.   Hersh advises all students, “Go with passion, absolute passion in the study of food. If you're not, there's no point in doing it. When you are happy, it becomes infectious.” She quips that while she has no idea what her future holds, “Whatever I'll be doing, I'll be happily doing it—and I'm proud and delighted that the Gastronomy program is carrying on so well.”   [The above is excerpted from “Celebrating Julia Child's Centenary with her Assistant and BU alumna, Stephanie Hersh” by Emily Contois.]     Stephanie's links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-hersh-46884511/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.hersh.543 Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Generals-Cook-Novel-Ramin-Ganeshram/dp/1950691977/ref=sr_1_1   Women Beyond a Certain Age is an award-winning weekly podcast with Denise Vivaldo. She brings her own lively, humorous, and experienced viewpoint to the topics she discusses with her guests. The podcast covers wide-ranging subjects of importance to older women.   SHOW LINKS Website: https://womenbeyond.podbean.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WomenBeyond/ Follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WomenBeyond/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenbeyondacertainage/ Episode archive: https://womenbeyond.podbean.com Email us: WomenBeyond@icloud.com Denise Vivaldo is the host of WBACA. Her info lives here: https://denisevivaldogroup.com/ More of Denise's info is here: https://denisevivaldo.com Cindie Flannigan is the producer WBACA. Her info lives here: https://linktr.ee/cindieflannigan Denise and Cindie's books: https://www.amazon.com/Denise-Vivaldo/e/B001K8QNRA%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Sherry Norris with details about the fantastic packages from Oceania Cruises that has signups ready now (https://www.altairtravel.com/oceania-cruises). Follow Altair on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltairTravelCruises/

Cris was working in Dubai when he decided to try cruise ships. He joined Oceania Cruises in 2006 as a Snack Utility but quickly moved up the ranks to Assistant Waiter, Waiter, and then Bar Waiter. He tells about giving a tour of Muscat to a German passenger on his first contract - which will completely change his life. He eventually goes back to the Philippines to become a teacher. 

Episode 95In this week's episode, Chris answers a question from Frankie about the change in funnel colour on P&O Cruises UK from yellow to blue. Thank you to Frankie for your kind coffee donation too. Plus we have some great cruise news from around the world. Image Credit: P&O Aurora (with blue funnel and hull art), P&O Cruises UK. 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 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 NewsP&O Cruises UK cancels 7 departures P&O Cruises has apologised after cancelling seven upcoming Arcadia sailings due to Covid-enforced staff disruption.Due to the “current and extraordinary impact” of Covid-19 on the hospitality and travel sectors had caused “temporary disruption” to crew available to join its ships. “As a result, P&O Cruises will be redeploying crew from Arcadia to other ships in the fleet. This is being done in order to maintain the company's high standards of service of which we are very proud, across the other five ships in the fleet,”The cancellations impact departures between 12 April and 23 June, with itineraries J205, J206, J207, J208, J209, J210, J211 axed.Guests booked on affected cruises will receive a full refund of all monies paid, a future cruise credit and onboard spending to use on a new holiday to booked before 31 December 2023.Three Sydney Harbour Water Cannon Tugs to Provide Stunning Salute When P&O Cruises Australia Flagship Pacific Explorer Arrives Home on Easter MondayIn one of the most spectacular ship arrivals in Sydney Harbour's long maritime history, three water cannon tugs will form a guard of honour and escort for P&O Cruises Australia flagship Pacific Explorer as the ship returns to her home port on Monday after an absence of more than two years.Port Authority of NSW fire tug, Shirley Smith, will take the lead joining two water cannon tugs operated by Engage Towage — Martinique and Fitzroy — with all three sending up huge plumes of water to salute Pacific Explorer's arrival.Two other Engage tugs, Cook and Diamantina, will also be on duty carrying out operational requirements for the arrival of a cruise ship in Sydney Harbour.Goop & Celebrity Cruises go beyond in 2022Celebrity Cruises and lifestyle brand goop are setting sail this fall on an exclusive wellness retreat at sea on board the highly anticipated new-luxury ship, Celebrity Beyond. With a series of transformative experiences and sessions led by goop's wellness practitioners and an appearance by goop founder and CEO, Gwyneth Paltrow herself, ‘goop at Sea' will be held on the Celebrity Beyond 9-night Italian Riviera & France sailing departing from Barcelona on 24 September, 2022.Further extending the partnership between the companies that began in early 2020, a selection of goop's signature products, including the GOOPGLOW and GOOPGENES collections, will now be available on board Celebrity Beyond. Gwyneth Paltrow will continue as Celebrity's Wellbeing Advisor, a collaboration first announced in April 2021; and, Paltrow and the goop team will also continue to curate innovative wellness offerings for Celebrity's ships including on-demand wellness classes on stateroom TVs, a custom detox smoothie and fitness tools for guests of AquaClass® staterooms, a fully-immersive next level wellness experience, which is taken further on Beyond with the new Aqua Sky Suites featuring floor-to-ceiling ocean views, private verandas, luxurious bedding and other wellness amenities. Kiki Koroshetz, goop's VP of Content, will also continue her role in Celebrity's Women in Wellness program, which brings together the expertise of some of the most highly respected female leaders in the wellness industry to cultivate a unique wellness program at sea.The goop at Sea sailing will feature a variety of exclusive programming curated and hosted by goop, including:A live interview hosted by Gwyneth Paltrow with a top wellness expert, where she will also answer audience questionsSeveral interactive goop practitioner-led sessions focused on enhancing the mind, body and soul;Nourishment from the inside out through exclusive pop-up experiences including tastings, product trials, massages and moreGoop curated gifts and surprisesPride of America returns to Hawaii Pride of America, the only cruise ship sailing round-trip from Honolulu all year, makes long-awaited returnNorwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced the return to service of Pride of America, the only cruise ship to sail Hawai'i year-round. NCL's Pride of America, which is the fifteenth ship in its fleet to return to service, sails weekly seven-day, roundtrip voyages from Honolulu, providing guests nearly 100 hours of port time and the ability to explore four islands in a week's span. The itinerary includes overnights in Maui and Kauai, allowing for more immersive experiences on land, and unforgettable sights of the Nāpali Coast. NCL has two remaining ships that will be returning to service, both in early May, which will complete the Company's Great Cruise Comeback.Pride of America set sail on 09 April 2022 and is available to book through December 2025.  Weekly voyages depart Honolulu every Saturday.Another record for NCL Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that its industry-first NFT Collection has sold out in twenty minutes.Oceania Cruises announces two more Better-Than-New ships Oceania Cruises, announced details of its most ambitious OceaniaNEXT experience elevation initiative to date with the stem-to-stern re-inspiration of the 1,210-guest ships Riviera and Marina, two of the most acclaimed ships in modern history. With the advent of Riviera's and Marina's re-inspiration, Oceania Cruises will, for the first time, field a fleet entirely composed of brand-new or better-than-new ships in every destination across the globe.Debuting in December 2022 and November 2023 respectively, Riviera and Marina will become better-than-new ships in a re-inspiration without peer. Every surface of every suite and stateroom will be entirely new, while in the public spaces, a refreshed colour palette will surround a tasteful renewal of fabrics, furnishings, and lighting fixtures that exquisitely encompasses the inimitable style and comfort of Oceania Cruises. Tuscan marble, engaging works of art, and designer residential furnishings will adorn the re-inspired spaces. The iconic Library will remain just as plush and hushed, while magnificent views will fill Horizons as never before. From the bejeweled chandeliers in the gracious Grand Dining Room to the Lalique crystal-laced Grand Staircase, Riviera and Marina will each celebrate a rejuvenation so sweeping, it will be positively unimaginable to resist their welcoming embrace.Suite and Stateroom Highlights:Riviera and Marina will boast a radiant new glow reminiscent of a sun-dappled Newport estate yet with the warmth and joie de vivre of a chic Parisian apartment in which each element has been carefully chosen to create a comforting sense of home.Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms and Veranda Staterooms are the largest standard staterooms afloat at 291 square feet.Suites and staterooms will embrace a complete transformation that flawlessly melds meticulously considered functionality with refined splendor and a refreshing residential panache.Each private retreat will gleam with sumptuous new furnishings, sleek restyled bathrooms, fashionable lighting, and myriad thoughtful details, such as an abundance of outlets and USB ports always within reach.Brand-new bathrooms will be more spacious than ever before and feature generous, oversized showers.Riviera will debut on December 7, 2022, on a 16-day Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Caribbean cruise from Rome to Miami.Marina will debut on November 13, 2023, on a 7-day cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon.Regent Seven Seas Cruises Announces Multi-Year Partnership with The Australian BalletRegent Seven Seas Cruises, is delighted to announce a multi-year partnership with The Australian Ballet, highlighting the brands' shared vision to providing discerning guests and patrons with inspiring and memorable experiences.Arts and culture have for many years been synonymous with the Regent Seven Seas Cruises experience. Guests on board The World's Most Luxurious Fleet enjoy fascinating insights on art, history and culture from expert lecturers as part of the onboard enrichment offering, as well as a scintillating entertainment programme of orchestra, world dance, cabaret and theatre productions in the glittering Constellation Theater.Presenting upwards of 200 performances annually, The Australian Ballet has been a shining beacon in the nation's cultural landscape for almost 60 years through a commitment to spirited style, artistic vibrancy and a love of dance.Viking partners with Cambridge University Viking announced it has partnered with the University of Cambridge to establish a new Professorship aimed at advancing research in the field of polar environmental science. The Viking Polar Marine Geoscience Fund will endow the University's Scott Polar Research Institute with its first-ever fully funded professorship—the Viking Chair of Polar Marine Geoscience. This new post will enhance the scientific leadership at the Institute and will enable the development of new lines of research into the behavior of polar environments, including polar ice sheets, sea ice and ocean circulation. The research fund builds on Viking's existing partnership with Cambridge University's Scott Polar Research Institute, which played a significant role in developing the scientific enrichment program for the company's new expedition vessels that launched earlier this year.Viking's first expedition vessel, the Viking Octantis®, debuted in January 2022 and spent the Austral summer in Antarctica. She is currently sailing toward the Great Lakes region, where she will be based for voyages throughout the Boreal summer. Scientists from the Scott Polar Research Institute—as well as other renowned academic institutions—have been undertaking fieldwork on board Viking Octantis and have joined voyages to share their expertise with guests. A second, identical sister ship, the Viking Polaris®, will join the fleet later in 2022.University of Cambridge specialists were also consulted in the development of The Science Lab on Viking's expedition vessels; the 380-square-foot lab is comprehensively appointed with wet and dry laboratory facilities and supports a broad range of researchAqua Blu relaunches Bali-Komodo expeditions this AprilAqua Blu is returning to Indonesia this April, with group and charter voyages commencing first and departures for individual travelers following in June.Starting with its Bali-Komodo itinerary, Aqua Blu will take guests to explore one of the world's most biodiverse marine ecosystems. There'll be opportunities to snorkel alongside whale sharks and observe pristine coral reefs.For those planning ahead, Aqua Blu will sail Ambon and the Spice Islands from September through till November. While observing the remnants of a colonial past, guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and heritage of these remote destinations. Finally, Aqua Blu will chart a course for Raja Ampat in December  — a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike.Aqua Blu's relaunch will be accompanied by our newest addition, Aqua Mare, which will begin sailing the Galapagos Islands this June as well. Our fifth and final vessel, Aqua Mekong, will return to Cambodia and Vietnam in September.Ponant announces its return to Australia with the Kimberley 2022 seasonPonant is thrilled to announce the restart of its Kimberley 2022 expedition season, following the highly anticipated statement by Western Australia to welcome small interstate and international expedition ships with a maximum of 350 persons to its waters.With operations resuming 28 April 2022, Ponant will offer multiple departures between April and October including two new departure dates for its enormously popular 10-night ‘Australia's Iconic Kimberley' between Broome and Darwin, showcasing the wild and grandiose landscapes of the Kimberley onboard small luxury expedition ship Le Soléal.Highlights on the itinerary include visiting the Hunter River inhabited estuarine crocodiles; discovering the King George River on a Zodiac® excursion and reaching the majestic Twin Falls, the highest in Western Australia; and a visit to Collier Bay to explore Montgomery reef. Sailing along one of the most spectacular coasts in Australia, the Kimberley's falls, savannah, and tidal phenomena promise never to disappoint.Environmentally friendly, fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, Ponant's modern, purpose-built, intimately sized ships offer a unique experience at sea, offering unparalleled comfort and luxury for exploring the region. Le Soléal provides 95% balcony accommodation and offers a selection of world-class dining options, open bar*, a spa and an outdoor swimming pool.Meredith Vieira, christens the Avalon ViewIn Bratislava – surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains – Avalon Waterways christened its 14th Suite Ship in Europe. Acting as the ship's godmother, Meredith Vieira – 15-time Emmy Award-winning host, executive producer and anchor – led the christening ceremony.After reciting her blessing, Vieira cut a rope tethered to the locally produced sparkling wine – Johann Hubert Exclusive – causing the bottle to smash against the newly named ship's bow. Managing Director of Avalon Waterways Pam Hoffee, Captain Ambrose Manolache and the ship's crew of 47 – as well as 75 invited guests that included journalists, travel agents, local dignitaries and tourism boards – cheered the ship's christening.The new Avalon View welcomes travellers aboard with a warm mix of light and dark woods, accented by rich taupe, brown and red décor in public spaces and touches of blue throughout the Suite Ship's Suites and Deluxe Staterooms, inspired by Dutch interior designer Liane van Leeuwen. Original art in common areas is by Dutch artist Eelco Maan and cabin paintings were created by another Dutch artist, Sofie Fisher.Creating wider openings for wide-eyed wonder, Avalon Waterways' Open-Air Balconies were designed with views in mind. A Panorama Suite highlight on all of the Suite Ships of Avalon, the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open 11-feet wide in Europe and 14-feet wide in Southeast Asia… wider than any other balconies in the industry. They blur the line between outside and in while forming a comfortable and spacious seating area without compromising room space. As a result, Avalon guests can enjoy 100 per cent of their Panorama Suite, 100 per cent of the time.Throughout the 2022 cruise season, the new 443-foot, 166-passenger Avalon View will sail the Danube River on several itineraries including Taste of the Danube, Danube Symphony, Active & Discovery on the Danube and Gone Girl! (a storyteller series cruise with celebrity host, Gillian Flynn).PLUSAustralian Travellers can now earn Qantas Points when booking a Globus family of brands (GFOB) holiday, after the company announced a partnership with Qantas Frequent Flyer, to offer new and exciting travel rewards.From today, GFOB customers who are also Qantas Frequent Flyers will have the opportunity to earn 1 Qantas Point per dollar on Globus and Cosmos coach tours and 2 Qantas Points per dollar on Avalon Waterways river cruises.*To celebrate the launch of the partnership, GFOB and Qantas Frequent Flyer are offering double Qantas Points on all eligible GFOB bookings made by 25 May, 2022.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 — April 14, 2022. Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess' restart has been delayed and will not be sailing from Los Angeles this summer. Oceania Cruises has announced that it will be overhauling two of its ships, Marina and Rivera. Jack is retiring from his long-time bar Jack's Shack in Grand Turk. Cruise line stocks were up for CCL, RCL, and NCLH. 

I review and explore Oceania Cruises and looks at what they do the same and different to other similar lines – and why I like them and keep going back to them, and recommend Oceania Cruises to other cruise passengers ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 90 cruises I have done to date.

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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephanie Hersh dreamed of a job in the culinary world, but she never imagined she would have a front row seat to the life of the biggest culinary icon around, Julia Child. Stephanie became Julia's executive assistant in the most unlikely of ways, when a chance phone call came into the secretarial school she was attending after time at the Culinary Institute of America. The only catch? Julia wanted an office assistant, not a starry-eyed culinary school grad. Stephanie talked her way into the job and wound up becoming Julia's right hand for almost 16 years. Today, Stephanie is a chef instructor with Oceania Cruises and is based in New Zealand. She joins host Kerry Diamond to share some of her memories, her thoughts on the film Julie & Julia, and what Julia was like as a boss. Thank you to Mommenpop for sponsoring this episode. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!Listen to Dishing on Julia, The Official HBO Max Companion podcast, here!

Cruise News Today — March 8, 2022. Vision of the Seas resumed service on Monday from Port Everglades. Oceania Cruises set another single-day booking record. Viking Mississippi was floated out at the shipyard in Louisiana. Oceania Cruises set another single-day booking record. Cruise line stocks were down for CCL, RCL, and NCLH. 

Episode 90 In 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 Toscana Support The Show Listen, Like, […]

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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