Podcasts about western mediterranean

With the Ukraine war and the conflict in the Gulf, Algeria finds itself well placed to benefit economically. So Arab Digest editor William Law asked the North Africa and Western Mediterranean energy and security analyst Francis Ghilès to talk about how Algeria can exploit the opportunities and whether a country facing structural economic challenges can get past those challenges to realise the windfalls that wars in Europe and the Middle East are creating. Sign up NOW at ArabDigest.org for free to join the club and start receiving our daily newsletter & weekly podcasts.

Manuela Ceballos' new book Between Dung and Blood: Purity, Sainthood, and Power in the Early Modern Western Mediterranean (University of California Press, 2025) engages with the life and legacies of two sixteenth-century saints; the Spanish Christian Teresa de Jesús (also known as Teresa of Avila) and the Moroccan Sufi Sidi Ridwan al-Januwi. The book draws from rich Arabic and Spanish sources that moves us between Morocco and Iberia. In the process, we learn that these saints both descent from families of converts and as such blood and bodily pollution operated as material and metaphoric symbols to define their identities. Through this generative comparison, we see how constructions of blood and dung circulate across these varied but entangled temporal geographies to constitute notions of impurity and purity, such as in the case of the deathly hemorrhaging experienced by Teresa. In end though blood is used to set different boundaries around religious or racial identities, and even at times gender norms. As such, the discourses that are utilized for such argumentations are not stable, and so blood and how it is deployed is not the same across the stories of these two saints and their enduring legacies nor does it refract power consistently. This book will be of interest to those who think about embodiment, material culture, the early modern Mediterranean world, and Christian-Muslim mysticism. Manuela Ceballos is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Shobhana Xavier is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Queen's University. More details about her research and scholarship may be found here. She may be reached at shobhana.xavier@queensu.ca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Manuela Ceballos' new book Between Dung and Blood: Purity, Sainthood, and Power in the Early Modern Western Mediterranean (University of California Press, 2025) engages with the life and legacies of two sixteenth-century saints; the Spanish Christian Teresa de Jesús (also known as Teresa of Avila) and the Moroccan Sufi Sidi Ridwan al-Januwi. The book draws from rich Arabic and Spanish sources that moves us between Morocco and Iberia. In the process, we learn that these saints both descent from families of converts and as such blood and bodily pollution operated as material and metaphoric symbols to define their identities. Through this generative comparison, we see how constructions of blood and dung circulate across these varied but entangled temporal geographies to constitute notions of impurity and purity, such as in the case of the deathly hemorrhaging experienced by Teresa. In end though blood is used to set different boundaries around religious or racial identities, and even at times gender norms. As such, the discourses that are utilized for such argumentations are not stable, and so blood and how it is deployed is not the same across the stories of these two saints and their enduring legacies nor does it refract power consistently. This book will be of interest to those who think about embodiment, material culture, the early modern Mediterranean world, and Christian-Muslim mysticism. Manuela Ceballos is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Shobhana Xavier is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Queen's University. More details about her research and scholarship may be found here. She may be reached at shobhana.xavier@queensu.ca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Manuela Ceballos' new book Between Dung and Blood: Purity, Sainthood, and Power in the Early Modern Western Mediterranean (University of California Press, 2025) engages with the life and legacies of two sixteenth-century saints; the Spanish Christian Teresa de Jesús (also known as Teresa of Avila) and the Moroccan Sufi Sidi Ridwan al-Januwi. The book draws from rich Arabic and Spanish sources that moves us between Morocco and Iberia. In the process, we learn that these saints both descent from families of converts and as such blood and bodily pollution operated as material and metaphoric symbols to define their identities. Through this generative comparison, we see how constructions of blood and dung circulate across these varied but entangled temporal geographies to constitute notions of impurity and purity, such as in the case of the deathly hemorrhaging experienced by Teresa. In end though blood is used to set different boundaries around religious or racial identities, and even at times gender norms. As such, the discourses that are utilized for such argumentations are not stable, and so blood and how it is deployed is not the same across the stories of these two saints and their enduring legacies nor does it refract power consistently. This book will be of interest to those who think about embodiment, material culture, the early modern Mediterranean world, and Christian-Muslim mysticism. Manuela Ceballos is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Shobhana Xavier is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Queen's University. More details about her research and scholarship may be found here. She may be reached at shobhana.xavier@queensu.ca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/islamic-studies

Manuela Ceballos' new book Between Dung and Blood: Purity, Sainthood, and Power in the Early Modern Western Mediterranean (University of California Press, 2025) engages with the life and legacies of two sixteenth-century saints; the Spanish Christian Teresa de Jesús (also known as Teresa of Avila) and the Moroccan Sufi Sidi Ridwan al-Januwi. The book draws from rich Arabic and Spanish sources that moves us between Morocco and Iberia. In the process, we learn that these saints both descent from families of converts and as such blood and bodily pollution operated as material and metaphoric symbols to define their identities. Through this generative comparison, we see how constructions of blood and dung circulate across these varied but entangled temporal geographies to constitute notions of impurity and purity, such as in the case of the deathly hemorrhaging experienced by Teresa. In end though blood is used to set different boundaries around religious or racial identities, and even at times gender norms. As such, the discourses that are utilized for such argumentations are not stable, and so blood and how it is deployed is not the same across the stories of these two saints and their enduring legacies nor does it refract power consistently. This book will be of interest to those who think about embodiment, material culture, the early modern Mediterranean world, and Christian-Muslim mysticism. Manuela Ceballos is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Shobhana Xavier is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Queen's University. More details about her research and scholarship may be found here. She may be reached at shobhana.xavier@queensu.ca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

Manuela Ceballos' new book Between Dung and Blood: Purity, Sainthood, and Power in the Early Modern Western Mediterranean (University of California Press, 2025) engages with the life and legacies of two sixteenth-century saints; the Spanish Christian Teresa de Jesús (also known as Teresa of Avila) and the Moroccan Sufi Sidi Ridwan al-Januwi. The book draws from rich Arabic and Spanish sources that moves us between Morocco and Iberia. In the process, we learn that these saints both descent from families of converts and as such blood and bodily pollution operated as material and metaphoric symbols to define their identities. Through this generative comparison, we see how constructions of blood and dung circulate across these varied but entangled temporal geographies to constitute notions of impurity and purity, such as in the case of the deathly hemorrhaging experienced by Teresa. In end though blood is used to set different boundaries around religious or racial identities, and even at times gender norms. As such, the discourses that are utilized for such argumentations are not stable, and so blood and how it is deployed is not the same across the stories of these two saints and their enduring legacies nor does it refract power consistently. This book will be of interest to those who think about embodiment, material culture, the early modern Mediterranean world, and Christian-Muslim mysticism. Manuela Ceballos is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Shobhana Xavier is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Queen's University. More details about her research and scholarship may be found here. She may be reached at shobhana.xavier@queensu.ca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States podcast! In this episode, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with veteran sailor John Slingerland to explore a life defined by the wind and waves. From single-handed offshore races to building a sailing-centric retirement, John shares the hard-won wisdom of a lifetime at sea.The Magic of Sailing: John discusses the simple, "great feeling" of being pushed by the wind and the awe of commanding a complex piece of machinery on the open water.Offshore Challenges: Discover the intensity of the Marion to Bermuda Race, including the "1-2" format—sailing to Bermuda with a partner and returning entirely solo.Legendary Voyages: John recounts his journey from a nine-year-old camper to a retired lawyer who circumnavigated the North Atlantic and cruised the Western Mediterranean.The Bluewater Sailing Club: Learn about the community and social benefits of joining a sailing club, including John's experiences leading ambitious trips to Newfoundland, the Bras d'Or Lakes, and the Caribbean.Preparation and Self-Sufficiency: Get practical tips on preparing a boat for offshore passages, managing gear failures, and the importance of having manual backups like battery-operated navigation lights.Whether you are an aspiring ocean racer or looking for ways to anchor your retirement in adventure, John's stories offer both inspiration and practical advice. We dive into the realities of "combat conditions" at sea, the importance of vetting your crew, and how to stay connected to a community of like-minded sailors.Bluewater Sailing Club: Explore their website and the Beacon newsletter for upcoming cruises and events.Marion Bermuda Race: An informal cruising race with a strong tradition of celestial navigation.Offshore Passage Opportunities: A resource for connecting boat owners with experienced crew.If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the Like button on your favorite podcasting app!YouTube: Find us on the Sailing and Cruising channel.Email: sailingtheeast@gmail.comGuest Suggestions: Know someone with a great sailing story? Reach out and let us know!Happy Sailing!Bela and MikeKeywords: Sailing podcast, East Coast cruising, ocean racing, Marion Bermuda Race, Bluewater Sailing Club, offshore passage, sailing in retirement, John Slingerland, Bela Musits, Mike Wasserman, Newfoundland sailing.Episode HighlightsWhy You Should ListenKey Resources MentionedConnect with Us

Manuela Ceballos' new book Between Dung and Blood: Purity, Sainthood, and Power in the Early Modern Western Mediterranean (University of California Press, 2025) engages with the life and legacies of two sixteenth-century saints; the Spanish Christian Teresa de Jesús (also known as Teresa of Avila) and the Moroccan Sufi Sidi Ridwan al-Januwi. The book draws from rich Arabic and Spanish sources that moves us between Morocco and Iberia. In the process, we learn that these saints both descent from families of converts and as such blood and bodily pollution operated as material and metaphoric symbols to define their identities. Through this generative comparison, we see how constructions of blood and dung circulate across these varied but entangled temporal geographies to constitute notions of impurity and purity, such as in the case of the deathly hemorrhaging experienced by Teresa. In end though blood is used to set different boundaries around religious or racial identities, and even at times gender norms. As such, the discourses that are utilized for such argumentations are not stable, and so blood and how it is deployed is not the same across the stories of these two saints and their enduring legacies nor does it refract power consistently. This book will be of interest to those who think about embodiment, material culture, the early modern Mediterranean world, and Christian-Muslim mysticism. Manuela Ceballos is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Shobhana Xavier is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Queen's University. More details about her research and scholarship may be found here. She may be reached at shobhana.xavier@queensu.ca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manuela Ceballos' new book Between Dung and Blood: Purity, Sainthood, and Power in the Early Modern Western Mediterranean (University of California Press, 2025) engages with the life and legacies of two sixteenth-century saints; the Spanish Christian Teresa de Jesús (also known as Teresa of Avila) and the Moroccan Sufi Sidi Ridwan al-Januwi. The book draws from rich Arabic and Spanish sources that moves us between Morocco and Iberia. In the process, we learn that these saints both descent from families of converts and as such blood and bodily pollution operated as material and metaphoric symbols to define their identities. Through this generative comparison, we see how constructions of blood and dung circulate across these varied but entangled temporal geographies to constitute notions of impurity and purity, such as in the case of the deathly hemorrhaging experienced by Teresa. In end though blood is used to set different boundaries around religious or racial identities, and even at times gender norms. As such, the discourses that are utilized for such argumentations are not stable, and so blood and how it is deployed is not the same across the stories of these two saints and their enduring legacies nor does it refract power consistently. This book will be of interest to those who think about embodiment, material culture, the early modern Mediterranean world, and Christian-Muslim mysticism. Manuela Ceballos is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Shobhana Xavier is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Queen's University. More details about her research and scholarship may be found here. She may be reached at shobhana.xavier@queensu.ca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies

A midterm poll, conducted by GBC with Mediatel, suggests a significant swing - in voting intentions - to the GSD, but it's still all to play for ahead of the next election due to the many who don't know how they'd vote. At the midway point in the electoral cycle, we asked over 1,000 respondents about their voting intentions in face-to-face interviews over nine days earlier this month. News editor Christine Vasquez went over the findings. Kelly-Anne Borge is hosting today's episode because the Gibraltar Today presenter and Senior Broadcast journalist Jonathan Scott is leaving GBC to take up the post of UK representative and head of Gibraltar House in London, previously held by Dominique Searle. We spoke to Jonathan in the studio from a different mic than what he's used to.Local researcher and advocate for wildlife and conservation, Professor Julia Fa, will deliver her inaugural Beacon Professor Lecture tomorrow at the University of Gibraltar. Her talk, titled “Edge of Two Continents: Enabling People and Nature Across the Western Mediterranean”, will explore how people and nature can coexist sustainably across the region.Our Sports recap with Robin Sheppard-Capurro is dominated by the international football fixtures this weekend, as the GFA took on Croatia which ultimately ended with a loss 3-0. This weekend also saw the end of the paddle tournament, and the third event hosted by the Gibraltar Shore Gigging and Spinning Fishing club.The Nautilus Project, the marine conservation charity, is teaming up with podcaster Michelle Rugeroni to create a new Nautilus Podcast, bringing you marine science from all around the world. The charity's marine biologist Lewis Stagnetto and presenter of the podcast Michelle Rugeroni told us more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where do we get our stuff from? This week, Technology Now is diving into the subject of supply chain. We explore what different people along the value chain care about, the types of disruptions modern day supply chains face, and we explore how AI can be integrated into the world of supply chain to mitigate unexpected shocks.This is Technology Now, a weekly show from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Every week, hosts Michael Bird and Aubrey Lovell look at a story that's been making headlines, take a look at the technology behind it, and explain why it matters to organizations.About Mark Bakker: https://www.hpe.com/uk/en/leadership-bios/mark-bakker.htmlSourcesDoor to Door: The Magnificent, Maddening, Mysterious World of Transportation by Edward Humes. Copyright © 2016 by Edward Humes. Reprinted courtesy of Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.https://www.persee.fr/doc/paleo_0153-9345_2016_num_42_2_5718https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/renfrew-dixon-and-cann-reconstruct-ancient-near-eastern-trade-routesKhalidi, L. et al., 2016, The growth of early social networks: New geochemical results of obsidian from the Ubaid to Chalcolithic Period in Syria, Iraq and the Gulf, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports,Volume 9, Pages 743-757, ISSN 2352-409X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2016.06.026.Gendron, F., et all., 2019, The evolution of obsidian procurement in ancient Oaxaca, Mexico: New data from the Sistema 7 Venado architectural complex, Monte Albán. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. 23. 583-591., Tykot. R. H., 1996, Obsidian Procurement and Distribution in the Central and Western Mediterranean, Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology 9.1 (1996) 39-82

Nobody knows her real name. But this "Uncontested Pirate Queen of the Western Mediterranean" certainly earned her title: the Sayyida al Hurra, the Free and Independent Woman. From child refugee fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, to ruling Governor of Tetouan, to the Sultana of Morocco - Sayyida was never one to follow the path society had laid out for her. Author Laura Sook Duncome helps us uncover the mystery of the one and only actual Pirate Queen. Music featured in this episode provided by Farya Faraji, Astron, The Tides, Doug Maxwell, The Mini Vandals, and Patrick Patrikios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Vacay, Sophie Jackson is joined by Jenni from Helloworld Vermont South to explore the magic of a 9-day Western Mediterranean cruise with Norwegian Cruise Lines.  Starting and ending in the vibrant city of Barcelona, this journey is packed with unforgettable stops, from the glamour of Cannes to the artistic heart of Florence, the historic charm of Rome, and the island vibes of Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza. Jenni shares insider tips on making the most of each destination, onboard highlights that make Norwegian Cruise Lines stand out, and why a Mediterranean cruise is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're dreaming of cultural wonders, breathtaking coastal views, or indulging in world-class cuisine, this episode has it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textThe Joy of Cruising  is delighted to welcome sisters Juliet & Janice, creators of Cruise Sisters. The Cruise Sisters brand launched in 2015.  I am pleased to note that Juliet and Janice are our first guests from Germany. The Cruise Sisters love traveling, especially at sea, and have been cruising together since 2009. They  have been on over 65 cruises, and through their blog offer suggestions for different cruises, their top activities on sea days, insider tips for local highlights ashore and take us with them on their  travels virtually on Instagram.The Cruise Sisters are independent and stress that they only write about our their own impressions vowing to remain authentic and honest. They are not a partner of a travel agency and do not sell anything via affiliate links, stating, “We just want to help other travelers with our experiences when choosing their next cruise and, above all, encourage readers to try out a new cruise line. We try to stay as unbiased as possible.” Janice is Juliet's older sister. They point out, “Despite our age difference, there is nothing better for us than traveling together. We love traveling the world with our family, because cruising is such a nice way to spend time together and at the same time each individual can join in activities they like. We love to get to know the cultures, to try the typical food and to immerse ourselves completely in the world of cruising.”The Cruise Sisters have also published a travel guidebook to the Western Mediterranean in 2020, but it is only available in German. The book focuses on port cities in the western Mediterranean and reveals their favorite spots and insider tips. Barcelona, Genoa, Marseille, Naples, Nice, Palma and Valencia, for example, are perfect for exploring on your own during a day ashore. In addition to interesting facts Relying on ship wifi is slow, unsecure, sometimes not available & at foreign ports travelers don't want to pay their carriers' high fees. Save $ with GigSky! Get a data package usable on the ship & in ports. Link to GigSky: https://gigsky.pxf.io/nloxor. For a 10% discount use code: joyofcruisingWellness Thru Reading Greetings and salutations book lovers. Welcome to Wellness Thru Reading. A podcast...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSupport thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/newSupport Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulthContact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.htmlBook Cruises https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingPodcast-BookACruiseUS Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast)The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingCruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterruptedThe Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgainIntl Orders via Amazon

In 215 BC as Scipio witnesses his city's desperate struggle to stave off collapse and rebuild its shattered military, Rome focuses its Legions on holding the line against Hannibal in Campania. Only to see its prospects in the Second Punic War grow darker when two foreign powers, Macedon and Syracuse, form alliances with Carthage to bring the Republic to its knees. Triggering the eruption of new theatres of war engulfing much of the Western Mediterranean and despite some surprising successes abroad, the Romans unable to stop Hannibal from conquering more of southern Italy.  If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory Check out A History of Italy podcast: ahistoryofitaly.com

On today's episode, Dr. Laurena White and Michelle discuss the importance of preparing the body for pregnancy, especially for women who have irregular menstrual cycles or reproductive health issues. Dr. White emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that combines traditional and Western medicine. She shares stories of women who were told they had premature ovarian failure but were able to conceive naturally with the right support. Dr. White also discusses the misconception of a 'geriatric pregnancy' at age 35 and the importance of making lifestyle changes to create a healthy environment for conception.   Episode Takeaways:   Integrative care and a holistic approach to healthcare are essential for providing comprehensive and effective treatment. Unexplained infertility requires thorough examinations and consideration of both male and female factors. Birth control can have long-lasting effects on the body and may require time for restoration before attempting to conceive. Preconception care is crucial for optimizing fertility and should include lifestyle changes and seeking the right practitioners. Finding the right practitioner who listens and takes a personalized approach is key to a successful fertility journey.  Preparing the body for pregnancy is crucial, especially for women with irregular menstrual cycles or reproductive health issues. A holistic approach that combines traditional and Western medicine can be beneficial in optimizing fertility. Making lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep, nutrition, and stress management, can create a healthy environment for conception.   Guest Bio:   Dr. White is obsessed with health, wellness, and most importantly...healing. In 2018, when she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey and centered her firm around an integrative womanist ethic of care, she had a vision that bonafide healing of chronic, complex health conditions ought to be more attainable, inclusive, and (yes)enjoyable. Within a few years of launch, she had grown a profitable, bootstrapped firm with a full-time team of one to a 15-person team in two additional locations in the Washington, DC metro area.    With over 20 years of service and experience in the field of women's health ranging from labor support doula to obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive endocrinology/infertility including acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, she is a positive disruptor. As the Chief Operations Officer of The Eudaimonia Center, an integrative reproductive medicine and women's health firm, she leads a team that facilitates the health, wellness, and healing of complex women's health challenges including but not limited to uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and fertility challenges without the use of unnecessary pharmaceutical drugs (including synthetic hormones and painkillers) and fruitlessly invasive surgical interventions. In a country whose healthcare system falls woefully short of addressing the comprehensive needs of “the least of these”, namely Black women and their children, she aims to revolutionize the industry one healing experience at a time by being fertile ground in a barren land.    While building a firm may have looked effortless from the outside, starting a business with no resources or funding quickly forced her to realize that early-stage entrepreneurship was anything but transparent. She began documenting her experiences and learnings while focusing on helping more women learn about integrative health, the womanist ethic of care, and the true meaning of healing. She has reimagined what comprehensive women's healthcare could and should be.  As a result, she integrated her firm by forming a synergistic flow between conventional medicine and traditional medicine modalities, so the care women receive is not only transformative, but it's also restorative.    Social media Facebook - The Eudaimonia Center  Instagram - @theeudaimoniacenter  LinkedIn - Laurena White, MD, MPH, DiplAc Twitter - @eu_daimonism  Website link - https://laurenawhite.com/ Podcast: https://womenshealthwisdomandwine.buzzsprout.com/     For more information about Michelle, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com   The Wholesome FertilityFacebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/   Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/     Transcript:   Michelle (00:00) Welcome to the podcast, Dr. White. I'm so excited to have you today.   Laurena White (00:03) Thank you so much, Michelle. glad to be   Michelle (00:06) So Lorena and I spoke on her podcast. She had me on her podcast, Women's Health, Wisdom and Wine. She loves wine and I do too. And she actually just came back from Paris. So I'm sure you've had some good wine there. And Lorena, if I may call you Lorena, Dr. Lorena, I feel like you're a friend, so I'm calling you Lorena. Yeah, so she's incredible. She has such an incredible story. when   Laurena White (00:20) Definitely.   Of course, yes. Yes, we're colleagues, yes.   Michelle (00:34) talked to her, met her the first time. I actually, before even meeting her, I took her class on fibroids and it was such a great class and I remember recognizing her and your story is so amazing. And I would love for you to share your story because I think it's fascinating. What I love about your story specifically is first of all, you've been to Cuba, which is freaking awesome. But then also the fact that you have   Laurena White (00:56) Yes.   Michelle (01:00) like a foot in both worlds of Western and Eastern medicine and really integrate those two. And also what I love about you is that have a different approach. You really look at people as a whole and really spend time to get to know them and listen to them. It's just, I if I can clone you, like, it would be awesome.   Laurena White (01:04) Yes.   Trust me, I'm working on it. I am trying to clothe myself because I really do feel like how we practice and how our firm works is how I feel and this isn't with no hubris, but how medicine should be. And I honestly believe that we are better together. And so often it's us versus them. And that's not just in medicine, but it's almost in everything. There's just these power dynamics that are not serving.   Michelle (01:31) Yes.   Laurena White (01:46) the people or the population that we desire to serve, they're trying to serve others' egos. And that's one of the things that frustrate me. That's why I integrated our firm, because I truly do believe in an integrative approach to care. And we have added a womanist ethic of care to that component that takes it even a notch further. And so the original question was kind of telling how I got started or how I got from there to here.   Michelle (01:51) Mm   You have to tell your story because it's so cool.   Laurena White (02:12) I'm gonna try to summarize it as quickly as possible. I always knew I wanted to be a physician. I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician. But once I got to my Peds rotation, I realized I love the children, but I could not stand their parents. And that wasn't going to end up with a good career for anybody nor happy families. And I didn't think I was interested in...   women's health from the OB -GYN perspective, just because I thought who wants to look at vaginas all day? Like that's just not seemed like something that I wanted to do. However, when I got to that rotation, I started with OB and life changed. Literally my life changed because from even before I helped deliver a baby, it was about, I had been exposed to women's health. had been involved with women's circles in my own family.   through vaginal steaming, I had been a doula, labor support doula, so I had been around that aspect, but I realized there's so much more to conception and childbirth, and that 10 months in between, there's so many things that can go wrong, and we don't even talk about those aspects. And so really being able to bear witness to that miracle of birth, I realized that the word miracle is exactly what that is, because we only see those perfect endings.   when we're on the outside, don't see the everything that goes on in between and what a lot of moms have to go through, not just to get pregnant, but to stay pregnant. And so really being able to bear witness to that miracle of birth, it brought tears to my eyes. And I started wearing goggles because my colleagues are like, you cry at every birth, suck it up. And I was like, and I, you know, I tried, I was like, why do I do this? I was like, why do I cry every time?   Michelle (03:52) I'd be the same.   Laurena White (03:56) But it's, mean, I'm a softy, I'm in love with love, and I think that, you know, mother -child relationship, you know, it's it's overpowering, it's overwhelming in terms of how intensely bonded that can be when it's healthy and when that whole process just unfolds right in front of your eyes from the time someone, you know, tells you, hey, I'm pregnant, or I think I'm pregnant, to the time, like, you're literally holding that baby in your hands, presenting them to their parent.   So it was amazing. And so by the time I got to my Gain rotation, I also realized, hey, this is so much deeper than I thought it would be. It's about education. It's about empowerment. It's about making sure people know their body parts. And not just with 12 and 13 year olds, but also with 41 and 42 year olds who have had children and still don't know where babies come from. And so I was like, I can be an educator as well through this process. And it   that was also empowering for me because I knew there was still work to be done. So in between those things, I worked for a federally qualified health center, loved my job, but it was burning me out. I was a sister, a friend, a transportation, a social worker, interpreter. The good thing that I do speak more than one language, so that helped. But it was just a lot for what was supposed to be a basically checkup appointment or an annual visit or.   you know, something like that, and it turned into a lot of other things. And when you're helping the indigent and the English as a second or fourth language, and those who just are either immigrants or underhoused or unhoused, I mean, it's just, it was just a lot. And as much as I, my personality doesn't have a switch off valve to say, okay, this is outside your lane.   it sees a person who needs help and it's like, okay, you're the one here and they're asking for you and they're sitting in front of you now. So do something. But I was quickly getting burnt out because there was just so much every single day that I was getting home just exhausted. Happy that I was able to do the things that I was able to do, but still just really, really exhausted and burnt out because there wasn't enough time for me, my family, or the other things, aspects of my life that were also important. And   After that, I was like, I also wanted to get out of Pennsylvania. And so I wound up working for the Surgeon General during the Obama administration. I was a women's health consultant there and one of the sweetest jobs I've ever had in life. That was after though, I came back from Cuba. I lived in Cuba for six years. And then I lived in Haiti for two years. And that's where I realized what kind of physician I wanted to be. So Cuba and Haiti back to Pennsylvania, then DC and...   When the administration changed, everything for me changed. I knew I could no longer stay in working in that administration the way that I had been. My job was not secure. Things were changing at a pace that wasn't healthy for me, wasn't healthy for my position, it wasn't healthy for my reputation. And so I realized, hey, it's either gonna, you're gonna either go back and get an MBA or you're going to open up your own firm and figure it out.   Going back to school, I'm a nerd and I love studying. I love all those things. So going back to school was not even a big deal for me. I had already gone back to school to become an acupuncture. So going back to school again to get an MBA was just par for the course for me. But I realized I wanted to do this and I knew knew how to take care of my clients, my patients. So I was gonna start there. And that's what I did in 2018. We opened up our own firm. I opened up my firm   started with me and three other part -time people and practitioners, and now we're up to 15, plus myself, and we have two locations, working on our third. So yeah, it's been a whirlwind. It's been, it's like all these good things. It didn't necessarily start off that way. Like the first three months when I opened the door, I was like, where are all the people? They say you build it and they'll come. And that is not how it works.   Michelle (07:39) It's amazing.   Yeah. Yeah.   Laurena White (07:57) You build it and you spend a lot of time looking at the window wondering is the electricity, know, is the phone jack working? You pick it up. Okay, there is a dial tone. So the phone does work The doors bolted shut like what is going on and It just is one of those things like you know building something from the ground up is just not the what you see in the movies There's a lot of heartbreak. There's a lot of other kind of stuff that goes into that but it never has been not rewarding and it definitely   built my character in ways that I didn't know I needed building. Patience is not one of my virtues, and so that definitely showed me, know, dig deeper and harder and into making the thing that I wanted to see come to fruition fully become what it is now. And it's growing.   Michelle (08:41) Awesome. And also, I mean, really based on your background, I imagine there's not a lot of places like yours.   Laurena White (08:48) that I know of. When we started, one of my mentors was in California and she was shutting down her, shuttering her whole office because she's like, it's too much work, know, between trying to do all the integrative aspects of things and then insurance. And it was wild. And so just when I was opening up, we had been talking for maybe three or four months and she's like, I can't do this anymore because it's just too much work. And I was thinking, know, in California where everything is so progressive and everybody is,   what I feel is already advanced and she's having issues. What is that going to mean for me? But I realized I believed in what we do, the work we do, how we do it, our approach. And I bet on myself and I still continue betting on myself because I don't believe that we're, you we got this far just for it to be a flop or a failure. I believe we're steadily growing and people are steady realizing that there are other options. Even if it's not us, there's something else out there.   And I think part of that is realizing that it doesn't have, you don't have to be stuck in the same Western medicine system, not being valued, not being seen, not being heard. And with us, you've seen, and valued. And I think everyone deserves that. And as people are starting to realize that they're becoming empowered and whether they choose to work with us or somebody else, they're realizing that they have other decisions that they can make and they don't have to be stuck in a rut.   with providers and practitioners that aren't taking care of   Michelle (10:12) I think that's huge because I think most people don't really think that they have an option or they just think they don't even know that anything else exists. so talk about that. Like what's the ideal way a patient should feel like when they come in, like what are the things that should be looked at? Cause I, from what I hear a lot is that people want to get like certain   worked on or more blood worked on, say, you know, their TSH is off and they want to do a full thyroid, there's a lot of pushback from their doctors or, you don't need that. this is fine. And then sometimes even other intuition, they're like, no, I feel like I need something. And then later on, they find out that intuition was right. They had like a hunch and you know, that's it's a real thing intuition, you know, so, so talk to, because I want people hearing this.   Laurena White (10:46) Mm Yeah.   Right.   Yeah.   Michelle (11:05) that are really on the journey, they're going through all of this. I want them to know like what they can have, what should be the quality of care that they should be receiving.   Laurena White (11:05) huh.   Absolutely. And I think that you hit the nail on the head is that, especially as women, we have that thing, whether you call it intuition or a feeling or whatever you want to call it, it's there. And a lot of times we ignore it because it doesn't fall in the parameters of what everyone else is saying or what the doctor told you or what your friends tell you or something else. But you're constantly being told, no, you're normal or you're fine or it's something else other than something that you know.   Michelle (11:44) It's like a dismissal. Yeah.   Laurena White (11:45) It'd be off. Yes, complete, yes, that's the word, dismissal. And that's where the womanist ethic of care comes into place, is that when you tell us there's something off and I can't pinpoint it based on my diagnostic skills, which I do take pride in, then it's like, okay, then let's figure it out together. What have you tried? What works? What doesn't work?   I'm not one for just running a bunch of tests either, just for the sake of running tests, but I also realized that with blood work, physicians primarily get reimbursed on the basic blood work. There are other blood work that is so expensive that is not covered by insurance and it's out of pocket. So they don't run those because they're not going to get reimbursed. Or they're looking at normal ranges. If it's between this and this, it's falling in the normal range, but they're not looking at ratios.   And so you're getting your blood work panel back and it says everything's in the normal range, but some of those ranges are not in the normal ratio. So when you're just looking at numbers and everything says normal and they're just saying, okay, everything's normal, but the ratios are off, that's an explanation for potentially some of the conditions or the symptoms that one is experiencing. But also are they even running the right tests? And if they're not running the right tests or the correct tests in order to make the accurate diagnosis,   they're going to continue telling you that there's nothing wrong. Everything's fine to the point of even hinting that it's in your head or you're making it up, which is also one of the things that really annoy me because when someone is telling you there's something wrong and it's not the first time and it's not the complaining Janeys, but someone who does the things and they, and you can see that they've been at this for years, months. Now's the time for me to listen because there's something that's clearly not being addressed.   Michelle (13:09) Mm   Laurena White (13:33) And that's again where the womanist ethic of care comes into place because if I don't have the answer, we're gonna seek and find it together. I do believe I'm a solution finder. I don't call myself a problem solver because who wants to chase problems? I don't. I wanna find solutions. Yes. Yeah. I mean, who wants to, you run away from problems. You don't run to them, but you run to solutions. And so when we're working together, talking about your symptoms, really asking the questions that we learned.   Michelle (13:42) Love that.   I love that though. Solution Finder. That's awesome.   Yes.   Laurena White (14:02) in acupuncture school that we never ask in Western medicine. We're talking about your sleep, your diet, when you eat, how you eat, your bowel movements, your urinary habits, your sleep, whether you dream, are you how to call all these idiosyncratic questions that are never asked in Western medicine, but they're more comprehensive because if you have trouble falling asleep or trouble staying asleep mean two completely different things. And when we just ask,   Michelle (14:30) Mm -hmm. Right.   Laurena White (14:31) How are your periods? And someone says, okay. Okay, regular, good, mean absolutely nothing to me because it tells me nothing about you. When I ask you how are you sleeping and you're saying, fine, I don't know what time you go to bed. I don't know what time you wake up. I don't know if you wake up three times in the middle of the night. I don't know if you're having hot sweats in the middle of the night. Are you dreaming? Are your dreams vivid? How many times are this happening per night? Some people think that if they're dreaming, it's a good thing. But when you're dreaming and you remember your dreams,   you might as well be awake. So you're not waking up well rested because your mind is still going. Your mind is still engaged, just like where my mind is engaged right now as I talk to you. So if you're remembering your dreams every single night and they're vivid, you're not well rested. But some people have been thinking, I have a dream every night or I have these very wild dreams. And they're thinking it's something that's a yes, yeah. And it's like, whoa, no, those vivid dreams are actually keeping you from getting a well night.   Michelle (15:20) Right, this is all Chinese medicine, yeah.   Laurena White (15:27) Well rested night sleep and yes, we all dream but for the most part You don't remember them and that means you've been in deep sleep and getting that well rested restorative sleep So they're just nuanced things like that that I find that we do differently and really help us be able to get to the healing aspect of things instead of the symptom chasing things and so When we really take time to ask the right questions to get the right answers. We're able to get results   with clients that have never been able to get results in any other capacity because we're looking at the root cause, the underlying condition, and not just the constellation of symptoms.   Michelle (16:07) For sure. And one of the things that I hear a lot is, you know, the unexplained infertility diagnosis. And I'm sure for you specifically, you're like, wait, because you look at it in so many different ways that you could probably pick up on things that the next OB will not be picking up on.   Laurena White (16:12) Yes. Yeah.   Mm -hmm.   Right. Yeah. Well, I unexplained infertility and we always like to say fertility challenges instead of infertility because that kind of borderlines on like you are sterile and I'm like, and it could be your ovaries. It could be your womb. It could be a lot of different things. So you're just having fertility challenges. And so when I look at unexplained, my thing is, OK, maybe it's unexplained under Western medicine guidelines. But when I look at things, I'm looking at OK.   Michelle (16:33) I know I don't like the word, the I word either.   Laurena White (16:51) Let's look at your period in all its four stages. Is it the follicular phase? Is it the luteal phase? Okay. Is it menstruation? Is it that second part of your follicular phase? Are you ovulating? And is your luteal phase short or long? And are you hot? Are you cold? Like all those different aspects. How healthy are they? So if I look at your cycle length and your cycle length is 21 days, you're probably not ovulating. And if you are ovulating, then your luteal phase is probably super short.   And even if you had a perfect product of conception, there's no place to land. So now we're dealing with, is it your ovaries or is it eaters? So, and then, you know, the other end of the spectrum, if your cycle length is maybe, let's say 45 days, and we're talking still consistent 45 days, then you're probably not ovulating until more toward like day 28, day 30, something like that. But everyone's telling you, you ovulate around day 14. So you're having sex around day 14 and there's no egg there.   you're not getting pregnant. So I think a lot of those things are just the easy things that we don't even, we take for granted. And then when there's irregularities, what is the irregularity and where is it coming from? And I am not an, I'll say it out loud, I'm not an advocate of birth control because it is a synthetic hormone and an endocrine disruptor. And when people are on birth control for years at a time, sometimes decades at a time, it messes up the whole entire menstrual cycle.   not just the menstrual bleeding part, the menstruation part, but the actual day one to day one component. And so some of that work that we're doing is trying to get the cycle to some level of regularity where the person knows, okay, you're ovulating now because why you're looking at your cervical mucus. Some people don't even have any cervical mucus or know when and how to check it. And so those are things that we don't even have to argue about. If you're seeing cervical mucus, now we can time some things because you are ovulating.   If you don't know how to look for those things, now it's my job to help you start ovulating. Or, wow, your cycle length is too short. Or your cycle length is too long. Or you have a blocked tube. All of these things we can work with, but it depends on what you already know about your cycle or don't know about your cycle. And I think unexplained infertility is one of those catch -all phrases because people don't take the time to do the proper examination.   not just physically, but to ask the right questions. And sometimes simply asking the right questions, I find out, your cycles are too short or you're ovulating early, and day 10. And if you're ovulating at day 10, the egg isn't mature enough. Even again, if there's perfect sperm, it's not, you know, it's not gonna be fertilized well enough to implant. Sometimes it's, you know, the uterine lining is too thin because the luteal phase is too short. And then my favorite, sometimes it's not the woman.   Sometimes it's her male partner who refuses to get checked, who refuses to go get a sperm analysis, who does or...   Michelle (19:38) Right. my God. Yes. Totally. Yes. And then I've even heard some some REs not even asking about the husband. I'm like, what? that. It's so bad. It is. It's it's so horrible. Yeah.   Laurena White (19:51) Which is criminal, yeah. To me, that's criminal. Yeah, it's worse than bad because now you have this woman jumping through all these hoops, getting pricked and prodded and poked and stabbed and all these things. And it's like, wait a minute, do we know what your partner's sperm analysis is? Has he had it? he knows his sperm as well. Based on what? Because he can ejaculate? Do you know the contents of   Michelle (20:18) Right, exactly.   Laurena White (20:20) Can you tell me? Can he tell me? Can you tell me what the semen concentration is? Can you tell me what the sperm count is? Can you tell me what the sperm shape is? Can you tell me what the mortality is? If he can tell me those four things every time he ejaculates, then we have no problem. The fact is he can't. And until you get an examination, none of us can. Somebody has to look at those things. And it could be, yes, he has great sperm count, but are they messed up from years   let's say smoking or over a simple thing is he's a avid bike rider and that will aspect sperm. But there things that we can do even with men that are easier than the things that we do with men. They can take their herbal blend and in two months, boom, sperm count is healthy because men make sperm at a different. Yeah, it's just definitely simpler. So it's not as invasive. doesn't require as much. Definitely changing some habits and making some lifestyle changes. But I   Michelle (20:49) Right. Exactly.   Right? Totally. Yeah. It's more simple, for sure.   Laurena White (21:18) that's my biggest pet peeve is that we are still not addressing male and female factor. And when they're both male and female factor issues, both of them need to be addressed. And a lot of times partners are just not willing to do that. And that can be diagnostic in terms of the healthiness of that relationship.   Michelle (21:29) absolutely.   Yes. And also, I mean, I love that you mentioned birth control because so many doctors will put people, including myself when I was younger, like on the birth control pill and be like, okay, when, when you're ready to get pregnant, you just get off and you just try. Right. It's just, no, it does not.   Laurena White (21:44) Mm -hmm.   No, it doesn't work that way. It doesn't work that way. And I wish it would, then we wouldn't have as many of these problems. You could just stay on the birth control pill till you were ready and boom, as soon as you stop taking your pill, everything, but it doesn't work that way. It hijacks your body's endocrine system. And so just because you stopped taking it, it has been a threshold. And I say, if you were on it for six years, it's going to take a lot of intensive work to clear that actual synthetic hormone from your body and   help your body realize what its endogenous hormones are supposed to be doing because they've been unemployed for the entire time that you're on birth control. Yeah. So it's just not that easy. that has not been, don't, people don't necessarily educate clients and their patients about that turnaround time. And they're misinformed. And unfortunately that misinformation leads to potentially some life, life changes and lifestyle changes that aren't taking place.   Michelle (22:26) It's true. Yeah. Yeah, it hasn't been used.   Laurena White (22:48) when they could and should be happening and unnecessary and undue harms when people are trying to conceive.   Michelle (22:56) Yeah, for sure. So for people who are trying to conceive, what are some of the steps they should take with doctors? how should they find the right practitioner? like it's a game changer when you find the right practitioner.   Laurena White (23:07) Yeah. Yeah, I think the first thing is being like, do some research, find out people who had some great relationships, but don't necessarily take that for, you know, the lock, sock and barrel because it could be, hey, this person liked them because they were in and out. They told them what to do, how to do it. And they just did it and they appreciated that. Some people want a little bit more handholding. They want to feel coddled. And I will say the IVF industry or   know, ART as an industry is not about a lot of soft and mushy, cuddly aspect. They're a machine. They get people in so they can get people out and, you know, cycle after cycle. And if your provider is just like, OK, you had had an unsuccessful cycle and they're like, OK, we'll try again next month or we can start again next month. That's a red flag. Your body's not ready. Your body is not ready for another cycle.   Michelle (24:00) my God, I'm so happy you're saying this. Thank you, Lauren. Honestly, that is so important.   Laurena White (24:03) It just is not going to happen. Yes.   Yes. And that's money. Your body is not ready. If you had, let's say you're you went through everything and in what's the month? be in August. August. was an unsuccessful, whether it be a transfer or retrieval. And they're like, OK, we'll try again in September. Your body is so not ready for that experience. And I believe the industry as a whole preys on women and their vulnerable vulnerability and their desperation.   For some women, yes, they undergo five, six cycles and they're successful. I am under the guise that after three cycles, especially with no time in between, enough time for restoration and ability to recover, it's not gonna happen. And does it happen? Yes, absolutely all the time. But like, that's not a guarantee. A lot of people think, I'm gonna do IVF and I'm guaranteed a baby. The answer is you're not. And it costs a lot of money for IVF.   So going back to that original question, what should you be doing? There's a thing called preconception care. How are you taking care of your body before you even start to try to get pregnant? Most people try to like, the moment they're trying, they're like, I'm gonna get healthy once I get pregnant. That is the worst time to start trying any new exercise routine, new dietary lifestyle change. That stuff happens before you get pregnant. That's the first thing.   And then it's the interconception care. What are you doing if you're planning on getting pregnant again? What are you doing during that time? And really being able to do some of these things. Like a lot of people will come to me and they're like, I'm having my transfer today. Can I come in and get an acupuncture treatment or I'm having my transfer today? And I've never seen them before. And my thing is absolutely. But keep in mind, these things work better and best as preconception care. When you've been seeing your acupuncturist, you've been seeing your massage therapist, you've been seeing   you know, sometimes you've been seeing your own mental health therapist before or leading up to trying to get pregnant. And not everybody has this luxury because they get pregnant by accident or it wasn't planned. But for those who are planning or even thinking about it, start working on yourself months ahead of time, at least three. And the older you are, probably six, because your body's doing different things. Your hormones are doing different things. And especially if your hormones or   menstrual cycle is not regular or short or there's some other type of aberration, whether it's long, short, irregular, have fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, all those things. you need a lot more, a lot more time ahead of time in order to make sure that you're prepared for pregnancy. So I think really being able to work with a physician or a provider who is not afraid to work with a traditional medicine provider or team, because again,   We're doing a lot of the heavy lifting that they're not gonna do or they can't do or won't do because all they're gonna do is stick to a protocol. Your injections, it has to be on this day, this time, but the preparation for making sure that that goes well starts three to six months ahead of   Michelle (27:14) Yes. Amen. Cause I do, I do get people come in like a week before their transfers and while yes, it's going to help. Anything's going to help. It's still not the same. I wish I had more time, you know, but you know, what, can you do? Okay. It's like the times pass. We're here now. Like, let's just do what we can.   Laurena White (27:22) Yep. Right.   Not. Yes.   Yeah. Yeah, but that's how they've been educated. But that's how they've been educated. Well, acupuncture can work for transfer or retrieval. And so that's what they do. They find any acupuncturist on the corner or in their neighborhood or, you know, sometimes it's the acupuncturist in the facility that they, you know, they happen to be using for their, A or T or their IVF. And that's they do. Even if that person has no   Michelle (27:43) Mm   Yeah.   Laurena White (27:58) direct specialization in gynecology and obstetrics issues associated with balancing the things that may be off because of IVF. And I think a lot of times we forget that IVF is still a synthetic process. Yes, it's getting into a place, but you're being pumped with hormones at a level that are ungodly in terms of what your body produces normally. They are synthetic.   Michelle (28:15) Mm -hmm.   Laurena White (28:24) And so that's when a lot of women start being sad and depressed and bloating and crampy and angry and mood swings and all these things and water retention. And they're like, I'm just trying to get pregnant. And your body turns into a completely different entity that you are not familiar with because you're undergoing a process that is not natural. That is not in, especially in terms of hormone production that you're getting in ways that your body was never designed to experience.   And yes, it is a means to an end for some people, but there also needs to be a way to balance that so that while this aspect is happening, the Western medicine side has its place, but there also needs to be space created for the traditional medicine side that can balance some of those things while you're going forward toward accomplishing that goal of conception and healthy pregnancy.   Michelle (29:15) Yeah, for sure. also having a little, you know, when you were talking about a breather for your body and just really like supporting the liver, supporting the detoxification of those excess hormones. And because then you allow your body to kind of come back to that homeostasis, it's really important to do that. Our bodies are just not machines. I mean, it's important to respect that the process of our bodies and really what they're going through. And I think that   Laurena White (29:21) Yeah.   Yes.   Yep.   Michelle (29:44) That is something that needs to be thought of for sure. And another thing that drives me crazy, we were talking about the I word, is geriatric pregnancy at 35 years old. I see an eye roll. I knew you were going to feel the same way. It's absolutely ridiculous.   Laurena White (29:48) Wait.   Yeah.   Yes.   Again, we have the finite, yes, we have a finite amount of eggs. That's not that we're not gonna, I'm not gonna even begin to argue about that. But first we need to realize that the egg quality, some of those things were influenced by our moms and our grandmas. So when you were born, some of your eggs are, it was your grandma and your mom's fault. Like that's just, you got what they gave you. But then at 35, yes, things do change a little bit, but it's not a cliff. You're not like dropping off a cliff.   Michelle (30:15) Mm -hmm.   Laurena White (30:30) and everything is dried up and the whole geriatric pregnancy nomenclature is like, how are we doing this? How are we doing this to women and why? And why are you scaring them into thinking that at 35, if it's not done, wrap it up? Because we've seen people, especially with acupuncture, they're in their 50s. They're still menstruating. And I think if you're still menstruating, there's an egg in there somewhere. Again, what the quality is, I don't know.   Michelle (30:37) Just that word. It's like ridiculous. Yeah.   Mm -hmm.   Right. Yeah.   Laurena White (30:59) but there's an egg in there somewhere and are you ovulating? Not sure. But if you believe it and you know, we've done your AMH and we're looking at your FSH and hey, then, and so 52 has been my oldest client that has gotten using her own eggs. But yeah, and she had IVF too, but there were, you know, there were her own eggs and everything else, but we worked together because she needed the extra help that IVF was definitely not going to provide. And.   through that process of nurturing her, building up her yin, building up her kidney function, all those things, things that they're not even beginning to talk about in Western medicine. It's like, you need an egg donor. Based on what? Because she's 50? That's not enough. That is not an answer. Your age is just not enough. And egg quality is a thing. Egg count is a thing. All those are definitely aspects that need to be taken into consideration, but everybody's not born the same.   Michelle (31:29) Mm -hmm.   Right. Yeah.   Laurena White (31:54) So there's premature menopause where you're in your 40s or earlier than your 40s and yeah, you have no more eggs and you hit premature menopause. But that's also not always just because there's signs doesn't mean or symptoms doesn't mean that's the actual diagnosis. Said main client, she came in and they told us she was premature ovarian failure.   and she was hitting early menopause and I looked at her I was like, your constitution, even when she came to the office, I like, just don't think so. Yeah, was like, I mean, maybe, but I mean, cause it does exist, but her pulses and everything were vibrant. She was strong. mean, just constitutionally, she did not look that way. And I said, let's give it three months. And in three months, not only was she pregnant, she's gotten pregnant again after that.   Michelle (32:17) Mm   I know you could see it.   Mm -hmm.   Mm I had the same thing. I had similar stories. It's crazy. Yeah.   Laurena White (32:46) And so my thing, yeah, yeah. And I'm like, why give somebody a, you just told someone who's like, at that time she wasn't even early. She was maybe not even 40 yet. And they were like, yeah, you're premature ovarian failure. You're going to need an egg donor, all these things. I'm thinking, it just didn't resonate with me. And again, could have been 100 % wrong. But my thing is you just need to tweak the things that are in balance.   Michelle (33:02) Mm   Laurena White (33:11) And for her to have a baby and again, natural pregnancy, there was no IVF, there was no nothing. And in three months of working together, not only was she pregnant, we continue working together and she's pregnant again. And it's like, so how do you tell someone that? Yeah, you tell somebody that, but that messes with someone's psyche. Someone who's been planning and thinking, and now they think that they have received what I call a reproductive health death sentence.   Michelle (33:16) Mm Yeah.   Mm -hmm. Amazing. I love those stories.   for sure.   Laurena White (33:39) because not only are their dreams not gonna come true, now they have to reroute everything. And my thing is not only, is it not like, we got one. No, you've had two. And now she's like, I don't want another one. if, she's like, I know definitely working with you. If I don't want another one, I need to make sure my appointments are scheduled sporadically because she's like, you will get us pregnant. And so it's just one of those things like that frustrates me. the nomenclature that we use.   Michelle (33:40) Mm -hmm.   That is so funny.   Well, it's the power of suggestion, right? I mean, you're looking to an authority figure and you're getting this diagnosis and you're like, okay, well, I guess that's my, that's what it is. That's my future.   Laurena White (34:06) Yes, yes.   Mm -hmm. Yep.   That's what it is. Yeah. And it's, it's not only disempowering, but it's also setting someone else up to not believe in themselves, to not understand their bodies in a way that dispel that information or go and conjure. Cause if your doctor says it that, Hey, you're in premature ovarian failure. Why wouldn't you believe   And unfortunately it takes someone like me, our team to be like, I don't know. It could be true, but something's not matching up. And I think so often we get to that place at around 35 where doctors are just quick to say, okay, well, you're going to definitely have to have IVF or you're definitely going to have to have this, or you're definitely going to have to have an egg donor because your body won't do X, Y, Z anymore based on what? yes. Your AMH is a little higher, but that means we just have to work a little harder or a little longer.   Michelle (34:42) Right, exactly.   Laurena White (35:10) to counteract those natural processes of life by helping your body remember what it can do. And that does mean making some lifestyle changes. Yeah, because your body still can do it. It's just saying, hey, it's a lot harder now. But also, what are you willing to do? Are you willing to make lifestyle changes? Stop eating some of the things that you've been eating. Stop going some of the places that you've been doing. Start getting some sleep that you haven't been doing or getting. You may need to have...   Michelle (35:17) Ooh, I love that. I love that.   Yes.   Laurena White (35:39) you know, seven hours of sleep instead of trying to survive on four because you need that restoration for your body, for your cells, for your eggs, for your ovaries. So your body can do that work. You may need to eat different types of food, eat differently. And yeah, maybe you might need a massage or you might need something for stress relief or you might need some acupuncture and some herbal blood. You might need some of those things to help your body recalibrate.   So it knows and remembers what it is capable of doing. But staying on that same path, you're right. It might be a dead end, but there's also a way to turn that around. And when we do those things, anything is possible.   Michelle (36:17) just love that sentence that you help your body remember because it's true. Your body knows your body's so smart and intelligent. It was designed to self -heal. That's really at the core of Chinese medicine. Naturopathic medicine says it too. It's really knowing that even Western medicine, they call it homeostasis. We call it yin and yang balance. But ultimately you create that environment where your body comes back to itself.   Laurena White (36:26) Yep.   Yes.   Mm -hmm. Right.   Yes.   Michelle (36:45) And that's the beauty is that we do have resilient bodies and we have that ability. think that that's just remembering and having that hope that just because it's not showing up that way now or expressing itself that way now doesn't mean it's never going to is just making those shifts. think a big hurdle is really changing habits. People love their habits. They love their routines.   Laurena White (36:49) Yes.   Michelle (37:07) Even if it's not the healthiest, you know, and sometimes even the husbands, like, to try to get them to stop drinking as much or whatever, whatever it is. Yeah. Yeah.   Laurena White (37:08) Alright.   Yes. Or smoking or whatever, or bike riding, whatever, sitting in a sauna, you know, all those different things. Yes, they provide a benefit, but they're not providing the benefit that you need right now. And all of us have habits and all of those habits address some need that we have. Otherwise, they wouldn't be habits, the good ones and the bad ones. We all have vices and yeah, something sometimes they're vices that   Michelle (37:25) Yes.   Yes. Yep. Yeah, it's true.   Laurena White (37:40) air -quilt healthy vices, but sometimes they're vices that we know aren't good for us, but it feeds some type of initial need. But when it's time to do this type of work, which is the growing of a baby, the creation of a baby, we've got to make those shifts because now baby is requiring more of us than we require of ourselves. And I think that's the bottom line is that baby's going to get theirs first. And if you're not ready to create space for that baby to have a healthy environment,   Michelle (37:59) Yes.   Laurena White (38:07) maybe that's not your priority. And I think that's a lot of times when things aren't necessarily happening, it's that wake up call like, I need to take the step back. And some of these things that are self -serving now need that energy needs to go toward serving the baby in terms of not as growth and development, not just in utero, but preconception wise. And I think when people make those shifts, that's their first step in motherhood is doing something in service to   unborn baby, even preconception wise. And when they make that shift, it's like, it starts to, this is motherhood. You know, this is that service to something bigger, bigger than me, which is that pregnancy. And not just for that nine months, but before babies even conceived.   Michelle (38:54) Yeah, no doubt. Amazing. mean, I can talk to you for hours. just, I love the fact that you have, yeah, you have such a beautiful perspective and you really look at like every aspect and kind of like the core of a person, spirit wise, mental wise, physical wise, like in all different ways. And I think it's really cool to have the vantage point that you have of   Laurena White (38:58) Of course, I know I love talking to you.   Michelle (39:21) both worlds. I do believe that the two need to work together because there's benefits from every perspective. For people who want to find out more, you have an amazing podcast. So if they want to learn from you or if they might live close to you and can actually see you in person, how can people find   Laurena White (39:24) Absolutely.   Thank you.   Go to our website, larenawhite .com. That's my first and last name. And we do telehealth visits, so you don't even have to be in the DC metro area. We have a network of providers all around the country. So even if it's not us and maybe you're working with us in some virtual component or remote component, and we'll connect you with a provider in your area who does the work that we do, that we believe in, that we trust, and we coordinate care. So it won't necessarily   Michelle (40:06) Love that.   Laurena White (40:07) disjointed, we definitely talk about, you know, all the different aspects that we just talked about here, just so we're all on the same page and, you know, really working together with you. Because for me, it's more important that our clients receive what they need, even if it's not with us. And I'm not too proud to say like, hey, maybe somebody else can do this better or differently. And maybe I'm not everybody's cup of tea, but I do want everyone to get the things that they need.   Again, the podcast is also on our website and I'll make sure that, you know, the link goes in the show notes as well. And yeah, the ability to work with us, I teach, so I always have courses online as well for providers and clients alike. Sometimes providers want to get information because we do have, we address complex women's health. Yes, yeah, and   Michelle (40:53) True. And we do have a lot of providers listening to this podcast, by the way.   Laurena White (40:58) Because we, again, I have my own set of mentors who I feel like they have gotten, you know, I go to, I study, I love what I do. And I feel the only way to get better is continuing to do the thing that I do well better. Because if I can get great results in three months, what if I could get those same results in two and a half? Again, those two weeks mean something. And so really being able to not only open up my network of other providers who,   Michelle (41:12) Yes.   Laurena White (41:25) not necessarily are like me because there are not many, but if I can find an acupuncturist in your city or state who works with, know, Western Mediterranean providers who are open to that partnership, that's gold. That is gold. I find that it's, it's this challenging. Sometimes people don't, we'll work with everybody because I don't have any shame and I definitely have confidence in my own skill set and I will work with anyone.   Michelle (41:40) Yes, it is gold.   Laurena White (41:53) at the behest of what's best for our clients. And a lot of times other providers, because I do use traditional medicine for a lot, they think it's, I guess, threatening their practice or what they're, know, and in the bigger scheme of things, if we're helping our mutual client get their needs met, who cares who gets the credit? The point is, like, it's just, to me, it's one of those wasted energy aspects because   Michelle (42:12) Mm -hmm. Yeah. Totally. Totally.   Laurena White (42:21) We're not working for our own reputations. We're working for the benefit of the client. And if we're working together, we all win. And so that is my, that has been my, it's because it just, I don't know, to me it's all common sense, but I realized the longer I do this, common sense is just not that common. And there, we're still like, know, you know, egos and all the different other ills of the world.   Michelle (42:28) I love that. This is why I love you.   Laurena White (42:45) And that's the one thing I, you know, is just continue to doing the things and the work that I know works. And again, if you go to the website and the email, you'll be able to find us anywhere. And if we can't help you, then we'll know someone who can.   Michelle (42:57) thank you so much for coming on the podcast and sharing your wisdom. And it was really important for me, for the listeners to hear really what you can get from a   care provider and what you should be getting from a healthcare provider. So thank you so much for coming on today.   Laurena White (43:15) And thank you for allowing me to be your guest. I appreciate it. You know, I love talking to you as well.    

This is a bonus sneak-peak of what I do over on the paid feed: Western Civ 2.0. (The actual paid feed does not have ads.) In this episode, I cover the First Punic War. Rome came consistently close to losing this war to Carthage and it is fascinating to think how different the outcome would have been had that happened. The First Punic War (264-241 BC) marked a pivotal moment in ancient Mediterranean history, pitting two formidable powers, Rome and Carthage, against each other in a struggle for supremacy. The conflict was primarily fought over control of Sicily, a strategically significant island rich in resources. Initially, Rome had little naval experience, while Carthage boasted a formidable navy. However, Rome rapidly adapted, constructing a fleet from scratch and employing a innovative tactic of boarding enemy ships to turn naval battles into land-based engagements, thus neutralizing Carthage's naval superiority.The war witnessed several key battles, including the Battle of Mylae and the Battle of Cape Ecnomus, where Rome secured significant victories. Despite these successes, the war dragged on for over two decades, characterized by a grueling war of attrition and fluctuating fortunes for both sides. The conflict exacted a heavy toll on both Rome and Carthage, with substantial loss of life and resources.Ultimately, it was Rome's perseverance and adaptability that proved decisive. The Roman victory in the Battle of the Aegates Islands in 241 BC forced Carthage to sue for peace. The resulting Treaty of Lutatius effectively ended the war, with Carthage ceding Sicily to Rome and paying a hefty indemnity. This victory established Rome as the dominant power in the Western Mediterranean and laid the foundation for its eventual expansion into a formidable empire, while also setting the stage for future conflicts between Rome and Carthage.Join Western Civ 2.0 (Free Trial)

Carthage encounters a new nemesis that proves to be her match: the Senate and People of Rome. A contest rages for over a quarter of a century that changes the Western Mediterranean forever.

Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Tammy from MSC for this week's cruise chat. If you found value in this video and wish to help this channel. You can send a donation using this link ~ https://bit.ly/KathleenPenner. I have had the privilege of meeting with MSC several times. Here is the playlist. Welcome to a World of Privacy and Luxury. From its elegant suites to its round-the-clock butler service and concierge reception, the MSC Yacht Club offers the kind of first-class experience expected by the most discerning travellers. Environmental excellence Self-sufficient with potable water production, advanced wastewater treatment, solar panels and zero single-use plastic. Year-round cruises in the Caribbean with four ships in summer 2024, three embarkation ports, and brand-new itineraries Caribbean cruises from Port Miami (MSC Seascape and MSC Magnifica) New itineraries to Bermuda or Canada/New England from New York City (MSC Meraviglia) 3 to 7-night cruises from Port Canaveral/Orlando (MSC Seashore) All ships from Northern American ports call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Year-round in the Western Mediterranean. 10 Ships in the summer of 2024, up to 21 Embarkation Ports New Itineraries with Various cruise lengths, from mini to 7-night and longer. Ships in the Med. from April 2024: MSC World Europa MSC Seashore MSC Fantasia MSC Grandiosa MSC Orchestra MSC Poesia MSC Seaside MSC Splendida MSC Seaview MSC Sinfonia . Grand Voyages in 2023 & 204 in a nutshell. There are 37 Voyages vs 2024 Voyages in 2022 & 2023 17 Ships vs 15 Ships in 2022 & 202310 to 30 Nights vs 13 to 30 Nights in 2022 & 2023 Asia, Africa, Europe America 35 Countries vs 50 Countries in 2022 & 2023. The Chance to make a dream come true! MSC World Cruise 2025. On MSC Magnifica. You will visit these ports. AITUTAKI, MOOREA PAPEETE, MARSEILLE, BARCELONA, CASABLANCA, MINDELO, GENOA, CIVITAVECCHIA, NAPLES MESSINA, ALEXANDRIA, SUEZ CANAL TRANSIT, AQABA, SHARM EL-SHEIKH, SAFAGA, BOUNTY, BAY PASSAGE, HANGA ROA VALPARAISO, RAROTONGA, SALVADOR DE BAHIA/RIO DE JANEIRO, BUENOS AIRES, PUERTO MADRYN, PHUKET PENANG, COLOMBO, PORT KLANG, TAURANGA, SINGAPORE, AUCKLAND, BROOME, BAY OF ISLANDS, CHRISTCHURCH, FREMANTLE, SYDNEY, PUERTO MONTT, PUERTO CHACABUCO, USHUAA, STANLET PENNESHAW, ADELAIDE MELBOURNE, EDEN, MILFORD SOUND (cruising Fiordland Park), NAPIER, BUNEDIN. 116 nights, 4 continents, 50 destinations, 7 overnights. The MSC World America is Debuting in Miami in spring 2025, but Reservations for her are open! . Quick Facts of World America Number of staterooms: 2,626 Number of guests: 6,762 Length | Beam | Height: 1,093ft| 154ft|220ft Public space: 430,000 ft Speed (Max): 21.8/22.7 knots. MSC WORLD AMERICA 7 NIGHTS OR 14 NIGHTS From Miami On Saturdays April to October 2025 Miami (Florida) Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas, Cozumel Mexico, Costal Maya, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Isla De Roatan, Honduras, san Juan, Puerto Rico. . Cruise Hospitality and Formula 1 Packages in Abu DhabiCabin Only PackageCabin + F1 Ticket PackageCabin + F1 Experience PackageCabin + F1 Premium Hospitality Package. If you want to learn more about MSC 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. Click HERE to see the images on this week's episode. Search #PlentyofSunshineTravel on Facebook or Instagram to see our posts. . . . #MSC #formula1 #msccruise #msccruises #mscandformula1 #CruiseSpecialist #Cruise #CruiseGuru #TravelAgent #luxurytravel --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cruisingthewavespodcast/message

On this episode of The End of Tourism Podcast, my guest is Macià Blázquez-Salom, a professor at the University of the Balearic Islands, who specializes in the Geography of Tourism, Territorial Planning, Sustainability and Degrowth. He utilizes his teaching and research activity in the environmental movement (and vice versa), and through his activism in the Grupo Balear de Ornitología y Defensa de la Naturaleza (GOB) and Alba Sud.Show NotesMacia's Journey in the BalearicsThe Beginning of Mass Tourism through Currency DevaluationContradictions in MallorcaCocoon Tourism in SpainYou Want to Work in the Balearics, You Have to Sleep in a TentBoosterism and Green BoosterismDegrowth Definitions and ContradictionsImagining Other Modes of TravelImagining Other Modes of ResistanceHomeworkGoogle Scholar: Macia BlasquezOrcid: Connecting Researchers with ResearchersMacia Blasquez's UIB SiteTranscript[00:00:00] Chris: Welcome Macia, to the podcast. From what I've been able to dig up around your life and work that you've been studying, tourism and its contradictions for a very long time. Now, I'd like to ask you what drove you towards a career as a professor and critic of the tourism industry?[00:00:24] Macia: Well, in fact, even before finishing my degree, I was involved in social movements here in the Balearics, in Mallorca, particularly. I was member of the committee of the volunteers collaborating with the GOB, which is the biggest ecologist group. Then by the eighties and perhaps influenced by this collaboration, I decided to study geography and to analyze the relation in between tourism and natural conservation, because by then we had promotion after the tourism boom in the sixties and seventies.The eighties Spain became member of the European Union and some of our politicians, they decided and they were promoting the Balearics as second residents destination for north European people, and this means that investment in the real estate market even increased with foreign people buying second residencies and promoting as well the promotion of more urban development for this purpose.And that was written in the natural areas due to what we call "green" or "gray-grabbing" with new facilitation of land here in the Balearics. And this was the main aim I had to develop my research on this topic, with special planning and natural conservation in the Balearics.Afterwards we had what we called the real estate bubble that began in the nineties and burst in 2008. And that was a period when I was more involved, particularly in the social movements. In fact I feel more related with activism than with academia. After the crisis with my age, I took the decision of giving support to younger people in the social movements and devote more time to the academia with colleagues Ivan Murray or Ernest Canada or Robert Fletcher or Nora Muller, other people who are working in this research group in the University of the Balearics Islands. But I still working with the NGOs Alba Sud, particularly the GOB, and other social movements in this region in the Western Mediterranean region particularly. [00:03:03] Chris: I have some questions regarding these social movements that I think maybe we'll get to in just a bit.But, I'd like to try to offer a bit of context for our listeners in part because before I heard of your name and before I interviewed our mutual friend Ivan, for the first episode of the podcast, I don't think I had ever heard of Palma or Mallorca before, even as someone who had traveled through Europe and many other parts of the Mediterranean.And so I'm curious if you could give us a bit of background on how Palma came to be over touristed, or at the very least, what you've seen come to pass in your time there. I mean, I know it's, it is also historically has a lot of deep importance for the Spanish state and Mediterranean history culture.[00:03:55] Macia: I'm sure you have heard about the dictatorship of Franco in the forties, fifties. Mm-hmm. Fifties. He was given support to the Luther in the second World War. And after the defeat, the technical support he had was coming from Opus Dei, was introducing tourism and real estate business as a way to have foreign direct investment.And as a result, Spain had a very important development of, of real estate business in this new areas particularly related with sun and sea tourist resorts. Perhaps you have heard about Costa Del Sol, Benidorm in Costa Blanca, or Costa Brava in Catalonia. And the same for the Balearic Islands. During that period, in the case of of M we had a huge amount of new hotels being double developed.And they were financed partly by people coming from North Europe, particularly from Germany. There was a novel accumulation of capital in that, in those regions that have had industrial development and investors realized that tourism could be a good business, introducing this way of consuming savings, consuming income for working class people in the UK, in Germany, and this is how in the Balearics we had the development of what we call the tourist boom in the sixties with hundreds of hotel being built up every month really in Mallorca, in Ibiza. Perhaps you have heard about Ibiza, right? [00:05:52] Chris: And this is just to be clear, this is in the first decade of international mass tourism post-war, correct?[00:06:01] Macia: In the Sixties, because the two first decades after the war, our regime, the dictatorship of Franco was defeated. I mean, they were given support to Hitler and Mussolini and Spain was set aside. And the model they were following was self-sufficiency. We became members of the UN United Nations by the end of the Fifties when Franco decided to take this option of promoting foreign investment, making the change of currency with the foreign currencies possible.And it was through devaluation of the peseta, this means that investing from the UK, Germany, or even the United States, or for tourists coming to Spain, visiting our country, was so cheap due to this devaluation of the currency. And this way we had that mass tourism development and mass foreign investment, foreign investment and flows of people coming here for holidays and enterprises developing their activities for profit.This was the beginning and the result were that after all those years, we now have eight hundred thousand tourist beds in the B alearics and we had 16.5 million tourists last year in the Balearics, 2022. And this is a huge amount of tourists for an archipelago that just has. 5,000 square kilometers, 1.1 million inhabitants.Most of our tourists are coming from the UK. Let's say 25%. Germany, another 25%. This means 8 million tourists coming from Germany. Then we have 13% coming from mainland to Spain. And then we have people from Scandinavia, Norway, Sweden Denmark, the Netherlands. They come here looking for sun warm weather conditions during the summertime, particularly during the high season.This is July, August, September. This is when we are having more over crowded beaches, traffic jams in the roads and the touristification of every single place in our islands. Because by the beginning, tourists were going particularly to the tourist resorts. But nowadays the countryside, natural areas, villages and, and even the historical center of the cities is being touristified.You can find boutiques, you can find terraces of bars and restaurants, all of them changing very quickly, the landscape and the way of life of our places. [00:09:17] Chris: At what point in your life did you arrive in the Balearics, in Mallorca, or are you from there?[00:09:23] Macia: I'm from the Balearics. The mother of my father Fr was from Palma. And the parents of my mother were from M and I was grown here. It's quite common in places like Balearics to have roots, to have grown people is not moving that much. Right. I attended my degree and I finished my PhD thesis, and now I have my job here and this is common. We're not moving that much. [00:09:54] Chris: Well, it's a bit of a blessing to hear that there are people in the world still who live in the same place they were born, which is more and more rare. I guess I'm curious, you know, over the course of your life then, in Palma, is there one thing that you might be able to single out as perhaps the most startling or biggest or devastating change that you've seen there?[00:10:19] Macia: Yeah. Well in fact it has to do with my political position during that moment because we had a right wing go government from 2003 to 2007 with Lots of cases of corruption related with mega pr This means projects with a budget higher to 1000 million euros. They were projects to promote highways, to promote big infrastructure, transport infrastructure, a new harbors, enlarging the airport equipment.Instead of refurbishing the hospital, they decided to build a new hospital. And this is nice, but at the same time, they were meeting and we have collected information about those meetings to arrange, Communicating in between big entrepreneurs and politicians. Where and how was that development going to be?And they were changing this information to give advantage to the investors in a way which is nowadays considered as corruption. Many of those politicians are even nowadays in jail because of those cases. And during that period I was involved as a representative, as a volunteer giving support to the campaigns for the right to the island, demanding the politicians and the public institutions and the entrepreneurs not to follow with that promotion which was jeopardizing our land promoting socio-spatial segregation destroying natural habitats. That was the peak of the real estate bubble. Just before 2008 when I was involved. We were preparing something which is called a popular initiative to the parliament.I was myself defending the initiative in the regional parliament which was in fact making a proposal not to allow more enlargement of the transport infrastructure, enlargement of the urban for instance, protection of natural areas. And that moment was particularly stressing, even violent with lots of discussions and pressures with people lobbying.But now I feel I did something nice. We have some successes, therefore it was worth doing that. [00:12:58] Chris: Beautiful. And I'm, I'm curious as well, I guess on a general scale on the island, how has civil society begun to respond? And I mean, we're talking about 60, 70 years now, so, you know, of, of tourism development there.How has civil society, how has the government, the NGOs responded to this over tourism, and what, if any, contradictions do you see in those responses? You've already spoken a little bit about the corruption. [00:13:33] Macia: Yeah, you're right. This is a very good question because I was a young guy perhaps having looked to the situation from an naive point of view.And now that I see it after some time, I understand some contradictions. Perhaps the biggest contradictions that I see now is that, Fighting to promote natural artist protections, for instance, or fighting for a better environment. They took profit of our campaigns to find new ways to earn money, to take profit from the situation. This is to say that nowadays we see how what was the biggest threat, the gray grabbing, is now becoming another model to exploit the land and the people, which is what we call "green grabbing."Capital and entrepreneurs and investors are taking profit of the land that was protected, setting aside urban development to promote a new image of the Balearics as a good refuge for capital investment and for the elites, and this is not that nice. After the time you realized that you were instrumentalized to promote the business of those that are nowadays refurbishing the hotels, a lot of investment is being devoted to the built environment.Because the real estate business is even more profitable nowadays. And as it is becoming scarred because we have stopped the urban growth these houses and these buildings, whatever they will be, perhaps hotels, are becoming more and more expensive and people is being fired. The people is not any long being able to live in the villages because they are becoming too expensive or in the Catholic shelter of the city and people is not being able to follow living in the Balearics and they have to go to live mainland.And this is a contradiction of the natural environment and the quality of life. It's becoming more exclusive. [00:15:59] Chris: Yeah, this was something that our mutual colleague, Ivan, had mentioned to me at some point. He was referring to the way that after the lockdowns, during the pandemic, once the government travel restrictions were dropped, that there was this pattern emerging or seeming to emerge around the stratification of tourism towards elite either travel or investment.So we could call maybe the elitification of tourism and tourism investment. And I imagine that's kind of what you're speaking to now. Is that correct? [00:16:41] Macia: Yeah. they were talking about cocoon tourism. People looking for a secure place to spend their holidays.At the same time, it has to be accessible. At the same time, it has to be sustainable. Now they are talking about circular economy, and the Balearics are leading this labeling, this branding, you know? Mm-hmm. It, it's like we, we are the best in the world to innovate in these terms.We were defending the natural areas. Afterwards, there was a limit of the number of tourists beds. We have eco-tax cuts for the accommodation, which is then invested in mitigating the problems that tourism is provoking. Now we have this circular economy system applied to the hotels that are having public support to invest in energy efficiency.And the result is that we have an elitization, we have elites grabbing built environment, grabbing land. And this promotes socio-spatial segregation in the islands. I imagine that it's the same that has happened in Bahamas or in Hawaii. It's like refugee for capitals and elites looking for security, looking for profitability, away from migration from the south because not that much migration is arriving to the Balearics.The mainland spain is closer to Africa or the Canary Islands. They are much more closer to Senegal, for instance, but not that much amount of boats coming from Africa with migrants looking for better living conditions are coming to the We have many, many marinas with huge yachts, very expensive.And this is another icon, you know, another example of the gentrification of the islands is a tourist gentrification. Second residences, good airport connections. The airport is growing and growing, that they are promoting more enlargement of the airport capacity, highways, rent al car and the local population is being set aside even more if you are not local, if you want to come to the Balearics to work during the high season, perhaps you have to sleep in a balcony or in a tent or in a car.Because it's so difficult to find dwelling, to find, to find accommodation if you are working. Wow. Yeah. Prices are increasing so quickly. Hmm. [00:19:38] Chris: On that note and in the context of these eco taxes and the island becoming a destination for this certain type of elitism I'm also curious about this term that Ivan introduced me to, that precedes a question that he actually wrote in for me to ask you. And the term that he mentioned, which I had never heard of before, is green boosterism or boosterism in general. Perhaps first you might be able to explain what Boosterism is for our listeners.And then secondly Ivan was mentioning this in the context of Spain receiving public funds from the EU in order to redevelop the tourism sector. And so the second question, then what do you think the trajectory of tourism is in Spain with this extra money?[00:20:36] Macia: The original government that allowed different ways to have new incomes coming from the tourist activity. One of them was tourist which is paid by those tourists using legal accommodation in hotels or in short term rental.And they have another way to have this. Income in the regional government, which is if you want to open a new hotel or to create a new short term rental in your house, there you have to pay to have the license. 3,500 Euros per bed is now what it is. With this money, regional government has income, which is not controlled by the central government.Perhaps you have to imagine that Spain is a federal nation, and it has a state, and our state, which is the Balearics is having control over this amount of money which is being collected through this status. In addition to this, as you said, European Union is giving support to the recovery of the Spanish economy with a budget, which is known as next generation.Is the way in which the European Union is promoting boosterism to recover the activity, the intensity I mentioned you before. In 2019, we had 16 and a half million tourists coming to the Balearics, and the result of this boostering after the COVID pandemics was successful as far as we had again, 16 million and a half tourists come to the Balearics in 2022.Therefore, they succeeded in boosting, recovering tourism as the most important activity in the Balearics. Half of our economy is based on tourism, 54% of our GDP. And this is as Ivan told you, something that our authorities are promoting. This is a way in which our politicians have decided to govern, to steer our economy, our society, going back to over tourism, going back to promoting the real estate business related with tourism as many tourists as possible.Promotion in the places where tourists are coming from, particularly Germany, the uk, Scandinavia, or nowadays in the States because we have a new direct fl from Palma to New York since half a year ago. Therefore, boosterism is in this way understood promoting growth. And green boosterism is, related with dressing it with sustainability, with circularity, with security, accessibility and natural areas protection.Greening that is increasing prices for people in Europe. Perhaps Magaluf is well known because it's a tourism destination for spring breakers, as you will say in the states. And nowadays, investment in hotels, refurbishing hotels is multiplying the price of the accommodation per 10. If you paid 40 euros before per night, now you have to pay 400.And this is a mass tourism destination that was popular among hooligans coming from England and nowadays is being gentrified. Through this process of elitifcation. [00:24:36] Chris: It's something that I wonder about from time to time, the increasing costs of travel and tourism being ways of certainly propping up the tourist economy or tourist economies, and then the real costs of tourism and how much of a discrepancy or a difference there is between those two things, right?Because so many of these tourist bureaus and governments and hotels and businesses are claiming that they are now, or at least moving towards charging people this kind of true cost, but certainly the true cost of these things goes well beyond our ability to pay for them in money, in cash, right?There are certain things someone, I think it was Deborah McLaren, someone who's been dealing with these issues for as long as you some, some 20 or 30 years. She said on that episode that there are things that you can sell that you can never buy back.So I'm always wondering about, it's like, okay, well we have these eco taxes and you know, surely, a lot of them just go into the pockets of the rich or the government. But even if they are being spent in good ways is that really a way of being able to measure the consequences and the cost of tourism?And so I wanted to take this opportunity to move a little bit towards the social movements that you've also been a part of there on the island. And to start with this notion of de-growth that seems to usually be set up in opposition to sustainability.Sustainability at the end of the day is really only trying to sustain the industry. You can say that, oh yeah, we're sustaining people and the planet, but insofar as the industry succeeds and then so de-growth a term that in my part of the world. And I think among most tourists is, is kind of a stranger.I think most people have still yet to really understand the depths of this term outside of perhaps over touristed places. But essentially, this manner of considering sustainability as keeping things where they are now, not reducing, not really changing anything, just giving the industry a more long-term success route.I know there's a lot of definitions and opinions on this, so I'll turn it over to you momentarily. But this willingness to shrink the tourist economy, whether it be just a little bit or whether it be to an incredible degree. But there's a lot of different opinions on this.And so de-growth becomes, in the last few years, in the last 10 years, something that really becomes a necessary possibility in the context of over tourism. I consistently come across reports and definitions that kind of vary in extreme degrees from what you've written as being neo Malthusian ideas, all the way to kind of post capitalist goals.And so I'm curious, why do you think there is all of this confusion in regards to the definitions of de-growth, and how much of it do you think is, again, just another form of greenwashing a way of saying, okay, so actually we're gonna change things dramatically on a systemic level, but we're only gonna do so insofar as it serves the industry.[00:28:16] Macia: Well, as you say it's so easy and it's so common greening the industry, the tourism industry, and giving support to those who have the power. And to those who get the benefits in economic terms. You can easily apply many different concepts, sustainability, circularity, or even degrowth.I will say degrowth in terms of having less people traveling, but with higher income. And you can say, okay, this is degrowth. This is fake because it's not considering the roots of the problem. It is perhaps solving environmental problems. This is greening, but i t is increasing inequality.Therefore, how can we make a definition of degrowth in a more appropriate way. There is another author in Barcelona, which is Giorgos Kallis. He's from Greece. He has been working in Barcelona for a long time. He has made a very good definition of degrowth. And he's establishing three particular characteristics of degrowing or degrowth political project.First of all, looking for decreasing the amount of energy and materials per capital. They call it "throughput." Is the amount of materials and energy that you use for your everyday life, or in this case for your tourist activity. This means that if you are traveling with a private jet or you are spending 10 times more water gardening, this is the kind of tourist behavior that has to degrow.This means contraction of the amount of energy and materials, but towards convergence because you cannot ask those not spending big amounts of energy and materials to contract. Those who are more guilty are the richest, you know, those who are spending more. This is the first characteristic.The second characteristic of this, degrowth political project, is that it has to promote redistribution and equity. You cannot consider a solution for tourist destination degrowing in the number of tourists if working class, middle class is being set aside, is being displaced, dispossessed.Therefore, this is the second characteristics. And the third one it is that the political project has to be planned and has to be democratic. People has to agree. Therefore, what is more important perhaps is awareness, the public debate, as you are doing with your podcast.Chris, congratulations. I like it a lot and changing opinions and talking about it and promoting thinking in the long term, not today, for tomorrow, but Jorge Riechmann in Spain is talking about precaution principle, because if you just think about your everyday life and don't consider future generations and people in the south and animals, plants, beings in the world.Therefore, the result is that we are behaving in an unsustainable way. And instead of degrowth, what we are going to have is recession without warning, directly to the collapse. [00:32:08] Chris: Yeah. Or end without end. de-growth, while it's something that you can look up and you can find in academic journals and articles and books, that it also shows up in the social movements. I think most famously among the Association of Neighborhoods for Tourism de-Growth in Barcelona. Barcelona, yeah. Right. And so we interviewed Daniel Pardo, one of the representatives of that group early on in the first season.And just so our listeners know, Spain is by far one of the most overt touristed countries in the world. And so we see, generally, in places like this, in overt Touristed places, a huge amount of backlash, protest, and as well alternatives against or in the face of the tourist industry.And so I'm curious Maia, about what kinds of social movements have risen up in Palma and what shape or form they take and what place you've played in them. [00:33:13] Macia: We like defining that movement in terms of right to the city or right to the land, or right to the island because it's, it is the movement of residents who are defending our rights. Going to the beach or just having access to housing is becoming so difficult. And in Palma there is a movement called Ciutat Por La Vida, the City for Those Who Are Living There. Like in Barcelona, they have trade union of people renting housing because they have organized an association to defend the rights.These are social struggles and we are also including the less favored people. I mean particularly people coming from Latin America or coming from Africa who are suffering the worst working conditions. And you can compare how those moving migrating, because they are looking for better living conditions are considering are considered by the system as those who have not right to do it.And at the same time, the system in this case capitalism is promoting tourists which consists of people who is also moving and perhaps they are even looking for a place to live as well because they are looking for the sun or looking for the culture or the hospitality of Latin community in Catalonia or in And this is not just environmental, it's not just being possible to be solved through greening. It has a social meaning. And it has to do with the system. It has to do with the salaries. It has to do with the model that is being applied to solve the problems. And the model the capitalist system is growth.The model in places such as Spain is more real estate development, more tourists coming. And we are seeing with phenomena such as the climate change or the rising prices of energy and the problems with migration, inequalities, growing inequality, the solution have to be perhaps out of the system looking for post capitalist solutions.And in this terms, degrowth and degrowing tourism.[00:35:52] Chris: Yeah. Sometimes I'll be talking to people here in Oaxaca or in other places regarding tourism and over tourism and what I think the end of tourism is or looks like, right? And certainly towards a certain degree of de-growth. And then I would, you know, also add for me personally abolition. Maybe I don't get that far. Maybe I do. And then someone often says " yeah, but what would we do without tourism," in a kind of angry, knee-jerk response? Right? And the question is always asked as if it's rhetorical, as if the question doesn't actually need to be posed, and if the answer doesn't actually need to be wondered about, right?What would we do without tourism? And I mean mm-hmm. You know, I have to ask the person why that isn't the real question, why you aren't asking yourself, really, what would you and your family and your community dream into the world without having this kind of dependency on this economy that is essentially, extremely precarious and exponentially damaging and destructive.So, in places like the Centro Historical of Oaxaca. And I'm sure in places like Paloma, 50%, over 50% of the economy is tourism. It is extremely difficult for people to imagine things otherwise. But you did mention there are groups in Mallorca that are actively engaging and fighting the tourist economy.GOB, I think one was you mentioned. Yeah. And Alba Sud, which is a little more on the academic side, I think. [00:37:44] Macia: We have designed research projects and they are looking for these bottom proposals from social movements, not that much u p-down from public institutions or entrepreneurs, and establishing as a goal different steps towards a better future. First of all, we decided to talk about a social transformation of the currently assisting tourism.This means that once you identify, for instance, low salaries in the tourism industry, or long day working conditions too much activity demanded to those, for instance, cleaning the rooms of the hotels. That is something that Ernest Canada has been analyzing in Spain in terms of "Kellys" the hotel maids. Therefore, social transformation on tourism, of tourism, of the currently assisting tourism means solving these problems.Or the same with energy consumption. The "throughput" we were mentioning before. It's like being pragmatic with the solutions is looking for short-term solutions to the problem. And then well, the same with biodiversity, for instance, or the same with climate change. But then the question is what about the future?What about he best of the scenarios you can imagine. Your utopia, right? Because I think we will agree with most of the people who is hearing your podcast that a better scenario for the future is having more leisure time. Mm. And leisure means we say cultivating yourself, reading, perhaps listening podcast or cooking for your friends, relatives, taking care of the children, the elderly people.This means some kind of wave that is improving the wellbeing of yourself and those around you. But at the same time, perhaps you are also willing to move and spend the night of out of your everyday life place. Therefore you visit relatives in another city or you spend days still walking for enjoying sports or perhaps sailing.I dunno. And this is tourism and this is improving your health, is improving your image of other places. Mm-hmm. When you were backpacker, you were traveling and that activity gave you a broader view of the world. Mm-hmm. You saw people, you met people in Mexico, for instance, and you decided to change your life and to take another position, political position, giving support to other ways of life. And the situation that the people in Oaxaca is having or had then before this. In this terms, tourism can give us opportunity to improve our life and the life of other people. We have to consider it, for instance, in the case of, imagine or teenager visiting places different to where they have grown and this is the way in which they develop alterity.Mm-hmm. They recognize what they are ,understanding what other people is. Mm-hmm. What are their living conditions and perhaps you see that they have a bathroom which is so different to the one you have at home, and therefore you appreciate the conditions you have at home. You have never thought how nice is the place where I am living the sanitary conditions?But if you visit, for instance, the case of Spain, wherever in Africa, you think, "okay, now I understand what is happening with those people who is even losing their life trying to cross the Mediterranean to come to the, to to Spain." I think that introducing this traveling is something that belongs to the culture in terms, for instance of pilgriming.People was visiting other places because it was a duty they had according to their religion. But it was also a way of becoming mature, realizing, being aware of what are the privilege you have and how valuable is your family? Once you see it from abroad, you think, okay, what you want to do is go back home because I feel unsafe.And this is a feeling that is helping you to improve, to become mature, to improve your understanding of the world. Therefore, we have to find the balance and perhaps not doing short breaks to spend a lot of energy in a weekend. But considering how much transformative is this kind of experience for teenagers, for instance. Therefore, perhaps as you said in your podcast, we are not anti-tourism.We want to find a way in which we can transform tourism in a social term and perhaps identify the way in which more leisure time can have as an small part of it, tourism as a way in which we become aware and we can help other people and we change things in the world. Mm-hmm. [00:43:53] Chris: And so on those lines, perhaps that would be some of the advice that you might have for our listeners or other people who might consider visiting Palma one day is go slow, pilgrimage. What would the end or transformation of tourism look like to you as an individual, as a resident of that place for people visiting?You know, it's, it's a little bit of a way of saying what kind of advice would you have for people who wanted to visit, but perhaps also taking into consideration what that world would look like.[00:44:33] Macia: Well, giving support to the social movements that are defending the right to the land, to the island, not interfering. And having in consideration social class struggles the environmental conflicts, dealing with pollution. Not coming to the Balearics for a short break, which means spending a lot of energy and polluting or short period of time not going into conflict with housing, using short term rentals, you have many, many important things to do. And perhaps a good way to do it is doing it from home beforehand. And promoting the networking in between people who has this awareness. This is why I think that, for instance, your podcast, another journalist activities is so important.Solving the problem of the language. I'm sorry for my English. Bridging the cultures and bridging the continents and the places that are so similar. I'm sure that in Mexico, in the Caribbean, in South America, in the United States, many places have problems which are so similar to those we are having in Spain or in the Balearics, in Mallorca or in Ibiza.Therefore networking is so nice. Mm. [00:46:11] Chris: Excellent. Thank you Maia. You were mentioning for a worthy traveler mm-hmm. Who might arrive on your shores is someone who is willing to engage and meet and know of the issues and the social movements and the activists and the activism in a particular place, and to be a guest as opposed to a tourist perhaps. And these social movements that exist in Spain, not necessarily against tourism, but in the context of tourism, most often, have a lot of time in. They usually have been around for years, if not decades, and the consequences of over tourism are now starting to reach other places much more quickly.I think Mexico is one of them. Mexico City, Oaxaca, certainly the obvious beach resorts. But in cities where people are starting to mobilize against] Airbnb gentrification pollution, as you said, among other issues. But these struggles and these movements are very young.Okay. And I'm wondering what kind of advice you might have for these grassroots movements that are just beginning. Coming from the point of view of grassroots movements that have been undertaken for years, if not decades now. [00:47:45] Macia: In my personal experience, what is more profitable perhaps is the link with the academia.Because nowadays it's so difficult to find independent, rigorous thinkers, let's say, people willing to contribute from an independent and rigorous point of view. I mean, in the case of Spain, we are lucky because most of the universities are public universities. And we still have most of the staff at university, we who are civil servants.In my case, we are working for the public administration and we are paid to think and teach and write to do this research. And this has been very profitable for the social movements in my opinion. This is my personal experience. You can also find other scientists in the society not related with the public institutions, not related with the academia.For instance, in the case of Alba Sud, we call it a post capitalist popular university because they, they don't depend on. Public funds, but they develop a very important, independent, rigorous research trying to establish these kind of foundations strong, very well based on writings of people that you have heard about them and you know, perfectly David Harvey from the City University of New York, for instance, or Jason Moore who works on Capitalism as well, or Silvia Federici, many other authors reading them and establishing the links.You have many, many good researchers, scientists in the States and in Canada and also in Mexico. Daniel nearly. For instance, in Mexico, you can use their writings and in this way develop the discourse with this strong foundations. This is what I will suggest. Perhaps it's, it's my own, you know, way the way in which I have done it.I suppose that you can find others, but if you maintain this independency and you work in a rigorous way, I always think that perhaps we won't win, but we will do what our conscience will mark, you know, as we have what we have to do. And this is a good enough for me. I dunno if we will stop the struggle with climate change and over tourism, migratory conflicts, people just dying while they are willing to cross towards the north. But we have to do all what we can, this is what can make us happy. [00:50:54] Chris: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Thank you, Macia. It's been a pleasure.Yeah. And you know, I'd like to thank you on behalf of our listeners for joining us on the pod today, and being willing to speak in a language that is not your mother tongue for our Anglophone listeners. And before we depart today, I'd just like to ask for them on behalf of them once more.How might they find out more about you and your work? How might they read your writings and what you've put yourself to? [00:51:29] Macia: We have just finished a research project entitled Overtourism and Degrowth and you relate it with the University of the Balearic Islands?We have designed a webpage where we offer downloading papers, books. We have translated them to English, some of them, or we have published them. If not, if you cannot download them because some journals are asking you to pay, never do it because knowledge has to be free of charge, in my opinion, unless that knowledge that is being developed in the public institutions such as our university. Therefore write us message, you will find a way in which you can count at me or Ivan or Ernest, and we will send the documents in a digital way.And in this terms, I think that you can find whatever. And I am available for anyone who will want to know more about the topics we have been researching and welcome them. Welcome you as well to Mallorca whenever. Mm. [00:52:46] Chris: Beautiful. Thank you, Macia, once again. You're welcome for joining us today.[00:52:50] Macia: Thanks, salud. Get full access to ⌘ Chris Christou ⌘ at chrischristou.substack.com/subscribe

A burial cave on the Western Mediterranean island of Minorca dating to 1000 BCE contained 200 individuals and wooden boxes of dyed human hairs. The hairs were full of drugs, which leads our contestants to ask just what kind of parties were going on down there and why we weren't invited. A few flashbacks to the 1970s result.

In this episode of Cruise Radio, host Doug interviews Mark about his 11-night Western Mediterranean cruise on Azamara Quest from Azamara Cruises. Mark shares his experiences on the ship, including the embarkation process, dining, entertainment, and amenities. He also talks about his time in various ports of call and his post-cruise time in Zurich. Mark highly recommends Azamara as a fantastic luxury cruise line and praises the attention to detail and the quality of the food.

Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Tammy from MSC Cruises for this week's cruise chat. . MSC is the third-largest cruise line. They have 19 ships currently and will be adding more to their fleet over the next few years. . MSX World Europa is powered by LNG technology. This ensures that the waters you visit will be taken care of. . MSC ensures that they serve you the best food while on board. They make their chocolate, bread, pasta and cheeses onboard, so everything is fresh and delicious for you! . . We talked about Ocean Cay. MSC Private Island in the Bahamas. I love how they have taken an area that was a wasteland, and now they have a coral reef. They have planted so many trees and have revived the island! 64 square miles of land, 7,500 tonnes of scrap metal were removed, 50,000 trees were planted, and 400 coral colonies were moved to this island! . MSC is Year round in the Caribbean. 3 Ships in Summer with 2023 3 Embarkation Ports with Brand new itineraries. New embarkation port: New York City Year-round Caribbean cruises from Port Miami (MSC Seascape) New itineraries to Bermuda or Canada /New England from New York City (MSC Meraviglia) 3 to 7-night cruises from Port Canaveral/ Orlando (MSC Seaside) All ships from Northern American ports calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Stay & Cruise packages are available from Miami, Orlando & New York. MSC is sailing year-round in the Western Mediterranean. There are 6 ships in Summer 2023 and up to 21 Embarkation Ports with brand-new itineraries. . Various cruise lengths: From mini to 7-nights and long cruises (including Morocco/Canary Islands/Turkey/Israel) New ships in the Med. from April 2023 MSC World Europa MSC Seashore New itineraries: Valencia, Tarragona, Toulon/Provence, Rome, Florence, Genoa (MSC Magnifica), Tunis (MSC Grandiosa) & Tarragona (MSC Magnifica) reconfirmed for Summer 23 with weekly calls 10-night cruises to Spain and Portugal (MSC Orchestra) . The Gems of Northern Europe with 5 ships in 2023 and 11 embarkation ports. . World Heritage Fords such as Flaam, Hellesylt/Geiranger (MSC Euribia) Varied "Baltic capitals" itineraries with 7 - nights & long cruises with up to 9 Baltic ports (MSC Poesia) Long cruises to Norway, North Cape & Spitsbergen 2 Greenland & Iceland cruises 3 - 21-nights (MSC Poesia) 3 to 15-nights to Canary, Fjords, Med and the Atlantic coast from Southampton (MSC Virtuosa) . Middle East Cruises in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar. 2 Ships in the winter months and 3 embarkation Ports. SHIPS IN WINTER 7-night itineraries, including MSC's Fly and cruise packages MSC World Europa - Qatar (Doha) + UAE (Overnight in Dubai) + Saudi Arabia (Dammam) MSC Opera - UAE (overnight in Dubai, Abu Dhabi/Sir Bani Yas island) + Oman (Khasab & Muscat) Cruise ship hotel in Doha - From November 19th up to December 19th. (MSC Opera) . MSC Euribia has an 8-day, 7-night cruise from Kiel, Germany, starting in June 2023. She will visit Norway, Alesund, Hellesylt/ Geiranger, Oflaam. The North Sea and Denmark . MSC World America 7 nights or 14 nights. From Miami from April to October 2025. Miami (Florida), Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve Bahamas, Cozumel Mexico, Costa Maya Mexico, Puerto Plata Dominican Republic, San Juan Puerto Rico, Isla De Roatan Honduras. . If you want to learn more about MSC 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 to ensure you don't miss any upcoming cruise videos. . If you want to see the images in this week's video, go to our YouTube Channel . Search #PlentyofSunshineTravel on Facebook or Instagram to see our posts. . . . #MSC #msccruises #MSCYachtClub #MSCTravelAgent #travelagent #CruiseSpecialist #Cruise #CruiseGuru #TravelAgent #canadiantravelagent

Episode 134In Episode 134, Loosing my SH&# returns, Chris joins the show from QM2 in Adelaide with a bumper edition of cruise news & Fact or Fiction. Garry S in Sydney shares images of QM2 and MSC Magnifica in Sydney Harbour.QM2 - Garry Stafford 2QM2 - Garry StaffordMSC Magnifica 2 - Garry SMSC Magnifica - Garry SSupport the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhRun for a Reason – This year Chris will Run for a Reason, raising money for the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre. The Family Centre is a unique WA based home away from home for people with type 1. The team work alongside people living with type 1 diabetes, to support them to live a full and rewarding life. Donations can be made here: https://lnkd.in/gjs7jXXjCruise NewsCosta Celebrates 75th AniversaryOne year on: Australian cruise renaissance gathers paceMarch 15, 2023 – More than 40 international cruise ships have returned to local waters in the year since Australia's cruise suspension was lifted, reviving an industry worth billions of dollars a year to communities around the country.Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said today Australia had undergone a cruising renaissance over the summer peak season and was on track to return to pre-pandemic prosperity by the end of the year.The Australian Government announced on March 15 last year it would not renew its national cruise suspension, paving the way for ships to return in a carefully managed revival that began initially with short domestic itineraries in May 2022.Australia has traditionally been one of the world's most passionate cruise markets. In 2019 more than 1.2 million Australians took an ocean cruise, representing 4.8% per cent of the population or almost one in 20 Australians.Costa Celebrates 75th Anniversary On 31 March 2023 Costa Cruises celebrates its 75th anniversary. On that day, 75 years ago in 1948, the “Anna C”, the first passenger ship of the fleet, departed from Genoa bound for Buenos Aires, with 768 guests on board.A historic moment, which started the great success of Costa cruises. Over all these years, day after day, Costa Cruises has taken millions of guests around the world, sharing the happy and unforgettable moments of their holidays.To celebrate this important anniversary together, Costa Cruises has come up with a unique initiative: 75 cruises at a special price, available until April, with different dates depending on the markets, to sail throughout the year, from early spring to autumn, to discover incredible destinations in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.Ships and itineraries of the 75th anniversary cruisesCosta Smeralda, Costa Toscana and Costa Diadema will offer week-long cruises in the Western Mediterranean, discovering the most beautiful destinations in Italy, France and Spain.In the eastern Mediterranean Costa Deliziosa will visit Marghera/Venice, Katakolon/Olympia (Greece), Mykonos (Greece) Santorini (Greece) and Bari, while during the summer Costa Pacifica will visit Taranto, Catania, Malta, Mykonos and Santorini. Both itineraries are one week long.During this summer, the Costa Fortuna will offer a never-before-seen 14-day itinerary between the Greek islands and the Balearic Islands, with Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Messina, four magnificent Greek islands, such as Crete (with a call at Heraklion), Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, Kefalonia (with a call at Argostoli), Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, and then Barcelona and Marseille.From May to September, cruises in Northern Europe will also be available. The Costa Fascinosa will offer 12-day itineraries to the North Cape, or nine-day cruises to the most beautiful cities in the Baltic; the Costa Favolosa will visit Iceland, the Lofoten Islands, Greenland, a new destination for this summer, or Great Britain and Ireland; the Costa Firenze will offer one-week cruises in the Fjords.Celebrity Cruises brings world's fastest growing sport, pickleball, to the high seasGet your game face on, because the world's fastest growing sport, pickleball, is coming to the world's greatest cruise line, Celebrity Cruises, with new courts added to nine ships* in the Celebrity fleet, including Celebrity Eclipse which is currently cruising Australia and New Zealand.A hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, pickleball has been embraced by celebrities and athletes around the world, including Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka and even LeBron James. Having officially made its way to Aussie shores in 2020 with the establishment of the Pickleball Australia Association (PAA), the sport has taken off, with membership to the PAA surging to 5,000+ members in just over two years. Jen Ramamurthy, director of the PAA estimates 15,000 people are now playing pickleball across the country – with numbers continuing to skyrocket!Whether a first-time player or an avid pro, travellers can now enjoy open-air courts and panoramic ocean views on participating Celebrity Cruises ships. Guests can either play at their leisure, or as part of an organised event or tournament led by the ship's activities team.*The nine Celebrity Cruises' ships now offering pickleball include: two Edge Series ships – Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Apex; plus Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit.Celebrity Cruises Launches New Inspirational Content Series, ‘The Tangerine Table'Celebrity Cruises, is launching a new content series spotlighting a wide range of game-changing leaders and crew members across its fleet, diving into their real life stories and their extraordinary achievements.Called “The Tangerine Table, ” each 10-minute episode will feature a small group of Celebrity officers or crew sharing their career journeys, the people and places that have inspired them along the way, and their lives at sea.  The series name is a nod to the striking colour of The Magic Carpet®, an engineering feat soaring cantilevered above the sea on Celebrity's industry-transforming Edge® Series ships and considered one of the greatest innovations in the cruise industry.The first episode out today honours International Women's Day with an encouraging “SEA it to BE it” message from the groundbreaking women aboard the line's flagship Celebrity Beyond, including:  Captain Kate McCue, the first and only American female captain of a cruise ship and the world's most-followed mariner on social media;First Officer Elizabeth Marami, Kenya's first female marine pilot and first licensed Chief Officer, Navigation.Executive Pastry Chef Atziri Chavez – a Mexican-born talented master of the culinary arts who proudly boasts her well-deserved black scarf;Jelena Vukelic, a Serbian-born wine expert that serves as the ship's Cellar Master.Viewers can tune into the conversation and watch full episodes on both YouTube and Facebook, while also seeing short and impactful clips on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.Carnival – Alcohol Alternative CocktailsCarnival Cruise Line is mixing some of its most popular cocktails as delicious alcohol-free alternatives. Guest-favorite drinks from the mixologists at Carnival's ever-popular Alchemy Bar are now available with non-alcoholic spirits produced by industry-leading distiller Lyre's, making Carnival the first cruise line to offer a full range of alcohol-free cocktails.“Our new partnership with Lyre's gives guests who want non-alcoholic cocktails the best options at sea. We've seen popularity for non-alcoholic cocktails grow rapidly, so to meet that trend, our mixologists have been working to craft alternative versions of our most popular cocktails with none of the alcohol, but all the flavour,” said Zachary Sulkes, Carnival's senior director of beverage operations.Lyre's is the world's most awarded line of non-alcoholic spirits and a global leader in the emerging segment. The company uses all-natural flavours, including essences, extracts and distillates, to match the aroma, taste and appearance you find within time-tested classics.Seven Popular Alchemy Bar Cocktails Recreated with Lyre's:Martini Seduction: Red passion fruit nectar, fresh lime juice and a hint of orange mix with Lyre's White Cane instead of vodka to create this swoon-worthy drink.Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini: Lyre's Agave Blanco stands in for vodka to bring this spicy, pineapple cocktail into its non-alcoholic form.The Remedy: Orange juice, pineapple and fresh lime juice are mixed with Lyre's White Cane and Spiced Cane instead of dark and coconut rum.Hearts of Fire: This award-winning concoction featuring fresh thyme and raspberries is re-imagined with Lyre's Dry London instead of gin.Restorative Basil Drop: Lyre's Dry London is mixed with fresh basil and citrus to stimulate and restore the senses.The Perfect Storm: This invigorating boost features strawberry puree, fresh lime and a hit of rosemary and Lyre's Dry London instead of vodka.Cucumber Sunrise: Another award-winning favorite among Carnival guests delivers the same light and delicious flavour with watermelon nectar, cucumber, lime juice and a splash of orange juice mixed with Lyre's Agave Blanco instead of vodka.Windstar Cruises Announces New Whole-Food, Plant-Based MenuWindstar Cruises has partnered with the National Health Association (NHA) to create a new vegan menu on board all six of the small ship line's yachts. The offerings are not only plant-based but also prepared without added salt, oil, and sugar and are gluten-free.Windstar has begun training its culinary team on the new menu and plans to roll out the program fleetwide in June. Vegetarian options, as well as the line's existing omnivore menu items, will continue to be served as usual. Sample dishes from the new menu include:Daily Smoothies at BreakfastRoasted Butternut Squash Velouté with Baked Pumpkin SeedsBaked Cauliflower Croquettes with Salsa Verde and Sautéed SpinachPenne Rigate Pasta, with Crisp Vegetables and Espelette Pepper SauceVeggie Enchiladas with Black Bean & Cilantro SauceChia Seed Truffles with Dates & Coconut SauceTahini Brownies with Fresh StrawberriesThe menu evolved out of hosting several plant-based groups, which have grown significantly in popularity since the start of the pandemic. Lisa McCarl, a former open heart recovery nurse turned travel advisor, has booked several plant-based groups on Windstar and says there is a huge demand for healthy travel options.Holland America Line Introduces New Category of Extended Destination-in-Depth VoyagesHolland America Line is globally recognized as an expert in longer voyages, and to commemorate its historic 150th Anniversary in 2023 the cruise line is introducing extended Legendary Voyages. These lengthier cruises, which range from 25 to 59 days, combine the ceremony of Holland America Line's Grand Voyages with itineraries that feature a comprehensive collection of ports that enrich the experience in each destination.Highlights of Legendary Voyages:Three Legendary Voyages are NEW itineraries for Holland America Line:The previously announced 28-day “Arctic Circle Solstice” that heads north to the Arctic Circle and features 11 calls in Alaska, including lesser-visited ports like Nome and Homer.53-day “Majestic Japan” with 21 total ports, 13 calls throughout Japan and overnights at Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe.28-Day “Coral Triangle, Volcanoes and The Great Barrier Reef” that explores 10 ports in five countries, with scenic cruising in the famed Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, and past the Kumba and Krakatau volcanoes.Destination-rich itineraries focus on a singular region, visiting some of the most unique ports while offering guests an in-depth exploration.Guests will enjoy the “best of” Grand Voyages on-board programming to further enhance each Legendary Voyage with experiences such as iconic theme parties memorable sailaways and classic cruise activities.Shipboard programming is specially curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited.Guests have more time in port to experience the nightlife with overnight stays in marquee ports including Anchorage, Alaska; Hobart, Tasmania; Honolulu, Hawaii; Manaus, Brazil; Moorea, French Polynesia; Papeete, Tahiti; Reykjavík, Iceland; and Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe, Japan.Holland America Line's Legendary Voyages:56-Day or 51-day “Tales of the South Pacific” departing Sept. 27 or Oct. 2, 2023, respectively, aboard Volendam. The 56-day is from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to San Diego, California; the 51-day is roundtrip from San Diego.34-Day “South Pacific Crossing” departing Oct. 8, 2023, aboard Noordam. From San Diego to Sydney, Australia.28-Day “Amazon Explorer” departing Feb. 17, 2024, aboard Zaandam. Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.35-Day “Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas” departing Feb. 17, 2024, aboard Koningsdam. Roundtrip from San Diego.25-Day “South Pacific Crossing” departing April 6, 2024, aboard Noordam. From Sydney to Vancouver.28-Day “Arctic Circle Solstice” departing June 9, 2024, aboard Westerdam. Roundtrip from Seattle, Washington.35-Day “Voyage of the Vikings” departing July 20, 2024, aboard Zuiderdam. Roundtrip from Boston, Massachusetts.53- or 52-Day “Majestic Japan” departing Sept. 1 or 2, 2024, aboard Westerdam. The 53-day is roundtrip from Seattle; the 52-day is Vancouver to Seattle.56- or 51-Day “Tales of the South Pacific” departing Sept. 25 or 30, 2024, aboard Zaandam. The 56-day is from Vancouver to San Diego; the 51-day is roundtrip from San Diego.35-Day “Australia Circumnavigation” departing Nov. 17, 2024, aboard Westerdam. Roundtrip from Sydney.28-Day “Coral Triangle, Volcanoes and The Great Barrier Reef” departing Jan. 5, 2025, aboard Noordam. Roundtrip from Singapore.27-Day “Amazon Explorer” departing Feb. 8, 2025, aboard Zaandam. Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.35-Day “Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas” departing Feb. 15, 2025, aboard Koningsdam. Roundtrip from San Diego.29-Day “South Pacific Crossing” departing March 30, 2025, aboard Westerdam. From Sydney to Vancouver.Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils brand new programme of sailing for 2024/25Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today unveiled a brand new programme of cruising for 2024/25, featuring a host of specially-timed sailings to coincide with natural wonders and destination events, chances to encounter native wildlife and uncover rich and vibrant histories across the planet.The new programme, unveiled on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' website this morning, includes opportunities to follow natural bird migrations, witness meteor showers, experience the world's second largest carnival, and the chance to spot wild polar bears with a specially-planned scenic diversion away from the well-sailed route.For the first time since 2019, the new programme also features an 11-night Mystery Cruise setting sail from Southampton in November 2024 – with guests able to follow in the footsteps of explorers, navigators and seafarers as they guess their next port of call.Continuing their commitment to sailing from regional UK ports, Fred. Olsen will offer departures from Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth, Dover, Southampton and Portsmouth in 2024 and 2025.Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils brand new 82-night ‘Discovering Asia with the Holi Festival' Grand VoyageFred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today unveiled a brand new 82-night Grand Voyage, offering the chance to discover the culture-rich lands of Asia on a journey timed specially to coincide with the Holi Festival.The sailing, aboard Fred. Olsen's smaller-sized Balmoral, features calls into Myanmar and Cambodia, known for their ancient civilisations and rich histories, where guests can explore the temples of Angkor Wat from Siem Reap, the largest religious monument in the world, and Myanmar's ancient city of Bagan.Wildlife lovers will have the chance to spot endemic species in Borneo, home to proboscis monkeys, or visit Sri Lanka's Udawalawa Elephant Park, while those with a passion for wartime history can discover the Củ Chi tunnels, an extensive network of underground tunnels, in a call into Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City.An undoubted highlight will be time spent in India, where Chennai will act as the gateway to the ancient monuments and temples of Mahabalipuram, created by the Pallava dynasty, while time in Mumbai will allow those joining the cruise to experience the annual Hindu Holi Festival or immerse themselves in the local way of life by assisting busy dabbawallas delivering lunches across the city.What is more, in addition to the host of experiences on-board and ashore, guests who book to join this Grand Voyage can enjoy up to £500 per person to spend aboard Balmoral, plus free door-to-door transfers within 250 UK mainland miles to the port.Balmoral's 82-night L2502 ‘Discovering Asia with the Holi Festival' cruise, departing from Southampton on 18th January 2025.Itinerary: Southampton, England – Gibraltar, Gibraltar – Cruising Grand Harbour, Valletta – Valletta, Malta – Alexandria, Egypt (overnight stay) – Cruising Suez Canal – Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt – Safaga, Egypt – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Colombo, Sri Lanka – Hambantota, Sri Lanka – Port Klang (for Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia – Kota Kinabalu, Borneo – Muara, Brunei Darussalam – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Sihanoukville, Cambodia – Singapore, Singapore – Yangon, Myanmar (overnight stay) – Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India – Kochi, Kerala, India – Mumbai, India (overnight stay) – Muscat, Oman – Salalah, Oman – Aqaba, Jordan – Cruising Suez Canal – Asdod, Israel – Haifa, Israel – Heraklion, Crete – Catania, Sicily, Italy – Cartagena, Spain – Lisbon, Portugal – Cruising by Cristo Rei and Abril 25 Bridge – Cruising by Belém Tower & Discovery Monument, Lisbon, Portugal – Southampton, EnglandP&O's Pacific Partnership Program Sponsors First of its Kind Traineeship ProgramP&O Cruises Australia is delighted to announce it has partnered with Cruise Eden to sponsor a two-year School Based Traineeship (SBAT) in Certificate III Tourism. Tailored for cruise, the SBAT Programme is the first of its kind for an Australian regional port, and has been designed to create vocational employment and training pathways for young people in the South Coast region interested in a career in the Tourism industry.Practical training commenced this week when the program's first trainees – Year 11 students of Eden Marine High School, Keely Grebert and Ocea Thiedeman, boarded P&O's Pacific Adventure for a ship tour with the Captain during her port call to Eden.According to educator and Cruise Eden Manager, Debbie Meers, Keely and Ocea will be assisting the Cruise Eden with operations on cruise days, and training with other tourism businesses during the winter months to broaden their industry experience and knowledge.NCL Expands Exotics Itineraries in 2024/2025NCL Has announced new 2024/25 exotic itineraries, including the debut of Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky in Asia, and new ports of call to Manama, Bahrain; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Sokhna, Egypt; and Akita, Japan.  With this new season of itineraries from October 2024 through December 2025, NCL is expanding its voyages to Antarctica, South America, Africa, Asia, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand by 37%, and its Extraordinary Journeys – the Brand's collection of immersive and port-rich voyages – overall by 15%.  This collection of itineraries only reaffirms the company's commitment to providing guests with carefully curated voyages to some of the most sought-after destinations in the world.NCL's maiden call to Bahrain, its first dedicated Middle East sailing – The Brand will offer a seven-day Middle East cruise on Norwegian Sun from Doha, Qatar to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) departing 12 April , 2025. An overnight stay in Abu Dhabi, UAE provides travellers with more time to explore the culturally rich destination. In addition, the open-jaw voyage includes visits to Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Manama, Bahrain – a first time visit for NCL; as well as Dubai and Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island southwest of Abu Dhabi, UAE.Extraordinary Journeys – NCL's collection of immersive journeys that take guests to lesser-visited and once-in-a-lifetime destinations will include two new back-to-back voyages aboard Norwegian Sky. Departing December 2024, the vessel will offer a 16-day Africa sailing to Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, Oman and more during its voyage from Dubai, UAE to Mauritius. Immediately following, she will offer a 17-day sailing from Mauritius to Singapore with calls to Seychelles, Maldives and Zanzibar. On 19 April , 2025, Norwegian Sun will embark on a 16-day cruise from Dubai, UAE to Haifa, Israel featuring 10 ports of call, including Sokhna, Egypt – a brand-new port for NCL. Visiting Sokhna, Egypt allows for easier access to Cairo, where guests can explore the ancient Great Pyramids of Giza.Two NCL ships departing from Haifa, Israel – In November 2024, Norwegian Sky will sail a 16-day Middle East Extraordinary Journey from Haifa, Israel to Dubai, UAE, including the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests to transit the Suez Canal in Egypt. Guests can also choose from an 11-day Mediterranean cruise from Haifa, Israel to Istanbul, Turkey aboard Norwegian Sun. Departing 5 May , 2025, the voyage will call to sought-after destinations in Greece, Turkey and Egypt.Three NCL ships to Asia for the first time – As announced in NCL's APAC deployment release distributed earlier this week, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky will debut in Asia, offering an extensive eight-month season from October 2024 through May 2025, sailing country-intensive voyages in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan – including a collection of coveted Japanese spring cherry blossom and fall foliage itineraries. For the very first time, NCL will call to Akita, Japan during Norwegian Sun's 12-day roundtrip sailing from Tokyo, embarking on 23 October, 2024. Both ships will be joined in region by Norwegian Spirit, who will embark on a brand-new repositioning voyage from Australia to Asia on 7 December, 2024, followed by her first voyage in Asia on 21 December, 2024.Brand-new Australian itinerary – As announced earlier this week, Norwegian Spirit returns Down Under for her third season and launches a new 14-day open-jaw voyage from Sydney to Bali via the Queensland coast in December 2024. The voyage includes calls to Cairns and Darwin, Australia; as well as an overnight visit to Bali (Benoa), Indonesia, providing more time for cruisers to enjoy this exotic destination. In addition, the ship will make the Brand's first port of call to Rarotonga, Cook Islands in November 2025.Sun Princess Milestone: Float Out Ceremony Celebration for Next-Generation Ship in the FleetPrincess Cruises, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year, celebrated a momentous construction milestone with the float out of the cruise line's bespoke, next-generation ship – Sun Princess – at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.Following the Italian shipyard's tradition, the float out is marked by a special ceremony where a “Madrina” is named to offer blessings and best wishes for the vessel, celebrating the flow of water into the ship's building dock. Princess Cruises Hotel General Manager Simona Stumberger was selected to serve in this special role as an ambassador for Princess, because she epitomizes professionalism and always delivers service with a smile.A native of Slovenia where Stumberger studied hospitality management, she began her career at sea in the bar department and further diversified her hotel experience by working in guest services, and hand in hand with the hotel and food and beverage divisions. Stumberger has been with Princess Cruises for nearly five years.The float out completes the first comprehensive phase of construction for Sun Princess which now transitions to focus on building the ship's interiors.The 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will offer an array of exciting new dining, entertainment and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. The ship will be highlighted by amazing, never-before-seen spaces such as The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, the next-level, brand-iconic Piazza, and three-story Horizons Dining Room that are sure to have everyone talking.Cunard to Launch Silent Discos in Onboard NightclubsYou can dance, you can jive, and you can have the time of your life – in blissful silence – as Cunard is set to launch silent discos aboard its very own dancing Queens.The luxury cruise brand is world-renowned for its glamorous onboard entertainment, but lesser known is the fact that Cunard's Queens are home to some of the liveliest nightclubs at sea.And now, as music lovers across the globe celebrate International DJ Day on 9 March, Cunard has announced that it is introducing silent discos to its iconic late-night venues on selected evenings.The stunning G32 onboard Queen Mary 2 is the biggest of the fleet's nightclubs, which is where you'll find partygoers seeing out the evening in style to the sounds of a live DJ and resident party band.Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, however, are home to the strikingly located Yacht Club, where, if you're looking for a night to remember, travellers dance the night away into the small hours.The introduction of silent discos to these venues is a modern twist on the more established late-night traditions of luxury cruise travel – and is another example of the many immersive onboard experiences offered by Cunard.The concept involves partygoers wearing wireless headphones and dancing to music that is only audible through the headphones. This creates a uniquely entrancing and customisable experience as guests control their own volume and switch between channels to hear different genres of music.This new offering also enables Cunard to take the nightclub proposition out of the main venues and into more unexpected places – transforming areas with parties in the Grand Lobby, on deck or other pop-up locations around the ship.And more...Join the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialListen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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Roman Parallel - Marius (157-86 BC)Important PeopleDemetrius (337-283) - Neighbor and even, for a time, brother-in-law. Son of Antigonus I and father of Antigonus II, Demetrius rules in Greece, Macedon (for seven years), Asia Minor but was ultimately conquered by Seleucus and imprisoned until he died of his own drinking habit.Cassander (355-297) - Son of Antipater, who had served as regent of Macedon during Alexander's campaigns and later served as regent after the death of Perdiccas, he did not inherit the Macedonian throne from his father but had to fight Polyperchon for it. He conquers Greece as well and, most infamously, ends the charade of the successors serving as satraps to a regent by killing the young Alexander IV and his mother and grandmother, Olympias.Ptolemy I Soter (367-282) - The stable successor to Alexander who carves out Egypt (305 BC) for himself and founds a dynasty that rules Egypt from the prosperous port of Alexandria until Julius Caesar's arrival. Ptolemy also strategic in his dynastic alliances to stave off further wars.Cineas - Philosopher and orator, Cineas acts as a foil to Pyrrhus's reckless moving from hope to hope. In the midpoint of this life, he attempts to help Pyrrhus think through why he should be driven from conquest to conquest and provides reflection on Pyrrhus's accomplishments. Nevertheless, the philosopher accompanies him on all Pyrrhus's expeditions.Fabricius - Our first direct encounters with Roman virtue. While not given his own biography, Fabricius looms large in contrast to Pyrrhus's vices. Fabricius is stable, cautious, and dependable where Pyrrhus is reckless, overly optimistic, and flighty.Important PlacesEpirus - Pyrrhus's birthplace and kingdom by right, inheritance, and conquest.Macedon - Neighboring kingdom to Epirus. Pyrrhus manages to win it and lose it without a fight. Rome - The new power in the Western Mediterranean, having risen even more recently than Carthage, now threatens the entire Italian peninsula, including the Greek-speaking colonies in the south. Tarentum - The colony that asks Pyrrhus for help, and then quickly comes to regret asking. Beneventum - The battle in which the Romans manage, not exactly to beat Pyrrhus, but to convince him that Italy won't be worth the fight. Key Vices and VirtuesExcessive Appetite for Conquest (πλεονεξία) - Not a vice in the Aristotelian canon, but one important to historians like Thucydides, who saw it as the root of the Athenian downfall. This Life becomes a meditation on knowign one's political limits and serving in the capacity one has been placed. The philosopher Cineas provides some of this perspective for us without being too heavy-handed.Justice - Once again ignored by most of Alexander's successors, we do se key aspects of it lived up to by the Romans. It is called the virtue of kings in this life and one philosopher observes that the Roman Senate strikes him as “An Assembly of Kings.” When Justice and Power are joined, Plutarch sees not only a properous state nor even just a stable situation, but a good government promoting virtue in its people. This life sets us up so well to enter into the Roman story, because Plutarch wants to remind even the Romans of their past virtues and encourage them to live up to those old virtues in the height of their power.Support the show

https://www.patreon.com/GnosticInformant Please Consider joining my Patreon to help finding scholars to bring on. Any amount helps me. Thank you existing Patrons. Get the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Origins-Early-... Robyn Faith Walsh (Ph.D) https://robynfaithwalsh.com/ Robyn Faith Walsh is an Associate Professor at the University of Miami (UM). She earned her Ph.D. at Brown University in Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean, with a focus on early Christianity, ancient Judaism, and Roman archaeology. Before coming to UM, Professor Walsh taught at Wheaton College (Mass.), The College of the Holy Cross, and received teaching certificates and pedagogical training at Brown University and Harvard University. She teaches courses on the New Testament, Greco-Roman literature and material culture. Her first monograph, The Origins of Early Christian Literature: Contextualizing the New Testament within Greco-Roman Literary Culture, was recently published with Cambridge University Press. https://gnosticinformant--pursuit4kno... The Course for Mystery Cults by Professor Litwa is NOW AVAILABLE!!! Click the Link for more Details! (Link) https://gnosticinformant--pursuit4kno... Conventional approaches to the Synoptic gospels argue that the gospel authors acted as literate spokespersons for their religious communities. Whether described as documenting intra-group 'oral traditions' or preserving the collective perspectives of their fellow Christ-followers, these writers are treated as something akin to the Romantic poet speaking for their Volk - a questionable framework inherited from nineteenth-century German Romanticism. In this book, Robyn Faith Walsh argues that the Synoptic gospels were written by elite cultural producers working within a dynamic cadre of literate specialists, including persons who may or may not have been professed Christians. Comparing a range of ancient literature, her ground-breaking study demonstrates that the gospels are creative works produced by educated elites interested in Judean teachings, practices, and paradoxographical subjects in the aftermath of the Jewish War and in dialogue with the literature of their age. Walsh's study thus bridges the artificial divide between research on the Synoptic gospels and Classics. The Greco-Roman civilization (/ˌɡriːkoʊˈroʊmən, ˌɡrɛkoʊ-/; also Greco-Roman culture; spelled Graeco-Roman in the Commonwealth), as understood by modern scholars and writers, includes the geographical regions and countries that culturally—and so historically—were directly and intimately influenced by the language, culture, government and religion of the Greeks and Romans. A better-known term is classical civilization. In exact terms the area refers to the "Mediterranean world", the extensive tracts of land centered on the Mediterranean and Black Sea Basins, the "swimming pool and spa" of the Greeks and the Romans, in which those peoples' cultural perceptions, ideas, and sensitivities became dominant in classical antiquity. That process was aided by the universal adoption of Greek as the language of intellectual culture and commerce in the Eastern Mediterranean and of Latin as the language of public administration and of forensic advocacy, especially in the Western Mediterranean. Greek and Latin were never the native languages of many or most of the rural peasants, who formed the great majority of the Roman Empire's population, but they became the languages of the urban and cosmopolitan elites and the Empire's lingua franca, even if only as corrupt or multifarious dialects for those who lived within the large territories and populations outside the Macedonian settlements and the Roman colonies. All Roman citizens of note and accomplishment, regardless of their ethnic extractions, spoke and wrote in Greek or Latin. Examples include the Roman jurist and imperial chancellor Ulpian, who was of Phoenician origin; the mathematician and geographer Claudius Ptolemy, who was of Greco-Egyptian origin --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gnosticinformant/message

Episode overviewIn episode 121, we shake things up and start off the show with a cruise review from long time listener Powlo, Thanks to Garry in Sydney, for the images of Grand Princess arriving into Sydney and his topical questions around the exchanging of plaques, plus of course the latest cruise news!Image credit: Coral Princess in Sydney harbour. Garry S, Sydney. Listener QuestionGarry asks: I'm thinking this is her first visit to our part of the world which gets me thinking about the commemorative plaques that I've seen on a number of ships(mainly the Princess fleet) which celebrate a ships inaugural visit to a port, some of the plaques are very stylish and yet some rather plain. I'm wondering if Chris could enlighten me on the history of these plaques?Are they a common occurrence to all ships or just specific to cruise ships?Also congratulations to Chris on the success of his YouTube channelSupport 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/32G7RdhCruise NewsCelebrity Raising the bar for cruising from the UKCelebrity Cruises announced that for the first time, one of its industry-transforming Edge® Series ships will homeport in Southampton, UK for its entire 2024 season. The second ship in the line's award-winning Series – Celebrity Apex – will replace the recently-revitalised Celebrity Silhouette, opening up a new way for British guests to explore Europe in style.With four-to-13-night sailings from May to November 2024, travellers can delight in the beauty and culture of awe-inspiring Europe, whether for a short multi-city break or an extended adventure at sea.Guests onboard can expect to enjoy:The exclusive The Retreat® with its stunning suite accommodation, a private restaurant, and an exclusive lounge and sundeck to rival any high-end resort. In addition, a dedicated team of Butlers on-hand 24/7, ensures everything is taken care of while on holiday.Transformational accommodation, from modern two-storey villas with plunge pools to staterooms with infinite balconies, that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.The Magic Carpet®, soaring cantilevered above the sea and offering guests uninterrupted vistas while sipping cocktails or having dinner.A curated collection of 29 culinary venues including the brand-new Craft Social Bar, offering 40 handcrafted boutique beer selections, creative cocktails and a wide selection of a la carte, gourmet comfort food and bar bites. Globally-inspired menus, crafted by Michelin-starred chefs bring the flavours of the world straight to the plate, providing an epicurean journey unmatched at sea.7,000 square feet of retail offerings featuring renowned luxury stand-alone boutiques Bvlgari, Cartier and the first-ever Montblanc lifestyle boutique.First-at-sea F45 classes, along with Peloton bikes, and “Women in Wellness” onboard content and experiences from some of the most influential female leaders in wellness, augment well-being offerings throughout the ship.The exciting news brings one of the brand's newest and most innovative ships directly to British shores, signalling the importance of the UK market in the fast-recovering cruise industry.Azamara Unveils 155-Night World Voyage for 2025 With 46 Late Nights and Overnights  Azamara –is pleased to announce its 2025 World Voyage, departing from San Diego, California and visiting 37 countries before concluding in Southampton, UK. Taking place on the independent cruise line's latest ship, Azamara Onward, this itinerary will include 15 overnights and 31 late stays in port, giving guests more time to immerse themselves in each unique destination. Due to the high demand for Azamara's 2024 World Voyage, which is currently sold out with a waitlist, the cruise line is showing its appreciation for trade partners, loyalty guests, and past and current world-cruisers by giving them the exclusive opportunity to book first. Azamara's 2025 World Cruise will feature 13 complimentary land events, beginning with a kickoff gala in San Diego. Additional highlights of Azamara's immersive land experiences offered on the 2025 World Cruise include: Benoa, Bali: Guests will discover Benoa's natural beauty and the charm of the island's deep-rooted culture during a special AzAmazing Evening, where local performers will display traditional forms of dance with intricate footwork and finger movements.Bangkok, Thailand: A two-night stay offers guests the chance to truly immerse themselves in Bangkok's local culture through the city's food, music, dance, art and Buddhist temples. Travelers can opt for shore excursions to the mountainous city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand and the Southeast Asian country of Lao, known for its Buddhist monasteries and French colonial architecture.Semarang, Indonesia: Semarang is known as the Venice of Java for the many rivers that run through the center of the city. From this port, guests can take a shore excursion to Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple dating back to the 9th century.In addition to taking guests to every corner of the world, Azamara's 2025 World Voyage offers over $25,000 in exclusive amenities, including $4,000 in onboard credit, an additional $3,000 for shore excursions, roundtrip business class air travel, a premium beverage package for two, weekly laundry service, and more. Azamara's 2025 World Voyage bookings are currently open to trade partners, loyalty guests, and past world-cruisers only. Bookings will open to the public on November 10,FIFA World cup will be broadcast on Costa ShipsCosta Cruises' ships will broadcast live the official matches of the next football World Cup, which will be held in Qatar from November 20 to December 18, on Sport 24, the in ship live sports channel.No matter where they will be cruising at that time – the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the United Arab Emirates, South America or transatlantic cruises – guests of the Italian company will not miss a single minute of the scheduled matches, even in the middle of navigation, thanks to satellite broadcasting with extensive coverage between the two hemispheres (northern and southern). The matches will be available free of charge both on the screens in the public areas of the ships and on cabin televisions.The flagship Costa Toscana will broadcast the first matches from the Western Mediterranean until late November, when she will sail to Dubai with a wonderful 20-day cruise. The final matches of the World Cup will be available during the first of the weeklong winter cruises to the United Arab Emirates and Oman, including long calls in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat. Costa Smeralda will visit Italy, France and Spain weekly during the entire World Cup period, while Costa Deliziosa will offer one-week cruises to Greece, Croatia and Montenegro, departing from Bari and Trieste.Costa Fascinosa will be offering a 10-day cruise to Lisbon, an 11-day cruise to Morocco, and a mini-cruise in the Mediterranean. Costa Pacifica will offer mini-cruises in the Mediterranean. After that, in early December, both ships will move from Europe to the Caribbean, with 14- and 16-day transatlantic cruises, visiting two continents in one holiday.Costa Favolosa, Costa Fortuna and Costa Firenze will depart from Italy, November 18, 20 and 28, to Brazil and Argentina, where they will be operating throughout the winter, including the final matches of the World Cup, broadcast always on Sport 24.PONANT's Le Commandant Charcot turns to AirbusLe Commandant Charcot has sourced Airbus' expertise in high-resolution satellite imagery to prepare and fine-tune its future route plans in the Arctic. Already providing satellite images of the area to institutions for needs related to shipping, defence, and safety at sea, Airbus will now distribute them to PONANT with other joint applications being studied also.Images delivered by Airbus in near real-time provide valuable information on ice conditions along the route allowing the crew to then adjust the itinerary accordingly to better account for the updated environmental conditions, ensuring the ship's safety, optimise comfort for guests and limit fuel consumption.Carnival Takes delivery of Carnival Celebration Carnival Cruise Line's 50th birthday celebration is ready for the grand finale, and it involves a spectacular gift to its guests as the company took delivery of Carnival Celebration, the fleet's newest Excel-class ship and sister to Mardi Gras, at a signing ceremony at Meyer Turku in Turku, Finland. Carnival President Christine Duffy and Carnival Senior Vice President of New Builds Ben Clement joined CEO of Meyer Turku Tim Meyer to welcome Carnival Celebration into the fleet.The second ship in Carnival's ground-breaking Excel-class, Carnival Celebration is stunning from the first step on board, from its three-deck-high atrium to the dozens of dining and beverage concepts spread out across six themed zones – which include the Miami-inspired 820 Biscayne and an homage to all-things travel in The Gateway – plus, the award-winning BOLT roller coaster.Carnival Celebration will arrive at her homeport of Port Miami on Nov. 20 after a 14-day transatlantic Journeys Cruise from Southampton, England. A naming ceremony will be held that evening which promises a tribute to Carnival's past and more importantly a look ahead to its exciting future. Carnival Celebration will accommodate more than 5,200 guests, expanding Carnival's overall capacity and adding a spectacular new option for guests sailing from Miami as it operates Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries year-round. The week-long voyages will visit destinations like San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cozumel, Mexico and Grand Turk. To see current sailings from Miami on Carnival Celebration.Here comes the FUN QueenslandSailing into Australian waters on Sunday, Carnival Luminosa has officially arrived in the Sunshine State, bringing her unique blend of Carnival fun to Brisbane for the very first time.Ported at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, a special message was sent to locals overnight as 61 of Luminosa's windows were lit with “We

This episode we discuss the background characters who will be playing a major role in the development of the Hallstatt Celts and later La Tene and catch up what the west of the world has been up to while our Celts have been developing.Namely the ancient Bronze age cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean and the early Iron Age cultures of the Western Mediterranean.This episode will be dived into Chapters to help break down the huge amount of new information.Apologies for the lack of effects on this episode, due to recording delays I did not have the time to commit to editing I usually doFor social media links see belowhttps://www.facebook.com/CelticHistoryPodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/celtichistorypodcast/https://twitter.com/CeltHistoryPodhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr6APSjq1rtgEWTm2OdHa5gu=72235789#:~:text=www.patreon.com/user%3Fu%3D72235789https://discord.gg/ruxj9QpVLinks to Mapshttps://member.worldhistory.org/image/15310/the-late-bronze-age-collapse-c-1200---1150-bce/https://member.worldhistory.org/image/119/etruscan-civilization/

Ep114 OverviewIn Episode 114 of The Big Cruise Podcast, we celebrate the life and maritime service of the Late Queen Elizabeth II, answering Listener Questions about her and the ships she had named/christened. Cruise News return with great cruise news from around the world and finally Keith joins us to review his recent cruise from New York to Southampton onboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2.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/32G7RdhListener QuestionsLuke – Did the late QEII ever sail on Cunard?Barrie – How many ships did the late Queen of England christen?Margie – What is the difference between the Queen and Queen Consort?Cruise Review - QM2Review of QM2 by Keith from USACruise Line: Cunard LineShip: Queen Mary 2Passengers: 2691Crew: 1173Itinerary: New York to SouthamptonShip Info: Queen Mary 2  CunardCruise NewsP&O Welcomes Third Ship to Australia. The entire P&O Cruises Australia fleet of three magnificent ships has returned home to resume cruising in Australia with the arrival in Sydney today of Pacific Adventure, which later in the day is set to become one of the tallest ships to sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.Pacific Adventure sailed through the Heads this morning on her way initially to the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Celebrations surrounding Pacific Adventure's arrival were scaled back as a mark of respect following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.A special marine engineering project has given Pacific Adventure the ‘head room' necessary for the ship to sail under the bridge to the White Bay Cruise Terminal.An important homecoming for the 109,000-tonne 2600-guest Pacific Adventure as it will be based year-round in Sydney to take cruise fans on itineraries to Australian destinations and to the South Pacific where cruising is vital to island economies.Pacific Adventure's first commercial cruise will depart from Sydney on October 22 on a three-night comedy cruise.Pacific Adventure's arrival means that P&O, as Australia's home-grown cruise line, can expand its presence sailing from a number of Australian ports and from Auckland in New Zealand.Of the three P&O ships now home, Pacific Encounter is based in Brisbane for year-round cruising, Pacific Adventure is based in Sydney. Pacific Explorer will do cruise seasons from Adelaide, Melbourne, Fremantle and Cairns. Explorer will do an extended Auckland cruise season from June to November next year.Carnival Gets Keys to the Newest Fun Ship as Ship Transitions from Costa FleetTransitioning from sister line Costa, Carnival Luminosa has officially joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet today as the newest Fun Ship which will debut from Brisbane, Australia, Nov. 6, 2022.In Palermo, Italy, this morning, Costa Captain Nicolantonio Palombella handed over the ship to Carnival Captain Adriano Binacchi, with additional leadership team members from both lines in attendance. Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald captured the moment in a video which can be viewed here.Arriving to Australia in just two months, Carnival Luminosa will sail a variety of seasonal itineraries from Brisbane from Nov. 6, 2022 to April 13, 2023, offering something for everyone, before repositioning for seasonal service from Seattle to Alaska next May, including some exotic, first-time-for-Carnival destinations.Carnival Luminosa is a sister ship to the four other Spirit-class ships and will accommodate up to 2,826 guests and 1,050 Carnival crew members. Carnival Luminosa will be home to many of the activities and experiences from other Carnival ships that guests have come to know and love as well as some new spaces.Featuring guest favourites from entertainment, youth, and spa, to casino, bars and dining, offerings will include Playlist Productions, The Punchliner Comedy Club, Limelight Lounge, Piano Bar 88, Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Chef's Table, Bonsai Sushi Express, Seaday Brunch, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, and Cloud 9 Spa, among others.Green Eggs and Ham breakfast return to Carnival Fleet For the first time since the line's pause in guest operations, Carnival Cruise Line will officially bring back its Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in The Hat and Friends across its fleet on sailings beginning Oct. 1. The breakfast is part of the many exciting experiences in Carnival's Seuss at Sea program, the line's exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.Guests are encouraged to pack their imagination, as well as their appetites, as the whole family embarks on a breakfast that's part meal and part journey into the deliciously whimsical world of Dr. Seuss.Bringing Dr. Seuss' famed children's books to life, the breakfast features special appearances and meet and greet photo opportunities with favourite Dr. Seuss characters, helping create unforgettable memories no matter the age.From Green Eggs and Ham – of course – to brightly coloured fruit, gravity-defying fluffy pancake stacks, funky french toast, “Moose Juice” and “Goose Juice,” and much more, the fantastical feast features unique menu items, as well as classic breakfast offerings, accompanied by décor with bright colours and patterns. The breakfast is offered once per cruise.In addition to the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, the Seuss at Sea fleetwide program features fun youth, family, dining and entertainment activities inspired by the amazing world and words of Dr. Seuss, such as the Seuss-a-Palooza Story Time (beginning Nov. 1), Dr. Seuss Bookville, a family reading venue on select ships, character interactions, Dr. Seuss toys and games, and popular movies shown on board.Cunard British Film Festival Down Under Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Cunard British Film Festival presented by Palace, will once again delight audiences with a superb line-up including many of the biggest and best films from the region.This year's festival will showcase the talents of Britain's finest filmmakers and actors including Stephen Frears, Sally Hawkins, Colin Farrell, Bill Nighy and more.Opening the festival on 19 October (18 October in Adelaide) is the premiere of the highly anticipated MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS, a whimsical tale based on the popular novel. Starring the fabulous Lesley Melville as the titular Mrs. Harris, it follows her adventures as she embarks on a journey through Parisian high fashion.James Bond fans will be delighted with a special program showcasing six decades of iconic style and adventure. Highlights include DR.NO (60th anniversary), ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE (1969), starring Australia's Bond George Lazenby, SKYFALL (2012) on its 10-year anniversary and 1967's YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE.Inspired by the true story of the discovery of King Richard III's remains beneath a Leicester car park, THE LOST KING is a comedy-drama from Stephen Frears. Starring Sally Hawkins as a woman who forced academics and scholars to rethink everything they knew about one the most controversial kings in British history, and co-writer Steve Coogan as her husband.The Cunard British Film Festival presented by Palace screens in the following locations:Sydney: 19 Oct – 16 Nov, Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinema, Palace CentralCanberra: 19 Oct – 16 Nov, Palace Electric CinemasMelbourne: 19 Oct – 16 Nov, The Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Kino Cinemas and Pentridge CinemasBrisbane: 19 Oct – 16 Nov, Palace Barracks and Palace James StreetAdelaide: 18 Oct – 16 Nov, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect CinemasPerth: 19 Oct – 16 Nov, Palace Raine Square, Luna on SX, Leederville and WindsorByron Bay: 19 Oct – 16 Nov, Palace Byron BayHolland America Becomes First and Only Cruise Line Certified Sustainable for Alaska SeafoodHolland America Line has been awarded Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification — making it the first and only cruise line to achieve this distinguished credential by serving only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood. RFM certified all six of the cruise line's ships that sail to Alaska following an independent audit.RFM is a third-party certification program for wild-capture fisheries and is aligned with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the most comprehensive set of international standards and best practices for wild fisheries. The RFM ecolabel includes the seafood product's origin and tells consumers where their food comes from every step of the way — starting with the Alaska fishers and processors and continuing to the cruise line's receipt of product and to the guest's plate.Usage of the RFM logo signifies solid commitment to a distinctive Chain of Custody program that assures buyers and guests their seafood is legally harvested, obtained from responsibly managed certified sustainable fisheries, and can be traced back to its origin.Serving Alaska seafood on Holland America Line ships has long been part of the brand's immersive culinary experiences. On any Alaska cruise, the line serves more than 2,000 pounds of Alaska Salmon, 1,000 pounds of Alaska cod, 800 pounds of Alaska halibut, 500 pounds of Alaska rockfish and more.Holland America Line Reports Positive Results of Cruise Industry's First Long-Term Biofuel Test on Board Volendam at Port of RotterdamHolland America Line completed the cruise industry's first multiweek test of biofuels on board Volendam at Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The 20-day test was conducted in partnership with GoodFuels, a leading producer and supplier of sustainable biofuels for the transportation industry, and Wärtsilä, a global leader in power and propulsion technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine market.The assessment was completed September 7. In the first five days of the test the ship used a mix of 30% biofuel and 70% marine gas oil (MGO) in one of its main auxiliary engines. For the final 15 days of testing, the ship used 100% biofuel. According to GoodFuels, there was a 78% decrease in lifecycle CO2 emissions during the final 15 days of trial compared to marine gas oil emissions.Dutch-flagged Volendam was selected for the test since it was located at the Port of Rotterdam, one of the global ports where GoodFuels operates the infrastructure necessary to provide biofuel waterside fueling services. There is no significant difference for the ship's team members in handling regular fuel oil versus biofuel. The use of a “drop-in” biofuel such as the one tested on Volendam requires no shipboard refitting or special equipment.What Are Biofuels?The advanced biofuel is derived from feedstocks that are certified as 100% waste or residue, with no land-use issues and no competition with food production or deforestation.Holland America Line's 2024 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage Returns After a DecadeHolland America Line is continuing to bolster its longer voyages departing from a North America homeport, and the 2024 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage is the newest addition. The 94-day journey that's been more than 10 years in the making departs Jan. 3, 2024, aboard Volendam, sailing roundtrip from San Diego, California.2024 Grand Australia and New Zealand Voyage Highlights94 days. Departs Jan. 3, 2024, sailing roundtrip from San Diego aboard Volendam.43 ports of call, including 17 around the Australian continent.4 overnight calls: Fremantle (Perth) and Sydney, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Papeete, Tahiti.2 evening departures: Honolulu, Hawaii, and Brisbane, Australia.Two full days of scenic cruising in the famed Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Ribbon Reef and Far North regions.16 calls at a collection of stunning South Pacific islands.A call at Komodo Island, with the opportunity to see the iconic Komodo Dragon prowling the landscape.Scenic cruising in the Torres Strait and Milford Sound.Two shorter segments are available: 58 days from San Diego to Sydney and 36 days from Sydney to San Diego.Celebrity Cruises announces new partnership with Four Pillars GinGlobally renowned for raising the bar on innovative food and beverage-focused experiences at sea, Celebrity Cruises is excited to announce a new partnership with Australia's leading craft distillery, Four Pillars Gin, serving up a range of exclusive experiences for guests on board Celebrity Eclipse this 2022-23 season.Celebrity Cruises will be the first cruise line to offer custom curated Four Pillars cocktails at sea, with four craft gin cocktails available throughout the entire 2022-23 season at ten bars onboard Celebrity Eclipse. Guests will be able to gaze out at the glistening Pacific Ocean, while sipping their favourite gin cocktails with botanicals from the very regions they're visiting. The gins include Four Pillars' award-winning Rare Dry, Fresh Yuzu, Bloody Shiraz and Navy Strength.Offering the ultimate destination-inspired holiday, travellers on the five-night sailing to Tasmania, departing Sydney on 10 March 2023, will be hosted by Four Pillars Senior Brand Ambassador, Wes Baimbridge, marking Celebrity Cruises' first ever gin-focused sailing. Pairing two award-winning trailblazers in the food and drinks space, culinary-curious travellers will have the opportunity to refine their palate with exclusive gin tasting and food pairing experiences.Showcasing the finest of each destination guests will visit, highlights of the Celebrity Eclipse five-night gin-centric itinerary includes:Sail Away Party with Four Pillars, featuring a complimentary gin cocktail to celebrate the start of the sailing, plus more surprises.Intimate Q&As with Wes Baimbridge, Four Pillars Senior Brand Ambassador, to discover the story behind the brand and crafting of Four Pillars' award-winning gins.Series of exclusive events throughout the sailing including gin tasting sessions to learn the essentials of food and gin pairing; gin and oyster flights; exclusive gin appreciation and pairing dinner; and hands-on cocktail masterclasses.Princess Cruises Unveils Bespoke Next Generation Ship – Sun Princess®Princess Cruises revealed a stunning new and bespoke ship platform that will be the brand's largest ship ever accommodating over 4,000 guests.  The new Sun Princess will boast stunning views, expansive venues, innovative entertainment venues, multi-story dining rooms and next level stateroom accommodations while remaining true to the smooth clean lines and design aesthetics inspired by the Seawitch icon and popularised in the original “Love Boat” TV series and returning the venerable “Sun Princess” name back into operation.Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard and scheduled to debut in early 2024, the 175,500-ton vessel is the largest Princess ship ever constructed and embraces Italian heritage by featuring a next-level, brand-iconic Piazza and The Dome, a cutting-edge entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. Sun Princess will also feature the exclusive Princess Medallion that will extend Princess's leadership position in delivering exceptional personalized experiences at unmatched scale.  Princess is unique in the ability to deliver incredible cruise ship amenities typical of the largest ships in the world while delivering personalized service found on the industry's smallest ships.The inaugural season for Sun Princess begins in early 2024 with Mediterranean itineraries. The ship's first three voyages will go on sale at 8.00AM AEST Friday, September 16 for Elite guests, and midnight for the general public.This is the third ship to be honored with the Sun Princess name, adding to the legacy of the first ship sailing from 1974 to 1988 and the second ship sailing from 1995 to 2020. At that time, she had the largest number of balcony cabins, and the cruise line's first 24-hour cafe.Azamara Unveils New Europe 2024 Itineraries for its Four-Ship FleetAzamara – the upmarket cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences – is pleased to unveil 84 Europe itineraries across its four-ship fleet for 2024. Of the 84 new itineraries, 53 are Country Intensive voyages with over 50% of port calls being a late night or overnight, allowing guests ample time to dive deeper into the local culture and hidden gems of an individual country. On September 9, the cruise line will also launch a brand-new video series, ‘Lens of a Local,' allowing guests to get an exclusive look into the immersive excursions that can be experienced from a local's perspective on an Azamara voyage.Azamara is also expanding the company's longtime exclusive partnership with leading provider of international golf tours, PerryGolf, to offer the most worldwide golf sailings yet, with over 15 departures available to book in 2024. Highlights include:Azamara Quest's 12-Night British Isles Intensive Golf Voyage & The 152nd Open at Royal Troon: Beginning in Dublin, Ireland and concluding in Edinburgh, Scotland, this itinerary is beautifully balanced with famous city experiences like Liverpool, Belfast, Glasgow and Dundee plus exceptional golf at world renowned and highly revered venues around the British Isles such as Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, Royal Dornoch, Royal County Down & Royal Portrush. Guests will also have the opportunity to attend the final two days of The 152nd Open at Royal Troon with PerryGolf.Azamara Pursuit's 12-Night South Africa Intensive Voyage: This Country Intensive voyage allows guests to see more of South Africa's vibrant ports, exotic safaris, golden beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Guests have the option to play five rounds of golf at East London Golf Club, one of South Africa's favorite championship venues for decades; Pearl Valley, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course set in the famous Franschhoek Wine region; and more.Azamara Journey's 16-Night New Zealand & Australia Voyage: Travelers will discover natural wonders, Indigenous cultures, and extraordinary wildlife on this journey from New Zealand to Australia, sailing through the spectacular Milford Sound. PerryGolf offers six rounds of golf at some of the most renowned courses in the region, including the #1 course in New Zealand, Cape Kidnappers, as well as the second oldest course in New Zealand, Christchurch Golf Club.Azamara Quest's 9-Night Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Voyage: Beginning in beautiful Buenos Aires and concluding with an overnight in spirited Rio De Janeiro, this sailing includes a round of golf at the Olympic Golf Course in Rio, site of golf's 2016 return to the Olympic Games. Travelers can also add on a post-voyage land program to visit the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.Saga Ocean Cruises lines up stellar 2022/2023 celebrity entertainmentSaga Ocean Cruises lines up stellar 2022/2023 celebrity entertainment with Jools Holland, Alfie Boe, Phil Vickery and Kevin WoodfordSaga guests are in for an entertainment treat thanks to the celebrity line-up the cruise operator has confirmed for late 2022 and throughout 2023.The famous composer, pianist, bandleader and broadcaster, Jools Holland, returns to the Saga stage on six cruises between February and September 2023. Guests will be wowed with performances in the 444-seater Playhouse Theatre of some of Jools' popular sets including Barrel House, Take Me, Peace in the Valley and How sweet it is.The 2023 cruises Jools and his band will perform on are:Colours of the Canaries departing February 2Arctic Norway and the Northern Lights departing February 18Venice and the Treasures of the Adriatic departing April 9Contrasts of Scandinavia departing May 21Islands of the Western Mediterranean departing August 20Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean departing September 4And music fans can also now experience the incredible singing talents of Alfie Boe. As a young boy, Lancashire-born Alfie dreamed of a career as a singer and has since then conquered the world's most prestigious opera stages, led the cast of Les Miserables for nearly a year, and stolen the show at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace. He has also sold-out three UK Tours (including the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall) and appeals to hundreds of thousands of fans, having achieved Platinum album sales in the UK, and four top ten album placings.Alfie will perform on the Morocco and the Islands of the Atlantic cruise departing on November 15, 2022 on Spirit of Discovery.And the chef, presenter and cookery book author, Phil Vickery, will be joining the Cape Verde and the Canaries cruise departing November 19, 2022 to deliver a live cooking demonstration and Q&A session to guests. Vickery is often best known as part of the This Morning family and is firmly regarded as one of Britain's favourite chefs.Keeping with the cuisine theme, chef and presenter Kevin Woodford, will be performing a ‘Can't Cook, Won't Cook' masterclass and ‘A Question of Food' Q&A session with guests on the Flavours of the Western Mediterranean cruise departing on October 31, 2022.Look ahead to a festive break with Fred. Olsen Cruise LineBalmoral's eight-night L2232 ‘European Christmas Markets' cruise, departing from Portsmouth on 2nd December 2022. Itinerary: Portsmouth, England – Zeebrugge, Belgium – Gothenburg, Sweden – Copenhagen, Denmark – Cruising Kiel Canal, Germany – Hamburg, Germany – Portsmouth, EnglandBorealis' nine-night S2231 ‘River Cities and German Christmas Markets' cruise, departing from Liverpool on 5th December 2022. Itinerary: Liverpool, England – Cruising North Sea Canal, Netherlands – Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight stay) – Cruising River Elbe, Germany – Hamburg, Germany (overnight stay) – Liverpool, EnglandBalmoral's 12-night L2233 ‘Festive Spain and Portugal' cruise, departing from Portsmouth on 10th December 2022. Itinerary: Portsmouth, England – Lisbon, Portugal – Cádiz, Spain – Funchal, Madeira (overnight stay) – Vigo, Spain – La Coruña, Spain – Portsmouth, EnglandBorealis' eight-night S2232 ‘Festive Spanish City Break' cruise, departing from Liverpool on 14th December 2022. Itinerary: Liverpool, England – Gijon, Spain – Getxo (Bilbao), Spain – Vigo, Spain – La Coruña, Spain – Liverpool, EnglandVida Portugal! Avalon Waterways unveils plans to make its debut on the Douro with a new Suite ShipAvalon Waterways has announced that it will make its Douro debut with a new itinerary and Suite Ship – the Avalon Alegria – in 2024. Embarking on its first-ever sailings in Portugal, Avalon Waterways is poised to offer a new view of the Old World.Hillside vineyards and historic villages await guests as they sail through Portugal's postcard-perfect views on Avalon's all-new, eight-day cruise that begins and ends in Porto and is filled with Avalon's signature, included ‘Classic,' ‘Discovery' and ‘Active' excursion choices. Featuring everything from ancient Amarante – in the picturesque Minho region, known for its golden church that dates back to 1530 – to the sandstone architecture in Salamanca Spain; rock art to riding bikes from Porto to the sea, this new cruise promises countless ways to soak up the splendour – from medieval castles to cinematic scenery and all the vinho, baked bread, olives and cheese a traveller could desire.Day-by-day sneak peek:Day 1: Welcome to Porto with an optional food tour, embarkation and overnight in the city.Day 2: Excursion choices include stepping back in time in Guimarães' historic city centre or cruising along the coast, on bike, from Porto Ribeira to the sea. The ship overnights in Porto Antigo.Day 3: Today's choice of excursions includes a visit to one of the Douro Valley's oldest farms, with food tasting near Peso da Régua and an overnight in Pinhão.Day 4: Experience a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, a charming village nestled between the nearby mountains, complete with regional wine-tasting or rock art in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Tonight, Avalon Alegria docks in Barca d'Alva.Day 5: Choose from classic sightseeing in Freixo de Espada à Cinta or a visit to Salamanca in Spain. Learn to bake traditional Portuguese pastries (florinhas) during a hands-on optional excursion.Day 6: Paint a typical azulejos tile guided by a professional painter during a relaxing morning sail.  Spend the afternoon in Amarante and fado the evening away. Guests overnight in Porto with plenty of free time to peruse the city. Cruisers are always choosers with Avalon.Day 7: UNESCO the day away exploring Porto – with optional excursions ranging from a canal cruise to celebratory Portuguese traditions – before spending one more night in the city.Day 8: The cruise comes to an end in Porto.Living up to its name (which, in Portuguese, means happiness), the Avalon Alegria – like the rest of the company's fleet of Suite Ships – will feature signature, award-winning Panorama Suites on two full decks. Each Suite provides guests 200-square-feet of living space, Open-Air Balconies and beds facing the views for which Avalon river cruising is famous. In addition, the Alegria, will provide guests with a pool on the Sky Deck to bask in the sun and soak-in the beauty of Portugal while sailing from a new, poolside point-of-view.This new Suite Ship, built exclusively to sail the Douro, will have a total of 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, accommodating just 102 guests and 33 crew members.And last…. The Biggest Cruise news for Australia & New Zealand…. For the first time, Disney Cruise Line is bringing the magic of a Disney to families and fans in Australia and New Zealand during brand-new “Disney Magic at Sea” cruises beginning late October 2023. The ship is the destination on these limited-time voyages, which have been specially created to immerse local guests in their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars stories through enchanting entertainment and enhanced experiences throughout each cruise.The Disney Wonder will embark on these “Disney Magic at Sea” cruises through February 2024, ranging from two to six nights and departing from four home ports: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia; and Auckland, New Zealand.During the repositioning voyages between Honolulu and Sydney in October 2023 and February 2024, the Disney Wonder will offer the fleet's first-ever South Pacific itineraries. These brand-new cruises will give guests from around the world the chance to experience exotic destinations like Fiji and Samoa. Bookings open to the public on Oct. 6, 2022AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND CRUISES 2023 – 2024 Cruises from SydneySail Dates: 28/10/23, 01/11/23, 24/12/23, 28/12/23, 03/01/24, 05/01/24, 08/01/24, 12/01/24,14/01/24, 20/01/24, 23/01/24, 12/02/24Prices starting from (for 2 nights on 12/01/24, per person based on double occupancy):Inside Stateroom: US$720Oceanview Stateroom: US$789Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah: US$918Concierge Stateroom with Verandah: US$1741Cruises from Melbourne Sail dates: 03/11/23, 05/11/23, 09/11/23, 12/11/23, 16/11/23, 26/01/24, 30/01/24, 02/02/24,05/2/24, 09/02/24Prices starting from (for 2 nights on 03/11/23, per person based on double occupancy):Inside Stateroom: US$546Oceanview Stateroom: US$593Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah: US$689Concierge Stateroom with Verandah: US$1281Cruises from BrisbaneSail Dates: 08/12/23, 11/12/23, 15/12/23, 20/12/23, 22/12/23Prices starting from (for 2 nights on 20/12/23, per person based on double occupancy):Inside Stateroom: US$755Oceanview Stateroom: US$821Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah: US$951Concierge Stateroom with Verandah: US$1760Cruises from AucklandSail Dates: 21/11/23, 25/11/23, 28/11/23, 01/12/23, 04/12/23Prices starting from (for 3 nights on 28/11/23, per person based on double occupancy):Inside Stateroom: US$760Oceanview Stateroom: US$818Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah: US$929Concierge Stateroom with Verandah: US$1705Prices based on stateroom category, sail date and party size. Prices include applicable taxes/GST, port expenses and fees. Sail dates and staterooms are subject to availability. Visit disneycruiseline.com/AUNZ beginning September 26, 2022 to check current pricing, availability and itineraries. Prices shown above are not guaranteed, are subject to change without notice, and do not include optional gratuities ($29-46.50 USD per person). Prices shown above are for the following categories: Concierge Family Stateroom with Verandah (03A), Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator's Verandah (07A), Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (09D), and Standard Inside Stateroom (11B).Image Credit: Disney Wonder, Disney Cruise LineImage Credit: Sun Princess, Princess CruisesAnd 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.

OverviewIn episode 104 Chris answers a listener question about the ss Norway, whilst Baz brings the latest cruise news from around the world, including the new Kimberly season for Le Ponant (pictured).Image Credit: Le Ponant by Ponant. Support the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh.Listener QuestionAlice from Miami asks Chris “Was the ss Norway originally a liner before conversion to cruising?”Cruise NewsPONANT unveils Pinnacle Kimberley Experience onboard iconic Le Ponant for 2023Ponant is set to take luxury expeditions to another level, opening sales for their highly anticipated 2023 inaugural Kimberley sailing expedition programme onboard the company's iconic three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant.Commencing on 7 April 2023, Ponant ‘s programme of 26 new itineraries onboard Le Ponant for the 2023 Kimberley season covers the Northern Kimberley, Southern Kimberley, and the Rowley Shoals.Ponant's expertise and signature travel visions onboard Le Ponant highlight the unique mix of adventure, sustainability, and barefoot luxury. The newly refurbished yacht has been transformed to feature the latest technical innovations to reduce emissions and is equipped with state-of-the-art Zodiacs for shore landings and excursions. Having been entirely renovated with a sleek, sophisticated design by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio, Le Ponant offers an intimate setting with only 16 staterooms for a maximum of 32 guests being looked after by 32 crew members.  An invitation to sail and experience Australia's breathtaking Kimberley coastline on a journey that combines exploration and eco-responsibility in luxury. As an exclusive addition to this experience, the Northern and Southern Kimberley itineraries include an exclusive charter flight between Kununurra and Kuri Bay or Broome and Kuri Bay on board one of Australian company Paspaley's vintage Grumman Mallard flying boats to take guests from or to their embarkation point, as well as an exclusive guided visit of Paspaley's pearl farms in Kuri Bay.Viking Saturn Meets Water for First TimeViking announced its newest ocean ship—the 930-guest Viking Saturn—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Scheduled to debut in April 2023, the Viking Saturn will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and in Northern Europe.The traditional float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out of the Viking Saturn began at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time when the Viking team cut a cord that signalled water to flow into the ship's building dock. Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Saturn afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.Viking Saturn – Viking's ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that can host 930 guests. The Viking Saturn will join the award-winning fleet of identical sister ships, which includes Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter, Viking Venus and Viking Mars. The Viking Neptune will be delivered in late 2022.Its Official – Authentic Gelato Experience at SeaItalian Chamber of Commerce Certifies Gelato Experience On Board Princess Ships as First to Offer the Authentic Confection Outside ItalyWith the start of summer, scooping up one of Italy's most famous desserts from Gelato onboard Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess just got a little sweeter. The Princess Cruises gelato shops have been designated as Ospitalità Italiana, and are the first and only locations to offer an authentic Italian gelato experience outside of Italy.The prestigious Ospitalità Italiana designation is issued by the Italian Chamber of Commerce committee, an organisation of the Italian government, and confirms that every step of the gelato-making process meets or exceeds a strict set of standards as approved by official Italian auditors and experts, who review the process on a yearly basis. Only gelato shops that attain outstanding quality status are awarded the official Ospitalità Italiana certification.Princess Cruises handcrafts its fresh gelato with Italian-certified ingredients and equipment each day in the pastry kitchens onboard the cruise line's three newest ships – Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess. Corporate pastry chef Eric Le Rouzic trained with the best Italian chefs at the Gelato Carpigiani University in Bologna and the Gelato Comprital Atheneum in Milano to master the art of making this heaven in a bowl. Princess uses top-of-line gelato machines by renowned manufacturer Carpigiani and the Gelato display cases were produced in Italy by expert craftsmen.Fun Fact – Gelato Isn't Ice CreamAccording to legend, the recipe for Gelato was popularised when architect Bernardo Buontalenti was asked to create a special confection for a member of the Medici noble family in the 16th century. Buontalenti mixed milk, eggs, sugar and extracts in a special machine surrounded by ice and salt, and egg cream-based gelato was born.While it's creamy, gelato has less butter fat and fewer calories. The authentic Italian ingredients are combined with Princess' freshly sourced fruit and is made each day with milk, not requiring the extra fat from cream that is needed in ice cream for a longer shelf life. As a result, a scoop of gelato is 80-100 calories and the sorbet or “fruit gelato” has no fat and is only 50-60 calories, with no dairy.Christening Ceremony in Barcelona for Costa ToscanaCosta Cruises celebrates in the port of Barcelona the christening ceremony of Costa Toscana, the newest Italian-flagged ship in the Costa Cruises fleet, that leads to the discovery of “the art of living the sea”.Godmother of Costa Toscana is Chanel, a young singer, actress and dancer who enjoyed great success in Spain and in all Europe after her exhibition during the 2022 Eurovison Song Contest. She will join the ship's Captain Pietro Sinisi for the ribbon-cutting ceremony in which a bottle will be shattered on the ships bow, as per maritime tradition.Costa Toscana represents the restart of Costa Cruises' fleet, which will operate 10 ships this summer. Summer 2022 appears to be heading toward a significant upswing in travel. According to research commissioned by Costa Cruises from Human Highway in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, nearly 14 million of Europeans dream of taking a cruise in the next 12 months.Costa Toscana is a true travelling smart city; Thanks to the use of liquefied natural gas, it is possible to eliminate almost completely the emission of sulfur oxides (zero emissions) and particulates (95-100% reduction) into the atmosphere, while also significantly lowering emissions of nitrogen oxide (direct reduction of 85%) and CO2 (up to 20%).During summer 2022, Costa Toscana offers a week-long itinerary making calls in some of the most beautiful cities and islands of the Western Mediterranean, including two calls in Spain: Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Naples, Ibiza, Valencia, and Marseille.COSTA by CARNIVALCosta Cruises announces a new program for the next seasons for Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze as the Company teams up with Carnival Cruise Line creating a new concept for Carnival's North American guests when COSTA by CARNIVAL debuts in the spring of 2023 and Costa Venezia joins the Carnival fleet. Costa Venezia will be followed by Costa Firenze arriving in the spring of 2024.Carnival will operate Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze with an offer that will marry Costa's Italian style with the great service, food, and entertainment that Carnival's guests enjoy. The ships will continue operating their regular Costa itineraries until they are assigned to Carnival for deployment.Carnival Luminosa will homeport in Brisbane from November 2022 Carnival Cruise Line announced today that Costa Luminosa will join the Carnival fleet in September and will start guest operations as Carnival Luminosa in November 2022 from Brisbane, Australia. The acquisition of Luminosa is an update to the previously announced plans for Carnival to take Costa Magica, which will now remain at Costa Cruises.After this delivery, Carnival Luminosa will operate seasonally from October through April from Brisbane, then reposition to Seattle, where it will sail Alaska itineraries from May through September, before returning to Brisbane.Luminosa is a sister ship to the four other popular Spirit class ships that already sail for Carnival. Entering service in 2009, the ship accommodates up to 2,826 guests and 1,050 crew at 92,720 gross tons.Rolls Royce on Carnival Ecstasy Gets a New Home on Carnival CelebrationFor three decades, an antique Rolls Royce has been sailing the high seas – on board Carnival Ecstasy. Now, the well-known fixture will continue its travels on Carnival Cruise Line's next new ship, Carnival Celebration.The vintage car, a 1934 Rolls Royce Saloon, was carefully offloaded from Carnival Ecstasy while the ship was docked in Mobile, Ala. last Thursday (click here to see video). It is being carefully shipped to the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland where Carnival Celebration is under construction.The car thousands of Carnival guests have admired and taken pictures of over the years will soon find a new home adjacent to The Gateway, a two-deck zone aboard Carnival Celebration which celebrates travel and the excitement of exploring new destinations.The Gateway zone includes The Golden Jubilee, a bar venue highlighting Carnival's evolution of ships over the last 50 years. The bar will feature memorabilia and original pieces from several of Carnival's earlier vessels and so the Rolls Royce will add to the nostalgia.Carnival Ecstasy's designer searched all over the United Kingdom to find the perfect car to fit the space outside the ship's Rolls Royce Café. It was acquired from a small antique car dealer in the hills of Northern Wales. Carnival Ecstasy is finishing its final sailing season and will be retired in October.Carnival Celebration, the second of Carnival Cruise Line's new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered ships will begin service in early November with a 14-day transatlantic voyage from London (Southampton) to its homeport of PortMiami. Her arrival will continue the celebration of Carnival Cruise Line's 50th birthday.THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS! – 100 DAYS UNTIL CARNIVAL SPLENDOR'S RETURNCarnival Cruise Line is today celebrating 100 days until the return of Carnival Splendor to Aussie shores. Following a successful season cruising in Alaska, Sydney's own Carnival ship will arrive home on 30 September, bringing the Carnival fun back to guests and crew.With over 900 days since her last Australian cruise, Carnival Splendor will offer Sydneysiders a range of action-packed itineraries from Aussie favourites including Moreton Island and Carnival's famous Melbourne Cup cruises, to New Zealand and to stunning South Pacific ports including Noumea, Isle of Pines and Mare.Carnival Splendor offers a host of exclusive features for Aussie guests to both discover and rediscover, including:Green and Gold waterpark: The action-packed Carnival Waterworks was built specifically for Australia in green and gold colours, complete with a world-first on a cruise ship – the Green Lightning thrill-slide that begins with an impressive 11.3-metre free-fall drop. Waterworks also boasts a 104-metre-long Twister Waterslide, power drencher tipping bucket and mini racing slides.Splashy Cove: Splashy Cove is a special waterpark created just for little ones with fun to be had splashing about with spray toys and mini waterslides. It's also home to a colourful mural inspired from drawings by patients from The Children's Hospital at Westmead.Cloud 9 Spa and Serenity Retreat: For Aussies who love to relax, Carnival Splendor features the Cloud 9 Spa and Suites, offering everything from a thalassotherapy pool, to thermal suites and state-of-the-art fitness centre. Adults can also unwind at the well-known adults-only Serenity Retreat and enjoy the sea breeze with a cocktail in hand.Dining options: Featuring over 17 different dining options including Masala Tiger, made precisely for Aussies' adventurous tastebuds and offering fresh and flavourful Indian cuisine straight from the tandoor. Juice and Java, a juice and coffee bar, has also been created exclusively for the Aussie market, while Fahrenheit 555 offers the finest cuts of beef available at sea, cooked to perfection. These tasty offerings join Carnival fan-favourites, such as Seafood Shack, Pizzeria del Capitano and Guy's Burger Joint.Australia's favourite coffee: Carnival has partnered with Vittoria Coffee, Australia's number one pure coffee brand, to make sure the fresh new JavaBlue Café delivers flat whites, long blacks and lattes to perfection.Carnival Splendor's first passenger cruise from Sydney will depart on 02 October 2022.Six Months Until Norwegian Spirit Debuts Down UnderNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL), is celebrating the six-month countdown to the Australasian debut of the all-new Norwegian Spirit for her inaugural local sailing season.A completely reimagined ship following her extensive bow-to-stern USD$100m renovation – the most expensive refurbishment in NCL's 55-year history – Norwegian Spirit's arrival on 22 December 2022 also marks NCL's long-awaited return to Australian waters.Norwegian Spirit will sail 10 local itineraries between December 2022 and March 2023, including a selection of eight 12-day open-jaw sailings between her dual home-ports of Sydney and Auckland, visiting a variety of regional and metropolitan destinations such as Hobart, Burnie, Melbourne and Eden in Australia, as well as Napier, Tauranga, Wellington and Akaroa in New Zealand. Plus, she will offer two Extraordinary Journeys through the South Pacific, from Papeete to Sydney in December and Sydney to Papeete in March 2023. Norwegian Spirit then returns in December 2023 for her second season home ported in Australian waters.Top Three Destinations to ExploreBurnie: Tucked away on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie is a quaint seaside enclave renowned for its eclectic shopping, local maker's workshops, boutique chocolate shops, cafes and galleries – the ideal spots to pick up unique souvenirs to treasure back home. Other highlights include strolling along the Emu Bay waterfront, learning about local wildlife at the Little Penguin Observation Centre or whisky tasting at the internationally acclaimed Hellyers Road Distillery.Tauranga: The largest city in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is a hub for fishing, sailing, kayaking and adventure sports. Those who prefer their action on the ground will enjoy the city's shopping and gallery scene, or a seaside meal at the buzzing Strand Waterfront precinct. The nearby Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park is popular with travellers keen to hike, spot native birds or learn more about the area's gold mining history.Doubtful Sound: A genuine wilderness wonderland, Doubtful Sound is less a port of call and more a scenic sailing experience, characterised by dramatic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff faces and captivating wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins. Larger yet less visited than Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound's majestic beauty will captivate travellers who enjoy areas of untamed natural beauty, and there is no better way to take it all in than from the deck of a cruise ship.NCL commits to Asia 2023-2024 ItinerariesNCL will return to Asia for the 2023-2024 cruise season, featuring 12 immersive and port-rich sailings ranging from 10- to 12-days on board Norwegian Jewel as well as a 16-day Extraordinary Journey from Seattle, Washington (U.S.) to Tokyo, Japan.The extensive season will operate from October 2023 to March 2024 and will see a vast choice of departure ports including Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; Taipei (Keelung); Singapore; Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia; Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand; Benoa, Bali; and Seoul (Incheon), South Korea. In addition, the Company will make “Brand first” visits to four ports in the region including Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Salomague and Hualien, where travellers will explore the natural beauty and rich culture of the Philippines and Taiwan.Norwegian Jewel returns to Asia for her second successful season in the region following a 16-day repositioning cruise from Seattle, Washington (U.S.)  to Tokyo, Japan via the wilds of Alaska. Her port-intensive Asia itineraries mostly include less than two sea-days per cruise as well as multiple late-night departures and overnight calls on select itineraries in Osaka, Japan; Singapore; and Phuket, Thailand. Almost all cruises are open-jaw, allowing travellers to bookend their voyage with land explorations in different exotic destinations.On board Norwegian Jewel, guests can enjoy numerous amenities including action-packed activities at the outdoor Sports Complex, high energy Zumba® and Flywheel Sports® classes, and multiple uniquely themed bars and lounges, including Bliss Ultra Lounge where guests can dance the night away. Norwegian Jewel, with a guest capacity of 2,376, also offers some of the largest suites at sea with staterooms that accommodate every style and budget. The ship also offers a Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite that features the most luxurious, well-appointed accommodations on board, including a 24-hour butler service.NCL Year round in Europe Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), announced its return to the Canary Islands for the first time since 2017, delivering guests more choice and flexibility with a year-round Europe cruise offering in 2022.Following a grand 22-day transatlantic voyage from Miami to Lisbon, Norwegian Sun will make her return to Europe offering immersive Canary Island sailings from 21 November 2022. Cruises on board the nearly 2,000-passenger ship will range from 10 to 14 days and will provide guests with greater flexibility by offering a choice of embarkation ports, including Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga, Spain; and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands. Furthermore, during Norwegian Sun's debut six-month season in the region she will call to various new ports for NCL, including Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) and San Sebastian de la Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain; Cueta, Spain; Agadir, Morocco; and Horta (Azores), Portugal.Including Norwegian Sun, nine NCL ships are sailing in European waters this summer and make up the greatest European fleet in the cruise line's history. Calling at more European ports than any other contemporary cruise line, NCL will offer guests greater choice than ever before, including Norwegian Prima, the newest member of NCL's fleet and the first in the ground-breaking Prima Class, set to debut in Iceland in August 2022. NCL's extensive range of European itineraries in 2022 include voyages to the Greek Isles, the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean and the Canaries.Double Newbuild milestones for MSC The Cruise Division of MSC Group and Chantiers de l'Atlantique celebrated two important milestones for MSC Cruises' first two liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels both under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France.MSC World Europa, the first LNG vessel to join the cruise line's fleet and set to become the biggest LNG-powered cruise ship in the world, completed her first set of sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean that included testing the performance of the ship's engines, manoeuvrability, fuel consumption, safety systems, speed and stopping distances.Meanwhile, MSC Euribia was floated out and has now been moved to a wet dock for work to continue on the ship before she also joins MSC Cruises' fleet in June 2023.MSC has invested €3 billion in three LNG-powered cruise ships and the construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique yard in Saint-Nazaire of the third ship – ‘World Class II' – is due to start early next year.Viking Announces New 2024 Ocean VoyagesViking has today announced the release of several new ocean voyages and new 2024 departure dates on some of their most popular itineraries.New voyages include the 36-day Grand Fjords & Iconic Viking Shores taking in the striking natural beauty of Iceland, Greenland and the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia; plus two new itineraries combining the West Indies with the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula.In addition to new 2024 departure dates on some of their most popular voyages, Viking has also announced they will be re-opening two Hawaiian voyages exploring the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai and traversing the South Pacific to Moorea, Bora Bora and the secluded Marquesas Island.New itineraries include:36-day Grand Fjords & Iconic Viking Shores from Amsterdam to New York City or v.v. Departures: June and July 2024.25-day West Indies & the Mediterranean from San Juan to Venice or v.v. Departures: March 2024.13-day West Indies & the Iberian Peninsula from San Juan to Barcelona Departures: March 2024.Voyages with new departure dates:17-day Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailing Los Angeles return – Departures: December 2023 and February 2024.33-day Grand Hawaii & Polynesia sailing Los Angeles return – Departures: November 2023 and January 2024.18-day Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles or v.v. – Departures: January and March 2024.29-day Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Beyond from Bergen to New York City or v.v. – Departures: May to August 2024.22-day Mediterannean & Adriatic Sojourn from Athens to Barcelona or v.v. – Departures: February to September 2024.15-day Iconic Iceland, Greenland & Canada from Reykjavik to New York City or v.v. – Departures: June and August 2024.8-day Iceland's Natural Beauty circumnavigating Iceland from Reykjavik – Departures: July and August 2024.Windstar Celebrates 35 Years in the Tropical Paradise of TahitiIt's the island paradise so beautiful that French artist Paul Gauguin couldn't stop painting it. Fletcher Christian didn't want to leave it and mutinied (on the HMS Bounty) to stay there. Remote, tropical, romantic, and beautiful – it's one of the world's most aspirational places to visit: The Islands of Tahiti, otherwise known as French Polynesia.  The Islands of Tahiti are best accessed via small ship – allowing effortless travel amongst some of French Polynesia's most storied and iconic 121 islands and atolls. Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises simply knows it best, having sailed the longest of any operator in the region and celebrating 35 years of Tahitian sailings in 2022. It's also the only destination where the U.S.-based cruise line sails year-round, giving guests ample opportunity to plan a once-in-a-lifetime visit in any season.This October, there's double the chance. The 148-guest Wind Spirit, complete with sails built for the breezes of the South Pacific, is sailing around the Islands of Tahiti now, but in October, Windstar will move the all-suite, 312-guest Star Breeze to the region, increasing capacity with two yacht options to choose from. All-suite Star Breeze features newly transformed guest suites,  two new restaurants, a new World Spa, an infinity pool, and more. Although without sails, Star Breeze is ideal for accessing the shallow lagoons that helped make the destination famous. Both Wind Spirit and Star Breeze feature Windstar's signature sports platform, opening up right off the back deck into crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding .  In February 2024, Star Breeze will move to Tahiti year-round in place of Wind Spirit.A-ROSA SENA completes maiden voyageOn 18 June 2022, the A-ROSA SENA departed from Cologne for her maiden voyage with her first guests on board. Prior to this, the ship was blessed in Düsseldorf by Deacon Michael Inden, as well as christened by Clara Eichler, daughter of A-ROSA CEO Jörg Eichler, in the presence of the management, the investors and the crew. Due to supply challenges, the first cruise started slightly later than initially planned, which meant that this ceremony took place in a small circle only. Thanks to the hybrid propulsion system, the first departure was accomplished with the help of electrical energy from the battery storage.Guests and crew were excited about the sustainable new ship: “A-ROSA SENA's design is truly unique on the river. Together with the spacious interior layout, she offers a completely new travel experience”, comments hotel manager Dennis Brenner. Captain Ulrich Schwalbe adds: “Thanks to the hybrid propulsion system and the exhaust gas purification filter, you don't notice any emissions on board and can just enjoy the pure cruising experience.” The E-Motion Ship recently received the “German Award for Sustainability Projects 2022” for her environmentally friendly technologies.Throughout the summer, the A-ROSA SENA offers 7-night voyages from Cologne via Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Dordrecht and Antwerp. Guests can disembark individually or discover the destinations through exclusive shore excursions organized by A-ROSA. Whether a gracht tour in Amsterdam, a visit to the miniature world Madurodam in Rotterdam, a canoe trip through the nature reserve Biesbosch or a culinary city tour through Antwerp – there is something for all tastes. The last day of the trip is a cruising day during which guests can enjoy everything the ship has to offer at their leisure: The large SPA-ROSA with sauna, whirlpool and massage room, the fitness area, two pools on the sun deck, the Kids Club for little guests and various restaurants and bars.Queensland Couple Embarks on Two Years Back-to-Back Cruising as Coral Princess Begins Historic Inaugural Cruise SeasonIn an amazing illustration of their passion for cruising, Brisbane couple, Jessica and Marty Ansen, embarked on an incredible two years of back-to-back cruising as Princess Cruises' Coral Princess, the first cruise ship home ported at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, began its first cruise season following the restart of the Australian cruise industry.Jessica and Marty Ansen have previously sailed on 31 cruises with Princess with 1,173 days at sea. They have been anxiously awaiting cruising's restart to indulge their love for holidaying on the high seas with a landmark 53 separate cruises between now and August 2024.And the couple is not ruling out adding more voyages to keep their life at sea sailing along into the future.“Cruising offers the ultimate holiday experience. You go onboard, you only unpack once, and you have all this amazing entertainment, exceptional food, great company and you can see the world. And, the crew deliver incredible service – that's why we cruise.”The Ansens booked their two years of back-to-back cruises (795 sea days) – including two round world cruises in 2023 and 2024 – with Brisbane-based family-owned travel agency, which has specialised in booking cruise holidays since 2007.And moreJoin the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg   Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialPeter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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Interview with Carlos de Jesus, Director of Marketing and Communications for Amorim Corks in Portugal, the largest cork company in the world, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020. We discussed the various uses of cork, the differences between corks and other closures, and how the business of cork has evolved over the decades. This episode originally aired in September of 2020. To access the rest of our library and support the show via Patreon!Detailed Show Notes: Amorim - 150-year history, largest cork company in the world, produces 5.5 billion stoppers per year, over 18,000 winery clients globally, most smallSources cork from 1,000s of property owners, mainly in Portugal and SpainUses of cork: wine, footwear, fishing, aerospace, flooring, and sportsDifferences between cork and other closures: technical, sustainability, and additional value addTechnical differencesOxygen transfer rate (OTR) - plastic (lets in too much oxygen), screwcap (lets in too little), cork (“just right”)Average cork has 800 million cells in itTCA - “we have defeated TCA” - mitigated to the point where cork is now gaining market shareConsistency of corks - not an issue for technical stoppers (micro agglomerates, twin top), a technology used to help with natural corksSustainability - people, planet, profitsCO2 - a single cork can have up to 562 g CO2 sink per stopperCork harvesting one of the best paid agricultural jobs, ~€125-135 / day for three months/yearCork forests are 1 of 36 hot spots for biodiversity in the worldCork forests help prevent forest fires, regulate water cycles, and trees live 200-250 yearsCorks are both compostable and recyclable (e.g., ReCORK America)Additional value add = the happy sound of a cork poppingOf the 100 most sold brands in the US (data from Nielson), the average price of wine with cork is consistently higher than other closuresClosure market19.5B closures per year12.5B closed with cork (~70%)1.8-1.9B single-use plastic stoppersThe price of cork ranges from €0.04 - 3.00 per corkScrewcaps (the lowest price), plastic, corkCork can now sometimes undercut the price of plasticSupply and demand for cork2.2M hectares of cork forests in the Western Mediterranean - lots of trees to supply the current industryIt takes 43 years for a cork tree to supply cork for a wine closure -> new research with micro-irrigation is reducing the first harvest from 25 years to 10-12 years Get access to library episodes See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mojtaba Rajabi discusses his upcoming Pacific South Honorary Lecture, "Present-Day Crustal Stress Across Spatial Scales." The present-day crustal in-situ stress field is of extreme importance for understanding both natural processes (e.g., understanding neotectonics, earthquake, and seismic hazard assessment) and anthropogenic activities (e.g., exploration and production of geothermal energy, groundwater, hydrocarbon, mineral resources, CO2, and hydrogen geo-storage). Analysis of the present-day stresses in numerous basins from across the world reveals that significant and complex variations in the present-day stress orientation are commonly observed at different scales. Mojtaba's lecture aims to investigate the pattern of crustal stress at different spatial scales to better evaluate the causes and consequences of contemporary stress in the earth's crust. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Mojtaba shares why it's necessary to understand the present-day crustal in-situ stress field, the impact of investigating crustal stress at different scales, and the causes and consequences of contemporary stress in the earth's crust. He also goes over the concept of stress mapping and what his years of experience studying basins have taught him. RELATED LINKS * Register for Mojtaba's course for free (9 June 2022) (https://www.knowledgette.com/p/present-day-crustal-stress-across-spatial-scales) * Discover SEG on Demand (https://seg.org/Education/SEG-on-Demand) * See the full archive of the SEG podcast (https://seg.org/podcast) BIOGRAPHY Dr. Mojtaba Rajabi is an ARC DECRA Fellow at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland. He has more than 14 years of extensive experience in crustal stress analysis, geomechanics, and geomechanical-numerical modeling. He graduated with a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from the University of Adelaide in 2016. Dr. Rajabi has worked on the geomechanical analyses of more than 30 sedimentary basins from across the world including Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Mozambique, Iceland, and the Western Mediterranean. Since 2012, Dr. Rajabi has worked on the Australian and World Stress Map projects. He has received over 15 prestigious awards and prizes for his research including the ARC-DECRA Award, the Australian SEG Early Achievement Award, EAGE Louis Cagniard Award, the Royal Society of South Australia's H.G. Andrewartha Medal, and the International Lithosphere Program's Flinn-Hart Award. SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Geospace Technologies. As the leading innovator and manufacturer of wireless seismic data acquisition systems, Geospace Technologies offers a series of seabed, wireless seismic data acquisition systems designed for extended-duration seabed seismic data acquisition. Geospace is committed to setting new standards for quality, performance, reliability and cost savings to E&P companies and marine geophysical contractors. CREDITS SEG produces Seismic Soundoff to benefit its members, the scientific community, and to inform the public on the value of geophysics. To show your support for the show, please leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It takes less than five seconds to leave a 5-star rating and is the number one action you can take to show your appreciation for this free resource. And follow the podcast while you are on the app to be notified when each new episode releases. Original music created by Zach Bridges. Andrew Geary hosted, edited, and produced this episode for 51 features, LLC. Thank you to the SEG podcast team: Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

From Ching Shih, a Chinese pirate who presided over a fleet comprised of some 80,000 men (Blackbeard had 400!), to Anne Bonny who famously ran away from an arranged marriage to don trousers and brandish a pistol in the Bahamas, to Sayyida al Hurra, an Islamic queen who ruled the Western Mediterranean, these women are often forgotten by history. Now, this edgy, wow-worthy illustrated book shares these daring women's lives and proves that they have made their mark in pirate lore and the high seas. Each pirate profile includes a dramatic original poem presented against a backdrop of gorgeous full-color art by award-winning illustrator Sara Gomez Woolley. Each profile is followed by fascinating information about the real life and times of these daring (and dangerous!) women. Vetted by the world's leading pirate experts and historians, this book is a cool and edgy gift. It's also perfect for any curious kid who dreams of adventure and for parents who are eager to show their tweens and teens that history is more diverse, daring, and surprising than what is typically found in textbooks.

From Ching Shih, a Chinese pirate who presided over a fleet comprised of some 80,000 men (Blackbeard had 400!), to Anne Bonny who famously ran away from an arranged marriage to don trousers and brandish a pistol in the Bahamas, to Sayyida al Hurra, an Islamic queen who ruled the Western Mediterranean, these women are often forgotten by history. Now, this edgy, wow-worthy illustrated book shares these daring women's lives and proves that they have made their mark in pirate lore and the high seas. Each pirate profile includes a dramatic original poem presented against a backdrop of gorgeous full-color art by award-winning illustrator Sara Gomez Woolley. Each profile is followed by fascinating information about the real life and times of these daring (and dangerous!) women. Vetted by the world's leading pirate experts and historians, this book is a cool and edgy gift. It's also perfect for any curious kid who dreams of adventure and for parents who are eager to show their tweens and teens that history is more diverse, daring, and surprising than what is typically found in textbooks.

From Ching Shih, a Chinese pirate who presided over a fleet comprised of some 80,000 men (Blackbeard had 400!), to Anne Bonny who famously ran away from an arranged marriage to don trousers and brandish a pistol in the Bahamas, to Sayyida al Hurra, an Islamic queen who ruled the Western Mediterranean, these women are often forgotten by history. Now, this edgy, wow-worthy illustrated book shares these daring women's lives and proves that they have made their mark in pirate lore and the high seas.Each pirate profile includes a dramatic original poem presented against a backdrop of gorgeous full-color art by award-winning illustrator Sara Gomez Woolley. Each profile is followed by fascinating information about the real life and times of these daring (and dangerous!) women. Vetted by the world's leading pirate experts and historians, this book is a cool and edgy gift. It's also perfect for any curious kid who dreams of adventure and for parents who are eager to show their tweens and teens that history is more diverse, daring, and surprising than what is typically found in textbooks.

From Ching Shih, a Chinese pirate who presided over a fleet comprised of some 80,000 men (Blackbeard had 400!), to Anne Bonny who famously ran away from an arranged marriage to don trousers and brandish a pistol in the Bahamas, to Sayyida al Hurra, an Islamic queen who ruled the Western Mediterranean, these women are often forgotten by history. Now, this edgy, wow-worthy illustrated book shares these daring women's lives and proves that they have made their mark in pirate lore and the high seas. Each pirate profile includes a dramatic original poem presented against a backdrop of gorgeous full-color art by award-winning illustrator Sara Gomez Woolley. Each profile is followed by fascinating information about the real life and times of these daring (and dangerous!) women. Vetted by the world's leading pirate experts and historians, this book is a cool and edgy gift. It's also perfect for any curious kid who dreams of adventure and for parents who are eager to show their tweens and teens that history is more diverse, daring, and surprising than what is typically found in textbooks.

Episode 94Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.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=156839Listener questionsPierre in Singapore asks, do we know where the various ships of the Genting brands (Crystal, Dream and Star Cruises) are currently located? Below correct early April 2022.Star Cruises: SuperStar Aquarius – 1993 – approx. 1600 guests – Port Klang, MalaysiaSuperStar Gemini – 1992 – approx 1500 guests – Penang MalaysiaStar Pisces – 1991 – approx 1400 guests – Penang MalaysiaTaipan – 1989 – approx 60 guests – Penang, MalaysiaDream Cruises: World Dream – 2017 – approx. 3400 guests – was successfully sailing ex Singapore. Now Marina Bay, SingaporeExplorer Dream – 1999 – approx. 2,000 guests – Was sailing in Taiwan – Port Klang, Malaysia since March 2022.Genting Dream – 2016 approx. 3400 guests – operations paused in Hong Kong, Now Hong Kong AnchorageGlobal Dream – 2022 (not yet launched) – 75% complete – Wismar, GermanyCrystal Cruises: Crystal Endeavor – 2021 – approx. 200 guests – Gibraltar anchorageCrystal Serenity – 2003 – approx. 1000 guests – Freeport, The BahamasCrystal Symphony – 1995 – approx. 900 guests – Freeport, The BahamasCrystal Esprit – now National Geographic Islander ll operated by Lindblad in the Galapagos Islands (see cruise news). Crystal River: Crystal Mozart (2016) – Linz. AustriaCrystal Bach (2017), Debussy (2018), Mahler (2017), Ravel (2018) – between Nijmegen and Rotterdam, NetherlandsCruise NewsPacific Explorer to arrive in Sydney on 18 April 22In keeping with Sydney Harbour's rich maritime heritage, on April 18, P&O Cruises Australia's flagship Pacific Explorer will return home to lead the restart of cruising in Australia.Pacific Explorer's arrival after an absence of more than two years will be embraced by cruise suppliers as a sign that their businesses and livelihoods will soon be in recovery mode with the resumption of cruising based on comprehensive protocols to support its return.The P&O Cruises Australia flagship's arrival is also expected to capture the imagination of Sydneysiders as it enters the Heads on Easter Monday in returning to its home port.The Easter Monday holiday arrival will give the city's ‘boaties' an opportunity to escort Pacific Explorer as the ship makes its way up the harbour to the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) to be alongside at 10.30am.The approximate schedule for Pacific Explorer's arrival on April 18 is as follows:9.30am – Pacific Explorer enters Sydney Heads10.10am – Passing Fort Denison10.20am – Passing the Sydney Opera House10.30am – Alongside at the OPTFirst Cruise Ship Set to Return to Canada as Country Reopens Cruising After Two-Year AbsenceHolland America Line's Koningsdam Calls at Victoria and Vancouver April 9 and 10 with local governments holding celebratory eventsHolland America Line will be the first cruise line to return to Canadian cruising following a more than two year industrywide pause due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Koningsdam will call at Victoria, British Columbia, Saturday, April 9, restarting the cruise industry in Canada. The following day the ship will end its current seven-day cruise at Port of Vancouver, its homeport for the summer Alaska season.Koningsdam's call at Victoria marks 905 days since a cruise ship has visited the port, and it also will be a maiden call for the ship. To mark the milestones, Antorcha and local government officials will be on hand in both Victoria and Vancouver to celebrate the return to Canadian cruising and address the importance Canada and Alaska to Holland America Line.In 2022, six Holland America Line ships will call at Victoria and Vancouver for the Alaska cruise season. In total, the six ships will make 45 calls at Victoria and bring nearly 75,000 guests to the port, and 76 cruises begin or end at Vancouver, welcoming approximately 140,000 guests.For Canada and New England cruising on the East Coast, two ships return in May and cruise between Boston, Massachusetts, and Quebec City or Montreal, Quebec. Nieuw Statendam and Zaandam offer itineraries ranging from seven to 24 days to more than 12 Canadian ports.In total for 2022, Holland America Line operates 141 cruises on eight ships in Canada with more than 250,000 guests visiting both coasts. Royal Caribbean partners with Queensland Theme ParksRoyal Caribbean and Village Roadshow Theme Parks Create Ultimate Queensland GetawayTwo of the biggest icons in family adventure have come together to create the ultimate end-to-end Queensland getaway. Royal Caribbean International has teamed up with Village Roadshow Theme Parks to offer guests sailing from Brisbane on Quantum of the Seas access to exclusive accommodation and attraction packages, combining two amazing family experiences into one holiday with plenty of added perks.Making it easy to plan a holiday that combines the best of land and sea, the new, exclusive partnership welcomes Royal Caribbean holidaymakers to enjoy unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild and Paradise Country, and a 15% discount on accommodation at Australia's only theme park resort, Sea World Resort with additional inclusions for the whole family, making it easy to plan a holiday combining the best of land and sea.Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated launch in Queensland starts this summer with the ground-breaking Quantum sailing from the new Brisbane terminal from 9th November onwards. Packed full of adventure for the whole family and known for its innovation and countless industry ‘firsts,' including rock climbing, ice skating, sky diving and surfing at sea, Royal Caribbean will capture the imagination of families and adventurous holidaymakers alike.Royal Caribbean celebrates keel laying of Icon of the Seas The building of Royal Caribbean International's highly anticipated cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has reached a pivotal milestone ahead of its fall 2023 debut. A keel-laying ceremony took place at Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku to officially mark the start of the revolutionary ship's physical construction, with Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku senior executives and teams in attendance.The keel laying, a longstanding maritime tradition, involved a 3,000-ton crane lifting a massive steel block that is placed into the new ship's building dock and on top of freshly minted coins, which represent the shipyard and cruise line. The coins are meant to bring luck during construction, and they will be retrieved and given to Icon's captain and crew before setting sail.Icon will set sail next year with the latest innovations and signature features Royal Caribbean's teams have imagined and reimagined in bold, new ways, including a shift toward cleaner energy. The first of three Royal Caribbean ships will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) – the cleanest fossil fuel available to cruise ships today. Combining LNG with a lineup of the cruise line's proven applications, such as shore power connection and waste heat recovery systems that repurpose excess energy to help power the ship's operations, Icon will be the next important step in Royal Caribbean's journey toward a clean-energy future.Signed, sealed, delivered… Celebrity Beyond. Celebrity Cruises' President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo honoured the thousands of engineers, architects, designers, contractors, shipyard employees and Celebrity Cruises teams as the brand took delivery of Celebrity Beyond, the third and most luxurious ship in the fleet's new-luxury Edge Series®, and a true game changer for the travel industry. The moment was particularly special as it marked the shipyard's first physical delivery ceremony since the pandemic.Designed to give guests endless opportunities to disconnect from the world — while simultaneously reconnecting with the world that surrounds them — Celebrity Beyond goes further than imagined possible for a cruise ship, creating a new world of wonder and approachable luxury.  With forward-thinking design by the world's leading architects and interior designers, culinary excellence from Michelin starred chefs, world renowned wellbeing partners, exquisite art, luxury brand retailers and Celebrity's uniquely intuitive service, Celebrity Beyond shatters every preconceived notion of the cruising experience. A floating boutique hotel, Celebrity Beyond exemplifies new-luxury travel and its future at sea. As part of the historic moment, Lutoff-Perlo was joined by Royal Caribbean Group's President and CEO Jason Liberty and the ship's captain, Kate McCue, as they officially took ownership from the shipyard and completed the traditional changing of the flags, hosting a celebratory ceremony onboard Celebrity Beyond while docked in the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The momentous occasion was celebrated alongside other Celebrity Cruises executives, shipyard officials including General Manager Laurent Castaing, and Beyond's 1,400 crew members from over 60 different countries.Celebrity Beyond's maiden voyage will depart on 27 April, 2022, from Southampton, England, for a 10-night Western Europe cruise visiting Bordeaux, France; Lisbon, Portugal; and Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, Spain.She will then offer a variety of Mediterranean journeys including nine-night Italian Riviera and France itineraries and 10-night Greek Isles itineraries through early October, when she then heads to the Caribbean. Voyages are on sale now.Kristina Vogel christens AIDAcosma in HamburgUnder the motto “The world is becoming more colourful”, AIDAcosma was christened on April 9, 2022, as part of a colourful music and light show in the Port of Hamburg. The godmother of AIDA Cruises' second LNG cruise ship is the eleven-time world champion in track cycling, Kristina Vogel.Accompanied by Captain Vincent Cofalka, Kristina Vogel lit up a colorful globe on the Ocean Deck of AIDAcosma at 9:55 p.m. At the same time, the baptismal bottle smashed against the hull of the ship.Cruise fans across Germany followed the christening live on the internet, on the AIDA YouTube channel and on board all AIDA ships.As part of the naming ceremony, a spectacular light show not only illuminated the newest member of the AIDA fleet. Visible from afar, the evening sky over the Hanseatic city turned into a sea of bright colours.At around 11:30 p.m., AIDAcosma said goodbye to Hamburg with a light show from on board, which took place during the departure while passing the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie and the Landungsbrücken to Teufelsbrück. The two-week christening voyage will sail to Palma de Mallorca over the Easter holidays.From April 23 to October 29, 2022, AIDAcosma will be offering voyages from Palma (Mallorca) and Barcelona. Florence, Rome and Corsica are also on the program during the weeklong highlight cruise “Mediterranean Treasures”. From autumn 2022, AIDAcosma will set course for its sunny winter home in Dubai.NCL has announced it will sail into the MetaverseNorwegian Cruise Line,  announced it will sail into the Metaverse with the launch of the cruise industry's first collection of NFTs, adding to the Brand's legacy of pioneering firsts.NCL will offer a collection of six NFTs for auction and sale to celebrate the launch of the Company's cutting-edge Norwegian Prima Class on Wednesday, 13 April 2022, at 9 a.m. ET on NCL's soon to launch online NFT marketplace. The NFT art pieces were created by Manuel Di Rita, widely known as “Peeta,” the Italian artist who designed the hull art on the record-breaking Norwegian Prima and her sister vessel Norwegian Viva.The first of the six art pieces will be auctioned at the starting rate of USD$2,500, with the remaining NFTs sold for prices beginning at USD$250. The winner of the auction will be awarded a balcony stateroom on one of Norwegian Prima's inaugural US voyages, setting sail from NCL's beautiful new PortMiami terminal in Miami, Florida – the Cruise Capital of the World.Launching in August 2022, Norwegian Prima's Christening voyage will depart from Reykjavík, Iceland, and will feature a performance from the ship's newly announced godmother, global popstar Katy Perry. During her inaugural season, Norwegian Prima will offer voyages to Northern Europe from Amsterdam; and Copenhagen, Denmark beginning 3 September; and Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, Texas; and Miami and Orlando in Florida commencing from 27 October.NCL Kicks Off its Greatest Europe Season YetNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has kicked off its greatest Europe season yet with eight ships sailing to over 100 destinations from 10 different departure ports, including two ships never-before-seen in Europe: Norwegian Prima makes her global debut in Iceland in August, while Norwegian Escape sails Europe for the very first time, making NCL's one of the most modern fleets in the region.In Northern Europe, NCL will offer a selection of sailings ranging from 8- to 12-days with departures from Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London (Southampton) and Reykjavik aboard four ships – Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Prima – which will take the title of the first major cruise ship christened in the Icelandic capital when she debuts in August. World famous pop icon and “American Idol” judge Katy Perry will serve as the ship's godmother, fulfilling the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming Norwegian Prima, the first of six vessels in the Prima Class, as well as performing during the christening ceremony in Reykjavik.Meanwhile in the Mediterranean, three innovative NCL ships – Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Star – will sail from Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Venice (Trieste) and Haifa, Israel, with sailings ranging in length from 5 to 12-days, many with no sea days ensuring guests enjoy maximum time on shore to immerse themselves fully within each and every destination.And in the Greek Isles, travellers can look forward to two ships (Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem) offering immersive roundtrip voyages of 7 to 9-nights from Athens (Piraeus), Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia). Each cruise visits an array of breath-taking island locales like Santorini and Mykonos, ancient Greek cities like Athens, as well as the opportunity to explore the Holy Land with calls to Haifa, Israel, and Istanbul, Turkey.MSC Cruises has opened sales for MSC EuribiaMSC Cruises has opened sales for MSC Euribia, the line's most environmentally advanced ship in its fleet and its second LNG-powered ship currently under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France, due to launch in June 2023. The ship will spend her inaugural season in Northern Europe from the German port of Kiel, offering guests incredible destinations to discover.MSC Euribia will offer seven-night itineraries sailing to the Norwegian Fjords with weekly departures from Kiel, Germany with calls including Copenhagen, Denmark; Hellesylt, Norway for the Geirangerfjord; as well as Alesund and Flaam, in Norway, among othersMSC Hull Design Winner RevealedMSC Euribia will strike a markedly different silhouette than her sister ships in the Meraviglia-Plus class, thanks to an exclusive artwork designed as a commitment by MSC Cruises to the sea. The line held an international design competition through Talent House to create a unique artwork for the ship's hull, inspired by the sea and its important marine ecosystem. The design will be featured permanently on the ship's hull, highlighting the steps that the Company is taking towards a greener future.Designs from 59 countries worldwide were submitted and the winner, German artist Alex Flaemig has been revealed. Flaemig will have the honour of his artwork gracing the ship's exterior, shining a light on the Company's ongoing commitment to the environment and the pledge to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050.Flaemig, a native of Dresden, Germany was inspired by the opportunity to transform the hull of MSC Euribia into a giant, floating canvas to highlight the importance of respect for the environment. His design #SaveTheSea, the design features the unique underwater world with its precious life and weaves together the colours of the MSC Cruises and MSC Foundation logos, creating a gradient effect that paints sea fauna and flora across the hull.Carnival continues the celebrations… this time… the busiest week of sales ever! Carnival Cruise Line said today that the one-week period of March 28-April 3 was its busiest booking week in the company's history, showing a double-digit increase from the previous record 7-day booking total.With 22 of its 23 ships back in guest operations across all its year-round U.S. homeports, Carnival has led the industry in terms of restart and customer demand. Its final ship, Carnival Splendor, will return to service from Seattle on May 2, and then Carnival will welcome its newest ship, Carnival Celebration, to PortMiami in November. By year-end 2022, Carnival will have more capacity sailing (as measured by ALBDs – available lower berth days) than it was sailing in 2019. And then in 2023, Carnival will put into service another new Excel-class ship, Carnival Jubilee from Galveston.Cunard celebrates the Life and Career of beloved actress and philanthropist Betty WhiteCunard announced today that the company will once again partner with Julien's Auctions, the world-record breaking auction house to the stars, on an exhibition preview of the Property from the life and career of Betty White. White passed away on December 31, 2021 at the age of 99 years old in Los Angeles.Betty White epitomized warmth, grace and class, and our guests are keen to learn about the life of this beloved iconDuring the August 5th Transatlantic Crossing aboard flagship Queen Mary 2, guests will enjoy a sneak-peek preview of the auction's highlights, and have the special opportunity to bid on select items prior to the official three-day auction event on Friday, September 23rd, Saturday, September 24th and Sunday, September 25th, 2022 at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills.The auction and exhibition will be an exclusive presentation and celebration of the legendary actress and cultural icon's extraordinary life and eight decade spanning career.On offer is an exclusive collection of over 1,500 lots featuring the Hollywood icon's awards, scripts, wardrobe and memorabilia from her iconic television shows and films, as well as furnishings, artwork, fine jewelry, household and personal items from her beloved homes in Brentwood and Carmel, California.“We are delighted to once again collaborate on a Transatlantic Crossing with our longtime partner, Julien's Auctions, and privileged to bring our guests such a special enrichment opportunity,” said Jamie Paiko, vice president of Sales for Cunard North America. “Betty White epitomized warmth, grace and class, and we know our guests will be keen to learn more about the illustrious life of this beloved icon.”During the seven-night Transatlantic Crossing, guests will enjoy:A daily, rotating exhibit of the Property from the Estate of Betty White CollectionQ&A with Darren Julien, President/CEO of Julien's Auctions and Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien's AuctionsCosta Cruises restarts from Genoa with Costa Firenze Costa Firenze made her debut in Genoa, inaugurating the restart of Costa's cruises from the city.In 2022 the Italian company, which started cruising in July last year, will call at Genoa every Thursday until the end of November 2022, for a one-week Western Mediterranean itinerary, which also includes Marseille, Barcelona, Cagliari, Palermo and Civitavecchia/Rome. In addition to Costa Firenze, from November 13th until the end of the year, Costa Luminosa will also be in Genoa every Sunday, again for one-week cruises in the Western Mediterranean. In 2022 Costa will be in Genoa for a total of 45 calls, after only a few calls in 2021 and 2020 due to the Covid emergency. In 2023 Costa expects a further growth of her presence in Genoa, thanks to the arrival, every Friday from April to November, of Costa Toscana, the new Liquefied Natural Gas-powered ship of the fleet.Costa Firenze, built at Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera and dedicated to the Florentine Renaissance, is a 135,000-ton ship with 2,136 guest cabins. With 13 different restaurants and 8 bars, the food and wine offer is among the widest in the fleet. There are plenty of outdoor spaces to fully enjoy the sailing experience. Families with children will be able to choose between different activities to do on board, including a water park and an adventure park, and couples will find a private spa, swimming pools and various spaces to enjoy a moment of privacy. The offer of excursions available has been redesigned to explore hidden and less frequented gems, and to enjoy the most authentic traditions, flavours and colours.Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils 93-night ‘Intrepid Beauty of Africa and Indian OceanAdventurers will have the chance to seek out lemurs in Madagascar, spend time with a Dabbawala in Mumbai and walk the dunes of the Namibian desert aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' brand new Grand Voyage in 2023.The cruise, which will set sail from Southampton in November 2023, has been hand-crafted by Fred. Olsen Jnr himself alongside his team of dedicated Journey Planners, and takes in well-known destinations from Mumbai in India to Victoria in Seychelles, as well as discoveries away from the well-sailed routes, including to São Tomé and Zanzibar.Guests will enjoy plenty of time to explore ashore in each of the destinations, including overnight stays in Victoria, Seychelles and Mombasa, Kenya, a two-night stay in Port Louis, Mauritius, plus a three-night extended stay in Cape Town, South Africa, where historical sites such as Signal Hill and Robben Island await.Bolette's 93-night T2330 ‘The Intrepid Beauty of Africa and the Indian Ocean' cruiseDeparting from Southampton on 19th November 2023. Itinerary: Southampton, England – Tangier, Morocco – Valletta, Malta – Alexandria, Egypt – Port Said, Egypt – Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt – Safaga, Egypt – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Salalah, Oman – Mumbai, India – Mormugao, India – Mangalore, India – Kochi, Kerala, India – Uligamu, Maldives – Hithadhoo, Maldives – Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles (overnight stay) – Praslin Island, Seychelles – La Digue, Seychelles – Mombasa, Kenya (overnight stay) – Zanzibar, Tanzania – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Mamoudzou, Mayotte – Andoany, Nosy Be, Madagascar – Antsiranana, Madagascar – Port Réunion, Réunion Island – Port Louis, Mauritius (two-night stay) – Toamasina (Tamatave), Madagascar – Port d-Ehoala, Fort-Dauphin, Madagascar – Maputo, Mozambique – Richards Bay, South Africa – Durban, South Africa – East London, South Africa – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa – Mossel Bay, South Africa – Cape Town, South Africa (three-night stay) – Walvis Bay, Namibia – São Tomé, São Tomé & Príncipe – Cotonou, Benin – Lomé, Togo – Takoradi, Ghana – Dakar, Senegal – Santa Cruz, Tenerife – Funchal, Madeira – Southampton, EnglandSaga launches 2023 ocean cruises itinerariesSaga Cruises has today officially launched its 2023 ocean cruise itineraries with a host of new destinations, ports and experiences for guestsTravellers can experience a 78-night South American cruise and Saga's boutique ships will also be visiting some special and unusual destinations including Montserrat, St Barts, Grytviken, Antalya, Limassol, the Scilly Isles and Bordeaux. New ports for the cruise line also include Rovinj, on the Croatian cruise itinerary and Nordfjordeid, on the Norwegian cruise schedules.Saga's 2023 ocean cruising will kick off in style with a 78-night South American itinerary departing from Portsmouth on Spirit of Adventure on January 12. The epic South American Explorer cruise will travel around the vast coastline calling at destinations such as Devil's Island in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Colombia, the Chilean Fjords, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, and the Panama Canal transitOther sailings of interest:30-night Springtime in the Caribbean cruise departing Portsmouth on March 5, 2023Autumn Colours of New England cruise on Spirit of Discovery departing September 26, 2023 for 28-nightsGuests looking to test a short cruise or those interested in sailing the waters of the British Isles can select from: a five-night Capitals of the Emerald Isle itinerary departing on April 4 on Spirit of DiscoveryLandscapes of Greenland and Iceland cruise on Spirit of Discovery departing on June 29, 2023 for 17-nights18-night Classical Italy and the Western Mediterranean cruise departing from Dover on June 4, 2023Both Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery are small by today's ship standards, but clever design and a limit to the number of guests (up to 987) give a real feeling of space and comfort, plus all cabins have their own balconies facing onto the ocean.Although the ships are very distinctive from one another in décor and style, they both feature five restaurants, bars and a living room. Outdoors there is an observation deck, full wraparound promenade and terrace, pool, sports court and deck games. Entertainment and wellbeing facilities include The Playhouse (a 444-seat theatre with complete unobstructed views seating, home to Saga Cruise's resident performance company), the signature Britannia Lounge with a dance floor and live entertainment, The Library with refreshments, craft and card rooms, The Spa with hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam and treatment rooms, The Salon, a gym, shop and medical centre.Oscar-winning French Director Luc Jacquet film shoot on Le Commandant CharcotLast November, PONANTs Le Commandant Charcot, the world's first luxury polar exploration hybrid-electric vessel powered by Liquified Natural Gas, set sail from Punta Arenas on her maiden cruise to the Antarctic. On board was a particularly enthusiastic guest: Luc Jacquet. It was an opportunity for the French filmmaker and his team to capture more images and emotions in the very heart of the White Continent.A world-renowned filmmaker, Luc Jacquet has directed numerous feature films and documentaries, including the Oscar-winning March of the Penguins. Strikingly beautiful, his cultural works have helped reconnect humankind with Nature, a philosophy shared by PONANT which raises guests' awareness, through its expeditions to remote regions, of how vital it is to protect the environment. During Le Commandant Charcot's first Antarctic expedition in November 2021, Luc Jacquet welcomed the chance to share his experiences and passion for the polar world with guests.Luc Jacquet and his team were on Le Commandant Charcot to capture images of the polar regions for his new film project Continent Magnétique (Magnetic Continent), and his next immersive exhibition entitled Sur les traces de l'Empereur (On the tracks of the Emperor Penguin).Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Unveils the New National Geographic Islander IIAll-Suite 48-Guest Expedition Ship to Launch in the Galápagos Islands in 2022Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has unveiled the newest addition to their award-winning fleet, National Geographic Islander ll. With just 48 guests, and the spirit and soul of a private yacht, the all-suite ship will make her inaugural voyage in the Galápagos on August 18, 2022 for year-round expeditions in the islands.Formerly the Crystal Esprit, the sleek and elegant National Geographic Islander ll's top-to-bottom refit will elevate the guest experience to an entirely new level. Travelers will find encircling teak decks that gracefully connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, a well-outfitted observation deck, indoor-outdoor dining options, 26 light and airy suites, and new expedition amenities including a marina and Science Hub.Elegantly appointed, each of the 26 suites feature large windows, convertible king/twin beds, sofa, marble double-sink bathrooms, stocked mini-bar, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and ample closets. The four Islander Suites, three of them brand new, have four windows, separate living rooms and bathrooms outfitted with a tub and rain shower. Connecting suites are available, plus four dedicated solo suites and triple options. The Santa Cruz Islander Suite can be reserved as a family suite with a connecting double suite.The National Geographic Islander II is a true ocean-going vessel, 280 feet long, 46 feet wide, and is equipped with stabilizers for smooth sailing. The refit of the ship for Galápagos includes key environmental and fuel-efficient upgrades like reduced outdoor lighting, special paint, and recycled water from new air conditioning systems.SH Diana is name of Swan Hellenic's third and largest bespoke expedition cruise shipCultural expedition cruise pioneer reveals name while reporting strong progress on construction of third next-generation shipSwan Hellenic announced that construction of its third and largest next-generation ship was proceeding smoothly at Helsinki Shipyard, with more than half the structure already assembled and all but two blocks now delivered. Crowning the announcement was news revealing her name – SH Diana – in the classic Swan Hellenic tradition.The elegant new ship is a next-generation polar expedition vessel, designed for worldwide cruising with a strong focus on high-latitude areas. SH Diana will feature a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid-ready propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC 6 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. Although the largest ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet, the 125 m long, 12,100 GRT expedition vessel has been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth.Providing panoramic 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Diana will be operated by an onboard team of 141 to provide exceptional personal service. Cutting edge hygiene technology will protect the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.Designed for immersive experiences and extensive open views, the on-board amenities include a swimming pool, spa, panoramic sauna, gym, library, expedition laboratory and observation lounge for lectures by seasoned expedition leaders and leading experts from a wide range of disciplines. World-class gourmet cuisine, local specialities and healthy dining will be offered in the panoramic restaurant, club lounge and pool bar, as well as through full room service.In addition, SH Diana builds on the outstanding facilities of her sister ships, offering a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, more suites and 2 tenders, which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. Expedition day trips are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities.Aptly named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana will take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches in early 2023, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity.A-ROSA celebrates 20th anniversaryOn 5 April 2022, the A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH will celebrate its 20th birthday. Exactly 20 years ago – on 5 April 2002 – the first two ships in the fleet were christened A-ROSA BELLA and A-ROSA DONNA in Rostock. A-ROSA celebrates the anniversary on board its ships with an A-ROSA United Event, where guests celebrate together with the crew until late at night.With the introduction of the A-ROSA brand, river cruises were offered for the first time to a younger clientele – detached from conventions, casual, active and full of highlights on board and ashore. The company has always remained true to this concept.Review of the christening of A-ROSA BELLA and A-ROSA DONNAAfter a construction period of only twelve months in the Neptun Yard Rostock, the two innovative river ships A-ROSA BELLA and A-ROSA DONNA received their official names during a double christening ceremony on 5th April 2002 in Rostock's city harbour.Godmother of A-ROSA BELLA was the 18-year-old The Honourable Anna Sterling, daughter of Lord Sterling of Plaistow, Chairman of P&O Princess Cruises. A-ROSA DONNA was christened by Anja Mager, 19 years old and an office management trainee with Seetours in Rostock.After an experience ship tour and reception in the coffee house on board, the guests were invited to the dinner “La BELLA DONNA” with live entertainment in the Nikolaikirche Rostock.Immediately after the christening, the two 860-ton ships left the Rostock overseas port expertly packed and secured on a barge for the Danube delta.History of A-ROSAThe A-ROSA brand was founded in 2000 by Seetours, the German offshoot of P&O Princess Cruises. Shortly after the deployment of the first two Danube ships, the company was taken over by Deutsche Seereederei in 2003 and the Danube fleet was expanded by two more ships. The Rhône was introduced as a new trade lane in 2005, on which A-ROSA STELLA and LUNA have been cruising ever since.In 2009, the first cruises on the Rhine started and the financial investor Waterland bought A-ROSA. After three classic Rhine ships, two Rhine-Main-Danube ships were put into service in 2012 and 2014 with the A-ROSA SILVA and FLORA. In 2013, Jörg Eichler came on board as managing director and introduced the premium all-inclusive fare and family cruises with Kids Club from 2014.With the Seine, the second French cruising area was added to the portfolio in 2017. After the takeover by the British financial investor Duke Street in 2018, the A-ROSA ALVA set sail on Portugal's Douro.In the 20th anniversary year of 2022, a total of twelve A-ROSA ships will be sailing in five European destinations. In May 2022, the A-ROSA SENA, the most innovative ship in the fleet, will join them, offering more space for the A-ROSA concept – spacious balcony cabins, a dedicated Family Area with Kids Club, several restaurants and bars as well as a particularly large wellness and fitness area. Thanks to a hybrid drive system with battery storage, it is the most climate-friendly cruise ship on Europe's rivers. A-ROSA also presented its new orientation from 2023, where even more quality and individuality will be offered with a PremiumPLUS range.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.

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.

Hawaii has recently banned shark fishing in Hawaiian waters. More protection for these apex predators. Sea turtles on the verge of extinction in the Maldives? Ghost Divers removing fishing nets from deep wrecks. Hear more about their latest effort. The Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS. Should you be carrying one on your next dive? In addition to their new Rec Fins - Fourth Element is also releasing a Tech Fin in 2022. These fins look very cool. Immerse Yourself at the History of Diving Museum - virtually. Edward Ellsberg was not only known for his incredible salvage work prior to and during World War II, he was also a prolific author. Ellsberg graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1914, transferred to the Navy's Construction Corp in 1916 and became a leading expert in underwater salvage. He was in charge of the efforts to raise the wreck of the submarine S-51 from 132 feet. After leaving the Navy in 1926, Ellsberg started to write. His first book recounted the salvage efforts of S-51. The book was published in 1928 and is titled On The Bottom. Prior to World War II he continued his writing. His next three books were fiction about salvaging sunken treasure (30 Fathoms Deep), submarine warfare in World War I (Pig Boats) and S-54. He also wrote a trilogy of juvenile books on underwater adventure. Right before the war started he published Hell on Ice and Captain Paul. During World War II, Ellsberg led efforts to clear a Red Sea port of scuttled ships and dry docks. Then he led all salvage efforts in the Western Mediterranean. He also was largely responsible for setting up the artificial harbor during the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach. He wrote another trilogy about his World War II work and includes, Under the Red Sea Sun, No Banners, No Bugles and The Far Shore.

Episode Overview Episode 84 is the last of 2021. In this show, Chris answers a number of listener questions. Baz and Chris review the year and discuss the latest cruise newsSupport 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 NewsEnchanted Princess Officially Named in Original Production “Our World, Enchanted”Enchanted Princess, the 5th royal-class ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, was officially named today in a ceremony titled “Our World, Enchanted.”  Hosted by Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan and Enchanted Princess Cruise Director Dan Falconer, the original production introduced viewers to the ship's innovative features of the MedallionClass ship and shared some of Princess' history as a cruise industry leader.The ceremony honoured three members of The Explorers Club – Captain Lynn Danaher, Dr. Vicki Ferrini and Jenifer Austin – who served as the godmothers of Enchanted Princess. The notable godmothers have been recognised for their achievements in expeditions, oceanography and mapping the world's oceans.The 145,000-tonne, 3,660-guest ship represents an evolution of the design platform used for her sister ships – Royal Princess (2013), Regal Princess (2014), Majestic Princess (2017) and Sky Princess (2019) – offering an elevation of spectacular style and elegance distinguished by Princess. The ship's inaugural cruise season began November 10, with various 10-day Southern Caribbean itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.  The naming ceremony is available to watchhereCarnival Radiance Christened By Godmother Dr. Lucille O'NealIn a celebration of all things fun and family, Carnival Cruise Line christened its newest ship Carnival Radiance last night in a naming ceremony in Long Beach, Calif., with the ship's Godmother Dr. Lucille O'Neal and her son, Carnival Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O'Neal as featured guests of the event. Carnival Radiance underwent a $200 million bow-to-stern makeover and is Carnival's third ship sailing year-round from Long Beach, joining Carnival Panorama and Carnival Miracle.The heartfelt naming ceremony began with a “We Are Family” video of Carnival Radiance crew members preparing the ship for guests sailing four- and five-day Mexico voyagesIn addition to Big Chicken, new offerings added to Carnival Radiance include Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse created by Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri; Heroes Tribute Bar saluting those that serve in the Armed Forces; Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant; Bonsai Sushi; and the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub. All of the ship's public spaces have been transformed as well – including the water park, youth facilities, retail shops, Cloud 9 Spa and a new Liquid Lounge home to Carnival's award-winning Playlist Productions shows. The exterior of the ship has also been adorned with the line's new red, white and blue hull livery fashioned after its flagship, Mardi Gras.Royal Caribbean Reveals Four World-Class Ships Head to Alaska in 2023Following a successful return to service in Alaska earlier this year, Royal Caribbean announces that they'll return in 2023 for their second consecutive year with four ships in the region.Three bold, returning favourites, Ovation, Quantum and Radiance of the Seas, will be joined by Enchantment of the Seas to offer families and all travellers a variety of ways to experience the Last Frontier and its majestic glaciers, breathtaking wildlife and charming towns.From Mendenhall Glacier to the Inside Passage, to onboard memory-making thanks to unique experiences such as simulated skydiving on RipCord by iFly and taking in awe-inspiring views through acres of glass, vacationers have in-store cool thrills from one day to the next.Ovation and Quantum of the Seas – Cruising from: SeattleOn Ovation's cruises, departing on Fridays, travellers can discover the best of Alaska from one charming town to the next. Extended stays also offer adventure seekers more time to explore in Skagway, Alaska, where one can retrace the steps of the historic Klondike Gold Rush and visit a restored 19th-century railroad depot; and state capital Juneau, Alaska, which offers dogsledding across Mendenhall Glacier and explorations of centuries-old mining trails. Plus, vacationers can head to the road less travelled at Ward Cove near Ketchikan where they can take in the unspoiled scenery along the Tongass Narrows and the wildlife that calls it home, like sea lions, bald eagles, and porpoises.Departing on Mondays, Quantum's stunning itineraries will bring travellers up close to the massive Dawes Glacier after sailing through the impressive Endicott Arm, alongside visits to four coastal communities, including Ketchikan, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia. When heading ashore, travellers can look forward to immersing themselves in the local culture while at destinations like Sitka and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, home to the rich history of the Tlingit and activities ranging from kayak island-hopping to whale watching and fishing.Radiance and Enchantment of the Seas – Cruising from: Seward and VancouverRadiance will, once again, sail alternating southbound and northbound itineraries that depart from Seward and Vancouver. Travellers will have the opportunity to discover the region's magnificent landscapes firsthand when visiting Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Skagway, and as they sail the Inside Passage and by Hubbard Glacier.Enchantment makes its way to the Pacific coast for its debut Alaska season, sailing roundtrip from Vancouver. Vacationers have in store more glaciers than one, Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm fjord, and inspiring destinations like Haines, Ketchikan – the gateway to the wild landscapes and seascapes – Skagway and Juneau.Renascent Swan Hellenic's SH Minerva sets sail for Antarctica The new ship is on her way to Ushuaia ready for a New Year maiden Antarctic cruise departing 29th December.Wednesday the 8th of December 2021, Swan Hellenic announced that its new ship SH Minerva had left Helsinki for Argentina and her first cultural expedition cruise of the Antarctic, a 10-day New Year celebration of discovery departing Ushuaia on the 29th of December 2021.SH Minerva was delivered on the 3rd of December following her christening on the 23rd of November and 3 days of highly successful sea trials in which the next-generation polar expedition vessel performed beyond expectations in all respects, from manoeuvrability and stability to top speed and emissions. The elegant new purpose-designed ship sailed through the Kiel Canal on the 6th of December. She is the first in a series of three stunning high ice class cultural expedition cruise vessels made for premium cruise experiences worldwide, with a strong bias for extreme latitude areas. SH Minerva features a 5-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC5 ice-strengthened hull with extra-large stabilisers for exceptional passenger comfort. At 113 m, the 10,500-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.The vessels have been designed to meet the latest environmental regulations. SH Minerva is completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles. Preparations have been made to implement battery technology which would also make it possible to operate silently. The vessels are equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems and the waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas.Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Minerva is operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service.Plancius first back to the FalklandsWhen Oceanwide Expeditions vessel Plancius ports in Stanley this Friday, she will be the first cruise ship to visit the Falklands since the islands reopened its ports to tourism.Plancius will dock in Stanley on December 10th with its full occupancy of 108 passengers, after which guests will be free to explore the town and nearby areas before continuing on their voyage.This is a happy event long anticipated by all parties, though strict COVID-19 measures will remain intact both in the Falklands and on Plancius. All Oceanwide staff and passengers were vaccinated and required to take several tests both before and during their cruise, which will be 17 days into its 19-night total by the time Plancius reaches Stanley.Plancius also underwent extensive upgrades prior to the voyage: Pathogen-killing UV filtration for HVAC systems, fever-detecting thermal cameras for common areas, and dedicated quarantine cabins with independent air vents are just some of the many safety measures Oceanwide has taken.Stanley businesses have likewise developed additional protocols. These include but are not limited to enhanced cleaning routines, contactless payment, and self-declaration forms, efforts that have earned the islands the approval of the World Travel & Tourism Council.Margaritaville Sets Sail with Margaritaville at SeaMargaritaville announces Margaritaville at Sea, an offshore resort experience. The first cruise ship, Margaritaville Paradise, will offer the fun, escapism, and state of mind synonymous with the global lifestyle brand.Departing on her first passenger sailing on April 30 from the Port of Palm Beach Florida to Grand Bahama Island, Margaritaville Paradise will include 10 passenger decks and 658 cabins in various stateroom categories. Following a multi-million investment and refurbishment, the ship's cabins and common spaces will feature Margaritaville's signature casual-luxe design with subtle nautical details and colours influenced by the surrounding sea, sand, and sky.Margaritaville Paradise, formerly Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's flagship vessel, Grand Classica, will feature gourmet food and beverage options, including JWB Prime Steak & Seafood, Frank and Lola's Pizzeria, Port of Indecision Buffet, LandShark Sports Bar, and Margaritaville Coffee & Pastry Shop as well as the Euphoria Lounge, Sunset Bar, and 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar. Additionally, the ship will offer onboard leisure activities and entertainment, including the Par-A-Dice Casino, a Stars on the Water Theatre, St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up! Fitness Centre, pools, a retail shop, and more. The ship was built at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard and entered service as a pioneer ship. She has opened many new markets and frontiers during her lifetime, so it is fitting that Margaritaville Paradise will again be a pioneer for Margaritaville at Sea.Crystal Cruises Launches First-Ever Zero Single Supplement; Promotion Offered on 15 Crystal Symphony Caribbean and Mediterranean Sailings in 2022Crystal is offering additional holiday cheer to solo travellers with its new Zero Single Supplement promotion, which is available for the first time on its ocean vessels applicable with 15 Crystal Symphony voyages to the Caribbean and Mediterranean in 2022. The Zero Single Supplement allows solo guests to enjoy all of Crystal Symphony's luxury six-star amenities at double occupancy rates without the supplemental fee typically charged to solo travellers.The Zero Single Supplement promotion is offered on the following Crystal Symphony sailings departing from six convenient homeports in North America and Europe:Caribbean: 7-night voyages from Miami and San Juan, (January through March 2022) – These tropical adventures travel deep into the into the Caribbean where pristine beaches rub shoulders with verdant hills while vibrant coral reefs invite exploration of an underwater world of spectacular beauty. Whether it's enjoying a champagne sailaway, exploring historic landmarks or biking through the lush countryside, these adventures are the perfect winter-time getaway.Mediterranean: 7-, 8- and 10-night voyages from Lisbon, Venice, London and Monte Carlo (April, June and August 2022) – Departing from some of Europe's iconic world-class cities that are destinations unto themselves, these immersive voyages take guests on a journey of discovery as they marvel at centuries-old architecture, including ancient ruins, savor locally produced wines and authentic cuisine, view famous artwork, and hike through rugged terrain dotted with cliffs and pine forests. Specific dates included in the promotion are available at crystalcruises.com. Guests must book by January 5, 2022 to take advantage of these special solo fares, with special reduced deposits of $100 on select sailings.Altitude on Arvia – sky high activities on Britain's newest cruise shipA high ropes experience, tropical themed mini-golf and water splash zone will all form part of a new top deck Altitude experience on Arvia, P&O Cruises newest ship to be launched in December 2022.Britain's most environmentally-friendly ship, powered by LNG, has been designed as the “sunshine ship” and will include a number of “adventure firsts” set high up on the top deck.Altitude Minigolf will include water hazards, tiki huts, “hippos” and night-time illuminations and the nine-hole course will be open throughout the day and evening.Altitude Splash Valley will be a cooling aquazone for all the family with water jets, shaded areas and ocean views.Altitude Skywalk is set 54 metres above the ocean and is the company's first ever high ropes experience with varying courses to suit all abilities.Sports Arena – an outdoor sports court for football, basketball, short tennis or cricket.P&O Cruises' second LNG-powered Excel class ship and sister ship to Iona is named Arvia, meaning from the seashore, and will join the fleet in December 2022. Arvia is the latest evolution in the P&O Cruises experience, embodying the newest trends in travel, dining and entertainment, and will be the epitome of a sunshine resort sailing year-round to the warmest climates.The 185,000 tons ship, 345m in length, with 16 guest decks will feature Altitude Skywalk a unique high ropes experience, a swim-up bar and stunning infinity pool, a new restaurant Green & Co featuring Mizuhana serving a plant and fish-led menu, Ocean Studios cinema, 1,300sqm of shopping and the Oasis Spa and Health Club.MSC entire fleet back at sea in 2022 MSC Cruises has confirmed that the Company's entire fleet of 19 ships will be sailing during the northern hemisphere summer 2022 offering an outstanding choice of cruises.With almost 500 departures to choose from, different length cruises, an incredible choice of convenient embarkation ports and a modern fleet of ships offering an unparalleled experience on board, there really is something for everyone. Enjoy round-the-clock onboard activities; award-winning entertainment; immersive kids and family programmes; refined, international dining; luxurious spas all whilst staying in stylish and comfortable accommodation. There's an itinerary and ship to suit every type of holidaymaker, from short cruises in the Mediterranean, longer scenic cruises in Northern Europe through to beach cruises in the Caribbean – guests can book their dream holiday now.Northern Europe highlights for summer 2022 include:MSC Virtuosa offers itineraries between from Southampton (UK) 7 to 14 nights to the Norwegian Fjords, St Petersburg (Russia) via Sweden and Denmark and longer cruises to the Canary Islands (Spain),the Mediterranean, and Norway's North Cape plus some mini-cruises of 3-4 nights.MSC Grandiosa, embarking in Kiel (Germany) will offer seven-night itineraries with highlights including a combination of itineraries taking in destinations including Copenhagen (Denmark), Helsinki (Finland), St Petersburg (Russia), Tallinn (Estonia) and Flaam (Norway).MSC Preziosa, embarking in Kiel (Germany) will offer itineraries between seven and 11 nights, with highlights including two alternative itineraries to the Norwegian Fjords or to St Petersburg (Russia) via Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki (Finland) and Stockholm (Sweden).MSC Poesia, embarking in Warnemunde/Berlin (Germany) will offer itineraries between seven and 14 nights  including 11-night sailings visiting nine countries (an overnight in Russia, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark), and longer cruises to St Petersburg (Russia) via Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark) and an epic 21 night cruise that includes calls to a number of destinations in Iceland and Greenland.MSC Magnifica, embarking in Hamburg (Germany) will offer itineraries between ten and 14 nights to Norway or Iceland. The Norway cruise includes call to Alesund, Honningsvag/North Cape, Tromso, Trondheim, , Bergen and Kristiansand Iceland cruises includes calls to Reykjavik (overnight), Isafjordur and Akureyri) and Orkney Islands and Invergordon (Scotland, United Kingdom). Whilst Spitsburgen cruises include, Kristiansand, Andalsnes, Narvik ,Longyearbyen, Honningsvag and Nordfjordeid.Western Mediterranean highlights for summer 2022 include:MSC Meravigliawill homeport in Barcelona, calling the perfect itinerary for any sun-seeker: Cannes (France), Genoa, La Spezia and Civitavecchia (Italy), plus Palma de Mallorca (Spain).MSC Opera will homeport from Genoa, and visit Palermo, other destinations include calls at Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain), and the newly reinstated embarkation port of La Goulette (Tunisia) and Naples (Italy).MSC Splendida will offer cruises fromGenoa (Italy) to Marseille (France), one of Sicily's most sought-after destination Siracusa, Taranto and its awe-aspiring beaches, plus returning to Civitavecchia (Italy)MSC Seaview will offer yet the best part of Western Mediterranean, from Genoa (Italy), she will visit the historical ports of Naples and Messina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), Barcelona (Spain) and Marseille (France).MSC Seaside: departing from Genoa, she will offer itineraries to Civitavecchia and, Palermo (Italy) and Ibiza and Valencia (Spain) and Marseille (France).MSC Orchestra: the ship will perform cruises of 4-5 nights in Spring and from June will commence the new 10-night cruises callingGenoa (Italy) to Marseille/Provence (France), Malaga, Cadiz/Seville, Lisbon (Portugal) Alicante/Costa Blanca and Mahon/Menorca (Spain), and Olbia (Italy).In Autumn, MSC Magnifcia will offer cruises 11-night cruises to Canary islands, Morroco and Madeira, whilst MSC Poesia offer 3-, 4- and 5-night cruises rounding our the season in the West Mediterranean.     Eastern Mediterranean highlights for summer 2022 include:With Trieste (Italy) as homeport, MSC Fantasia will offer calls to Ancona (Italy), Kotor (Montenegro), Bari (Italy), Corfu (Greece) and the picturesque city of Dubrovnik (Croatia). From September the ship will perform 11-night cruises that include Pireaus/Athens (Greece), Izmir/Ephesus and an overnight in Istanbul (Turkey)MSC Musica will depart from Monfalcone (Italy),Katakolon/Olympia, Heraklion, Santorini (Greece) Bari (ItalyMSC Sinfoniaand MSC Armonia will both homeport from the heart of the Mediterranean, the Italian port of Venice from Marghera. Other exciting ports on MSC Sinfonia's itinerary include Kotor (Montenegro), the infamous Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini (Greece) and Bari (Italy).MSC Armonia is putting a focus on gorgeous views with calls to Brindisi (Italy), Greek island of Mykonos and Greek mainland destination of Piraeus for Athens as well as Split and Zadar (Croatia).A variety of spectacular destinations await guests aboardMSC Lirica departing from Piraeus/Athens (Greece), calling at Kusadasi (Turkey), Haifa (Israel), the islands of Limassol (Cyprus), plus Rhodes and Santorini (Greece) plus 11-nights add in itinerary.Caribbean highlights for summer 2022 include:MSC Seashore, embarking in Miami (USA) will offer alternating seven-night itineraries to the west and east Caribbean to destinations including Nassua (The Bahamas), Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Ocho Rios (Jamaica), George Town (Cayman Islands), Cozumel (Mexico) with each cruise calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises' own private island in The Bahamas.MSC Divina, embarking in Port Canaveral/Orlando (USA), will offer cruises between three and seven nights to the Caribbean with destinations including Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico), Nassau (The Bahamas) with each cruise calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine ReserveFar East highlights for summer 2022 include:MSC Bellissimawill sail a range of departures from China and JapanMSC celebrates two newbuild milestones of construction The Cruise Division of MSC Group and Chantiers de l'Atlantique has celebrated two significant newbuild milestones for the construction of the line's next generation of environmentally advanced vessels. MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia will become the first LNG-powered vessels to join the MSC Cruises fleet next year representing an investment of €3 billion in Liquified Natutal Gas (LNG) ships with the construction on World Europa II due to commence in early 2023.These ships play an important role in the Company's commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. LNG is by far the cleanest marine fuel currently available at scale and it virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions like sulphur oxides (99%), nitrogen oxides (85%) and particles (98%). In terms of emissions with a global impact, LNG plays a key role in climate change mitigation and the engines of these two ships have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to standard fuels. In addition, with the subsequent availability of Bio and Synthetic forms of LNG, this energy source will provide a pathway toward eventual decarbonized operations.It was also revealed that MSC Cruises and the Chantiers de l'Atlantique confirmed the installation of a fuel cell pilot plant on board MSC World Europa known as Blue Horizon. The technology will use LNG to convert fuel into electricity at one of the highest efficiencies of any power solution available today, producing electricity and heat on board. The fuel cell technology selected by Chantiers de l'Atlantique (CdA) and MSC Cruises is the SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) developed by Bloom Energy. The SOFC will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by about a further 30 percent compared with a conventional LNG engine without producing emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides or fine particles.  It also offers the advantage of being compatible with LNG, as well as several low carbon fuels such as types of methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. This project will form the building block for future larger installations and the beginning of an even closer collaboration between MSC Cruises and Chantier de L'Atlantique on R&D of fuel cell technology.The traditional coin ceremony tradition took place as the keel was laid for MSC Cruises' second LNG-powered ship, MSC Euribia, which will be one of the most environmentally high performing contemporary vessels built in France. Anne Claire Juventin Responsible for Quality Control from the Chantiers de l'Atlantique, and Valentina Mancini, Brand Manager from MSC Cruises performed the traditional maritime ritual as godmothers representing the ship owner and the shipbuilder when they placed two coins under the keel as the historical sign of blessing and good fortune for the project, and the ship's operational life at sea.The float out of MSC World Europa, which will be the first LNG-powered vessel to join the MSC Cruises fleet took place at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire where she will now be moved to a wet dock for work to continue on the ship until her delivery in November 2022.NCL Homeports in Panama City Norwegian Cruise Line, will become the first cruise line to homeport in Panama City, Panama, offering roundtrip Panama Canal voyages beginning 20 March 2022 with Norwegian Jewel.NCLK (Parent company of NCL) signed a multi-year agreement with the Panama Tourism Authority which allows the Company to seasonally homeport at the Colon Cruise Terminal as well as at Fuerte Amador Cruise Terminal located on the Pacific Ocean side of the country and adjacent to Panama City.In 2022 and 2023 the Company will offer 12 homeport voyages starting with Norwegian Jewel on 20 March 2022 where she will sail a nine-day itinerary traversing the Panama Canal and visiting incredible destinations including Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Kralendijk, Bonaire and Cartagena, Colombia before arriving to the Caribbean side of Panama in the city of Colon.Starting 14 January 2023, Norwegian Gem will also feature select Panama Canal voyages including an 11-day journey visiting seven ports of call, including Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands before ending in New York City. On 6 December 2023, Norwegian Joy will offer a 10-day voyage sailing from Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama and visiting notable destinations including Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Roatán, Bay Islands; Harvest Caye, NCL's private resort destination in Belize; Cozumel, Mexico and Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas before ending her journey in MiamiSeabourn announces Northeast & Northwest Passages in 2023 Seabourn, the ultra-luxury ocean and expedition cruise line, has announced an exciting line-up of adventurous voyages for the summer of 2023 on its two new purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. The program includes the line's first-ever voyages to the Northeast and Northwest Passages in the Arctic, where guests will discover two of the world's most remote and fascinating regions filled with an abundance of history, wildlife, and unique landscapes.Seabourn Venture will depart July 29, 2023, for a 26-day journey across the Northeast Passage from Tromsø, Norway to Nome, Alaska. Its sister ship, Seabourn Pursuit, which is scheduled to launch in March 2023, will offer a 21-day adventure to the infamous Northwest Passage departing August 27, 2023, from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Nome. The expedition ships will be designed and built for diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards, with advanced technology to maneuver in these regions. These voyages, as well as the entire summer 2023 season, are open for sale on December 15Virgin Voyages: A Gin-uine romanceRichard Branson and Ryan Reynolds are back at it, but this time they're taking their partnership from the air to the high seas. We've joined forces with Aviation Gin so Sailors can sip, sun, and sea thanks to the most charming duo around. And when they pre-purchase a Bar Tab, they'll be able to choose from a selection of deliciously curated Aviation Gin-based cocktails on board — from The Double Agent at SIP to Razzle Dazzle's Electric FizzLe Ponant's transformationLe Ponant, PONANT's iconic three-masted sailboat, is undergoing a transformation to offer guests an exclusive travel experience. Entirely refurbished with a sophisticated new design by Jean-Philippe Nuel studioBookings for summer 2022 departures now openFrom June 2022, this legendary sailing ship will set sail again, offering tailor-made itineraries off the beaten track in Greece and Croatia. Sales are now open for 20 departures and 3 new itineraries.On the programme, exclusive ports of call, sublime and wild landscapes, and a series of immersive activities including glass-bottomed kayaking, snorkelling, stand up paddleboarding, cycling and hiking, all in tune with nature.“Croatia, under the sails of Le Ponant”Pomalo – a word that means ‘living outside of time' in Croatian – sets the tone for this sailing which will reveal the riches and wonders of the Dalmatian coast, Croatia and Montenegro. Le Ponant will sail from Dubrovnik to the magnificent Bay of Kotor, before dropping anchor near Mljet, an island renowned for its national park, Korcula, Komiza and the island of Vis, Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, the delightful Pučišća, and finally the Elaphite archipelago.Dubrovnik, Croatia – Dubrovnik, Croatia – 8 days, 7 nights – 12 sailings from June to August 2022“Island hopping from Dubrovnik to Athens”On this unique cruise, Le Ponant will sail to the Peloponnese, to the island of Paxos, the port of Fiskardo on the island of Kefalonia, very close to Ithaca, the fortified peninsula of Monemvasia, the island of Kythnos and its scrubland landscapes, and finally Lavrio, a peaceful marina near Athens. Magnificent landscapes, full of emotion and history, between the Ionian and Aegean Seas.Dubrovnik, Croatia – Lavrio, Greece – 7 days, 6 nights – From 28 August to 3 September 2022“The Cyclades, in the wake of Le Ponant”This sailing is an invitation to rediscover the wonders of the Greek archipelago, its islands of white rock, their picturesque white houses and the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. From the port of Lavrio, a short distance from Athens, Le Ponant will set sail for the Cyclades and the Saronic Islands with exclusive ports of call in Tinos, Polyaigos, Folegandros, Monemvasia, Kythnos, and finally Spetses.Lavrio, Greece – Lavrio, Greece – 8 days, 7 nights – 7 sailings from September to October 2022And 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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