MARITIME HISTORY

• Italy has a long connection with the sea and ship building, infact the first modern shipyard commenced operation in 1780. With more than 7,000 ships built over its 230-year history, Fincantieri has built game changing ships in every era. The vessels built by the Group include undisputed global icons of the sea, such as the Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian Naval Academy training ship, and the transatlantic liner Rex, which held the “Blue Riband” record for the fastest transatlantic crossing of a passenger ship.

CRUISE NEWS

• Azamara Announces Return to Sail with Greece Country-Intensive® Voyages Starting in August
  • Azamara – the boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion® experiences – is pleased to announce that Azamara Quest® will return to the high seas beginning August 28, 2021 with five back-to-back Country-Intensive Voyages and one classic Mediterranean sailing; each seven-days in length and a total of 18 late-night stays in port, including Santorini, Rhodes and Heraklion, Greece.
  • Voyages will open for booking on May 11, 2021. With the health and safety of guests and crew being the top priority for the return to sail, Azamara has made the decision to require all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated no later than 14-days prior to departure.
  • With travel requirements remaining unconfirmed throughout most of Europe, all sailings aboard Azamara Journey® and Azamara Pursuit® will be suspended until September 2021. Current Azamara Quest sailings through October 2, 2021 are also suspended, with the new Country-Intensive voyages beginning August 28, 2021.
• Oceania announces restart of operation in August
  • Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary and destination focused cruise line, has announced that it will resume cruise operations with the 1,250-guest Marina in August, beginning with sailings to Scandinavia and Western Europe. Marina will resume her originally published voyage schedule, commencing on 29 August, 2021 in Copenhagen.
  • Oceania Cruises is undertaking a phased restart with its science-backed plan for a healthy return to service that protects its guests, crew and communities visited. The robust SailSAFETM Health and Safety Program creates multiple layers of protection against COVID-19 and was developed with guidance from its team of public health and scientific experts including the Healthy Sail Panel and the SailSAFE™ Global Health and Wellness Council.
  • Full details on Oceania Cruises’ SailSAFE™ protocols can be found here. https://www.oceaniacruises.com/health
• NCL Announces restart of EPIC & GETAWAY from Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia)
  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, has announced a further restart of operations in Europe from the homeports of Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia) with previously scheduled port-intensive itineraries to the Mediterranean and Greek Isles beginning 5 Sept, 2021.
  • Guided by the robust protocols of the Sail Safe Global Health and Safety Program, and in partnership with local governments, NCL plans to welcome travellers to experience the warm and vibrant cultures and sites of Spain, Italy and Greece. Currently scheduled to sail from Barcelona, Norwegian Epic will cruise seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from 5 Sept, 2021 through 24 Oct, 2021, with Norwegian Getaway sailing a mix of 10 to 11-day Greek Isles voyages from Rome (Civitavecchia) from 13 Sept, 2021 to 25 Oct, 2021.  With five to eight ports of call, up to 13 hours in each city and no more than two days at sea, guests can spend their days exploring ancient ruins and medieval architecture, admiring artistic masterpieces or simply savouring a variety of local cuisine.
• Norwegian Epic Redesign
  • Reaffirming the Company’s commitment to elevating the guest experience at sea, the Cruise Line will debut an all-new The Haven by Norwegian complex aboard Norwegian Epic, following an extensive refurbishment in Marseille, France at the end of 2020.  Norwegian Epic was the first in the fleet to premiere the Brand’s key-card access ship-within-a-ship concept in 2010, complete with private amenities, dedicated services and the most luxurious accommodation on board. The recent renovation resulted in 75 reimagined and upgraded suites combined with redesigned experiences including The Haven Restaurant and The Haven Courtyard Pool and Sundeck.  Norwegian Epic features one of the largest The Haven complexes in the Norwegian fleet.
• Regent Seven Seas Splendor return to service
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises® has announced its return to sailing with Seven Seas Splendor cruising from the UK, beginning September 2021. The voyage will mark the cruise line’s return to service, as well as Seven Seas Splendor’s inaugural season, with the ship having only completed two cruises with guests after being christened in February 2020. With a phased return to sailing for the rest of the fleet, luxury travellers will soon be able to once again enjoy the unrivalled Regent experience and the peace of mind that comes with the multi-layered SailSAFE™ health and safety program.
  • The cruise line intends to preserve originally planned itineraries, as much as the global health environment at the time allows, presenting guests with the exceptional cruise and destination experience, which they have come to expect from Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
  • The first cruise in her inaugural season has Seven Seas Splendor scheduled to set sail 11 September, 2021 for an 11-night voyage, round-trip from Southampton, England, visiting Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. After her initial voyage, the ship will transition to explore the beautiful Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to sail in the Caribbean. While many of her sailings are already sold out, there are still opportunities to cruise later in Seven Seas Splendor’s European season, and in the Caribbean in early 2022.
  • To ensure a smooth and safe resumption of operations, the remainder of the Regent fleet’s return to sailing will be announced at future dates, with voyage suspensions now extended through 30 September, 2021 for Seven Seas Explorer®, Seven Seas Mariner®, Seven Seas Navigator®, and Seven Seas Voyager®. In conjunction with today’s announcement, Seven Seas Splendor’s voyages are suspended up until her 11 September, 2021 sailing from Southampton.
• Beyond Expectations: Celebrity Cruises’ Newest Ship, Celebrity Beyond, Defies Imagination, Wonder And Luxury
  • Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo unveiled the company’s third ship in the company’s industry-transforming “new luxury” Edge Series® — Celebrity BeyondSM. 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 luxury.
    • The Retreat®, an exclusive resort-within-a-resort area for suite guests, highlighted by a new two-story sundeck;
    • Transformed accommodations from modern two-story villas with private plunge pools to staterooms with infinite verandas, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living;
    • An expanded Rooftop Garden and stunning Resort Deck featuring unique cantilevered float pools;
    • A multi-level, multi-terraced Sunset Bar redefining the ship’s aft;
    • A first-ever Daniel Boulud fine-dining restaurant at sea;
    • A boldly redesigned Grand Plaza spanning three decks, creating an airy and open indoor space;
    • And, the return of the Magic Carpet®, an engineering feat soaring cantilevered above the sea, offering guests uninterrupted vistas while sipping cocktails or having dinner.
  • Celebrity Beyond will depart on her maiden voyage on April 27, 2022 from Southampton, England, on 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 as of April 28, 2021
• SUN, SAND AND SEA…AND MSC SEASIDE
  • MSC Cruises has announced that this northern hemisphere summer guests of MSC Seaside will be able to enjoy a private beach experience in Taranto, Puglia exclusively for them. This is in addition to the previously-announced two brand new destinations in sunny southern Italy with Siracusa in Sicily in addition to Taranto
  • Situated in the southern part of Italy in Puglia, one of the most famous and beautiful regions in the charming and sunny South of Italy, the historic port of Taranto is an undiscovered gem. MSC Cruises guests will be able to enjoy a day relaxing day at a Blue Flag[1] beach that offers fine sand and a gentle southern breeze at the edge of the clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea – a rival for any Caribbean beach. The clarity of the sea here is incredible and with a gently sloping seabed, the crystal waters can be easily enjoyed by all whether just a gentle dip or an active swim.
  • Three lidos on the Marina di Taranto will be exclusively available for MSC Cruises guests on the day that the ship calls and “bubble transfers” will be on hand to take guests to the beach and then back to the ship at fixed times throughout the day. The lidos are equipped with convenient beach club facilities needed for this day at the seaside – with umbrellas for shade and comfortable loungers, a bar and restaurant as well as toilets, showers and changing cabins as well as. Guests will have the peace of mind that the health and safety measures at the lido will follow the same as the ship and that everything is taken care of for them – all they need do is relax and enjoy the sun, sand and sea.
  • MSC Seaside to call another new destination, Siracusa in Sicily
  • MSC Seaside will also call at another new destination for MSC Cruises, the Sicilian port of Siracusa where guests can discover the rich historical and archaeological sites in this area, including the Greek theatre of Siracusa the biggest ever built in Sicily and one of the largest in the Greek world or immerse themselves in the beautiful countryside and baroque cities where the world-famous Inspector Montalbano films are shot. For those seeking the perfect panoramas, experience Europe’s largest volcano Mount Etna with thrilling and unforgettable views and the ancient splendours of beautiful Taormina.
• Once Upon a Disney Wish
  • When the Disney Wish sets sail in summer 2022, families will discover a mesmerizing new world created especially for them: a celebration of Disney’s rich legacy of enchanting storytelling that brings to life the fantastical worlds and beloved characters at the heart of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars adventures like never before.
  • Families will embark on a splashtacular adventure with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse aboard the first-ever Disney attraction at sea; revel in a royal celebration during a theatrical dining experience with “Frozen” friends; team up with the Avengers on a Marvel cinematic dining adventure; and travel to a galaxy far, far away in a first-of-its-kind Star Wars experience on board a Disney ship.
  • The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage — a five-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay — on June 9, 2022, followed by an inaugural season of three- and four-night cruises to the same destinations from Port Canaveral, Florida. Bookings open to the general public on May 27, 2021
• On World Wish Day, The Walt Disney Company announced a $1 million donation to Make-A-Wish as part of a grand unveiling event for the highly anticipated Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Wish, scheduled to set sail in summer 2022
  • Since 1980, Disney and Make-A-Wish have helped grant life-changing wishes for more than 145,000 children with critical illnesses around the world. Historically, one out of every two wishes granted in the U.S. is a Disney wish, with many of these wishes involving visits to global Disney destinations and sailings with Disney Cruise Line.

Ethical Cruise T-Shirts

• Now available branded podcast t-shirts, cruise-tees and Christmas gifts or design your own in the studio. All using organic cotton, printed using green energy and plastic-free packaging! https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh

 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/user/ChrisCunard  
• Peter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home  

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF  
• Castbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI  
• Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u  
• I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUA
• Spotify: 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