CRUISE NEWS

• Steel construction of A-ROSA’s new E-Motion Ship is completed
  • The steel construction of A-ROSA’s new E-Motion ship was completed at the Romanian Severnav shipyard in mid-April 2021 and the ship is now being transferred to the Netherlands for interior fitting and finishing. It was taken downstream on the Danube to the port of Constana, on the Black Sea coast and loaded onto a dock ship. The new E-Motion ship is now travelling through the Bosporus, the Mediterranean and the Bay of Biscay to Rotterdam, where it is expected to arrive in the first half of May. The interior work will then be carried out at the Concordia Damen shipyard near Rotterdam.
  • The E-Motion ship will feature the latest-generation battery propulsion system, which will enable it to call at cities with virtually no noise or emissions. It has also been designed from the outset with families and multigenerational groups in mind and the ship will have the first dedicated kids club room and 28 m² family cabins. The sun deck will also feature an adult pool and a separate shallow water pool for children. The 21 m² standard cabins offer a spacious living and sleeping area and a balcony with seating for two. The 26 m² suites are located in a separate area of the ship. In addition, comfortable single and double cabins have also been created for crew members as part of a well-being concept. A separate kitchen as well as a dining and relaxation room each also provide an attractive retreat during breaks and non-working hours.
• Aqua Nera Launches June 12, 2021
  • Aqua Nera, will set sail on its much-anticipated inaugural voyage on the Peruvian Amazon on June 12, 2021!
  • Aqua Nera has made quite a journey over the past year, having been custom-designed in Vietnam by award-winning Noor Design. She was then transported from Ho Chi Minh City to Bélem in Brazil to sail the full length of the Amazon river to her home port of Iquitos, Peru after an epic 19,866 km journey across the world. With the good news of international travel resuming into Peru earlier this month, Discover her contemporary style and bold design aesthetic which sets a new standard of luxury on the Amazon river on her 3-, 4-, and 7-night itineraries.
• Holland America Line to Restart Cruising from Greece in August 2021
  • Working in close coordination with the government of Greece, Holland America Line has received approval to restart cruising from Piraeus (Athens) in August with four departures aboard Eurodam.  Bookings for these cruises will open May 6.
  • Departing Aug. 15 and 29, the “Idyllic Greek Isles” itinerary features Kotor, Montenegro, plus the Greek isles of Kékira (Corfu), Thíra (Santorini) and Mykonos.
  • “Ancient Wonders” departs Aug. 22 to explore Haifa, Israel, as well as Náfplion, Mykonos and Rhodes in Greece. Both options can be combined to form a longer, back-to-back 14-day Collectors’ Voyage.
  • A seven-day “Adriatic Allure” itinerary departing Sept. 5 will sail from Piraeus to Venice, Italy, with calls at Mykonos, Katakolon (Olympia) and Crete (Chania), Greece, and Sarandë, Albania.
  • Additional Mediterranean cruises aboard Eurodam through the fall will be announced in the coming weeks and include ports in Italy and Greece. Eurodam returns to the United States to begin sailing its published Caribbean cruises in mid-November.
• Princess Cruises Introduces Dine My Way
  • Princess, the world’s leading international premium cruise line, today unveiled Dine My Way, another flexible MedallionClass enhancement that makes it easy for guests to pre-plan and tailor their dining experiences, and pairs with the revolutionary OceanNow® on demand service to offer the ultimate in onboard dining flexibility and convenience.
  • Dine My Way, gives guests the freedom to make reservations in onboard dining rooms and specialty restaurants at times they prefer and with whom they wish to dine. Dine My Way also helps to optimise capacities in dining rooms and restaurants on board, manage wait times, and gives guests much more flexibility.
  • When making a reservation, guests will be able to:
    • add additional friends or family members with whom they are traveling
    • select their preferred pace of dining (relaxed, quick)
    • indicate their desired seating location (near window, close to entrance) in the Ocean profile
    • share dietary preferences and allergen information
    • pick the same venue and dining time each night
  •  In addition, Princess’ OceanNow on-demand menu has been expanded to include entrees and beverage options from restaurants throughout the ship with guest’s requests delivered directly to their location. OceanNow orders can be made using the MedallionClass app on a smart device, via the stateroom TV, or by having a crew member place the order on the guest’s behalf.
• Experience Northern Autumn Colours & Seaside Villages with Princess’ 2023 Canada and New England Cruise and Cruisetour Season
  • Two MedallionClass Ships with Next-Level Service Offer Effortless and More Enjoyable Cruise Holidays.
  • Discovering colonial history, rocky shorelines, seaside villages, stunning lighthouses, fresh regional seafood and the colours of the northern Autumn season are the top reasons to experience Canada & New England with Princess Cruises during the newly announced 2023 cruise and cruisetour season, on sale May 5, 2021.
  • The upcoming 2023 Canada & New England cruise season offers 16 departures from New York, Québec City and Ft. Lauderdale, visiting 17 destinations, 11 states and provinces in three countries, with five itineraries sailing on two MedallionClass ships – Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess.
  • From cruising underneath the iconic Verrazzano Bridge during the sailaway from New York City, to visiting Boston’s Freedom Trail and strolling the scenic streets of Old Québec, seven-to16-day voyages, that even take cruisers are far north to Greenland, are offered including:
  • Canada & New England – Regal Princess – Seven Days: Roundtrip from New York, visiting Newport, Boston, Bar Harbour (for Acadia National Park), Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), and Halifax. Cruises depart September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023
  • Classic Canada & New England – Caribbean Princess – 10 Days: From New York City to Québec (More Ashore overnight), with port stops in Newport, Boston, Bar Harbour (for Acadia National Park), Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), Halifax, Sydney (Cape Breton Island), and Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island). Cruises depart August 30, September 19 and October 9, 2023
  • Classic Canada & New England – Caribbean Princess – 10 Days: From Québec (More Ashore overnight) to New York City, visiting Saguenay, Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Halifax, Bar Harbor (for Acadia National Park) and Boston. Departure dates of August 4, September 9 and 29, 2023
  • Canada & Colonial America – Caribbean Princess – 13 days: From Ft. Lauderdale to Québec (More Ashore overnight) visiting Norfolk (with access to Williamsburg and Jamestown), New York, Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor (for Acadia National Park), Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), Halifax and Sydney (Cape Breton Island). Cruise departs July 22, 2023
  • Canada & Colonial America – Caribbean Princess – 12 Days: From Québec (More Ashore overnight) to Ft. Lauderdale, visiting Halifax, Portland, Boston, Newport and New York City. Cruise departs October 19, 2023
  • Greenland & Canada – Caribbean Princess – 16 days: Roundtrip from New York City visiting Halifax, Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Nanortalik and St. John (Newfoundland). Cruise departs Aug 14, 2023
• Princess 2023 Caribbean Cruise Season
  • Caribbean Princess Returns to Cruise Roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale to World-Famous Beaches in the Eastern & Western Caribbean
  • Sailing off into the sunset onboard MedallionClass ship Caribbean Princess, roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, offers the ultimate family adventure playing on world-famous beaches in the Eastern Caribbean, or exploring Mayan ruins in the Western Caribbean, or both. The season runs from April through July 2023 and features 11 destinations, 31 departures and four itineraries, ranging in length from seven to 14 days. Travel dreams calling cruisers to top-rated beaches, colourful cultures and endless water activities can be fulfilled with the new 2023 summer schedule, including:
  • All guests sailing on Eastern Caribbean itineraries visit the cruise line’s Princess Cays private island resort for a day of fun, sun, water activities and a beach BBQ, ranked among the “Top Cruise Line Private Island Destinations” by Cruise Critic. The island even offers cabanas with air conditioning and bar service. MedallionNet Wi-Fi featuring reliable and fast connectivity is also available on the island for cruisers who may take advantage of an oceanfront office for the day or to share photos and videos with friends and family back home.
• Carnival Cruise Line Announces New Red, White & Blue Hull Design Across Fleet
  • Following the popularity of the stunning red, white and blue livery adorning Mardi Gras, another Carnival Cruise Line ship will soon receive the dramatic hull design that will become a trademark feature across the fleet as Carnival, America’s Cruise Line, prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday in 2022
  • Carnival Magic will be the first ship to receive the new livery during its current dry dock in Marseilles, France.
  • Paying homage to maritime tradition and patriotic colours, the eye-catching hull design is highlighted by a stately navy blue hull inspired by officers’ uniforms along with vibrant red and white accents running the entire length of the 1,004-foot-long ship. Additional vessels will receive the new livery as they undergo scheduled dry docks.  Carnival Glory will be the second ship to receive the new hull design during a dry dock scheduled in June.
  • In addition to the new livery, Carnival Magic will emerge from its dry dock on May 24 with an expanded casino with an even greater variety of slots and other games, as well as a host of enhancements including freshening up the finishes for the WaterWorks aqua park and pools.
• Sail to bucket-list destinations including Antarctica, Iceland and Greenland with immersive itineraries on NCL
  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 54-year history of breaking boundaries, offers guests seeking bucket-list experiences the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most unique destinations with its ‘Extraordinary Journeys’ itineraries, a series of immersive voyages to some of the world’s most unique destinations including Iceland, Greenland and Antarctica.
  • From discovering the striking landscapes and lively cities of Iceland, to whale-watching in Greenland, sailing the fjords of Norway, discovering the culture and dramatic coastlines of South America or getting up close to colonies of elephant seals and penguins in Antarctica, these voyages are designed to be anything but ordinary.
  • Itinerary highlights for NCL’s 2022 and 2023 Extraordinary Journeys include:
    • Norwegian Star’s 10-day Iceland and Greenland Round-trip from Reykjavik departing 25 July 2022, will give guests the opportunity to explore some of the northern hemisphere’s most beautiful and remote locations. From walking amongst the picturesque, coloured buildings of Qaqortoq and whale watching off the coast of Nanortalik, to exploring the flourishing arts and dining scenes of Seydisfjordur and Reykjavik and seeing first-hand the hot springs, lava flows and epic landscapes of Iceland, this is the ideal adventure for those who love the great outdoors and rugged natural beauty.
    • For a truly larger-than-life wilderness experience, guests can enjoy NCL’s 14-day Antarctica & South America Round-trip from Buenos Aires departing 15 January 2023 aboard Norwegian Star. Starting with the sumptuous street food and dynamic culture of Buenos Aires, the city that never sleeps, this voyage calls on ports in Chile, the Falkland Islands and Uruguay. Guests will also be able to experience the magnificent glaciers and fascinating wildlife of Antarctica, including colonies of elephant seals and penguins – making this itinerary a photographer’s dream – and a genuine bucket-list voyage.
    • Norwegian Star’s 12-day Iceland: Reykjavik, Dublin & Belfast voyage departs 4 September 2022 from Southampton, England. Nature lovers will marvel at the views, waterfalls, seals and birdlife at Eidfjord in Norway, while architecture fans will delight at the art nouveau buildings of Alesund. An overnight stay in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, has something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to culture vultures, while in Belfast and Dublin, guests will be spoilt for choice when it comes to trendy cafes, boutique shopping and lively nightlife (including enjoying an obligatory pint of Guinness, of course).
  • The above Extraordinary Journeys highlight voyages all sail onboard Norwegian Star, where guests will experience first-hand the line’s unique onboard offering. At Sky High Bar, outdoor seating offers the best views on board, while the adults-only Spice H2O is the ultimate retreat, where travellers will find a private pool, bar, hot tub and ocean views by day, and an open-air lounge with live entertainment and DJs after dark.
• Ponant Announce details of the Series Of 19 Smithsonian Small Ship Expeditions     
  • New itineraries featuring Smithsonian-crafted Cultural Experiences on board and on land.
  • Ponant,  in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, has released examples of 19 forthcoming voyages commencing in 2022.
  • Drawing on Smithsonian’s resources dating back 175 years, the new sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys share common values – focusing on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of further inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel. This is Smithsonian Journey’s first alliance with an expedition line.
  • Nineteen departures exploring Antarctica, Japan, Iceland, the Mediterranean, British Isles, Great Lakes, and Norwegian fjords and more, will debut in 2022, and will provide opportunities to engage with a variety of experts, ranging from archaeologists and scientists to anthropologists and historians. The full list of voyages can be viewed here.
  • Highlights include:
    • Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America, Le Champlain
      • Embark on an eight-day voyage from Colón, Panama to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica passing through the Panama Canal. Ports of call include UNESCO World Heritage site Darién National Park for treks through the wilderness; an exclusive hosted visit at the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama City; and Carara National Park, home to over 10,000 species of plants, 300 species of birds and 200 species of butterflies.  Departure on January 24, 2022 / 7 nights, 8 days
    • Treasures of Japan by Sea, Le Soléal
      • Sail from Kobe, one of the first Japanese ports to open to international trade in the 19th century, to Japan’s second-largest city of Osaka to explore how its rich heritage blends with the country’s industrialisation and modernisation. Highlights of the itinerary include an Udon-noodle master class at a Takamatsu cooking school; a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park; and a tour through Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens in Okayama. Departure on April 15, 2022 / 7 nights, 8 days
    • Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal, Le Bougainville and Le Champlain
      • Explore the Portuguese and Spanish coasts from Lisbon to Barcelona including a stop in Cádiz, from where guests will visit the oldest royal palace in use in Europe, the Alcázar de Sevilla. From Málaga, a true highlight includes a trip to Granada to enjoy a private after hours visit of the Alhambra. Guests will continue to Palma de Mallorca for an island escape before stopping in Valencia, where its history meets modernity with stops at both the UNESCO World Heritage site La Lonja de la Seda, originally used for trading silk in the early 1500s, and the cultural complex The City of Arts and Sciences.  Departures on May 3 and October 30, 2022 / 7 nights, 8 days
    • Iceland Voyage: Land of Fire and Ice, Le Bellot
      • Sailing roundtrip from Reykjavik, this voyage will include five ports of call exploring Iceland’s various landscapes including glaciers, fjords, volcanic rock, basalt pillars and soaring geysers. Guests will head to Grimsey, the nation’s northernmost territory and the ideal place to experience the midnight sun; before stopping at Heimaey, encased in a fortress of lava and home to 8,000 puffins, for an exclusive visit to the world’s first Beluga Whale Sanctuary.  Departures on June 6 and August 8, 2022 / 7 nights, 8 days
    • A Voyage Along the Great Lakes, Le Bellot
      • An exploration of all five Great Lakes in one voyage, this eight-day itinerary will depart from Toronto, on the shore of Lake Ontario. The journey continues through each of the lakes, passing sights such as Niagara Falls before sailing the length of Lake Michigan and ending in Milwaukee. Departure on September 18, 2022 / 7 nights, 8 days
• Seabourn Charts A 65-day Nautical Journey With New “Grand Pacific Voyage 2022: A World Of Islands
  • Seabourn, the ultra-luxury resort at sea, is inviting travellers to explore the “peaceful sea” and myriad islands within it on the brand new Grand Pacific Voyage 2022: A World of Islands. Open for sale now, the 65-day adventure is set to depart Vancouver, British Columbia, aboard Seabourn Odyssey on September 30, 2022, and arrive at Sydney, Australia, on December 5, 2022, offering a world of experiences for guests in between with 41 ports, 30 islands, 12 countries, and five overnight stays on the itinerary. Guests will also have the option to embark the voyage in Seattle on October 1, 2022.
  • The 65-day itinerary of the Grand Pacific Voyage includes stops at notable destinations Seabourn has not visited in over five years, including: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii; Avatoru, Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Mataiva, French Polynesia; Maupiti Island, French Polynesia; Maroe Bay, Huahine-Iti, French Polynesia; Cook’s Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia; Alofi, Niue; Dravuni Island, Fiji; and Ghizo Island, Solomon Islands.
  • Once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences available on Seabourn’s 2022 Grand Pacific Voyage are endless, with 25 optional, guided Ventures by Seabourn excursions where guests are invited to explore settings of natural beauty via hike, kayak, and Zodiac across the South Pacific. Destinations with the excursions include Maupiti Island, French Polynesia; Ureparapara, Vanuatu; Ghizo Island, Solomon Islands; and Savusavu, Vanau Levu, Fiji, to name a few. There will also be two days of Ventures by Seabourn offerings in Conflict Islands (Panawal Group), Papua New Guinea, and Cairns, Queensland, Australia.

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