Ep68 – Norwegian Prima Floats Out, Bolette’s Maiden Voyage, Regent 23/24, Disney Wish Unchartered Adventure, Azamara and more

August 22, 2021 quality_baz 0 Comments
The Big Cruise Podcast
The Big Cruise Podcast
Ep68 - Norwegian Prima Floats Out, Bolette's Maiden Voyage, Regent 23/24, Disney Wish Unchartered Adventure, Azamara and more
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Overview

In episode 68, listener Neil, asks about the history and traditions of the “crossing the equator ceremony”, plus additional questions about Cunard and P&O UK. Plus the latest cruise news from around the world.

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Maritime History

Neil in QLD asks “Hi Baz, it would be great if Chris could give us the history and tradition behind the “Crossing the Equator” ceremony that is observed on all ships when they do cross the line. I’ve participated in two myself (both off the coast of Africa while working on the original Love Boat) but never really understood the history of this bizarre ceremony. Thanks”

Listener Questions

  • Ji in Singapore asks – Chris if you had to choose one Queen to sail on tomorrow would it be QM2, QE or QV and why?
  • Sharon in QLD asks “Chris you mention P&O Aurora occasionally, what makes her so special, could you pick 5 favourite features?

Cruise News

  • Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ new flagship Bolette sets sail from Dover on scenic Maiden Voyage
    • New flagship Bolette had the white cliffs of Dover as her backdrop when she set sail on a scenic Maiden Voyage with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines on Monday afternoon (16th August).
    • Bolette will offer scenic sailing of the Isles of Scilly’s 140 islets, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famed for its rock formations and long, sandy beaches, and the dramatic coastlines of the Channel Islands on her maiden three-night cruise.
    • This milestone sailing follows an extensive refurbishment programme that has seen public areas revamped, cabins updated, new bathrooms installed and new carpets laid throughout.
    • The project introduced popular Fred. Olsen venues the Morning Light Pub, The Bookmark Café, and The Oriental Tea Room, alongside many new additions to Fred. Olsen, including an all-weather pool, two-tiered theatre and The Auditorium.
    • There will be opportunities for guests to tantalise their taste buds in new specialty dining venues. For a fresh, modern take on Indian food there is Vasco, named after the famous explorer Vasco Da Gama, who was the first European to reach India by sea. Meanwhile, Colours & Tastes offers modern Asian Fusion dishes.
    • Plus, with fewer than 1,400 guests on board even at full capacity, Bolette will continue to offer the same small ship experience for which Fred. Olsen and their crew are renowned.
  • Norwegian Prima Floats out.
    • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has announced that its game-changing new ship, Norwegian Prima, was floated out from her drydock at Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the new vessel touches water.
    • To celebrate the occasion, a commemorative coin was encased within Norwegian Prima in a traditional maritime ceremony presided over by Eamonn Ferrin, Vice President International Business, NCL and Antonio Quintano, Shipyard Director, Fincantieri.
    • Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in NCL’s highly anticipated Prima Class, the Brand’s first new class of vessels in nearly 10 years. At 294.1 metres long, 142,500 gross tons and with capacity for 3,215 guests at double occupancy, the vessel is designed to put guests first. Norwegian Prima boasts wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design, and a variety of new experiences for the Brand.
    • Laying claim to the title of the most spacious new cruise ship in the premium and contemporary categories, Norwegian Prima offers the most outdoor deck space and the most expansive accommodation of any new build. She boasts multiple NCL firsts, including Ocean Boulevard, wrapping around the entire deck over 4,087.7 square metres, allowing guests to connect to the ocean while enjoying alfresco dining and unique experiences such as Infinity Beach, where two stunning infinity pools are positioned to take in the vastness of the ocean with uninterrupted views, and Oceanwalk, where two glass bridges will make guests feel as though they are walking on air over the water.
    • Dining is elevated on Norwegian Prima with the addition of Indulge Food Hall, NCL’s first upscale open-air marketplace offering diverse menu items from a variety of eleven different culinary venues. In addition, Ocean Boulevard hosts three restaurants; Onda By Scarpetta, Los Lobos and The Local Bar & Grill.
    • Meanwhile The Haven by Norwegian® on Norwegian Prima offers the Brand’s most exclusive and centralised ‘ship within a ship’ suite complex. Spanning eight decks of suites and public areas, it is accessible via private elevators and located at the aft of the ship for the very first time. Designed to be more open to the sea than ever before, every public area in The Haven will offer spectacular views, together with a stunning new infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.
    • Commencing in the northern hemisphere summer of 2022, Norwegian Prima will offer bucket-list itineraries in Northern Europe with voyages from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Copenhagen, Denmark giving guests the opportunity to explore the stunning Norwegian Fjords and Baltic Sea. She will then sail a 12-day transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York via Scotland’s Shetland Islands, Halifax in Nova Scotia and an extended overnight stay in Reykjavik, Iceland. Through the northern hemisphere autumn and winter, Norwegian Prima will offer a variety of port-rich Bermuda and Caribbean cruises from New York, Galveston, TX, Miami and Orlando, FL (Port Canaveral), including calls to Harvest Caye, the Company’s private resort destination in Belize as well as NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises® has unveiled its new 2023-2024 Voyage Collection, featuring exciting new ports of call and immersive cultural experiences in iconic destinations throughout the globe, with reservations opening on 19 August 2021.
    • Crafted to create memories and stories that last a lifetime, The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™ will sail an incredible 139 new voyages, with itineraries across Africa and Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and South America, as well as transoceanic crossings, and four mesmerising Grand Voyages to explore. Enjoying exquisite comfort and care onboard, with every imaginable luxury included, guests sailing with Regent on one of its exclusive Voyage Collection journeys will enjoy a truly unrivalled experience.
    • Sailings range from seven nights up to the recently announced 132-night 2024 World Cruise and feature more than 129 overnight calls in unforgettable destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia; Kyoto, Japan; Singapore; Lisbon, Portugal; and Bordeaux, France. The 2023-2024 Voyage Collection also boasts 15 new ports of call, including Vanuatu’s Mystery Island; the majestic island of Syros in Greece; the captivating and untamed Lofoten Islands in Norway; and the charmingly colourful Puerto Banus in Spain.
    • Four inspiring Grand Voyages have been thoughtfully curated for the line’s most discerning guests:
      • Grand Arctic Adventure, a 78-night sailing from New York to Barcelona;
      • Grand European Sojourn, a 62-night journey from Stockholm, Sweden to Athens, Greece;
      • Circle South America, a 67-night round trip commencing in Miami, Florida;
      • and the Grand Asia-Pacific Journey, a breathtaking 59-night sailing from Sydney, Australia to Tokyo, Japan.
    • Together with spacious all-suite, all-balcony accommodations and FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions in every port of call, voyage fares also include gourmet cuisine in a range of specialty restaurants and al-fresco dining venues, fine wine and spirits, entertainment, unlimited internet access, free valet laundry, gratuities, transfer between hotel and ship and a one-night, pre-cruise hotel package for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher.
    • In addition, more than 25 voyages aboard Seven Seas Explorer®, Seven Seas Voyager® and Seven Seas Navigator® offer guests a FREE pre-or-post-cruise land program, along with NEW 4-night land programs on selected sailings.
  • Unlock Hidden Magic: Disney Wish to Debut First-of-its-Kind Interactive Experience, Disney Uncharted Adventure
  • Disney Cruise Line is taking classic storytelling into an all-new realm of immersive family fun aboard the Disney Wish with the debut of Disney Uncharted Adventure, a first-of-its-kind interactive experience that will lead guests on a journey from bow to stern and beyond the stars.
  • Combining imagination, technology and the magic of a wishing star, Disney Uncharted Adventure will take guests on a multidimensional voyage into the worlds of iconic Disney and Pixar characters. Designed for families to play together, this fantastical journey will be a brand-new way to explore and experience the enchantment of a Disney cruise ship.
  • Using the Play Disney Parks app — and with some help from their guides, Captain Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse — guests sailing on the Disney Wish will transform their mobile devices into an enchanted spyglass, a tool that allows them to magically set sail for the worlds of Moana, Tiana, Peter Pan, Nemo and more. The spyglass will be their key to unlocking adventures, solving puzzles, conquering quests and ultimately saving the day.
  • The adventure will begin before guests even set sail. Leading up to a cruise on the Disney Wish, the app will reveal a special greeting from Captain Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse, who will help guests prepare for the journey ahead by highlighting the important role of the night sky in seafaring — particularly the ever-shining wishing star that lights the way.
  • Once on board, guests will use their spyglasses to reveal never-before-seen views of the stars above, where enchanted constellations take shape as recognizable icons from Disney and Pixar stories. When the wishing star suddenly bursts and shatters, families will watch as its pieces are scattered across the sky, each landing in a far-off realm. Captain Minnie will need guests to help navigate the ship to these uncharted worlds to find the missing pieces of the wishing star.
  • Guests will choose where to go next, charting a course toward adventurous locales such as Motunui, New Orleans, Never Land, Sydney and more. Each quest will take them on an expansive journey throughout the Disney Wish as they are prompted to seek artwork, signs and props that magically transform to bring the characters and settings of these story worlds to life all around them.
  • The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022, followed by a season of three- and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida.

 

 

Guests aboard the Disney Wish will unlock the ship’s hidden magic during Disney Uncharted Adventure, a first-of-its-kind interactive experience. Using innovative technology like augmented reality and physical effects, Disney Uncharted Adventure will take classic Disney storytelling into an all-new realm of immersive family fun as guests embark on a multidimensional voyage into the worlds of Moana, Tiana, Peter Pan, Nemo and more. (Disney)
  • Azamara® Unveils Full Fleet Voyages for Europe 2023
    • Azamara – the boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion® experiences – is pleased to announce the launch of its Europe 2023 deployment across its full fleet of ships for the first time: Azamara Pursuit®, Azamara Quest®, Azamara Journey® and  new addition, Azamara OnwardSM. With 95 itineraries, including more than 35 country intensive voyages, Azamara will visit over 40 countries and 200 ports throughout Europe. Azamara will introduce new land explorations, further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to bringing guests deeper into the heart of the destination. In addition to the release of Europe 2023 itineraries, Azamara has also opened remaining 2022 voyages of the newest member of their fleet, Azamara OnwardSM.
    • Highlights of the 2023 Azamara Deployment include:
    • Overnights and Late-Night Ports:
    • Azamara guests can experience over 315 late nights in cities like Mykonos – known as “the Ibiza of Greece” – where guests can partake in the bustling night life and party scene; or Lisbon, Portugal, to enjoy a sunset cruise on the Tejo River or indulge in an assortment of tapas and wine in the city’s Bairro Alto neighborhood for dinner. Azamara will also offer more than 75 overnights in popular European destinations, including Barcelona, to explore La Rambla boulevard for an evening of Catalan cuisine or an excursion at the Palacio del Flamenco for music and dancing; Bordeaux, take a quick drive through the Pessac-Léognan for an exclusive evening at the world-renowned Château de Rouillac; and Monte Carlo, to stroll among luxury yachts at Port Hercule and play a few hands of blackjack at the famed Casino de Monte-Carlo.
    • Country-Intensive Voyages:
      • Designed to provide travellers more time to explore a single country’s hidden gems, Azamara’s 2023 deployment will feature over 35 Country-Intensive voyages. These Country-Intensive itineraries will explore the most sought-after destinations in Europe, including Spain, Croatia, Italy, Norway, Scotland and more, allowing travellers to fully immerse themselves into the culture of each city. Azamara will also debut its highly anticipated Black Sea Intensive itinerary, where travelers can explore the history and wonders of ancient cities in Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine.
    • New Pre- and Post-Land Explorations:
      • In addition to several existing favorites, Azamara will introduce two exciting new land explorations for guests to extend their adventure before or after their trip:
      • Aboard the Switzerland Glacier Express Train, the new AzAmazing Journey will transport guests through some of the most stunning scenery in Switzerland, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels within eight hours. Additional highlights include a full day excursion to the Alpine world on Mount Rigi to participate in a cheese making workshop, a sunset cruise in Lucerne, and exploring Zermatt, home to Matterhorn, one of the highest summits in Europe. This program is available from Bordeaux or Amsterdam.
      • Travelers can also opt in for a Stay Local in Gran Canaria for a two-night program. Highlights include visiting the Bandama Crater, one of the largest extinct volcanic craters, followed by a stop in La Atalaya, the prime pottery-producing villages. A lunch of local specialties will be served at the Mirador Las Tirajanas hotel, located in the caldera of an ancient volcano. Also, a stop at La Fortaleza – one of the most relevant archeological settlements in the islands – to visit the sole coffee-producing plantation in Europe and a hands-on Mojo Sauce workshop.
    • Culinary Sailing:
      • Guests can book Azamara’s Wine & Culture Voyage out of Southampton, England to experience the cuisine, beautiful architecture and spirit of Europe’s top wine countries, including two days of wine production education in Bordeaux, France; Bilbao, Spain for a perfect day of sight-seeing and exploring the Guggenheim Museum; and eventually concluding the trip in Lisbon, Portugal to discover must-see highlights like the church of Igreja de São Vicente de Fora, which dates back to the 12th century, Museu Nacional do Azulejo and Torre de Belém.
    • Sporting Enthusiast Voyages:
      • For travellers looking to pursue their passion for sports, Azamara will include two voyages for the Grand Prix weekend on its Journey and Pursuit ships, starting May 25, 2023. Throughout the journey guests can enjoy ports that include Rome, Livorno, Monte Carlo, Marseille, Menorca, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, and Barcelona. Additionally, through its continued partnership with PerryGolf – the leading provider of international luxury golf vacations – Azamara’s 2023 deployment will include 13 golf voyages, featuring play on marquee courses around the world.
    • Seven Maiden Ports
      • Azamara’s 2023 deployment will bring guests closer to European destinations with smaller, unique ports that are only accessible to smaller ships, including:
        • Alta, Norway
        • Brest, France
        • Cesme, Turkey
        • Fredericia, Denmark
        • Gothenburg, Sweden
        • Heimaey, Iceland
        • Mariehamn, Finland
  • Star Clippers 2023 Mediterranean Preview
    • 2023 promises to be one of the biggest ever years for travel to Europe and the Mediterranean and demand is high. With all three beautifully elegant clipper ships sailing this historic and culturally rich region from April until October in 2023, Star Clippers is your key to uncovering all the sensational holiday treasures across the Middle Sea from Turkey to Portugal & Morocco and every surprising corner in between.
    • Sail on voyages of 3 to 11 days, or longer when you combine cruises to create your very own destination focused adventure. With cruises beginning from numerous fascinating cities across the Mediterranean, you have a cavalcade of itinerary choices, including the Greek Isles and Turkey, the ever-enchanting Adriatic, the Amalfi Coast & Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, Elba and the Rivieras, plus Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Or sail across the Atlantic between Europe and the Caribbean and ignite your true ocean explorer.
    • Brochure available from leading cruise specialsist.
  • MSC Celebrates one year back to sea.
    • MSC Cruises has commemorated being back at sea for twelve months following the global industry’s shutdown in March 2020 as a result of the global pandemic.
    • One year ago on 16 August, MSC Cruises became the first major cruise line to resume operations for international sailings when MSC Grandiosa departed Genoa for a seven-night voyage in the West Mediterranean.
    • This re-start was down to a range of local, regional and national authorities in Europe sanctioning a Health and Safety protocol that MSC Cruises had developed with an external panel of medical and public health experts designed for the wellbeing of guests, crew and communities that the Company’s ships would call. A protocol that, eventually, set the standard for the industry and paved the way for more lines to restart. 
    • Twelve months on and more than half of the line’s fleet is safely back at sea – sailing around the UK, both the Mediterranean Sea and Baltic Sea in Europe, North America and the Caribbean and the Red Sea in the Middle East. More ships are scheduled to resume operations in the coming weeks and months as part of the line’s phased plan for returning the full fleet to operations by next year.
    • Remarkably, MSC Cruises has forged ahead with its determined ambition for sustainable growth as it simultaneously returned ships to water.
    • For the line, the past twelve months were a very busy year of return to service but it retained an undiminished laser-focus on the long-term future of the business and in a sustainable manner. Below are some highlights from the past year at MSC Cruises.
  • Luxury Expedition Yacht Crystal Endeavor Makes its US Debut with New October Voyage from Miami
    • Crystal Expedition Cruises announced a nine-night Caribbean itinerary for new luxury expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor, featuring once-in-a-lifetime encounters on remote islands, calls in exclusive harbours typically only accessible to private yachts and sailboats, and the rare opportunity for U.S. travellers to embark from a close-to-home port and cruise aboard the state-of-the-art expedition yacht during her inaugural season.
    • The new nine-night voyage, Expedition Yachting: Caribbean Mystique, will sail from Miami to San Juan October 25 – November 3, 2021, calling on Great Exuma and Man of War Bay, Inagua Island, Bahamas; White Bay and Great Harbor (overnight) on Jost Van Dyke, and Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands; Gustavia, St. Barts; and Saba, Netherlands; concluding in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Reservations open toda

 

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