The Big Cruise Podcast

In episode 204 of TBCP, Chris shares the newest ships joining their fleets in 2025 and Baz shares the latest cruise news from Princess Cruises, Viking, Ponant, MSC and Carnival. Many thanks to Garry S in Sydney for some great ship photos (check out our socials).

CRUISE NEWS

• Princess Cruises Debuts Most Destination-Rich Voyage Ever with 131-Day Circle Pacific Cruise in Early 2026
• Viking Names Two Newest Nile River Ships in Luxor
• Ponant unveils exclusive Northern Lights Quest itineraries for 2025
• MSC launches Alaska deployment from Seattle
• Carnival celebrates 20 years of cruising from Jacksonville

SUPPORT THE SHOW

• Listen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.
• Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the show
• Buy 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/2T2FYGX    
• Sustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh  
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CRUISE MAPS:

• Capture your Cruise with Perfect Precision. Transform your memories into treasured keepsakes with a GPS-crafted map that tells your story exactly as it happened.
• Listeners can save 10% on all purchases from the Cruise Maps website.
• Cruise Maps: www.thecruisemaps.com/tbcpmaps
• Save 10% using this promo code: TBCPMAPS

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In episode 203 of The Big Cruise Podcast, long time listener Kurt shares his recent experience onboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas on a round-trip cruise from Southampton to the Canary Islands. Baz shares the latest cruise news and a listener updates us on shore power in Juneau, Alaska.

THANK YOU!

Thank you to Kurt and Anonymous for your kind donations via “Buy me a coffee”

CRUISE NEWS

• Sebourn announces new expedition itineraries for 2026 + 2027
• Swan Hellenic spotlights 34 extraordinary destinations worldwide in its 2025-2026 itineraries
• MSC releases new world cruise segment to/from Melbourne
• Virgin's Brilliant 2026 Alaskan Itineraries
• Carnival Celebrates 20 years of FUN from Baltimore

CRUISE REVIEW

• Kurt shares his experience onboard Anthem of the Seas, sailing round trip Southampton to the Canary Islands.
• Itinerary: Southampton – La Caruna – at sea – Lanzarote – Teneriffe – Gran Canaria – Funchal (Madeira) – at sea – Lisbon – Southampton

SUPPORT THE SHOW

• Listen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.
• Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the show
• Buy 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/2T2FYGX   
• Sustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh 
• Follow Chris and his latest videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial 

CRUISE MAPS:

• Capture your Cruise with Perfect Precision. Transform your memories into treasured keepsakes with a GPS-crafted map that tells your story exactly as it happened.
• Listeners can save 10% on all purchases from the Cruise Maps website.
• Cruise Maps: www.thecruisemaps.com/tbcpmaps
• Save 10% using this promo code: TBCPMAPS

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 202 of The Big Cruise Podcast we talk to Matt about a fabulous new product that all cruisers will love. Chris updates us on the History of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas and we discuss the latest news from Royal Caribbean, Princess, MSC, Carnival, Azamara, Seabourn and Windstar. 

CRUISE MAPS:

• Capture your Cruise with Perfect Precision. Transform your memories into treasured keepsakes with a GPS-crafted map that tells your story exactly as it happened.
• Listeners can save 10% on all purchases from the Cruise Maps website.
• Cruise Maps: www.thecruisemaps.com/tbcpmaps
• Save 10% using this promo code: TBCPMAPS
• Pre-Register for The Cruise Globe: thecruiseglobe.com

CRUISE NEWS

• Royal Caribbean commits 4 ships to Alaska for 2026
• Hola to Perfect Day Mexico
• Star Princess to Feature Expanded Non-Smoking Casino Areas and Enhanced Guest Experiences for 2025 Launch
• MSC World America to debut new bar concepts
• Carnival Cruise line President skydives for hurricane relief
• Azamara Cruises Returns to Alaska in Summer 2026
• Seabourn Pursuit discovers remains of mysterious WW1 era shipwreck
• Windstar and the Islands oh Hawaii set the stage for love!

SUPPORT THE SHOW

• Listen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.
• Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the show
• Buy 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/2T2FYGX    
• Sustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh  
• Follow Chris and his latest videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial  

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In episode 201 of The Big Cruise Podcast Chris is onboard Queen Elizabeth in Sydney to celebrate 100 years of Cunard cruising to Australia. Long time listener Keith joins Baz to share his recent experience of an Alaska cruise tour with Holland America Line onboard Noordam.

Cruise Review:

• Cruise Line: Holland America Line
• Cruise Ship: Noordam
• Itinerary: Cruise Tour R1L – 13 Day Tripple Denali Departing 2Sep24

Support the show:   

• Listen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.
• Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the show
• Buy 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/2T2FYGX    
• Sustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh  
• Follow Chris and his latest videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial  

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In milestone episode 200, we of course celebrate the 200th episode, kick off with a Fact or Fiction, share our listeners cruise icks and share the latest cruise news from Cunard, Celebrity, Princess, Aida, Virgin Voyages and Holland America Line.  

Fact or Fiction from Chris in North America.

• Fact or Fiction - The U.S. TV show The Love Boat, featured the Princess crew actually working on Cunard for 2 episodes. Answer in todays show.

Top 3 Listener Cruise Icks

• Not washing hands/sanitising/not enforced            
• Using same plate at the buffet
• Squeezing into full elevators

Cruise news:

• Cunard Launches New Voyages Sailing from October 2026 to April 2027
• Cunard Announces Collaboration with Cuban Ballet Company Acosta Danza
• Celebrity Cruises announces 2026-27 deployment, debuting Celebrity Xcel
• Star Princess Commemorates Construction Milestone with Float Out Ceremony
• AIDAluna opens shore power plant in Oslo
• AIDA Cruises: The use of shore-power in the Baltic Sea region gains momentum
• Scarlet Lady to Undergo Epic Glow-Up this Fall
• Holland America Line Celebrates the Holiday Season with Festive Food and Beverage Menus

Support the show:     

• Listen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.
• Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the show
• Buy 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/2T2FYGX    
• Sustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh  
• Follow Chris and his latest videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fact or Fiction from Chri in North America.

Fact or Fiction - The U.S. TV show The Love Boat, featured the Princess crew actually working on the Cunard ships for 2 episodes. 

Answer in episode 200 of The Big Cruise Podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 199 of The Big Cruise Podcast Baz Catches up with Chris and his thoughts on Carnival Splendor before Baz shares his recent experience in the Kimberley on board Ponant’s Le Laperouse.

Note: Sponsored Episode: Baz travelled as a guest of Ponant, however Ponant have not paid for, or approved this episode.

Listener Comments:

• From: Ella Laura: Fantastic job on the Carnival Splendor Carnival. To hear an historian like Chris speak to the carnival experience was really fascinating and it makes this old P&O. fanatic feel a little brighter about the future.

Support the show:

• Listen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.
• Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the show
• Buy 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/2T2FYGX    
• Sustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh  
• Follow Chris and his latest videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial  

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/  

Co-host:

• Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg     
• Chris’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sponsored: It's the moment we've been waiting for! Chris has just been aboard the NEWLY REFURBISHED Carnival Splendor cruise ship! As one of P&O Australia's biggest fans, maritime historian and lecturer Chris Frame had never been aboard Carnival.. until now! With Carnival taking over P&O's ships in a few months, Carnival Cruise Line brought Chris Frame to Sydney to tour the ship for The Big Cruise Podcast.

More Cruise Content from Chris:

• YouTube Channel - Cruise News & Ship History with Chris Frame: https://youtube.com/chrisframeofficial/
• Cruise Blog: https://www.chrisframe.com.au/
• New Channel Membership:  / @chrisframeofficial  

Support the Podcast:

Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thebigcruisepod

Note: Carnival sponsored this episode. They did NOT review or edit the commentary / audio before it was published.

Carnival Splendor Aussie Perks:

• Australian Dollar AUD$ used aboard Splendor in Australia,
• No compulsory gratuities / tipping in Australia,
• Complementary soft serve and Vitality flavoured juices in the Lido.

Carnival Splendor Stats:

Length: 290 m

Launched: 3 August 2007

Construction started: 2007

Capacity: 3,012 passengers

Crew: 1,150

Decks: 13

Cost to build: US$697 million

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In episode 197 of TBCP, Chris shares the history of how the often-overlooked Sagafjord and Vistafjord revitalised Cunard’s offering, Plus we share the latest news from Virgin Voyages, Carnival Cruise Line, Aida, Barcelona Port, Aqua Expeditions and Eden Port (NSW).

Cruise News:

• Sir Richard Branson marries not one but three couples in mermazing ceremonies
• Carnival supports local families and the environment in Alaska
• Carnival Corporation Lights the Way for Solar Energy at Port of Barcelona
• AIDA Cruises tests further biofuels
• Aqua Expeditions Set to Expand to East Africa in 2025
• Eden NSW implementing improvements to cruise access

Support the show:

• Listen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.
• Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the show
• Buy 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/2T2FYGX    
• Sustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh  
• Follow Chris and his latest videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial  

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/  

Co-host:

• Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg     
• Chris’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 196 of TBCP, Chris shares the significance that Carnival Destiny played in the progression of the Cruise Industry, breaking 100,000 GT. Plus, we share the cruise news of the week from Virgin Voyages, Explora Journeys, Windstar, Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard and the port of Fremantle in Western Australia.

Cruise News:

• Officially one year until Brilliant Lady’s debut
• Explora Journeys announces Godmother of Explora II.
• Itineraries Are Open to Book Aboard Windstar Cruises’ New Star Seeker Ship
• Enhanced Splendor return to Sydney
• Carnival opens 2026/27 cruises from Tampa and Mobile
• Cunard announced Culinary Delights for the Great Australian Culinary Voyage
• Fremantle to host 2026 Australian Cruise Association

Support the show:

• Listen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.
• Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the show
• Buy 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/2T2FYGX    
• Sustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7Rdh  
• Follow Chris and his latest videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial  

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/  

Co-host:

• Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg     
• Chris’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.