The Big Cruise Podcast

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

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

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.

In episode 195 of TBCP, Chris shares the origins and variety of lives that Pacific Jewel, Superstar Gemini, Ambition and Arcadia had. We discuss the latest news from Windstar, Carnival and Viking.

Cruise News

• Windstar's Brand-New Star Seeker
• Carnival Cruise Line Announces Carnival Splendor Livery Updates
• Carnival debuts first Solar Eclipse Cruises in 2026
• Viking Takes Delivery of Newest Egypt Ship

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   
• Frame & Cross: https://www.frameandcross.com/
• Chris’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficial  

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

In episode 194, Baz asks listeners to share their “cruise ick” (ick is something that you turn your nose up at, turns your stomach or disgusts you), plus we answer a lister question from Keith and share the latest news from Royal Caribbean, MSC, Cunard & Princess.

Listener Question

Keith asks: Baz and Chris, do any cruise ships still dock in Hamilton in Bermuda or do they all dock at the Royal Navy Dockyard? My wife and I sailed to Bermuda on Holland America's Veendam from New York City in 2012 and with that being a mid-size ship, we docked in downtown Hamilton. This offered easy access to the city as well as the central bus station to use their public transit system for getting around the island on our own. It's quite a narrow channel to enter the harbor, so large ships simply can't fit. I know that quite a tourist area has been built up around the Royal Navy Dockyard, but was wondering if anyone still docks downtown.

Most BIG ships dock in Royal Naval Dockyard at either Kings Wharf of Heritage Wharf.

Some smaller ships are permitted to dock in Hamilton or St George’s Town

2024 Cruise Ship schedule shows Regent Seven Seas Mariner, Oceania Insignia & Nautica, Scenic Eclipse, Windstar (Star Pride), Silver Shadow, Azamara Onward docking at either Hamilton or St Georges. 

If you are visiting on a large ship, you can catch a ferry from Royal Naval Dockyards (500yards / 460m from Kings and Heritage wharfs) to both St Georges and Hamilton.

CRUISE NEWS

• Royal Caribbeans GLOW-UP of Allure of the Seas
• MSC turns to smart containers for delivery of freshest food
• Cunard Reunites with Two Michelin-Starred Chef Michel Roux
• New Unlimited Features Make Princess Cruises' Premier Package the Best Value in Cruising

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 193, Chris answers a listener question about Ambassador cruise line ship Ambition, another listener Scott sent us some news around a potential cruise ban for Milford Sound in New Zealand and we share the latest news from Ponant, Seabourn and Windstar.

Listener Question:

• Luke: asks about the history of Ambition, now sailing with Ambassador cruise line.
• Scott: Just had a look at a Cruise article. This is very interesting Just found this link. I hope it works. The New Zealand the government is looking at a plan that involves a blanket ban on all cruise in Milford Sound. Source: Cruise Passenger https://search.app/RZ6VnTJ8PhJirFgUA

Cruise News:

• Paspaley Pearl completes successful Sea Trials
• Ponant announces brand new Vietnam Adventure
• Seabourn additional 2026 Antarctica Sailings
• Windstar Cruises’ 2026 European Voyages Boast 15 Fresh Itineraries, 24 First-Time Ports, and New Iceland Solar Eclipse Sailing

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 Ep192 of TBCP, Chris shares the history of how Costa’s castoff became Norwegian Sky and Baz shares the latest cruise news from Carnival, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Disney, Virgin Voyages and Windstar!

Cruise News:

• Carnival reveals Pearl Cove Beach Club
• Holland America opens Europe 2026 Voyages
• Seabourn Encore modifies itineraries for Spring 2025
• Marvel-Inspired Experiences Coming to Disney Destiny in November 2025
• Virgin Voyages Launches 8 Legs Run Club
• Windstar is celebrating 40 years of small ship cruising

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 191 Chris and Baz answer listener questions from Mark and Scott. Chris shares his experience with Rob Henderson and his P&O Australia Archive, and they share the latest cruise news from Crystal, Princess, Carnival, Virgin and NCL. 

Cruise News:

• Crystal's 2026 Itineraries Are Coming Soon
• Princess schedules 8 ships in Alaska for 2026
• Carnival Corporation Orders Three Additional Ships for Carnival Cruise Line
• Carnival Splendor heads for dry dock in Singapore
• Virgin Voyages - We changed our minds…kids sail free
• NCL prepares for 3 ships in Asia

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 190 on TBCP listener Croix comments on the loss of P&O Australia and reminds us that the Ocean Village Ships became part of P&O’s 5 ship fleet, which prompts Chris to share the history of Ocean Village. Listener David asks for tips on his planned Cunard voyage to Alaska and we share the latest cruise news from Carnival, Viking, Costa, Aman, Captain Cook Fiji, Paspaley by Ponant, MSC and Aida.

CRUISE NEWS

• Carnival Delights Families Of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation With Grinchmas Family Fun Day In Sydney Harbour
• Viking Marks Float Out of Newest Ocean Ship
• Costa launches new Japan & South East Asia cruises
• Aman at Sea 
• Last Chance to Discover Remote Fiji and Tonga by Expedition Ship MS Caledonian Sky
• Paspaley Pearl by Ponant unveils inaugural digital brochure
• Celebrating 15 years of MSC Yacht Club
• Extensive Modernization for Two More Sphinx Ships from the End of 2025

Listener Question:

David asks: Hope you enjoyed your 'no boat' holiday Chris!

We've taken the plunge and booked our once in a lifetime trip for next year to Alaska on Queen Elizabeth. This is something we've wanted to do for years but decided it was probably now or never. It'll be our most adventurous and furthest-travelled to date and really excited about it. We picked voyage Q525 as there's a visit to Hubbard Glacier. Baz, is there any advice or guidance you can give for trips to Alaska, or even any maritime history connected with the area for coverage on the podcast? We definitely want to get a sailing excursion around Hubbard Glacier (and I've been reliably informed that my wife Louise wants to do a husky sled excursion in one port call!)

Just thought it would be good to hear some trusted first hand travel or port info from someone in the travel industry know!

Still the best podcast with you guys. It's great to listen to the camaraderie between you every week, really cheerful!

Q525 – QE – Seattle round trip (11nts)

Ketchikan - Juneau - Glacier Bay - Haines - Hubbard Glacier - Icy Straight Point - Sitka - Victoria BC

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 189 of TBCP, Chris shares the rise and fall of Norwegian Capricorn Line, listener Keith asks about other cruise lines owning hotels/resorts PLUS the boys share the latest news from Crystal, Costa, Aida & MSC. 

Listener Question:

Keith asks: “I’d like to learn more about hotels owned by cruise lines. Was this done to capture more of the vacation spend or done as a way to offer a more complete package and capture more customers? Which lines have done this and beyond Holland America, who continues to own a hotel?”

Cruise news:

• Crystal Signs Memorandum of Agreement with Fincantieri for Two New Ocean Ships
• Costa Launches new experiences for families
• Cast off for AIDA Summer 2026
• MSC Sustainability update

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.