The Expert Cruise Show

Is an extra $8,000 worth it for a cruise, or are you just paying for smaller crowds and free-flowing champagne?In this episode of The Expert Cruise Show, we break down the real value difference between a standard $2,000 voyage and a $10,000 ultra-luxury sailing.

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🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE: Whatever type of cruise you’re after, it’s important to have a knowledgeable cruise-focused travel agent to help you navigate the more than 300 cruise ships on offer. Choose your region to be redirected to our preferred travel agents below.

🇺🇸 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇬🇧 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

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🌍 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

These are affiliate links. By using these booking referral links, you will be redirected to The Cruise Globe or Travel Masters. Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that these travel agents are independent entities: once you leave this site, you will be subject to their terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Disclaimer: ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or company they may be affiliated with, nor that of the hosts Chris Frame or Anthony Davis. ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and is not intended as professional, personal or financial advice - always consult with a qualified professional for guidance. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented in ‘The Expert Cruise Show’. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech (USA) and the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Australia).

Cunard’s iconic flagship, Queen Mary 2, is heading to dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Brest in Spring 2027 for a major six-week refit. In this 50-minute comprehensive breakdown, we analyze every detail of the new deck plans: from the 31 new staterooms and the brand-new Deck 14 Sun Deck, to the lost lounges, expanded kennels, and complete Grill Suite overhauls. Whether you are planning a Transatlantic Crossing or tracking QM2's evolution, this is your ultimate, change by change guide to this refit.

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SUPPORT CHRIS:

📚 Buy My Books: https://www.frameandcross.com/books/

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🛳️ Subscribe to The Maritime Historian on Substack: https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/

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🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE: Whatever type of cruise you’re after, it’s important to have a knowledgeable cruise-focused travel agent to help you navigate the more than 300 cruise ships on offer. Choose your region to be redirected to our preferred travel agents below.

🇺🇸 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇬🇧 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇦🇺 https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame

🌍 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

These are affiliate links. By using these booking referral links, you will be redirected to The Cruise Globe or Travel Masters. Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that these travel agents are independent entities: once you leave this site, you will be subject to their terms and conditions and privacy policy.

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Disclaimer: ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ and 'Chris Frame: The Maritime Historian' are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or company they may be affiliated with, nor that of the hosts Chris Frame or Anthony Davis. Neither ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ nor 'Chris Frame: The Maritime Historian' channel are intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and is not intended as professional, personal or financial advice: always consult with a qualified professional for guidance. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented on this channel. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech (USA) and the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Australia).

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Why are traditional cruise ads failing to connect, while a single vlogger with a handheld camera can make 200,000 people want to voyage on an ocean liner?

In this episode of The Expert Cruise Show, Chris and Anthony unpack a massive wave of listener feedback, addressing the harsh realities of modern cruise food, climate disruption on river voyages, and the purist debate surrounding Queen Mary 2’s maiden voyage.

Most importantly, we examine the Steve Marsh phenomenon. From long queues to windy decks, real travel reality is outperforming polished corporate campaigns. We look at why Cunard’s multi-million dollar ad budget simply cannot manufacture the organic hype, trust, and booking conversion that creators bring to the industry.

What We Cover:

The Creator Advantage: Why Steve Marsh generated unprecedented hype for QM2 over traditional marketing.

Maiden Voyage vs. Maiden Crossing: Settling the debate on Queen Mary 2’s 2004 Atlantic runs.

The State of Cruise Food: Listener reactions to dining quality, poolside grills, and modern menus.

Climate & Cruising: How changing weather patterns are impacting itineraries and guest expectations.

Behind the Podium: Insights on guest lecturing for Cunard and why Chris isn't on Cunard in 2027!

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SUPPORT CHRIS:

📚 Buy My Books: ⁠https://www.frameandcross.com/books/⁠

👕 Buy My Merch: ⁠https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/⁠

🛳️ Subscribe to The Maritime Historian on Substack: ⁠https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/⁠

—

🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE: Whatever type of cruise you’re after, it’s important to have a knowledgeable cruise-focused travel agent to help you navigate the more than 300 cruise ships on offer. Choose your region to be redirected to our preferred travel agents below.

🇺🇸 ⁠https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book⁠

🇬🇧 ⁠https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book⁠

🇦🇺 ⁠https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame ⁠

🌍 ⁠https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book⁠

These are affiliate links. By using these booking referral links, you will be redirected to The Cruise Globe or Travel Masters. Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that these travel agents are independent entities: once you leave this site, you will be subject to their terms and conditions and privacy policy.

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Disclaimer: ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or company they may be affiliated with, nor that of the hosts Chris Frame or Anthony Davis. ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and is not intended as professional, personal or financial advice: always consult with a qualified professional for guidance. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented in ‘The Expert Cruise Show’. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech (USA) and the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Australia).

Are low water levels stranding European river cruises? Is an impossibly cheap Pacific booking actually a trap for bad sailors? And what really happened to the glory of the QE2?

In this episode of The Expert Cruise Show, Chris and Anthony break down the biggest challenges and debate-worthy topics in the cruise world today. They look at how drying riverbeds along the Rhine and Danube are forcing operational workarounds and lighter ship designs, confront the uncomfortable intersection of climate change and cruising, and analyze a bargain £1,569 Los Angeles to Hawaii itinerary that might turn into a nightmare in rough February seas.

Plus, a deep dive into Princess vs. Cunard, ocean liner nostalgia, and the controversial fate of the QE2 in Dubai.

Have you ever dealt with low river levels or a ridiculously rough ocean crossing?

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SUPPORT CHRIS:

📚 Buy My Books: ⁠⁠https://www.frameandcross.com/books/⁠⁠

👕 Buy My Merch: ⁠⁠https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/⁠⁠

🛳️ Subscribe to The Maritime Historian on Substack: ⁠⁠https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/⁠⁠

—

🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE: Whatever type of cruise you’re after, it’s important to have a knowledgeable cruise-focused travel agent to help you navigate the more than 300 cruise ships on offer. Choose your region to be redirected to our preferred travel agents below.

🇺🇸 ⁠⁠https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book⁠⁠

🇬🇧 ⁠⁠https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book⁠⁠

🇦🇺 ⁠⁠https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame ⁠⁠

🌍 ⁠⁠https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book⁠⁠

These are affiliate links. By using these booking referral links, you will be redirected to The Cruise Globe or Travel Masters. Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that these travel agents are independent entities: once you leave this site, you will be subject to their terms and conditions and privacy policy.

—

Disclaimer: ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or company they may be affiliated with, nor that of the hosts Chris Frame or Anthony Davis. ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and is not intended as professional, personal or financial advice: always consult with a qualified professional for guidance. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented in ‘The Expert Cruise Show’. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech (USA) and the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Australia).

To celebrate hitting 50,000 subscribers, we are looking at how YouTube creators are reshaping the cruise industry: and sharing the story of how my day job led to lecturing alongside Steve Marsh on board Queen Mary 2.

In this 50K Subscriber Special, we dive into: Lecturing on Queen Mary 2: How my job got me on board alongside Steve Marsh. The Emma Cruises Effect: Why cruise lines owe Emma for bringing a whole new demographic of younger passengers to sea. The Gary Bembridge Factor: Why Gary's unfiltered, authentic reviews do cruise lines a massive favour.

SUPPORT US:

📚 Buy My Books: https://www.frameandcross.com/books/

👕 Buy My Merch: https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/

🛳️ Subscribe to The Maritime Historian on Substack: https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/

🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE: Whatever type of cruise you’re after, it’s important to have a knowledgeable cruise-focused travel agent to help you navigate the more than 300 cruise ships on offer. Choose your region to be redirected to our preferred travel agents below.

🇺🇸 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇬🇧 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇦🇺 https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame

🌍 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

These are affiliate links. By using these booking referral links, you will be redirected to The Cruise Globe or Travel Masters. Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that these travel agents are independent entities: once you leave this site, you will be subject to their terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Disclaimer: ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or company they may be affiliated with, nor that of the hosts Chris Frame or Anthony Davis. ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and is not intended as professional, personal or financial advice - always consult with a qualified professional for guidance. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented in ‘The Expert Cruise Show’. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech (USA) and the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Australia).

Going deep into the cruise archives to expose what the lines don't tell you. From mortuary cabin placements on the Edge to why Princess Medallion crushes the competition, we break down the best (and weirdest) parts of modern and historic cruising.Featured in this episode: 00:00 The Expert Cruise Show 00:39 Celebrity Summit vs Edge: The unexpected cabin winner 05:13 The story behind Chris's mortuary cabin assignment 06:48 What is there to like aboard Edge? 12:46 The Princess Medallion tech advantage 18:35 Titanic deep dive with Dik Barton 26:57

The Expert Cruise Show

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SUPPORT US:

📚 Buy My Books: https://www.frameandcross.com/books/

👕 Buy My Merch: https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/

🛳️ Subscribe to The Maritime Historian on Substack: https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/

🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE: Whatever type of cruise you’re after, it’s important to have a knowledgeable cruise-focused travel agent to help you navigate the more than 300 cruise ships on offer. Choose your region to be redirected to our preferred travel agents below.

🇺🇸 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇬🇧 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇦🇺 https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame

🌍 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

These are affiliate links. By using these booking referral links, you will be redirected to The Cruise Globe or Travel Masters. Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that these travel agents are independent entities: once you leave this site, you will be subject to their terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Disclaimer: ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or company they may be affiliated with, nor that of the hosts Chris Frame or Anthony Davis. ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and is not intended as professional, personal or financial advice - always consult with a qualified professional for guidance. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented in ‘The Expert Cruise Show’. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech (USA) and the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Australia).

A cruise line just got out-marketed by ONE YouTuber... Let's face it: corporate cruise ads feel totally disconnected from reality. Today we're dissecting cruise line marketing missteps and looking at how  @steve-marsh 's QM2 footage achieved what the cruise line's own marketing department couldn't. By simply showing the true, unvarnished reality of ocean liner life, independent creators are rewriting the rules of travel promotion.We also tackle the big question for 2026: With changing crowds, shifting expectations, and rising costs, is cruising still a good vacation choice?

SUPPORT US:

📚 Buy My Books: https://www.frameandcross.com/books/

👕 Buy My Merch: https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/

🛳️ Subscribe to The Maritime Historian on Substack: https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/

🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE: Whatever type of cruise you’re after, it’s important to have a knowledgeable cruise-focused travel agent to help you navigate the more than 300 cruise ships on offer. Choose your region to be redirected to our preferred travel agents below.

🇺🇸 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇬🇧 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇦🇺 https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame

🌍 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

These are affiliate links. By using these booking referral links, you will be redirected to The Cruise Globe or Travel Masters. Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that these travel agents are independent entities: once you leave this site, you will be subject to their terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Disclaimer: ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or company they may be affiliated with, nor that of the hosts Chris Frame or Anthony Davis. ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and is not intended as professional, personal or financial advice - always consult with a qualified professional for guidance. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented in ‘The Expert Cruise Show’. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech (USA) and the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Australia).

CC BY:

Disney Adventure by nagi usano from Tokyo, Japan - Disney Adventure | Disney Cruise Line, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=185444263

What happens when you sit down aboard RMS Queen Mary with the first British man to ever dive to Titanic, a man who’s been to the wreck 22 times and lived to tell the tale? In this exclusive interview, filmed during the 90th Anniversary of RMS Queen Mary, Titanic explorer Dick Barton reveals what he saw, what he recovered, and what really happens 2.5 miles beneath the surface in a submersible the size of a small car.

He shares:

• The moment the bow of Titanic appeared out of the darkness
• How he recovered the artifacts you see in exhibitions today
• The terrifying dive where his submersible became trapped inside the wreck
• Why Titanic continues to captivate millions
• The truth about deep‑sea dangers after the OceanGate Titan disaster
• The eerie similarities between Queen Mary and Titanic only a diver would notice
• If you love Titanic, ocean liners, maritime history, or real‑life exploration stories, this is one interview you won’t forget.

Filmed aboard RMS Queen Mary, Featuring Titanic Explorer Dick Barton, Presented by The Expert Cruise Show

SUPPORT US:

📚 Buy My Books: https://www.frameandcross.com/books/

👕 Buy My Merch: https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/

🛳️ Subscribe to The Maritime Historian on Substack: https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/

🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE: Whatever type of cruise you’re after, it’s important to have a knowledgeable cruise-focused travel agent to help you navigate the more than 300 cruise ships on offer. Choose your region to be redirected to our preferred travel agents below.

🇺🇸 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇬🇧 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇦🇺 https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame

🌍 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

These are affiliate links. By using these booking referral links, you will be redirected to The Cruise Globe or Travel Masters. Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that these travel agents are independent entities: once you leave this site, you will be subject to their terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Disclaimer: ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or company they may be affiliated with, nor that of the hosts Chris Frame or Anthony Davis. ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and is not intended as professional, personal or financial advice - always consult with a qualified professional for guidance. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented in ‘The Expert Cruise Show’. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech (USA) and the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Australia).

Celebrity Summit: Better than Edge Class? Anthony Davis Tells All!

Is the Celebrity Summit a hidden gem or just "old school"? We’re joined by Anthony Davis for a brutally honest breakdown of his latest sailing. After experiencing the flash and tech of the Edge Class, Anthony reveals if the Revolutionized Millennium Class actually offers a superior cruise experience.

In this episode:

The "Revolution" Reality: Did the $500 million [€466 million] fleet-wide upgrade actually bring Summit up to modern standards?

• Food & Service: Why the smaller ship size might give Summit the edge over its larger siblings.
• The Cabin Truth: Comparing the redesigned staterooms to the controversial Infinite Verandas.
• Value for Money: Is the price gap between Millennium and Edge Class justified?
• Whether you’re a Celebrity loyalist or planning your first voyage, Anthony’s "no-punches-pulled" review will change how you book your next vacation.

Watch now to see which ship takes the crown!

SUPPORT US:

📚 Buy My Books: https://www.frameandcross.com/books/

👕 Buy My Merch: https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/

🛳️ Subscribe to The Maritime Historian on Substack: https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/

🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE: Whatever type of cruise you’re after, it’s important to have a knowledgeable cruise-focused travel agent to help you navigate the more than 300 cruise ships on offer. Choose your region to be redirected to our preferred travel agents below.

🇺🇸 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇬🇧 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇦🇺 https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame

🌍 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

These are affiliate links. By using these booking referral links, you will be redirected to The Cruise Globe or Travel Masters. Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that these travel agents are independent entities: once you leave this site, you will be subject to their terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Disclaimer: ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or company they may be affiliated with, nor that of the hosts Chris Frame or Anthony Davis. ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and is not intended as professional, personal or financial advice - always consult with a qualified professional for guidance. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented in ‘The Expert Cruise Show’. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech (USA) and the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Australia).

A world-first maritime event is coming to Liverpool in 2028: but which Queen will you be on? In this episode, we break down the specific itineraries, including Queen Mary 2’s historic direct transatlantic crossing from New York to Liverpool, the first eastbound arrival of its kind in over 60 years. We help you choose the right ship based on your style, from the grand ocean liner experience of QM2 to the contemporary luxury of Queen Anne.

SUPPORT US:

📚 Buy My Books: https://www.frameandcross.com/books/

👕 Buy My Merch: https://chrisframeofficial.teemill.com/

🛳️ Subscribe to The Maritime Historian on Substack: https://themaritimehistorian.substack.com/

🛳️ BOOK A CRUISE: Whatever type of cruise you’re after, it’s important to have a knowledgeable cruise-focused travel agent to help you navigate the more than 300 cruise ships on offer. Choose your region to be redirected to our preferred travel agents below.

🇺🇸 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇬🇧 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

🇦🇺 https://www.travelmasters.com.au/chris-frame

🌍 https://thecruiseglobe.com/chrisframe/book

These are affiliate links. By using these booking referral links, you will be redirected to The Cruise Globe or Travel Masters. Chris Frame may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that these travel agents are independent entities: once you leave this site, you will be subject to their terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Disclaimer: ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or company they may be affiliated with, nor that of the hosts Chris Frame or Anthony Davis. ‘The Expert Cruise Show’ is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, and is not intended as professional, personal or financial advice - always consult with a qualified professional for guidance. The hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented in ‘The Expert Cruise Show’. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech (USA) and the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Australia).

Images: @CunardLineOfficial   @princesscruises ​