Announcing: Disney Dream Sail-A-Bration at Port Canaveral

Although she's actually been here for over a week already we're still EIGHT DAYS AWAY from the day of Port Canaveral's big Sailabration for the new Disney Dream. More about that in a moment, but first - if you're hungering for some Disney Dream eye candy, the Orlando Sentinel has put together a nice album. Here's a link: PICTURES: Disney Dream cruise ship

Now, on to news of Port Canaveral's
Live the Dreams Sail-A-Bration

Mark your calendar for
Wednesday, Jan 26, 4 to 6 pm

The Live the Dreams Sail-A-Bration will take place at Jetty Park. For free parking, just follow the signs to Cruisse Terminal 4. The Port Authority promises "family fun and excitement," as well as a chance to win prizes as the community wishes Bon Voyage to the Disney Dream as she departs Port Canaveral that evening. Although there have already been pre-inaugural sailings, this will officially be her 'maiden voyage' from her home port.

Tise attending are asked to please bring a nonperishable food item donation for the Central Brevard Sharing Center.

I was there for the Sail-A-Bration for the Carnival Dreamm a while back, and am hoping to be able to be there for this Dream's party as well. If I make it, I'll try to get some photos for you!

8 days and counting!

Awards

A quick bit of bragging. As many of my readers know, I have a design gallery of cruise themed gifts and personalized cruise gear on Zazzle. Today, one of my designs received a TBA from Zazzle, which stands for Today's Best Award.

This Mug received a Today's Best Award:

Anchors Aweigh Personalized Travel Mug

by CruiseReady

Please stop by my gallery - CruiseReady on Zazzle - if you have a moment. I would really appreciate it!  You are more than welcome to leave a comment while you are there.  I would love to know that you visited.

Separately, I have recently been given the Stylish Blogger Award.  I'll be writing a little more about this award in the coming days, but for now, I would like to thank Lora Severson, for giving it to me, and suggest that you also browse through some of her beautiful work at Lora Severson Photography.

Earth's Magnetic Shift Forces Closure of Tampa Airport Runway

It has been reported that the main runway at Tampa International Airport (in Tampa, Florida) must be closed down until January 13. 
The reason?  It seems that a 40 mile shift in the earth's magnetic pole has occurred  This naturally occurring shift has apparently tilted magnetic N more towards Russia.
This means the runway in question must be renumbered. For navigational purposes, the runway's number is consistent with its longitudinal orientation, which, of course, changed with the shift. 
The old designation of 18R/36L, for 180 degres (from th north) or 360 degrees (from the north) will be changed to 19R/1L.  This requires repainting those huge numbers you see on the runway.  And thanks to this event, now you know what those numbers actually mean.

Other runways will be closed to be 'rejiggered' later in the month.

And yes, it's absolutely necessary, since worldwide navigaation is based on latitude, longitude, and the magnetic poles.

New Year - New Ships

Happy New Year, fellow cruisers! 

May your 2011 be filled with health, prosperity, time well spent with loved ones,

and at least a few happy days at sea.

What's new in cruising for the New Year?  Well, one thing is that we can look forward to welcoming a few brand new ships into the world of cruising in the months ahead.  Here's a quick run-down of expected new launches:

JANUARY

The maiden voyage of  Oceania's Marina departs Barcelona for Miami on the 22nd. A Regatta class ship, but a bit larger than her sisters, at 66,000 gross registered tons, she'll carry 1250 passengers.

The Disney Dream will arrive at her home part of Port Canaveral for her inagural sailing on the 26th.  She's the first in the newest (bigger) class of ships for Disney Cruises.  (130,000 tons; 4000 pax)

APRIL
German line Aida Cruises launches Aida Sol.  (71,000 tons; 2050 pax)

MAY
Carnival debuts their 23rd ship, the Carnival Magic, sister to the Deam. After a season of sailing from Barcelona, she'll arrive at her new homeport of Galveston in November.   (130,000 tons; 3690 pax)

JUNE
The Seabourn Quest, new from the Yachts of Seabourn will begin sailing the Mediterranean and Greek Isles in mid to late June.  (332,000 tons; 450 pax)

JULY

Costa brings us their sixteenth ship, the Costa Favolosa, sailing the Med fromVenice, beginning on the 7th.   (114,500 tons; 3000 pax)

A new Solstice Class ship, the Celebrity Silhouette embarks the 23rd from Hamburg to Rome on her inaugural, then sails the Med and Middle East before coming to Bayonne, NJ in the fall.  (122,000 tons; 2850 pax)

Happy New Year from Cruising Musings!

In this New Year, may we all

Live, Love, Cruise, and be Happy!

Take advantage or Cruise Ready Store's New Year Sale -  discounts up to 20%.
Through Jan 4. See Store home page for details.

Happy New Year