Sunday, May 27, 2012

The RMS Queen Mary

RMS Queen Mary Vintage Passenger Ship print

The RMS Queen Mary left Southampton on her maiden transatlantic voyage 76 years ago today.  She was one of Cunard White Star's elegant Queens of the Ocean, and won the hearts of people around the world.  She also earned an honored place in history, serving the cause of freedom in World War II. Read more about the Queen Mary, and two other famous ships whose collective carreers spanned generations, in Queens of the Ocean Past.

Maiden voyage of the RMS Queen Mary:  May 27, 1936 - Southampton to New York.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Hurricane Season Begins Soon

Hurricane Season is Nearly Here

Hurricane from Space Mousepad
by Modest_Mouse



The 2012 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season begins two weeks from today. 

Are you ready?

Hurricane season each year is from June 1 through November 30 for the Atlantic Basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

REMINDER
If you haven't done so already, it's time to check your hurricane supplies.  Make sure you have enough batteries and other items to last for an absolute minimum of three days, and that you have a go bag ready in case you need to evacuate.  Don't forget about a supply of prescription medicines, copies of important papers, and evacuation provisions for pets.

Here are a couple of things to look at as the season approaches, if you don't have them already.  One is an absolute necessity and the other is something I've found really useful.  Here are links to reviews I've written about each of them:

Weather Alert Radio - a Necessity
If you live in an area that could be threatened by a hurricane, a NOAA weather radio is something you absolutely should have. These radios pick up special alerts from the National Weather Service, and will wake you with a warning of an incoming emergency.
Battery Organizer and Tester - Nice to Have
This isn't a real must have, but it sure is nice for keeping your battery supply both organized and handy, something that will make things just a little easier in the event of a prolonged power outage.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

St. Kitts and Nevis - Third Best Island in the World



St. Kitts and Nevis - Third Best Island in the World

Arch at Brimstone Hill Fortress Postcard


According to a post at Cruise Line Fans, St. Kitts and Nevis has rung in at #3** on a recent list of the 10 Best Islands in the World.


Now, though I've cruised to a bunch of the islands in the Caribbean, I have not yet had the good fortune to be on board a ship that made a call at St.  Kitts.  It's something I'm still looking forward to.  Have you been there yet?

 
One of the interesting facts I learned while doing research for a page I did titled Pictures of St. Kitts and Nevis, is that one of America's own, Alexander Hamilton was actually born on Nevis.  Hamilton, was one of our country's founding fathers, and served as our very first Secretary of the Treasury.  It's his picture on the United States Ten Dollar Bill.



** The Maldives and Bora Bora captured the number one and two spots.