Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Nautical Fashions for Cruising

Have you ever thought of wearing nautical themed fashions or accessories when you go on a cruise?  It's not so far fetched ... 
For example, a gentleman mightwear a nautical themed tie to dinner one night.  A lady might enjoy having an anchor pendant necklace.
Or, how about a cute T shirt or nautical outfit for your young cruiser?

Anchors Aweigh Necklace necklace Sensastion Stripe - Gry tie
Anchors Aweigh Necklace and Sensastion Stripe tie 

Here are several sites you might enjoy.  There are some nice ideas for nautical themed cruise wear and accessories on these three pages:



Sunday, July 24, 2011

Last Week Was Quite a Week

Space Shuttle Atlantis
(public domain image from NASA) 

Last week was quite a week. Things were happening all over the globe, and not all of them pleasant.  Last week, there were significant developments in manned space flightnature,in Nature , and sadly, in Norway.

MANNED SPACE FLIGHT

Space Shuttle Atlantis retured to earth for the last time. The good news is, she brought herself and her crew home safely. The bad news is that she'll never do it again. Nor will any other shuttle. NASA's manned space flight program has been scuttled. And along with it, thousands of jobs, and the space dominance of the U S of A. It was a sad day.



NATURE
We had THREE named storms at one point in the week: Tropical Storms Bret and Cindy in the Atlantic and Hurricane Dora in the Pacific. The good news is that NONE of them made landfall. The (maybe) not so good news is that it was a very active week for the tropics, and no one knows if this was a foreshadowing of things to come. The NHC and other organizations sure think it will be an active season. You can see their 2011 Hurricane Season Predictions here.


NORWAY
The Royal Palace in Oslo
was not attacked
(public domain photo)
There was horror and terror in a place that is usually known for its peaceful environment - Norway. 
A madman set off a bomb in central Oslo then proceded to a youth camp being held on an island.  There, dressed as a policeman, he shot and killed at least 84 young people.
There is NO reason for civilized human beings to behave this way towards one another.  Unlike the work that NASA does, it's NOT rocket science.  Just be nice to everyone. 
Today, we are holding the people of Norway in our hearts.  They have our deepest sympathies and most fervent prayers.

The past week was not one that will soon be forgotten for several reasons... but Norway is uppermost in our minds right now. 

It's my sincere hope that the week ahead will bring different ... and much happier news. 

Friday, July 15, 2011

Cruise Alert - NCL Files for IPO

Soon, U.S. Wall Street investors will be able to buy stock in Norwegian Cruise Line.  The company has filed for an Initial Public Offering to sell $250 million in common shares on the New York Stock Exchange.   No word yet (that I saw) on what their symbol will be.  (NCL is already in use by Nuveen Insured California Premium Income Municipal Fund.)

This will mean that the three main players in the U.S. cruise market will now be on the ticker.

The cruise line has said it also has plans for listing on the NASDAQ, as NCLH.

Wonder if NCL will be offering discounts or OBC's to stockholders?

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Six Years Ago Today: Hurricane Dennis

Six years ago today, Hurricane Dennis was assaulting Navarro Beach, Florida.  Dennis was the first Major Hurricane to make landfall on our own shores during the record-setting 2005 Hurricane Season.  There were 28 named storms that year - the most ever for a single season.

Hurricane name lists are on a six year cycle, so the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane names are the same ones that were used in 2005,  except for the names of the five storms that were so devistating their names were retired for good.

2005 was also the year of Hurricane Katrina, and some may have forgotten the year, but no one has forgotten how horrifying she was. So many lives were changed . . . 

So far, knock on wood, this year hasn't been a repeat of 2005, even though many of the names will be the same.  On the same date in 2005, we were already up to the 'D' name on the alphabetical list.  This year, we've only seen the 'A' storm - Arlene.  

Word from the National Hurricane Center today is that "TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS."  Here's hoping our luck holds! 

Related Stories:


Wednesday, June 29, 2011

TS Arlene Heads for Mexico. Princess - not So Much.


Arlene Heading for Mexico

Well. 2011 Atlantic Basin hurricane activity has started. Tropical Storm Arlene, is on her way to somewhere near Tampico, Mexico.  The terrain around there is hilly to mountainous. Copious rainfall in such a region can mean life threatening flash flooding and even mudslides.  Arlene is first on the list of  2011 Hurricane Names... let's hope we don't get too far through that list this hear.

Hurricane Hunters have been flying into the storm, and  found maximum sustained winds of 50 mph this morning.  It's expected to make landfall early tomorrow. 

We are keeping the people of the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, San Luis Potosi, and Nuevo Leon, in our thoughts.  There are Hurricane Watches and Tropical Storm Warnings posted for these area.

 Princess - Not So Much 
Meanwhile, in case you haven't heard, Princess Cruises has cancelled previously scheduled stops at Puerto Vallarta for the remainder of the year.  This news came out a few days ago.  The US State Department has a travel warning posted for the Mexican state of Jalisco, which includes Puerto Vallarto.  The warning cites drug-related violence. 

Mazatlan has seen its cruise ship port calls curtailed recently, as well.

So, if there is a Mexican Rivera cruise in your future, it would seem itinerary options are narrowing considerably.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Monday, June 20, 2011

Second Named Storm of EPAC Hurricane Season Strengthens

Tropical Storm Beatriz is approaching hurricane strength off the southwestern coast of Mexico.   A Hurricane Hunter aircraft is inside the system as I write this, and it would not be a surprise for them to find a hurricane.

Watches and warnings are posted  for portions of the Mexican coast.  Rainbands from the system are already affecting the coast, and tropical storm conditions are expected later this afternoon. 

The National Hurricane Center is predicting rainfall of 6 to 12 inches (and as much as 20 inches in some areas), which could result in life threatening flash floods and mudslides. 

We wish our neighbors in the affected Mexican states of  Guerrero, Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacan the best, and will be thinking of them.

Meanwhile, for our cruising friends - at this point, there have been no announcements of itinerary changes as a result of (apparently soon to be Hurricane) Beatriz, but would it be well to stay aprised of the situation.

Related Articles:

Thursday, June 2, 2011

It's Hurricane Season and Cruise Deals Season

Well, folks, the 2011 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season began yesterday.  Hope everyone in or near a coastal area is prepared with their emergency supplies and evacuation plans.

Once again this year, I will have the Weather Widgets from wunderground.com posted on this blog, and will, from time to time, highlight any storms that are affecting cruise ships and/or cruise ports.  This year, I've also set up a 2011 Hurricane Season Journal on a separate site, where I'll log each tropical depression, tropical storm, and hurricane, whether it affects cruises or not.  You might want to access that page now, and save it to your favorites if you think you'll be interested.

For the cruising community, we know that hurricane season also means some of the best cruise deals of the year.  So, if you haven't done so yet, here's a reminder that you might want to start looking for an attractive last minute deal from your favorite cruise line. 

If you're planning your first hurricane season cruise - especially during the peak of the season, which includes August, September, and October - you might be interested in 10 Tips for Hurricane Season Cruising. 


Don't be afraid to take advantage of some of the great deals you're sure to find.  Chances are your cruise won't be affeted by a tropical weather system - but yes, it could.  That's the chance you take by making the decision to cruise the Caribbean during hurricane season.  If you are prepared to accept that risk in exchange for a great time for less money than you would pay other times of year, I'd say, "Go for it."  But know the risks and what you can do  to make sure you have a wonderful time no matter what might or might not happen.  (That's what the above referenced article is about)


RELATED ARTICLES: 

Sunday, May 29, 2011

June is Coming and So Is Hurricane Season

One of my very favorite months is nearly over, but another favorite one - June - is nearly here.  June 1 is Wednesday, and that means Hurricane Season will be here.  I've been busy writing a few articles about hurricane season over the past several weeks... One of them, about pictures of severe weather features art prints and other things with a hurricane or weather theme that you can buy. 

Stormy Anastasia print
It's amazing how much art and design has been inspired by something we live with every day - the weather.  (Although, hopefully, we don't have to live with SEVERE weather on a daily basis!)  The above art print is from that article, called Pictures of Hurricanes and Storm Pictues, and it features wall art, along with a variety of other consumer items designed by selected artists at Zazzle, and inspired by the weather.

Some of the other articles I've been working on are a little more serious in nature, and are geared to raising the awareness of the necessity to be prepared for what can happen during severe weather in general, but hurricanes in particular.  Here's a list of those articles:

2011 Hurricane Season Predictions and 2010 Forecasting Accuracy
2011 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Names
Hurricane Preparedness - Your Roof
NOAA Weather Radios
2011 Hurricane Season Journal

That last one will be a journal I will keep and add to throughout the season. 

You are welcome to read, and to comment on any of these articles that might interest you.  I'd be SO pleased if you did!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Remember Them on Memoral Day

The Memorial Day Weekend has begin.  But, it's more than just a three day weekend...  The REAL reason for Memorial Day is to honor those who have fallen in the service of their country.  This Monday, please pause for a moment to remember those who died to ensure you have the freedom that you enjoy.

To read a little about the history of Memorial Day, and the proscribed way to commemorate our fallen heroes, visit Patriotic American Holidays - Memorial Day.

This reminder brought to you by




Friday, May 13, 2011

Port Canaveral News - Tidbits from the Port

Queen Victoria at Port Canaveral
Here are several news tidbits from Port Canaveral.

A VISIT FROM A QUEEN and AMERICAN HAMBURGERS for 3 BRITS
The Queen Victoria recently visited Port Canaveral.  It was a pleasure to see one of Cunard's Queens, but mostly to finally meet a friend from England who I had 'known' as a fellow moderator for Cruise Line Fans forum. He and his party paid a visit to KSC, then lunched at the Cocoa Beach Pier.  All three were eager to order a "real American hamburger."  Once the meals arrived, they  took pictures of them, so they could show the folks back home what a real burger looks like!

My plan had been to get a great photo of the Queen putting out to sea.  Alas, that was not to be, as we were being assaulted by a wicked thunderstorm at sailing time.  The above pic of  the ship, berthed at the Royal Caribbean terminal, have to do.

MORE SHIPS?  (Yes, please!)
Canaveral Port Authority Chief Executive Officer J. Stanley Payne recently told the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce that he is " negotiating with major cruise line companies" in an effort to increase the number of cruise ships that will home port at Port Canaveral in the future.  (Hooray, I say and I wish him much luck)

DISNEY SAILING FULL
The local media reports that the new Disney Dream is SOLD OUT through the fall, and that the line's other ships are booked at 95% of capacity through June, and over 80% through September.  So, if you are thinking of sailing on a Disney ship, looks like you'd best plan ahead!


PHOTOS of CRUISE SHIPS and More
If you are just longing for your next cruise, perhaps for now, you'd enjoy feasting your eyes on some nice cruise related designs and photos of cruise ships from a hand-picked selection of Zazzle photograhers and designers. They're in a little article I've put together featuring wall art, iPad cases, and iPhone cases that should appeal to avid cruisers.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

New in May: Pets at Sea from Royal Caribbean

If you're cruising Royal Caribbean, and your party includes a child or two, get ready for their new "Pets at Sea" program, which the youngsters are going to LOVE!

Pets at Sea

Your child will get to choose from a variety of different species of pets (not-yet-stuffed animals), stuff it in a special 'stuffing machine,' dress it, and name it.  And, here's really cool part - after attaching the animal to the stuffing machine to 'bring it to life,' they are given a small star.  They make a wish, then tuck the star INSIDE the newly stuffed toy. 

According to the cruise line, they'll be available fleetwide beginning this month.

Price?  You can pre-order a pet with one outfit for $29.95 on Royal Caribbean's website.  (with two outfits, the price is  $42.90.)  But, I'm sure there will be plenty available once you board. 

Actually, it looks and sounds like fun, and I'm willing to bet that there will be a lot of adults who will want one, too.
 

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Monday's Launch of Endeavour Scrubbed

The shuttle Endeavour will NOT launch tomorrow.  The next possible launch date is Sunday, May 8, which is also Mother's Day.