Discovery Day in The Bahamas

Cruising Detination:  The Bahamas 

Bahamas Beach and Palm Tree by mljacobs10

In The Bahamas, the first landing of Columbus in the  New World is still celebrated on the original date of the actual landing, October 12,  and is called Discovery Day.  (In the US, the second Monday in October is now designated as the official federal holiday.)

Did you know that Columbus and the men of the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria first came ashore in The Bahamas?  It is known that it was ONE of the islands of The Bahamas, but exactly which one is still being debated. 

Whichever one it was, The Bahamas are certainly a beautiful place, and if you happen to be there on October 12, you can celebrate Discovery Day in lieu of Columbus Day.

I do love visiting our close neighbors off the southest coast of Florida, and I've gathered some Pictures of The Bahamas for you to enjoy.

Fun Cruise Buttons and Magnets

Have some fun on your next voyage, with cruise buttons and magnets!

 Wear a cruise name badge, or humorous button, or put a cute magnet or stateroom door marker on your cabin door.

You'll find the cruise magnets and buttons shown here, plus lots more, at CruiseReady on Zazzle.

Related article:
Here's a link for my Squidoo Lens about Fun Cruise Buttons.

What are some of the Dining Options on Cruise Ships?

Food on Cruise Ships is a really big deal, with a LOT of it being available.  the bigger the ship, the more food there is, in more places, and in an ever greater variety.
From the main dining room to the buffet, to snack bars, and specialty restaurants, there's someting for everyone. 
See just what the big deal is in this article about food on cruise ships, complete with mouth watering photos of some of the fare.

Related Articles:
Cruise Sea Days
Read All About It - Cruises
The Higginbotham's Affordable Vacation Included a Cruise

A Treat for Cruise History Lovers

I've been perusing a very interesting website this morning, and wanted to pass it along, in case there are others out there who might also enjoy. It's a real treat for anyone who enjoys maritime history.

It's Cruising the Past and has an amazing amount of information, including pictures and video about the great passenger ships that have sailed into history. The header of the site proclaims that it's an "Award Winning Cruise Ship, Ocean Liner, Travel, and social History Website."

Cruising the Past certainly has my vote, and if I had an award to give it, I would!

iPhone and other Cases for Cruisers

These have been the four most popular iPhone cases this month at CruiseReady on Zazzle:

Those shown above are for the iPhone 4.  Designs also available for the iPhone 3, the iPad,  the iPod touch, all by Speck and Doodle Speakers.  
Take your personal favorite along with you on your cruise, and cruise in style.

More Cruise Gear from CruiseReady on Zazzle

Cruising Multicolor by CruiseReady

Cruising! Multicolor design line of cruise gear from CruiseReady on Zazzle.  These are just a couple of examples . . .
Thereare lots of different items available in this design.

Thirty-Four Years Ago Today

The Love Boat came to life thirty four years ago today.  

Captain Stubing and
the rest of The Love Boat Cast



On September 24, 1977, the TV series The Love Boat began airing.  It was set aboard the Pacific Princess, which was frequently used in filming, as was her sister ship, Island Princess.

Running for nearly 10 years, it inspired many people to take their first cruise.  The final episode aired in May of 1986.

Oh, yes, there were re-runs, too. 

A friend - and fellow member of Cruise Line Fans - actually cruised on Island Princess while segments of The Love Boat were being shot.  He graciously gave me his permission to use some of his wonderful photos in my article, Love Boat, Starring Pacific Princess and Island Princess.  If you were a fan of The Love Boat shows, you might enjoy the article.

Note - Other ships used for special episodes included Royal Princess, Sun Princess, Royal Viking Sky, and Stella Solaris.

Life Ring Themed Cruise Gear

Check out this great life ring themed cruise gear at CruiseReady on Zazzle:

Custom kid's cruise shirt (also availble in adult styles)

and Custom Hat for Group or Family Cruise

Tote Bag and Ladies' Shoes
(children's lace up keds also available)

Stateroom Door Marker
and Name Badge

Cool, huh?  This is just one of many designs available at CruiseReady on Zazzle.  And there's a whole range of other products, too - including postcards, custom postage, mugs, mousepads, iPod Touch Cases, just to name a few.

St. Kitts and Nevis

A Day in Paradise by gubanich

Have you cruised to St. Kitts?  Then you may be interested to know that the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis will be celebrating Independence Day this coming Monday, September 19.  Twenty-eight years ago Monday, the two island Caribbean nation became independent.

I haven't been there yet, but look forward to the day when I can.  (I hope)
Meanwhile, I really enjoyed putting together this page showcasing Pictures of St. Kitts and Nevis on various products by the artists of Zazzle - from wall art to mousepads, mugs, and totes, to iPhone cases.

Some Related Articles:

Pictures of St. Maarten

Pictures of St. Thomas

Pictures of St. Lucia

UPDATE: Port of San Juan

The Port of San Juan has re-opened.

Port Closings - T.S. Maria



Tropical Storm Maria

   With Tropical Storm Maria approaching, ports in the northeastern Caribbean are closed or will be closed to incoming vessels.

The Port of San Juan went to condition Yankee last night, which closes the port to incoming traffic.  It is likely that they will move into condition Zulu in the coming hours, and order all ships over a certain gross tonnage out to sea.

Currently due in to the Port of San Juan on Sunday are Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, and the Carnival Victory.   At this time, Tropical Storm Maria is forecast to be passing to the north of San Juan on Sunday.  

As you can see from the attached satellite image, Maria covers a whole lot of  real estate .  Tropical storm force winds extend out some 200 miles from the center.  However, the NHC tells us that the northeast side of the storm is the worst.  While Puerto Rico may get some awfully bad weather, looks like it could have been worse.  Maria could have taken a more southerly route.

Niether RCCL or CCL has announced changes in  disembarkation / embarkation for tomorrow's scheduled sailings  - YET.  They may or may not have to.  It all depends on Maria.

Royal Caribbean is advising passengers scheduled to sail on Sunday to "monitor the Royal Caribbean website and their airlines for any additional updates regarding the storm and the status of the port."  Carnival cruisers should be monitoring the situation as well.

Royal Caribbean is stationing Guest Assistance Agents in baggage terminals B and D at the San Juan Airport.

The itinerary of the Oasis of the Seas has also been adjusted because of the storm.

Related Articles:

• Huirricane Tips for Cruisers
• Hurricane Season 2011 Predictions

Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line to Move Ships to Miami

Seven Seas Voyager

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will make the Port of Miami its homeport beginning next year, making the move from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades.

Oceania Cruises, the luxury line also owned by RSSC's parent company, Apollo Management, is already based in Miami.

Together with Oceania, the Seven Seas ships will sail from Terminal J.  As of now, word is that the dedicated use of this terminal, which is newly rennovated, will be for the Oceania and Regent Seven Seas.

Apollo Management also owns a 50% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line.



* PHOTO -  curated from WikiMedia commons under Creative Commons license