Actually, it's 22° right now...with wind chills of 8°....
Jimmy Buffett has it right, I gotta go where it's warm.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Carnival Miracle accident
seems they struck a dock in St. Kitt's.
Carnival Miracle sustains damages at Port Zante
By VonDez Phipps
Hull damaged during berth
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CRUISE passengers aboard the 2 124-passenger vessel Carnival Miracle were able to disembark to Port Zante safely after a challenging berth this morning (Jan. 28) that left the hull of the ship damaged.
SKNVibes responded to reports that the cruise ship collided with the pier at Port Zante around 11:00 a.m. Upon arriving on the scene, there was no permitted entry into the arrival hall, but the cruise ship had a visible blackened dent on the right side.
Port officials at the arrival hall refused to comment but SKNVibes contacted Denzil Crooke, Chief Executive Officer of Delisle Walwyn & Co. Ltd, the St. Kitts handling company for Carnival Cruise Line, and he confirmed that both the 12-deck cruise ship and the port facility were damaged during this morning’s berthing.
“According to information received, while the ship was berthing a gust of wind thrust the ship to hit one of the dolphins and it subsequently hit a one of the fenders on the pier. The dolphin and fender were damaged and the ship also sustained damages,” Crooke told this media house.
Crooke was unable to give further information regarding the extent of the damage to the port facility or the vessel but stated that an evaluation of damage is being done.
Public relations officials at Carnival Cruise Lines told this media house that they have not yet received any information on the damages but would issue a statement at the earliest possible time.
SKNVibes contacted the Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations at the St. Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority (SCASPA) Delcia Bradley-King who informed that a team of welders from Puerto Rico have begun work on the vessel so that it can leave St. Kitts as early as tomorrow morning (Jan. 29). It is expected to sail back to Fort Lauderdale.
At this point, the cost of damage is unknown.
On the ground, tour operators and taxi drivers on Port Zante suspect that the cruise ship may remain in port for another day and they anticipate increased business with the visitors.
Carnival Miracle sustains damages at Port Zante
By VonDez Phipps
Hull damaged during berth
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CRUISE passengers aboard the 2 124-passenger vessel Carnival Miracle were able to disembark to Port Zante safely after a challenging berth this morning (Jan. 28) that left the hull of the ship damaged.
SKNVibes responded to reports that the cruise ship collided with the pier at Port Zante around 11:00 a.m. Upon arriving on the scene, there was no permitted entry into the arrival hall, but the cruise ship had a visible blackened dent on the right side.
Port officials at the arrival hall refused to comment but SKNVibes contacted Denzil Crooke, Chief Executive Officer of Delisle Walwyn & Co. Ltd, the St. Kitts handling company for Carnival Cruise Line, and he confirmed that both the 12-deck cruise ship and the port facility were damaged during this morning’s berthing.
“According to information received, while the ship was berthing a gust of wind thrust the ship to hit one of the dolphins and it subsequently hit a one of the fenders on the pier. The dolphin and fender were damaged and the ship also sustained damages,” Crooke told this media house.
Crooke was unable to give further information regarding the extent of the damage to the port facility or the vessel but stated that an evaluation of damage is being done.
Public relations officials at Carnival Cruise Lines told this media house that they have not yet received any information on the damages but would issue a statement at the earliest possible time.
SKNVibes contacted the Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations at the St. Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority (SCASPA) Delcia Bradley-King who informed that a team of welders from Puerto Rico have begun work on the vessel so that it can leave St. Kitts as early as tomorrow morning (Jan. 29). It is expected to sail back to Fort Lauderdale.
At this point, the cost of damage is unknown.
On the ground, tour operators and taxi drivers on Port Zante suspect that the cruise ship may remain in port for another day and they anticipate increased business with the visitors.
what are you reading?
great book for a snowy afternoon...and great book for pumping me up for our cruise in 17 days.
Monday, January 25, 2010
frustration
not a major problem, but the king is making me...and our TA...nuts.
we fly down to Miami on American Airlines. we fly home from Ft. Lauderdale on Jetblue.
we have a record locator for AA, we have our seat assignments, etc.
we have no information for our Jetblue flights...and can't get any info until at least next week, because the airline is upgrading its computer system.
we fly down to Miami on American Airlines. we fly home from Ft. Lauderdale on Jetblue.
we have a record locator for AA, we have our seat assignments, etc.
we have no information for our Jetblue flights...and can't get any info until at least next week, because the airline is upgrading its computer system.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Haiti
Haiti
Should cruise ships have returned to Haiti?
Cruise Critic members weigh in on ships resuming port calls to Labadee
By Kelly Ranson
U.K. Editor
CruiseCritic.com
updated 12:20 p.m. ET, Tues., Jan. 19, 2010
As humanitarian aid arrives and rescue workers continue their efforts to rebuild Haiti following the devastating earthquake last week, there's been much talk about Royal Caribbean's decision to resume calls on Labadee — the cruise line's private “island” destination about 100 miles from capital city Port-au-Prince (it was not damaged in the quake).
Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas was the first to return, on Friday. And, despite rumors on Cruise Critic's message boards that Royal Caribbean might reverse its decision, swapping Labadee for sea days, a cruise line spokeswoman tells us there are no plans to cancel calls. Both Navigator (which arrived today) and Liberty of the Seas (which calls on the port Friday) have been loaded with 80 pallets worth of supplies. On Friday, Celebrity Solstice will make its regularly scheduled stop — also bringing passengers and aid.
The majority of Cruise Critic readers support Royal Caribbean's decision, according to a homepage poll that ran on both cruisecritic.com and cruisecritic.co.uk. A resounding 67 percent of readers supported Royal Caribbean decision, saying that it was a good idea to continue calling in the region as the ships and passengers were bringing much needed aid and money.
There are some cruise travelers who disagree with the quick return, however, as conversations on controversial subject continue on Cruise Critic's message boards. “I have donated my money, but I would not feel comfortable going there for a vacation at this time,” posts Cruise Critic member jerseygirl79. “Not only would I not feel safe, but I wouldn't feel comfortable enjoying a vacation so close to utter devastation and loss of life.”
Ac110, meanwhile, disagrees: “Don't you see that depriving these people of employment is the last thing we should be doing right now?! Go, enjoy, and tip generously.”
Member Mechcc offers even more advice to those arriving in the port who want to help: “First off, everyone gets off the ship and heads to the market and buys a trinket at an outrageous price. And add a few dollars to the price. Then tip someone on the beach for carrying their bag. It has been reported that food that is not eaten by the passengers is taken home by the Haitians working at Labadee. So passengers — don't eat while on Labadee. Have a big breakfast, head back to the ship for a slice of pizza for lunch, and enjoy your dinner onboard.
“Leave the food that is prepared at Labadee for your enjoyment to be taken by the Haitians. Some of it will find its way to the shelters. You can do without it. Also, leave a few unopened bottles of water with the Haitians. And if you are on a cruise that RCI is donating profits from that stop to charity, well buy an excursion. You don't have to go on it, just buy it. Or donate that money to one of the charities that are helping out.
“Honestly, you can get off the ship, contribute, and have a subdued day. I also would probably leave several pair of brand new pairs of flip-flops on the beach. Not to mention a few new T-shirts and whatever. New and unused.”
Beyond Royal Caribbean, cruise line relief efforts vary. A passenger who was onboard Carnival Miracle in the Caribbean when the quake hit told Cruise Critic via e-mail that passengers were not told about the tragedy until the next day. “We wished Carnival would do something ... food, water,” she writes. “Granted passengers were on ‘vacation,’ but that didn't mean they stopped caring about humanity. Another reason to look to Royal Caribbean or Celebrity for our next cruise.”
Carnival Corporation on Monday announced that its cruise brands — including, among others, Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises, P&O Cruises and Holland America Line — will donate $5 million toward Haiti relief via multiple international organizations.
What do those closer to the disaster think? Cruise Critic Editor-in-Chief Carolyn Spencer Brown shares this firsthand story after engaging in conversation with a Haitian taxi driver in Miami while traveling there this weekend. “He's from Labadee of all places, which is a good distance from Port-au-Prince. I asked him: how do Haitians feel about a cruise ship coming back so soon. He said that Labadee was not affected and that it's still crucial for people there to keep working, to have some sense of normalcy — and that the country needs any supplies it can get (which Royal Caribbean was bringing in).
“I said, ‘So it's not disrespectful, then?’ He looked incredulous, and said, ‘absolutely not.’ ”
Royal Caribbean has committed to providing $1 million in humanitarian relief to Haiti, a portion of which will augment the company's Crew Relief Fund, which can be drawn on by any of the company's more than 200 Haitian crewmembers. Passengers onboard can make a donation to Food for the Poor's Haiti Relief Fund, via a charge to their onboard account; others can visit the organization's Web site to make a donation.
For more information on how to help Haiti, check out our list of worthy charities.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34936685/ns/travel-cruising/?GT1=43001
MSN Privacy . Legal
© 2010 MSNBC.com
Should cruise ships have returned to Haiti?
Cruise Critic members weigh in on ships resuming port calls to Labadee
By Kelly Ranson
U.K. Editor
CruiseCritic.com
updated 12:20 p.m. ET, Tues., Jan. 19, 2010
As humanitarian aid arrives and rescue workers continue their efforts to rebuild Haiti following the devastating earthquake last week, there's been much talk about Royal Caribbean's decision to resume calls on Labadee — the cruise line's private “island” destination about 100 miles from capital city Port-au-Prince (it was not damaged in the quake).
Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas was the first to return, on Friday. And, despite rumors on Cruise Critic's message boards that Royal Caribbean might reverse its decision, swapping Labadee for sea days, a cruise line spokeswoman tells us there are no plans to cancel calls. Both Navigator (which arrived today) and Liberty of the Seas (which calls on the port Friday) have been loaded with 80 pallets worth of supplies. On Friday, Celebrity Solstice will make its regularly scheduled stop — also bringing passengers and aid.
The majority of Cruise Critic readers support Royal Caribbean's decision, according to a homepage poll that ran on both cruisecritic.com and cruisecritic.co.uk. A resounding 67 percent of readers supported Royal Caribbean decision, saying that it was a good idea to continue calling in the region as the ships and passengers were bringing much needed aid and money.
There are some cruise travelers who disagree with the quick return, however, as conversations on controversial subject continue on Cruise Critic's message boards. “I have donated my money, but I would not feel comfortable going there for a vacation at this time,” posts Cruise Critic member jerseygirl79. “Not only would I not feel safe, but I wouldn't feel comfortable enjoying a vacation so close to utter devastation and loss of life.”
Ac110, meanwhile, disagrees: “Don't you see that depriving these people of employment is the last thing we should be doing right now?! Go, enjoy, and tip generously.”
Member Mechcc offers even more advice to those arriving in the port who want to help: “First off, everyone gets off the ship and heads to the market and buys a trinket at an outrageous price. And add a few dollars to the price. Then tip someone on the beach for carrying their bag. It has been reported that food that is not eaten by the passengers is taken home by the Haitians working at Labadee. So passengers — don't eat while on Labadee. Have a big breakfast, head back to the ship for a slice of pizza for lunch, and enjoy your dinner onboard.
“Leave the food that is prepared at Labadee for your enjoyment to be taken by the Haitians. Some of it will find its way to the shelters. You can do without it. Also, leave a few unopened bottles of water with the Haitians. And if you are on a cruise that RCI is donating profits from that stop to charity, well buy an excursion. You don't have to go on it, just buy it. Or donate that money to one of the charities that are helping out.
“Honestly, you can get off the ship, contribute, and have a subdued day. I also would probably leave several pair of brand new pairs of flip-flops on the beach. Not to mention a few new T-shirts and whatever. New and unused.”
Beyond Royal Caribbean, cruise line relief efforts vary. A passenger who was onboard Carnival Miracle in the Caribbean when the quake hit told Cruise Critic via e-mail that passengers were not told about the tragedy until the next day. “We wished Carnival would do something ... food, water,” she writes. “Granted passengers were on ‘vacation,’ but that didn't mean they stopped caring about humanity. Another reason to look to Royal Caribbean or Celebrity for our next cruise.”
Carnival Corporation on Monday announced that its cruise brands — including, among others, Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises, P&O Cruises and Holland America Line — will donate $5 million toward Haiti relief via multiple international organizations.
What do those closer to the disaster think? Cruise Critic Editor-in-Chief Carolyn Spencer Brown shares this firsthand story after engaging in conversation with a Haitian taxi driver in Miami while traveling there this weekend. “He's from Labadee of all places, which is a good distance from Port-au-Prince. I asked him: how do Haitians feel about a cruise ship coming back so soon. He said that Labadee was not affected and that it's still crucial for people there to keep working, to have some sense of normalcy — and that the country needs any supplies it can get (which Royal Caribbean was bringing in).
“I said, ‘So it's not disrespectful, then?’ He looked incredulous, and said, ‘absolutely not.’ ”
Royal Caribbean has committed to providing $1 million in humanitarian relief to Haiti, a portion of which will augment the company's Crew Relief Fund, which can be drawn on by any of the company's more than 200 Haitian crewmembers. Passengers onboard can make a donation to Food for the Poor's Haiti Relief Fund, via a charge to their onboard account; others can visit the organization's Web site to make a donation.
For more information on how to help Haiti, check out our list of worthy charities.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34936685/ns/travel-cruising/?GT1=43001
MSN Privacy . Legal
© 2010 MSNBC.com
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
made another trip-related purchase today
bought an inexpensive waterproof watch. it will be great to have at Isla Pasion!
it's called "traveltime"
doesn't it look like the perfect sneaker for clearing airport security?
I'll be wearing these when we fly to Miami.
I'll be wearing these when we fly to Miami.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
my parents are home
overall they loved the cruise...thought the ship was great, loved the restaurants (and didn't care that they had to pay a cover charge in some of the specialty places). they were a bit bored with the days at sea, especially since they missed the Port of San Juan. they thought the tour of St. Thomas was overpriced and a bit dull.
I can't believe they actually went bowling, they haven't done that in ages.
and they brought home the Freestyle Daily for every day of the cruise..I am going to have fun reading those!
I can't believe they actually went bowling, they haven't done that in ages.
and they brought home the Freestyle Daily for every day of the cruise..I am going to have fun reading those!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
some interesting video
taken with my mini camcorder 1/13/10 at 5 PM from Jersey city, facing lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site.
update on the Gem
the ship has arrived back in NYC. my parents should be disembarking shortly.
the Gem sails out this afternoon, right past my office. I'm going to try to take a picture later -- I'll post if I do.
can't wait to hear the details of the cruise later.
the Gem sails out this afternoon, right past my office. I'm going to try to take a picture later -- I'll post if I do.
can't wait to hear the details of the cruise later.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
this one's making the rounds on cruise critic
this version is the "clean" version shown on Saturday Night Live
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Valentine's Day merchandise is in the stores
And that's exciting because we sail on Valentine's Day.
sounds like a great product
just ordered something from Avon -- it's a combined product -- an insect repellant (without DEET) and a sunscreen with an SPF of 30.
Perfect for cruising to the Western Caribbean and exploring the rainforest of Belize.
Perfect for cruising to the Western Caribbean and exploring the rainforest of Belize.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
live from the Gem....
one of the advangtages of the 21st century...
my paents are asailing on the Gem even as I type this. and I know all about the problems the ship is having...becaause I read Cruise Critic and someone posted live from the Gem.
it seems the Gem experienced rough seas for two days. then there wsas a problem with the engines, and the ship came to a complete stop for about an hour. then they decided to skip the first port of call, San Juan, and head straight to St. Thomas -- not only did they hit a delay, but the part they need to repair the ship in in the Virgin Islands, and if they make port in Puerto Rico they may not be able to get the ship going again.
I will continue to follow this drama from the safety of my computer...
my paents are asailing on the Gem even as I type this. and I know all about the problems the ship is having...becaause I read Cruise Critic and someone posted live from the Gem.
it seems the Gem experienced rough seas for two days. then there wsas a problem with the engines, and the ship came to a complete stop for about an hour. then they decided to skip the first port of call, San Juan, and head straight to St. Thomas -- not only did they hit a delay, but the part they need to repair the ship in in the Virgin Islands, and if they make port in Puerto Rico they may not be able to get the ship going again.
I will continue to follow this drama from the safety of my computer...
so I will be cruising with a PIRATE!
well, not a REAL pirate.
King Arthur has been cast as a pirate in a local community theater production of The Pirates of Penzance.
So today I figured I'd post a clip from the 1983 movie:
King Arthur has been cast as a pirate in a local community theater production of The Pirates of Penzance.
So today I figured I'd post a clip from the 1983 movie:
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
no more walk for the cure?..new cause instead?
seems the partnership between Susan G. Komen and the cruise lines is coming to an end. and Carnvial has entered into a partnership with St. jude's Children's Hospital. so I'm not sure which fundraising activities we will have on our cruise. not to worry, they'r eboth good causes.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
sigh
My parents are on the Norwegian Gem, about to start a 10 day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.
It is 18 degrees here in New York.
I want to go where it's warm!!!
It is 18 degrees here in New York.
I want to go where it's warm!!!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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