Tropical Storm Kiko Forming in East Pacific

Tropical Storm KIKO

Tropical Storm KIKO	800 AM PDT MON SEP 02 2013 ...KIKO EXPECTED TO WEAKEN  INTO A REMNANT LOW LATER TODAY...
WIND:	NEAR 35 MPH...55 KM/H...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:	NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT
SHIP IMPACT:	NO CRUISE SHIPS IMPACTED

      Storm Archive       Graphics Archive

A new tropical depression, TD 11-E formed Friday night and is expected to become Tropical Storm Kiko on Saturday.  It is currently well southwest of Mexico.  The storm is expected to begin weakening on Sunday.

NHC ACTIVE STORMS (CLICK HERE)

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES (CLICK HERE)

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Here

SUMMARY OF 800 AM PDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...22.9N 116.4W
ABOUT 415 MI...665 KM W OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NW OR 325 DEGREES AT 2 MPH...4 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1005 MB...29.68 INCHES

 Historical Data:

800 PM PDT FRI AUG 30 2013
 
...NEW TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS WELL SOUTHWEST OF MEXICO...

200 PM PDT SAT AUG 31 2013
 
...DEPRESSION HAS RAPIDLY INTENSIFIED TO BECOME TROPICAL STORM
KIKO...

Tropical Storm Juliette in East Pacific

Tropical Storm JULIETTE

Post-Tropical JULIETTE	800 PM PDT THU AUG 29 2013 ...JULIETTE BECOMES A REMNANT LOW... ...THIS IS THE LAST ADVISORY...
WIND:	NEAR 30 MPH...45 KM/H...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:	NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT
SHIP IMPACT:	NO CRUISE SHIPS IMPACTED

      Storm Archive       Graphics Archive

A small tropical storm formed off the coast of Baja California peninsula prompting tropical storm warnings for the area. It has since weakened into a post-tropical cyclone.

NHC ACTIVE STORMS (CLICK HERE)

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES (CLICK HERE)

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Here

SUMMARY OF 800 PM PDT...0300 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...26.7N 114.8W
ABOUT 205 MI...330 KM NW OF CABO SAN LAZARO MEXICO
ABOUT 80 MI...125 KM SSE OF PUNTA EUGENIA MEXICO
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...30 MPH...45 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NW OR 310 DEGREES AT 14 MPH...22 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1008 MB...29.77 INCHES

 Historical Data:

200 PM PDT WED AUG 28 2013
 
...SMALL TROPICAL STORM FORMS NEAR THE BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING ISSUED...

500 PM PDT WED AUG 28 2013
 
...CENTER OF JULIETTE APPROACHING CABO SAN LUCAS...

RAINFALL...JULIETTE IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN ACCUMULATIONS
OF 1 TO 3 INCHES OVER SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF THE BAJA CALIFORNIA
PENINSULA.

800 AM PDT THU AUG 29 2013
 
...JULIETTE WEAKENS AS IT MOVES ALONG THE WEST COAST OF BAJA
CALIFORNIA PENINSULA... 

200 PM PDT THU AUG 29 2013
 
...JULIETTE WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION...

Unexpected Dry Dock Ends Alaska Sailing Season Early

Celebrity Millennium

2013 Alaska Season

Over in Ketchikan

Celebrity Millennium has been experiencing mechanical problems since early August, resulting in the early termination of its latest cruise and cancellation of 4 sailings ending the Alaska sailing season early for the vessel.

During the August 2nd sailing, the ship was delayed coming into port at the end of the cruise.   The ship made news as it was stranded in Seward during the August 9th sailing for emergency repairs. The ship bypassed all ports, sailing directly to Vancouver.

The final straw was on the August 16th sailing when the ship was stranded in Ketchikan in need of additional repairs.  Celebrity then decided to cancel the four remaining cruises and transition the ship to Freeport, Bahamas where it can undergo maintenance at the dry dock facility.

Celebrity Cruises provided charted air transportation for all passengers as well as compensation for the cancelled cruises.   

This is not the first time this year that Celebrity Millennium has had propulsion problems.   Itineraries were impacted in April (see Celebrity Millennium Itinerary Change).

 Propulsion: 2 × 19 MW Rolls-Royce/Alstom Mermaid azimuth thrusters

The Celebrity Millennium-class were the first of the larger class ships to be introduced to the Celebrity fleet later being  joined by the modern and popular Solstice-class ships.   Propulsion problems have often occurred with the azipod system, which improves maneuverability of the vessel.  In many of the previous cases, problems could be repaired by the onboard mechanics.   When they can't be resolved, unexpected dry docks, like the current one, result.

Hopefully the impacted passengers will be able to return to Alaska another time.  We are certain that Celebrity Cruises made the decision to cancel the remaining cruises after exhausting all other options.

Tropical Storm Fernand Forms in Atlantic

Interactive Map of Fernand

Tropical Storm FERNAND

Tropical Storm FERNAND	400 PM CDT MON AUG 26 2013 ...FERNAND DISSIPATES OVER MEXICO... ...THIS IS THE LAST ADVISORY...
WIND:	NEAR 30 MPH...45 KM/H...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:	NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT
SHIP IMPACT:	NONE

Storm Archive       Graphics Archive

A new cyclone system formed  in the soutwestern Bay of Campeche prompting warnings for portions of the Gulf Coast of Mexico.  The tropical depression grew into Tropical Storm Fernand.

NHC ACTIVE STORMS (CLICK HERE)

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES (CLICK HERE)

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Here

  
SUMMARY OF 400 PM CDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...20.6N 98.5W
ABOUT 75 MI...125 KM WSW OF TUXPAN MEXICO
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...30 MPH...45 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1009 MB...29.80 INCHES
 

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
RAINFALL...STORM-TOTAL AMOUNTS FROM FERNAND AND ITS REMNANTS OF 4 TO
8 INCHES ARE EXPECTED OVER VERACRUZ...HIDALGO...NORTHERN
PUEBLA...SOUTHERN TAMAULIPAS...AND EASTERN SAN LUIS POTOSI
MEXICO...WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS NEAR 15 INCHES POSSIBLE. 
THESE RAINS COULD CAUSE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND MUD
SLIDES. 

HISTORICAL DATA:

400 PM CDT SUN AUG 25 2013

...TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN BAY OF CAMPECHE...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF GULF COAST OF
MEXICO... 

600 PM CDT SUN AUG 25 2013
 
...DEPRESSION STRENGTHENS INTO TROPICAL STORM FERNAND OVER THE
WESTERN BAY OF CAMPECHE...

100 AM CDT MON AUG 26 2013
 
...FERNAND BEGINNING TO MOVE INLAND...
...THREAT OF HEAVY RAINS CONTINUES...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* GULF COAST OF MEXICO FROM VERACRUZ NORTHWARD TO BARRA DE NAUTLA

700 AM CDT MON AUG 26 2013
 
...FERNAND BRINGING HEAVY RAINS TO EASTERN MEXICO...

1000 AM CDT MON AUG 26 2013
 
...HEAVY RAINS CONTINUE OVER EASTERN MEXICO AS FERNAND
WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION...

Norwegian Plans for Belize

What Does it Cost to Buy 

an Island in Belize?

According to new sources in Belize, a press conference was held this week unveiling details of an agreement between Norwegian Cruise Line and the Belize government to begin development of a new cruise destination in the southern part of the country.

Norwegian Cruise Line is keeping details quiet, perhaps since they have already been shot down once before by the government.   However, the news reports indicate the price for the island is $50M USD.  The new development will be called Harvest Caye and be an eco-friendly endeavor.   The project could be completed in 2015.

Two of the main figures at the press conference were Colin Murphy - VP, Destination & Strategic Development, NCL and Hon. Godwin Hulse - Minister of Labour.  If you watch the following video, you'll hear the minister say “It is not, as some would say, that we are all lying down, ‘licky licky,’ et cetera. We are here to protect the interest of the Belizean people – so that is why we were brought to Government and that is what we are going to do and we are going to do so successfully. No ifs, maybes or buts about it,” Hulse added.

Colin Murphy didn't know what "licky likcy" was but figured he would have known about it if there had been any.  Apparently that is slang for greedy.

Time: 00:30:41 - Start of press coverage of announcement

If the project is approved and actually goes forward, the construction phase could bring 1000+ jobs to the region. NCL is also sweetening the deal by recruiting more of their onboard staff from Belize. Currently there are very few crew members from this country. 

References:

Will Harvest Caye Take Ships From Belize City?
No “licky licky,” says Godwin Hulse

Hurricane Predictions for Remainder of 2013 Atlantic Season

What's the Remainder of 2013 Atlantic 

Hurricane Season Look Like?

Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and Landfall Strike Probability for 2013 (PDF)
The tropical Meteorology Project at Colorado State University looks at the Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast several times a year.   The initial forecast is released in early April with the second report being released at the start of the season in June.

We are now entering what typically is the start of the active part of the season with storms forming in the vicinity of Cape Verde Islands.   The chart above reflects the storms to date along with the revised forecast.

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY FORECAST OF ATLANTIC HURRICANE 

ACTIVITY FROM AUGUST 16 – AUGUST 29, 2013;  August 30 - September 12, 2013

According to the report:  

"We continue to anticipate an above-average season in 2013, although we have lowered our forecast slightly due to anomalous cooling in the eastern subtropical and tropical Atlantic. We expect an above-average probability of United States and Caribbean major hurricane landfall"

Not "Out of the Woods"

At first read, you might think we have nothing to worry about.  Well, if you review the chart closely, you'll notice there have not been any major hurricanes in the Atlantic so far this year, however, there are at least 3 still predicted.   That means, there's a lot of potential for a powerful storm.

Read the entire article (PDF link above) to get complete details about their forecast, including background information about how they come to these conclusions.

NOAA Adjusts Prediction

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, released it's updated outlook which still indicates a 70 percent chance of an above-normal season. 

The Atlantic hurricane season got off to a busy start, with 5 named storms to date, and may have a busy second half.  The revised numbers are as follows:

• 13 to 19 named storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher), including
  • 6 to 9 hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which
  • 3 to 5 could be major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph)

Read the complete report:  NOAA: Atlantic hurricane season on track to be above-normal

Additional References
NOAA 2013 Hurricane Season Predictions 
CSU 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Prediction

NOAA predicts a near-normal 2012 Atlantic hurricane season

NOAA predicts near-normal Eastern Pacific hurricane season 

NOAA expects below-normal Central Pacific hurricane season  

Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and Landfall Strike Probability for 2012 - PDF Format

Atlantic Hurricane Summary Archive 

2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season 

Active 2011 hurricane season breaks 'Hurricane Amnesia' 

The 2011 North Atlantic Hurricane Season A Climate Perspective 

2011 Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season - National Hurricane Center

Tropical Storm Erin Formed in Atlantic

Interactive Map of Erin

Tropical Storm ERIN

Tropical Storm ERIN	500 PM AST SUN AUG 18 2013 ...ERIN DEGENERATES INTO A REMNANT LOW... ...THIS IS THE LAST ADVISORY...
WIND:	NEAR 35 MPH...55 KM/H...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:	NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT
SHIP IMPACT:	NONE

Storm Archive       Graphics Archive

The fifth Tropical storm of the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season formed over the far east Atlantic prompting the government Cape Verde Islands to issue  Watches and Warnings.  Erin strengthened into a tropical storm and then weakened into a depression a couple times.  Will it regenerate as it continues?

NHC ACTIVE STORMS (CLICK HERE)

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES (CLICK HERE)

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Here

  
SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...20.4N 39.8W
ABOUT 1080 MI...1740 KM WNW OF THE CAPE VERDE ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 260 DEGREES AT 8 MPH...13 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1009 MB...29.80 INCHES
 

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 35 MPH...55 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  SOME WEAKENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

HISTORICAL DATA:

1100 PM AST WED AUG 14 2013
...TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS OVER THE FAR EAST ATLANTIC...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR THE SOUTHERN CAPE VERDE
ISLANDS... 

800 AM AST THU AUG 15 2013
...DEPRESSION BECOMES TROPICAL STORM ERIN WEST-SOUTHWEST OF THE
SOUTHERN CAPE VERDE ISLANDS... 

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* THE SOUTHERN CAPE VERDE ISLANDS OF MAIO...SANTIAGO...FOGO...AND
BRAVA

1100 AM AST FRI AUG 16 2013
...ERIN WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION... 

1100 PM AST FRI AUG 16 2013
...ERIN IS A TROPICAL STORM AGAIN... 

1100 PM AST SAT AUG 17 2013
...ERIN WEAKENS TO A DEPRESSION AGAIN... 

50 Million Guests Can't Be Wrong

#RoyalWOW

Royal Caribbean International®

Celebrates Major Milestone

50 Million Guests

This year there has been a lot of negative press and attention to the cruise industry.  While the majority of the press was aimed at one particular cruise line, all lines have seen an impact.  The industry is strong and in the long run, this will only be a small blip on the radar.  In fact, Royal Caribbean International has just welcomed their 50 millionth guest onboard their ships.

We live in what seems like "tragic times".   Every night on the news there are more stories with sad news about death, injury, and disasters, than there are uplifting stories with happy endings.  Through  the marvels of technology, we are connected in ways never before imagined and can be "live" on the scene anywhere in the world as news breaks out.

Unfortunately, there are many people that have considered cruising, but were not certain it was right for them.   When prospective first-time cruisers listen to the news and hear only negative "facts", it is understandable that they have doubts, and often decide to stay within their comfort zone.

Here is an Uplifting Story With More Happiness to Come

Royal Caribbean International was founded as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in 1968.  They currently operate with a fleet of 21 ships, two of which are the largest ships afloat in the entire industry.  There are three more ships being built over the next 3 years.

When you go on vacation, whether it be on a cruise, or to a hotel nearby or far from home, you have some expectations about your experience.    Royal Caribbean strives to deliver the "WOW" to each and every guest each time they sail on one of their ships. 

Royal Caribbean, upon achieving this milestone, has demonstrated that it has delivered on that goal over the years.  Guests who sail on RCI are very loyal.  In fact their Crown & Anchor® Society just recently expanded their tiers to recognize members with 700 or more cruise points (which reflect the number of cruises, nights, and type of accommodations).

Celebrating All Year

Royal Caribbean is celebrating this milestone all year long.   Currently they are asking guests to submit their "WOWs"  via Facebook, Twitter, or other means.  For more information see their 50 Million Guests Page.   Watch this video to learn more about this milestone.

As part of this year-long celebration, we are collecting your ideas about what you'd like to see on the next Oasis-class ship.  Maybe your idea will come to life ...   What Would You Like to See on Third Oasis-Class Ship

CONGRATULATIONS ROYAL CARIBBEAN ON THIS ACHIEVEMENT 

On a personal note, I'd like to thank Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President Sales and Trade Support & Service, and the entire Royal Caribbean family for being such great travel partners.  Together we strive to exceed our guest's dreams day after day.   It is pretty easy to do when we can offer such a great product as RCI delivers the #RoyalWOW.

What Would You Like to See on Third Oasis-Class Ship

Submit Your Ideas On our Facebook Page

As Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas begin the first signs of visible construction, Two Sisters Under Construction, it would be easy to overlook a third new build that is about to start. Construction of the third Oasis-class ship will begin in September 2013 at the STX France shipyards. The ship is expected to be delivered to Royal Caribbean sometime in 2016.

It is too early for details to be released, but amongst the reader's comments on the blog article Building New Cruise Ships: Unique & Unusual Stories, written by Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, he asked readers what they would like to see on the new ship.  You'll have to see that article for some of the examples posted so far.

What Would You Like To See On New Oasis Ship?

As you know, Royal Caribbean has taken the best features from Oasis and Allure and, via the Royal Advantage program, are introducing them fleet wide.  Our assumption is that the new Oasis-class ship will preserve the features of her sister ships, but there's always room for new innovation as well.

We thought it would be fun to build our own list of things we'd like to see on the new ship.  There is so much to do on the current Oasis-class ships, and so many innovations already in existence today... but what is missing?   If you were part of the planning committee, what ideas would you bring to the table?

Submit Your Ideas - Click the Image above to Enter Them via our Facebook Fan Page

We'll Gather Them and Bring them with us to our National Conference next month and share them with the Royal Caribbean Executive Team.

Two Sisters Under Construction

Quantum of the Seas Keel Laying
Photo courtesy Meyer Werft

Royal Caribbean

New Sister-Ships

Construction Milestones

On August 2, 2013, in the German village of Papenburg, the traditional "laying of the keel" took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard for Royal Caribbean's new ship Quantum of the Seas.

The maritime industry is one that is filled with traditions that live on today.   One of those traditions is the laying of the keel ceremony, which is marked by a celebration that includes the placement of a ceremonial coin under the new ship's keel for good luck.   In modern times,  laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event.  

A 430-ts block was put in place in the yard's covered building dock. Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President Maritime of Royal Caribbean International, put down the lucky penny in the dock before the block of the new ship was lowered by the 800-ts crane. 

The first of a total of 74 blocks of the new cruise liner weighs 430 tons. This keel-laying marks the official start of construction of the Quantum of the Seas. For the time being the 167,800-gt Quantum of the Seas is the biggest ship the shipyard has built so far.

Anthem of the Seas Steel Cutting - Courtesy Meyer Werft

Prior to this the first steel-cutting for her sister ship Anthem of the Seas took place at MEYER WERFT 's laser centre. Delivery of the Anthem of the Seas is scheduled in the spring 2015, that of the Quantum of the Seas as early as in the autumn of 2014.

The Oasis and Allure of the Seas will remain the largest ships in the industry, at 220,000 gt, when these two new ships join the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

The ship will include many of the features from the Oasis-class along with some new innovations such as  a parachuting simulator, bumper cars, virtual balconies and many more.  Studio staterooms will allow solo travelers to enjoy their space, inside and out, with 12 of the 28 cabins including balconies.
   

Visit our Quantum of the Seas Microsite

Related Blog Articles:

Quantum Changes for Cruisers
Prepare to be WOWED – The Quantum Class
Royal Caribbean Has a New Star

Thanks for Visiting our Booth at HPCRC Car Show

Hanover Park

Car Show

What comes to mind when you put "Cruise" and "Cars" in the same sentence?

Normally you'd think about a "cruise night" when owners show off their cars and all the work that they have put into them.

Well, we took our "cruise" and vacation show on the road as well today as we participated in Hanover Park Community Resource Coalition's (HPCRC) annual Motorcycle and Car Show at the Hanover Park Metra Station.  

It was our pleasure to be part of this annual event supporting the work of HPCRC, a non-profit organization that provides a safe and supportive environment with multiple educational resources for the youth and adults of our community through tutoring, mentoring, and advocacy by trained and dedicated volunteers.

There were more than 150 cars and motorcycles on display for attendees to visit and cast their votes for trophies and other awards that were later presented by Hanover Park's mayor to the winners.

We couldn't have asked for a better day.  Temperatures were in the upper 70s with cloud cover most of the day keeping the warm August sun from baking the crowd.  There was a threat of rain in the forecast, but that held off until about an hour or so after the show ended.

Those that visited our booth, which was part of the vendor fair, had an opportunity to explore vacation options ranging from trips to Disney resorts to cruises of all lengths on the seven seas. It is possible to tie in your love of cars into your vacation.  Disneyland has a "Cars" attraction based on the animated film.   You could sail away to Monaco and see the track which runs through town just to name a couple options.

We encourage you to check out our many resources to help you explore vacations options.  Better yet, give us a call, tell us what you like to do, and let us work our magic finding you the perfect vacation.

If you haven’t signed up for our eSavers Newsletter yet, be sure to do so. This is just one of our communication vehicles to keep you informed about industry news and special offers for our loyal followers.




Be sure to visit our Facebook Fan Page and "Like Us" so that you can be in the inner circle of our Fans. You’ll have the opportunity to be the first to know about specials and other exclusive information, such as updates from cruise lines.

Meet Us at Hanover Park Car Show

Visit Our Booth
Hanover Park Car Show

Attention car enthusiasts - don't miss the Hanover Park Motorcycle & Car Show this weekend in Hanover Park, Illinois. This charitable event, which benefits children in the area, will have motorcycles and cars of all shapes and sizes as well as a vendor show.

Would you like to see some of the fastest cars in the world compete?

We'll have information at our booth about the 2014 Grand Prix voyages on Azamara Club Cruises.

Ask about Grand Prix Voyages

Monaco Grand Prix. Join us for the renowned Monaco Grand Prix, one of the world's most challenging Formula One races through the narrow streets of Monte-Carlo. The thrill of screaming engines and burning tires is matched by glamorous crowds and yachts, buzzing helicopters, and celebrities who know a good party when they see one.

You can select from a 4 Night or 8 Night voyage, both of which will be in Monaco on race day.  Whether you purchase Grand Prix tickets and watch the race, visit the Grand Casino, or other nearby attractions, your day in Monaco will certainly be one of the highlights of your cruise vacation.

AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima courtesy Vahali

AmaPrima Christening (17 photos)

AmaWaterways' AmaPrima River Ship Christened by Valerie Wilson

Valerie Wilson of Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc.is the godmother of AmaWaterways newest ship, the AmaPrima. The traditional christening ceremony was held in Vilshofen, Germany.

The tradition of christening a ship originated more than 4,000 years ago. A respected and well-known woman is carefully selected to serve as the new ship’s godmother, entrusted with blessing the vessel at a special christening ceremony. The blessing for the safety of the ship’s passengers and crew typically concludes with the time-honored ritual of breaking a Champagne bottle against the ship’s hull.

AmaPrima Details & Itineraries

The AmaPrima, a sister ship to the AmaCerto, is a deluxe 164-feet passenger vessel that incorporates many innovative design features, including Twin Balcony Staterooms and Suites, which measure up to 350 sq. feet. Dutch shipbuilders,Vahali, completed this second order of the Swiss-American company AmaWaterways AG back in March.   The ship has been sailing Danube itineraries since April.
 
Guests will enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations with free-flowing fine wine and beer at a choice of dining venues. The AmaPrima also features a heated pool with swim-up bar, massage and beauty salon, fitness center, and complimentary in-room Internet access and ship-wide Wi-Fi. The AmaPrima even carries a fleet of bicycles onboard so guests can enjoy Europe’s many miles of scenic riverside bike paths on their own.

The AmaPrima serves the Dutch and Belgium Waterways and the Danube and Rhine Rivers on 10 itineraries: Tulip Time Cruise; The Romantic Danube; Melodies of the Danube; The Legendary Danube; Blue Danube Discovery; Black Sea Voyage; Magnificent Europe; Grand Danube Cruise; Christmas Time Cruise; and Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube.

Consult our River Cruising Guide to learn more about AMA Waterways and the other river cruise companies.  River cruising is an up and coming alternative to large vessel cruising. It is possible to dock in the heart of your destination where you can be immersed in the culture and history.

Worldwide Travel Alert August 2013

August 02, 2013

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula.  Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August.  This Travel Alert expires on August 31, 2013. 

Full Text of Alert

It is important to note that the alert doesn't make any reference to a specific threat, but rather just encourages American citizens to be vigilant and stay informed of current news as they travel.   This is common sense which should be exercised regardless of whether or not an alert has been issued.

Temporary Post Closures and Worldwide Travel Alert

One of the more important ways that U.S. Citizens can keep informed while traveling abroad is by  enrolling in the U.S. Department of State's STEP service.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.

STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.

Additional travel information can be found on International Travel (static tab on blog) and Travel Tools (on our website). Topics include: Tips for Traveling Abroad, Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information & Travel Alerts 

We encourage all cruise passengers to be familiar with travel alerts, warnings, tips, and country specific requirements before leaving home.  Make sure that you leave your itinerary with someone at home and that you are adequately protected by travel insurance.

Tropical Storm Henriette in the East Pacific

Henriette

Post-Tropical HENRIETTE	1100 AM HST SUN AUG 11 2013 Henriette weakens to a post-tropical/remnant  low passing several hundred  miles south of the Hawaiian islands This is the last advisory
WIND:	near 35 mph, 55 km/h, with higher gusts
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:	NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT
SHIP IMPACT:	NO CRUISE SHIPS IMPACTED

CPHC Storm Archive       Storm Archive       Graphics Archive 

A new tropical depression formed on Saturday and became a named Tropical Storm, Henriette, 24 hours later. 2013 Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season.  The storm formed off the southwest coast of Mexico.  Henriette is expected to become a hurricane Wednesday but it shouldn't cause any problems for land.

NHC ACTIVE STORMS (CLICK HERE)

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES (CLICK HERE)

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Here

LOCATION: 13.5N 158.5W
ABOUT 485 MI: 780 KM SSW OF HILO HAWAII
ABOUT 540 MI: 870 KM S OF HONOLULU HAWAII
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 35 MPH: 55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT: W OR 270 DEGREES AT 22 MPH: 35 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE: 1010 MB or 29.83 INCHES

 Historical Data:

800 AM PDT SAT AUG 03 2013
...NEW TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC...

800 AM PDT SUN AUG 04 2013
...DEPRESSION BECOMES A TROPICAL STORM...

200 AM PDT TUE AUG 06 2013

...HENRIETTE STRENGTHENS INTO A HURRICANE...

Must be Summer - Egypt Calls Canceled

Egyptian Sphinx - Courtesy Azamara Club Cruises

 Cruise Line 

Itinerary Changes

Princess Cruises and Seabourn become the latest lines to alter itineraries to avoid Egypt.

This situation has been going on for the last several summers, so it doesn't come as a huge surprise.

The lines have been monitoring the political unrest in Egypt and adjusting schedules in the interest of passenger safety.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Recent Embassy Notices for American Citizens   

(July 3, 2013) The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Egypt and U.S. citizens living in Egypt to depart at this time because of the continuing political and social unrest.  More...

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Egypt enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  


American Citizens Services Facebook page (Egypt Embassy)

Additional links can be found on our International Travel Page

Cruise Line Advisories:

Holland America Line Travel Adviory
Seabourn Travel Advisory
 

Here are itinerary changes that we are aware of at this time:

SHIP	ORIGINAL	MODIFIED
Pacific Princess	Alexaneria Aug 1-2	Santorini & Corru
Dawn Princess	Safaga August 7	Ashod (for Jerusalem)
Dawn Princess	Alexandria August 10	Isarael
Dawn Princess	Sharm El Sheikh September 14	Crete (Aghios Nikolas) Greece
Seabourn Legend	Alexandria October 11	Santorini, Crete, Marmaris
Seabourn Legend	Hurghada October 24	Iraklion, Crete
Seabourn Legend	Sharm El Sheikh October 26	Rhodes, Haifa
Seabourn Legend	Safaga, for Luxor October 27-28	Ashdod and Aqaba
Seabourn Odyssey	Hurghada October 18	Sea Day
Seabourn Odyssey	Safaga, for Luxor October 20-21	Sea Day
ms Noordam	Alexandria August 15 & 26 Sailings	Ashdod (Jerusalem) & Haifa (Tel Aviv, Nazareth), Israel
ms Noordam	Port Said & Alexandria October 20 Sailing	Haifa (Tel Aviv, Nazareth), Israel, & Limassol, Cyprus
ms Rotterdam	Port Said & Alexandria October 31 & November 20 Sailings	Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey and Limassol, Cyprus
ms Prinsendam	Port Said & Alexandria October 28 Sailing	Rhodes, Greece, and Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

Carnvial in Middle of Venice Controversy

Carnival Sunshine

Too Close to Shore?

According to reports in the Italian press, an alleged incident involving Carnival Sunshine has triggered cries from Andrea Marcucci, head of Italy's Senate committee on art and culture, to ban cruise ships from sailing in the Venice lagoon.

This is not a new controversy.  We reported news about this shortly after the Costa Concordia shipwreck in our article Concordia Disaster Rekindles Venice Restrictions.  Even before then, there had been concerns raised about the harm done by cruise ships in Venice.

Claims Unfounded

British tabloids "The Telegraph" and "The Daily Mail"  broke the news citing information contained in the Italian news agency ANSA's article from July 29th.  Carnival Cruise Lines, The Italian Coast Guard and others contend that the alleged "sail by" did not occur.   

The interesting thing is that cruise line captains are not under the control of their vessels when they enter the Venice lagoon.   A pilot boards the vessel and takes control.  So, even if the news were true, it would not be the fault of the captain, but rather that of the pilot who should know the waters.

In addition, the ship is guided by two tugs, one in front and one in the rear of the ship.   Therefore, it is highly unlikely that all these local operators would steer the vessel too close to port.

Sailing into Venice in the early morning is a magnificent event.  It would be a shame if some hidden agendas prevented ships from seeing this perspective of Venice.

View our photo album on our Facebook Fan Page:

Arriving in Venice by Cruise Ship