NOAA 2012 Hurricane Season Predictions

NOAA predicts a Near-normal 2012 Atlantic & Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season

  NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released its annual Spring Hurricane predictions today. 

Atlantic: Conditions in the atmosphere and the ocean favor a near-normal hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin this season.


Eastern Pacific: Climate conditions point to a near-normal hurricane season in the Eastern Pacific this year. The outlook calls for a 50 percent probability of a near-normal season, a 30 percent probability of a below-normal season and a 20 percent probability of an above-normal season.

Looking for past & current hurricanes?  Click Image or Here

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Hurricane Season Approaching 

In the image above, courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Irene made landfall at approximately 7:30 am EDT on Aug. 27, 2011, near Cape Lookout, N.C. with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (Category 1). This NOAA GOES-13 satellite image captures Irene’s landfall moment.

This was the scariest  moment during the 2011 Hurricane Season.   NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) had predicted an active season, but as Warnings Issued for Hurricane Irene, it was also the finest hour for NOAA's NHC as they had accurately predicted the path of the storm four days earlier.

Looking Back at 2011

In the chart below, the numbers in parenthesis are the averages, so you can easily see that the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season was above average, with 2011 ranking as the 14th busiest season since 1966.

Atlantic Basin

Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)	NOAA 2011 Prediction	2011 Actual Results
Named Storms (NS) (9.6)	12-18	19
Hurricanes (H) (5.9)	6-10	7
Major Hurricanes (MH) (2.3)	3-6	4
Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) (96.1)	105 - 200	138

For more details, read the complete NOAA 2011 Atlantic Seasonal Climate Summary

The 2011 Eastern Northern Pacific Hurricane Season was well above average. Despite predictions of a near-normal season, there were eleven named storms, ten hurricanes and six major hurricanes, all of which were above-average.

East Pacific

Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)	NOAA 2011 Prediction	2011 Actual Results
Named Storms (NS) (9.6)	9 - 15	11
Hurricanes (H) (5.9)	5 - 8	10
Major Hurricanes (MH) (2.3)	1 - 3	6
Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) (96.1)	45 - 105	118

For more details, read the complete NOAA 2011 Eastern Pacific Seasonal Climate Summary
 

Looking Ahead to 2012

As is customary, the Colorado State University releases its predictions in  April and NOAA releases its predictions in late May.  See our blog post,  Below Average 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Prediction, for CSU's 2012 predictions.  They discontinued their December predictions due to previous inaccuracies.

Atlantic Basin

Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)	NOAA 2011 Prediction	CSU 2011 Prediction
Named Storms (NS) (9.6)	9 - 15	10
Hurricanes (H) (5.9)	4 - 8	4
Major Hurricanes (MH) (2.3)	1 - 3	2
Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) (96.1)	65 - 140	70

East Pacific

Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)	NOAA 2011 Prediction
Named Storms (NS) (9.6)	9 - 15
Hurricanes (H) (5.9)	5 - 8
Major Hurricanes (MH) (2.3)	1 - 3
Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) (96.1)	45 -105

Based on these early season predictions, and despite the early jump start on the Hurricane Season, this year should be near-normal.   Of course, that doesn't imply that we should be complacent.  It only takes one major hurricane making landfall to cause significant loss of life and property.

Additional References

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

2011 In Review

Recapping Some of the Major Stories of 2011

Notable Cruise Line Highlights

Three Queens Meet ... On a cold wintry day in January, 3 queens met in New York Harbor.  Cunard Lines Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria  rendezvoused by the Statue of Liberty as crowds watched an amazing fireworks display. Read more ... Royal Rendezvous New York

Watching Live ... Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, appeared on CBS televisions popular "Undercover Boss" where he learned first-hand what the crew faces to bring Freestyle Cruising to their guests.  Read more ... NCL's Boss Goes Undercover    

New Ships ... Several ships entered service this year including Disney Dream, which is the first of two new ships being added to that fleet.   Read more ... Welcome Home Disney Dream

Returning to Service ... One of the most notable cruise line events in 2010 was the fire aboard Carnival Splendor.  The ship returned to service this year where it continues to be one of the few ships in the Mexican Riviera.   Read more ... Carnival Splendor Resumed Cruises

These are just a few of the top cruise line stories making the headlines of our blog posts this past year.

Political Unrest &  Other Issues

Economics, Violence, Unrest ... Poor economic conditions prompted strikes and political unrest in several European & Middle Eastern countries this year impacting cruise line schedules.  Since cruise lines take passenger and crew safety very highly, many itineraries were changed to avoid conflict areas.  Here are some of the notable stories:

Bahrain Protests Spark Cruise Changes Cruise Lines Pull Out of Mazatlan Unrest in Tunisia Prompts Cruise Changes More Changes for Mexican Ports of Call

Egypt Travel Alert Impacts Cruises Protests in Egypt Prompt More Cancellations Protests in Athens Greece

Weather & Natural Disasters

Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Hurricanes, Snow storms, Volcanic Eruptions ... There were several natural disasters and weather-related interruptions to travel, including cruises, this past year.  The most devastating event had to be the earthquakes and resulting tsunami in Japan.  The entire world watched as the country tried to avoid a nuclear disaster.  

Historic Snowstorm Predicted Severe Tsunami Impacting Japan & Hawaii Strong Quakes Continue to Rattle Japan Massive New Zealand Quake and Tsunami Alert 2011 Hurricane Season in Review

After the Tohoku Earthquake Grímsvötn Volcano Causes Travel Woes Iceland Volcanic Ash Grounds Flights Puyehue Volcano Erupts in Southern Chile

As 2012 dawns, the cruise lines that are in the Mexican Riviera are still avoiding Mazatlan,  some of the eliminated European and Middle Eastern ports of call have had some limited resumption of service, and weather will continue to impact schedules.  We will continue to monitor changes in the industry and events that have an impact on cruise schedules in the upcoming months.   Wave Season is about to start, so contact us with your bucket list so that we can watch for specials that might be of interest.

We wish you all a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.   The Sea is Calling ...

Nautical Connection to Boxing Day

BOXING DAY

In Britain, Boxing Day is usually celebrated December 26th, the day after Christmas. However, strictly speaking, Boxing Day is the first weekday after Christmas.

Behind the Tradition

December 26th was the day to share the Christmas Box with the poor. Traditionally wealthy people and homeowners in the United Kingdom would give a box containing a gift to their servants. Today Boxing Day is better known as a bank or public holiday which is observed in Great Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and some other Commonwealth nations.

To protect ships

During the Age of Exploration, when great sailing ships were setting off to discover new land, A Christmas Box was used as a good luck device. It was a small container placed on each ship while it was still in port. It was put there by a priest, and those crewmen who wanted to ensure a safe return would drop money into the box. It was then sealed up and kept on board for the entire voyage.

If the ship came home safely, the box was handed over to the priest in the exchange for the saying of a Mass of thanks for the success of the voyage. The Priest would keep the box sealed until Christmas when he would open it to share the contents with the poor.

Happy Hanukkah 2011

Happy Hanukkah ! The Holiday Season has arrived. The eight-day Festival of Lights begins tonight December 20th at Sundown and continues through December 28th. At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah (candelabrum) lighting: a single flame on the first night, two on the second evening, and so on till the eighth night of Chanukah, when all eight lights are kindled.   More info....

We love cruising around the holiday time because the ships are decorated for the season.  As you know the ship's crew is made up of many nationalities and faiths.  So too are the passengers that board the vessel for each cruise.  The cruise lines try to make the environment fitting for all regardless of their beliefs and also will accommodate special requests to help you celebrate.

Holiday time is a time for families. Regardless of the holiday that you celebrate, there is one common theme ... spending time together as a family to celebrate the holiday. As we walked along the decks of the ship and saw the decorations, we couldn't help but think about the ship's crew. For the most part, the crew will not be spending time with families this holiday season. They will be onboard providing service to passengers just like they do every day of the year.

This past week we saw troops leaving Iraq, some of which were heading home to families and friends in time for the holidays.  Many of them have missed several holidays.   Unfortunately, not all military will be home for the holidays, so once again let us keep the troops and their families in our thoughts, that they remain safe and can one year safely return in time for the holidays.

Whether you are together for the holidays or separated by many miles, may this be a season filled with joy and happiness. Thank you to those that serve, both on the ships and in the military - our thoughts are with you and your families during this time. Happy Holidays to All.

Chipwrecked on Carnival Dream

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011)

December 16 marks the release date of ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED!, the third installment of the blockbuster movie franchise produced by Fox 2000 Pictures that was shot aboard the Carnival Dream.

Filming took place primarily on Carnival Dream’s open decks with scenes featuring actor Jason Lee (reprising his role as Dave Seville) and the antics of the three beloved chipmunks shot within the ship’s expansive outdoor recreation areas.

Tropical ports on the Carnival Dream’s western Caribbean itinerary, including Cozumel, Roatan, Belize and Costa Maya, also provided a stunning backdrop for many of the movie’s shipboard scenes.

The Chipmunks certainly picked a fabulous itinerary for their little adventure.  This public pool right in the heart of Costa Maya's port shopping district is the perfect place to soak up some Caribbean sun, have your favorite beverage, or relax in one of the shady areas.

The Chipmunks and The Chipettes (three female counterparts to the Chipmunks) go on a cruise trip with the Chipmunks' owner/manager/father figure, Dave Seville. During the cruise, the 'Munks and 'Ettes turn the ship into their personal playground, causing trouble and running amuck as they will. Eventually, their chaotic behavior gets them ship wrecked on the Isles of Scilly, everyone getting lost in the process. As Dave sets out to look for the lost chipmunk trios, the six find a new castaway on the island who turns out to be more than a match for the trios.

Speaking of movies,  you can watch movies, concerts, news, sporting events, and even watch others shake their "groove thing" on Carnival Dream's Carnival Seaside Theatre.  It is a 12'x22' jumbo-sized LED screen with a crystal-clear picture and a 70,000-watt, easy-to-hear sound system. This is one of the innovations on the Dream which sails year-round, from beautiful Galveston, TX to the exotic Eastern and Western Caribbean.

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Happy St. Nicholas Day 2011

Christmas Time in Europe

St. Nicholas of Myra is a popular Christian Saint among children across Europe because of his reputation as a bringer of gifts. Both the North American Santa Claus and the British Father Christmas are legendary figures whose attributes derive from the myths surrounding St. Nicholas.


Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas' feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poor—and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas is celebrated on the 5th, the eve of the day, by sharing candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint's horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. Simple gift-giving in early Advent helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the Christ Child.

Patron of Sailors and Voyagers

Sailors, claiming St. Nicholas as patron, carried stories of his favor and protection far and wide. St. Nicholas chapels were built in many seaports.

Several stories tell of Nicholas and the sea. When he was young, Nicholas sought the holy by making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. There as he walked where Jesus walked, he sought to more deeply experience Jesus' life, passion, and resurrection. Returning by sea, a mighty storm threatened to wreck the ship. Nicholas calmly prayed. The terrified sailors were amazed when the wind and waves suddenly calmed, sparing them all. And so St. Nicholas is the patron of sailors and voyagers.

2011 Hurricane Season in Review

2011 Hurricane Season 

In Review

The 2011 Hurricane Season for the Atlantic and East Pacific Basins officially ends today.  NOAA's predictions turn out to be very accurate once again.

Active Atlantic (Above Average)

In the Atlantic, there were a total of 19 named storms, the third highest since 1851, from which 7 became hurricanes.  Of those, 3 were major hurricanes.   Irene was the lone hurricane to hit the United States in 2011, and the first one to do so since Ike struck southeast Texas in 2008. Irene was also the most significant tropical cyclone to strike the Northeast since Hurricane Bob in 1991.

Atlantic Basin

Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)	NOAA 2011 Prediction	2011 Actual Results
Named Storms (NS) (9.6)	12-18	19
Hurricanes (H) (5.9)	6-10	7
Major Hurricanes (MH) (2.3)	3-6	3

East Pacific (Above Average Hurricanes)

The East Pacific was less active than the Atlantic as predicted with a total of 11 named storms, well within the predicted range, from which 10 became hurricanes with 6 becoming major hurricanes.  The number and strength of the hurricanes was higher than predicted.

East Pacific

Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)	NOAA 2011 Prediction	2011 Actual Results
Named Storms (NS) (9.6)	9-15	11
Hurricanes (H) (5.9)	5-8	10
Major Hurricanes (MH) (2.3)	1-3	6

Keeping a Watchful Eye

As we have in past years, we monitored the major storms and published updated information on the impact of the tropical weather in both the Atlantic and Pacific regions.  We introduced a new static page,  Hurricane Zone, which served as an index to all the active storms with three storms being active simultaneously at the peak of the season.  The static page also is a clearing house for past information about hurricane seasons as well as predictions and preparedness information from past and present seasons. 

Cruise lines monitored all the storms and altered itineraries on several occasions.   By far the most disruptive storm was Irene since it lingered up the East Coast of the United States and made landfall.  No storms in the Pacific made landfall this year.

Looking for past or current hurricanes?  Click Image or Here

The 2011 Hurricane Season in 4.5 minutes (courtesy of NOAA)
We welcome your feedback about the format used for Hurricane Zone and the individual blog posts. Our intention is to keep our readers updated as best we can on the progress and impact of the tropical storms. We include links which can provide up-to-the-minute updates directly from the NHC, cruise lines, and other sources which can be used between updates.

“Although the 2011 hurricane season has ended, our need to prepare for disasters hasn't,” said Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “Being prepared for all kinds of hazards, from hurricanes to blizzards to tornadoes, is a year-round activity. We encourage all members of the team, especially the public, to continue to prepare for emergencies by staying informed of forecasted weather events, making an emergency plan, and building your emergency preparedness kit. Visit Ready.gov to learn more.”

NOAA will issue its initial outlook for the 2012 hurricane season in May just prior to the official start of the season on June 1.  We will start our coverage with the 2012 Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

Where is Chris?

HAPPY
THANKSGIVING

Allure of the Seas

 

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here already. Where did 2011 go? As has become my tradition, I'd like to share with you some of the things that I'm thankful for and highlight some of my adventures this year.

I hope that you, your family, and friends have plenty to be thankful for this holiday season. I know that I have plenty of things to be thankful for, including my health, family, and friends and the ability to share my love of cruising with all of you. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to explore new worlds with family and friends again this year.

While this has been another tough economic year, it appears that the cruise industry has weathered the storm once again.

The value of cruising has never been stronger. Even in these tough times, more and more families have taken to the seas.  Indications are that the record discounts offered the past two years will be coming to an end.  In the meantime those discounts have made cruising an even better value, and consequently we have seen a surge in first-time cruisers.

The photos above are from some of our cruises this year.  The highlight of the year was our Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruise on Star Princess.   We spent two nights in Rome before the cruise and one additional night after returning to Rome by train from Venice, Italy.  If you can't guess where I am in the picture above, I'm in Fira, Santorini, Greece.  Our ship can be seen in the background. Learn more about our cruise in our article: Diary of Cruise with Chris to Greek Isles
 

Cruises Inc. and Cruise One held the 2011 National Conference on Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas which just ended its inaugural season sailing to the Eastern and Western Caribbean on alternate weeks.  We have written several articles on the Allure and posted many photos on our Facebook Fan Page.


We wonder what the Pilgrims, who came to the New World in Tall Ships, would think about the Allure of the Seas.  Their ships measured 110 feet, held 150 passengers at most, and took months to cross the Atlantic.  The Allure is more than 10 times that length (1182 feet), holds almost 8000 passengers and crew, and took just a couple weeks to cross the Atlantic.

Thank you for making our blog column a part of your lives in 2011.   I hope that the information we share helps you to dream about future cruises of your own. I'd be honored to help you plan those trips. I have the best job in the world - helping make dreams come true. For that, I'm truly thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

Thoughts on Veterans Day 2011

Veterans Day 2011

11-11-11

First and foremost, today is the annual observance of Veteran's Day, a day set aside to honor the nation's veterans.   The image in this article was taken at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France, on one of our cruises several years ago.    The image of row after row of crosses will never leave me.

Every day we go about our business, and I suspect most of us take our freedom for granted.   It isn't because we aren't caring people, but instead perhaps because we just don't think about it.  So I ask you today to take a moment to reflect on the veterans, living and deceased, for without whose service we wouldn't be the free nation we are today.

 Veterans Share Their Special Day

One year ago today there were two other events superimposed on Veteran's Day. We wrote about Carnival Splendor, which was towed into San Diego following a fire onboard. The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy had come to their rescue bringing provisions. That story was about our Armed Forces in action for a peaceful purpose.

We also wrote about Allure of the Seas which was making its way amidst water cannons and cheering crowds into its new home port in Florida. Our Nation's flag was unfurled as a salute to the new vessel as the ceremonies combined Veteran's Day and the Allure's arrival in a musical tribute.

This year, we scanned the news wire and found out that businesses around the globe are offering 11-11-11 deals and discounts to celebrate the serendipity of what some are calling "The Luckiest Calendar Numbers in a Century."

In numerology, 11 is considered a "Master Number" and those who have 11 in their birth date are said to be endowed with special gifts of leadership and inspiration, with an overwhelming desire to achieve something extraordinary.   Eleven has always been considered lucky in Las Vegas with 11  being a winning dice combination in the game of craps and drawing an 11 in blackjack is a very lucky hand since it can lead to a 21 which is the best hand.

Let's not forget Veterans on their special day... as a reminder, Carnival Cruise Lines is honoring the military with a special promotion all month long:  Carnival Cruises November Military Promotion

THANK YOU FROM A GRATEFUL NATION

Those words are spoken when the folded U.S. Flag is presented to the family at a military funeral ceremony.  Today let us all echo those words and say thank you.    There are many ways to become involved and say thank you in a very meaningful way.   Cruise lines offer discounts to military, including veterans.   Local organizations gather goodies to send to the troops currently serving overseas.   Volunteers help out at local VA Hospitals across the nation.   If you want to get involved personally, check out the VA Voluntary Service website for some ideas.

Epic Storm Bearing Down on Alaska

Watches, Warnings, and Advisories

Hurricane-force Winds 

Heavy Snowfall 

Coastal Flooding & Severe Erosion

NOAA is predicting a major Bering Sea Storm bearing down on Western Alaska with a mix of strong winds, high seas, blizzard conditions and major coastal flooding. Warnings and forecasts for Western and Northwest Alaska can be found here. Warnings and forecasts for the Aleutian & Pribilof Islands here and Southwest Alaska can be found here. An additional resource for total water level estimations for some western Alaska communities can be found here. (11/08/11)

  ...Life-Threatening Epic Storm Continues to Impact Western Alaska Coast This Morning...
Published (NWS): Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:16:35 EST

A powerful and extremely dangerous storm of near-record magnitude is now impacting western Alaska. Impacts will spread northwest and continue through Thursday in some communities. Coastal Flood and Blizzard Warnings are in effect for most of the Alaska’s west and northwest coasts. At 3:00 a.m. EST (11:00 p.m. AKST) the center of the low pressure system was located about 100 miles west of St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea, with a minimum central pressure of 943 mb (27.85 inches). This is one of the deepest systems in recent history to move through the Bering Sea. The storm is expected to move north-northeast this morning, as conditions worsen, creating a life-threatening situation for a large portion of the western Alaska coast today, especially in the Seward Peninsula near Nome, which is getting hit hard by blizzard conditions and 70 mph winds, along with 8 foot coastal storm surge.

Lack of Sea Ice Problematic

Arctic sea ice this year reached the second-lowest coverage since satellite records began in 1979, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colorado. While powerful storms in the North Pacific and Bering Sea are common for this time of year, this storm is unusual because it is going farther north.   Also, without the cover of sea ice, Alaska's coast will feel the full brunt of the 6 to 9 foot storm surge.

Be Prepared for

Winter Storms & Extreme Cold 

Federal, state and local agencies were making emergency preparations in advance of the storm.

Tropical Storm Sean Heading for Bermuda

19th Tropical Depression

Forms in the Atlantic

Strengthened into Tropical Storm Sean
 

Cruise Ship Impact     Current Watches & Warnings

Atlantic Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook 

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

1100 PM AST FRI NOV 11 2011
 
...SEAN HAS MERGED WITH A COLD FRONT...THIS IS THE LAST
ADVISORY...

The latest tropical storm that we are monitoring reminds us that the 2011 Hurricane Season doesn't officially end until the end of this month.   A subtropical storm formed 445 miles southwest of Bermuda in the early morning hours today.  It has strengthened into Tropical Storm Sean.

SUMMARY OF 1100 PM AST...0300 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...36.7N 57.7W
ABOUT 505 MI...815 KM NE OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...ENE OR 60 DEGREES AT 35 MPH...56 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1000 MB...29.53 INCHES

Cruise Ship Travel Advisories

Carnival Tropical Update

RCI Tropical Weather Update

NCL Tropical Weather Updates 

Holland America Travel Advisories 

Celebrity Cruises Travel Advisories  

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking  
NOAA Hurricane Central 

Cruise lines are monitoring the tropical storms for potential impact to this week's cruises.   There is no impact to cruises at this time.

Carnival Pride was delayed getting into Baltimore due to bad weather. Embarkation for Carnival Pride's November 6 Bermuda cruise took place on November 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. The ship was scheduled to arrive in King's Wharf, Bermuda, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday and spend two nights in port. The revised itinerary has the ship arriving Wednesday at 1 p.m. and departing Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

Carnival is providing a partial refund to passengers and refunding pre-paid shore excursion funds.

Current Watches & Warnings

CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

NONE.

THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 48 HOURS.
 
INTERESTS IN BERMUDA SHOULD MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY THE BERMUDA
WEATHER SERVICE.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 40 MPH...65 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  THE POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE IS EXPECTED TO DISSIPATE ON
SATURDAY. 

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND

None

Historical Data:         Archive      Graphics Archive                                           

200 PM AST TUE NOV 08 2011
...SEAN TRANSITIONS TO A TROPICAL STORM... 

400 AM EST TUE NOV 08 2011
...NEW SUBTROPICAL STORM DEVELOPS MIDWAY BETWEEN BERMUDA AND
THE BAHAMAS...

Tropical Storm Resources (click links below)
TROPICAL STORM SEAN	National Hurricane Center
Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook	National Weather Service
Atlantic Tropical Weather Discussion	Hurricane Preparedness
Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (ATL)	Real-Time Hurricane Information
Active Storms	NOAA Satellites & Information
NASA: Latest Storm Images	WMO Severe Weather Information Centre
Real-time Monitoring (Atlantic)	The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
Real-time Weather Sites	Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

 

 

Carnival Cruises November Military Promotion

November 2011 Promotion

Promotion from Carnival Allows Military Personnel to Book Up to Three ‘Fun Ship’ Staterooms at Discounted Rates

In recognition of Veteran’s Day, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering a promotion throughout the month of November allowing active and retired U.S. and Canadian military personnel to book up to three “Fun Ship” staterooms at discounted rates for themselves and their friends and family members.

Carnival Cruise Lines offers Military Rates all the time, but those are normally restricted to one cabin.   Now is the time to take advantage of this special promotion and bring family and friends with you on your cruise vacation.

Reservations must be made between November 1-30, 2011, to qualify for this special offer, which is available in conjunction with a variety of three- to eight-day “Fun Ship” departures through April 30, 2013, including voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska.

Rates start at $229 per person for three-day cruises; $259 per person for four-day cruises; $299 per person for five-day voyages; $399 per person for six-day departures; $449 per person for seven-day voyages; and $579 per person for eight-day sailings. 

Voyages operate from a wide variety of convenient North American homeports along the east and west coasts and Gulf of Mexico.

The promotion is valid for individual bookings only. Military personnel must provide proof of service. Eligible military personnel must sail to take advantage of this offer.  Certain other restrictions apply.

We salute all Veterans and their Families and would be honored to help plan your cruise vacation.  Thank you for your service and sacrifice for your country.

Leaves Changing Colors, Pumpkins, and Snow

October Snow Storm Blankets East Coast (More Pics)

 Cruise Passengers

Arrive Back to SNOW

Passengers arriving from MSC Poesia's 7-Night Canada & New England cruise were greeted by a historic October snowstorm.

The Nor'easter dumped record amounts of snow from New Jersey through New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. More than 2 million homes and businesses were without power as a result of the storm and at least three people died from storm-related causes.

With one month remaining in the 2011 Hurricane Season, one might expect cruises to be impacted by tropical storms.  Mother Nature had something else in mind for this last weekend of October.   Flights were cancelled or delayed for hours at all major airports on the East Coast.  That meant that anyone traveling home from a cruise that docked in the East Coast or planning on leaving from one, probably had a weather related event to deal with.

New Jersey Flights Cancelled


Travel agents attending the 2011 NACTA Convention on MSC Poesia were among those impacted by the flight cancellations.  Our friend, Joan, was among them as she attempted to get home from the convention.  Realizing that it wasn't going to happen on Saturday, she booked a local hotel and headed there to make the best of things.

Today she headed to LGA airport again only to find another delay.   This time the delay was due to unavailability of crew.  Finally a second pilot showed up and everyone cheered.  Passengers were able to board shortly after that.  
 
Stories like these happen all the time. Passengers on their way home from cruises, that ended in the East Coast Saturday, had to find local hotels, if they could get them, and make alternative flights home. That meant unexpected out of pocket expenses for food, hotel, transportation, etc.   For those on the way to cruises, the expense, logistics, and impact on vacation plans perhaps was much greater.   In both those situations, you don't have to be alone.  With the purchase of Travel Insurance, such as Travel Guard Companion that we offer our clients, there is a professional staff at your disposal to help make the emergency travel arrangements.

Tropical Storm Rina in Atlantic

 Tropical Storm Rina

  Forms in Atlantic 

18th Storm of 2011 Season

We are watching a developing tropical storm in the Caribbean Sea which is forecast to strengthen over the next few days. Heavy rainfall is predicted over the Cayman Islands. 

1100 PM EDT SUN OCT 23 2011

...DEPRESSION STRENGTHENS INTO A TROPICAL STORM OVER THE
NORTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA...HEAVY RAINS AFFECTING NORTHEASTERN
HONDURAS...

Atlantic Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

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INFORMATION FROM SATELLITES AND AN AIR FORCE RESERVE RECONNAISSANCE
AIRCRAFT INDICATE MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 40
MPH...65 KM/H...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS
FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

SUMMARY OF 1100 PM EDT...0300 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...16.4N 82.2W
ABOUT 115 MI...190 KM NE OF CABO GRACIAS A DIOS ON NIC/HON BORDER
ABOUT 210 MI...340 KM SSW OF GRAND CAYMAN
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 335 DEGREES AT 8 MPH...13 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1004 MB...29.65 INCHES

Cruise Ship Travel Alerts

Carnival Tropical Update
RCI Tropical Weather Update
NCL Tropical Weather Updates 
Holland America Travel Advisories
Celebrity Cruises Travel Advisories  

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking
NOAA Hurricane Central 

Carnival and Royal Caribbean have modified itineraries as the storm strengthens:

Updated October 20th:

Carnival Freedom: The ship departed Fort Lauderdale on Sunday for a six-night cruise. Instead of calling at Grand Cayman on Wednesday and Ocho Rios on Thursday, the ship instead visited Montego Bay yesterday, with a sea day today followed by a call in Key West tomorrow.

Carnival Imagination: The ship departed Miami on Monday for a four-night cruise. Instead of calling in Key West Tuesday and Cozumel Wednesday, the ship sailed for the Bahamas, with an overnight in Nassau on Tuesday and a visit to Freeport on Thursday.

Carnival Inspiration: The ship departed Tampa on Monday for a five-night cruise. Instead of calling in Grand Cayman Wednesday and Cozumel Thursday, the ship overnighted in Cozumel on Wednesday for a two-day call.

Carnival Ecstasy: The ship departed New Orleans on Monday for a five-night cruise. The planned call on Progreso on Wednesday was replaced with a sea day.

Carnival Conquest: The ship departed Galveston on Sunday for a seven-night cruise. The planned call on Grand Cayman today was replaced with a sea day.

Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas was also forced to miss Grand Cayman today and spent the day at sea instead. NCL's Norwegian Pearl did call in Grand Cayman, an NCL spokeswoman told us, but instead of tendering to Georgetown, the ship was sent to Spotts Bay on the south side of the island.

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

NONE.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* THE COAST OF HONDURAS FROM PUNTA CASTILLA EASTWARD TO THE
NICARAGUAN BORDER

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 48 HOURS. 

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND 
---------------------- 
RAINFALL...THE DEPRESSION IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN
ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES OVER EASTERN HONDURAS...WITH
ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 7 INCHES. THESE RAINS COULD CAUSE FLASH
FLOODING AND MUD SLIDES OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. RAINFALL AMOUNTS
OF 1 TO 3 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE OVER THE CAYMAN ISLANDS. 

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