Showing posts with label Disney Cruise Line. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney Cruise Line. Show all posts

Monday, September 26, 2022

Preparing for Hurricane Ian


Hurricane Fiona

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Hurricane Ian
Updated 9/28/22

Hurricane IAN is predicted to become a major hurricane.   The second of 2022's Atlantic Hurricane Season has formed and is expected to strengthen. Hurricane Ian is projected to bring a perilous storm surge and winds as strong as 140 mph when it nears Florida's Gulf Coast in the middle of this week, the National Hurricane Center said on Monday. Ian is expected to remain at or near major hurricane strength as it passes near the west-central coast of Florida on Wednesday and Thursday. 

State of Emergency Declarations

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for all of Florida on Saturday in preparation for Ian’s arrival this week, encouraging all residents to make preparations ahead of its arrival. 

President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency for Florida on Saturday as Tropical Storm Ian gained strength and barreled toward the Sunshine State. The declaration authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide assistance. 

Airline Waivers

Due to Ian’s expected arrival, several airlines have proactively issued travel waivers for those that could be impacted for both Florida and other Caribbean airports. If you are traveling to the region this week, check with your airline for latest cancellations or flight changes. 

In addition to possible delays to ship departures, cruisers scheduled to sail out of the central Florida ports of Port Canaveral and Tampa this week could face flight cancellations and delays.


Cruise Line Changes

Cruise lines headquarters are closely monitoring Hurricane Ian and staying in contact with their ships and the National Hurricane Center to keep crew, passengers, and ships out of harms way. During hurricane season, it is common to see itinerary changes which can include shortening or lengthening of cruises, rearranging of ports, changing complete itineraries (eg. from Western to Eastern Caribbean), or any other minor modification necessary to maintain safety. In addition, they are providing the National Hurricane Center with data to help determine conditions in the region. As changes are announced, we will update this page.  

(see below for latest updates)
 

Port Conditions (explanations)


CONDITION "WHISKEY" - The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has set hurricane condition "WHISKEY" for Port Canaveral: Sustained gale force winds are predicted within 72 hours. Port Canaveral is currently fully open and conducting normal Port operations. Please ensure your businesses and homes are clear of any debris that may become projectiles in the wind. Please monitor Port Canaveral and https://twitter.com/BrevardEOC and the Port Status Hotline at 321-394-3411 for updates.


PortMiami is now in X-Ray condition due to Hurricane Ian. Read the bulletin.


PORT CONDITION YANKEE: Port Tampa Bay is monitoring Hurricane Ian


Port Everglades is currently under Port Condition X-RAY. Click the link below for more information. Read More



If you are sailing this week or next, please consult with your travel agent or the cruise line's website for up to the minute information.  The information below was accurate at the time of publication.
 
Hurricane IAN
800 AM EDT Wed Sep 28 2022

...IAN EXPECTED TO CAUSE CATASTROPHIC STORM SURGE, WINDS, AND 
FLOODING IN THE FLORIDA PENINSULA STARTING LATER TODAY...

WIND:
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...155 MPH...250 KM/H
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Chokoloskee to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay
* Dry Tortugas

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...
* Suwannee River southward to Flamingo
* Tampa Bay
* Lower Florida Keys from Big Pine Key westward to Key West
* Dry Tortugas
* Flagler/Volusia Line to the mouth of the St. Mary's River
* St. Johns River

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Cuban provinces of La Habana, Mayabeque, and Matanzas
* Indian Pass to the Anclote River
* All of the Florida Keys
* Flamingo to South Santee River
* Flamingo to Chokoloskee
* Lake Okeechobee
* Florida Bay
* Bimini and Grand Bahama Islands

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for...
* Florida Keys from the Card Sound Bridge westward to east of Big
Pine Key
* Florida Bay
* Mouth of St. Mary's River to South Santee River


Click Here to Learn More


Royal Caribbean Itinerary Updates 
(click for latest)
   



  • Mariner of the Seas. The 3,344-passenger Royal Caribbean ship has skipped a call scheduled for Labadee, Haiti, on Monday and instead is at sea. The Port Canaveral, Florida-based ship is on a five-night voyage that began on Saturday. 
  • Liberty of the Seas. The 3,798-passenger Royal Caribbean ship will skip a call at Cozumel on Tuesday as it heads far more easterly than normal to avoid the storm. The ship is on a seven-night cruise out of Galveston, Texas. 
  • Allure of the Seas. The 5,484-passenger Royal Caribbean ship will skip a call at Roatan, Honduras, scheduled for Tuesday as it also stays to the east to avoid the storm. The ship is on a six-night voyage from Fort Lauderdale.


Follow @JamesVanFleet or visit the Royal Caribbean Facebook page for frequent updates.

Celebrity Cruises
(WEATHER UPDATE See latest advisories)
  • Celebrity Infinity. The 2,170-passenger Celebrity Cruises vessel pulled into Nassau in the Bahamas on Monday instead of being at sea as scheduled. It will skip a call in Belize on Tuesday and replace a call in Cozumel, Mexico, scheduled for Wednesday with a stop in Labadee, Haiti. The Fort Lauderdale-based vessel is on a seven-night voyage that began Saturday.


Disney Cruise Line Weather Alert (click for latest)

As of September 26, at 9:00 PM We are closely monitoring Hurricane Ian. Based on the current projected forecast, we anticipate that the Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will sail as scheduled. However, there is a possibility that the Disney Wish will return to Port Canaveral on Friday, September 30, later than originally scheduled. We will notify Guests should it be necessary to delay embarkation for the September 30 Disney Wish sailing.


MSC Cruises

  • MSC Seashore. 4,540-passenger MSC Seashore is also heading to the Eastern Caribbean instead of the Western Caribbean. The Miami-based vessel, which departed the city on Saturday, will visit the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic over the next few days instead of Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico.


Norwegian Cruise Line Weather Alert (click for latest)

  • Norwegian Sky. 2,002-passenger Norwegian Sky was sent to the Eastern Caribbean for the week instead of the Western Caribbean to avoid the storm.

Carnival Cruise Line Travel Alerts (click for latest)

Among other vessels that could face disruptions are Carnival Cruise Line ships based in the Gulf of Mexico ports of Galveston; New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Tampa, including Carnival Dream, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Glory and Carnival Paradise. The Port Canaveral-based Carnival Liberty also could be affected if Ian tracks eastward across Florida.

"Our fleet operations center in Miami is continuing to monitor Hurricane Ian and its potential impact on the itineraries for the following ships: Carnival Dream, Ecstasy, Glory, Liberty, Paradise and Sunrise," Carnival spokesperson Matt Lupoli said in a statement. 

Of particular concern is Carnival Paradise, the only cruise vessel currently based in Tampa. It's due back in Tampa early Thursday from a five-night cruise to the Western Caribbean and scheduled to depart the city later that day on a new voyage. The current projections for Hurricane Ian's track put it close to Tampa by Thursday.


Virgin Voyages

Scarlet Lady. The 2,770-passenger Virgin Voyages vessel will skip a call at Costa Maya, Mexico, scheduled for Tuesday and visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic instead. The ship is on a five-night voyage out of Miami that began Saturday. 






Hurricane Season Dates 

Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1st and ends November 30th. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15th and also ends November 30th.
Make a Plan (FEMA) 




Read entire series (click here)



More links and information about tropical storms and other weather conditions can be found in the Weather & Hurricane Zone tabs above.


If you live in, or plan to vacation in, an area where hurricanes are prevalent, please prepare in advance by reading our series.

 






I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.




Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday afternoon at 4 PM Eastern for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat





Monday, August 15, 2022

Disney Joins Cruise Lines Adjusting Protocols

DCL Latest Protocols

Disney Cruise Line

Updated September 27, 2022

Disney Cruise Line has updated its health & safety requirements.

 Statement

Beginning Oct. 14, 2022, for Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish sailings and Nov. 7, 2022 for Disney Magic sailings, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, however, it is highly recommended. All Guests ages 5 years and older who are not fully vaccinated (Unvaccinated Guests) will need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 1-2 days before the sail date. Guests ages 4 years of age and younger do not require testing.


Today, August 15, Disney Cruise Line announced an update to our Health and Safety Protocols regarding vaccination requirements.

What You Need To Know

  • Beginning September 2, 2022, for sailings departing US and Canadian ports, Disney Cruise Line will require Guests ages 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the CDC. (previously 5 and older)
  • Testing Requirements – Fully Vaccinated Guests
    • Departing US and Canadian ports:
      • Must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken one to 2 days before setting sail to be exempt from embarkation testing at the terminal.
      • A NAAT, PCR, and Antigen tests accepted.
        • Antigen tests must be completed using a proctored in-person or telehealth service and come with digital results that can be uploaded to the Safe Passage website. 
      • Proof of Vaccination and pre-trip test results must be uploaded into the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day.
        • Fully vaccinated Guests who upload their pre-trip test results to the Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day will be exempt from embarkation testing.
        • Fully vaccinated Guests who do not upload test results by midnight prior to embarkation day must be tested at the terminal on embarkation day before boarding the ship and will be charged for the cost of the test.
        • A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors.
      • Guests with positive COVID-19 test results are required to complete a second confirmatory test.
        • Guests with confirmed positive test results—as well as those sharing the same stateroom and other close contacts—will be denied boarding.
  • Testing Requirements – Not Fully Vaccinated Guests
    • Must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken one to 3 days before the sail date.
      • The test should be a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), a rapid PCR test or a lab-based PCR test. 
      • Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. 
      • Two tests will be required for Guests not fully vaccinated. The second test will be conducted at the terminal on embarkation day (paid for by Disney Cruise Line).
        • Guests with positive COVID-19 test results are required to undergo a second confirmatory test.
        • Guests with confirmed positive test results—as well as those sharing the same stateroom and other close contacts—will be denied boarding.
      • Must upload their negative COVID-19 test results on the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day. 
        • A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors.
  • Testing Costs
    • The cost of embarkation tests for fully vaccinated Guests will be $74.00 (USD) plus tax for the initial antigen test,
      • If a confirmatory PCR test is needed the cost will be $125.00 (USD) plus tax.
    • For Canada sailings, the cost of embarkation tests for fully vaccinated Guests will be $95.00 (CAD) plus GST for the initial antigen test
      • If a confirmatory PCR test is needed the cost will be$160.00 (CAD) plus GST.
  • Back-to-Back Sailings: All Guests on consecutive, back-to-back sailings, regardless of age and vaccination status, will be required to complete a COVID-19 test between sailings, paid for by Disney Cruise Line.
  • Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19: In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
    • If Guests have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 11 to 90 days of their sail date, they may qualify to be considered as “90-Day-Recovered.”
    • With the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval, Guests considered “90-Day-Recovered” are not required to participate in COVID-19 testing during the Pre-Sail, Embarkation or Debarkation phases of their voyage.

Resource

 
I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.




Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday afternoon at 4 PM Eastern for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat





Thursday, April 29, 2021

When You Wish Upon a Star a New Ship is Born

Today is World Wish Day - what better day to reveal the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet - Disney Wish.   Besides unveiling their new ship in the video below, you'll hear that Disney is donating $1M to Make-a-Wish foundation. That's an organization that is near and dear to our hearts, as we always raise money for them as well throughout the year, and especially during our National Conference.
Disney Wish reveal
Photos courtesy Disney


Disney Cruise Line unveils the incredible new spaces and experiences coming to the Disney Wish, setting sail in summer 2022. Get a sneak peek at the magic that awaits during this behind-the-scenes look featuring the creative team bringing this new ship to life. 

Storytelling and families are in the Disney DNA and the Disney Imagineering team showcased both of these in their design of Disney Wish. From the moment you step onboard the ship into the three story Grand Hall atrium you'll experience the magic of Disney as Cinderella greets guests to welcome them onboard Disney Wish. From there you kids can slide into Disney's Oceaneer Club, a real-life wonderland featuring more spaces and stories than ever before, via their own hidden entrance. Adults can use their very special entrance (the door) as well.

Fun in the sun is taken to a new level with a brand-new family water attraction and three themed districts that offer dedicated space for families, children and adults alike. Pictured above is the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, AquaMouse. You’ll be immersed in “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” animated shorts as you zoom through 760 feet of winding tubes suspended high above the upper decks. There's also an all-new Toy Story-themed district designed especially for families with toddlers and young children.

Disney didn't forget about the older "kids" either. Adults can unwind and relax in the serenity of Quiet Cove, a secluded adults-only district which will feature a luxurious infinity pool, poolside bar, and chic cafe. And of course, kids of all ages will love the enterainment including several musical productions. We can't let the genie out of the lamp just yet (oops we sorta did a little).

Disney is also well known for their fabulous food and dining venues. Three of the new venues include Arendelle: a Frozen Dining Adventure, where characters from Frozen will entertain you throughout dinner, 1923, paying tribute to the year Disney Studios was founded, features California cultural flavors, and Worlds of Marvel is the first-ever Marvel cinematic dining adventure, where you’ll play an interactive role in an action-packed Avengers mission that unfolds around you, complete with a worldly menu inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

There's so much more to tell you about, but as they say, a picture is worth more than a thousand words, so let the show begin ...

 


Read more on Disney's Blog

We'd love to help plan your next Disney Adventure. Disney Wish opens for booking on May 27th.

That's not all the new Disney magic ... Walt Disney World kicks off their 50th Anniversary on October 1st and Avengers Campus is coming to Disneyland in June. Let us help make your wishes come true with a Magical Disney vacation on a cruise or in one of their theme parks.




Stay Updated on Recent 
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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.




Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Donald Our Favorite Duck

Donald Duck - Main Street WDW
(click images to enlarge)

Happy 84th Birthday Donald
Happy Donald Duck Day

Donald Duck’s first appearance on screen was in the animated short film “The Wise Hen”, on June 9, 1934.

Although Donald’s birthday is said to be on March 13th in the 1949 short film “Donald’s Happy Birthday”, Disney later decided that Donald’s official birthday is June 9th, the day he first appeared in film. Thus, June 9th is Donald Duck Day.

The character Donald Duck came about after Walt Disney heard Clarence Nash reciting “Mary Had a Little Lamb” in his “duck” voice, and Nash went on to voice Donald until 1984. Tony Anselmo started voicing Donald in 1985, and is still Donald’s voice as of 2017. Donald’s full name is Donald Fauntleroy Duck, and he is known for his sometimes temperamental personality, and is many times associated with his nephews Huey, Louie, and Dewey, and his girlfriend Daisy.

You'll typically see Donald dressed in a sailor shirt with a flat cap, red bow-tie, and no pants! The statue on the right was captured at Walt Disney World theme park, Magic Kingdom.
He looks pretty good in bronze too, don't you think.


Donald Duck - Disney Dream Cruise Ship
Disney Art

If you are a fan of Disney, you won't want to miss the art collections onboard Disney Cruise Line ships.

 This image of Donald Duck splashing his way through the Aqua Duck was seen onboard Disney Dream during one of our cruises. It might not be there any longer, since many of the art works are for sale. You can return from your vacation with one of your favorite characters.


  The Magic of Disney at Sea

Donald Takes to the Water


It makes sense that you'd see Donald Duck at sea.   The image on the left was seen onboad Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Dream.  Donald was among the characters greeting passengers during the welcome aboard show by the main pool area.

"It All Started With a Mouse" but this lovable duck has certainly captured the hearts of children of all ages since 1934.




You can immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Walt Disney at one of the theme parks, at the movie theater, or onboard one of Disney's ships. We can help you plan two of the three. Check out the links above to get an idea of how you could become a part of the magic.

@ChrisPappinMCC

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