Exclusive Grand Turk Experience

Crystal Clear Blue Waters 

Are Calling You

If blue is your favorite color, then Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, is the place for you.  As your ship pulls into the harbor this picture unfolds in front of your eyes.   A short walk from your ship, and you can immerse yourself in these beautiful waters or relax on the beach and just enjoy the scenery.

But first, it was time for us to explore the island on an exclusive shore excursion offered by Shore Excursions Group.  Working with a Professional Travel Planner, you rely on their recommendations. In order for me to provide those recommendations, I need to experience the ships and tours myself. Since I hadn't done that before on Grand Turk, we decided to book the "Exclusive Grand Turk Experience" during one of our recent cruises in the Caribbean.

Guided Island Tour

Click images to enlarge - view Grand Turk Album

Grand Turk Island is the administrative, historic, cultural and financial center of the island nation of Turks and Caicos. Grand Turk is largest of all the islands that comprise the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. With crystal clear waters, gorgeous climate, and a unique culture, Grand Turk has become a popular cruise destination for travelers visiting from all around the world.

This guided island drive tour showed us the highlights of Grand Turk Island. We visited the island's top attractions, including the former United States Air Force Tracking Base and a replica of Astronaut John Glenn's Friendship 7 space capsule, which splashed down off the island's coast in 1962 following the United States' first successful manned orbit of the earth.

We also saw several 18th-century churches, beautiful Bermudan-style buildings, and salt ponds. In this peaceful town you may also see wild horses and donkeys freely roaming the streets. There was a brief photo stop to see a working lighthouse that has been in service for more than 150 years. Built in London in 1852 and shipped to Grand Turk, it was assembled in hopes of saving the salt trade. Standing sixty feet, it was designed by Alexander Gordon, who designed lighthouses throughout the British Empire.

Next we had an opportunity to visit "The Salt House", a recreated 17th-century saltpan that chronicles the history of the salt and slave industry.  View Grand Turk Album for more images from our excursion.

Margaritaville Grand Turk (photo album)

Margaritaville Grand Turk

Following our shore excursion tour, we had plenty of time to enjoy Margaritaville which is within walking distance of the ship.   Find your place in the sun or shade by the beach or around the pool for a relaxing day in the Caribbean.

Enjoy some food or your favorite beverage while lounging on your beach chair by the pool.  Salt water or fresh water - the choice is yours and there is no charge (other than for food and beverages) to enjoy this oasis in the sun.

Click for Mini-Series Articles / Images

Our Recommendations for Grand Turk

If this is your first visit to Grand Turk, or if you have never explored the island on past trips, we'd encourage you to explore via a private shore excursion, such as the one we took from Shore Excursion Group.  The reason we suggest a private tour is that you'll have less people in your group and it will cost less than ship organized tours.  We even had wi-fi on our mini-van!

Grand Turk is a great place to enjoy the beautiful crystal blue waters of the Caribbean.  Book a snorkeling or scuba tour if you are adventurous or simply relax on the beach by Margaritaville.   Your ship is your floating base, so you can go back and forth for meals if you don't want to purchase food at Margaritaville.   Should you decide to stay on board the ship, odds are you'll have the ship to yourself as most people will be hanging out at the beach.

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Where have you explored? 

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Happy Thanksgiving 2015

HAPPY
THANKSGIVING

Norwegian Escape in St. Thomas USVI

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here already. Where did 2015 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.

Thankful for ... 
Sailing on Brand New Ships

Cruises Inc. and Cruise One held the 2015 National Conference on Norwegian Escape which just started its inaugural season sailing to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami. This state of the art ship is conservation minded including the amazing hull art work of Guy Harvey.

Once again our conference was held in November and we had the opportunity to thank our veteran members.  Thank you to all who have served in our armed forces.

We wonder what the Pilgrims, who came to the New World in Tall Ships, would think about the Norwegian Escape.Their ships measured 110 feet, held 150 passengers at most, and took months to cross the Atlantic.  The Escape is more than 10 times that length (1098 feet), holds almost 4248 passengers and 1731 crew, and took just a couple weeks to cross the Atlantic.

Thank you for making our blog column a part of your lives in 2015.   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

Happy Thanksgiving 2014

Where is Chris?

HAPPY
THANKSGIVING

Allure of the Seas & Regal Princess in St. Maarten

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here already. Where did 2014 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.

Thankful for ... 
Sailing on Brand New Ships

Cruises Inc. and Cruise One held the 2014 National Conference on Regal Princess  which just started its inaugural season sailing to the Eastern Caribbean. Regal Princess met up with Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas in St. Maarten. The two ships side by side make an amazing photo. We've been fortunate to sail on both of these ships during their inaugural years.

This year I was privileged to be recognized among the "Best of the Best" awards at the conference. I was presented with the Cruises Inc. Best of Overall Marketing Award. What that means to you is that I'm constantly bringing the best values to my guests via the various marketing programs. Sometimes offers that cross my desk are short-lived, so it is best to subscribe to my eNewsletter and various social media sites.

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 2014.   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

Cruise Review Carnival Conquest Exotic Eastern Caribbean

Carnival Conquest 

7 NT Exotic Eastern Caribbean

Cruise Review

It was snowing on Saturday February 1st as we left our house for O'Hare International Airport with crossed fingers, toes, and any other part of our body that could be crossed.  The snow had begun late the previous evening and had been pretty steady.   Checking our flight status, it still said we were scheduled for an ontime departure.

As you can see from the image above, we did get out of town and to Miami where we spent the night before our cruise.   This is something we recommend to our clients - leave a day early to allow for the unexpected (like the 6 - 9 inches of forecast snow in our case).

We've been cruising for over 30 years and have been to many exotic destinations.   These ports were on our recent repeat list with the exception of Grand Turk.   We'd even been on Carnival Conquest previously as well, but we wanted to experience the Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades and quite frankly escape from our winter weather while having some new stories to share with our readers.

Bookmark this post to follow the entire story from start to finish.  This will be our anchor posting with a dynamic index to articles, images, and other resources.   We loved this cruise, so that should give you an idea of what will follow in the next posts.

	Port	Blog Posts	Photo Albums
0	Pre-Cruise Miami	The Winter Escape Begins Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in Miami	Journey to Miami SpringHill Suites Miami Airport East
1	Miami, Florida	Carnival Conquest Embarkation Day Embarkation Lunch Guy's Burger Joint BlueIguana Cantina Fresh Mex Lunch Embarkation Favorites - Spa Bottomless Bubbles & Cheers The Point Steakhouse Embarkation Day Super Sunday on Carnival Conquest After the Game Embarkation Day Calling All Youth to Assemble for Fun	Guy's Burger Joint BlueIguana Cantina  The Point Steakhouse    "Big Game" at Sea   Tahiti Casino
2	Nassau, Bahamas	Carnival Conquest Day 2 Breakfast Greetings from Nassau ET Phone Home Good-bye Nassau Hello Evening	Nassau Bahamas Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort & Casino Nassau Bahamas - Carnival Conquest (22 photos)
3	At Sea	Relaxing on Carnival Conquest	Carnival Conquest - Main Pool
4	St. Thomas, USVI	Explore Under the Sea in St. Thomas	Coral World
5	San Juan, Puerto Rico	Bacardi Rum Distillery Tour San Juan	Bacardi Rum Distillery Tour
6	Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos	Exclusive Grand Turk Experience	Grand Turk Margaitaville Grand Turk
7	At Sea
8	Miami, Florida

Norwegian Getaway Conveyance

Norwegian Getaway Conveyance   Courtesy Meyer Werft

Ems Conveyance of Norwegian GETAWAY
Papenburg - Eemshaven | November 14/15, 2013 

A schedule can be found here

On 2 November 2013 the 146,600-gt cruise ship Norwegian GETAWAY, whose construction has taken merely 12 months, floated out of MEYER WERFT's covered building dock II. Weeks prior to that the shipyard was busy conducting extensive tests and machinery trials.  Following the float-out more tests were carried out in the harbour and the ship was berthed alongside the yard's outfitting pier.   

Norwegian Getaway will sail a 10-night Transatlantic in January 2014 from Southampton, England to New York.  Starting in February, the ship will be home-ported in Miami and will be sailing 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries.   For more information about ship and schedules (click here). 

Welcome Aboard Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Allure of the SeasSM Day 1

First in a series of articles about our 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Allure of the Seas. Virtually tour with us as we explore the Allure of the Seas and all she has to offer.  We'll highlight some of our adventures on land and sea during the week. 

Allure of the Seas & Emerald Princes - Ft. Lauderdale

Waking early Sunday morning, we went out on our hotel balcony to see the  Allure of the Seas and Emerald Princess completing their docking maneuvers.  Soon we would be onboard the Allure for our National Conference cruise.

We left the Hyatt Ft. Lauderdale hotel around 10:45 AM with another agent couple. After returning their rental car, the shuttle took all of us to Pier 66, which is within sight of the hotel.  We had to wait while for the shuttle, so we got to the pier around 11:30 AM.   By noon we were onboard the ship.


Embarkation Process

Most of you are aware that Allure of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world at present.  She and her sister ship, Oasis of the Seas, are the latest ships in Royal Caribbean International's fleet.   Allure is coming up on her one year anniversary, while Oasis celebrates her second birthday this year.  Fully loaded, these ships accommodate around 6,000 passengers.  Allure sailed at full capacity for our sailing.

The amazing thing is that Royal Caribbean guarantees that you won't have a long wait for embarkation.   This was our second cruise on Allure, and they delivered on their promise both times.  

We are Diamond members, which means there would be a special line for us at embarkation, but we didn't even need to go in that line.   After passing through security, we headed to the check-in lines where we were directed to a gentleman holding up his sign indicating that he was open and waiting for guests.  

The embarkation stations are grouped by deck making for a very efficient process.  After giving the check-in agent our completed paperwork, showing our passports, providing the credit card for onboard purchases, and having our picture taken for our cabin keys, we were off for our first photo opportunity, the Welcome Aboard photo.  He had given us our cabin keys, The Cruise Planner (pictured above), and a fold-up pocket guide map of the ship.   These can be very useful throughout the ship, but if you read our past article, Navigating the Allure of the Seas, you'll discover that there are more efficient ways to find your way around.

Getting Onboard

After our photo, we gathered our carry-on bags and headed to the gangway.   We showed our cabin key several times, including having it scanned, and then we were headed up the gangway to the Allure's entrance.  At the top of the gangway, it's time to sanitize your hands and step aboard the ship.  Cabins weren't ready for occupancy, so it was time to explore the open public areas.

What's the first thing you do when you get onboard - read our next article to see what we did on Allure of the Seas...

Navigator Redeploys to Caribbean for Winter 2011-12

Labadee, Haiti Royal Caribbean's Private Island   Courtesy: RCI

We previously reported that Royal Caribbean has one of its largest European Deployments to date in Europe this Summer and had planned to homeport Navigator of the Seas in Barcelona for the Winter, sailing a 14-day eastern Mediterranean itinerary, including calls in Egypt. Royal Caribbean announced plans to redeploy the ship to the Caribbean for Winter 2011-12.

Navigator of the Seas will now homeport in Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), FL for the Winter 2011-12 Season.    Itineraries are now open for sale.


Revised Schedule

• 14-night, trans-Atlantic itinerary from Rome to Port Everglades, FL (11/6)
• Five to Nine-Night Eastern & Western Caribbean Itineraries (starting 11/20)
• 6-Night Western:  Grand Cayman, Historic Falmouth Port, and Labadee, Haiti
• 8-Night Eastern:  St. Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Labadee, Haiti
• 7-Night Eastern: St. Maarten, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Labadee, Haiti
• 7-Night Western:  Grand Cayman, Historic Falmouth Port, Cozumel, Mexico and Labadee, Haiti
• 9-Night New Years cruise adds St. Thomas to 8-Night Eastern
• 15-night return cruise to Rome on April 14, 2012

For more information about these itineraries, click here.

First Norwegian Epic Caribbean Cruise

Norwegian Epic Sailing from Miami - Courtesy NCL

Epic Sets Sail for First Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Norwegian Epic set sail today on it's first Eastern Caribbean voyage after successfully crossing the Atlantic and completing several short inaugural cruises.   On July 2nd, Reba McEntire christened the new ship in New York before inaugural events continued, including a live broadcast from the ship during 4th of July festivities in conjunction with Macy's 34th Annual Fireworks display.

Norwegian Epic is sailing alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries every Saturday from it's home port in Miami where it will remain through April 2011.  Its first voyage will be to the Eastern Caribbean, with stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau, Bahamas. In the Western Caribbean, Norwegian Epic will visit Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan, Honduras.

“We are thrilled to have Norwegian Epic set sail on its first Caribbean voyage,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive so far and we are looking forward to a really strong and successful inaugural season.”

That's Entertainment

World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group performs their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams and Dinner presents a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, is featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City improvisational comedy and Howl at the Moon, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation. New York-based Slam Allen Band rocks the house with down-home blues in Fat Cats Jazz and Blues club.

Innovation at Sea

The 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea™ offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

Freestyle Dining

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of Freestyle Dining about ten years ago now.   Experience the next generation of Freestyle Dining with more than 20 dining choices and 20 bars and lounges.  I suspect the favorite new edition to dining choices will be Moderno Churrascaria, which features an expansive salad bar and choice of a variety of meats served by tableside passadors ($18 per person charge added to your account).  More info...  Norwegian Epic Freestyle Choices

Additional References

Norwegian Epic Blog Posts

Norwegian Epic Launch Offer

Magic Coming to Galveston

Everything is Big in Texas

Including Carnival Magic 

Galveston, Texas will become the new home for Carnival Cruise Lines' new ship, Carnival Magic. Beginning November 14, 2011, Carnival Magic will operate 7-night Caribbean cruises from it's new homeport.  The Carnival Dream and Magic are the largest ships in Carnival's fleet so it is fitting that one of those two ships will be sailing from Texas.

Select from two different itineraries: a seven-day Western Caribbean voyage to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and a week-long Eastern Caribbean cruise to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.

Carnival Big Screen
&
Waterworks

Carnival Magic Highlights

Class and type: Dream class cruise ship Tonnage: gross tonnage (GT) of 130,000 tons Length: 1,004 feet (306.02 m) Beam: 122 feet (37.19 m) (37m) Decks: 14 decks Propulsion: 6 Wärtsilä 12V46 engines (75,600kw) Speed: 22.5-knot (42 km/h; 26 mph) Capacity: 3,652 Passengers Crew: 1,369

Like its sister ship, the Carnival Dream, the Carnival Magic features exciting amenities including a spectacular water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools that extend out over the ship's sides, and expansive spa and children's facilities.

Carnival Magic has a range of stateroom choices, including family-friendly, five-berth deluxe two-bathroom ocean view accommodations; cove balcony cabins located closer to the water line; and special spa staterooms.  Some special unique features will be announced in the future.

The Carnival Magic will debut in Europe in May 2011, offering seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona May 1 to October 16, 2011; followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Galveston departing October 28, 2011. 


For more information about Carnival Magic Itineraries, click here.


Perhaps you are close enough to drive to Galveston instead of flying there.   If so, the addition of this new large ship will give you opportunities to sail to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from close to home.

Oasis of the Seas Special Offer

Our gift to you: $100 Onboard Credit

on Oasis of the Seas

PLUS book ANY 7-Night or longer Royal Caribbean cruise departing between
March 15 - June 30, 2010!

• Complimentary Johnny Rockets Experience for up to Four Guests
• AND Dinner for Two in a Specialty Restaurant
• AND One Passport to Savings Onboard Value Booklet**

If you have been following my column for some time, perhaps you watched the journey of Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Oasis of the Seas, as it sailed across the Atlantic to it's home port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Oasis of the Seas features alternating 7-Night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries. This special offer applies to select sailings between now and early June, 2010.

**For complete details on this offer click here

See the newest Oasis of the Seas Video!		Take a tour of the Oasis of the Seas!

Welcome Home Oasis of the Seas, Welcome Home

Click for Additional Photos

OASIS OF THE SEAS
ARRIVES IN
FORT LAUDERDALE

Welcoming Oasis of the Seas to Fort (Celebration Details)

Fort Lauderdale Inlet Webacm (watch ships arrive)

Friday, November 13, 2009, Dateline Fort Lauderdale, Florida

For the last fourteen days, we have been watching the Oasis of the Seas journey from Finland to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The day we have been waiting for has finally arrived.

For some people Friday the 13th is an unlucky day, but for Royal Caribbean International, the hope was that this day would actually be quite the opposite. The world's largest cruise ship's revised schedule called for completion of its 14-day Trans-Atlantic journey with the pulling into its new berth in Port Everglades, Florida.

The Oasis of the Seas didn't disappoint - it arrived right on schedule

Those who wanted to watch the arrival of Oasis in Port Everglades, accompanied by a flotilla of fireboats and private vessels, could do so at John U. Lloyd Park, Dania Beach. (see link above).

As you can see from the photo above, it was a glorious day in Fort Lauderdale, as the Oasis of the Seas was escorted into the harbor with the traditional fireboat salute. I will be posting more pictures as they arrive from additional sources who were onhand for today's events.

Captain Bill gives final report from the bridge before arriving in Fort Lauderdale. In this video, you see the arrival from crew's perspective.

Captains Log Day 14 Video: Home at Last (click here)

View Video from Arrival of Oasis of the Seas

See More Oasis of the Seas PHOTOS on my FACEBOOK PAGE - BECOME a FAN

I hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the Oasis of the Seas Atlantic Crossing as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you. Royal Caribbean and STX Europe should be very proud of their accomplishments. The ship handled the rough North Atlantic seas, facing hurricane force winds and waves, without much of a problem. The only issue was that it delayed the arrival into Florida by two days.

We will conclude our coverage of Oasis's Journey with stories and pictures of today's activities. There is still time for you to take advantage of our exclusive OBC offer (see below). Don't miss your opportunity to explore this amazing ship first-hand.

I guess the only thing left to say is ...

Welcome Home Oasis of the Seas, Welcome Home !!

Related Blog posts:

Oasis of the Seas - Almost Home

Oasis of the Seas - Entertainment

Oasis of the Seas vs North Atlantic
Oasis of the Seas Continues Journey
Oasis OTS Ducks Under Great Belt Bridge
Oasis of the Seas - Crossing the Atlantic
Oasis of the Seas Heads for Home
Oasis of the Seas Takes to Water

Watch Additional Oasis of the Seas Videos Here!

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER
November 15th at midnight (EXTENDED!)

Book a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas by November 15th and receive $100 Onboard Credit Learn more about Oasis of the Seas and applicable sail dates.

Oasis of the Seas - Almost Home

Safety Command Center - Courtesy Royal Caribbean International

Oasis of the Seas Near Bermuda

Oasis of the Seas crossing of the Atlantic is nearing completion. As we continue our coverage of this historic event, we get an insiders look at the Safety Command Center, a first for the cruise line industry.

What is unique isn't the fact that the ship monitors safety, but rather that there is a separate facility, manned 24 hours a day, that is dedicated to keep the ship, passengers, and crew safe. Using state of the art equipment, the safety officers monitor everything on board and are able to respond to any unexpected condition. Even mustering is taken to a new level with electronic tracking of the mustering progress.

In the following video, take a closer look at the Safety Command Center. You can be rest assured that safety is the number one concern on all cruise ships, but safety monitoring has never been implemented using technology like that employed on the Oasis.

Captains Log Day 12 Video: Expecting the Unexpected (click here)

Final preparations are underway as the Oasis of the Seas gets closer to her home port of Miami. In this video, the Hotel Director shows us around the ship and describes what it takes to put the finnishing touches on the ship.

Captains Log Day 13 Video: Staterooms To Stageshows (click here)

Related Blog posts:

Welcoming Oasis of the Seas to Fort Lauderdale

Oasis of the Seas - Entertainment

Oasis of the Seas vs North Atlantic
Oasis of the Seas Continues Journey
Oasis OTS Ducks Under Great Belt Bridge
Oasis of the Seas - Crossing the Atlantic
Oasis of the Seas Heads for Home
Oasis of the Seas Takes to Water

Watch Additional Oasis of the Seas Videos Here!

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER
November 15th at midnight (EXTENDED!)

Book a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas by November 15th and receive $100 Onboard Credit Learn more about Oasis of the Seas and applicable sail dates.