Showing posts with label Ecstasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ecstasy. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Tropical Storm Isaac in Atlantic

Tropical Storm Isaac Formed in Atlantic
Made Landfall as Cat 1 Hurricane

...TROPICAL DEPRESSION ISAAC BRINGING HEAVY RAINFALL AND THE THREAT OF FLASH FLOODING TO THE MIDDLE MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY...

USEFUL LINKS FOR TROPICAL STORMS & HURRICANES (CLICK HERE) 

400 PM CDT THU AUG 30 2012
...SLOW-MOVING ISAAC WEAKENS TO A DEPRESSION OVER NORTHERN
LOUISIANA...
...FLOODING RAINS CONTINUE ACROSS SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA AND
MISSISSIPPI... 

 HPC issuing advisories on ISAAC
 
THIS IS THE LAST PUBLIC ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER ON THIS SYSTEM. FUTURE INFORMATION ON THIS SYSTEM CAN BE
FOUND IN PUBLIC ADVISORIES ISSUED BY THE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL
PREDICTION CENTER...UNDER AWIPS HEADER TCPAT4 AND WMO HEADER WTNT34
KWNH...BEGINNING AT 10 PM CDT.
 
On the 7th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, 
Louisiana has had another direct hit: 

Tale of Two Hurricanes Seven Years Apart 

The levee system played an important role during Isaac's visit to New Orleans - learn more about the project that restored the system after Katrina and also get real-time updates of the operations in progress to respond to Hurricane Isaac:

 

Rebuilding Hope - US Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans (PDF)

Update: August 30th

Tropical Storm Isaac continued to batter the Louisiana / Mississippi region today as it moved so slowly.  It has finally become a Tropical Depression and picked up some speed, up to 12 MPH.

Isaac is still impacting cruise schedules with Carnival Elation being the latest victim.  It was originally scheduled to sail out of New Orleans on a 4-day itinerary August 30th.   That was changed to a 3-day from Mobile, Alabama on August 31st.   Even that is at risk because both ports remain closed.   Carnival Cruise Line is monitoring the situation and advising passengers via text and posts on their website.   We have the link for updates below.
NHC issuing advisories on TS LESLIE, Hurricane KIRK and Hurricane ILEANA
 


Cruise Impact 

Cruise lines continue to monitor the progress of  Isaac which is expected to become a hurricane this weekend.   Several cruise itineraries have been impacted as well as ports have announced closures.

We will attempt to keep this site updated as additional changes are made to cruise ship itineraries. For the absolute latest published information see the cruise line links directly.

All changes are being made with the interest in safety of the ships, crew, and passengers.  Please be certain that you cruise specialist, cruise line, and airlines have your contact information.  Monitor the internet and other news media for updates.


New Orleans Airport Closed Thursday


In the interest of readability, we have split the historical cruise ship impact from the current advisories.  Click the following link for information about cruises that were impacted earlier.
 

Carnival Cruise Line


8:45 PM EDT - UPDATE: CARNIVAL ELATION 08/31/12 - 3-DAY DEPARTURE:
FUNtastic news! The Port of New Orleans will reopen early tomorrow morning. 
Due to the time required to transit the Mississippi River, the ship will be alongside in the afternoon.  We’ll be busy saying good bye to our disembarking guests, so check in for your 3 day Fun Cruise @ Sea will now take place between 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, August 31, 2012 at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal.

So join us for three days of unforgettable fun and receive:
- 50% refund of your cruise fare (refunded within the next 2 weeks)
- 25% future cruise discount on a 3-5 day Carnival cruise (restrictions apply)
- Gratuities will be adjusted to reflect the shortened voyage
- Shore excursions purchased for Cozumel, as well as, the government fees and taxes, will be automatically refunded to your Sail & Sign account

Refunds will not be provided for flight changes, hotel accommodations, meals, transfers, or other incidental costs.  However, guests who purchased Carnival’s Vacation Protection Plan should check their plan for reimbursement considerations.

Guests who purchased flights with Carnival's FlyAweigh program will automatically have their flights adjusted to the new day and time. You will be notified of your new flights by our Travel Services department. Guests with independent flight arrangements, please adjust your travel plans accordingly.
We certainly hope you’ll sail with us but if you elect to cancel, please contact 1-800-CARNIVAL to request your future cruise credit.

To stay up to date, if you have not done so already, please sign up for text updates by texting CCL1 to CRUISE (278473).

Once again, we are sorry the weather has caused a delay in getting your fun started. Rest assured, once you step on board, we'll waste no time in getting it going!

----------------------  End of Cruise Ship Impact Section -------------------------


SUMMARY OF 400 PM CDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...32.7N 92.6W
ABOUT 35 MI...55 KM WNW OF MONROE LOUISIANA
ABOUT 40 MI...60 KM SSE OF EL DORADO ARKANSAS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 335 DEGREES AT 12 MPH...19 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...995 MB...29.38 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------

CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

ALL COASTAL WARNINGS HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT


A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED
SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA. A WARNING IS TYPICALLY ISSUED
36 HOURS BEFORE THE ANTICIPATED FIRST OCCURRENCE OF TROPICAL STORM
FORCE WINDS...CONDITIONS THAT MAKE OUTSIDE PREPARATIONS DIFFICULT
OR DANGEROUS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE
RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE
WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...IN THIS CASE WITHIN THE NEXT 24 TO 36 HOURS. 
 
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.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 35 MPH...55 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  GRADUAL WEAKENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS...AND
ISAAC IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A POST-TROPICAL REMNANT LOW PRESSURE
SYSTEM BY SATURDAY.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
EVEN THOUGH ISAAC IS NO LONGER A TROPICAL STORM...DANGEROUS
HAZARDS FROM STORM SURGE...INLAND FLOODING...AND TORNADOES ARE
STILL OCCURRING.

STORM SURGE...WATER LEVELS WILL REMAIN ELEVATED IN SOUTHEASTERN
LOUISIANA AND COASTAL MISSISSIPPI THROUGH TONIGHT...AND GRADUALLY
SUBSIDE TOMORROW. FOR INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE
SEE PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE.  

BASED ON OBSERVATIONS FROM NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE TIDE GAGES...AT
NEW CANAL STATION LOUISIANA...A STORM SURGE OF MORE THAN 5 FEET IS
PERSISTING ALONG THE SOUTHERN SHORE OF LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN...AND A
STORM SURGE VALUE OF NEAR 4 FEET CONTINUES AT WAVELAND MISSISSIPPI.

WIND...TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WIND GUSTS COULD OCCUR ALONG THE COASTS
OF SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA AND MISSISSIPPI THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON.

RAINFALL...ISAAC IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS
OF 7 TO 14 INCHES...WITH POSSIBLE ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 25
INCHES...OVER NORTHERN AND EASTERN LOUISIANA....MUCH OF MISSISSIPPI
AND SOUTHWEST ALABAMA.  RAINFALL TOTALS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES WITH
ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 8 INCHES POSSIBLE ACROSS ARKANSAS AND
INTO SOUTHERN MISSOURI THROUGH FRIDAY.  THESE RAINS COULD RESULT IN
SIGNIFICANT LOWLAND FLOODING.  THE HEAVY RAIN POTENTIAL WILL BE
SPREADING EASTWARD THIS WEEKEND INTO PORTIONS OF THE MID WEST AND
OHIO VALLEY REGION. 

TORNADOES...TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE ALONG THE CENTRAL GULF COAST
REGION AND PARTS OF THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY THROUGH
TONIGHT.

SURF...DANGEROUS SURF AND RIP CURRENT CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO
AFFECT THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA AND THE NORTHERN GULF COAST THROUGH
TONIGHT BEFORE SUBSIDING ON SATURDAY.

Historical Data:     Archive       Graphics Archive

500 AM AST TUE AUG 21 2012
 
...NINTH DEPRESSION OF THE SEASON FORMS EAST OF THE LESSER
ANTILLES...TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS AND WATCHES ISSUED...
 
800 PM AST TUE AUG 21 2012
 
...ISAAC CONTINUES MOVING TOWARD THE LESSER ANTILLES...
 
800 AM AST WED AUG 22 2012
 
...ISAAC NEARING THE LESSER ANTILLES...HURRICANE WATCH ISSUED FOR
THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS... 
 
800 PM AST WED AUG 22 2012
 
...ISAAC ENTERS THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN...
 
200 PM AST THU AUG 23 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NOW MOVING WEST-NORTHWESTWARD SOUTH OF PUERTO
RICO... 
 
630 AM EDT FRI AUG 24 2012
 
AT 630 AM EDT...1030 UTC...THE GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA HAS ISSUED A
TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR JAMAICA. 
 
200 PM EDT FRI AUG 24 2012
 
...ISAAC TURNS NORTHWESTWARD...CENTER APPROACHING THE SOUTHERN COAST
OF HISPANIOLA...
 
200 AM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF HAITI...
 
500 AM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...ISAAC EMERGING FROM THE COAST OF HAITI...NEW WATCHES AND WARNINGS
ISSUED FOR SOUTH FLORIDA AND THE KEYS...  
 
1100 AM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NEAR EASTERN CUBA...NEW WATCHES AND WARNINGS FOR
PORTIONS OF FLORIDA...
 
200 PM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NOW NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF EASTERN CUBA...
 
Tropical Storm Isaac made landfall along the southern coast of Haiti early Saturday morning, and has begun to move away from Haiti and towards southeastern Cuba, with its circulation relatively intact.
Isaac is expected to make landfall in southeastern Cuba this afternoon, then skirt the northeastern coast of Cuba through the overnight hours tonight.

Once off the northern coast of Cuba, Isaac is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the warmer waters of the Florida Straits and cross the Florida Keys sometime Sunday night or early Monday morning, then head into the very warm waters of the eastern Gulf of Mexico.



1100 PM EDT SUN AUG 26 2012
 
...ISAAC FORECAST TO STRENGTHEN AS IT MOVES OVER THE EASTERN 
GULF OF MEXICO...
 
1000 AM CDT MON AUG 27 2012
 
...ISAAC MOVING WEST-NORTHWESTWARD OVER THE EASTERN GULF OF
MEXICO...POSES SIGNIFICANT STORM SURGE THREAT TO THE NORTHERN GULF
COAST...
 
Hurricane warnings have been issued for portions of the northern Gulf Coast as  Tropical Storm Isaac continues its west-northwestward march into the Gulf of Mexico. 

Isaac will continue to affect southern Florida with heavy rain, gusty winds and a tornado threat as it moves through the Florida Keys and into the Gulf Sunday evening. Isaac poses a potential serious threat to portions of the northern Gulf Coast Tuesday into Wednesday. All interests from Louisiana to Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle should watch the progress of Isaac closely and begin to make preparations. Even areas as far west as extreme southeast Texas should continue to monitor Isaac's progress in case a farther west track materializes.
 

1120 AM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012

...RECONNAISSANCE DATA INDICATE ISAAC FINALLY ACHIEVES HURRICANE
STATUS...


(UPDATE: August 28th)

Hurricane Isaac is impacting travelers and the transportation industry causing hundreds of flight cancellations and delays.
Isaac's peak impacts are bearing down on the Gulf Coast beginning today. Hurricane warnings continue for portions of the northern Gulf Coast, including New Orleans, Biloxi and Gulf Shores as Isaac continues its northwestward march. Hurricane watches are posted as far west as Morgan City, La. 

In addition, a number of tropical storm warnings are in effect. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Florida Panhandle. 

Even as Isaac's center of circulation moves by, locally heavy rainbands can be expected. Rainfall amounts over 10" are likely as Isaac slows down immediately prior to, and after landfall, in southeast Louisiana, southern Alabama, Mississippi and the western Florida Panhandle. In a few cases, amounts exceeding 20" are possible.   We have already seen in excess of 9" of rain in some parts of the Florida east coast.

Expect business closures and air, maritime, and ground transport disruptions throughout the region. Prolonged power and telecommunications outages are also possible.
                     
700 PM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012
 
...ISAAC MAKES LANDFALL IN EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA...
...STRONG WINDS AND A DANGEROUS STORM SURGE OCCURRING ALONG THE
NORTHERN GULF COAST... 
 
800 PM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012
 
...ISAAC MOVING SLOWLY NORTHWESTWARD ALONG THE COAST OF SOUTHEAST
LOUISIANA...DANGEROUS STORM SURGE CONTINUING ALONG THE NORTHERN
GULF COAST...
 
1000 PM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012
 
...ISAAC PRODUCING A DANGEROUS STORM SURGE ALONG THE NORTHERN
GULF COAST...FLOODING FROM RAINFALL TO FOLLOW... 
 
 
(Update: August 29)

Hurricane Isaac made landfall in Southeast Louisiana at 6:45 PM local time on Tuesday.  It made a second landfall overnight around 3 AM.   This slow moving storm is dumping rain on the entire area, knocking out power to half a million people as 80 MPH winds continue to pound Louisiana.

Damage is expected to be much higher than normal for this category hurricane, it is still a Category One, because of the slow movement.   In addition to the storm surge, heavy rains, and flooding, there is a potential for tornadoes to be spawned from the storm.

200 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC REMAINS NEARLY STATIONARY NEAR THE COAST OF SOUTHEAST
LOUISIANA...DANGEROUS STORM SURGE AND FLOOD THREAT FROM HEAVY RAINS
CONTINUES...
 
300 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012 
...CENTER OF ISAAC MAKES SECOND LANDFALL... 
 
400 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC BEGINNING TO MOVE INLAND IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA...DANGEROUS
STORM SURGE AND FLOOD THREAT FROM HEAVY RAINS LIKELY TO CONTINUE
THROUGH TODAY AND TONIGHT...
 
800 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC LASHING SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA WITH STRONG SQUALLS...
DANGEROUS STORM SURGE AND FLOOD THREAT FROM HEAVY RAINS LIKELY TO
CONTINUE THROUGH TODAY AND TONIGHT...
 
200 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL STORM...LIFE-THREATENING HAZARDS FROM
STORM SURGE AND INLAND FLOODING ARE STILL OCCURRING...
 
 
1000 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012

...HEAVY RAIN THREAT FROM ISAAC TO SPREAD INLAND DURING THE
NEXT FEW DAYS...WATER LEVELS REMAIN HIGH ALONG THE NORTHERN
GULF COAST...

Update: August 30th

Tropical Storm Isaac continued to batter the Louisiana / Mississippi region today as it moved so slowly.  It has finally become a Tropical Depression and picked up some speed, up to 12 MPH.


 

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Carnival Redeploys Elation and Ecstasy

Carnival Elation
Carnival Cruises Redeploys Carnival Elation 
& Carnival Ecstasy


In a surprise move, Carnival Cruise Lines announced that they are pulling out of Mobile, Alabama in October, 2010.   Carnival Elation has been operating four-, five- and seven-night cruises out of Mobile, and is the only cruise vessel sailing out of the city.

According to the Mobile Press-Register, the news shocked local officials and cruise industry insiders, and leaves the city of Mobile with no direct revenue to pay the millions in debt remaining on the seven-year-old cruise terminal. 

Elation Moving to New Orleans

Carnival Elation will reposition from Mobile, Ala., to New Orleans to operate year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises beginning November 5, 2011. On this route, four-day cruises will depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel, one of the Caribbean’s most popular ports, while five-day voyages will call at both Cozumel and Progreso.

Carnival Elation will join the Carnival Conquest in New Orleans, marking the first time Carnival has operated two ships from New Orleans in six years.  Carnival will be the only cruise line with two ships based year-round in New Orleans, carrying more than 350,000 passengers annually. 
     
Carnival Ecstasy Moving to Port Canaveral

The second part of the double repositioning is the move of the Carnival Ecstasy, which was to have sailed from New Orleans this coming season, to Port Canaveral, Florida.

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will operate four- and five-day Bahamas cruises from the Space Coast beginning November 7, 2011.  The move further bolsters Carnival’s position as Port Canaveral’s largest cruise operator with three year-round ships carrying approximately 600,000 guests annually.

Carnival Ecstasy will depart Thursdays on four-day ‘long weekend’ cruises visiting Nassau and Half Moon Cay or Freeport. Five-day cruises will depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Nassau, Freeport and Half Moon Cay or Key West.

Prior to repositioning to Port Canaveral, the Carnival Ecstasy will continue to operate from Galveston, Texas through September 8, 2011 and then from New Orleans September 22 through November 5, 2011, as previously scheduled.     


Guests with Current Reservations
As a result of these deployment changes, Carnival will no longer offer cruises from Mobile, Ala.  Guests booked on those voyages will have the option of re-booking from an alternate homeport and receive a $25 per person onboard credit, or they can elect to receive a full refund.

Guests booked on cruises from New Orleans on the Carnival Ecstasy that will now be operated on the Carnival Elation are being automatically shifted to the Carnival Elation.  Itineraries on the Carnival Elation will be identical to those that were scheduled for the Carnival Ecstasy.  The two vessels are sister ships with largely similar features, amenities and staterooms. (Those guests who were booked in standard balcony staterooms on the Carnival Ecstasy – a cabin category not featured on the Carnival Elation – will be contacted individually to discuss their preferences.) The movement of bookings from Carnival Ecstasy to Carnival Elation will be completed by Friday, March 11, 2011 at which time new bookings can be made.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Carnival Ship Makeovers

Carnival Ecstasy - A Ship Out of Water

October, 2009 we were in Freeport Bahamas, on our annual conference cruise, the same time Carnival Ecstasy was getting a major makeover.  The multi-million-dollar refurbishment included the addition of an expansive new water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a Circle “C” facility for 12- to 14-year olds, and a redesigned resort-style main pool area. Additionally, 98 balconies were added to existing ocean view staterooms.   All of the ship’s 1,026 staterooms were upgraded with new plasma screen TVs as well as updated wall coverings, tile work, carpeting and light fixtures. Many additional cosmetic improvements were made in the public areas.

Carnival Ecstasy was the second ship to have additional balconies added following the success of a similar implementation on the Carnival Sensation earlier in 2009.  This continues a series of major upgrades to the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels sparking new life into those ships.

A Peaceful Retreat

My favorite improvement is Serenity SM, an adults-only retreat, located aft on Promenade Deck. With design elements that include teak decking, large umbrellas and thatched roofing, Serenity provides an ocean-going oasis for relaxation and comfort. Guests can enjoy icy cocktails and frozen drinks while relaxing in plush chaise lounges and chairs. Food service is available in the casual Panorama Bar & Grill located nearby.

Water, Water, Everywhere

A signature element of the Fantasy-class upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks SM, a fun-filled aqua park located on Verandah Deck. Designed with an all-ages appeal, WaterWorks encompasses a 300-foot-long twisting, turning water slide – the longest and most elaborate at sea – along with dual-lane 82-foot-long racing slides, and a wide variety of water spray toys.

In addition, Carnival Ecstasy’s main pool on Lido Deck – which includes a swimming pool and two large whirlpools – was totally transformed to feature a distinct resort-style ambiance. Vibrant oversized umbrellas, thatched roofing and colorful tile work creates a decidedly tropical feel.

Oh, to be a Teen Again

The addition of a new Circle “C” SM center, located on Atlantic Deck 8, is aimed at the 12- to 14-year-old set.  The facility  includes plasma screen televisions displaying movies and music videos, a high-tech sound and lighting system, gaming consoles and a touch-screen jukebox.  This is a great place to hang out with newly found friends during the cruise.

Recent Carnival Ship Enhancements

The Carnival Glory received the following enhancements upon completion of dry dock in mid February; Serenity SM adult only retreat, Carnival's Seaside Theater®, Circle “C”SM youth program for ages 12 to 14, 18 more balcony staterooms, “Your Time Dining” on the upper level of the forward dining room, a new Mongolian Wok in the Lido area and Wi-Fi from bow to stern.

After extensive refurbishments were completed February 1, 2010, the Carnival Fascination now offers these new enhancements; Carnival WaterWorks SM, Serenity SM, a resort-style pool, 98 more balcony staterooms, upgraded main dining rooms, “Your Time Dining” in the forward dining room, a Mongolian Wok and Rotisserie in the Lido area and Circle “C”SM youth program for ages 12 to 14.   Watch Video of Carnival Fascination in Dry Dock

The Carnival Freedom emerged from dry dock in December 2009 with the following updates; Serenity (a first for Carnival Conquest class,) Circle “C”SM youth program, 18 new Balcony staterooms and “Your Time Dining” in the forward dining room.

Carnival Cruise Line continues to invest in improving the product it offers to the general public.  I'm sure you'll agree that these changes greatly enhance the cruise experience.   While these ships aren't new, the changes make one feel like they are on a new ship.   Learn more about the Carnival "Fun Ships".