Remembering 9-11 Twenty Years Later

President Proclaims Patriot Day, Day of Remembrance  

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day,” and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized “National Day of Service and Remembrance”. President Biden officially proclaimed September 11, 2021, as Patriot Day.

In his remarks, the President said "Twenty years ago, the United States endured one of the most unconscionable tragedies in our country’s history. The cowardly terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and onboard United Flight 93 cut short the lives of 2,977 innocent people. These attacks tore a hole in the heart of our Nation, and the pain of this tragedy still remains. Each year on this somber date, we remember the horror and bravery shown that day, just as we remember how we came together, united in grief and in purpose. Each year, we renew our solemn vow to never forget what happened on September 11, 2001, or those who lost their lives. 

 On Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, we honor every life that was taken too soon. We honor the first responders — firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency workers, and service members — who answered the call of duty, and the brave civilians who rushed into action to save lives that day. Their courage embodies the American spirit and resilience, and their heroism continues to inspire new generations of Americans. ”

View our WTC Memorial Album on Shutterfly

During our pre-conference stay in New York in 2013, we decided to revisit the site of the World Trade Center.  The site was quite different from the last time we were there.   Rebuilding of the towers was moving along nicely.  The 9/11 Memorial fountains had been completed.  Click on the link above to view the album.

click on images to enlarge

Remembering 9/11/2001

As President Biden said, we vividly remember where we were on 9/11.  Each year we recall where we were when learning about the terrorist attacks.   We were on the inaugural voyage of Norwegian Sun, thousands of miles from home in Paris, France.   Our tour bus was filled with our fellow passengers, the majority of whom lived in New York.  The transatlantic cruise, we were on, was originally scheduled to conclude in New York but ended in Boston instead.

What was to have been a celebration of our 25th Anniversary, quickly became a very unique experience as we observed the hospitality and caring from so many people across the globe as our journey home continued.  Today as we celebrate our 45th Anniversary, we once again reflect on the moment we learned about the events unfolding thousands of miles away from where we were. 

See our article from 2011, FDNY May We Never Forget, on the 10th anniversary, as we recalled our journey back to New York to visit the site of the World Trade Center attacks.  Should your cruise vacation plans include New York, we recommend spending some time at the WTC Memorial and other historic sites in the city.

A World United

As we watched the twentieth anniversary remembrances we couldn't help but reflect on how the world was united right after the attacks twenty years ago.   Patriotism was at an all time high.   We had first-hand experiences  of sympathy and concern in every port of call we visited.    We met people who had taken strangers into their homes when planes were grounded.  The entire world was united.

Twenty years later, the world is facing a different crisis and we need to remember 9/11 and once again stand together in a common cause to defeat a different enemy.  This time it's a virus which is attacking our very way of life.   Once again, the first responders are on the front lines.   Let's not forget the heroes from 20 years ago and let us honor their memory by working together so that our current first responders don't have to be remembered for their sacrifices.

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Never Forget 9-11

President Proclaims Patriot Day, Day of Remembrance  

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day,” and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized “National Day of Service and Remembrance”. President Trump officially proclaimed September 11, 2019, as Patriot Day.

In his remarks, the President said "In 2001, our Nation, united under God, made an unbreakable promise never to forget the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who were senselessly killed on September 11. On this sacred day — Patriot Day — we solemnly honor that commitment. As the bells toll, we call by name those who perished in the terrorist attacks in New York, New York; Arlington, Virginia; and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In cities and towns across our great country, we stand in solidarity to remember the victims and mourn their stolen hopes and dreams. "
He continued, "The courage, heroism, and resilience Americans displayed on 9/11, and in its aftermath, are perpetual testaments to the spirit of our country. While our Nation was anguished by this attack, the grit displayed that day — the very essence of America — was a reminder that our citizens have never failed to rise to the occasion. Heroes sprang into action in the face of great peril to help save their fellow Americans. Many laid down their lives. As we reflect on the events of that September morning, let us recommit to embrace the stalwart bravery displayed and reaffirm our dedication to defending liberty from all who wish to deny it. ”

View our WTC Memorial Album on Shutterfly

During our pre-conference stay in New York in 2013, we decided to revisit the site of the World Trade Center.  The site was quite different from the last time we were there.   Rebuilding of the towers was moving along nicely.  The 9/11 Memorial fountains had been completed.  Click on the link above to view the album.

click on images to enlarge

Remembering 9/11/2001

As President Trump said, we vividly remember where we were on 9/11.  Each year we recall where we were when learning about the terrorist attacks.   We were on the inaugural voyage of Norwegian Sun, thousands of miles from home in Paris, France.   Our tour bus was filled with our fellow passengers, the majority of whom lived in New York.  The transatlantic cruise, we were on, was originally scheduled to conclude in New York but ended in Boston instead.

What was to have been a celebration of our 25th Anniversary, quickly became a very unique experience as we observed the hospitality and caring from so many people across the globe as our journey home continued.  Today as we celebrate our 44th Anniversary, we once again reflect on the moment we learned about the events unfolding thousands of miles away from where we were. 

See our article from 2011, FDNY May We Never Forget, on the 10th anniversary, as we recalled our journey back to New York to visit the site of the World Trade Center attacks.  Should your cruise vacation plans include New York, we recommend spending some time at the WTC Memorial and other historic sites in the city.
 

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Reflections of Ireland

Source:  Irish Mirror front page September 13, 2001

September 11, 2001

The Day That Changed

The World Forever

Those words from this gripping image in the Irish Mirror sum things up for us the best.   Three hours after the first plane struck the World Trade Center, we would see an immediate difference.

As with all historic events, one remembers where they were when they heard the news. Our vantage point for the tragic events of 9/11 was Paris, France.   We had just departed on a Transatlantic Cruise onboard the Norwegian Sun.   It was it's maiden voyage which left from Southampton, England the day before.   

We had spent a wonderful day in Paris, about three hours from where our ship docked in LeHarve, France.   We toured the city, had lunch onboard a river boat, and did some shopping before returning to our bus for the return to the ship.   The bus driver, who spoke only French, tried to tell us about the events by motioning with his hands (showing a plane crashing).  Of course, we had no idea what he was trying to tell us.   Someone got him to change the radio station and finally a reporter speaking in English broke the news to us.

Arriving in Ireland

Flags of Ireland following attacks

On September 13th, we arrived in our first port of call following the attacks.  Arriving early in Cobh, Ireland, we departed for our scheduled shore tour.  Our tour guide began the introductions by expressing condolences about the attacks.  At the conclusion of our tour, we had some time for shopping near the ship.    We purchased the Irish Mirror newspaper where we learned of an entirely different perspective on the attacks.

Source:  Irish Mirror September 13, 2001

Ruth McCourt, 45, was taking her daughter, Juliana, age 4, on a shopping trip from Boston to Los Angeles.   Their flight was one of the hijacked planes that struck the World Trade Center.  Meanwhile, Ruth's brother, Ronnie Clifford, an architect, was helping to rescue victims from the earlier attack.   He was unaware that above his head his sister and niece were perishing in the flames.

Here in Co Cork, the rest of the family was attempting to deal with the news of the tragedy that struck their family.     After reading this story in the newspaper, we were aware of how far reaching this tragedy really was.

An Irish gentleman approached us as we returned to the ship.   He said "You are Americans, aren't you".  We replied that we were.   His response was, "You'll get those B...ds".    At that moment in time, we were united with the rest of the world, from government officials, to the man on the streets, the world was one in convictions that those responsible had to be held accountable.

Ireland Day of Mourning ... Schools, offices, and businesses across Ireland closed on Friday, September 14th for a national day of mourning.  The Irish Mirror  reported "Ireland will weep for America tomorrow as the nation remembers the innocent dead".

Continuing our Path of the Vikings Journey
 

Source: The Scottish SUN September 15, 2001

Just being with Scots who care has helped so much...

We arrived in Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland on September 15th, and once again were greeted by sympathetic locals.   Inaugural festivities, upon the first visit of Norwegian Sun to Scotland, did take place, but they were  low key.

That newspaper headline in The Scottish SUN reflected the sentiments of an American mother and daughter who were amongst the crowd paying respects at Glasgow's George Square as similar mourning events were held across the globe.   In London, thousands gathered outside St. Paul's Cathedral for England's memorial.

Our day in Scotland was a rainy one, perhaps fitting considering the earlier events of the week.   The people were wonderful and we enjoyed our stay despite the tragedy that underscored the entire voyage.

Throughout the remaining days of the Path of the Vikings voyage we encountered similar scenes to those in Ireland and Scotland, where flags were at half-mast, the people were caring and sympathetic, and comforted us during this very emotional time.    This cruise will always be remembered, not because it was the most exotic or most picturesque, but for the one with the people with the warmest hearts.   

We will also remember the Captain and Crew of the Norwegian Sun who stepped up to the challenges and helped the passengers through this difficult time.  Norwegian Cruise Line definitely went above and beyond when they opened up the phone lines and internet twice during the voyage and rearranged all the transportation for guests since our final destination was changed from New York to Boston.

See our Facebook Page for more Pictures from our Path of the Vikings Cruise - Including more 9/11 reflections.   While you are there, Like Us so that you can continue to follow our specials and stories.

Since #FriFotos is featuring #IRELAND today, we wanted to reflect on how the people there helped us through a tough time.
 

10 Years Later: Remembering our 9/11 Cruise Experience

10 Years Later  Where Were You

Source:  Irish Mirror front page September 13, 2001

On the occasion of an anniversary, as with many significant historical events, it is normal to reflect on that day and recall where you were at the time.  9/11 is a day that will go down in infamy just like Pearl Harbor, the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Challenger Crash, and many others.

Leading up to 9/11/2001

We departed the United States for Europe on Saturday, September 8, 2001, for a pre-cruise stay in London, England.   We spent two nights at the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel and got around the city by walking and taking The Tube.  Highlights of our London visit included the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square,  London Eye, Houses of Parliament, London Aquarium, and Westminster Abbey.

We enjoyed our visit to London but were anticipating an even better experience, as we headed for Southampton, England to board the Norwegian Sun.  The Sun was setting sail September 10th on its maiden voyage.  The Trans-Atlantic voyage was titled "The Path of the Vikings".

We would be visiting several ports of call: LeHavre, France (Paris), Cobb, Ireland, Glascow, Scotland (Greenock), Reykjavik, Iceland, St. John's Newfoundland, and Halifax, Nova Scotia.   This Trans-Atlantic crossing was scheduled to return to New York on September 26th.   Little did we know that our final port of call would be changed to Boston, MA due to the closure of New York harbor following the terrorist attacks.

Our first night onboard Norwegian Sun was enjoyable.   The Sun was the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship exclusively built for Freestyle Dining.   The first night was disorganized, but we met a couple from New York while waiting in line for dinner, and hit it off.   We had dinner with them for the remainder of the cruise.

Tuesday 9/11/2001 - Dateline Paris

We arrived in LeHavre, France as scheduled on September 11th, where we boarded a bus for the long journey to Paris, France.   This was our 25th Wedding Anniversary, and what could be more romantic than being in Paris.  This was the primary reason for the selection of this particular cruise.

We booked the 11 hour PARIS HIGHLIGHTS AND RIVER SEINE CRUISE tour that brought us to the City of Lights. Our guide pointed out sights along the way. While it is impossible to see all of Paris in one day, this tour gave us a chance to see its most famous attractions.

We saw the Arc de Triomphe,  Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde, Eiffel Tower, and the Cathedral de Notre Dame.  We boarded a bateaux mouche-style riverboat and enjoyed lunch as we glided down the River Seine and saw the historic attractions of this treasure-filled city from a whole new perspective.  While we passed this replica of the Statue of Liberty in Paris, the terror was starting to unfold back in New York.

Learning of the World Trade Center Attacks


Following lunch we had some free time to shop in Paris.  We headed back to our bus for the return trip to LeHavre.   The French bus driver was making a diving motion with his hands as we boarded the bus.   Most of the passengers didn't understand what he was trying to convey.

There were a few people that had heard bits and pieces of the news while they were in one of the stores.   The driver had a French news station on the radio which is where he had learned about the attacks.   Someone got him to keep switching the radio stations until he found one broadcasting in English.   That's when a pall fell over the entire bus, as we listened in horror to the events that had just begun unfolding back home.

Recall that our cruise's final destination was scheduled to be New York.   We don't know the exact numbers, but we'd say that at least 90% of the passengers were from the New York area.  Imagine the horror of being so far from home, unable to contact your friends and family to see if they were safe.


Back On Board Norwegian Sun

Even as we write this page, ten years after the attacks, we still feel sad about the events of that day. What was a day that we had long looked forward to, is now a day that we wish we could forget. Our tour guide comforted us on the long ride back to the ship. She was the first of many that would be consoling us as the rest of the cruise continued.

Back on board, we watched CNN, had dinner, and got in line to make a phone call back home. We did go to the casino that night, trying to put everything out of our minds, but our heart wasn't in it.

The captain and crew of Norwegian Sun will always be remembered.  They were among the many heroes that day.  No, they weren't rescuing people trapped in the rubble, or putting their lives at risk, but they served a critical need for so many people, from New York and elsewhere, that were far away from home feeling a sense of helplessness.

Unique Perspective

Another thing that will live with us forever is the way that the people of many nations greeted us during the remainder of our cruise.  There had been much anticipation in those port cities surrounding the arrival of the Norwegian Sun, on the occasion of its maiden call to the ports.   Some ceremonies proceeded as planned, but most were subdued from the original gala celebrations that had been anticipated.  Greetings were first expressions of sorrow and support and then welcome to the cities.  Flags were lowered in respect for the dead and injured.  Newspapers were filled with the gripping pictures.

We have posted a photo album  9/11 Reflections From Our Vantage Point that capture some of what we've expressed here in images.

Related Website and Blog Posts of our 9/11 Cruise

Remembering 9/11 From Our Vantage Point

Reflections on 9/11

Keeping Us Safe 

This weekend marks the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 - May we Never Forget!

Thank you to all the brave men and women who came to the aid of strangers during this time 

NCL Caribbean Deployment 2012/2013

Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Dawn

Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Star

  Norwegian Sun

Caribbean Deployment

2012 / 2013

Miami, New Orleans, Tampa

Five Norwegian Cruise Line Ships will be deployed to the Caribbean in the 2012/2013  season.

Out of Miami, you can chose from Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Sun.  The Sun will sail 10 and 11 day Southern Caribbean itineraries while the Epic and Jewel will sail alternating 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerarires.

• Saturdays from November 3, 2012 to April 13, 2013 (Norwegian Epic)
• The Eastern Caribbean cruises call on Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands with an optional tour to St. John; and Nassau, Bahamas. 
• The Western Caribbean cruises stop in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras. 

• Sundays from October 14, 2012 to April 14, 2013 (Norwegian Jewel)
• The Eastern Caribbean cruises call on Samaná, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands with an optional tour to St. John; Tortola, British Virgin Islands with an optional tour to Virgin Gorda; and Nassau, Bahamas. 
• The Western Caribbean cruises visit Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. 

• October 14, 2012 to April 10, 2013 (Norwegian Sun)
• The 10-day cruise calls on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands with an optional tour to St. John; Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.  
• The 11-day cruise calls on Cartagena, Colombia; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands with an optional tour to St. John.
• One seven-day Western Caribbean cruise from Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral) on April 14, 2012 with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas.   

Out of Tampa, the Norwegian Dawn replaces Norwegian Star sailing 23 seven day Western Caribbean itineraries

• Sundays from November 11, 2012 to April 14, 2013 (Norwegian Dawn)
• The 7-day cruises call on Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. 

Out of New Orleans, the Norwegian Star will sail seven day Western Caribbean itineraries

• Sundays during Winter and Spring (Norwegian Star)
• The 7-day cruises call on Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras. 

Completing the Deployment

Limited Time Offer (click)

Norwegian will also offer 11 repositioning cruises ranging from a four-day Pacific Coastal to a 17-day Panama Canal from April 15 to October 26, 2012 departing from Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Quebec. For the first time, the cruise line will offer a 16-day Colonial America cruise on Norwegian Dawn sailing from Quebec City, Quebec to Tampa, Florida on October 26, 2012 calling on Portland, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; New York, New York; Baltimore, Maryland; Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston, South Carolina; Miami and Key West, Florida.

In addition, two-day Quick Getaways will be offered from Miami on board Norwegian Jewel on October 12, 2012 and from New York on board Norwegian Gem on September 28, 2012

Search (here) for Norwegian Cruise Line Itineraries

Another Rainmaker Forms in the Atlantic

5-Day Forecast Cone for Subtropical Depression 17 (Credit: NOAA NHC)

Click for Current 5-Day Graphic

NHC issuing advisories on Hurricane OTTO

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

Cruise Ship Advisories:  Click HERE

UPDATE: 1100 AM AST SUN OCT 10 2010
...OTTO NOW POST-TROPICAL...

EXPECTED TO MOVE NORTH OF THE AZORES ON MONDAY...

500 PM AST FRI OCT 08 2010
...OTTO STRENGTHENS A LITTLE MORE AS IT MOVES NORTHEASTWARD INTO THE
OPEN ATLANTIC...

(5 AM AST Wed. Oct 6 ) We are just starting to watch a developing tropical cyclone in the Western Atlantic as the NHC issues the first warning of this system.   Locally heavy rainfall from this storm is possible over the next couple of days in the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. It appears that this storm will increase in speed and strength and become a named storm within the next 48 hours.

THIS IS THE LAST PUBLIC ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER ON OTTO.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON OTTO CAN BE FOUND IN HIGH
SEAS FORECASTS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ...UNDER
AWIPS HEADER NFDHSFAT1 AND WMO HEADER FZNT01 KWBC...AND BY
METEO-FRANCE UNDER WMO HEADER FQNT50 LFPW.  

NHC predictions show Tropical Storm Otto staying to the east of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, and heading into the Atlantic, away from land.

As a service to our readers, we have RSS feeds from the NHC which can provide up to date information about these tropical storms.   We will also monitor the cruise lines for any itinerary changes as a result of the storms.

Discussion & Outlook

WATCHES AND WARNINGS 

THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT.

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION (10 Oct)

LOCATION...37.3N 41.1W
ABOUT 770 MI...1245 KM W OF THE AZORES
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...65 MPH...100 KM/HR
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 55 DEGREES AT 43 MPH...69 KM/HR
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...987 MB...29.15 INCHES

A DECREASE IN FORWARD SPEED IS EXPECTED TONIGHT...
FOLLOWED BY A TURN TOWARD THE EAST ON MONDAY AND 
A TURN TOWARD THE SOUTHEAST BY EARLY TUESDAY. 
 
ON THE FORECAST TRACK...
THE CENTER OF POST-TROPICAL OTTO WILL PASS
NORTH OF THE AZORES ON MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT. 

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 65 MPH...100 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. GRADUAL WEAKENING IS EXPECTED IN THE NEXT 48 HOURS. 

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 205 MILES...335 KM
FROM THE CENTER.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 987 MB...29.15 INCHES.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND

NONE

This is the first time this hurricane season where we've seen a subtropical storm.    For those wondering what that means, here is the NHC definition:

Subtropical Cyclone:

A non-frontal low pressure system that has characteristics of both tropical and extratropical cyclones. This system is typically an upper-level cold low with circulation extending to the surface layer and maximum sustained winds generally occurring at a radius of about 100 miles or more from the center. In comparison to tropical cyclones, such systems have a relatively broad zone of maximum winds that is located farther from the center, and typically have a less symmetric wind field and distribution of convection.

Cruise Line Advisories

Norwegian Sun is swapping its planned northern route crossing of the Atlantic Ocean for a more southerly one to avoid 35 knot winds and 24 foot swells kicked up by Hurricane Otto. The new route will force it to skip its call in Punta Delgada, Azores, on Saturday. The ship will arrive on schedule in Orlando on October 16. 

Carnival Liberty skipped its call in Grand Turk yesterday. Instead of a sea day today, the ship will add a call in Nassau. It returns to Miami as planned on Saturday.

Due to the storm, Celebrity Solstice is unable to dock in St. Maarten on Thursday.

Instead, the ship will spend tomorrow at sea and will add a call in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Friday before returning to Fort Lauderdale as scheduled on Sunday.

Tropical Storm Resources (click links below)
HURRICANE OTTO	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

Remembering 9/11 From Our Vantage Point

Source:  Irish Mirror front page September 13, 2001

September 11, 2001

The Day That Changed

The World Forever

Those words from this gripping image in the Irish Mirror sum things up for us the best.   Three hours after the first plane struck the World Trade Center, we would see an immediate difference.

As with all historic events, one remembers where they were when they heard the news. Our vantage point for the tragic events of 9/11 was Paris, France.   We had just departed on a Transatlantic Cruise onboard the Norwegian Sun.   It was it's maiden voyage which left from Southampton, England the day before.   

We had spent a wonderful day in Paris, about three hours from where our ship docked in LeHarve, France.   We toured the city, had lunch onboard a river boat, and did some shopping before returning to our bus for the return to the ship.   The bus driver, who spoke only French, tried to tell us about the events by motioning with his hands (showing a plane crashing).  Of course, we had no idea what he was trying to tell us.   Someone got him to change the radio station and finally a reporter speaking in English broke the news to us.

Since the ship's final destination was New York, the majority of the passengers were from there.   Imagine the horror that filled the bus as we learned of the attacks.    The next three hours was excruciating as we were stuck on the bus.   When we arrived at the ship, security was like we had never seen before.   From that day forward, ship security would be increased to a level we had never seen in our 20 years of cruising.

Once onboard the ship, passengers headed to the nearest television set which was tuned to CNN news.   Just like folks back home, we were bombarded with the images over and over again as the days events were relived.     Imagine being over 4,000 miles from home and not knowing how your loved ones were in the wake of the attacks.    What happened next will also be remembered by us forever... the Captain announced that each and every passenger would be allowed to make a phone call home to check on family.   The phone lines and internet would be opened free of charge for the next 24 hours to allow everyone to contact their loved ones.   Our next day was spent at sea, so there would have been no other way to call home, except via the ship's satellite communication, so this was most welcome news to the passengers.

Source:  Irish Mirror September 13, 2001

On September 13th, we arrived in our first port of call following the attacks.  Arriving early in Cobh, Ireland, we departed for our scheduled shore tour.  Our tour guide began the introductions by expressing condolences about the attacks.  At the conclusion of our tour, we had some time for shopping near the ship.    We purchased the Irish Mirror newspaper where we learned of an entirely different perspective on the attacks.

Ruth McCourt, 45, was taking her daughter, Juliana, age 4, on a shopping trip from Boston to Los Angeles.   Their flight was one of the hijacked planes that struck the World Trade Center.  Meanwhile, Ruth's brother, Ronnie Clifford, an architect, was helping to rescue victims from the earlier attack.   He was unaware that above his head his sister and niece were perishing in the flames.

Here in Co Cork, the rest of the family was attempting to deal with the news of the tragedy that struck their family.     After reading this story in the newspaper, we were aware of how far reaching this tragedy really was.

An Irish gentleman approached us as we returned to the ship.   He said "You are Americans, aren't you".  We replied that we were.   His response was, "You'll get those B...ds".    At that moment in time, we were united with the rest of the world, from government officials, to the man on the streets, the world was one in convictions that those responsible had to be held accountable.

Ports put on high alert...  The newspaper also reported that all entry points into Ireland were on high alert amid fears of further attacks like those in the United States.   A high-level security group consisting of Gardai, army officers, and government officials was established to co-ordinate the response to Tuesday's terrorist attack.   

Flights are Canceled...  All transatlantic flights out of Dublin airport were cancelled and passengers were advised to contact their airlines helplines for assistance.   Later in our cruise we would talk with Canadians who had taken stranded passengers into their homes as their flights were diverted.

Ireland Day of Mourning ... Schools, offices, and businesses across Ireland closed on Friday, September 14th for a national day of mourning.  The Irish Mirror  reported "Ireland will weep for America tomorrow as the nation remembers the innocent dead".

Source: The Scottish SUN September 15, 2001

Just being with Scots who care has helped so much...

We arrived in Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland on September 15th, and once again were greeted by sympathetic locals.   Inaugural festivities, upon the first visit of Norwegian Sun to Scotland, did take place, but they were  low key.

That newspaper headline in The Scottish SUN reflected the sentiments of an American mother and daughter who were amongst the crowd paying respects at Glasgow's George Square as similar mourning events were held across the globe.   In London, thousands gathered outside St. Paul's Cathedral for England's memorial.

Our day in Scotland was a rainy one, perhaps fitting considering the earlier events of the week.   The people were wonderful and we enjoyed our stay despite the tragedy that underscored the entire voyage.

Throughout the remaining days of the Path of the Vikings voyage we encountered similar scenes to those in Ireland and Scotland, where flags were at half-mast, the people were caring and sympathetic, and comforted us during this very emotional time.    This cruise will always be remembered, not because it was the most exotic or most picturesque, but for the one with the people with the warmest hearts.   

We will also remember the Captain and Crew of the Norwegian Sun who stepped up to the challenges and helped the passengers through this difficult time.  Norwegian Cruise Line definitely went above and beyond when they opened up the phone lines and internet twice during the voyage and rearranged all the transportation for guests since our final destination was changed from New York to Boston.

See our Facebook Page for more Pictures from our Path of the Vikings Cruise - Including more 9/11 reflections.   While you are there, Like Us so that you can continue to follow our specials and stories.

Reflections on 9/11

May We Never Forget

September 11, 2001 is a day that we will never forget. It was our 25th wedding anniversary. We were on Norwegian Sun's maiden voyage which started the day before in Southampton, England for a Path of the Vikings Transatlantic voyage. The Sun was docked in Le Harve, France and we had taken a shore excursion to Paris. What could be more romantic than spending your anniversary in Paris, France?

We had a lovely lunch on a river cruise. We had done some shopping and toured the sites of Paris. It was now time to board our motor coach for the trip back to Le Harve to rejoin our vessel. While in one of the local shops, we'd heard some buzzing as the news of the days events had started to trickle in.

One of the passengers asked our French-speaking bus driver to turn on the radio. What happened next, I'll never forget. He started to make dive-bombing motions with his hands, trying to tell us about a plane crash. Even though we couldn't understand his speach, we started to understand that something tragic had taken place.

He changed the radio station and found one that was broadcasting in English. A pall fell over the bus as we heard the news. Most of the passengers were from the New York area since the cruise was to end in New York.

Back onboard the Sun, security was tightened and CNN was on all television sets throughout the ship. The mood went from festive (celebrating the new ship) to very somber.

The captain was one of the best we've had. He directed the staff to open the phone lines and internet for 48 hours so that every passenger could call home to check on loved ones. It was a very organized process that was implemented without any prior planning. Later in the week we learned that our disembarkation port was changed from New York to Boston and once again everyone was allowed to call home to inform family and friends of the change.

There were festivities planned for all our ports of call. In most cases, those still took place, but the opening remarks were concerning the attack. Every country we visited had their flags at half-staff in memory. All of the tour guides began their introductions by expressing condolences.

We had ports of call in New Foundland and Halifax, Canada. There we met folks that had taken stranded air passengers into their homes and fed them when the planes were grounded. Clearly the world had united in response to the events of 9/11.

Eight years have passed since that terrible day, but the memories are fresh as yesterday. We sailed out of New York on a couple recent cruises. We visited the site of the World Trade Center and saw the rebuilding and the various memorials. Reflecting on the past with a hope for a new rebuilding is perhaps the best way to remember.

When we pulled into Boston harbor at the conclusion of our maiden voyage, we were greeted by U.S. Coast Guard gun boats which escorted us safely into the harbor. It was good to be home but it was strange to have the military presence. The escorts continue to this day as the cruise lines and the government attempt to keep us safe from harm. It is everyone's duty to be watchful so that the events of 9/11 don't occur again.

Each of our cruises are memorable in some way. It seems that some cruises are remembered more than others. The maiden voyage of Norwegian Sun will remain one with very vivid memories.

Keeping Us Safe

September 10, 2001 we sailed out of Southampton (London), England on the inaugural voyage of Norwegian Sun. This 17-night cruise was a Trans-Atlantic crossing which followed the Path of the Vikings. The final port of call was to be New York, NY but as you might expect, that was not possible.

On September 11, 2001, the cruise industry, along with every other travel industry, was changed forever by the events that took place in New York city. While safety had always been a cruise line concern, it was never at a higher level than it was when we returned to the United States.

A few days before our scheduled return to the United States, we learned that we would be diverting to Boston instead of New York. NCL would make arrangements for everyone to get home from there. They even opened up the phone lines free of charge so that everyone could call home and let their loved ones know about the change of plans.

These were extraordinary times during the entire cruise. The majority of the passengers were from New York, and you can just imagine the emotions onboard the ship.

It was shortly after dawn as we entered Boston Harbor. We immediately got our first glimpse of how the world had changed. A U.S. Coast Guard gunboat was alongside our ship escorting us into harbor. In fact, there were several of the gunboats alongside our ship. It was an eerie sight to see the boats, however it was also very comforting.

Travel had changed dramatically from the time we left on this cruise until the time we returned home. We had met people in Canada that had helped to shelter passengers that had been stranded when the airplanes were grounded. We got our first experience with the new security checking at Logan Airport.

Fortunately, the travel industry recovered and resumed operations following the devastating events of 9/11. Security is now a fact of life, both at the airports, and at cruise terminals. You'll look out from the upper decks of your ship and you'll always see U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Homeland Security, and other police agencies present while the ship is in harbor. We have witnessed them chase down supsicious boats and turn them away. Thanks to their presence, we can feel safe onboard the ship while we are in harbor.

Thank you to all the members of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Homeland Security and other agencies that keep the cruise passengers safe. Next time you are on a ship, be sure to wave a thank you to the men and women that keep us safe.