LNG Powers the Fun

Mardi Gras - You've Come a Long Way Baby

On this Earth Day 2021, Carnival Corporation released a video explaining how Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) will play a role in helping them meet their sustainability goals. 

Carnival Mardi Gras will be the first LNG-powered cruise ship to home port in North America. Mardi Gras, which was to have debuted last year but due to the COVID-19 shutdown, her debut is still to come. Sister ship Carnival Celebration is set to debut out of PortMiami in 2022. 

Mardi Gras, the first of Carnival's Excel class ships, required a new terminal. Port Canaveral rebuilt Cruise Terminal 3 to support what is the largest ship in Carnival’s fleet, coming in at 1,130 feet long, 180,800 gross tons and a 5,282-passenger capacity based on double occupancy. 

 LNG creates less exhaust than commonly used cruise industry fuel. It’s an odorless, colorless fuel in its liquid state kept cold at -259 degrees Fahrenheit. The fuel will be stored in three tanks onboard the ship. While the ship will be refueled weekly, the design allows for 14 days of cruising without refueling. The fuel will power the propulsion system as well as everything else onboard the ship. 

 To operate this LNG powered ship introduces new logistic issues which Carnival has planned for. LNG isn't readily available in all ports of call. A special refueling barge will be used in Port Orlando to refuel the vessel in order to comply with necessary safety protocols. Port Canaveral also invested in additional fire training for their personnel and a new fire boat, to address safety concerns with LNG use. 

Watch this video to learn more about LNG fuel and Carnival's commitment to sustainability. You can also visit carnivalsustainability.com to learn more about their environmental goals and progress to date.

 “The introduction of new, more efficient ships, and investments in other technologies and initiatives, we intend to continue to build on our pledge and continue to reduce emissions and exceed our goals,” the video states.

 
View Mardi Gras Itineraries

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USCG Inspects Ports After Irma

• 2017 Hurricane Preparedness - After the Storm

Recovering From
Hurricane Irma

Now that the hurricane has moved out of Florida, it's time for the recovery to begin.

One of the main tasks falls on the U.S. Coast Guard: determining the condition of the Florida Ports (as well as those in other states along Irma's path) and getting marine vessels moving again.


Port Tampa Bay

https://www.tampaport.com/
@PortTampaBay


STATUS:  Opened at 2PM Sept. 12th

#BREAKING #USCG @USCGSoutheast United States Coast Guard estimates re-opening @PortTampaBay at 2pm on Tuesday. Three fuel vessels expected.

Florida's Governor reported that dozens of tanker trucks were loaded with gas (with fuel stored at Port Tampa Bay), and continue to be filled tonight. They are delivering fuel to the Tampa Bay area and beyond.  The fuel vessels waiting offshore for the port to reopen will replenish the supply.

Port of Miami

STATUS:  Carnival Reports Port Opened Sept. 12th

PortMiami will open tomorrow, September 12th. Marine Terminals POMTOC and SFCT may open Wednesday depending on final assessments. Cruise travelers should contact their cruise line directly for more information on cruise itineraries.

Please stay connected via www.portmiami.biz and on Twitter @PortMiami @MiamiDadeCounty @MiamiDadeEM for official updates. The port will remain closed for marine traffic at least through 4 p.m. Tuesday, September 12. Upon conclusion of side sonar underwater inspections by NOAA we will update the public as to the opening of PortMiami's navigational channels.

Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)

STATUS:  Opened at 9:44 AM Sept. 12th

@PortEverglades
http://www.porteverglades.net/ 

Broward County offices, including Port Everglades, will reopen for normal business hours tomorrow, Tuesday, September 12. Port staff should contact their supervisor with any questions. Damage assessment and recovery efforts are continuing. Port Everglades will fully reopen following approval from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Disembarkation / Embarkation ports for Carnival Cruises have been posted now that the ports are open.  See their September 12th 9:30 PM Advisory.

Port Canaveral

STATUS:  Opened  Sept. 12th

Hurricane Irma Port Canaveral Update

BCSO, Canaveral Fire Rescue has been on scene at Port making preliminary assessments; no major damage noted at this point. All vessels that remained in port are secure. We will begin assessing general harbor conditions soon to facilitate return to normal operations as soon as possible. Port remains closed until further notice.

Cruise Passengers

Cruise passengers who have had their cruises extended, due to Hurricane Irma, are now heading towards Miami or other ports for disembarkation once the ports have reopened. In addition to letting passengers return from extended voyages, cruise lines are mobilizing to provide humanitarian aid to the Caribbean islands that were impacted.

See Hurricane Irma Cruise Ship Impact for the latest plans regarding future sailings and humanitarian efforts. Getting the ports reopened is a critical part of getting disaster relief to remote areas. Thank you to the United States Coast Guard and other Federal and Local agencies who are taking part in the massive efforts to get Florida's infrastructure re-established.

Tweets about @USCGSoutheast

Departing For Carnival Magic

We suggest traveling  the day before cruise to embarkation city for a stress free start of your vacation.  At least it's the only thing within your control to start things on the right foot.

Following our own advice, we departed for Orlando, Florida midday the day before embarkation.  The flight was on time, which is unusual, so we were off to a good start.   After just over two hours we were in Orlando.   As we exited the plane we saw lightening in the distance.   Because of the storms in the area,the tarmac was shutdown and luggage could not be unloaded from the planes.

We got to  baggage claim and weren't surprised to see the sign indicating bags would be delayed due to the severe lightening in the area.   They wouldn't resume unloading luggage until it was safe to do so.

We waited  for more than hour before bags started appearing on the conveyor belt.   Imagine the stress that would be added if this happened on cruise embarkation day.  We did have two aces in our pocket even if this had been cruise day - travel insurance and cruise line transfers to the pier.   At least we would have had someone to assist us if necessary.

We selected Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport as our pre-cruise hotel because of several factors:  airport shuttle, price, value, and location to food choices.  There are several restaurants within walking distance which is helpful when you are relying on shuttles for transportation.

2014 Royal Winter Caribbean Deployment

Bookings are now open on the 2014 Winter Caribbean season on nine ships, PLUS Panama Canal itineraries on Legend of the Seas®.  Adventure of the Seas®and Jewel of the Seas®, sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico Allure of the Seas® and Oasis of the Seas®, sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida Freedom of the Seas®, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida Independence of the Seas®, sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with special holiday sailings from Port Canaveral Legend of the Seas®, sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, PLUS 15–night Panama Canal cruises between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, California Grandeur of the Seas®, sailing Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries from Baltimore, Maryland Serenade of the Seas®, sailing Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries from New Orleans, Louisiana

For more information see  

2014-15 Royal Winter Deployments

2014-15 Royal Caribbean Deployments

More Engine Woes for Carnival

Emergency Diesel Generator
Malfunctions on

Carnival Dream

Just one month since the Carnival Triumph fire which left the ship without power and stranded passengers for days, Carnival Corporation has yet another problem with power onboard one of their ships.

Earlier this week, Carnival Cruise Lines President and Chief Executive Gerry Cahill had reported that a comprehensive review of its entire fleet had been launched.  Perhaps this test was part of that review, and unfortunately this backup generator failed.

Current Voyage Terminates Early

The Carnival Dream has a technical issue with the ship’s backup emergency diesel generator which our engineering team is currently working on. Yesterday, during regularly scheduled testing of the ship’s emergency diesel generator, a malfunction occurred. At no time did the ship lose power and the ship’s propulsion systems and primary power source was not impacted. The ship is at dock in St. Maarten. All guests are safe and comfortable. There were periodic interruptions to elevators and restroom services for a few hours last night. However, all hotel systems are functioning normally and have been functional since approximately 12.30am.

While personnel continue to work on the technical issue we are making arrangements to fly all guests home via private charter flights and scheduled flights from St. Maarten. Guests on the current voyage will receive a refund equivalent to three days of the voyage and 50 percent off a future cruise.

Next Voyage Cancelled
 
We are also cancelling the ship's next voyage which is scheduled to depart on Saturday, March 16. Guests scheduled to sail on this cruise will receive a full refund and 25 percent off a future seven-day cruise. Guests who re-book will have their current rate protected on the future sailing.
Additionally, any non-refundable transportation related expenses will be reimbursed.

Yesterday was a scheduled port of call visit to St. Maarten. Guests were able to spend the full day in port and have the option of continuing to do so until their scheduled return home. All of the ship's activities and facilities are fully operational.

We are very sorry for this disruption to our guests' vacation plans and extend our sincere apologies. We look forward to welcoming them back on another Carnival cruise.

The Carnival Dream was on the last leg of a seven-day cruise and was docked in St. Maarten when the technical problem arose. The ship is based in Port Canaveral, Fla.

Source: Carnival Facebook page

Royal Caribbean to Retire Monarch OTS

Final Year 3&4-Night Bahamas Cruises Sailing Now Thru March 31 2013
	Royal Caribbean International Monarch of the Seas®
Monarch of the Seas, will be leaving the Royal Caribbean fleet to sail for sister line Pullmantur. Tue ship is the oldest in the fleet, having sailed its maiden voyage in November, 1991. It will continue sailing 3 & 4-night Bahamas cruises thru it's final 3-night voyage March 29, 2013. The ship currently sails from Port Canaveral in Florida. The 2,390-passenger, 73,941-ton ship will enter service for Pullmantur after a significant refurbishment. It will join its sister ship Sovereign (formerly Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas), which transferred over in 2008. Gonzalo Chico Barbier, president and CEO of Pullmantur said "The transfer of Monarch of the Seas will reinforce Pullmantur in our Latin American growth strategy, and help us become one of the most widely recognized brands."  Cruisers on the West Coast will remember Monarch as a main-stay serving San Diego with short weekend cruises to Ensenada, Mexico and Baja California. Many Crown & Anchor members frequently the ship which served as a training ground for crew members. Often the Monarch was the first ship to try something new, so it was a favorite ship of those travelers. It will certainly be missed by those that have fond memories of cruises gone by.
Ship Profile | Itineraries & Pricing | Deck Plans | Dining Menus | Wine Lists | Kids Programs | Ship Reviews | 360 Tours | Photos Ship Profile & Stats Maiden Voyage 1991 (Refurbished: 2003) Passengers (dbl) 2,766 Tonnage 73,937 Tons Normal Crew Size 858 Length 880 feet Crew Nationality International Beam 106 feet Nationality of Officers Norwegian Draft 25 feet Nationality of Dining Staff International Speed 19 knots Registration Country Norway

Disney Fantasy Christened by Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey Christens Disney Fantasy View Gallery

Disney Fantasy

Becomes a Reality

Christened in New York

The Disney Fantasy, the fourth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, was christened March 1st during a star-studded christening celebration at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Stars Shine Bright Aboard Disney Fantasy

Godmother: Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, took center stage for the christening moment and led the audience in a countdown that triggered a 6-foot tall bottle of champagne in the Atrium Lobby to erupt and shower onlookers with confetti and streamers as a traditional bottle of champagne broke against the ship’s hull.

"I christen thee Disney Fantasy," the native New Yorker intoned. "May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.” 

 Just over a year ago, we watched as the Disney Fantasy keel was laid in a ceremony that took place at the  Meyer Werft shipyard in  Papenburg, Germany. The laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event. 

Shipbuilding is filled with tradition.  Wine poured upon the deck before a long voyage represents a libation to the gods which will bring good luck. "Christening" a ship by breaking a bottle of champagne across her bow at the time of launching arose from this practice.  Read more about Nautical Superstitions & Legends.

When the Disney Fantasy begins sailing on March 31, 2012, it will continue the innovative approach Disney Cruise line brought to family cruise vacations with a collection of new guest experiences specifically developed for the ship’s seven-night itinerary.

• Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy brings the magic of Disney animation into the dining room with a new show called “Animation Magic.” 
• The Muppets are coming to the Disney Fantasy!
• Soaring above the upper decks of the Disney Fantasy, guests will find the AquaDuck a 765-foot long, twisting-and-turning water coaster  
• AquaLab — a water play area on the upper deck filled with a variety of water “experiments,” created by Donald Duck’s nephews, designed to drench, soak and saturate guests.
• Satellite Falls is a circular splash pool with benches and a gently falling rain curtain that provides cool comfort and is surrounded by ample deck space where adult guests can soak up the sun in loungers or relax in the shade under a canopy.
• “Wishes” is a 45-minute musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child. 
• “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” is a fast-paced musical comedy where Aladdin, the “street rat” of Agrabah, meets a Genie who grants him three wishes, battles the evil Jafar and falls in love with Princess Jasmine.
• Nightlife takes a European twist with Europa – an entertainment district of high-energy, sophisticated clubs and lounges inspired by the night spots of Italy, France, Ireland and London. 

The Disney Fantasy will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. on seven-night Caribbean itineraries that alternate eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). All itineraries will include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

View Disney Fantasy Cruise Itineraries

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.

Watch Disney Dream Christening Live Today

Images and Logos Courtesy Disney Cruise Line © Disney

  Watch the Disney Dream Come True!Watch Live Webcast at 10:30 ET   
Disney Cruise Line® is proud to welcome the Disney Dream™ to its fleet. And, you can be a part of the excitement by watching a webcast of the official Disney Dream christening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan.19, 2011.

Today another dream comes true as Disney Dream™ is officially christened.  It's an event you won't want to miss, filled with magic, enchantment and a few surprises along the way—including Honorary Godmother, Academy Award® winning performer, Jennifer Hudson, whose own dreams of stardom began back in 2003 when she was a performer on Disney Wonder®.

Video clip from Disney Dream Christening webcast

Accommodating up to 4,000 guests, the 130,000-ton Disney Dream takes Disney’s special brand of family cruising to a whole new level with industry firsts. All of the ship’s new features – combined with Disney quality entertainment, unique dining experiences and age-specific areas for children, teens and adults – create an unforgettable cruise experience for the entire family.

See More Photos (Click link):  Disney Dream Christening

 

 

Welcome Home Disney Dream

Photo by Katie Werling - DIS Unplugged

Fireworks filled the pre-dawn sky over Port Canaveral January 4th as the latest Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney Dream, pulled into its new home in Florida.   The Disney Dream completed its Transatlantic crossing on schedule.  Special thanks to DIS Unplugged for capturing this event in pictures and video (click the link for more images).

When You Wish Upon a Star ....



Disney Dream's naming ceremony will be held January 19th in Port Canaveral with its maiden voyage occurring on January 26th.  As customary for new ships, there will be a series of short cruises for cast members, travel agents, and media between now and the maiden voyage.

The most innovative new features on the Disney Dream are the AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea, and the virtual portholes for inside cabins which provide a live view via some Disney magic.

The Disney Dream is scheduled to sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas, from Port Canaveral.  Sister ship Disney Fantasy is currently in production at the MEYER WERFT shipyard and is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage on April 7, 2012.  It will sail seven-night alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries, also from Port Canaveral.


Related Blog Posts:


Disney Dream Delivered
Disney Dream Conveyance
Disney Dream Unveiled

Another storybook page turns as the Disney Dream begins final preparations for the arrival of the first guests.     Welcome to your home, Disney Dream.    Pixie Dust all around - let the magic begin.

Disney Dream Delivered

Meyer Werft Delivers Disney Dream
Photo courtesy Meyer Werft and Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Takes the Helm of Newest Ship

Delivery Ceremony celebrates final milestone

Disney Dream set to depart for Florida 

The final chapter has been written on the Disney Dream's construction as shipbuilder MEYER WERFT turned over the keys of the new ship to Disney Cruise Line December 9th in Bremerhaven, Germany. Following maritime tradition, the MEYER WERFT flag was lowered, while the Disney Cruise Line flag was raised, transferring ownership from the shipbuilder to Disney Cruise Line.

Construction began nearly two years ago in Papenburg, Germany.  The delivery  signals its readiness to welcome guests on its maiden voyage, set for Jan. 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Florida.   The Disney Dream will depart for Florida on December 19th after crew and provisions are loaded on the new ship in Germany.

DCL Commenting on the Disney Dream

“The Disney Dream is an extraordinary ship, in part because of the collaboration of the superb shipbuilders at MEYER WERFT and the innovative technology and storytelling that our Disney team has developed and implemented aboard,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line.  “I cannot wait for our guests to experience this newest addition to our fleet, a ship that will delight and surprise all ages.”

From a water coaster at sea called AquaDuck, and inside staterooms with virtual views, to Enchanted Art that immerses guests in stories, and fine dining at Remy’s, the Disney Dream will deliver family cruise experiences like no other.  The shipboard experience remains focused on the legacy and heritage of The Walt Disney Company’s most known assets – master storytelling, world-class entertainment and legendary guest service.

Our Thoughts

Those of us in the travel business call this the "Disney Difference".  The Disney Dream adds to the list of completed vessels in 2010.   We believe this will be one of the years that stand out in cruise industry history as a year of innovation that takes cruise vacationing to a new level.

Meyer Werft's Thoughts

“It gives me great pride to deliver the Disney Dream, which is the largest ship that MEYER WERFT has ever built,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of MEYER WERFT.  “Over the last few years, I have seen this ‘dream’ transform from the design phase to a magnificent reality, which guests will soon be able to enjoy for years to come.  To make this dream come true, it takes a special partnership.  The collaboration among Disney Cruise Line, MEYER WERFT and its suppliers has been excellent and very creative.”

Disney Dream Schedule

The Disney Dream is scheduled to depart on Dec. 19, for its transatlantic voyage to the U.S., with an expected arrival on Jan. 4, 2011. Captain Tom Forberg will officially take the helm of the Disney Dream for Disney Cruise Line.  As part of the Disney Cruise Line ship construction team, Captain Forberg has been with the company for 15 years and was responsible for launching Disney’s first two ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

The Disney Dream is scheduled to sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas, from Port Canaveral.  Sister ship Disney Fantasy is currently in production at the MEYER WERFT shipyard and is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage on April 7, 2012.  It will sail seven-night alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries, also from Port Canaveral.

Congratulations Disney Cruise Line on another family vacation choice which will continue Walt Disney's legacy for many years to come.  It's hard to believe it all started with a mouse.

STS-129 Returns Home

STS-129 Crew onboard International Space Station - Photo Courtesy Nasa

Back to Kennedy Space Center

Port Canaveral, Florida

Monarch of the Seas has a front-row seat for the Landing of STS-129. Since it will be docked in Port Canaveral on Friday, November 27th prior to the scheduled landing, passengers still onboard will be able to see the STS-129 approaching the Kennedy Space Center.

Once again traffic might be a little congested as it was when the shuttle took off, so be sure to plan accordingly if you are departing the ship or arriving for the next departure.

For more information about the space shuttle mission, see STS-129 Mission on Nasa's website.

If you've allowed extra time after your cruise, you might want to take a tour of Kennedy Space Center.

STS-129 Atlantis Mission a Go for Launch Monday

STS-129 Mission a "Go" for Launch - Photos Courtesy NASA

Space Shuttle Atlantis

Launch Monday, November 16

Launch countdown operations are on schedule with no issues to report, according to officials at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the STS-129 prelaunch briefing. With the unfortunate scrub of the Atlas rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station today, space shuttle Atlantis is cleared for launch at 2:28 p.m. EST Monday.

Why am I blogging about a Space Shuttle Launch?

Have I upgraded from Cruise Ship to Space Shuttle?

NO, I've not changed fields or unfortunatley, I'm not "cruising" on the space shuttle next week. There is a cruise connection, however ...

The space shuttle launch could impact YOUR plans ... if you are on the Royal Caribbean Monarch of the Seas cruise that departs Monday from Port Canaveral, Florida.

As of now, weather is predicted to be perfect for launch, so barring any unforseen problems, the shuttle should take off at 2:28 PM Eastern time Monday.

Monarch of the Seas is scheduled to depart Monday, November 16, on a 4-Night Bahamas, Port Canaveral R/T. The cruise is scheduled to depart at 5 PM. That means that guests will start boarding the ship mid-day.

Allow extra time for heavy traffic

Due to the shuttle launch, traffic will be quite busy in the Port Canaveral area. Passengers should allow extra time to get to the pier. Also, if you are on the ship prior to launch, you might have a bird's eye view of the shuttle launch. This could be a once in a lifetime experience that you don't want to miss.

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One Small Step - July 20, 1969

One Small Step for Man,

One Giant Leap for Mankind

July 20, 1969, another one of those days that will be remembered for years to come. Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the lunar surface fulfilling a challenge put forth by President John F. Kennedy.

If you were alive in 1969, odds are you were glued to your radio or television set waiting to hear those first words, "The Eagle has landed." Unlike other days that we remember, this wasn't a tragic day, but rather a triumphant day. Man had entered the new frontier and successfully landed on new unexplored shores, much like the explorers who sailed the oceans in search of new land centuries before.

What does this have to do with cruise vacations you ask? The event itself isn't directly related to cruising, but Port Canaveral, home of NASA, is one of the popular ports of embarkation. That means you can extend your cruise vacation either before or after your cruise and visit the Kennedy Space Center and learn more about the space program.

Several cruise lines depart from Port Canaveral. You can select from Carnival Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. The cruises include 3, 4 or 5 night Bahama cruises, 7 or 9 night Eastern/Western Caribbean, 11 night Southern Caribbean, and even 14 night cruises to Eastern/Western Caribbean or even a Transatlantic.

Search for cruises leaving from Port Canaveral.

Since 2009 is the 40th anniversary of the landing on the moon, this would be a good time to visit Port Canaveral, Florida. What better way to begin or end a cruise vacation than by visiting the space center to add some enrichment to your pleasure trip?

You too can make one small step by learning more about our history in space and those that have explored the new frontier. Let me help you take that step.