Oh What a Beautiful Morning Today's The Day

 

"We’re Back. Today We Set Sail On the First U.S. Cruise!” 

Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean International CEO couldn't help himself - he burst into song onboard Celebrity Edge as they prepare to sail for the first time from a U.S. port in 15 months.

“This is the first cruise and just one cruise, but it’s the start of something huge,” Fain said.

He equated the transition from winter to spring with that of the cruise industry returning to sailing from U.S. ports. He wanted to tell us that there would be smooth sailing and that he had all the answers from the CDC and ports of call, but he admitted that there's still a lot of uncertainty.  

“For example, we’re still not 100 percent sure about the specific protocols on specific sailings. Here in Florida we still don’t understand all the implications about the law about vaccination documentation,” Fain said.   He did indicate that 90% of passengers surveyed have either been vaccinated or intend to be, and that they are ready to resume cruising.

He thanked "all the people that helped us get to this amazing day".  He thanked the crews that stepped up repeatedly to get crews home safe and keep ships safe and operational.  He also thanked them for implementing the new protocols which build confidence that passengers will have a healthy and fun-filled experience back onboard their ships.

He also thanked passengers who have booked and rebooked cruises, some multiple times, with hopes that their cruise would sail.  "Up until now those hopes had been dashed but they were never crushed".

Finally, he thanked the travel partners for their efforts to keep their business strong during these tough times.  He mentioned that phones are beginning to ring again "and that's a happy sound for all of us". "Together we are going to get our way back to cruising".

 

He reported that he will be on Freedom of the Seas next weekend as well as that ship has it's first revenue sailing, having successfully completed the CDC mandated test cruise this past weekend.

Yes, Richard, this is a beautiful morning, and we are grateful that you have been at the helm, getting us to this historic day in the cruise industry.  Thank you and the entire Royal Caribbean family for all that you personally did to make this possible.

Watch this video for his complete remarks:

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

Starting July 7, 2021 our new time will be 4 PM Eastern

Where is Chris - Story Telling

Today is National Tell a Story day, so we'll take you back to how I fell in love with Cruising.   My friend Sue called me and asked if I'd like to go with her to a local travel show.  I said, sure, sounds like fun.   We visited several booths and filled in entries for give-a-ways.  Shortly after the event, I received a phone call telling me that I'd won a cruise on a Windjammer ship.   The trip was for two, so my husband and I decided to accept the prize.   We had to fly to the embarkation city on our own dime, but the cruise fare was paid for.   They had an option to pay $25 for a stow away night (the night before the ship sailed).   So, we decided that was the way to go to avoid any stress from missed flights or other delays.

If you've ever been on a Windjammer (or similar) vessel, you probably know that it's pretty casual.  The attire for the day was bathing suits and bare feet.   Dressing up meant putting on our shoes.

There was a passenger talent contest, a toga party, and a pig roast among the highlights of the trip.  We did have to pay for drinks, but after a couple of 151 rum drinks, you didn't really need to have many.   We had a fabulous time and as they say, the rest is history.

Here are some images from our first cruise - can you guess the destination we sailed to?

Where is Chris (scroll over image)     Learn More (our visit)

Gather the kids and talk about your first family vacation, if you've had one.   Where did you go?  What did you do?   What was the most fun?   If you haven't taken a family vacation yet, perhaps you can talk about where you'd like to go.    #KeepTheKidsEngaged

We hope you are enjoying this series of  "Where is Chris" posts.  We'd love your feedback on our social media.

Where is Chris?

Here is today's post: See if you can guess where I am. 

As promised, we've updated yesterday's post, Where is Chris - Pretzel Day, with the answer to the puzzle.  Revisit that post and just scroll over the image to reveal the answer.  You can also click on the link below the picture to read more.    

Make sure to follow us on our social media, so you don't miss any destinations. 

If you can't wait for tomorrow for the answer, you can take my quiz in my Instagram story.

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First 2012 Pacific Tropical Storm

2012 Pacific Hurricane Season

Begins Early with 1st Named Storm

Tropical Storm Aletta

Cruise Ship Impact    Current Watches & Warnings

 

Hurricane Season in the Pacific doesn't officially start until May 15th, but there already is a named storm South of Manzanillo, Mexico.  Tropical Storm Aletta strengthened to a named storm just 12 hours after forming.

800 AM PDT SAT MAY 19 2012
 
...ALETTA BECOMES POST-TROPICAL...THIS IS THE LAST ADVISORY... 

Atlantic Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

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

SUMMARY OF 800 AM PDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...14.8N 112.5W
ABOUT 585 MI...940 KM SSW OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...30 MPH...45 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...ENE OR 65 DEGREES AT 5 MPH...7 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1006 MB...29.71 INCHES

CRUISE SHIP IMPACT
None  

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 30 MPH...45 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  THE POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE IS EXPECTED TO DISSIPATE IN A
COUPLE OF DAYS.

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT. 

THIS IS THE LAST PUBLIC ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER ON ALETTA. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE REMNANTS OF
ALETTA PLEASE SEE HIGH SEAS FORECASTS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE...UNDER AWIPS HEADER NFDHSFEPI AND WMO HEADER
FZPN01 KWBC.

Historical Data :  Graphics    Archive    

800 AM PDT MON MAY 14 2012
 
...FIRST TROPICAL DEPRESSION OF THE 2012 EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC
HURRICANE SEASON FORMS AHEAD OF THE OFFICIAL SEASON START DATE...

800 PM PDT MON MAY 14 2012
 
...DEPRESSION BECOMES FIRST TROPICAL STORM OF THE YEAR IN THE
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC... 

First Hurricane of East Pacific 2011 Season

Tropical Depression ONE-E 

Became First Hurricane 

of East Pacific Season

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

800 AM PDT SUN JUN 12 2011
 
...ADRIAN WEAKENS TO A POST-TROPICAL REMNANT LOW...THIS IS THE LAST
ADVISORY...

The first named tropical storm started as a depression on June 7th with a maximum wind speed of 30 MPH. It was located about 365 miles South of Acapulco, Mexico. By 8 PM that same night, it had already become a tropical storm with winds of 45 MPH and it was continuing to intensify.

By 5 PM June 8th, Adrian was now the first hurricane of the season with winds at Category 1 strength around 75 MPH. Adrian grew into a Category 4 hurricane on June 9th making it the first Major Hurricane of the East Pacific 2011 Season with maximum winds of 135 MPH.

After peaking in intensity on Friday June 10th, Adrian started weakening in the afternoon and rapidly continued to weaken on Saturday when it was downgraded to a Tropical Storm. By Sunday morning June 12th, Adrian had weakened to a remnant low and was no longer monitored by the NHC. It had a short and powerful ride for a few days, but fortunately, it did not make landfall.

Hurricane ADRIAN Advisory Archive

800 AM PDT TUE JUN 07 2011

...FIRST TROPICAL DEPRESSION OF THE 2011 EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC
HURRICANE SEASON FORMS...

Throughout the Hurricane Season, we will continue to monitor active storms and provide updates in our blog, especially paying attention to storms that could impact cruise ships in the vicinity.

Celebrity Reflection Construction Begins

Construction Begins On

 Final Celebrity Solstice-Class Ship 

Photo: Bernard Meyer, Managing Partner MEYER WERFT | Dan Hanrahan, CEO Celebrity Cruises | Hermann Lembeck, Produktion Manager MEYER WERFT Laserzentrum | Lambert Kruse, Managing Director MEYER WERFT

Photo: Bernard Meyer, Managing Partner MEYER WERFT | Roswitha Arnett, Hotel Director Celebrity Cruises | Dan Hanrahan, CEO Celebrity Cruises

Steel cutting for Celebrity Reflection

Shipbuilder MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, Germany, has launched the production of the first steel plate for the new giant cruise ship Celebrity Reflection . The fifth ship of the Celebrity Solstice-class will be delivered to Celebrity Cruises, in the autumn of 2012.

Celebrity Reflection offers all the most-loved Solstice Class features along with myriad new ones: more staterooms, new restaurants, expanded onboard activities.  This 126,000 gross ton ship will have a passenger capacity of 3,030 guests.   

What's New?

The Lawn Club Grill

New specialty restaurant for lunch and dinner where you can celebrate the flavorful joys of outdoor grilling. Take a class on pizza-making – including the art of dough-tossing. Learn the secrets of grilling and making marinades. Beverages include wine, buckets of beer and pitchers of sangria. Specialty dining surcharge.

The Porch

An idyllic, new restaurant on The Lawn Club featuring fast and fresh food for breakfast and lunch, fresh-baked bread, pastries and coffees. Salads, paninis, specialty coffees, wine and beer. No dining surcharge.

The Alcoves

A cool, cabana-style private retreat on The Lawn Club for two to four guests. By day, filtered sunlight and breathtaking ocean views. By night, ambient lighting for drama and star status. A la carte foods and beverages arrive in picnic baskets. Alcoves are even equipped with Wi-Fi. Rental fee applies.

Art Studio

A new venue on The Lawn Club that allows intimate, hands-on instruction from resident experts in drawing, painting, beading, drink mixology, culinary lessons, taste tests and chef-prepared dinners.

Michael's Club

Enhanced with a cozy wraparound bar, high-top seating with bar stools and low-top seating in plush banquettes. Libations now include up to 50 international beers – ales, lagers, lambics, ciders, wheat beers, seasonal brews, beer cocktails – as well as an extensive collection of fine whiskeys, scotches, cognacs and bourbons.

The Hideaway

A retreat on Deck 7 where you’ll find a quiet spot to disconnect, rest and relax. Read a book, listen to music, do a crossword puzzle, or explore your new iPad® purchased from the Celebrity iLoungeSM. You can even escape into your own private “treehouse.” The natural, modern design and location give you a great view of the Live Tree in the center atrium.

We will continue to monitor the construction of Celebrity Reflection and share additional insider information as it becomes available.   Looks like Celebrity Cruises has saved the best for last.

Introducing Disney AquaDuck

Disney Dream AquaDuck           Credit: Cheri Severino Diekhaus

AquaDuck

Have you been to Walt Disney World in Florida and gone to one or more of the water parks there?   Perhaps you've been to River Country, Typhoon Lagoon, or Blizzard Beach?    If not, maybe you've been to a local water park in your area.   If you have, I suspect you have some pleasant memories of those times splashing in the water, going down water slides, or just relaxing on a lazy river ride.

Speaking of splashing, have you ever ridden on Splash Mountain in Disneyland or Walt Disney World? 

Did you ever think you could go on a water ride as much fun as those rides on a cruise ship?   Well, we have some good news for you.   On Disney Dream you can ...

Introducing the Cruise Industry's First Water Coaster Ride

AquaDuck is a thrilling "water coaster," whose entrance is on Deck 12, Aft aboard the Disney Dream. In a cruise industry first, Guests are propelled at high speeds from Deck 12, Aft through an acrylic tube on a breathtaking journey up, down, around and off the side of the ship, through the Forward Funnel and—following a mammoth drop—into a lazy river.

Developed by the Disney Imagineers, this elevated water coaster—the first of its kind at sea—travels 765 feet and features an exciting 4 deck drop. It was designed for Adults and Children at least 48" or taller.

AquaDuck affords breathtaking views of the ocean and ship below—that is, if you're brave enough to keep your eyes open during this exciting ride! It also offers a bird's-eye view of the exciting new pools available to family, kids and adults on the Disney Dream.

Fun Facts & Tips

The AquaDuck water coaster boasts a thrilling 4-deck drop and safely carries Guests over the side of the ship and back.

AquaDuck is the first water coaster on a Disney Cruise Line ship—or, for that matter, any cruise ship—setting the standard for height, length and excitement.

Be one of the first to enjoy this new attraction onboard Disney Dream or plan now to be one of the first to try the AquaDuck on her sister ship, Disney Fantasy, when she starts sailing in 2012.

Starbucks at Sea

Allure of the Seas Royal Promenade

WHAT'S THAT BREWING ON

ALLURE OF THE SEAS ?

Walking along the Allure of the Seas Royal Promenade on Deck 5, you smell fresh coffee. It smells like Starbucks coffee you think at first, but then you say, that can't be, I'm on a cruise ship. Now curious even more, you continue walking and you discover that you were correct... it is a Starbucks Coffee shop. 

Starbucks Pastries

Royal Caribbean International entered into an agreement with Starbucks Coffee as jointly announced last October.  As of December, 2010,  guests on Allure of the Seas have the option of purchasing their favorite Starbucks beverages including signature made-to-order espresso beverages and Frappuccino® blended beverages. Breakfast items, pastries, and sweet afternoon treats are also available.

"We are always looking for unique ways and places to connect with our customers and deliver the Starbucks Experience," said Chris Carr, senior vice president and general manager of Starbucks Licensed Stores. "Starbucks' presence aboard Allure of the Seas is another place where our customers want and expect us to be."

Starbucks Menu

Trained baristas offer signature and seasonal beverages and food, as well as the complete line of Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew products, between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, based on a la carte pricing. In addition to the Starbucks store, Seattle’s Best Coffee®, a featured brand in the Starbucks portfolio and a Foodservice provider to Royal Caribbean for the past 10 years, is served throughout the cruise ship, including in the Adagio main dining room, conference rooms and the ship’s signature specialty restaurants.

Video:  Bold Brewing on Allure: The First Starbucks at Sea

In this video, Captain Zini gives us an insider's look ath the first Starbucks Coffee shop at sea on the Allure of the Seas.   







Have a Venti at sea! Allure of the Seas is proud to introduce the first Starbucks onboard a cruise ship. With a complete menu of coffees, teas, and delicious baked goods, cruisers can enjoy a taste of their favorite neighborhood spot on Allure of the Seas. 

Tropical Storm Agatha Forms in Eastern Pacific

5-Day Forecast Cone for Storm Center (Credit: NOAA NHC)
Click for Current 5-Day Graphic

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

First Named Tropical Storm
2010 Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season

800 AM PDT SAT MAY 29 2010

...DEPRESSION STRENGTHENS INTO THE FIRST TROPICAL STORM OF THE

SEASON OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA...

UPDATE: 200 AM PDT SUN MAY 30 2010

...AGATHA DISSIPATES OVER THE MOUNTAINS OF WESTERN GUATEMALA...  Unfortunately not before claiming more than 163 lives

NASA Update (6/1):  Agatha Drenches Guatemala and El Salvador, Remnants Now in Caribbean


We began watching this Tropical Storm when NASA's AIRS satellite identified a low pressure area early May 27th and indicated it had the potential of forming into a tropical cyclone. (Potential for First Named Tropical Storm in Pacific). Based on the satellite imagery, it was determined that there was a very good chance the storm would develop further.  Severe thunderstorms and heavy rains were identified in the system.

As of the current  public advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center in Miami (NHC),  maximum sustained winds are 40 MPH...65 KM/HR and movement is ENE at 5 MPH...7 KM/HR.

Current Watches & Warnings

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR... 

THE PACIFIC COASTS OF EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN MEXICO...ALL OF
GUATEMALA...AND ALL OF EL SALVADOR FROM BOCA DE PIJIJIAPAN MEXICO
SOUTHEASTWARD TO THE EL SALVADOR-HONDURAS BORDER.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

Discussion & Outlook

SUMMARY OF 800 AM PDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...13.1N 93.2W
ABOUT 170 MI...275 KM...WSW OF PUERTO DE SAN JOSE GUATEMALA
ABOUT 270 MI...440 KM...W OF SAN SALVADOR EL SALVADOR
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/HR
PRESENT MOVEMENT...ENE OR 60 DEGREES AT 5 MPH...7 KM/HR
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1003 MB...29.62 INCHES

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND... 
TROPICAL STORM-FORCE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO REACH THE PACIFIC
COASTS OF GUATEMALA AND SOUTHEASTERN MEXICO LATER TONIGHT AND
SUNDAY MORNING...MAKING OUTSIDE PREPARATIONS DIFFICULT OR
DANGEROUS.

RAINFALL... 
THIS SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN
ACCUMULATIONS OF 10 TO 20 INCHES OVER EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN
MEXICO...GUATEMALA...AND MUCH OF EL SALVADOR...WITH POSSIBLE
ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 30 INCHES THROUGH SUNDAY. THESE RAINS
COULD CAUSE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND MUD SLIDES.

STORM SURGE...
A STORM SURGE IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE SIGNIFICANT
COASTAL FLOODING NEAR AND TO THE EAST OF WHERE THE CENTER MAKES
LANDFALL. NEAR THE COAST...THE SURGE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE
AND DESTRUCTIVE WAVES.

Tropical Storm Resources (click links below)
Tropical Storm AGATHA	National Hurricane Center
East Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook	National Weather Service
East Pacific Tropical Weather Discussion	Hurricane Preparedness
Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (EPAC)	Real-Time Hurricane Information
Active Storms	NOAA Satellites & Information
NASA: Latest Storm Images	WMO Severe Weather Information Centre
Real-time Monitoring (E. Pacific)	The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
Real-time Weather Sites	Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

Cruise Ship Advisories

There are currently no cruise ship advisories related to TS Agatha. 

No ships are in the immediate vicinity of the tropical storm.

Monitor RSS Feeds and the links above on this blog for any significant changes.

Greetings from Sea

I'm writing this from the internet cafe onboard Carnival Elation. The Elation sails from San Diego for a fun-filled 3 night cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. It is the perfect weekend getaway from the West Coast.

When we left San Diego, the weather there was perfect. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the temperature was in the upper 60s - much better than the 27 degrees back home.

Last night there was the customary welcome aboard show in the main theater. The cruise director, Steve, welcomed the largest group onboard the vessel. This is the First International Cougar Cruise. They caused quite a stir in San Diego, making the local evening news. So far, they've been pretty tame.

When we boarded the ship, the crew had been putting up the holiday decorations. It is quite festive onboard with the holiday atmosphere.

Today was a sea day. It has been an overcast day, but that hasn't stopped the usual onboard fun such as the hairy chest competition. Despite the cool weather, the pool areas were filled with well-wishers for the competitors.

My favorite spot on the ship is the Serenity Pool area. This is an adult-only venue with plenty of lounge chairs and two hot tubs. If you want to relax, this is the perfect place to hang out.

Tomorrow we arrive early in Ensenada, Mexico. I'll tell you more about Ensenada in future posts. I'm off to the holiday show now featuring the Carnival Singers and Dancers and the Camp Carnival children.

Luxury Tahiti Cruises at Special Savings

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Announces Savings

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, has announced 2-for-1 limited-time savings on an alluring collection of 7- and 10- night itineraries aboard the luxurious m/s Paul Gauguin throughout 2010.

With 2-for-1 cruise fares and free or 2-for-1 airfare, the opportunity to cruise the South Pacific aboard the deluxe m/s Paul Gauguin has never been better! Having been to this magical land, I can attest that the pictures above don't even do justice to the beauty you will enjoy.

The 2010 sailing season will include just sixteen 7-night sailings and just six 10-night voyages in on the following dream itineraries:

7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands

You can explore the spectacular islands of Tahiti, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, and Moorea, whose verdant peaks, crystalline waters, and pristine beaches have enticed artists, mutineers, and vacationers for centuries.

10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus

This itinerary adds the Tuamotus, the largest chain of coral atolls in the world-boasting some of the most renowned snorkeling and diving on Earth.

10-night President's Cruise
On the January 6, 2010, sailing, you'll enjoy a special cruise with President and CEO David A. Giersdorf onboard. This voyage marks not only the year's first cruise, but also the m/s Paul Gauguin's first sailing under the Paul Gauguin Cruises flag. The cruise will be accented by special Polynesian-themed events complete with local dancers and dignitaries, a premium wine-tasting night, and a sunset cocktail party to toast the first members of the Paul Gauguin Society.

These dream vacations are available at a value unheard of for such paradise:

• 2-for-1 Savings on January - March 2010 sailings when booked by September 30, 2009
  
• 2-for-1 roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles — an additional value of up to $1,250 per couple — when booked by September 30, 2009
  
• Early Booking Savings of up to 45% on April - June 2010 sailings (deadlines apply)

To take advantage of these unprecedented savings, you must reserve no later than September 30, 2009. To enjoy the best cabin selection, call me today!