Hurricane Bill Passes Bermuda

Still time for Golf ... As Hurricane Bill approached Bermuda

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

As a service to my clients and readers, I continue to monitor Hurricane Bill. If you are looking for updates on the hurricane and impact to your cruise, click the following link.

Keeping an Eye on Hurricane Bill / Cruise Ship Impact

That post has updates several times a day, including information about any changes to cruise itineraries as a result of the tropical storm.

BERMUDA UPDATE

Credit: NASAOES Project

The islands of Bermuda were spared a direct hit as Hurricane Bill passed between Bermuda and the East Coast of the United States as predicted. Since Hurricane Bill's closest point is now northeast of the islands, the hurricane watch has ended. That doesn't mean that danger doesn't remain. A tropical storm watch is still in effect and should remain so as winds continue until around midday Saturday. High swells, dangerous surf and deadly rip-currents will continue well into the weekend, especially along South Shore. Hurricane force gusts are still possible early today in association with squally showers and thunderstorms. According to a source on the islands, it has been a windy night with numerous power outages caused by the tropical storm gusts. Bermuda's electric company has worked through the night but there are approximately 3800 customers still without power. Rain and thnderstorms rolled through Bermuda starting around 9 PM Friday accompanied by heavy winds in excess of 50 or 60 MPH. The forecast for today is cloudy with occasional light rain or showers and strong to gale force gusts. Tomorrow will see some sun and occasional showers and thunder. <Bermuda Weather Service> Fortunately for the residents and tourists of Bermuda, Hurricane Bill will soon only be a memory as it continues its path northward towards the Atlantic Canada region and beyond. As power is restored, and the tropical storm continues to move away, services (such as ferry operations) will resume. For cruise passengers arriving Monday, on the Grandeur of the Seas, they should expect sun with some morning showers and temperatures in the upper 80s. The return home should be much smoother than the trip across to Bermuda. Happy cruising in calmer seas !!

MSC Cruises Welcomes Big Band Lovers

Swing and sway to a Big Band

aboard MSC Poesia

Turn the clocks back to the 1930's and 1940's. Times were tough, much like they are today. The Great Depression was in full swing and the world was about to go to war once again. It was during these dismal times that the Swing Era began and became an important part of musical history.

Enter the Big Band, a type of musical ensemble associated with playing jazz music. Big bands evolved with the times and continue today. A big band typically consists of approximately 12 to 25 musicians and contains saxophones, trumpets, trombones, singers, and a rhythm section.

Teenagers and young adults were the principal fans of the Big Bands in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. They danced to recordings and the radio, and attended live concerts whenever they could. You'll probably remember greats like Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington.

Big Bands played a major role in lifting morale during World War II. Many band members served in the military and toured with USO troupes at the front, with Glenn Miller losing his life while traveling between troop shows.

MSC Cruises rekindles the music of the 30's with two Big Band themed cruises aboard MSC Poesia. Whether you want to hear Big Band music for the first time, or if you are a lover of this era gone by, you will enjoy this special themed cruise.

Featured Musicians:

The 15-piece Les DeMerle Orchestra, featuring vocalist Bonnie Eisele, is sure to have toes tapping, bodies swaying and guests singing along to the sounds of Ellington, Basie, James and Miller, plus the biggest Broadway hits, rock ‘n’ roll classics, hot Latin grooves and show-stoppers from the 40s through today. In addition to their regular appearances, the band will perform a Big Band Jazz Concert and conduct a lecture on the Big Band Era.

Chose one of the following cruises:

REMARKABLE RAINFORESTS & THE PANAMA CANAL
DECEMBER 10, 2009 11 days 10 nights
Fort Lauderdale • Grand Cayman • Cartagena • Cristóbal • Puerto Limón • Playa del Carmen • Fort Lauderdale

ISLAND TREASURES & ANCIENT TEMPLES
FEBRUARY 27, 2010 8 days 7 nights
Fort Lauderdale • Key West • Playa del Carmen • Grand Cayman • Montego Bay • Nassau • Fort Lauderdale

For more information about MSC Poesia and these cruises, see my website or give me a call. Don't forget that Kids 17 and under Sail Free (in same cabin).