Let's Pick on Carnival Again

IF IT'S ON THE NEWS IT MUST BE TRUE Toilets Overflowing .... Elevators Not Working ... Sewage on the Floor ... Passengers Stranded ... Carnival Dream without power ... Prediction:  The News Media will have sensational headlines Here is a live webcam from the Carnival Dream ... Does this look like a ship that is in distress? No - it is one that is in port with passengers enjoying the pool and other facilities. Give Carnival Corporation a Break!!

Live Webcam - Courtesy: http://zydecocruiser.net

This is a follow up to the breaking news story about a backup generator issue onboard the current voyage of Carnival Dream, while in port, resulting in the early termination of the current voyage and cancellation of the next one.  More Engine Woes for Carnival Report of Conditions Onboard As reported on Cruise Critic, according to a Carnival spokesperson: "Based on the ship's service logs and extensive physical monitoring of all public areas, including restrooms, throughout the night, we can confirm that only one public restroom was taken offline for cleaning based on toilet overflow and there was a total of one request for cleaning of a guest cabin bathroom. Aside from that there have been no reports of issues on board with overflowing toilets or sewage. The toilet system had periodic interruptions yesterday evening and was fully restored at approximately 12.30 a.m. Thursday." Routine Maintenance Found Problem Ships are in service 24x7x52  in most cases (ignoring planned dry-dock time). That means it is necessary to do regular maintenance checks and repairs at off hours while the ships are in port.  This is exactly what happened in this instance when a backup emergency generator failed while being tested. This is not the main generator and it doesn't run all the ships power, so despite the media's desire to have another catastrophe on their hands - this just isn't the case. Compare To Your Car Let's compare a ship to your car.   Each day you go out to your car and assume that when you turn the key, assuming you have filled it with gasoline, it will start and you'll be able to drive to your destination of choice.   Periodically you take the car to your local mechanic for routine maintenance, or do the work yourself.   Most of the time, the routine maintenance goes well and you don't have to do anything further, but everyone has had that dreaded phone call when the mechanic tells you ... "I found something else while I was doing your work..." Does that mean the car manufacturer has an inferior product or you haven't been doing your job of performing maintenance?   In most cases, I suspect the answer to those questions is no.  It means that the car is made up of mechanical parts which eventually need to be replaced and can in some cases fail when you least expect them. Could the same car problems happen to your neighbor that has a different car?   Yes. Carnival Is Doing The Right Things Just as you are most likely taking good care of your car, Carnival is also taking care of their ships.  If your car doesn't work, you can't get to your destination.  A ship is no different, so it makes perfect business sense to keep them running. Despite your best efforts with your car, and despite Carnival Cruise Line's best efforts, unexpected things happen.   When they do, plans are impacted, and steps are taken to respond to the situation at hand.  While you only have your plans and perhaps a few other family members or friends to contend with,  a problem on a ship is a logistical nightmare and a huge expense. When these incidents occur, the Carnival staff onboard do everything they can to accommodate the passengers while the suits in Miami, sort out the logistical nightmare.  Carnival has always come through with a compensation plan for those impacted, which costs them additional money on top of the repairs.   Under contract, they actually aren't required to do so by the way, but they feel the duty to take care of their guests. So, I ask the media, and any of you out there that can help spread the truth ...   Please tell the story the way it is, not the way it sounds worse!! Even if there are deplorable conditions, as in the case of the Carnival Triumph,  it isn't because the cruise line wanted to punish their guests and make conditions terrible.  Unexpected events happen! Thank you to the Carnival Staff onboard the ship and around the globe that tends to our guests while under their care.   We know that you are doing the best possible and may have to take extraordinary measures when problems arise.

A Lady That Still Shines at 125

125th Anniversary 

Statue of Liberty

October 28, 2011

Liberty Enlightening the World

On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated.  It was later designated as a National Monument in 1924, restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986, and now for her 125th, is undergoing a renovation of the 125 year old pedestal and the 200 year old fort base from which the statue rises.

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States... The Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

The 1886 dedication was attended by President Grover Cleveland, who proclaimed on that day that 'Liberty' would "magnify France beyond the seas." The dedication was followed by a fireworks display and New York City's first ever 'Ticker Tape' parade.

Honor History, Envision the Future

The National Park Service theme for the 125th anniversary events was 'Honor History, Envision the Future.'   The program for the day was jointly sponsored by the National Park Service and their proud partners at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Foundation, the Coca-Cola Company and Macy's. 

The goal of the celebration was  to re-create, to the greatest extent possible, the actual program that guided that day's events 125 years ago.  The day  included a naturalization ceremony, musical performances, a gun salute, a U.S. Coast Guard sponsored Flotilla, FDNY Fireboat water spout display, a presentation of "Gifts of Friendship" to a representative of the French government, and the ceremonial 'lighting' of the new 'torch webcam' that will showcase views of NY Harbor and the Statue from the vantage point of Lady Liberty's torch.  Read more about the day's events on the NPS website.

The TorchCam is LIVE - Enjoy the views! 

Several remarkable views will be just a touch of a mouse away. On clear days, three cameras will provide unobstructed panoramas and live views of the famed New York City skyline, along with a front row seat to watch views of the majestic Hudson River and ships in New York Harbor. And that's just looking out. The two remaining cameras provide truly unique views. One provides a ultra wide-angle interactive view of the famed golden torch; and the final camera looks downward.

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How tall is the Statue and what does that tablet say?
The Statue of Liberty's statistics and symbolism

What was October 28, 1886 in New York City really like?
This day in Statue of Liberty's history

Statue of Liberty National Monument 
to Remain OPEN During Renovation
Plans for the 2011-2012 restoration of Lady Liberty

View from a Cruise Ship

The Statue of Liberty can be seen from several vantage points around the New York / New Jersey shores or islands.  Each of these views are magnificent, but in my mind, nothing is more magnificent than sailing into New York harbor at sunrise and seeing the Statue of Liberty as your cruise ship approaches.  Imagine you were one of the immigrants who had left everything, including family, to venture to the new world for a new life, and behold you saw Lady Liberty standing in your path.   It would take your breath away, as it should for everyone that understands what she stands for.

We have been fortunate to sail into and out of New York or New Jersey cruise ports on several occasions, but we won't forget the Trans-Atlantic in 2000 where not only did we see the Statue of Liberty as we sailed in from Europe, but the twin towers of The World Trade Center.  Little did we know that would be our last cruise where we'd see those towers.

There are several options for cruising into or out of New York / New Jersey cruise ports.  We highly recommend you add that to your bucket list.   We'd be happy to discuss the various options with you when you are ready to plan.

Welcome Home Oasis of the Seas, Welcome Home

Click for Additional Photos

OASIS OF THE SEAS
ARRIVES IN
FORT LAUDERDALE

Welcoming Oasis of the Seas to Fort (Celebration Details)

Fort Lauderdale Inlet Webacm (watch ships arrive)

Friday, November 13, 2009, Dateline Fort Lauderdale, Florida

For the last fourteen days, we have been watching the Oasis of the Seas journey from Finland to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The day we have been waiting for has finally arrived.

For some people Friday the 13th is an unlucky day, but for Royal Caribbean International, the hope was that this day would actually be quite the opposite. The world's largest cruise ship's revised schedule called for completion of its 14-day Trans-Atlantic journey with the pulling into its new berth in Port Everglades, Florida.

The Oasis of the Seas didn't disappoint - it arrived right on schedule

Those who wanted to watch the arrival of Oasis in Port Everglades, accompanied by a flotilla of fireboats and private vessels, could do so at John U. Lloyd Park, Dania Beach. (see link above).

As you can see from the photo above, it was a glorious day in Fort Lauderdale, as the Oasis of the Seas was escorted into the harbor with the traditional fireboat salute. I will be posting more pictures as they arrive from additional sources who were onhand for today's events.

Captain Bill gives final report from the bridge before arriving in Fort Lauderdale. In this video, you see the arrival from crew's perspective.

Captains Log Day 14 Video: Home at Last (click here)

View Video from Arrival of Oasis of the Seas

See More Oasis of the Seas PHOTOS on my FACEBOOK PAGE - BECOME a FAN

I hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the Oasis of the Seas Atlantic Crossing as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you. Royal Caribbean and STX Europe should be very proud of their accomplishments. The ship handled the rough North Atlantic seas, facing hurricane force winds and waves, without much of a problem. The only issue was that it delayed the arrival into Florida by two days.

We will conclude our coverage of Oasis's Journey with stories and pictures of today's activities. There is still time for you to take advantage of our exclusive OBC offer (see below). Don't miss your opportunity to explore this amazing ship first-hand.

I guess the only thing left to say is ...

Welcome Home Oasis of the Seas, Welcome Home !!

Related Blog posts:

Oasis of the Seas - Almost Home

Oasis of the Seas - Entertainment

Oasis of the Seas vs North Atlantic
Oasis of the Seas Continues Journey
Oasis OTS Ducks Under Great Belt Bridge
Oasis of the Seas - Crossing the Atlantic
Oasis of the Seas Heads for Home
Oasis of the Seas Takes to Water

Watch Additional Oasis of the Seas Videos Here!

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November 15th at midnight (EXTENDED!)

Book a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas by November 15th and receive $100 Onboard Credit Learn more about Oasis of the Seas and applicable sail dates.