Where is Chris - Come Sail Away with Royal

Our salute to Tourism week concludes today.  The Royal Caribbean productions team misses being onboard just as much as our loyal guests do.. and they have a little something they wanted to share with you all - Come Sail Away!



Fabulous Entertainment is a hallmark of Royal Caribbean cruises.  With their own production company, they are in complete control of the performance from inception through the weekly performances on board their ships.  They spare no expense in creating a remarkable experience for their guests.   Performances like Flight Dare to Dream are included in the price of your cruise.   Just imagine what a similar show would cost you and your family on land. 

Today I'll do a little twist on Where is Chris.  Instead of being a destination, it's a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.   If you search thru my blog posts, you'll find the answer (and another video that you might enjoy).  I'll reveal the answer tomorrow.  To #KeepTheKidsEngaged, ask them what show they would want to see on a cruise ship.   Or, if your family is up to a challenge, put on your own talent show in your home.

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

Where is Chris?

Where is Chris - What Ship     Learn More

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

As promised, we've updated yesterday's post, Where is Chris - Tourism 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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Cruising During Hurricane Season

What happens if there's a hurricane predicted at the time of my cruise?

Cruise lines try to avoid operating any ship in the vicinity of a tropical system and they monitor the progress of these storms very closely. If there is potential threat to any of their guests or ships, the itinerary may be altered to try to avoid any interaction with the storm or any affected areas.

Cruise lines will notify Travel Agencies and the public about any itinerary changes.  We will post updates on tropical storms in blog posts.   RSS links to NOAA advisories are also included in the left navigation pane and our Hurricane Zone tab.

As we saw during the various Flu outbreaks, Health and Safety is the prime concern for each cruise line. As always, my recommendation is for you to purchase travel insurance, so that you may obtain the necessary assistance should the need arise.

See where ships are relative to tropical storms

Interactive tracking map (real-time ship tracking)

BE PREPARED CHECKLIST

• Monitor hurricane warnings before cruise
• Activate cell phone international roaming if necessary
• Make sure cruise line and travel agent have current contact information
• Make sure airline has current contact information
• Setup flight notifications with airline if possible
• Share your itinerary with family and friends
• Review your travel insurance policy for potential coverages
• Call travel insurance provider to answer any questions about coverage
• Provide emergency contact information to cruise line, travel agent, and airline
• Keep passport, credit card, and necessary medication with you while in port
• If you have a balcony cabin, put all personal articles away
• Follow instructions given by ship's personnel

Enjoy your cruise vacation - rest assured that the cruise line will do everything to make your cruise enjoyable and safe. 

It may be necessary for the cruise line to deviate from original published itinerary - this is their right under the contract rules. You want them to do this so that you are safe. Don't be upset if port changes are made - just make the best of your cruise vacation. I always say that any day on a cruise is better than a day at home. 

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

Related Blog Posts & Links

• NOAA: Below-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season is likely this year 
• NOAA: Predicts above-normal Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season 
• NOAA Predicts an above-normal Central Pacific hurricane season
• 2015 Hurricane Preparedness - Taking Action
• 2015 Hurricane Preparedness - Get a Plan
• 2015 Hurricane Preparedness - Forecast Process
• NOAA 2015 Hurricane Season Predictions
• 2015 Hurricane Preparedness - Inland Flooding
• 2015 Hurricane Preparedness - High Winds
• 2015 Hurricane Preparedness - Storm Surge
• 2015 Hurricane Preparedness - Basics
• 2015 Hurricane Preparedness Week
• 2015 CSU Atlantic Hurricane Prediction

• Colorado State University 
• Climate Prediction Center (CPC) 
• NOAA/ National Weather Service 
• WMO Severe Weather Info Centre 
• National Hurricane Center (NHC) 
• NWS Regional Offices and Centers
• Hurricane Preparedness 
• Hurricane Safety Checklist 
• Travel With Protection Against Unexpected 
• Weather

2015 Hurricane Preparedness - Forecast Process

Hurricane Forecast Process

Fifth In the 2015 Series

Hurricane Preparedness Week playlist on YouTube

Update on NHC Products and Services for 2015 (PDF)

HURRICANE MODELING AT EMC

Forecast Process
We continue our coverage of the 2015 Hurricane Preparedness Week by looking at the tropical weather forecasting process.

6 Hour Forecast Cycle When a storm threatens the following occurs 0:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. 0:45 Receive the location of the center of the hurricane. 1:00 Initialize or start thehurricane models with the storm's location and intensity 1:20 Receive model guidance and prepare a new hurricane forecast. 2:00 Coordinate with National Weather Service and Dept. of Defense. 3:00 Issue the full hurricane advisory package. ISSUANCE TIME: 5am EDT (4 CDT) 11am EDT (10 CDT) 5pm EDT (4 CDT) 11pm EDT (10 CDT) 3:15 Participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conference call with the affected states. 6:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. ** When a Watch or a Warning is issued, intermediate advisories are initiated. MORE INFO ON FORECAST PRODUCTS Source:  NHC: Forecast Process (Learn More)

Part of the mission of the National Weather Service (NWS) Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) is to save lives and protect property by issuing watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous weather conditions in the tropics. This section provides information about the roles of those responsible for providing hurricane information to emergency managers and decision makers. The TPC is comprised of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB), and the Technical Support Branch (TSB). During hurricane season, the latter two provide support to the NHC. The local NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) in hurricane-prone areas are also important participants in the forecast process. OBSERVATION Observations including satellites, buoys, reconnaissance aircraft, and radar are the basis for all forecast and warning products issued by the NHC. Quality, quantity, and timeliness of remote sensing observations are critical for accurate and timely forecasts and warnings. ANALYSIS The various observations are checked for quality, analyzed, and put into a suite of computer models.  MODEL GUIDANCE AND INTERPRETATION The computer models take in the observations and perform millions of calculations to generate predictions of hurricane behavior and the general conditions of the atmosphere in which the hurricane is embedded. The model results are packaged as guidance for the appropriate national centers and local offices and for evaluation and use in the NWS's forecast and warning process. COORDINATION WITHIN THE NWS Forecasts and warnings are coordinated between the national centers and local forecast offices to provide consistency, which is critical during severe weather episodes.

Dining at Sea - What's Your Favorite Food

National Food Week

In honor of National Food Week, let's take a look at dining at sea.

What's Your 

Favorite Food 

on a Cruise

Whether you have cruised before or not, I'm sure you are aware that there's plenty of great food to be had on a cruise ship.  The first thing you'll find when you get onboard is that your cabin is not ready, but don't worry, the buffet is open and ready to serve you.  But that is just the beginning of what lies ahead.   We'll take you on a culinary journey onboard several cruise ships over several posts.  If you can't wait, we've posted some similar stories previously as well.

Myth #4 – All There is to do is Eat – I’ll Gain Weight

While it is true that there are several dining options on every cruise, we've examined this myth about nothing to do but eat previously.  Now, let's focus on the second part of that myth - that you'll gain weight.

It is possible that you could gain weight on a cruise, but if so, that will not be the cruise line's fault. There are healthy menu options on the main dining menus and while not every venue serves food for the health conscious, there are plenty of options for you to chose from.  In addition, there are full service health and fitness facilities on each ship so that you can continue your exercise routine.

One of the things the cruise line pays close attention to are any dietary requirements of their passengers. 

We took this picture during a galley tour on Azamara Journey.  The special requests consist of some religious requests, because it was during Jewish holidays, and also some specific ingredients that needed to be avoided for another passenger.

Be sure to let you cruise specialist know if you do have any special requirements so that it can be noted on your reservation and advance preparations can be made if necessary.

What's for Dinner 

You might want to start with our previous What's for Dinner article

In addition, visit our Pinterest Board where we'll be sampling some of the food and venues that we've had the pleasure of dining at in the past.

Hurricane Preparedness 2014 - Forecast Process

Hurricane Forecast Process

Fifth In the 2014 Series

Hurricane Preparedness Week playlist on YouTube

Update on NHC Products and Services for 2014 (PDF)

Forecast Process
We continue our coverage of the 2014 Hurricane Preparedness Week by looking at the tropical weather forecasting process.

6 Hour Forecast Cycle When a storm threatens the following occurs 0:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. 0:45 Receive the location of the center of the hurricane. 1:00 Initialize or start thehurricane models with the storm's location and intensity 1:20 Receive model guidance and prepare a new hurricane forecast. 2:00 Coordinate with National Weather Service and Dept. of Defense. 3:00 Issue the full hurricane advisory package. ISSUANCE TIME: 5am EDT (4 CDT) 11am EDT (10 CDT) 5pm EDT (4 CDT) 11pm EDT (10 CDT) 3:15 Participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conference call with the affected states. 6:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. ** When a Watch or a Warning is issued, intermediate advisories are initiated. MORE INFO ON FORECAST PRODUCTS Source:  NHC: Forecast Process (Learn More)

Part of the mission of the National Weather Service (NWS) Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) is to save lives and protect property by issuing watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous weather conditions in the tropics. This section provides information about the roles of those responsible for providing hurricane information to emergency managers and decision makers. The TPC is comprised of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB), and the Technical Support Branch (TSB). During hurricane season, the latter two provide support to the NHC. The local NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) in hurricane-prone areas are also important participants in the forecast process. OBSERVATION Observations including satellites, buoys, reconnaissance aircraft, and radar are the basis for all forecast and warning products issued by the NHC. Quality, quantity, and timeliness of remote sensing observations are critical for accurate and timely forecasts and warnings. ANALYSIS The various observations are checked for quality, analyzed, and put into a suite of computer models.  MODEL GUIDANCE AND INTERPRETATION The computer models take in the observations and perform millions of calculations to generate predictions of hurricane behavior and the general conditions of the atmosphere in which the hurricane is embedded. The model results are packaged as guidance for the appropriate national centers and local offices and for evaluation and use in the NWS's forecast and warning process. COORDINATION WITHIN THE NWS Forecasts and warnings are coordinated between the national centers and local forecast offices to provide consistency, which is critical during severe weather episodes.

Hurricane Preparedness 2013 - Forecast Process

Hurricane Forecast Process

Fifth In the 2013 Series

Hurricane Preparedness Week playlist on YouTube

Forecast Process
We continue our coverage of the 2013 Hurricane Preparedness Week by looking at the tropical weather forecasting process.

6 Hour Forecast Cycle When a storm threatens the following occurs 0:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. 0:45 Receive the location of the center of the hurricane. 1:00 Initialize or start thehurricane models with the storm's location and intensity 1:20 Receive model guidance and prepare a new hurricane forecast. 2:00 Coordinate with National Weather Service and Dept. of Defense. 3:00 Issue the full hurricane advisory package. ISSUANCE TIME: 5am EDT (4 CDT) 11am EDT (10 CDT) 5pm EDT (4 CDT) 11pm EDT (10 CDT) 3:15 Participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conference call with the affected states. 6:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. ** When a Watch or a Warning is issued, intermediate advisories are initiated. MORE INFO ON FORECAST PRODUCTS Source:  NHC: Forecast Process (Learn More)

Part of the mission of the National Weather Service (NWS) Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) is to save lives and protect property by issuing watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous weather conditions in the tropics. This section provides information about the roles of those responsible for providing hurricane information to emergency managers and decision makers. The TPC is comprised of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB), and the Technical Support Branch (TSB). During hurricane season, the latter two provide support to the NHC. The local NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) in hurricane-prone areas are also important participants in the forecast process. OBSERVATION Observations including satellites, buoys, reconnaissance aircraft, and radar are the basis for all forecast and warning products issued by the NHC. Quality, quantity, and timeliness of remote sensing observations are critical for accurate and timely forecasts and warnings. ANALYSIS The various observations are checked for quality, analyzed, and put into a suite of computer models.  MODEL GUIDANCE AND INTERPRETATION The computer models take in the observations and perform millions of calculations to generate predictions of hurricane behavior and the general conditions of the atmosphere in which the hurricane is embedded. The model results are packaged as guidance for the appropriate national centers and local offices and for evaluation and use in the NWS's forecast and warning process. COORDINATION WITHIN THE NWS Forecasts and warnings are coordinated between the national centers and local forecast offices to provide consistency, which is critical during severe weather episodes.

2012 Hurricane Preparedness Week

 

National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2012 

 May 27th through June 2nd

The goal of NOAA's Hurricane Preparedness Web site is to inform the public about the hurricane hazards and provide knowledge which can be used to take ACTION. This information can be used to save lives at work, home, while on the road, or on the water.

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone or severe tropical storm that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth’s surface.

Every year, hurricanes put communities at risk of catastrophic damage from storm surges, flooding, high winds, and tornadoes.  During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, we rededicate ourselves to preventing loss of life and damage to property by raising awareness about hurricane hazards and taking action to protect our families, our homes, and our neighborhoods.

As we mark the beginning of hurricane season, let us recommit to ensuring the safety of our loved ones and our communities, and to building a stronger, more resilient Nation.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 27 through June 2, 2012, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week.  I call upon government agencies, private organizations, schools, media, and residents in the coastal areas of our Nation to share information about hurricane preparedness and response to help save lives and protect communities.

Basics	Storm Surge	Winds	Inland Flooding	Forecast Process	Get A Plan!	Take Action
Sunday 27 May '12 YouTube EN ES Audio EN ES	Monday 28 May '12 YouTube EN ES Audio EN ES	Tuesday 29 May '12 YouTube EN ES Audio EN ES	Wednesday 30 May '12 YouTube EN ES Audio EN ES	Thursday 31 May '12 YouTube EN ES Audio EN ES	Friday 1 June '12 YouTube EN ES Audio EN ES	Saturday 2 June '12 YouTube EN ES Audio EN ES

Hurricane Preparedness 2011 - Call to Action

National Hurricane Preparedness Week History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. Hurricane Preparedness Week during 2011 runs from May 22nd through May 28th. See the 2011 Presidential Proclamation.

Now that we have covered many of the hazards, it's time for you to make your plans.


Hurricane Safety at Sea

Hurricanes have been the cause of many maritime disasters and unfortunately, there is no single rule of thumb that can be used by mariners to ensure safe separation from a hurricane at sea. Instead, constant monitoring of hurricane potential & continual risk analysis when used with some fundamental guidelines become the basic tools to minimize a hurricane's impact to vessels at sea or in port. Read More about Marine Safety

This concludes our coverage of Hurricane Preparedness Week 2011.   We will monitor tropical weather conditions and report important information to assist you in staying safe and preparing for travel during hurricane season.

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

Hurricane Preparedness 2011 - Forecast Process

Hurricane Forecast Process

Fifth In the 2011 Series

Hurricane Preparedness Week playlist on YouTube

Forecast Process
We continue our coverage of the 2011 Hurricane Preparedness Week by looking at the tropical weather forecasting process.

6 Hour Forecast Cycle When a storm threatens the following occurs 0:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. 0:45 Receive the location of the center of the hurricane. 1:00 Initialize or start thehurricane models with the storm's location and intensity 1:20 Receive model guidance and prepare a new hurricane forecast. 2:00 Coordinate with National Weather Service and Dept. of Defense. 3:00 Issue the full hurricane advisory package. ISSUANCE TIME: 5am EDT (4 CDT) 11am EDT (10 CDT) 5pm EDT (4 CDT) 11pm EDT (10 CDT) 3:15 Participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conference call with the affected states. 6:00 A new hurricane forecast cycle begins. ** When a Watch or a Warning is issued, intermediate advisories are initiated. MORE INFO ON FORECAST PRODUCTS Source:  NHC: Forecast Process (Learn More)

Part of the mission of the National Weather Service (NWS) Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) is to save lives and protect property by issuing watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous weather conditions in the tropics. This section provides information about the roles of those responsible for providing hurricane information to emergency managers and decision makers. The TPC is comprised of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB), and the Technical Support Branch (TSB). During hurricane season, the latter two provide support to the NHC. The local NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) in hurricane-prone areas are also important participants in the forecast process. OBSERVATION Observations including satellites, buoys, reconnaissance aircraft, and radar are the basis for all forecast and warning products issued by the NHC. Quality, quantity, and timeliness of remote sensing observations are critical for accurate and timely forecasts and warnings. ANALYSIS The various observations are checked for quality, analyzed, and put into a suite of computer models.  MODEL GUIDANCE AND INTERPRETATION The computer models take in the observations and perform millions of calculations to generate predictions of hurricane behavior and the general conditions of the atmosphere in which the hurricane is embedded. The model results are packaged as guidance for the appropriate national centers and local offices and for evaluation and use in the NWS's forecast and warning process. COORDINATION WITHIN THE NWS Forecasts and warnings are coordinated between the national centers and local forecast offices to provide consistency, which is critical during severe weather episodes.