Thoughts on Memorial Day 2015

History of Memorial Day: Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. May 30th was chosen for Decoration Day because it was believed that flowers would be in bloom all across the country.

On Memorial Day the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes. In the early days of our country, no regulations existed for flying the flag at half-staff and, as a result, there were many conflicting policies. But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times.

You will notice in the collage above, that the flag is flying at half-staff. Those pictures were taken during our visit to the American Cemetary in Normandy, France. It was very moving seeing row after row of graves. For more pictures from our visit to Normandy, see my previous posts on the topic and also our cruise vacations website.

I've mentioned several times in the past about the opportunity to relive history while on a cruise vacation. This is especially true in Europe due to the large battle field from the World Wars. Whether your cruise vacation takes you to Normandy, France or Honolulu, Hawaii, please take some time to visit a historical site and pay your respects to the troops that fought to keep America strong. We have done so on several cruises and of all the trips we've taken, those tend to stand out in my mind. Don't forget to bring you children with you so that they too can learn about war first hand.

As Albert Schweitzer said "... Wargraves are the great communicators of peace ..." Perhaps another more striking quote was by George Santayanan who said "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

And who can forget those immortal words of President John F. Kennedy: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. "

To the brave men and women, living and deceased, who have taken President Kennedy's charge to heart, Thank You for your Service. May we never forget the sacrifices you have made.

2015 Hurricane Preparedness - Basics

Hurricane Basics & History

First In the 2015 Series

Hurricane Preparedness Week playlist on YouTube

"Hurricanes cause devastating and sometimes deadly damage, with violent winds and heavy rains destroying buildings, inundating both coastal and inland areas, and displacing residents from their communities.  Each year, we call attention to the risks hurricanes and tropical storms pose, as well as the steps we can take to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.  During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, we recommit to strengthening the capacity of local responders and creating resilient cities, towns, and neighborhoods that are prepared when disaster strikes." - President Obama

Looking for past or current hurricanes?  Click Image or Here

President Obama declared May 24 - May 30 “National Hurricane Preparedness Week." FEMA, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is helping to raise awareness of steps that can be taken to help protect citizens, and their communities and property. 

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

* Sustained winds A 1-minute average wind measured at about 33 ft (10 meters) above the surface. ** 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour or 1.15 statute miles per hour. Abbreviated as "kt".

Tropical Depression
An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds* of 38 mph (33 kt**) or less

Tropical Storm
An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph (34-63 kt)

Hurricane
An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 kt) or higher

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.

• A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
• A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.

Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.The following chart details the categories and the damage that can result from a storm with that strength.

 
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale for Kids (NASA)

Scale Number (Category)	Sustained  Winds	Damage	Storm Surge
1	74-95 mph 64-82 kt 119-153 km/h	Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.	4-5 feet
2	96-110 mph 83-95 kt 154-177 km/h	Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.	6-8 feet
3  (major)	111-129 mph 96-112 kt 178-208 km/h	Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.	9-12 feet
4 (major)	130-156 mph 113-136 kt 209-251 km/h	Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.	13-18 feet
5  (major)	157 mph or higher 137 kt or higher 252 km/h or higher	Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.	Greater than 18 feet

Hurricane History

2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season Track Map (click to enlarge)

In the following article, we look at the 2014 Hurricane season in review, comparing the forecast to actual results.   We also look at NOAA and Colorado State University forecasts for the 2014 Season.

2015 CSU Atlantic Hurricane Prediction

NHC Data Archive

We will continue coverage of Hurricane Preparedness Week by looking at some of the hazards starting tomorrow.  Additional Hurricane information can be found in our static Hurricane Zone tab.

2015 Hurricane Preparedness Week

National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2015

May 24 ^th through May 30^th

“A below-normal season doesn’t mean we’re off the hook. As we’ve seen before, below-normal seasons can still produce catastrophic impacts to communities,” said NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan, Ph.D., referring to the 1992 season in which only seven named storms formed, yet the first was Andrew – a Category 5 Major Hurricane that devastated South Florida."

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.

 

Hurricane Preparedness Week during 2015
May 24th through May30th

For additional information about hurricanes, including useful links,  see the static  "Hurricane Zone" tab above.

2015 National Safe Boating Week

Life Jackets Save Lives

Explore this interactive image to learn more about the Safe Boating Initiative

Announcements on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards

2015 Safe Boating Week : May 16 - 22
Sat.	Sun.	Mon.	Tue.	Wed.	Thu.	Fri.
Boating Under the Influence	Marine Forecast	Life Jackets	Safe Navigation in Fog	Fire Extinguishers	Thunderstorm Safety	Hurricane Preparedness

Approximately 500 people drown each year from recreational boating accidents, so we've teamed up with NOAA and the National Safe Boating Council to remind you to  "Wear It!"  when you are on the water.   Here are some links for you to learn additional information about boating safety.

North America Safe Boating Campaign	Ready Set Wear It
NWS National Safe Boating Week	National Safe Boating Council
USCG Boating Safety Resource Center	USCG Boat Rental Safety

Ready, Set, Wear It - Post Your Pics on our Facebook Page

Safety is a primary concern in the cruise industry.  One of the first things you'll do once you are onboard the ship is a mandatory safety drill which includes locating your life jackets and proceeding to a muster station for further instructions.

When you put your life jacket back away in your stateroom, that doesn't mean you forget about safety for the rest of the cruise.   Instead, that is the start of paying attention to safety.    You may participate in some shore excursions that include water sports, sailing on small boats, etc.    Be sure to wear your life jacket during these excursions.

We thought it would be fun to post some of your pictures in life jacket attire, so we've started a Safe  Boating Photo Album on Facebook that you can add your pics to.  Even if you don't send us one of your pics, check out the photos that are posted. You can also share your pics via Twitter.

2015 CSU Atlantic Hurricane Prediction

2015 Atlantic Hurricane Forecast

Forecasters at the Colorado State University are predicting that the 2015 Atlantic basin hurricane season will one of the least active seasons since the middle of the 20^th century. The season begins June 1st and continues through November 30th.

Their current (April 9^th) forecast predicts  below-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean.

It is impossible to precisely predict this season’s hurricane activity in early April.

NOAA won't even make their first prediction until the end of May. So, why does Colorado State University's team of scientists create this forecast? Mainly because the public is curious about predictions based on the current global oceanic and atmospheric conditions. The forecasting team created their predictions using a statistical model based on 29 years worth of data.

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

According to CSU scientists, "It appears quite likely that an El Niño of at least moderate strength will develop this summer and fall. The tropical and subtropical Atlantic are also quite cool at present." Based on that information the scientists anticipate a below-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean.

Coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them, and they need to prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much or how little activity is predicted.

The April forecast calls for 7 named tropical storms with 3 strengthening to hurricane status. Of those hurricanes, 1 are predicted to be a major hurricane (Category 3,4, or 5).

The team forecasts a 28% chance of one major hurricane making landfall on the U.S. coastline (compared to 52% for last century), 15% for U.S. East Coast Including Peninsula Florida (average for last century is 31%), 15% for Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle westward to Brownsville (average for last century is 30%) and a 22% chance for the Caribbean (compared to 42% average for last century).

More reading: Current and Past Forecasts

ATLANTIC BASIN SEASONAL 

HURRICANE FORECAST FOR 2015

Forecast Parameter and 1950-2000 Climatology (in parentheses)	Issue Date   9 April 2015
Named Storms (NS) (12.0)	7
Named Storm Days (NSD) (60.1)	30
Hurricanes (H) (6.5)	3
Hurricane Days (HD) (21.3)	10
Major Hurricanes (MH) (2.0)	1
Major Hurricane Days (MHD) (3.9)	0.5
Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) (92.0)	40
Net Tropical Cyclone Activity (NTC) (103%)	45

Another reason why Colorado State University publishes forecasts is for hurricane preparedness.   We too are publishing this information, along with updates throughout hurricane season, to help protect life and property when danger approaches.   Additional information and links can be found on the Weather Tab and Hurricane Zone of this blog

As I've said many times,  the cruise line industry has safety of passengers, crew, and vessels as their number one priority.   The cruise lines work closely with the NHC and other agencies to monitor all sorts of weather conditions, including tropical storms.   The ships may alter courses and cancel ports of call in order to maintain the level of safety for all onboard.  We will keep you posted about any known itinerary changes during hurricane season.   Should your cruise itinerary change due to a tropical storm, don't be upset, but rather thank the Captain and crew for taking you out of harm's way.

Hurricane Preparedness Week - May 24^th through May 30^th

Tropical Storm Ana Kicks off 2015 Hurricane Season

Early

Early Start to Atlantic Hurricane Season

June 1 - November 30th

Tropical storm Ana became the first named tropical system of the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season and was first classified as a subtropical or hybrid storm.  It made landfall at 6 a.m. EDT Sunday May 10, 2015,  as a tropical storm along the coast of South Carolina and weakened to a tropical depression less than eight hours later.  Despite weakening, Ana was still expected to deliver soaking rain across eastern North Carolina and into southeastern Virginia through Monday.  Ana's leftover moisture will also spread into some coastal areas of the Northeast.

Keeping Watchful Eye

For several years now, we have been providing links to current information about tropical weather which might impact your travel plans.   You can click on the image or link below or on the Hurricane Zone tab anywhere on our Blog.

We have RSS feeds from the different National Hurricane Center regional pages which can then be followed for the latest news on the given storm.   From time to time, we may post additional articles, especially if cruise ship itineraries are impacted.

We'll bring you more information about Hurricanes during National Hurricane Preparedness Week which is May 24th to May 30th this year. 

 

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

 

If you want to know more about Tropical Storms / Hurricanes in the meantime, checkout the links on our Hurricane Zone page.



Historical Notes:     

Storm Archive 
Graphics Archive
    
1100 PM EDT THU MAY 07 2015
...SUBTROPICAL STORM ANA FORMS OFF THE SOUTHEAST U.S. COAST...
 
500 AM EDT SAT MAY 09 2015
...ANA TRANSITIONS TO A TROPICAL STORM WHILE IT MOVES SLOWLY
NORTH-NORTHWESTWARD TOWARD THE CAROLINAS...

A New Anthem for New York

Coming to New York This Fall

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Anthem of the Seas, was named in Southampton, U.K., April 20th in a spectacular ceremony complete with Scottish pipers, a boy band, a DJ, the cast of Queen musical "We Will Rock You" and flashing wristbands.

The sister ship to Quantum of the Seas will sail Mediterranean itineraries from Southampton, U.K. for the Summer, before crossing the Atlantic to its homeport in Bayonne, New Jersey in October.

       

(click image for flyer)

Be Among the First to Sail  Anthem of the Seas 


Those of you that follow our blog on a regular basis know that we rarely write posts about cruise offers. That's not to say that we don't know about them, but we primarily want to share information about destinations and some of our adventures, rather than focus on one particular offer.

We are making an exception to the norm here because rarely does Royal Caribbean offer discounts on their brand new ships. This is a fabulous opportunity to be among the first to experience the sister ship which has been so well received by guests and the industry watchers.

• From now through May 31, 2015, get a balcony for the price of an ocean view stateroom, plus 50% reduced deposit
• Offer valid on new Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries on Anthem of the Seas sailings departing between Nov. 10, 2015 – Apr. 18, 2016.

Learn More about Anthem of the Seas on our Microsite (Click Image Below)