Parbuckling of Costa Concordia Begins

Dark Line on Costa Concordia Shows Movement  Source: Chicago Tribune
Watch Live

This image extracted from a live video of Costa Concordia's Parbuckling Procedure, which began today in Giglio, shows the slow process of righting the vessel.  The actual process started around 9 AM this morning after a storm delayed the start.

Related Links:

Attempt to right Costa Concordia cruise ship begins (USA Today)
Graphic on How Costa Concordia will be Raised

The Parbuckling Project: Concordia wreck removal project informative website

The overall project is 77% completed and is being carried out by a crew of 474 workers and 28 vessels and crafts on site. For a video and additional details of the salvage operation, see Costa Concordia Salvage Begins.

Main article: Costa Concordia Listing after Deadly Accident 

Updates from Parbuckling Website:       Multimedia Content

Please Note:   During the actual operations (daytime hours local Giglio time) you may experience problems accessing the Parbuckling Project's website.  It is best to view off-hours.

16 Sep 2013  4.20 P.M. The wreck side has been successfully dislodged from the reef by applying a maximum load of 6,000 tons (in line with forecast), thanks to the force exerted by the strand jacks operating the system of winches and steel chains.  The wreck has now rotated 10 degrees and will need to rotate at least as many before it has completed the first 20 degrees with reference to the initial position which is the approximate point at which the intake valves of the 11 sponsons attached to the port side of the hull reach sea level.

In the meantime the whole parbuckling system is being monitored constantly, with continuous checks – for example – of the condition of the strand jacks and chains, etc.

7.00 P.M.:The Titan Micoperi consortium announced that strandjack operations were temporarily suspended for an hour for maintenance work. It was in fact necessary to intervene with a dedicated team to avoid slack cables from interfering with the tensioned cables. The ‘Fast Response’ team is comprised of 8 people ready to intervene for checking purposes or in the event of anomalies. As foreseen by the operating and site procedures, access onboard was via a specifically positioned ladder, and safety checks were carried out. The team who intervened are all qualified to work on the wreck, are equipped with climbing gear and protective devices as necessary. Parbuckling operations have now resumed.

  Follow us on Facebook for Updates to this ongoing story.  We'll post links to images, videos, and news stories from various sources.

Thanks for Visiting Us at ChamberFest

Streamwood ChamberFest

& Car Show

SCC ChamberFest 2013 (40 photos)

Beautiful day at SCC ChamberFest - come see us (7 photos)

 

What comes to mind when you put "Cruise" and "Cars" in the same sentence?

Normally you'd think about a "cruise night" when owners show off their cars and all the work that they have put into them.

Well, we took our "cruise" and vacation show on the road as well Saturday as we participated in the Streamwood Chamber of Commerce (SCC) ChamberFest and Car Show at Hoosier Grove Barn in Streamwood, IL.

It was our pleasure to be part of this annual event supporting the work of SCC, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting, enhancing and supporting the prosperity of its members while also supporting the future of our community through their Scholarship Programs.

There were several of the local classic car owners in attendance along with several racing cars.  One of the favorites was the D.A.R.E truck from the Streamwood Police Department.  Visitors could get a closeup look at the cars and then vote on their favorites.   Trophies were presented to the winners at the end of the event.

We couldn't have asked for a better day.  Temperatures were in the upper 60s with puffy clouds painting the blue sky.   Many families came right from their soccer games in the adjacent fields to visit our fair. The children loved the bouncy house which was sponsored by the SCC.   

Those that visited our booth, which was part of the vendor fair, had an opportunity to explore vacation options ranging from trips to Disney resorts to cruises of all lengths on the seven seas. It is possible to tie in your love of cars into your vacation.  Disneyland has a "Cars" attraction based on the animated film.   You could sail away to Monaco and see the track which runs through town just to name a couple options.

As past president and member of the board of directors, I was kept busy throughout the event, but did manage to speak with most of the people that stopped by our booth.  Once again Alaska seems to be dominating the interest for cruises while the Mediterranean leads the pack for land travel.  Of course, Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line is a favorite for families.

We encourage you to check out our many resources to help you explore vacations options.  Better yet, give us a call, tell us what you like to do, and let us work our magic finding you the perfect vacation.

If you haven’t signed up for our eSavers Newsletter yet, be sure to do so. This is just one of our communication vehicles to keep you informed about industry news and special offers for our loyal followers.




Be sure to visit our Facebook Fan Page and "Like Us" so that you can be in the inner circle of our Fans. You’ll have the opportunity to be the first to know about specials and other exclusive information, such as updates from cruise lines.

Tropical Storm Manuel Formed in East Pacific

Interactive Map

THIS IS THE LAST PUBLIC ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER ON THIS SYSTEM UNLESS REGENERATION OCCURS.

Hurricane MANUEL

Hurricane MANUEL	500 AM PDT THU SEP 19 2013 ...MANUEL MEANDERING NEAR THE COAST OF MEXICO...
WIND:	NEAR 75 MPH...120 KM/H...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:	A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR... * LA CRUZ TO TOPOLOBAMPO A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR... * NORTH OF TOPOLOBAMPO TO HUATABAMPITO
SHIP IMPACT:	NO CRUISE SHIPS IMPACTED

      Storm Archive              Graphics Archive  

A new tropical depression, TD 13-E formed Friday and is expected to become Tropical Storm Manuel.  Heavy rainfall is predicted for Mexico as a result of this tropical weather system.  Manuel degenerated on the 16th and then regenerated 36 hours later and later grew to a Hurricane before proceeding ashore in Mexico.

NHC ACTIVE STORMS (CLICK HERE)

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES (CLICK HERE)

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

SUMMARY OF 500 AM PDT...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...24.8N 108.1W
ABOUT 15 MI...25 KM NW OF ALTATA MEXICO
ABOUT 90 MI...145 KM SE OF LOS MOCHIS MEXICO
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...75 MPH...120 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...STATIONARY
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...987 MB...29.15 INCHES

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND...HURRICANE CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE ALONG PORTIONS OF THE
COAST WITHIN THE HURRICANE WARNING AREA FOR THE NEXT FEW HOURS.
TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE IN THE NORTHERN PORTION OF
SINALOA AND EXTREME SOUTHERN SONORA WITHIN THE TROPICAL STORM WATCH
AREA.

RAINFALL...MANUEL IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE 8 TO 12 INCHES OF RAIN OVER
THE MEXICAN STATE OF SINALOA...WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 20
INCHES POSSIBLE. THESE RAINS COULD PRODUCE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH
FLOODS AND MUD SLIDES. MANUEL IS ALSO EXPECTED TO PRODUCE AN
ADDITIONAL 1 TO 2 INCHES OF RAIN OVER THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE
BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA AND THE STATE OF NAYARIT.

STORM SURGE...A DANGEROUS STORM SURGE WILL RAISE WATER LEVELS BY AS
MUCH AS 2 TO 4 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS ALONG THE IMMEDIATE
COAST NEAR AND TO THE SOUTH OF WHERE THE CENTER MAKES LANDFALL.
NEAR THE COAST...THE SURGE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE AND
DESTRUCTIVE WAVES.

 Historical Data:

800 AM PDT FRI SEP 13 2013
 
...TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS SOUTH OF MEXICO...
...VERY HEAVY RAINS EXPECTED TO BE THE PRIMARY THREAT...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* ACAPULCO TO LAZARO CARDENAS

200 PM PDT FRI SEP 13 2013
 
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING EXTENDED WESTWARD... 

200 PM PDT SAT SEP 14 2013
 
...LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING POSSIBLE WITH MANUEL...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* ZIHANTANEJO TO MANZANILLO

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* WEST OF MANZANILLO TO CABO CORRIENTES 

200 AM PDT MON SEP 16 2013
 
...MANUEL DISSIPATES OVER WEST-CENTRAL MEXICO...
...HEAVY RAINS TO CONTINUE ALONG THE SOUTHWESTERN COAST OF MEXICO... 

200 PM PDT TUE SEP 17 2013
 
...MANUEL REGENERATES INTO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION...
...TROPICAL STORM WATCHES ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF MEXICO...

800 PM PDT TUE SEP 17 2013
 
...MANUEL GRADUALLY GETTING BETTER ORGANIZED...
...EXPECTED TO BECOME A TROPICAL STORM ON WEDNESDAY...

800 AM PDT WED SEP 18 2013
 
...MANUEL BECOMES A TROPICAL STORM AGAIN...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR A PORTION OF MEXICO...

500 PM PDT WED SEP 18 2013
 
...MANUEL BECOMES A HURRICANE...
...NORTHERN EYEWALL ALREADY NEAR THE COAST OF MEXICO... 

Hurricane Ingrid in Gulf of Mexico

Interactive Map

Hurricane INGRID

(Sep 12) Tropical Depression Ten formed in the Gulf of Mexico prompting warnings for heavy rain and life threatening conditions in Eastern Mexico.

(Sep 14) The storm continued to strengthen with Tropical Storm Ingrid becoming the second hurricane of the Atlantic season Saturday afternoon.

Tropical Storm INGRID	700 AM CDT MON SEP 16 2013 ...INGRID WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL STORM  AS IT MAKES LANDFALL NEAR LA PESCA... ...HEAVY RAINS SPREADING INLAND...
WIND:	DECREASED TO NEAR 65 MPH...100 KM/H...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:	A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR... * CABO ROJO NORTHWARD TO RIO SAN FERNANDO
SHIP IMPACT:	NONE

Storm Archive     Graphics Archive

This is the second storm of the Atlantic season to form in the Gulf of Mexico, and once again a powerful one, becoming the second Hurricane as well.   The same part of Mexico that is just recovering from Humberto is once again under heavy rainfall and winds.

NHC ACTIVE STORMS (CLICK HERE)

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES (CLICK HERE)

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

  
SUMMARY OF 700 AM CDT...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...23.8N 97.8W
ABOUT 0 MI...0 KM N OF LA PESCA MEXICO
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...65 MPH...100 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 10 MPH...17 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...991 MB...29.26 INCHES

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE DECREASED TO NEAR 65 MPH...100
KM/H...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.  ADDITIONAL WEAKENING IS FORECAST AS
INGRID MOVES INLAND TODAY.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 105 MILES...165
KM...MAINLY NORTHEAST OF THE CENTER. 

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
RAINFALL...INGRID IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE 10 TO 15 INCHES OF RAIN
OVER A LARGE PART OF EASTERN MEXICO...WITH ISOLATED AMOUNTS OF 25
INCHES POSSIBLE...ESPECIALLY IN AREAS OF MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THESE
RAINS ARE LIKELY TO RESULT IN LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND MUD
SLIDES.

WIND...TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE SPREADING OVER THE COAST WITHIN
THE WARNING AREA. 

STORM SURGE...A DANGEROUS STORM SURGE WILL RAISE WATER LEVELS BY AS
MUCH AS 2 TO 4 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS ALONG THE IMMEDIATE
COAST NEAR AND TO THE NORTH OF WHERE THE CENTER OF INGRID MAKES
LANDFALL.  NEAR THE COAST...THE SURGE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE

AND DESTRUCTIVE WAVES.

HISTORICAL DATA:

400 PM CDT THU SEP 12 2013
 
...TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS IN THE SOUTHERN GULF OF MEXICO...
...EXTREME RAINFALL EXPECTED OVER PORTIONS OF EASTERN MEXICO...

1000 AM CDT FRI SEP 13 2013
 
...THE NINTH TROPICAL STORM OF THE SEASON FORMS IN THE GULF OF
MEXICO...

100 PM CDT SAT SEP 14 2013
 
...INGRID EXPECTED TO BECOME A HURRICANE THIS AFTERNOON...

400 PM CDT SAT SEP 14 2013
 
...INGRID BECOMES THE SECOND HURRICANE OF THE 2013 SEASON...
  

THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO HAS ADJUSTED THE PREVIOUS WATCHES AND
WARNINGS FOR THE GULF COAST. A HURRICANE WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED
FROM CABO ROJO TO LA PESCA. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING HAS BEEN
ISSUED FROM NORTH OF LA PESCA TO BAHIA ALGODONES...AND FROM SOUTH
OF CABO ROJO TO TUXPAN. THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING FROM
COATZACOALCOS TO SOUTH OF TUXPAN HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.

700 AM CDT MON SEP 16 2013

...INGRID WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL STORM AS IT MAKES LANDFALL 
NEAR LA PESCA...
...HEAVY RAINS SPREADING INLAND... 

THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO HAS DISCONTINUED THE HURRICANE WARNING 
AND HURRICANE WATCH.  THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING SOUTH OF CABO ROJO
HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. 

100 PM CDT MON SEP 16 2013
 
...INGRID MOVING INLAND OVER MEXICO WITH HEAVY RAINFALL... 

400 PM CDT MON SEP 16 2013
 
...INGRID WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION...
...HEAVY RAIN THREAT CONTINUES...

1000 PM CDT MON SEP 16 2013
 
...SLOW-MOVING INGRID PRODUCING TORRENTIAL RAINS AND FLOODS 
OVER PORTIONS OF NORTHEASTERN MEXICO...

Meet Us at ChamberFest 2013

Visit Our Booth
Streamwood ChamberFest 2013

Attention car enthusiasts - don't miss the 2013 Streamwood ChamberFest & Car Show this Saturday from 10 AM - 2 PM. There will be several racing cars present as well as some of the local favorites from our monthly shows that are held at The Loop Bar & Grill in Streamwood.

Would you like to see some of the fastest cars in the world compete?

We'll have information at our booth about the 2014 Grand Prix voyages on Azamara Club Cruises.

Ask about Grand Prix Voyages

Monaco Grand Prix. Join us for the renowned Monaco Grand Prix, one of the world's most challenging Formula One races through the narrow streets of Monte-Carlo. The thrill of screaming engines and burning tires is matched by glamorous crowds and yachts, buzzing helicopters, and celebrities who know a good party when they see one.

You can select from a 4 Night or 8 Night voyage, both of which will be in Monaco on race day.  Whether you purchase Grand Prix tickets and watch the race, visit the Grand Casino, or other nearby attractions, your day in Monaco will certainly be one of the highlights of your cruise vacation.

Fast Cars Not Your Thing
How About Bumper Cars

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas which is currently under construction will feature a multi-purpose entertainment complex which will include bumper cars.

In addition to bumper cars, the ship will include many of the features from the Oasis-class along with some new innovations such as  a parachuting simulator, virtual balconies and many more.  Studio staterooms will allow solo travelers to enjoy their space, inside and out, with 12 of the 28 cabins including balconies.

 Related Blog Articles:

Quantum Changes for Cruisers
Prepare to be WOWED – The Quantum Class
Royal Caribbean Has a New Star
Two Sisters Under Construction

Visit our Quantum of the Seas Microsite

Patriot Day 2013

President Proclaims Patriot Day, Day of Remembrance  
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day,” and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized “National Day of Service and Remembrance”. President Obama officially proclaimed September 11, 2013, as Patriot Day.

In his remarks, the President said "Twelve years ago this month, nearly three thousand innocent men, women, and children lost their lives in attacks meant to terrorize our Nation. They had been going about their day, harming no one, when sudden violence struck. We will never undo the pain and injustice borne that terrible morning, nor will we ever forget those we lost."

He continued, "On September 11, 2001, amid shattered glass, twisted steel, and clouds of dust, the spirit of America shone through. We remember the sacrifice of strangers and first responders who rushed into darkness to carry others from danger. We remember the unbreakable bonds of unity we felt in the long days that followed -- how we held each other, how we came to our neighbors' aid, how we prayed for one another. We recall how Americans of every station joined together to support the survivors in their hour of need and to heal our Nation in the years that followed.”

View Gallery (Click image for Yahoo album)

Remembering 9/11/2001

Each year we recall where we were when learning about the terrorist attacks.   We were on the inaugural voyage of Norwegian Sun, thousands of miles from home in Paris, France.   Our tour bus was filled with our fellow passengers, the majority of whom lived in New York.  The transatlantic cruise, we were on, was originally scheduled to conclude in New York but ended in Boston instead.

What was to have been a celebration of our 25th Anniversary, quickly became a very unique experience as we observed the hospitality and caring from so many people across the globe as our journey home continued.

See our article from 2011, FDNY May We Never Forget, on the 10th anniversary, as we recalled our journey back to New York to visit the site of the World Trade Center attacks.  Should your cruise vacation plans include New York, we recommend spending some time at the WTC Memorial and other historic sites in the city.

TS Humberto Expected to Become First Atlantic Hurricane

Interactive Map

  HUMBERTO

(Sep 16) Humberto becomes a tropical storm again and it is forecast to strengthen again as it turns noth-northwest.

(Sep 10) Humberto is expected to strengthen later today and become a Hurricane.  Meanwhile, TS Gabrielle has regenerated and has its sights on Bermuda where Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect.  Tropical Storm Gabrielle Forms in Atlantic

Tropical Depression HUMBERTO	500 AM AST THU SEP 19 2013 ...HUMBERTO CLOSE TO BECOMING POST-TROPICAL...
WIND:	NEAR 35 MPH...55 KM/H...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.
WATCHES/ WARNINGS:	THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT.
SHIP IMPACT:	NONE

Storm Archive      Graphics Archive

As is typical for this time of year, a disturbance near the Cape Verde islands is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm.   We will monitor this storms as it heads across the Atlantic.

NHC ACTIVE STORMS (CLICK HERE)

Real-Time Cruise Ship Tracking

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES (CLICK HERE)

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

  
SUMMARY OF 500 AM AST...0900 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...33.0N 44.3W
ABOUT 1030 MI...1660 KM WSW OF THE AZORES
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...N OR 350 DEGREES AT 8 MPH...13 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1009 MB...29.80 INCHES

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 35 MPH...55 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT DAY OR
TWO.  HOWEVER...HUMBERTO COULD BECOME POST-TROPICAL AT ANY TIME...
AND IT IS FORECAST TO BE ABSORBED BY A FRONT BY FRIDAY NIGHT.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
none

HISTORICAL DATA:

500 PM AST SUN SEP 08 2013
 
...TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS OVER THE FAR EASTERN ATLANTIC...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR THE SOUTHERN CAPE VERDE
ISLANDS...

500 AM AST MON SEP 09 2013
 
...DEPRESSION STRENGTHENS INTO TROPICAL STORM HUMBERTO SOUTH OF THE
CAPE VERDE ISLANDS...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* THE SOUTHERN CAPE VERDE ISLANDS OF MAIO...SANTIAGO...FOGO...AND
BRAVA

1100 PM AST MON SEP 09 2013
 
...HUMBERTO STILL STRENGTHENING... 

500 PM AST MON SEP 09 2013
 
...HUMBERTO CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR THE CAPE VERDE ISLANDS DISCONTINUED...
  

500 AM AST TUE SEP 10 2013
 
...HUMBERTO ON A STRENGTHENING TREND...
...FORECAST TO BECOME A HURRICANE LATER TODAY...

500 PM AST TUE SEP 10 2013

...HUMBERTO ALMOST A HURRICANE... 

500 AM AST WED SEP 11 2013
 
...HUMBERTO BECOMES THE FIRST HURRICANE OF THE SEASON OVER THE FAR
EASTERN ATLANTIC...

500 AM AST THU SEP 12 2013
 
...HUMBERTO MAINTAINING ITS STRENGTH WHILE CONTINUING NORTHWARD... 

500 AM AST FRI SEP 13 2013
 
...HUMBERTO LOSING STRENGTH...
...EXPECTED TO WEAKEN TO A TROPICAL STORM LATER TODAY... 

1100 PM AST FRI SEP 13 2013
 
...HUMBERTO CONTINUES TO WEAKEN AS IT MOVES WESTWARD...
...EXPECTED TO BECOME A REMNANT LOW ON SATURDAY... 

1100 AM AST SAT SEP 14 2013
 
...HUMBERTO BECOMES A POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE...
...EXPECTED TO REGENERATE IN A COUPLE OF DAYS...
  

1100 AM AST MON SEP 16 2013

...HUMBERTO BECOMES A TROPICAL STORM AGAIN...
...FORECAST TO SLOWLY STRENGTHEN WHILE TURNING
NORTH-NORTHWESTWARD...