October 2012 - National Cruise Vacation Month

October is National Cruise Vacation Month

Explore the World of Cruise Vacationing
October 1 - 31, 2012 
 

If you've ever thought about going on your first cruise, October is the time to begin that journey.

We're joining with member travel agencies from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) across the US and Canada to host the Virtual National Cruise Vacation Week (NCVW) which is an opportunity for travelers like you to learn more about one of the most popular vacations: cruising!

Cruising is all about you. You can find adventure, culture and education or, relax the day away. Dine on fine cuisine. Indulge at the spa. Reconnect with family. Share romantic moments. All this, in the destination of your choice, for a few days, a week or more, on a cruise that's right for you.

We have a special page with Cruise Line Videos for you to explore.   Just click the cruise line logo of your choice and watch their video.  Each day we will add another link to our Virtual National Cruise Vacation Week Calendar 2012 featuring articles of interest about cruising.

There are special offers throughout the month. The highlight will be October 21-27, 2012 which is designated the National Cruise Vacation Week (NCVW). We have a special page (click here) which lists the offers and other information.

Simply click on the cruise line of your choice 

and see what special deals they have to offer! 

Checkout our Facebook Page

for more Cruising Tips and Offers

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Virtual National Cruise Vacation Week Calendar 2012

Resources to Help You Explore the World of Cruise Vacationing

October is National Cruise Vacation Month and we will be sharing useful information with our readers on this blog, our Facebook page, and website. We'll add links to this calendar to help you find related information.

First-time Cruisers and Seasoned Cruisers alike should find something of interest in the calendar.   Simply click on a calendar day entry to start your exploration.   If there are specific topics you'd like to see us cover, contact us.

Bookmark this blog post and visit often for updated links

  

National Cruise Vacation Week

The World’s Largest Cruise Sale

October 21 - 27, 2012

←September 2012				October 2012 Calendar								November 2012→
Sun		Mon		Tue		Wed		Thu		Fri		Sat
		1		2		3		4		5		6
		October 2012 - National Cruise Vacation Month		Welcome to our Updated Facebook Fan Page Having an AzAmazing Time Cruising		Cruise Rookies National Cruise Vacation Month Coming Attractions		Not All Cabins Are Alike		Planning a Cruise Vacation		Your Cruise Departing From a Nearby Port
7		8		9		10		11		12		13
What Cruise Ports are on Your Bucket List		What Would Christopher Columbus Think		Size Does Matter - They Come In Many Sizes		Should My First Cruise be 109 Days or Less		Stop Losing Sleep Seek Advice of Specialist		Misconceptions and Myths About Cruising (Part 1)		Misconceptions and Myths About Cruising (Part 2)
14		15		16		17		18		19		20
Creating Magical Memories 2012
Welcome Reception at Epcot
21		22		23		24		25		26		27
28		29		30		31
		National Cruise Vacation Month Wrapup
										Created with		WinCalendar

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Azamara Club Cruises 2014 Deployment

YOU'LL LOVE WHERE WE TAKE YOU

Offering more late-night and overnight stays in port, the award-winning Azamara Club Cruises  announced the 2014 deployment of its twin boutique ships Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest.

Up-market travelers can choose among 72 new voyages, ranging from four to 17 nights and visiting 240 fascinating destinations in 66 countries throughout Europe, the Far East, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the Western U.S. coast.

The cruise line’s new 2014 program enables guests to experience the nightlife of compelling destinations around the world that larger ships cannot reach, and includes a record-45 maiden port calls, such as the UNESCO World Geopark Langkawi, Malaysia; Maura in the Sultanate of Brunei; and the charming island-village Vila do Abraao, a favorite Brazilian getaway.

“Azamara’s staff and crew stand ready to deliver our authentic and personable service along with immersive experiences to up-market travelers,” said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “One hundred percent of Azamara’s 2014 voyages feature late night and overnight stays in port to offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the nightlife of some of the world’s most vibrant places. There is no better way for travelers to immerse themselves in a destination than with Azamara.”

DESCRIPTION	SAIL DATE(S) 2014	ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Azamara Journey 12- to 17-night East & South China Seas	January - April	Alternating departures from Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mumbai and Chennai. Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Halong Bay, Borobudur, Parambanan and Sangiran.
Azamara Journey Repositioning cruise	April	Repositions via the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal to arrive for its Europe season
Azamara Journey 4- to 14-night  Europe	Summer	voyages, ranging throughout the Mediterranean, North and Baltic Seas (some examples follow)
Azamara Journey 10-, or 12-night Baltic	July	all feature three full days at St. Petersburg, Russia
Azamara Journey 14-night Food and Wine cruise	August	departing Southampton, U.K., on August 20, which features two-night stays at Nantes (Loire Valley) and Bordeaux, France.
Azamara Quest 10- to 14-night Sea of Cortez and Central America voyages	January - April	Los Angeles, California - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - Manzanillo. Mexico - Ixtapa (Zihuatanejo), Mexico - Huatulco, Mexico - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala - Acajutla, El Salvador - San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua - Caldera, Costa Rica (Ports vary by itinerary)
Azamara Quest 10- to 12-night trans-Panama Canal voyages	January, March	a pair of trans-Panama Canal voyages between Miami, Fla., and Costa Rica
Azamara Quest 8-night Coastal Wine Cruise	February	Santa Barbara, California - Monterey, California - San Francisco, California - Ensenada, Mexico - Los Angeles, California
Azamara Quest 11-night less-trodden, jewel islands of the Caribbean	March	St. John, U.S.Virgin Islands - Iles Des Saintes, Guadeloupe - Roseau, Dominica - Gustavia, St. Barts - Charlestown, Nevis - Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. - Miami, Florida
Azamara Quest 15-night trans-Atlantic voyage Miami to Nice	March	Miami, Florida - Ponta Delgada, Azores - Gibraltar, United Kingdom - Cartagena, Spain - Mahon, Menorca, Spain - Cannes, France - Nice, France
Azamara Journey Azamara Quest rendezvous in St. Tropez and Monte Carlo	May 19	for the first time, guests aboard both ships can join in the excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix.
Azamara Quest 7- to 12-night Europe	Summer	mainly in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Aegean and Black seas
Azamara Quest 11-night Mediterranean Easter sailing	April	sailing, departing April 11, offers guests an overnight at Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome for an opportunity to attend Palm Sunday mass in the Vatican, and at Livorno for Easter Sunday in Florence.
Azamara Quest 7-, 9-, and 12-night Black Sea voyages	July - August	voyages sail from Istanbul. The August 20 voyage takes guests on a comprehensive 12-night itinerary throughout the region, including a call at Sochi, Russia, site of the 2014 winter Olympic Games.
Azamara Journey Holiday Sailings	November	depart from Spain’s Costa del Sol to the beautiful Brazil via the Canary Islands. Travelers can celebrate Christmas and the New Year as they sail from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro.
Azamara Quest Holiday Sailings	November	retrace the Spice Route to the Far East and ring in the New Year in Hong Kong.

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Celebrity Reflection Sea Trials

Celebrity Reflection courtesy Meyer Werft Shipyard

Celebrity Reflection

Conveyance

On September 16th, the last Celebrity Solstice-class ship left the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Pagenburg, Germany. Celebrity Reflection is on her way,  down the River Ems (backward, mind you) and out to the North Sea. Her final destination for these sea trials is  Emshaven, The Netherlands. 

This marks the completion of the construction period for Celebrity Reflection.  After the completion of the sea trials, the ship will be formally turned over to the owner, Celebrity Cruises in the traditional christening ceremony.

 Inaugural Sailing:  From Amsterdam on October 12th

Celebrity Reflection Conveyance Photo Albums

Celebrity Cruises is posting pictures of the ship and the sea trials on their Facebook page.  We fell in love with the Solstice-class when we were on a pre-inaugural of Celebrity Solstice.   The final ship in the series is now almost ready to be put into service complementing her sister-ships.

Photos and Stories:

Celebrity Cruises blog                       

Celebrity Reflection Album Update II

Celebrity Reflection Conveyance Update III

Celebrity Reflection Culinary "Spots"

Celebrity Reflection Update Album IV

Celebrity Reflection Update V

Celebrity Reflection Update VI Bon Voyage

     

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Tropical Storm Miriam Forms in East Pacific

Click (here) for Interactive Map

Tropical Storm Miriam
Latest to Form in East Pacific 
Now a Major Hurricane

200 PM PDT WED SEP 26 2012

...MIRIAM MOVING GENERALLY NORTHWARD AND STEADILY WEAKENING...

East Pacific Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

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

See where ships are relative to tropical storms

Interactive tracking map (real-time ship tracking)

TD 13-E formed Southwest of mainland Mexico Friday night and has grown into a tropical storm today.   It is expected to continue increasing until becoming a hurricane.  There are currently no coastal watches or warnings related to the storm.  There are no cruises impacted at this time either.

SUMMARY OF 200 PM PDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...20.8N 115.4W
ABOUT 380 MI...615 KM WSW OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...60 MPH...95 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...N OR 350 DEGREES AT 7 MPH...11 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...994 MB...29.35 INCHES
 
 
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE DECREASED TO NEAR 60 MPH...95
KM/H...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.  ADDITIONAL WEAKENING IS FORECAST DURING
THE NEXT 48 HOURS...AND MIRIAM IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A REMNANT LOW
ON FRIDAY.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
SURF...SWELLS GENERATED BY MIRIAM WILL CONTINUE TO AFFECT THE SOUTH
AND WEST COASTS OF THE SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL BAJA PENINSULA TONIGHT
AND THURSDAY BUT WILL BEGIN TO GRADUALLY SUBSIDE ON FRIDAY. THESE
SWELLS COULD CAUSE LIFE-THREATENING SURF AND RIP CURRENT CONDITIONS. 
PLEASE CONSULT PRODUCTS FROM YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE

Historical Data:         Storm Archive                Graphics Archive                                         

800 PM PDT FRI SEP 21 2012
 
...TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS SOUTHWEST OF MAINLAND MEXICO...

800 AM PDT SAT SEP 22 2012
 
...TROPICAL DEPRESSION BECOMES TROPICAL STORM MIRIAM...
  

800 AM PDT MON SEP 24 2012

...MIRIAM BECOMES A MAJOR HURRICANE...

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Lifeboat Drill for Training

Updated Policy Life Boat Loading for Training Purposes

On behalf of the global cruise industry, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the European Cruise Council (ECC) announced that the cruise industry has adopted an additional safety policy. This policy, which exceeds current international regulatory requirements, addresses issues related to the loading of lifeboats by crewmembers for training purposes. It is an outcome of the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review, which was launched in January 2012 following the Costa Concordia accident.

Life Boat Loading for Training Purposes Policy

• full loading of a lifeboat at least once every six months for crew training purposes
• the lifeboat must be filled to capacity with crew members
• maneuvered in the water to facilitate familiarization with lifeboat operations
• mandatory attendance for all crew members involved in operating or loading of lifeboats 

The new policy is for all oceangoing members of CLIA and ECC, and is effective immediately. Smaller ships with less than 300 crew members will conduct similar training as appropriate.

“The cruise industry continues to work on a global level to improve the safety of passengers and crew, which is our number one priority,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA.

“Since January of this year, and in keeping with our efforts to continuously improve operational excellence, the global cruise industry has voluntarily adopted seven wide-ranging safety policies. We remain fully committed to exploring further enhancements in a number of areas that will add to the industry’s excellent safety record.”

Commenting on the new policy Manfredi Lefebvre, ECC Chairman said:

“The Cruise industry’s Operational Safety Review demonstrates our on-going determination to ensure that cruise ships remain the safest vacation option and the safest part of the shipping industry. This policy, like all the policies that have already been developed by the Operational Safety Review, exceeds current international regulatory requirements and has been externally verified by world renowned independent experts.”

He added: “Our industry is committed to improving our safety performance in the short, the medium and the long term I believe our approach supports the goal of European Commission of re-launching their ‘Quality Shipping Campaign’ as set out in its Maritime Policy 2009-2018.”

Related Posts & Information:

Cruise Industry Adopts New Muster Policy  

Carnival Corp Taking Steps to Address Safety Concerns
Cruise Industry Safety Standards Changes

Life Boat Loading for Training Purposes policy (full version)
All CLIA Cruise Industry Policies

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Godmothers Named for Norwegian Breakaway

Rockettes - courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Rocketttes Named Godmother

Norwegian Breakaway

There is a lot of tradition that is followed even today when a new ship is placed into service.  One of the most important milestones is the christening, where the Godmother breaks a bottle of champagne against the hull of the ship.

When Norwegian Breakaway is christened next May,  she will have not one, not two, but several Godmothers.   The world famous Rockettes, iconic dancers of New York, will do the honors.  MSG Entertainment, owner of the Rockettes, announced Norwegian Cruise Line will be the official cruise line of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall and an official partner of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. 

"I strongly believe that the Rockettes, one of the most beloved and recognizable New York icons, are the perfect choice to serve as the ship's godmothers," Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's CEO, said in a prepared statement. 

Most ships have one Godmother, but some ships have had more than one.   

Rockettes Will be Onboard

The Rockettes role won't end with the breaking of the bottle against the hull.Two dancers from the famed troupe will sail aboard each of the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, and the first sailing of each month thereafter. While onboard, the two Rockettes will lead exclusive Rockette-themed fitness classes and will participate in photo ops, as well as meet and greets with passengers. The Rockettes also will be showcased via a historical retrospective in the ship's library.

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their entertainment, with acts like Second City, Blue Man Group and others gracing the stages onboard.   The Rockettes is the perfect addition to the lineup for a ship that makes New York its home.

 

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New Look for Azamara Club Cruises Ships

Azamara Journey

& Azamara Quest

Refurbishment

Azamara Club Cruises announced that both of its ships will be undergoing some major changes late this year an early next year.   The most noticeable change will be the switch from a white hull to dark blue hulls.

Dry Dock Schedule:

Azamara Quest (8 Nights) November 7, 2012
Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain

Azamara Journey (7 Nights) January 6, 2013
Singapore's Sembawang Shipyard


According to Edie Bornstein, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Azamara, the new dark blue hulls will "better reflect the elegance onboard."

Here are the details of the refurbishments, which will be made to each ship:

• Caviar and champagne bar will be added within the specialty restaurant Aqualina
• New Chef's Table concept featuring three wine menus (Italian, French and Californian)
• The Casino Bar will be expanded and enhanced with new furniture 
• New steam room and showers; new Life Fitness cardio equipement in the Spa & Fitness center
• New carpets, upholstery and color palette in public spaces
• New mattresses and upgraded balcony furniture will be added to cabins
• Resurfaced pool with new sun loungers and pool towels 

About Azamara Club Cruises

Even before the refurbishment, intimate elegance is what you'll find aboard the Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest.. With slightly more than 690 guests you'll discover unparalleled service with one staff member to every two guests. Enjoy an evening cordial while listening to the dazzling finger work of the pianist at the Drawing Room, meet new found friends for a signature cocktail at the Discoveries Lounge, immerse yourself in the thalassotherapy pool and let the invigorating waters rejuvenate your being or enjoy breathtaking views of far away lands while feeding your hunger at the Windows Cafe. With impeccable service, scrumptious cuisine and longer stays at out of the way destinations - discover what it means to sail with Azamara Club Cruises.

Azamara Journey

Azamara Quest

Ship Statistics30,277 GT, 694 passenger capacity, 593 feet length, 95 feet beam Builder: Chantiers de I'Atlantique   Completed in 2000, Refurbished 2007

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Carnival Beards Make More Changes

Future Carnival Vacation
Certificates Eliminated

Those that travel frequently are aware that loyalty has its rewards. Many of you may have gotten to your destination without incurring airfare costs by turning in miles.

The cruise industry also has loyalty programs and other incentives.

Until this announcement from Carnival Corporation, passengers on most Carnival Ships could stop at the Future Carnival Vacation Desk, fill out a form, pay a minimal deposit, and get a certificate to use on a future Carnival cruise. As a reward, you would earn an onboard credit when redeeming the certificate at a later date.

The certificates had an expiration date, several years into the future, which would allow you ample time to decide on when and where you wanted to cruise. There was no need to determine that while on your current cruise.

Effective with sailings on or after September 27, 2012, Carnival has discontinued the program.  Certificates that are out in the field will be honored through the expiration date on the form.

Guests can still book a confirmed booking while on most Carnival ships.  NOTE:  There are no Future Carnival Vacations desks on Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Spirit and Carnival Victory.

Receive Up to $200 OBC

3,4, or 5 day cruise	6 day cruise	7,8,9, or 10 day cruise	12+ day cruise
$50 OBC per stateroom	$75 OBC per stateroom	$100 OBC per stateroom	$200 OBC per stateroom

There has been quite a buzz in the online communities since Carnival made this announcement. The attractive benefit of the previous program was that you didn't have to decide destination or timeframe ahead of time. You just had to decide that you wanted to do another cruise in the future on Carnival, and when the time was right, call you agent to make a confirmed booking. The OBC can be combined with other offers, but in reality, there is little benefit to tying up your money in advance, and it could actually become a disadvantage if you were to find some different cruise that you'd rather take. Be sure to be familiar with all the restrictions before you decide to book under the new program.

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Tropical Storm Lane in East Pacific

Click (here) for Interactive Map

Tropical Storm Lane 
Latest Hurricane in East Pacific

800 PM PDT MON SEP 17 2012

...LANE EXPECTED TO WEAKEN ON TUESDAY...

East Pacific Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

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

TD 12-E formed in the tropical Eastern Pacific Saturday morning and grew into Tropical Storm Lane.  It is not a threat to land at this time.  This is another storm that is south of Baja California and my grow into another hurricane.

SUMMARY OF 800 PM PDT...0300 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...18.4N 127.5W
ABOUT 1180 MI...1895 KM WSW OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...80 MPH...130 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 330 DEGREES AT 10 MPH...17 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...989 MB...29.21 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT. 

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS REMAIN NEAR 80 MPH...130 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  LANE IS A CATEGORY ONE HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON
HURRICANE WIND SCALE.  LANE SHOULD WEAKEN INTO A TROPICAL STORM ON
TUESDAY...AND FURTHER WEAKENING IS EXPECTED ON WEDNESDAY.

Historical Data:        Storm Archive                  Graphics Archive                   

800 AM PDT SAT SEP 15 2012

...NEW TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS IN THE TROPICAL EASTERN PACIFIC...
...NO THREAT TO LAND... 

200 PM PDT SAT SEP 15 2012
 
...TROPICAL STORM LANE FORMS IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC...
...NO THREAT TO LAND... 

200 AM PDT MON SEP 17 2012

...LANE BECOMES A HURRICANE AND TURNS NORTH-NORTHWESTWARD...
 
 

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Expert Findings Released on Costa Concordia

Costa Concordia & Lifeboats    Courtesy Wikipedia Commons

Expert Panel

Reports Findings

Concordia Tragedy

The panel of experts, that were appointed by the Italian courts to review evidence in the events of the January 14th tragedy which took the lives of 32 people, have released their findings to the court.   A 270 page document was filed with the court on Tuesday and published by Italian media on Thursday.

Captain, Crew, & Costa Cruises to Blame

As expected, the primary blame for the tragic accident falls on Captain Schettino, who has already been condemned in the media as "Captain Coward" and other names. He is charged with several counts including negligent homicide, causing a shipwreck, and abandoning ship before the complete evacuation of the 4,200 passengers and crew. He claims he was commanding the situation from the life boats and denies any wrongdoing.

In the report, the panel also puts blame on the crew for "blunders, delays and security breaches that contributed to the disaster". Early reports from passengers had indicated that the crew was disorganized during the evacuation, which seems to validate the findings.

Costa Crociere, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation plc, is accused of "delaying the emergency alert sent to coastal authorities". In a statement, Costa placed the blame on Francesco Schettino, the ship’s captain: "It is also clear from the records that the communication made by the Master to the crisis department were on the whole not timely, partial and confused, not allowing it to scale a clear perception of the seriousness of what was actually happening."

In response to allegations that the crew was inadequately trained, Costa said: “The alleged defects in the certifications of some of the crew concern only a few individuals who are not key to emergency management”.

A court hearing is scheduled for October 15th to determine if the captain and any of the co-defendants should be put on trial. 

Continuing Coverage

Salvage operations are underway to remove the ship from the coastline of Giglio, Italy.  That operation, which began in June, will last about a year according to current estimates.

We continue to follow all the events around this tragic accident in our anchor article:

Costa Concordia Listing after Deadly Accident

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Cruises Impacted by Protests

Egyptian Sphinx - Courtesy Azamara Club Cruises

Middle East Protests

Impact Cruises

Once again cruises to Egypt and Tunisia are being rerouted to avoid any potential security risks to passengers, ships, and crew.

A wave of anti-American unrest swept through the Middle East on the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attack.  Uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia were sparked by the inflammatory anti-Muslim video, and there was further unrest Thursday outside the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, where protesters had scaled the walls Tuesday.

The fatal attack on the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, and three other Americans has prompted the deployment of two warships to the area.

Cruise lines are closely monitoring the situation and two changes have already been announced. We will update this article with additional details as they become available.  Consult with the individual cruise lines if you are traveling to this region.

Latest Changes

Silversea has cancelled Silver Cloud's September 30 visit to Tunis, Tunisia, replacing it with a stop at Gozo Island in the Maltese archipelago.

Oceania's Marina will no longer visit Alexandria on October 3 or Part Said on October 4. Instead the ship will add Antalya, Turkey and spend an extra day in Ashdod, Israel on October 4. 


Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Quest's scheduled stop in La Goulette (Carthage), Tunisia on October 31 wil be replaced with a full-day visit to Minorca in the Balearic Islands on November 1.

Royal Caribbean Important Announcements

Protests in Egypt September 20, 2012 Royal Caribbean International continues to closely monitor the situation in Egypt. At this time, Royal Caribbean has not changed the itinerary of any upcoming sailing that includes a port call to Egypt. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make any modifications to upcoming itineraries. The safety and security, of our guests and crew members is always foremost in our minds.

Protests in Egypt
September 13, 2012

Royal Caribbean International is closely monitoring the protests currently taking place in Egypt.

In an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel Mariner of the Seas’ next port call to Egypt. Mariner of the Seas, which departs Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, on Saturday, September 15, will no longer call on Alexandria, Egypt, on Tuesday, September 18. Instead, the ship will now call to Sicily (Messina), Italy, on Sunday, September 16, and Valletta, Malta, on Monday, September 17.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make additional modifications to upcoming itineraries.

Holland America Line

Holland America's Ryndam, which was scheduled to dock September 14 in La Goulette (Carthage), Tunisia, will visit Sardinia, Italy, instead. 

Cunard Line

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth will skip its scheduled September 15 call in Alexandria and replace it with a visit to Rhodes on September 16.

Celebrity Cruises

Protests in Egypt

September 20, 2012
Celebrity Cruises continues to closely monitor the protests currently taking place in Egypt. At this time, Celebrity Cruises has not cancelled any port calls to Egypt. We will continue to closely monitor the changing situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make any modifications to upcoming itineraries.
September 13, 2012
Celebrity Cruises is closely monitoring the protests currently taking place in Egypt. At this time, Celebrity Cruises has not cancelled any port calls to Egypt. We will continue to closely monitor the changing situation in Egypt and will contact guests or their travel agents should we make any modifications to upcoming itineraries.

Travel Warnings & Alerts

U.S. State Department has not issued any Travel Warnings or Alerts, but the embassies in seven countries advised Americans to be vigilant. U.S. embassies in Armenia, Burundi, Kuwait, Sudan, Tunisia, Zambia and Egypt, posted the notices but don't report any specific threat.

Useful Links:

U.S. Department of State - International Travel

Tips for Traveling Abroad 

Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information & Travel Alerts

When traveling in a foreign country, it is wise to know about the location of U.S. Embassies

U.S. Embassies (Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions)
State Department's travel registration website - register travel  with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate

State Department’s Country Specific Information 

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Tropical Storm Kristy Forms in East Pacific

Click (here) for Interactive Map

Tropical Storm Kristy

Forms in East Pacific

200 PM PDT SUN SEP 16 2012

...KRISTY WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION...

 Tropical Storm Kristy is currently far south of Baja California and no immediate threat to land.  Watches and warnings may be posted later in the week depending on the progress of the storm.

East Pacific Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

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

SUMMARY OF 200 PM PDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...25.0N 118.5W
ABOUT 560 MI...905 KM WNW OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NW OR 315 DEGREES AT 7 MPH...11 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1007 MB...29.74 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT.

INTERESTS IN SOUTHERN BAJA CALIFORNIA SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF
KRISTY. ANY DEVIATION TO THE NORTH OF THE FORECAST TRACK WOULD
REQUIRE A TROPICAL STORM WATCH OR WARNING FOR A PORTION OF EXTREME
SOUTHERN BAJA CALIFORNIA.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 35 MPH...55 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  GRADUAL WEAKENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS...AND
KRISTY IS LIKELY TO BECOME A REMNANT LOW MONDAY MORNING.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
SURF...SWELLS GENERATED BY KRISTY WILL STILL AFFECT PORTIONS OF
SOUTHERN BAJA CALIFORNIA DURING THE NEXT DAY OR SO. THESE SWELLS
COULD CAUSE LIFE-THREATENING SURF AND RIP CURRENT CONDITIONS.
PLEASE CONSULT PRODUCTS FROM YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.

Historical Data:    Storm Archive    Graphics Archive

800 AM PDT WED SEP 12 2012
 
...NEW TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS SOUTH OF MANZANILLO MEXICO...
...NO THREAT TO LAND...

200 PM PDT WED SEP 12 2012

...TROPICAL STORM KRISTY FORMS SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF CABO CORRIENTES
MEXICO...  

 

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Tropical Storm Nadine in Atlantic

Click (here) for Interactive Map

Tropical Storm Nadine

Forms in Atlantic
Becomes 8th Hurricane of Season

REMNANTS OF NADINE ADVISORY NUMBER  88

1100 AM AST THU OCT 04 2012
 
...BYE BYE NADINE...
...WHAT A LONG STRANGE TRIP ITS BEEN... 

Atlantic Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

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

TD-14 has become Tropical Storm Nadine.  Nadine is lingering a long time in the Atlantic and has prompted tropical storm warnings for the Azores.  Wind and rain were forecast for the Azores for the second time for this storm.  The storm is the longest for the 2012 Atlantic Season and may be among the longest storms in history.

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...40.0N 26.7W
ABOUT 85 MI...140 KM NNE OF LAJES IN THE AZORES
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...45 MPH...75 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNE OR 20 DEGREES AT 24 MPH...39 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...998 MB...29.47 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
THE WEATHER SERVICE OF PORTUGAL HAS DISCONTINUED THE TROPICAL STORM
WARNING FOR THE AZORES.
 
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...
 
THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA...IN THIS CASE WITHIN
THE NEXT 24 HOURS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 45 MPH...75 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. THE REMNANTS OF NADINE ARE FORECAST TO PRODUCE GALE-FORCE
WINDS DURING THE NEXT 12 HOURS OR SO.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND...GALE-FORCE WINDS IN GUSTS ARE STILL POSSIBLE IN THE
AZORES...BUT SHOULD GRADUALLY SUBSIDE LATER TODAY.
 
RAINFALL...THE REMNANTS OF NADINE ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL
RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF AN INCH OR LESS OVER PORTIONS OF THE
AZORES THROUGH THURSDAY, OCT 4TH.
 

Historical Data:          Storm Archive              Graphics   Archive   

1100 AM AST TUE SEP 11 2012
 
...NEW TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS IN THE CENTRAL TROPICAL ATLANTIC
BUT NOT A THREAT TO LAND...

1100 PM AST TUE SEP 11 2012
 
...DEPRESSION STRENGTHENS INTO TROPICAL STORM NADINE OVER THE OPEN
TROPICAL ATLANTIC... 

1100 PM AST FRI SEP 14 2012

...NADINE BECOMES THE EIGHTH HURRICANE OF THE ATLANTIC SEASON...

                             

1100 PM AST TUE SEP 18 2012

...NADINE WEAKENS A LITTLE AS IT INCHES CLOSER TO THE AZORES...

1100 AM AST THU SEP 20 2012
 
...NADINE CONTINUES TO PASS SOUTH OF THE AZORES...

1100 PM AST FRI SEP 21 2012
 
...NADINE BECOMES A POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE...
...REGENERATION POSSIBLE IN A COUPLE OF DAYS...

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

1100 AM AST SUN SEP 23 2012
 
...LONG-LIVED NADINE BECOMES A TROPICAL STORM AGAIN...

800 PM AST WED OCT 03 2012

...NADINE EXPECTED TO BRING TROPICAL STORM OR GALE CONDITIONS
TO THE AZORES TONIGHT OR EARLY THURSDAY... 

ONCE AGAIN ...

THIS IS THE LAST PUBLIC ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER ON THIS SYSTEM.  FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE REMNANTS
OF NADINE PLEASE SEE HIGH SEAS FORECASTS ISSUED BY THE METEO FRANCE
MET OFFICE...UNDER WMO HEADER FQNT50 LFPW. 

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