So Tired

Gooday everyone,

 Been a while. I want to get right to my first news which is that this week the “Carnival Legend” which a spectacular ship had an incident in Cozumel in regard to rough weather as the departed from Cozumel. The Legend… just have a look at her just a few hours before the incident following up to it,

 As you can see, the water current was very strong pulling the 84,00 ton ship towards the Enchantment of the Seas which I sailed on last year. The incident was handled very professional by carnival, as the took proper procedure in maintained repairs to the hull, and there was no recorded injuries.

Carnival Dream launched this week making her day view, & the Dream is now a reality that’s 130.000 tons making her largest in the fleet. Her sister “Carnival Magic” is still in her construction stage but Carnival Dream will soon make her way to Port Canaveral in Florida down here to sail 7 night cruises. Carnival Glory that has the itinerary the Dream will be sailing will be moving to Miami to sail 7 night voyages. Here are some photos,

 Stunning is all that can describe the ship. So many new components of innovation, and activities. I can waite to one day sail onboard her.

 Now not only has Carnival Dream set sail, but Oasis of the Seas is undergoing another set of seatrials. Here are the pictures,

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/sbw_oasis_0022.jpg

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/sbw_oasis_0164.JPG

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/sbw_oasis_0215.JPG

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/sbw_oasis_0231.JPG

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/18346-30%20DK%2015%20Down%20to%20Boardwalk%20copy.jpg

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/18346-30%20DK%2015%20Down%20to%20Boardwalk%20copy.jpg

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/18346-30%20DK%2015%20Down%20to%20Boardwalk%20copy.jpg

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/18346-30%20DK%2015%20Down%20to%20Boardwalk%20copy.jpg

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/galleries/11/images/18346-30%20DK%2015%20Down%20to%20Boardwalk%20copy.jpg

One word       “GIANT”!

 I’m very tired after riding 94 miles yesterday with a cycling group, & riding 54 today, therefore Im gonna cut this short.

                  from, Jake                                        pictures from www.JohnHealdsblog.com

One Year….So Far So Good

Hello everyone,

 Before we et started this week, I wanted to share that the 24th, was the blogs one year anniversary, & the question is will I continue? The answerer is… “Yes”./

 In current cycling news, as you alll the know the 96th “Tour De’ France’” was held in July, & hats off to Lance Armstrong for placing 3rd… I must congratulate Alberto Canntador who I willl have you know won the tour, & was also on Team Astana, (same as Lance) . I say he is talented….. but maybe not a team cyclist.  Also congratulation to Andy Schleck, & Bradely Wiggens for placing 2nd, & 4th.

The tour De Ireland is coming up.

 In cruise news,

 My Dad, & Step mom will be leaving in 2 weeks for the Silver Wind for 6 days in the Medeteranian,

They Will love it. Also over at www.Johnhealdsblog.comyou can read daily blogs regarding CarnivalCruiselines, & one of my favorite parts is the recent posts on the New ship Carnival Dream that will be 130,00 tons & and a new class. She will have 1 sister to date that will deliver in 2010, “Carnival Magic”.  They seem to be simply magnificent, & a great addition to the fleet.  I’ll get back to pictures in just a moment.

Airplane news/ There has been close talk debating the Airbus A350, and the Boeing 787. I believe Boeing originally brought up the design, and Airbus then made A350. They are both brand new, and have not come out ye, & to promote the new planes that will be capable of flying long distances, and willl have many more new features, Boeing has gone with the Promotion “Dreamliner”, as for Airbus they have gone with “X” or something like that.

 Both will be very inovated. Here is Carnival Dream,

   From, JAKE

A Man Now

Hello everyone,

 Before I blog I wanted to inform all of you that I became a Bar-Mitzvah last week, meaning that now I am a man! It was official on Sat. the 16th where I had a great service/reception/party followed by a nice Birthday on the 18th.

 I have been keeping Two wide eyes open on the remaining teams to enter the Stanley Cup Final Round Series. As all you hockey fans know, last year was the Battle between my 2 tied favorite teams, Pittsburgh Penguins VS, Detroit Red Wings.  Well….this year I think theres gonna be no changes. As the penguins need one more win to mercy Carolina, I believe they will easily slip into the Stanley Cup as back to back Eastern conference champions, and as on the west Detroit is battling Chicago, and Red Wings are up 2-1.  They play this afternoon I think.

 After my Fun filled day becoming a bar-Mitzvah, I proceeded to the Championship game with my hockey team at 7:30pm after my Bar-Mitzvah was over at 4:00. I will inform you that I scored a hat-trick the night before, and the game of the championship….2 back to back games where I helped lift my team. Now did we win?……”YES”!!!!   That was us tossing out gear, tackling each other in honor of our victory. I was selected to play on the travel team since I was age eligible to play so this was my 6th travel season out of my 8 years of playing. After wining my first season on the day I turned 8, each season wasn’t there as we continued to place second year after year for majority the same team.

 To the cruise industry, Cruise lines have re-placed Mexican ports of call back into the itinerary’s.

As you probably have noticed by now, many of the ships that where positioned in Ft.Luaderdale for the Fall/winter season have all gone to Europe now for the late spring/Summer season.

 As a Bar-Mitzvah gift I received many things, one of many was a name-tag with my picture, name, cruise director, and Holland America logo. It’s an actual pin! How did I get it….”secret”  but it’s real, and I will post pictures next post.

 Next month my Grandma is emarking oce again to cruise. This time it’s Ruby Princess in Medeteranian.

                                    from, JAKE

New Ships

Hello everyone. As promised,

Aida Luna/ 69,200 tons

MSC Splendida/ 133,500  tons

Costa Liminosa/ 92,700 tons

Costa Pacifica/ 114,00 tons

Seabourn Odyssey/32,00 tons                             

Silver Spirit/ 36,000 tons

Celebrity Equinox/ 122,00 tons

Carnival Dream/ 130,000 tons

Oasis of the seas/ 220,000 tons

 Those once again are all the new ships releasing in 2009.

 Carnival Splendor, has officially completed the journey that started January from Ft.Luaderdale through South America, running up on California. She is now sailing out of Long Beach for 7 night Mexican Baja voyages.

 Carnival announced this week that Cabo San Lucas Mexico has returned to Carnival Elation’s voyage itinerary. The Elation runns 4-5 night Voyages from San Diego.  My parents just returned from Cabo on a trip, and said it was the nicest place they’d ever stayed.

  Carnival is currently hosting it’s “Red Carpet” celebration. What it is, having celebrities board Carnival Splendor, and perform. For example: John Mayer along with Jordan Sparks a just few of many that will attend this event. To read more about his event visit www.Johnhealdsblog.com.

 Here is are pictures I wanted to post that I toke exactly one Year from tomorrow of the Carnival Valor, and Freedom of the seas next to each-other. It’s when Carnival Valor made her turn in the Miami channel before navigating up along side the Causeway,

 My next cruise as many know will be aboard the “Oasis of the seas”. I will have TONS of pictures from that cruise, and I will soon have images from my Grandma’s recent cruise aboard the “Celebrity Solstice”, along with photos from my cousin’s cruise on “Liberty of the seas”. the Liberty pictures will stay on hold until pictures from my gallery are finished.

    this post Will be cut short. I want  apologise for UN frequent post’s recently, however I have not averaged the personal time.

       good night, JAKE S.

Bringing Italy To You

Hello everyone,

 This week I wanted to go into “Italian cruising”. Italian cruising maybe not in Italy, but on Italian Lines. Lines such as Costa, and MSC.

 Yes many cruise lines offers Mediterranean cruises, however Costa, & MSC brings it to your home port.  They offer The interior Decor of Italy, and experience as if you where strolling through Rome. Many may say…”why don’t I just cruise direct in the Mediterranean?” The answer is that middle class budgets have been cut throughoutthe U.S with our economy, and a portion of people can still cruise but, possibly can’t affordto travel to the ship in Europe. With MSC Lirica, and MSC fantasia sailing from ft.Luaderdale 7 & 10 night voyages you can enjoy the fun Caribbean ports of call while cruising on a nice ship.  Costa cruise lines is the Italy of carnival. Carnival Cruise lines, owns Costa as a branch, and with Costa Fortuna, and Costa atlantica sailing the Caribbean you can have a fantastic experiance. Costa Fortuna is a vista sister ship to Carnival Destiny class., & Costa atlantica is a vista sister to the Carnival Spirit class.

  My grandmother was down in port Everglades this morning picking up here friends, and the Celebrity solstice, Costa Fortuna, MSC Lirica, Carnival Freedom, Island Princess, Crown Princess, Westerdam, Noordam, and I think a sea dream ship. Pictures unfortunately where token, but not stored, but not to worry I have pictures I personally toke of the 101,000 ton Costa Fortuna navigate into place in San Juan Puerto Rico when I was either on the Victory, or Explorer of the seas. I was standing on deck 10 aft. take a look,

 

 What a spectacular ship she is.

  Moving on, Costa cruises is currently hosting a contest to win a cruise aboard they’re line, and has to do with they’re cuisine, so keep watch on this fun contest to win a free cruise on they’re upcoming new ship “Costa Pacifica”(contest in 300 word or less)

 I am looking toward an interview next week with someone you all might know that has appeared on T.V many times so remember to check back next Sunday night for this up-coming interview post.

  Royal Caribbean Ship, “Mariner of the seas” is begging to run cruises from Los Angeles, along with “Carnival Splendor.” They are on the same course coming from Ft.Luaderdale, ad Port Canaveral Florida navigating a course along SouthAmerica, and together they will be the biggest ships ever to sail from the west-coast. They will sail for 7 nights, and will both offer a variety of fun-filled innovation from Carnival Splendors Twisting 4 story high water slide, to Mariners Rock wall in additionto the many more features of both floating cities.

  Speaking of Royal Caribbean & they’rebis ships, This week cruise addicts discussed that Royal’s new ship setting sail in December of 2009, is the equivalency of 11+ ships from The show “Love Boat”…The “Love Boat” is an actual ship by the name of, “Pacific Princess” which I recently saw pull out of my home town area. She’s a part of a big vista class that lines such as Renaissance (Regent), Oceania, Princess, Azamara, Minerva, & Pullmatur cruises have all had a piece of. The construction is coming along great over in Finland. It has been a great feeling for everyone to think about the ship that will break a new standard over the cruise industry.

 Oasis of the seas isn’t at all the only new ship coming to us. Carnival Dream is starting to wake up as she takes interior form in the Fincanteri yard in Italy. Carnival Dream will come in at around 130,00 tons sailing from Port Canaveral Florida. She will be fantastic, and will definitelycompete with Oasis… however on this blog we like all the lines. when completed,

 As you see from the exterior she is waiting to be matched by another ship, and Oasis is competing for sure with here. Carnival Dream will launch in September of 2009, and John Healds bloggers will have 2 bloggers cruises aboard here.

 Celebrity Equinox, sister ship of new Celebrity Solstice, is set to launch Auguest 10th, and here maiden voyage will take here through Norway, and the brilliant fjords for 8 days round trip form South Hampton England. I have come to notice that some of teship that set sail in 2008 cruised from England. Ships such as P&O’s newest “Ventura” (vista sister to Crown Princess class & British line), Royal Caribbeans newest “Independence of the seas”, and Carnival’s newest ”Carnival Splendor.”

                                   good night, JAKE                                                                                                               ps.  Stay tuned for interview, and keep the comments coming.

Busy Blog

Hello Everyone,

 Busy blog, as allot happened this week.                                                                                                                                                             To start of, fuel supplements have ended for the following cruise lines for 2009,

* Carnival

*Oceania

*Regent

*Royal Caribbean

*Azamara

*Celebrity

*NCL

*MSC

These are all of that I currently know of. In other news The Crown Princess is currently under a dry dock, in Free port Bahamas. The QM2 was as well recently in  a dry dock, and she is now a wireless ship. The Silver Wind completed her multi million dollar transformation this week. New on board furniture, and cabin upgrades where added. The Norwegian Sky multi million dollar upgrade toke place as well. The Disney Magic, and the Disney Wonder have started premiering 3-d movies now in the ships “buena vista theater” which is the on board movie theater. Royal Caribbean slogan has now changed to…..”the nation of why not”. The main message for example is “why not rock climb? Why not Ice Skate”. This will advertise the on board facilities.

 Recently The Oceania Nautica was attacked by pirates While transiting the gulf of Aden. While navigating around several fishing vessels Two small Skiffs approached the vessel, and an officer then spotted them, and Captain Jurica Brajcic pushed the ship to full speed, and eventually where able to outrun the skiffs, however 5 missiles where fired as a skiff came within 300 yards. No guests or crew aboard where injured. The ship that where scheduled to transit this area have evacuated the guests until the guests join the ship once again after flying to the next port, from the cruise lines expense. The pirates in this area have successfully hijacked dozens of tankers recently. Armed ships are now patrolling the zone.

 While my grandmother who is an experience cruiser, was sailing aboard the Silver Wind off the coast of  Somalia, in 2005 the Seabourn Spirit was being attacked VERY close to where her ship was, her ship’s guests where instructed to remain in side the vessel. the Silver Wind that she was sailing aboard was then taunted by the pirates who had attacked the Sebourn Spirit, however was not harmed by them. My grandmother, and grandfather are currently on they’re possibly 90th-100thcruise aboard the Regent Navigator for a 2 week sailing from South America to Ft.Lauderdale, and I was told that The captain would have an interview. I have submitted the questions, and will post the interview once I receive the reply.

Her is some photos

Some more,

 

As many of you know my goal is to one day be a cruise ship captain, and I’m studying  propulsion, so her is an interesting picture of the Azipod system.

An Azipod is a propeller mounted to a surface that  is capable of rotating the pod 360 degrees. This means that when maneuvering it is more efficient for ship. When docking the officers/Captain can simply activate the bow thrusters to match the RPM of an azipod, and turn the azipod 90 degrees for sideways propulsion. To drive the ship Fwd. The pod is facing  Fwd. rather then to Stern to act as a pull, that overall reduces vibrations. Some ship yards think that the Azipod is “yes” very efficient, however is a risk the engineering issues may accure to them, so some ships are being built with the Fwd/Prt./Stbd./Bow thrusters, and Aft/Prt./Stbd Stern thrusters, in addition to rudders attached to the propeller. her are some of the ships that have embraced this system,

• Carnival Cruise Lines
  • Carnival Liberty, 2005
  • Carnival Miracle, 2004
  • Carnival Legend, 2002
  • Carnival Pride, 2001
  • Carnival Spirit, 2001
  • MS Paradise, 1998^[1]
  • MS Elation, 1998
• Costa Cruises
  • Costa Mediterranea, 2003
  • Costa Atlantica, 2000
• P&O Cruises
  • Arcadia, 2005

Royal Caribbean International(RCI)

• Oasis Class
  • Allure of the Seas, 2010
  • Oasis of the Seas, 2009
• Freedom Class
  • Independence of the Seas 2008
  • Liberty of the Seas 2007
  • Freedom of the Seas 2005
• Voyager Class
  • Mariner of the Seas, 2003
  • Navigator of the Seas, 2002
  • Adventure of the Seas, 2001
  • Explorer of the Seas, 2000
  • Voyager of the Seas, 1999
• Radiance Class
  • Jewel of the Seas, 2004
  • Serenade of the Seas, 2003
  • Brilliance of the Seas, 2002
  • Radiance of the Seas, 2001

Holland America Line (HAL)

• MS Eurodam, 2008
• MS Noordam, 2006
• MS Westerdam, 2004
• MS Oosterdam, 2003
• MS Zuiderdam, 2002
• MS Amsterdam, 2000

Norwegian Cruise Line(NCL)

• Norwegian Gem, 2007
• Norwegian Pearl, 2006
• Norwegian Jade, 2005
• Pride of America, 2004
• Norwegian Jewel, 2004
• Norwegian Dawn, 2002
• Norwegian Star, 2001

Hapag-Lloyd

• Europa, 1999

Cunard Line

• RMS Queen Mary 2, 2004
• MS Queen Victoria, 2006

                   Check back for the Regent Navigator captain interview,

                                 from, JAKE

Carnival Spreading The Fun

Hello everyone,

 I will start of by saying that it is done, and QE2 is now a hotel in Dubai. She was handed off to them earlier this week, and it was emotional, however coming to us in 2010 will be the new Queen Elizabeth, who I believe will be sisters with the Queen Victoria which came out last December of 2007. Yesterday was a fantastic day to have the QM2, Carnival splendor, Ruby Princess, Eurodam, and maybe even the solstice peeking out all in the same port of Ft.Luaderdal together, and Today I see the Emerald Princess, Carnival Freedom, and a Holland ship in port together. Having some of the greatest, biggest, newest ships in port together gives a warm, and fun feeling.

Speaking of all the new itinerary’s carnival has transitioned this season successfully. Her are some examples.

Carnival Fascination-Now in Jaksonville-4 & 5 day.

Carnival Destiny-Now in Miami-4 & 5 day

Carnival Imagination-remained in Miami-3 & 4 day.

Carnival Freedom-now in Ft.Luaderdale-6 & 8 day.

Carnival Splendor-now in Ft.luaderdale-7 day.

Carnival Liberty-remained in Miami-7 day.

Carnival Triumph-now in New york-4 & 5 day.

Carnival Pride-coming soon to Miami-7 day.

Carnival Victory-now in San Juan-7 day.

These are just some of changes in the fleet overall, that is spreading fun from region to region. A spectacular change will be in January when the Carnival Splendor will cruise to South America for longer  voyages, and will host repositioning cruises. Her a some pictures of Eurodam which has been bringing recent additional hits to Carnival corporation.

 

And her is the Carnival Pride which will be sailing the Caribbean from Miami soon,

In other news Royal Caribbean has changed they’re slogan to….’the nation of why not” I would highly recommend booking a cruise in general now, because of the great deals being offered throughout the lines, & would like to end this blog by recommending a visit to www.bestblogsatsea.comIt is a universal blog on Carnival Corporation including an Aida captains blog that I found most intresting even if it is in German letters. lol.

                         from, JAKE

Staci Sandford Solstice Inside

Hello everyone, and a happy thanksgiving,

I just wanted to post the Inside with Staci Sandfod from the Solstice that I received earlier this week, and if you haven’t yet viewed the blog on the Oasis of the seas from last week be sure to scroll down from this post to view it. Her we are,

Jake,

As you know I recently came off the inaugural of the brand new beautiful Celebrity Solstice.

Wow what a nice ship.

I will start with saying she felt very spacious and yet cozy.

The cabins especially were bigger then typical and the bathrooms were also made larger in all the cabins.

I found the food to be very good and as I would expect the service was excellent.

 

A great new feature is no smoking on the majority of this ship and that means No smoking in the casino.

 

Did I tell you they are growing grass ….yes fresh real grass on  deck  (you feel like you are at a park at sea).

 

Another new feature is glassblowing demonstration.

The kid area looked nice and the teen center was awesome.

 

This ship will be sold as a high end family vacation for all the generations…kids, parents and grandparents also.

The first of many new Solstice class ships to come

     

 

STACI SANFORD/ SR. CRUISE SPECIALIST

CRUISE PLANNERS

WWW.STAYCRUISING.COM

1-866-907-7829 (STAY)

305-238-6678 LOCAL

305-238-6689 FAX

Thank you Staci for sharing, and her are some pictures from this weeks float out of…..you guessed it Oasis of the Seas!

 

She will now take her place at the finishing dock where she will spend her last year in a shipyard until having sea trials and eventually being launched to Ft.luaderdale in December of 2009 for 7 day voyages.

Good night, JAKE

 

New Ship Brings Talk To Cruise Industry

Hello everyone,

 As you know Royal Caribbean is currently in the process of building the newest ship Oasis of the seas. Oasis of the seas is said to be at 220,000 tons, and will begin sailing from Ft.Luaderdale for 7 day voyages, I hope to be one of the firsts to Sail with her, as my grandmother is in the process of searching for the first bookings. The question is if Royal Caribbean is losing the aspect of a cruise? Or if it will be the reason for taking a cruise? Some of the facilities being featured will be separate neighborhoods which is main spaces in the ship that will feature a wid variety of bars, clubs, lounges, dinning facilities, and much more. Take a peak,

She Will feature some spectacular new features such as ziplinning, & the ice skating, rock wall, 2 flow riders, etc. Back to the question. Do people want to share a cruise vacation with 5,000 (+) fellow guests? Even if it means having some extraordinary facilities, a cruise has been changing over the past couple decades from getting away, to activities, & lots! One of the cruise lines that I think is doing a great job with Royal is Carnival, which happens to be my favorite cruise line. I observed sailing on Explorer of the seas, and sailing on enchantment of the seas that Carnival has more general activities that are spaced out so you can do what you want when you want, and not feel in anyway pressured that you must do all of the things on board all the time. I give equal credit to Royal Caribbean as well. Speaking of Carnival I’m announcing that the Carnival Victory, Valor, Triumph, Destiny have now received the seaside theater/additional balcony cabins That the Carnival Liberty, Freedom, & Splendor were built with. This will continue to the remaining conquest ships Conquest, and Glory who will receive them on upcoming dry docks. Her is what the seaside theater is,

A huge out door screen that plays concerts, movies, 7 sporting events. Just Imagine sipping your favorite drink in a warm hot tub in the Caribbean. Princess also features it, MSC, & Disney. Another thing is that Carnival Splendor & Carnival Freedom are now in Ft.luaderdale offering Caribbean cruises for 6,7,or 8 day sailings.

             from, Jake

PS, check back for inside interview with Staci Sandford from Celebrity Solstice.

New FUN in the states

Hello everyone,

 As you know yesterday was the coming to America of the Carnival Splendor. I live very close to port everglades, but was not able to witness this event, however hear that it is wonderful to have all the new ships such as Carnival Splendor, Holland America Eurodam, Ruby Princess, Celebrity Solstice, and I Independence of the seas all recently arriving in America for first time. I was able to head down to port of Miami this afternoon were I saw the Liberty of the seas, Carnival Liberty, & Norwegian Dawn in port.Her are some photos of the Celebrity Solstice coming to Ft.luaderdale.

The ship features a new, and very unique feature called the lawn club. It’s a great atmosphere, and is an open space with real lawn growing aboard the ship. As you know John asked captain D’Aita some questions I had for a captain so Her it is,

             1. When, and how did your career start?

I started this career as soon as I graduated from Maritime Academy in 1982,I then joined Italian Navy as Lieutenant Navigator on a war ship. When I finished my period of service in the Navy in 1984 , I joined as 3rd Navigator Officer a tanker ship, after several contracts on tankers I applied to join Carnival Cruise Lines where on the 5th of Nov.1985
I was hired as Deck Cadet on T.S.S. “Carnivale” since then I have been working for Carnival and at the end of 1999 I was promoted to Captain.

2.Whats your favorite part of your job?

Indeed the navigation and the maneuvers represents one of the most enjoyable parts of this job, but I think that hospitality and interaction towards our Guests and Crew is vital to make this job a privileged one.

3.What propulsion unit is in your opinion most efficient for maneuvering.

This class of ships I am presently on board(Conquest class) are quite efficient from the maneuvering point of view(the ship is equipped with 3 Bow and 3 Stern thrusters + 2 rudders and 2 fixed pitch propellers. However I am convinced that azipodspropulsion vessels are the most flexible maneuvering ones(During my career I commanded also Spirit Class and Fantasy class vessels equipped with such propulsion).

4.What skills are required for becoming Master.

Experience, motivation, flexibility, capacity, maturity and Knowledge.

5.What safety factor does the captain play?

The Captain’s one is the ultimate decision on board, therefore also regarding Safety the whole responsibility lays on his shoulders. We are directly responsible to maintain an high safety standard at all times towards the Company and shore authorities.

6.If you could navigate a Fun ship into anywhere in the world where would it be, and what ship?

Since I have already been in Mediterranean, I would like to navigate a fun ship in Asia and South America because both places represent for me the cradle of civilization. Regarding the ship I would like it to be the “Carnival Freedom”.

7.What rolls do your officers play in terms of navigating?

Our job is a team work therefore all my Officers are part of this organization, in terms of navigating they are all very important to make sure that a vessel like this navigate safely around the world at all times. They could be compared to the airplane pilots from the Navigation standpoint, basically when I am not on the bridge they’re in command of propulsion and navigation systems.

8.How has the controls, and tools revolutionized over the course of your years on the sea?

Today technology has reached a very high level also on ships, therefore we have a lot of instruments/aids that 20 years ago were not available (i.e. electronic charts system, integrated navigation, Differential GPs, Fire detection systems etc).

9.Whats you opinion of the trickiest waters to navigate in?

Mississippi River and Alaska waters for matters related to traffic and weather conditions.

10.What honor is it to sound the FUN SHIP horns as captain?

I am very proud to cover such position in this prestigious Company, and I have faced lot of experiences that made my career very interesting. To be a Captain of such beautiful ships it represent the ambition of each sailor.

Once again thank you John for posting my questions on your blog.

The Qe2 has about officially ended a Glories career, from 1969 fulled with Long lasting memories that you can now experience at her settling place as a hotel in Dubai. She ran ground coming out of England, however was once again sailing with eas after tug boats assistance. This is the web site for the Qe2, and many more cruise ship web-cams…… www.kroooz-cams.com  It includes all of princess, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Splendor, all of Costa, MSC, Norwegian, Voyager of the seas royal promenade view, P&O, Oceania, Crystal, and many more.

My most recent cruise was in Auguest of this year aboard the Enchantment of the seas, for a five day voyage from Ft.Luaderdale. She has now repositionedher home port to Colon Panama were she will sail Central America Cruises in The Exotics.

Now to Carnival Splendor.

She one again arrived in Florida this week, and will be sailing 7 day voyages until Jan. 31 when she will sail for Longer south America sailing, which I will discuss  in upcoming posts.

   from, JAKE