Cruise Addicts Forums

first time out (no replies)

Crosby — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:27:41 -0400

I think this is the right place. First cruise ever 7/11/09 on Carnival Fascination.

Monarch Aug 28....need ship info (no replies)

Karin — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:57:36 -0400

Considering booking a cabin on deck 9 for the extra room. Please provide any info on the ship you can to help make our trip more enjoyable.
Heard there are no safes on this ship too.
Tx for the heads up on the info.

Tonight's Tropical & Storm Watch (1 reply)

ShipMaven — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:54:21 -0400

Good evening, @ddicts. I hope you had a safe and pleasant holiday weekend.

The frontal system that sparked severe storms across parts of the lower Midwest on the 4th of July will remain a focal point for more nasty storms through Monday. Storms will continue developing in areas farther south from the Carolinas to eastern Texas. Meanwhile, severe storms will also continue popping up across the central and southern High Plains into the early part of the upcoming week. Other minor areas of focus include the northern Rockies, northern Plains, the Great Lakes and the Northeast.

The bulk of severe weather through tonight and Monday will be focused along a frontal boundary stretched from the Carolinas to eastern Texas. A few thunderstorms developing farther north across the Tennessee Valley could also become severe through the early part of tonight.

Threats with the storms across these regions through tonight include frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, damaging wind gusts past 60 mph and heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding. A few isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out as well. Storms that blasted through the Tennessee and mid-Mississippi valleys late Saturday reportedly spawned a few tornadoes in Missouri and Tennessee.

With the frontal boundary only shifting slightly farther south through the Southeast Monday, severe storms with the same threats will again be possible from the eastern Carolinas to eastern Texas.

Farther west, thunderstorms will continue developing over the higher terrain of Colorado and New Mexico before heading eastward over the central and southern High Plains through Monday. Sufficient wind shear over the Plains will allow some of the storms to become severe. Damaging winds, hail over an inch in diameter and flash flooding will be the main threats. However, the strongest storms could also produce an isolated tornado.

Severe storms will also be possible over the northern High Plains through Monday as a cold front crosses through Montana and the Dakotas. Large hail will be the main risk, though a few storms could also produce damaging wind gusts.

Farther east, an upper-level disturbance moving over the Great Lakes tonight and New York and New England Monday into Tuesday will also support a few strong to severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours. Large hail and damaging wind gusts will be possible with a few of the storms. With New York and New England having received a hefty amount of rain over the past week, flash flooding will also be a concern.

Story by AccuWeather Meteorologists Heather Buchman and Justin Povick

===========================

TROPICAL UPDATE

Still early in the hurricane season

M. Ressler, Lead Meteorologist, The Weather Channel
Jul. 5, 2009 8:04 pm ET

Historically speaking, we've gone through about 20% of the eastern Pacific hurricane season, with only one named system so far this year (Andres). Only about 10% of the Atlantic hurricane season is typically over at this point in early July. There is plenty of time for the basins to get active.

No areas are showing any immediate signs of tropical organization.

In the eastern Pacific, a large low pressure area is located over 400 miles south of Baja California. Although the environment is generally favorable for development, thunderstorm activity has not been particularly strong or persistent so far. Nonetheless, this area will be monitored over the next few days.

??? about cruising out of port canaveral (1 reply)

mail-girl — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:52:13 -0400

would love to book a cruise out of port canaveral but not sure how to get around once I'm there!

Do you fly into Orlando?

What are the options to get to the cruise terminal from the airport?

if you rent a car, is it a one-way rental?(and where do you drop it off?)

FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE (7 replies)

John — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:02:08 -0400

FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE----- If you hear a loud noise in the sky, it isn't thunder, it's Elvis beating the S&*% out of Michael Jackson for marrying his daughter.

Carnival Pride December 6, 2009 (no replies)

SHAYLORRAINE — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:22:47 -0400

My friend and I are taking the December 6, 2009 cruise out of Baltimore and it will be her first cruise. I have been on a few cruises and know it is always nice to meet new people and would love to hear from others who are also taking this cruise. Shayloraine

Carnival Pride December 6, 2009 departing Baltimore (no replies)

SHAYLORRAINE — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:51:40 -0400

Yankee Doodle Dandy weekend quiz (6 replies)

GloBug — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:49:27 -0400

1. What is the date of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence?

2. Who was king of England at the time?

3. Who was the principal author of the Declaration?

4. Provide the next 4 words of the first sentence: "When in the ...."

5. Provide the next 5 words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that...."

6. Which two signers of the Declaration became president?

7. What happened on July 4, 1826?

8. Which president died 5 years later on July 4, 1831?

9. Who presumably was the first person to sign the Declaration?

10. What war took place fromm 1775 - 1783?

11. What foreign country greatly aided the Americans in the war?

12. What treaty ended the war in 1783?

13. What name was given to Americans who supported England?

14. Name the largest group of Native Americans to fight for the British?

15. Who is noted for spreading the word that "the Redcoats are coming"?

Are "WE" playing with the Board again??? (13 replies)

ShipMaven — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:33:05 -0400

I'm seeing everything - topics and body of replies - centered? Anyone else seeing this?

Also, I see we're playing with our "titles" again - Dance Instructor, Golf Instructor, etc? Before, we were all Hotel Managers?

Where's the best place to stay in San Juan? (no replies)

Jewels1 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:59:51 -0400

I'm leaving on a cruise out of San Juan and don't have a clue where to stay. I was thinking about the InterContinental or the Caribe Hilton, any feedback on either of these? any other suggestions would be appreciated..

Where is the best place to stay in San Juan? (no replies)

Jewels1 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:21:00 -0400

I'm leaving on a cruise out of San Juan and don't have a clue where to stay. I was thinking about the InterContental or the Caribe Hilton, any feedback on either of these? any other suggestions would be appreciated..

Sunday Open House (29 replies)

ShipMaven — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:23:37 -0400

Good morning, @ddicts. A change of pace from yesterday - Pucci and I hope you will enjoy relaxing, chatting, sipping and eating here today.

A lovely pool, with the beach and ocean just beyond. Plenty of refreshments, and plenty of romping areas for the furbabies. And we'll even have birthday cake in honor of C@'s birthday! So, please join us for a laid-back day.

What may Pucci and I offer you? I think I'm going to start with a refreshing strawberry lemonade.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRUISE ADDICTS! :) (25 replies)

red stripe — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:42:51 -0400

^{Today marks TEN years since John started this board that we all call "Home"

And he did all this with blood sweat and MANY dollar bills

Without this site we would not have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people over the years.

Thank you John and April for all the hard work and sacrifices that you make to keep this board running smoothly.}

Liberty of the Seas (no replies)

PC — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:34:38 -0400

I am looking at taking my first RCL cruise on Liberty of the Seas having had very enjoyable experiences with Princess, Disney and Costa. I would welcome views from those that have sailed in a GS cabin near the over hanging pool. Which cabin(s) sit directly below, are there any to avoid?

Thanks

Pat

Maw's Office Ramble (5 replies)

maw — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:46:22 -0400

HAPPPY BIRTHDAY CRUISE ADDICTS.
Good morning all!! /Grab a hot cuppa and lets sit on deck for a bit so fresh and cool out there. Had a very quiet day here yesterday. spent a lot of time just snoozing. Thank goodness the neighbors must have gone someplace else to shoot fireworks last night. Watched NSCAR RACE. Expect Brenda and Jim to be by sometime during day not sure if they are staying some extra days or not. As it is staying cool looks like a good afternoon to sit on deck.

Sending out good wishes to all feeling under weather. Please travel safe today. Tell us abt your 4th of July. What is happening in your corner of sandbox?

Sunday's National Weather (6 replies)

Charles — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:26:25 -0400

Good morning folks,

I hope you had an enjoyable and safe 4th.

Stormy day in the South

Mark Avery, Lead Meteorologist, The Weather Channel
Jul. 5, 2009 6:27 am ET

South

A cold front moving through the South will bring showers and thunderstorms over much of the region today and tomorrow, with cooler temperatures expected behind it.

Some severe storms are possible as well, with locally heavy rain also a good bet.

The frontal boundary will eventually stall out near the Gulf Coast, eventually dissipating later this week.

Showers and storms should be confined to the Gulf Coast mid to late week.

Ahead of the front, record setting heat is possible again in portions of South Texas and along the Louisiana Coast.

Highs today will range from around 70 in western Virginia to the low 100s in South Texas.

West

Showers and thunderstorms are also possible in the Rockies and High Plains today as upper level disturbances and daytime heating trigger storms near a surface trough.

A few severe storms are possible as well.

Unseasonably hot weather will continue in the Pacific Northwest for one more day before an upper level trough moves ashore tonight and tomorrow.

This trough will bring showers, storms, and cooler temperatures with it by tomorrow and Tuesday.

Another upper level trough will move into the Northwest Coast Tuesday and Wednesday before cutting off mid to late week.

Highs today will range from the 50s along the Northern California Coast and the higher elevations of the Colorado Rockies to the 110s in the Colorado River Valley.

Midwest

Outside of a few showers and storms in the Ohio Valley and Western Plains, the Midwest should have a dry day with near average high temperatures.

The frontal boundary moving through the Ohio Valley will also bring cooler temperatures from the Central Plains through the Ohio Valley.

An upper level disturbance will bring some showers and storms to portions of the Northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley tomorrow.

Another system is forecast to develop in the Western Plains tomorrow night and Tuesday, which will eventually bring showers and storms to the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest mid to late week.

Ahead of the front, warmer than average highs are forecast in the Central Plains, Mid-Mississippi Valley, and Ohio Valley mid to late week.

Highs today will be in the 70s and 80s.

Northeast

Most of the Northeast will be dry today: the exceptions will be some showers in northern Maine from a departing system and in the Mid-Atlantic from moving through.

A new upper level low is forecast to move into the region early in the week keeping much of New York and New England cool and wet through midweek before the low moves away.

Highs today will range from the low 60s in northern Maine to the low 80s in the Megalopolis between Philadelphia and Boston.

Current Radar:

Current Temps:

Heat Index Forecast

Severe T-Storms

Current Storm Warnings and Watches

Precipitation Forecast:

Current Weather Fronts:

Interstate Travel

Good Sunday morning! (4 replies)

Christoffer — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:00:46 -0400

Good morning to all Cruise @ddicts around the world.
Day starts mostly sunny but cool, hope those warm days come back soon.
In few hours I have to go to work.
Have a nice Sunday.
Photo below is taken here in Helsinki on Tuesday.

July Fourth Tropical & Storm Watch (no replies)

ShipMaven — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:52:39 -0400

Good evening, @ddicts, as Independence Day draws to a close.

Nature's fireworks are on display from the Plains into the South this Independence Day Weekend. An area of low pressure tracking eastward into the South and its associated fronts will be the focal points for this severe weather, which will continue to bring damage and dampen holiday festivities.

The aforementioned low pressure system will track eastward from central Missouri into the Southeast overnight Saturday. Strong and severe storms have developed and will continue along a cold front located to the south and west of this low extending into central Oklahoma and even farther west along the Front Range of the rockies. Storms have also formed immediately to the southeast of the low in southern Missouri, western Kentucky and Tennessee.

These thunderstorms are dangerous and feature frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and heavy, soaking downpours that can lead to flash flooding. Large hail can be found in any of these storms and has already been reported as large as 1.75 inches in diameter in West Texas. Tornadoes are a realistic threat just south and east of the low where conditions in the atmosphere feature the most favorable winds. Two tornadoes were spotted Saturday evening in Missouri and Tennessee that formed quickly and brought damage to the region.

Looking ahead to the end of the weekend, the severe weather focus will shift further eastward into the southeast as the front moves into the Carolinas. Storms will again form along the boundary, especially during the afternoon, and bring many of the same threats seen during the day Saturday. Cities at risk for seeing damaging winds, large hail and even an isolated tornado include Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta and Nashville.

Farther to the west, the severe storm threat will remain along the Front Range on Sunday. Again, damaging winds, penny- to nickel-sized hail and flash flooding will be the main threats. However, the strongest storms could also produce large hail and an isolated tornado. Very isolated severe storms will also be possible in a few spots elsewhere across the Intermountain West and the Desert Southwest.

Story by AccuWeather Meteorologist Tim Buckley.

===========================

TROPICAL UPDATE

Mainly tranquil for the Tropics

James Wilson, Lead Meteorologist, The Weather Channel
Jul. 4, 2009 6:49 pm ET

No areas showing any immediate signs of tropical organization.

A non-tropical low 725 miles southwest of the Azores has only a very small chance of taking on subtropical characteristics over the next few days.

It will offer rain and some gusty winds for the Azores and surrounding areas for the next day or so.

In the eastern Pacific basin, a low pressure area is located several hundred miles south-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico and 325 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico.

This will continue to flare areas of showers and thunderstorms, including along the western coast of Mexico. Marine interests will want to watch this area.

There is a chance for this system to develop into a tropical depression in a day or two. We'll monitor this one closely through the weekend.

Currency exchange ?? (1 reply)

Mrteeshot — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:45:04 -0400

going to grand cayman and cozumel do we need to exchange currency ?

Royal Caribbean Jewel--Whats Good/Bad (5 replies)

Parrot Mom — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:02:28 -0400

Considering booking he RC Jewell for a trans-atlantic next Sepember. My one experience on the Brilliance of the Seas was a disaster for many reasons. and I want to know if service, food and entertainment has improved... and since we love the service on Celebrity will I I be disappointed?

Ocean-going ships off California's coast must use clean fuel (1 reply)

GloBug — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:01:05 -0400

For more info, go to [www.arb.ca.gov] and [www.arb.ca.gov]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beginning July 1, all ocean-going vessels within 24 nautical miles of California's coastline must use cleaner burning diesel fuel in order to comply with a new state regulation aimed at reducing the emissions of oxides of sulfur and nitrogen and diesel particulate matter, a known carcinogen.

"This new measure will help coastal residents breathe easier and reduce pollution in our oceans and waterways at the same time," Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said.

The requirement, adopted in 2008, will annually affect nearly 2,000 ocean-going vessels, both U.S. flagged and foreign-flagged, visiting California. The vessels will have to use lower-sulfur marine distillates rather than the highly polluting heavy-fuel oil often called bunker fuel.

"This comparatively simple switch for ships will have huge benefits for Californians," said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "People living along the coast will see benefits overnight: cleaner air and better health."

Using the cleaner fuels will be phased in, but significant emission reductions will be immediate. Initially, 13 tons-per-day of toxic particulate matter emitted from the vessels' diesel engines will be eliminated. Reductions will increase as the fuel sulfur content is progressively lowered through the regulation's phase-in.

Today's switch will eliminate about a 75 percent of the diesel PM, over 80% of the sulfur oxides and 6 percent of the nitrogen oxides. In 2012, when the very low sulfur fuel is required, reductions of diesel particulate matter will be 15 tons daily, an 83 percent reduction compared to uncontrolled emissions. Sulfur oxides will be reduced by 140 tons daily, a 95 percent reduction and nitrogen oxides will be reduced by 11 tons per day, a 6 percent reduction.

Reducing ship exhaust will eliminate an estimated 3,600 premature deaths between 2009 and 2015 and lower the cancer risk by over 80 percent. In addition, the emission reductions will assist the South Coast Air Quality Management District meet its 2014 federal clean air requirements for fine particulate matter. The reductions are also needed for ARB to achieve its targeted 85 percent reduction of diesel PM by 2020.

Air board representatives explain that the regulation is extremely cost effective. The fuel is readily available and complying with the regulation would typically add $30,000 to a California port visit, roughly one percent of the typical fuel costs for a vessel crossing the Pacific Ocean. The shipping industry maintains that a typical voyage for a container vessel from Asia to U.S. west coast costs a company two to three million dollars. For a container ship with consumer products, this cost increase equates to an extra 12.5 cents in the cost of a plasma TV. For a cruise ship passenger, using industry's numbers, this would add about $15 to a fare.

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing substances. Currently, diesel PM emissions from ocean-going vessels expose over seven million people in California to high cancer risk levels in excess of 100 in a million for lifetime exposures.

In 2000, the ARB developed its Diesel Risk Reduction Plan that set the goal of cutting diesel emissions by 85 percent by 2020. The plan includes a series of measures designed to achieve that goal. As part of that plan the Board has adopted measures that require the use of low sulfur diesel fuel in most applications statewide, tighter tailpipe limits on in-use diesel trucks and buses and to control emissions from port equipment and ships operating in California waters.

Embarkation at the Port of San Francisco- Sea Princess (1 reply)

bam59 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:55:04 -0400

We will be cruising on the Sea Princess Sept 25th from San Fran. The Sea will be coming out of a two week dry dock and was wondering anyone knew what time we would be able to board? Since no one would be getting off and everything should be ready to go, right? lol

Also any hints on the San Francisco port itself.

Thanks

Cruise Addicts Celebrates 10 Years! Tomorrow (21 replies)

John — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:49:33 -0400

Emerald Princess coping with the Influenza A H1N1 virus (4 replies)

ShipMaven — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:47:31 -0400

Read about it at [www.cphpost.dk]

She's arriving in Copenhagen this weekend.

November 29, 2009 Conquest 7 day Eastern Carribean (no replies)

yovexxy — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:43:11 -0400

Anyone on this cruise?

Saturday Open House (27 replies)

ShipMaven — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:07:34 -0400

Good morning, @ddicts and Happy Fourth of July. With all the festivities and parties, we don't know how many will have time for Open House today, but you are welcome to join us. Pucci and I have selected this lovely venue for you...

As always, come as you are - sit, relax and chat with your fellow @ddicts. Pucci and I are hosting - there's a great area off-camera for the furbabies. Plenty of food and drink to toast our great Nation.

What may we offer you. It's early here - cappuccino for me right now.

Maw's Office Ramble (8 replies)

maw — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:56:02 -0400

Happy 4th July and good morning all!! Grab a hot cuppa and come sit on deck and chat for a while. I slept a little later surprisingly no early morning fireworks going off. Neighbors didn't shoot any fireworks after 9 last night which was good. We had a great family evening. Elliana and little Julian came with their mom and her friend. Their dad had granted an extra time for them to come to our house. They had small sack of fireworks and with help of various family members they put a show on for us. aunt Brenda and Uncle Billy 3 and Jamies friend all got a turn. Think I even saw Melissa down there for a while. Dinner was a success they ate every rib and all the pineapple.Jamies friend seems nice and was a good mixer with group. Jamie was so glad to see her "Dad" as he was her. He was in bad pain from his ba k but at least he came to spend time with his kids. Today will be very quiet here. Kinda afraid it will be a little rainy as well at least no dust from the road.

I remember 4th's from the past when I was a child we would usually go to the river or creek someplace take picnic dinners-lots of fried chicken potato salad and baked beans--really lucious cakes and pies and of course watermelon. I loved eating watgermelon while sitting in a clear Missoouri stream. My dad's sisters were b ig big women and I will never forget one year the call of the water was too much for them and they made them selves daipers from towels and went in creek in their corsets--let me tell y ou that sight was something.. I hope my gr gr's will remember our picnics with good memories also.
Wishing good health and safe Holiday. What is happening in your corner of teh sandbox?

Hepetitis C all over the clinic I went to (3 replies)

korinalacount — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:25:28 -0400

seems someone who worked at the Audobon clinic changed all her dirty needles for clean ones filled with pain reliever,then took them herself while injected patients with saline,in her dirty needles and she has hepititis C! She infected 6 thousand people,she said she likes needles and wanted the drugs,shes sorry she knows what she did is bad but its too late now,hubby heard it on the news first and quickly called there,this was in the surgery part not the pain center but I will receive a notification for a blood test if deemed necessary,on top of all that the pain is worse today and the feet are really tight as well as butt,one very depressed cookie,makes me really want to go back for the followup,anyhoo happy 4th!

Independence Day Weather (4 replies)

Charles — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:49:28 -0400

Good morning everyone,

Happy Independence Day. Enjoy your day, and stay safe.

A stormy and hot July 4th

Wayne Verno, Lead Meteorologist, The Weather Channel
Jul. 4, 2009 6:23 am ET

Midwest

A storm system will bring numerous thunderstorms with heavy downpours from the central Plains, into the Midwest today.

A few thunderstorms could be severe from the Missouri valley, across the Middle Mississippi valley, into the Lower Ohio valley; large hail, damaging winds, and perhaps an isolated tornado will be possible. A few downpours may also bring flash flooding.

On Sunday, a few showers and thunderstorms may linger over the Upper Ohio valley; otherwise high pressure will begin building south into the Plains, drying things out.

Highs across all of the Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes will be in the 70s and 80s this weekend.

South

Partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies will prevail from eastern Texas, across the Deep South today, while a few daytime heating thunderstorms are expected over central and southern Florida.

A better chance for thunderstorms will develop over the southern Plains, as a cold front move south; a few thunderstorms could be severe.

This front will spread thunderstorms into the Tennessee Valley tonight and through all off the Southern States on Sunday. A few severe thunderstorms will be possible, and locally heavy downpours are also expected.

It will be hot today from central Texas to the Lower Mississippi River valley with highs in the upper 90s to lower 100s. Highs will be in the 80s and 90s over the Southeast.

Cooler weather will begin to settle in on Sunday as the cold front and thunderstorms impact the area.

Northeast

Today and Sunday will remain unsettled over northern New England, as an upper-level trough keeps scattered showers and thunderstorms over the area; locally heavy downpours will be possible.

Meanwhile a new storm system will spread scattered showers and thunderstorms into the southern Mid-Atlantic tonight into Sunday, while areas in between from Pennsylvania into southern New England will be partly cloudy and should stay dry.

Highs this weekend will range from the 60s over northern New England, to the 70s west of Appalachians; these readings will be 5 to 15 degrees below average. Highs will be in the 70s and 80s along eastern areas.

West

A ridge of high pressure will dominate the West Coast through the weekend, continuing the heat from central California into the Pacific Northwest.

Highs will range from the 90s to near 100 in central California, to the 80s and 90s across parts of Washington and Oregon. A heat advisory continues today for the Portland area where highs will reach lower 90s.

Heat will also build over the Desert Southwest, with highs nearing 110 degrees.

Meanwhile upslope flow will bring scattered thunderstorms over the eastern Rockies and the Front Range both today and Sunday, and a few could be severe.

A flow of moisture will also continue through the Interior West, extending from Arizona and New Mexico, north through the Rockies to Montana. Scattered thunderstorms will continue through the weekend, bringing locally heavy downpours and risk for flash flooding.

The West Coast should stay dry.

Current Radar:

Current Temps:

Heat Index Forecast

Severe T-Storms

Current Storm Warnings and Watches

Precipitation Forecast:

Current Weather Fronts:

Interstate Travel

Princess On Board Coupon Book (no replies)

Travel_Lover28 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:07:01 -0400

Does anyone out there have any of those on-board coupon book that travel agents give out? I hope someone out there have an extra one. I am looking for the buy one get one free coffee coupons/ice cream coupon/50% off DVD/photo coupons/casino coupon.......etc.
I will be on the Golden Princess on July 18.