Messages

1

Help and Advice / Lens Hood

« on: January 10, 2022, 07:41:00 AM »

While a lens hood can provide protection from incidental light, or even act as a lens guard, I strongly advise removing the hood when conditions allow. Variable length lens can yield a useless shot with an annoying shadow. See examples attached.

Gear: Lumix FZ1000
Processing: Affinity Photo

Answer you own question by taking test shots, as I just did. Better to learn for yourself.

2

Shipping News and information / Ovation of the Seas

« on: November 11, 2021, 12:04:59 PM »

Ovation now fits the classic description of being a "Flying Dutchman."

After landing her passengers at Pier 91 in Seattle, last trip to SE Alaska,
she spent time at Seattle Anch, moved to Yukon Harbor Anch, an then went on
an inexplicable orbit on the Strait of Juan de Fuca for almost a week, completing
at least 1o orbits, followed by an excursion into the Pacific,attempting lazy "4's"
ending up on the hook in Port Angeles, WA.

I drove over to PA and shot her on the hook off of Ediz Hook Coast Guard Air
Station, on the 8th.

One can only hope that the employees have taken up residence in passenger cabins
with balconies, as they did when the COVID scourge began.

I know her southern schedule out of Sydney has been annulled, and that slots on
the "Mexican Rivera" have been claimed.

So the Question becomes one of WHAT is the fate of Ovation. (Hint: Royal Carib does NOT
return emails.)

3

Shipping News and information / Re: Royal Princess in distress?

« on: September 07, 2021, 09:21:57 PM »

Let me clarify...last AIS report showing her off Cape Flattery, limping along 5.9kn

Is this an indication something isn't working the way it should?

Robert in Port Townsend

4

Shipping News and information / Royal Princess in distress?

« on: September 07, 2021, 05:30:16 PM »

I am writing a comprehensive Blog article on the return of cruise traffic to SE Alaska.

Whilst awaiting the passage of Serenade of the Seas at my vantage point at
Pt. Wilson, much to my surprise along came the Royal Princess!

Since she is NOT on rotation to SE Alaska, (covered by Majestic Princess), I grabbed a
few shots of her, noting on Marine Traffic her destination is Singapore.

Checked on her status this a.m. (9/7) and she appears to be laboring along at
6.4 knots off Cape Flattery.

Can you shed light on this issue?

Thanks
Robert in Port Townsend

5

Shipping News and information / Re: Canada bans cruise ships for a year

« on: February 10, 2021, 08:21:10 AM »

More of the "subtle" effects of the 2021 Alaska Cruise Ship lockout:

https://www.alaskapublic.org/2021/02/09/canadas-cruise-ship-ban-fuels-more-budget-angst-for-sitka-schools/

6

Shipping News and information / Official Statement from Greater Victoria Harbor Authority re: Cruise Ships

« on: February 05, 2021, 06:54:04 AM »

This action will be the death knell for many tourist related businesses in the Alaska Panhandle, including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway (including the White Pass & Yukon RR), and Hoonah, where NCL completed a second landing at Icy Point.

Seattle businesses are reeling from this recent news, which had a negative effect in 2020. Seattle is the southern terminus for Norwegian, Holland America and Princess cruises, each of which embarked three vessels (1 each) on Saturday and again on Sunday.

Joy and Bliss are being cold stored at scattered ports. Perhaps you know of the Princess and Holland Amerca ships that were staged in Seattle.

Victoria and Vancouver BC are all reporting negative vibes from todays release:

https://gvha.ca/about-gvha/newsroom/statement-on-the-extended-suspension-of-cruise-in-canada/

7

Shipping News and information / NCL Encore: Spectacular Night Float-Out

« on: August 18, 2019, 06:18:11 AM »

While most of us were asleep last night (Saturday) in various time zones other than Germany, Norwegian Cruise Lines "Encore" was floated out into the Ems River.

https://youtu.be/XrG_3aA9aTY

Encore is the fourth and final expression of the "Breakaway Plus" class, promoting a free spirited relaxed dress code, for a "care-free voyage."

Encore joins:

8

Shipping News and information / Re: Carnival Vista and Boka Vanguard

« on: July 20, 2019, 06:38:17 PM »

C. Vista floated off BOKA Vanguard overnight (Friday.) Now sitting at Freeport Cruise Terminal, preparing to sail.

According to CCL press release, "Repairs completed (replaced bearings in both Azipods) "extremely smoothly." Carnival Vista will now offer a special four-day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico departing out of Galveston, Texas on Tuesday, July 23."

Carnival Vista will resume year-round seven-day sailings to the Caribbean from Galveston, beginning July 27.

9

Shipping News and information / Re: Carnival Vista and Boka Vanguard

« on: July 19, 2019, 11:47:03 PM »

Video: BOKA Vanguard departing Freeport.

https://youtu.be/P-fdLnei8I0

10

Shipping News and information / Re: Carnival Vista and Boka Vanguard

« on: July 19, 2019, 09:21:10 PM »

Carnival Vista deck cam view, departing Freeport.

11

Shipping News and information / Re: Carnival Vista and Boka Vanguard

« on: July 19, 2019, 08:04:19 PM »

I contacted Boskalis concerning BOKA Vanguard:

"Departing (GBS) at 4 pm (EDST). The ballasting will commence during the night in order to be able to offload the Vista in the course of tomorrow morning (Eastern Daylight Time)."

MarineTraffic screen grab just before 1 pm PDST.

12

Shipping News and information / Re: Carnival Vista and Boka Vanguard

« on: July 16, 2019, 03:10:25 PM »

While "in drydock," 800 crew members billeted in hotels,
250 "essential" crew remain on board.

13

Shipping News and information / Re: Carnival Vista and Boka Vanguard

« on: July 14, 2019, 06:02:44 PM »

Here is a series of photos of dry tow maneuvering at Ship Yard.
https://deskgram.net/p/2087658884511901079_4816818261

14

Shipping News and information / Re: Carnival Vista and Boka Vanguard

« on: July 13, 2019, 11:59:32 PM »

New video: Time-lapse C Vista float on Boka Vanguard. (quality is poor)
https://youtu.be/LAoqOrAo180

Boka Vanguard transport to Grand Bahamas Ship Yard:
https://youtu.be/bRLhjQsxfeY

15

Shipping News and information / Re: Carnival Vista and Boka Vanguard

« on: July 13, 2019, 10:15:28 PM »

Apparently so.  Note discharge water exiting hull.

ADDED 7-16-2019:
800 crew members assigned to hotels, 250 "essential" crew remain on board during overhaul.