Daily Archives: August 24, 2023

Activity in the tropics is heating back up with a new system forecast to emerge and move into the Gulf of Mexico, potentially toward the U.S. Gulf Coast and Florida.

National Hurricane Center experts are also forecasting that Franklin will approach major hurricane strength before weeks end, as well as the regeneration of Tropical Storm Emily and a fourth disturbance being monitored in the central Atlantic.

As of 8 a.m. the area of low pressure expected to emerge in the eastern Gulf of Mexico was located over the northwestern Caribbean. It could form into a tropical depression in the Caribbean before heading north across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, forecasters said. Its odds of developing were up to 50% in the next seven days as of early Thursday.

Tropical Storm Franklin cut north through the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, delivering a deluge through the country and causing flooding in several areas. The storm emerged off the north coast of the island of Hispaniola on Wednesday evening, though heavy rains continued over the island early Thursday.

Franklin could become a hurricane by Saturday, approaching major hurricane strength, forecasters said Thursday. If it forms, it would be the second hurricane of the Atlantic season. Hurricane Don formed in late July, but was no threat to land.

As of 11 a.m., Franklin was moving northeast at 7 mph about 90 miles east-northeast of Grand Turk Island. Its tropical-storm-force winds extended as far as 115 miles from the center of the storm Thursday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 60 mph with higher gusts.

While slow intensification is forecast over the next day and a half, more favorable upper-level conditions will allow Franklin to intensify in the following days. Franklin is expected to reach near major hurricane strength within the next four days, forecasters said in the latest advisory.

More than 350 people were in shelters in the Dominican Republic, where the Associated Press reported at least one dead and two missing in Franklins wake. Another 280 people were evacuated from their homes to safer ground, with at least six communities cut off by heavy rains, AP reported.

Officials were also concerned about Franklins impact in Haiti, which is prone to catastrophic flooding given the countrys severe erosion.

Haiti is among the most vulnerable countries in the world when it comes to the effects of extreme weather, said Jean-Martin Bauer, the World Food Programs director for Haiti. In June, a powerful thunderstorm that unleashed heavy rains left more than 40 people dead across the country.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Emily, which formed early Sunday and was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone Monday, were more than 1,000 miles east-southeast of Bermuda as of 8 a.m. Thursday. The latest forecast said it was likely to regenerate into a tropical storm by Friday.

The storm is expected to move northward over the subtropical central Atlantic.

The disturbance several hundred miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands off Africas west coast was moving west-northwest to northwest across the central tropical Atlantic Wednesday evening, producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms.

The hurricane center said the disturbances circulation had become better defined since Tuesday, and it could slowly develop into a tropical depression by the weekend. It is expected to move into the central tropical Atlantic.

As of 8 a.m. Thursday, it had a 20% chance of developing within 48 hours and 40% within seven days, up from Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center has been predicting an above-normal 2023 hurricane season as a result of ongoing record-breaking sea surface temperatures that continue to fight off the tempering effects of El Nio.

While sea surface temperatures have remained hot for longer than anticipated, El Nios effects, which typically reduce hurricane chances, have emerged more slowly.

The next named storm to form would be Idalia.

The NHC, which operates under the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, has forecast 14-21 named storms, including 6-11 hurricanes, and two to five major hurricanes.

Information from The Associated Press was used to supplement this report.

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Tropical storms expected to land in Caribbean, Texas as forecasters watch 3 other systems - South Florida Sun Sentinel

When Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship starts sailing, it will have its most ambitious and expensive extra-cost restaurant ever.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is being designed from the water line up as a brand new evolution in cruising, and there are plenty of firsts, including20 unique dining options.

One of the new restaurants on Icon of the Seas will be a high-end specialty restaurant that offers a "taste of old New York" and it wont be cheap.

The cruise line calls it the Empire Supper Club, and this throwback restaurant is unlike any other dining venue on its ships so far. Top quality food along with entertainment in a paced meal is what Royal Caribbean hopes will be a very cool idea that provides another option for those seeking a refined meal.

Icon'smost elegant dining establishment is something brand new and has a lot of people curious what we can expect.

The Empire Supper Club looks to be the most elegant restaurant created by Royal Caribbean to date.

Guests will enjoy an eight-course meal, all paired with with cocktails that have been specially created for Royal Caribbean by a world renowned mixologist.Tony Abou-Ganim has worked with James Beard Award-winning chefs, Bellagio and more.

When you eat at the Empire Supper Club, expect an experience, not just dinner.

The venue can only seat 38 people and there will be only one seating per night, which means this will be a hot ticket to get into given its low capacity.

Each meal will take approximately three hours, and there will be a three-piece band playing, which means guests get not just a top quality meal, but entertainment too.

Royal Caribbean hopes it will be a throwback to old New York. Appropriately enough, you'll find the New York-themed restaurant in the part of the ship that is also inspired by the same city, Central Park.

While no prices have been listed yet, Royal Caribbean did give a ballpark estimate for how much a meal will cost.

In talking with travel agents recently,Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Vicki Freed, said she expects the price to be right around $200 per person.

"It'll probably be about $200 a person," she explained in talking about the restaurant. "We haven't landed exactly on the price, but it's going to be worth it because it's going to be a beautiful eight course meal paired with the mixologist, the cocktails and the wines."

Royal Caribbean has plenty of specialty restaurants that have cover charges, but none that have a per-person price tag approaching the Empire Supper Club.

In comparison, here are pricesfor other specialty restaurants from the upcoming inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas (with a 10% discount off onboard prices):

While the price is higher than other restaurants, it's also different from any other specialty restaurant the cruise line has come up with.

While the Chef's Table experience on other ships is also a curated meal experience, The Empire Supper Club is taking things to a new level with the menu and drink pairings.

Royal Caribbean said caviar and wagyu beef would be among the items that we can expect to see on the menu (the full menu has not been released yet).

The high price tag isn't without merit, as Royal Caribbean wanted to come up with something that is substantially different from anything else.

Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, spoke about the Empire Supper Club a few months ago and he is excited to bring something so different to guests to try,"Empire Supper Club is what I would sayis the most elevated dining experience we've created at Royal Caribbean."

"Food will be paired with cocktails, and then we'll pair it with music as well. So it'll be a full immersive dining experience."

From the sounds of it, this will be an intimate setting.

Just as food and drinks get commonly paired together, Royal Caribbean thinks pairing music to the meal will add to the sensory experience.

As mentioned earlier, the menu isn't set yet, but Mr. D'Souza's team is working on a variety of concepts for the menu, including an elevated oyster course, butterflied Caesar salad, and even testing out a rabbit dish. Don't worry, even if the rabbit course makes it to the menu, Mr. D'Souza said there will be other meat options too to pick from.

"It's really a set menu that allows you with a couple of choices around entrees."

Almost all the ingredients will be American sourced ingredients to match the New York menu they are aiming for.

He used the word "elevated" a lot to describe the meal at Empire Supper Club because of how fundamentally different it will be from other restaurants, "it really is an elevated food experience that's tied together with a really elevated beverage experience."

"It's really challenging us to come up with food and now figure out how to pair it, because you can pair wine easily. But, we're saying how do we pair a cocktail in a really meaningful way so that it's really an experiential combination between the food and the cocktail, and now you're layering music."

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Royal Caribbean's most expensive specialty restaurant ever will take 3 hours and cost $200 per person - Royal Caribbean Blog

The importance of being able to watch sports among cruise ship passengers has been highlighted by a new study conducted by Royal Caribbean International.

The study unveils fascinating insights into the habits and preferences of cruise guests across Europe, especially among Spaniards, who are revealed to be the most sports-enthusiastic of all the nationalities surveyed.

Are you the kind of person that must watch their favorite sports while on a cruise, no matter what? Youre not alone, according to a recent Royal Caribbean survey.

According to the study, conducted in collaboration with OnePoll and involving 14,000 respondents across Spain, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, an impressive 37% of Spaniards plan to follow sports competitions during their vacations this year.

Formula 1 takes the lead, with 47% of cruise passengers from Spain planning to watch races while onboard, most likely due to the ever-increasing popularity of star F1 driver Fernando Alonso, who hails from Spain. The racing is followed by Premier League Football at 27% and Wimbledon at 22%.

Among youngsters and women, the Womens World Cup soccer, which concluded on August 20 with a win for Spain, ranks highly.

The study further shows that sports engagement is even more significant among Spanish youth, with 50% of those under 34 planning to follow sports on a cruise.

However, its not just watching sports that ranks highly while on a cruise. The opportunities to participate in sports while onboard are an essential part of choosing a cruise.

61% of Spaniards wish for more opportunities for their children to engage in sports during vacations, outpacing the UK at 51%. 23% of Spaniards actively engage in sports during vacation, and 28% specifically travel to enjoy live sports.

Sergio Arevalo, head of sales for Spain at Royal Caribbean International, explains the appeal:Royal Caribbean vacations offer everything sports fans of all ages could ask for in a getaway. Not only can you watch sports together, but you can also do sports together.

With 140 surfboards, more than 1,015 ice skates, 660 golf clubs, and more on ships like Symphony of the Seas, theres a wide range of sports to enjoy onboard for friends and family to play or cheer from the stands as they bond and create vacation memories.

Of course, Royal Caribbean wouldnt release a sports survey without good reason. With eight cruise ships sailing in Europe next summer from nine homeports, the cruise line is eager to draw in the crowds while ensuring they wont have to miss their favorite sports during their cruise.

Royal Caribbeans ships provide extensive facilities for both watching and participating in sports. Guests can catch the live action of summer sporting events at popular venues like Playmakers.

For those who want to participate, Royal Caribbean offers many sports activities, including climbing walls, zip lines, surf simulators, and basketball courts.

Royal Caribbean will cover the entire of Europe next summer, with cruises onboard Anthem of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Voyage of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas.

Destinations include Mediterranean destinations such as Spain, Italy, France, Malta, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey. Ships will also sail to Northern Europe and the Baltic, Iceland, and Western European destinations such as The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Guests are unlikely to find all sports matches streamed onboard. However, internet speeds have improved in the last year or so onboard cruise ships, especially with the release of Starlink Maritime, so keeping up to date with your favorite sports team will likely be fine.

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New Royal Caribbean Survey Shows the Spanish On Top - Cruise Hive

As Tropical Storm Harold lashed the south Texas coast with heavy winds and rain and since has been downgraded to a depression, forecasters are still tracking Tropical Storm Franklin in the Caribbean and two other systems in the Atlantic Ocean.

One of the systems in the Atlantic had been Tropical Storm Emily earlier this week, and the second is moving west-northwest off the Cabo Verde Islands. Tropical Storm Gert has weakened into a post-tropical remnant.

Franklin will veer north toward Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and has prompted tropical storm warnings for their entire southern coasts. The National Hurricane Center also warned of potential life-threatening flooding there through Wednesday. Once Franklin is back over water, the system could become the second Atlantic hurricane of the season.

None of these systems are currently projected to head to Florida.

Harold made landfall on Padre Island, Texas, as a tropical storm Tuesday morning with winds reaching 50 mph. Heavy rain and tropical-storm-force winds battered the Texas and Mexico coast.

The storm had moved inland by Tuesday evening, 15 miles east of Laredo, moving at 21 mph in a northwesterly direction, and is expected to bring potential flash flooding and possible tornadoes.

At the time of landfall, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration measured gusts to 59 mph at Padre Island. Later, Falfurrias, Texas, 30 miles inland from the coast, recorded sustained winds of 35 mph with a gust to 60 mph.

As of 5 p.m., the hurricane center discontinued any tropical storm warnings and watches.

The system is expected to dwindle Wednesday as it moves inland over rough terrain. Still, heavy rains were forecast across South Texas through early Wednesday, as well as across portions of northern Coahuila and northern Nuevo Leon in Mexico.

The storm was forecast to produce rainfall ranging from 3 to 7 inches in parts of Texas and Mexico.

Tropical Storm Franklin

As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, Tropical Storm Franklin was located about 200 miles south-southwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with maximum sustained winds at 40 mph and tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 105 miles, mainly to the east of the center.

Though the storm was crawling north-northwest at 6 mph, it is expected to turn further north and then to the northeast by Thursday. Franklins center will cross Haiti and the Dominican Republic before reemerging into the southwestern Atlantic late Wednesday, the centers 8 p.m. update said.

It is not forecast to strengthen much as it moves near and over the island, the hurricane center said, though it could strengthen once it is out over the water and moves farther northeast later in the week.

Franklin likely will hit Haiti and the Dominican Republic as a tropical storm, with tropical-storm force winds continuing through Wednesday. The system could become a hurricane Sunday after it moves northeast past the island and out to sea, according to hurricane center estimates. Its eventual path during the weekend remains uncertain.

Tropical storm warnings were issued for the southern coasts of both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with expected storm surge of 1-3 feet. A tropical storm watch was in effect for the north coast of the Dominican Republic and areas of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The system could bring up to 15 inches of rain to Haiti and the Dominican Republic and up to 6 inches to Puerto Rico, according to the latest estimates. The hurricane center warned of potential flash and urban flooding.

Post-tropical remnant Gert

Gert formed early Monday. However, by Monday evening, Gert had weakened from a tropical storm to a tropical depression, and by Tuesday morning, the system had declined to a post-tropical remnant with maintaining maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. The NHC said that the storm, which was located 230 miles east-southeast of the Caribbean, would continue to slowly drift west and weaken over the next few days.

African coastal system

The disturbance several hundred miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands off Africas west coast could become a tropical depression this weekend as it moves west-northwest to northwest across the central tropical Atlantic.

As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, it had a 10% chance of developing within 48 hours and 40% within seven days, down slightly from previous forecasts.

Remnant Emily

The former Tropical Storm Emily was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone Monday morning. Emilys remnants were over the central tropical Atlantic on Tuesday night, creating a large area of thunderstorms. Forecasters said conditions are expected to become more favorable for development in the next few days, and it could become a tropical depression or storm again later this week or over the weekend as it moves northward.

As of 8 p.m., it is had a 30% chance of developing in the next 48 hours and a 50% chance in the next seven days.

None of the systems is currently expected to reach South Florida, said National Weather Service meteorologist George Rizzuto, though such forecasts can change.

At this time were not seeing any signs that any of these are going to be able to make it all the way to us, Rizzuto said.

The National Hurricane Center has been predicting an above-normal 2023 hurricane season as a result of ongoing record-breaking sea surface temperatures that continue to fight off the tempering effects of El Nio.

While sea surface temperatures have remained hot for longer than anticipated, El Nios effects, which typically reduce hurricane chances, have emerged more slowly.

The next named storm to form would be Idalia.

The NHC, which operates under the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, has forecast 14-21 named storms, including 6-11 hurricanes, and two to five major hurricanes.

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Tropical Storm Franklin to bring possible life-threatening flooding to Caribbean - Yahoo News

Summary

Pirates of the Caribbean 6 may be happening, and here are 10 characters who really need to return for the sixth entry in Disney's beloved swashbuckling series. Although it's been over six years since the fifth film, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales released, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise may not be over yet, with rumors of a sixth film making the rounds. News about Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is constantly shifting, but as of now, it seems like the film is happening. With the movie being another sequel, here are 10 characters that could have their stories continued in Pirates of the Caribbean 6.

Pirates of the Caribbean 6 will undoubtedly bring back many of the most popular characters from the previous films, expanding on their stories once again. One possible Pirates of the Caribbean 6 returning character is Jack Sparrow, with the iconic Johnny Depp character having spearheaded the franchise since the very beginning. However, due to some behind-the-scenes issues between Depp and Disney as well as the Depp v. Heard trial, it is still unknown if Jack Sparrow will be returning to the Black Pearl once again. However, there are plenty of other characters who could return even if Jack doesn't - and here are the 10 who need to return the most.

Anamaria is quite possibly the Pirates of the Caribbean character with the most potential for growth, meaning that she needs to return in Pirates of the Caribbean 6. Anamaria hasn't appeared since the first film, but Jack does make it known that the two pirates have a long history together. Anamaria is played by Zoe Saldana, who has gone on to have a prolific film career since Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, meaning that it would be a big deal to bring her back for the sixth film.

Penlope Cruz's Angelica Teach is one of the main villains in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, although it did seem as if she was set to return in the fifth film. However, she is nowhere to be seen in Dead Men Tell No Tales, but Pirates of the Caribbean 6 can redeem this mistake. Angelica was last seen being marooned with a voodoo doll of Jack Sparrow, with this magical artifact being Angelica's perfect way back into Jack Sparrow's life in the sixth film.

Henry Turner is one of the main characters in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, with him being the son of the original movie's protagonist Will Turner. Henry spent his entire life attempting to find the Trident of Poseidon in order to break his father's curse, and by the end of the fifth film, he did. However, it is doubtful that Henry Turner's pirating days are over, meaning that the sixth film could explore his further adventures alongside his father, with Henry spearheading a new generation of Pirates of the Caribbean stories.

Carina Barbossa (formerly Carina Smyth) is a brilliant scientist who is no stranger to swashbuckling and daring adventures. Carina, too, dedicated her life to finding the Trident of Poseidon, which she also accomplished in the fifth film. The end of Dead Men Tell No Tales is full of big reveals for Carina, with her learning that Captain Barbossa is her father as well as her starting a relationship with Henry Turner. Carina and Henry make a good pirating pair, meaning that they could fill the shoes of Will and Elizabeth in Pirates of the Caribbean 6.

Shansha is a mysterious character introduced in Dead Men Tell No Tales, with her being a powerful but dangerous sea witch. It is revealed that Shansha has a history with Barbossa, and while she initially seemed like she was going to be a big part of Dead Men Tell No Tales, she is barely in the film. As it turns out, the sea witch played a bigger role in the film in early drafts of the script, and although she was sidelined in the final film, Pirates of the Caribbean 6 can finally give the villain her time in the spotlight.

Pintel and Ragetti are the comedic relief in the early Pirates of the Caribbean movies, with Pintel being one of the cursed pirates on the Black Pearl. Although Pintel started out as a villain under Captain Barbossa, he later joined Jack Sparrow's crew for the rest of the original trilogy. However, Pintel disappeared after Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End with no explanation. Although he hasn't been mentioned for two movies, it'd be nice to see him come back.

Ragetti is another one of the most popular pirates from the original Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, with him being the sidekick of Pintel. Much like Pintel, Ragetti was a Black Pearl crew member before joining Jack Sparrow's gang in the second and third films. However, Ragetti too disappeared after At World's End, and if Pintel returns, Ragetti probably will too.

Will Turner is one of the main characters of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and while he was absent from the fourth film, he returned in Dead Men Tell No Tales. The film sets up a much bigger role for Will Turner in the franchise's future, with Will Turner's Flying Dutchman curse being broken at the end of the film. Because of this, he is able to reunite with his son Henry and partner Elizabeth, meaning that he can make his true return as the protagonist of the franchise in Pirates of the Caribbean 6.

Elizabeth Swann is another one of the main characters in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, with her leaving with Will at the end of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. Although Elizabeth did return in Dead Men Tell No Tales, her appearance was much more brief than that of Will's. However, now that she is reunited with Will and Henry, she too can have a bigger role in the upcoming sixth film.

The most likely villain to return in Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is Davy Jones, the arch-nemesis of Will Turner. Dead Men Tell No Tales' post-credits scene sees Will have a nightmare of Davy Jones, although it may be more than a dream, as wet barnacles can be seen on Turner's floor. Although Davy Jones died in the third film, it's possible that the breaking of all the sea's curses in Dead Men Tell No Tales caused Davy Jones to return somehow. Davy Jones is by far the most popular villain in the franchise, meaning that his grand return in Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is pretty likely.

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10 Pirates Of The Caribbean Characters Who Need To Return In POTC 6 - Screen Rant

Actor Johnny Depp has had a long career as a character actor. But despite his long resume, his name will likely always be synonymous with his tenure playing Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. That property began with 2003s Curse of the Black Pearl, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Pirates turned 20 this year, and one star looked back at filming with Depp. Lets break it all down.

Johnny Depps performance as Jack Sparrow has been universally acclaimed, although studio execs thought he was actually drunk when filming Curse of the Black Pearl. That first movie featured an ensemble cast including Zoe Saldaa and actor Vince Lozano who played the pirate Jacoby. He recently spoke to MovieWeb about his experience on the movie, and working with the Edward Scissorhands actor. As he put it,

Hanging out with [other] pirates, telling stories, building some camaraderie, making jokes on each other of course. Hanging out with Geoffrey Rush, talking about acting, life; same thing with Johnny Depp. Asking him, 'How did you come up with this character? 'He would tell me stories about how he did it, jumping into a pool, coming out cold and thinking about how British musician Keith Richards moved his body. Johnny is one of the best people youll ever meet.

There you have it. While Saldaa has been open about struggles filming the first Pirates flick, that experience seemingly wasnt universal. It sounds like Vince Lozano had a great time bringing the movie to life, and getting to bond with his co-stars including Geoffrey Rush and (of course) Johnny Depp himself.

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These comments about Depps character are sure to go viral, especially given how many headlines hes been making over the last few years. Johnny Depps legal battle against Amber Heard has in some ways dwarfed his long resume, partly because fans were able to watch them face off in court via television. There are a number of allegations about the 60 year-old actor, although Lozano thinks hes one of the best people that one could ever meet.

Despite these headlines and controversies, Johnny Depp still has a strong contingent of loyal fans. Some of those fans have been petitioning to see him return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, although theres been no indication that Disney is planning to move forward with him. Although the House of Mouse was reportedly developing a few Pirates projects, one of which might be starring Margot Robbie.

Following the defamation verdict, Depp has been keeping busy as both a musician and filmmaker. His first post-trial movie recently premiered, and hes also directing a movie with Al Pacino. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience.

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Pirates Of The Caribbean Turned 20 This Year, And One Star Looked Back At Filming With Johnny Depp - CinemaBlend