Category Archives: High Seas

PANAMA CITY BEACH The annual Pirate of the High Seas Festival returns to Panama City Beach with a newly added Renaissance Festival, promising a weekend of fun for the whole family.

The 12th annual festival sets sail Oct. 7 in Pier Park, inviting pirate fans to enjoy online and in-person activities, including a digital pirate costume contest, an in-person and online treasure hunt, parades, live music, fireworks, and Renaissance vendors through Oct. 9.

Hosted by Visit Panama City Beach, the three-day festival celebrates the legacy of the pirates who once roamed the Gulf of Mexico and pillaged the Emerald Coast, telling the tale of Dominique Youx and his krewe of loyal buccaneers through staged pirate battles and storytelling.

Upcoming events: Panama City's Hispanic Heritage Festival is growing. Here's what to expect this year.

This is a free and family-friendly festival, and attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best pirate gear.

"We are thrilled to host this year's Pirates of the High Seas Fest with the exciting introduction of the Renaissance Festival," said Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. "This is one of our most fun and unique fall events here at the 'REAL.FUN.BEACH.' and we have an fun-filled schedule of pirate and medieval-themed adventures for families to enjoy."

As the festival has shown significant growth over time, adding the Renaissance festival was key to growing the event. Visit PCB's Special Events and Operations Manager Patrick Stewart said the festival has drawn close to 20,000 attendees in the past.

The Renaissance festival will be held all three days at Aaron Bessant Park with plenty of entertainment for the whole family. Organizers said guests could expect everything from live mermaids, stilt walkers, fire jugglers, magicians, dancers, merchant vendors, food trucks and a lot of renaissance-themed activities.

"Wedecided to add the renaissance portion to the festivalthis year to grow it more, it will be focused on all things renaissance and we hope everyone gets a chance to experience it," Stewart said.

Festivities kick off Friday afternoon as the Festival Village & Little Pirates Fun Zone opens with live music playing at Aaron Bessant Park by The Mead Sisters & The Masked Marauders. The Kids Parade and Pirate Crawl Parade follow behind on Pier Park Drive.

Also on Friday, opening ceremonies and Treasure Drop will be held at the Center Stage, with live music from The Bryne Brothers performing shortly after. Then, wrapping up the first day is fireworks from the Russell-Fields City Pier.

The event continues Saturday morning, starting with the Pirates of the High Seas5KRun/Walk at Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway. The Festival Village and Little Pirate fun zone will be available all day for the kids.

Saturday's music performances feature shows fromThe Mead Sisters & the Masked Marauders, Captain Davy & The Crossbones, Anthony Peebles, Tom Mason & The Blue Buccaneers and The Bryan Brothers.

Other activities include: Pirate Pub entertainment, Pirate invasion & Battle for Panama City Beach, a fireworks show and The Main Parade presented by the Krewe of Dominique Youx Bay County's oldest Mardi Gras organization.

Related: Panama City Beach hosts Paws in the Park, billed as 'signature event just for dogs'

Live music acts and more fun are lined up for Sunday as the festival wraps up its celebrations.

Throughout the day, the Festival Village and Little Pirates fun zone will be available for kids, Fire Circus Productions will provide live entertainment along with more live music byCaptain Davy & the Crossbones and The Mead Sisters & the Masked Marauders.

Also, guests will have the opportunity to navigate their way through the treasure hunt for the chance to win tickets to the SkyWheel Panama City Beach attraction.

The Pirates of the High Seas Festival started as a block party in July 2010 with the beach ball drop to help draw visitors after the 2010 BP oil spill. The following year it was moved to Columbus Day weekend to become the annual festival it is now.

Jayna Leach, senior vice president of marketing for Visit Panama City Beach, said the festival had grown ever since and anticipates continued growth through the years.

"With the popularity of pirates and all the aspects of entertainment we include each year, we expect that it will keep growing over time," Leach said. "We love seeing all of our visitors come to dress up each year and participate in all the fun for the weekend and can't wait for this year's celebrations."

For more information about this year's Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Festival, or to view the full schedule of events, visit VistPanamaCityBeach.com.

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Pirates of High Seas Fest 2022 returns to Panama City Beach

Its officially 25 days until Halloween, which means the celebration of this spooktacular holiday is in full swing across the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet! If youre anything like me, your decorations are also already in place but if youre still looking for inspiration, we have a first look today at the all-new Halloween dcor aboard our newest ship, the Disney Wish!

When I first stepped on board for a Halloween on the High Seas sailing on the Disney Wish this year, I only had one thing to say wow! The enchantment of the already-gorgeous Grand Hall is elevated with beautiful garland ordained with pumpkins and fall florals.

But of course, the highlight of the dcor is the all-new Pumpkin Tree. Every Disney Cruise Line ship features a signature Pumpkin Tree in its atrium with a unique look and personality, and the tree on the Disney Wish features lighter bark, graceful branches and a mystical face, setting it apart from the rest. As the tale would have it, this enchanted tree named Boo! grew perfect gourds with the help of a Wishing Star at night, producing the perfect pumpkin that became the coach that carried Cinderella to the Princes Ball.

Also new this season, were putting a spell on Disney Cruise Line guests with a wickedly fun character meet and greet opportunity. While all characters on board adorn Halloween costumes as part of the festivities, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow can be found running amuck on each ship as their favorite Halloween sisters, the Sandersons from the movie Hocus Pocus.

And thats not all! Other special experiencesfor these sailings include:

Ifyou havent booked your Halloween on the High Seas cruise yet, dont fret! Thesespooky cruises will continue throughout the month, or you canstart planningnow for your perfect seasonal sailing in 2023. With cruises from Florida,California and New York next fall, theres plenty of time to plan that perfectcostume!

Nomatter when you sail or how you celebrate, all of us at Disney Cruise Line wishyour family a Happy Halloween!

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Boo! Get a First Look at Halloween on the High Seas on the Disney Wish

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An intense and extremely powerful storm is heading for the coast of Alaska, with forecasts of coastal flooding and massive sea swells as it moves in.

The storm is made up of remnants from Typhoon Merbok, which formed in the northern Pacific Ocean last weekend.

Some locations may experience their worst coastal flooding in nearly 50 years, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns.

A hurricane force wind warning has been issued for the Bering Sea, which sits between Alaska and Russia, and where the storm is currently located. Flood warnings have been issued for much of the states western coastline too, as storm surges could push the seas between three and 18 feet (one to five metres) above the high tide line.

Over the ocean, seas could reach up to 54 feet high, according to NWS.

Winds gusting as high as 90 mph will create significant wave action on top of the surge pushing water well inland in some areas, the agency warned.

Residents should take immediate action to protect themselves and property as this dangerous storm moves into the area.

The storm is expected to hit the state Friday night and Saturday, with flood danger persisting through Sunday.

Rick Thoman, a climate scientist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, tweeted that there hasnt been a September storm this strong in the northern Bering Sea region in the past 70 years.

The city of Nome, which sits along the western coast, is preparing for the storms impact by urging people to secure boats and debris around their homes. Floodwaters could push well into the city.

Other communities along the states western coast are smaller and more remote.

The community of Kivalina, in particular, has made headlines in recent years for dealing with the threat of sea level rise and flooding that may force them to relocate the entire town if the coastal island its situated on erodes away.

The town of fewer than 400 people, most of whom are Alaska Native, even sued a collection of fossil fuel companies in federal court for damages they claimed were associated with the climate crisis. The case was later dismissed.

NWS warns that buildings in the town are in danger of flooding in this weekends storm.

Climate scientists have warned that as the planet heats up, tropical storm systems like the one that initially formed Typhoon Merbok could get stronger on average.

In addition, rising sea levels fed in large part by melting ice in the Arctic and Antarctic can push human infrastructure even closer to the ocean, making storm surges even more damaging.

Continued here:

Historically powerful storm to hit Alaska this weekend with seas up ...

Negotiations involving 168 countries, including the European Union, to agree on a UN treaty for protecting oceans failed Saturday (August 27). When the latest round of talks began two weeks ago in New York, it was hoped that an agreement would be arrived at for the conserving marine life at the high seas which lie outside the exclusive jurisdiction of different countries.

In June, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had declared an ocean emergency at the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, citing threats to the worlds oceans.

Also referred to as the Paris Agreement for the Ocean, the treaty to deal with Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction has been under discussion for several years.

The proposed treaty concerns the ocean existing beyond the Exclusive Economic Zones that lie from the coast of a country to about 200 nautical miles or 370 km into the sea, till where it has special rights for exploration. Waters beyond that are known as open seas or high seas.

The treaty was to be negotiated under the United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982 which governs the rights of countries regarding marine resources. As there is no treaty for conserving the health of vast swathes of the earths oceans, a UN resolution in 2017 had decided to rectify this while setting 2022 as the deadline.

The pandemic resulted in many delays, and later, a High Ambition Coalition, which now has more than 100 countries including India, the US, and the UK, came about and put the focus on 3030 goals protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. After the latest deadlock, talks will only resume next year, unless a special session is called.

Some aspects of negotiations included establishing marine protected areas to put limits on certain activities, environmental impact assessments or clearances for sustainability of works, financial support to countries and sharing other scientific knowledge. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has said binding agreements are needed for this treaty to be effective.

Some treaties, along with the UNCLOS, regulate the conduct of actors on the high seas. The UNCLOS led to the establishment of territorial sea boundaries 22 km offshore, deciding the region up to which countries could claim full sovereign territorial rights, as well as the 200 nautical miles EEZ limit. It also created the International Seabed Authority and other conflict-resolution mechanisms.

But a treaty dedicated to protecting ocean health does not exist as of now. Conversely, every country has the right to access open seas, resulting in large-scale drilling and trawling operations for catching fish and other animals for commercial purposes.

What are the risks of countries failing to reach an agreement?

Ninety per cent of global warming is occurring in the ocean, according to the NASA website.

The effects of ocean warming include sea level rise due to thermal expansion, coral bleaching, accelerated melting of Earths major ice sheets, intensified hurricanes, and changes in ocean health and biochemistry, it says. Excessive fishing has increased manifold over the years, and a third of species such as sharks and rays are at the risk of extinction, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Despite acknowledging these threats, members failed to agree on how to deal with these threats.

There has been talk of resistance from countries that engage in deep sea mining of minerals or are heavily invested in fishing. Although we did make excellent progress, we still do need a little bit more time to progress towards the finish line, UN Oceans Ambassador Rena Lee said, the AFP reported.

Some countries in the Caribbean alleged that richer countries of the Global North did not actively participate until the last few days of the talks.

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Explained: What is the UN High Seas Treaty, and why have countries ...

1. Terror Hits The High Seas In A Brand-New 1899 Trailer  FANGORIA
2. New Trailer for Netflix's Horror Series '1899' Teases Terror on the High Seas  We Got This Covered
3. Netflix's "1899" Trailer - The Creators of "Dark" Hit the High Seas for New Horror Series  Bloody Disgusting
4. Dark creators new Netflix series 1899 gets mysterious trailer  Polygon
5. View Full Coverage on Google News

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Terror Hits The High Seas In A Brand-New 1899 Trailer - FANGORIA

A former Lacombe resident has opted for an exciting journey on the seas, with the goal of sailing around the world as part of a three-person crew.

Makenna Shine, 23, called Lacombe home for about 20 years, attending elementary, junior and finally high school in the community. She graduated in 2017.

Currently, shes spending her days relishing an extraordinary adventure.

Shine and her partner Jason Frechette and their friend Harry Hall have set a goal of sailing around the world on a 41-ft. Cheoy Lee sailboat.

The main thing I would say I have learned about myself is that your mind is truly your only limitation in life, she explained.

Once you push through the what-ifs, you are physically capable of doing anything. I have learned that I am truly powerful and I can conquer anything I put my mind to. This includes sailing 160 nautical miles offshore after only having sailed roughly five times prior.

Shine said how eager she is to learn the ways of different cultures as the journey progresses.

I am excited to live so simplistically and not get so entrenched in the stressful life of societal norms, she said. I think it is important to understand that to a degree we are not born to work and die, there is so much more to experience in this grand ole world and as I keep getting told, Do it while youre young!

Not that there arent challenges.

It is the most debilitating feeling Ive ever felt in my life, she said of bouts of seasickness. If you think about it, you are trying to live your daily life but the ground underneath you is constantly unstable, sometimes throwing you from one side of the boat to the next.

Shine said shes always had a desire to see the world, although travelling by sea was a foreign concept. That was until she moved to the west coast in 2021 and discovered folks who lived on boats as an alternative lifestyle choice.

I am currently en route to travelling somewhere tropical with my entire home. Its such a wonderfully bizarre concept that I feel a lot of people are not aware of.

There have been a few ups and downs along the way.

It was the winter of 2021 when it got slightly rough to live onboard, she said. Living on the ocean off the west coast comes with a wet type of chill in the winter months, leaving us bundled up 24/7 with slippers on at all times, she said. It was during this time we decided we were going to get as prepared as we could and sail south. Thats the fun thing about having a sailboat as your home you can move it somewhere tropical using the force of the wind!

Earlier this year, the trio prepared for passage from Victoria to Ensenada, Mexico.

They planned to depart on Sept. 19.

On Sept. 23, 160 nautical miles off the coast of California, we broke something that was detrimental to the sailboats rig (the port side spreader), making it impossible to use the main sail without snapping the mast off completely, she explained.

We turned the engine on and diverted course towards Eureka, California, where we took five days to make emergency repairs. Because we didnt think we would be heading straight for land, we hit a weather system that was not so kind to us, she said.

We ended up having to hand steer for 35 hours in gale force winds creating breaking waves up to 30 feet in height. It was safe to say this small-town girl was the most seasick shes ever been.

With the crisis adverted, repairs completed and a few lessons learned, they again set sail.

Meanwhile, she is having the time of her life and despite the challenges, wouldnt change a thing.

We really are only one bold decision away from a completely different life, and the more you learn to live by this, the more magical life gets, she said.

Until I took a chance and stepped out of my box, how was I to know I would like this? And even if you do go out of your way to experience something new and you dont like it there is no such thing as failure, only lessons learned.

The crew invites folks to follow their journey via their YouTube channel Sailing Sitka https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC8VCvx2rQzuOlLrsnudr3Qw.

Those interested can also check in with them via Instagram @sailingsitka.

What I hope people take away from following along with our journey is that happiness doesnt come from things, it comes from experiences and the people you love, she explained.

Everything I own and love is contained within a 41-ft. sailboat and I have never felt so happy and fulfilled in my entire life. From a small-town prairie girl to an offshore sailor, I can surely say you are always one bold decision away from a completely different life.

Photo submitted

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Former Lacombe resident hits the high seas on landmark adventure Sylvan Lake News - Sylvan Lake News

IT was eight o'clock on a Saturday morning and the blue-gray sky hung heavy over the swelling Red Sea. Kim Johansen, a 60-year-old Dane, was already so exhausted after nine hours of battling the unforgiving waves. His sails had long been blown off by the winds and clinging to dear life was almost made impossible by his rolling boat.

Photo shows Danish Kim Johansen being lifted by the crew of MT Riviera II led by Filipino captain Joey Gregorio, after drifting in open waters. PHOTO by Capt. Joey Gregorio

The vessel nearest him took more than two hours to get to his location but was unsuccessful in plucking him off the sea. They said another ship was coming to save him. That was an hour ago.

As Johansen pondered on his dwindling options, he heard the sudden crackle of his radio and a voice. Rescue had arrived!

Aboard the chemical tanker MV Riviera II, the 39-year-old captain assessed the situation and their plan of approach. The heaving sea made it difficult for a large vessel to approach a drifting and much smaller boat.

The ship captain was a Filipino.

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"The moment I heard that the other vessel had difficulties approaching SV Heki, I immediately called our company to inform them that we would redirect the ship. We need to save the man," Capt. Joey Gregorio said.

The rescue operations proved difficult. As Johansen scrambled to get off his boat, the heaving waves submerged and slammed the rescue basket on the side of the tanker ship. Johansen was thrown around like a ragdoll until he was lifted 50 meters from the ship's deck.

Capt. Joey Gregorio and Kim Johansen whom he saved in the high seas. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

"The sailboat was rolling and yawing heavily due to high swells. It was a very difficult rescue operation," Gregorio recalled.

"I felt a little bit nervous, but I was determined to save the man. And so, I tried to remain focused and calm mainly for the sake of my crew. My only fear was that should we fail, Johansen might drift to Somalia, a pirate-infested area," he said.

After an hour, the rescue team was able to successfully rescue Johansen.

Gregorio let out a sigh of relief as Johansen was finally pulled on the deck of MV Riviera II. Exactly a year before, he was also able to rescue an Australian couple in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Pushing through difficulties

Unbeknownst to his colleagues, Gregorio almost did not become a seafarer.

"I originally wanted to become a doctor, but I felt the urge to realize what my brother, my life's hero, has always wanted. He wanted to become a seafarer," Gregorio said.

"Later on, I realized that endurance training in a maritime school is not easy. When I was told that I could not be a good seafarer due to myopia, I almost quit. What made me pursue my course was the thought of my brother, I should finish what he started. This motivated me to remain strong," he recalled.

In 2003, Gregorio graduated with a bachelor's degree in Marine Transportation at the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology.

He took his first command as a ship captain at the age of 32.

"Poverty inspired me to slug it out. I grew up in a small farming town in Zamboanga, raised by farmer parents. They have sacrificed so much for our family," he said.

More than just a seafarer, Gregorio is known among his colleagues as a hero. Nonetheless, he sees himself as another ordinary man who gives and helps even when no one is looking and even with no accolades or recognition.

"I believe in genuine kindness. Helping is already a reward in itself and when you are kind, blessings just keep pouring in."

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Ready for rescue on the high seas - The Manila Times

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL), a company owned by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, has discovered another allegedly illegal crude oil pipeline attached to Trans Forcados Export Trunkline through which crude oil was being diverted from a 400,000 barrel per day Forcados pipeline to the high seas for export.

The discovery, which is coming few days after an illegal four-kilometre crude oil pipeline belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) was exposed, was made about a week ago by operatives of TSSNL through an exclusive Intel according to Chief Keston Pondi, Managing Director, TSSNL.

The discovered illegal pipeline, on close observation on Saturday by our correspondent, revealed that the illegal line was connected to the 48-inch Trans Forcados Export Trunkline in Burutu Local Government Area.

Curiously, the illegally plugged point is directly located behind a military security post and less than a kilometre to the Forcados Export Terminal in Ogulagha community.

From the point of connection, the illegal pipeline was linked to another abandoned pipeline riser located within the vicinity and owned by AGIP Petroleum Company Ltd.

Through the abandoned AGIP facility, the oil thieves have been ferrying condensed crude oil to the sea for loading into thieving ships at midnight for onward movement abroad.

Tribune Online reports that the Forcados Terminal located in Ogulagha has a nameplate capacity to export 400,000 barrels per day.

It receives crude oil from the Forcados Oil Pipeline System, the second largest pipeline network in the oil-producing region, after the Bonny Oil Pipeline System in the eastern Niger Delta.

Some international oil companies (IOCs) and Nigerian independents operating in the Niger Delta also pump crude oil to the Forcados Oil Terminal for exports, it was gathered.

Speaking to journalists on how the illegal connection was discovered, Captain Waredi Enisuoh, a marine intelligence consultant for TSSNL, said the crude oil stealing from the trunkline had been on for quite a while by some very smart boys.

We have been monitoring all these activities for quite a while now and we are waiting for the day our country will move forward.

What had happened was that the perpetrators of this particular organized crime had tapped into Shell 48 inch export line.

The crude has been cleaned up and ready to go. Its quite expensive. So, they tapped into it. The place was initially filled with water but technologically, they were able to connect their own pipes under water.

We traced the lines with bare feet to the point where it was tapped. We had to create two dams on either side of the pipe so that the water contained in the dam can be pumped out.

We pumped the water out for days before the illegality was exposed. That riser behind me is operated by another Joint Venture Company called AGIP.

This oil field actually belonged to AGIP and the pipe belongs to a filing station. So, instead of piping crude to the filing station, the smartest boys in the room decided to export crude through that particular jacket youre seeing over there.

They piped the lines into that place by cutting the AGIPs one, connecting theirs, which goes through this particular riser.

At night, they will bring a ship close to that particular platform reconnect their flange to fit into the ship and off they go.

They are smart but they are not smarter than the NNPCL, Nigerians and TSSNL operatives.

According to him, We discovered this about a week ago. As you can see, we had to employ a whole lot of machinery to clear the area.

We knew about it and started working on it when we had the support from NNPCL to go in.

We are not going to predict what will happen next so that people dont get smarter than us

So, we have to keep what we know for now and plead with those who take their time to steal from Nigerians to please stop.

Weve suffered enough and I think its high time we all came together and do something differently.

Although Captain Enisuoh, could not give the accurate volume of crude oil being siphoned for export illegally, he explained how crude was being stolen without the knowledge of the owners.

The distance from the illegality to this point is about one kilometres and from here to the jacket is about four kilometres.

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

So what they do is that each time the pumping is going on, they open their own valve and then the crude is stored on this line, then they close it off. So that when their ships are sucking, you wont feel the effect from the pressure on the other side. Its quite a smart design.

We cant tell how long it has been but it has been here for a while and with the intelligence weve been getting about ships coming to that particular area which led to this finding, has been going on for a while, more than a year.

You will have to do a whole lot of calculation based on the inches of the pipe and then calculate it by five kilometres and multiply that by the cubic metre you get per kilometre and you will get the volume.

He added that to wait to apprehend those perpetrating the illegality in the act would have been difficult given the resources needed to do so and given the fact that TSSNL is not a security outfit neither is it out to arrest, but to discourage the act.

It would have taken more resources to wait to apprehend them on the act. Why I said more resources is because, we would have had to go through a series of procedures because as you know, Tantitan Security Services is not a military outfit.

Its only an intelligence gathering outfit which we share with our gallant forces which is the JTF and Operation Delta Safe via the NNPC as well.

We cannot continue to bleed and wait. Our objective is not really to nail anybody, its just to ensure that people should stop. Enough is Enough, he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, said the company would continue to collaborate with host communities and other stakeholders to ensure that all oil and gas facility are secured.

Kyari, who was represented by Mr General Manager, Gas Development Division, NAPIMS,

Mr Buduwara Bitrus Zakariya, said: NNPC Ltd has been on its toes in trying to bring stability to the host communities and the host communities have been very helpful in trying to ensure that we secure all oil and gas facilities, especially the one we saw which has to do with the crude oil evacuation lines.

Today is just any other day, but we just feel that the media should come and help us to show all the efforts NNPCL and all the stakeholders have been doing.

Theyve been doing a great job. All that we are doing is to ensure and also assure Nigerians that we are doing something to curb this menace of crude oil theft.

We know the direct impact it has on the revenue and on the people in the host communities and the environment.

Taking the risk on behalf of Nigerians to see what is happening here shows collaborations of everybody.

No one can build alone; we should all do it together to achieve the desired objectives.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), in its bid to find lasting solution to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, penultimate month awarded a pipeline surveillance contract in Delta and Bayelsa states to Tompolo, whose involvement has been yielding results.

Continued here:

Tompolo's boys discover another illegal oil pipeline connected to high sea - Tribune Online

Triangle of Sadness; The Watcher. Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos Courtesy of Neon and Netflix

Coming off the heels of a big week in finales both She-Hulk and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power bowed their last season-one episodes is a brand-new Ryan Murphy show (no, not Dahmer), a final slasher showdown, a comedic take on Shakespeare, and a Palme dOr winner wide-releasing in theaters. So grab your popcorn and flip on one of these films (or the lone television show):

Laurie Strode and Michael Myers are in for one last dance. The two have been tussling since 1978, and its about time this beef ends. Blumhouse and director David Gordon Greens rebooted trilogy has had its ups (Halloween) and its downs (Halloween Kills), so itll be intriguing to see where Halloween Ends lands on the scale. But no matter what, people are going to want to see Jamie Lee Curtis slay one last time in this franchise.

Available to watch in theaters and stream on Peacock

The story of Romeo and Juliet has been told and retold many times, but director Karen Maines film wants to go a different route with the classic Shakespearean tale. Kaitlyn Dever stars as Rosaline, Romeos jilted ex, as she schemes to get her former lover back.

Available to stream on Hulu

Ruben stlunds Palme dOrwinning satire is now out in theaters, ready to make our stomachs turn. The film follows an elite model and social-media star couple (played by Harris Dickinson and the late Charlbi Dean) as they set off on a cruise ship with an eclectic cast of characters (like Captain Smith, played by Woody Harrelson). Writer Nate Jones dubbed the film TheWhite Lotuson the high seas, while critic Alison Willmore described it as reaching hazardous levels of smug. Well, thats rich people for you.

Available to watch in theaters

Very creepy and unnerving, Ryan Murphys new series is based on a true story about a family receiving mysterious letters from someone known as The Watcher. Bobby Cannavale and Naomi Watts are the couple that moves into 657 Boulevard, the house of The Watchers obsession, in Westfield with their two kids. The show is filled out by a fantastic cast of unsettling neighbors and residents of Westfield, with the always brilliant Jennifer Coolidge, Richard Kind,Margo Martindale,Terry Kinney, and more.

Available to stream on Netflix

Also!Read our streaming recommendations from theweekend of October 7. Vultures next list of weekend streaming picks goes online Friday, October 21.

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The 4 Best Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Weekend - Vulture

Norwegian Sun debuted in 2001 a time when cruising looked very different from today. However, despite this ships age, its benefited from substantial renovations over its life.

These renovations have brought the ship up to the modern era and make it appealing to even the pickiest current cruisers, including those who werent even born when the ship made its first appearance.

Sure, this ship may not be the largest at your favorite cruise port and, in fact, maybe about half the size of other mega-ships on the seas today but thats a benefit.

For many new cruisers, especially those who dont need all those frilly, fancy amenities like VR gaming centers or rock-climbing walls, or surfing simulators, the ship is just right in size.

It offers everything you might need to keep you entertained during sea days, but not so much that everything is overwhelming. And, because Norwegian refurbished the ship from top to bottom just a few years ago, everything is modern and sleek.

Want to know what exactly youll see and experience inside this ship? Heres everything you can expect on a Norwegian Sun cruise.

As mentioned, Norwegian Sun isnt that large and is, in fact, even smaller than its sister ship, Norwegian Star. Compared to most ships, its on the modest side.

Norwegian Sun first sailed the high seas in 2001, when Norwegian Cruise Line debuted this Sun-class ship along with its sister ship Norwegian Star in a joint Miami christening ceremony. The ship was constructed by Lloyd Werft in Germany.

The Norwegian Sun cruise ship is the last member of the cruise lines Sun class, which also includes Norwegian Star and Norwegian Sky, which debuted in 1999 before being rebranded as Pride of Aloha.

Technically, the current Costa Cruises Costa Victoria ship was also part of this class, but, for the time being, Norwegian Cruise Line only considers Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky as Sun-class ships.

Most recently, Norwegian Sun underwent expansive refurbishments, in 2018, as part of the Norwegian Edge refurbishment program.

The three-week process gave new life to all staterooms and public spaces (including the main dining rooms, pool area, spa and casino), and also added three new venues to the ships lineup, including Los Lobos Cantina, Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spinnaker Lounge.

If youre a frequent Norwegian Cruise Line cruiser, then youre already familiar with these favorite and classic Norwegian venues.

One of the most interesting elements in Norwegian Suns history is an incident that occurred in June 2022. The ship was sailing along the Alaskan coast when it collided with an iceberg off the Hubbard Glacier.

Thankfully, the collision did not cause any substantial damage. The ship shortened that particular itinerary, and then, once the ship was docked, it underwent two weeks of repairs before resuming service.

Norwegian Sun staterooms and suites are split into the following categories:

Youll notice that all of the staterooms feature a bit of a modern upgrade, though dont expect, especially in the more economically friendly options, anything over-the-top luxurious. While Norwegian Cruise Line did update its accommodations, its very rare that a cruise ships refurbishment can match the new luxury of a modern mega-ship.

In the interior staterooms, expect a modest sleeping area and bathroom, plus a small sitting area and TV. While the walls are still a bit dated with an off-white hue and wood paneling, the more modern blue and gray tones found throughout the bedding, seating area and artwork give the spaces an upgrade. Think a similar experience to what you might find in a new, budget hotel.

The oceanview staterooms offer a very similar aesthetic, with matching decor. However, you get much more space in the oceanview staterooms than what youll find in the interior staterooms.

Expect a small bar area and entertainment center, with extra floor space around the sitting area. Unfortunately, the ocean views arent that impressive. Theyre mostly limited to a small window near the sitting area, and the windows are rather high up on the wall.

For an experience nearest to what youll find on a modern, newer cruise ship, youll want to book a balcony stateroom. These staterooms offer the same decor choices, with the off-white walls, and blue and gray color palette.

However, the overall space is larger and the exterior wall is nearly entirely windows, with a glass door leading out to your balcony. The balconies feature two deck chairs, a small table and glass railings so you can see the ocean from nearly every angle.

Suites are further broken down into more options. There are mini suites that offer about 100 more square feet than what youll find in a balcony stateroom. The mini suites do offer their own balconies, sleeping space for four and larger bathrooms with tubs (which might come in handy for traveling families).

Other suite options include penthouse suites, club balcony suites and owners suites. Your largest option overall would be an owners suite, with more than 800 square feet, separate living areas and soaking tubs. Suite guests enjoy extra amenities, such as butler service.

Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Line Haven What You Need to Know

The suite decor is more modern than the general stateroom decor. Youll still find the off-white walls, shiny wood paneling and can lights, but youll also get darker, brown, gray and gold color palettes, for an overall more elegant feel.

Norwegian Suns restaurants are split into complementary and for-a-fee options. Even if you decide that you dont want to splurge on the for-a-fee dining options, youll still have plenty of restaurants to enjoy during your cruise.

Complimentary restaurants where you can dine for free, include

Do note that you also can take advantage of room service on a complimentary basis, with a few caveats. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night fare are all available for free, except for a $9.95 room service fee and a 20% gravity and beverage fee (so, not exactly free, but nearly!).

The service fee is waived for continental breakfast until 10 a.m. The fee is also waived if youre staying in a suite that includes butler service as part of your cruising package.

If you do want to splurge on some for-a-fee dining, your restaurant options will include

Norwegian Sun also offers a variety of bars and lounges where you can snag a drink and possibly some entertainment. Check out

As you can likely tell, youll never go thirsty aboard Norwegian Sun!

While obviously great staterooms, dining and the number of watering holes can make or break a cruising experience, you have to have more to do during your cruise than just eat and drink. To keep you busy the rest of the time, here are Norwegian Suns top activities and entertainment options.

The cruise ship boasts a two-deck theater that offers your standard cruise ship big-theater fare. Think tribute bands and choreographed dance performances. Tickets are complimentary.

If loud music isnt your idea of a relaxing time, you can skip the theater and, instead, go to the spa. The Mandara Spa & Salon offers a gorgeous space with wide ocean views and all your favorite typical spa treatments.

The ships casino features all your favorite slots and table games. The huge space can fit nearly 300 cruisers and will have you feeling as if youre at your favorite casino in Vegas or another similar destination.

The ship features two pools in the main pool area and four hot tubs, as well as a large selection of sun loungers both around the pool and on an upper deck overlooking the pool.

In addition to the two main pools, theres also a kids pool on Deck 12 thats designed with toddler-age kids in mind.

Theres also a sports court on Deck 12 with activities like shuffleboard, table tennis, basketball and volleyball, in case youd like to challenge your fellow cruisers to a friendly competition or you want to work up a sweat without hitting the on-board gym.

Worth Reading: Norwegian Prima Cruise Ship- Overview and Things to Do

While youre enjoying the spa and casino, the kids need something to do, right? Theyll find plenty of fun at the ships variety of kids venues.

Splash Academy is the place for the smallest cruisers to go, with activities planned for children ages 3 to 12 (children are divided into three groups depending on age).

There are also activities for younger children, under 3, but parents must attend those activities alongside their children. No drop-offs are allowed for kids ages 6 months to 2 years old.

A teen space is offered in the Entourage teen center, for cruisers ages 13 to 17. The center offers lots of programming, but also plenty of amenities that are going to appeal to kids of that age, such as video games.

Ready to see all of the above for yourself? Hop on an upcoming Norwegian Sun cruise!

Yes! In June 2022, the ship was sailing along the Alaskan coast when it collided with an iceberg off the Hubbard Glacier. Thankfully, the collision did not cause any substantial damage. The ship shortened that particular itinerary and then, once the ship was docked, it underwent two weeks of repairs before resuming service.

Norwegian Sun first sailed the high seas in 2001, when Norwegian Cruise Line debuted this Sun-class ship along with its sister ship Norwegian Star in a joint Miami christening ceremony.

Norwegian Sun measures in at a weight of 78,309 GT and a length of 848 feet, which allows for a guest capacity of 1,936 (at double occupancy) and a crew capacity of 906 crew members.

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Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship: Overview and Things to Do - Cruise Hive