Category Archives: High Seas

While it seems like it might be dreamy, yacht ownership comes with a particular set of headaches. The sun and saltwater do their damage. Fuel costs, maintenance, updates and crew management are other hurdles that need navigating by time-challenged owners who may spend only two or three weeks onboard each year.

Fractional ownership (where multiple parties share costs in exchange for access) can start to look appealing, especially because yacht management is often included in the price. But what you gain in cost efficiency, you lose in freedom of choice, such as preference in travel dates, personalized design and even itinerary.

Fractional ownership has never really worked in the past, says Jim Evans, managing director of brokerage house SuperYachtsMonaco. There have been various initiatives to try to make it work, but none have really succeeded, and I think thats because ultra-high-net-worth individuals are alpha types. The negotiation in regard to location and dates with other owners is probably impossible.

Ocean PearlFloating Life

Andrea Pezzini, cofounder of the charter and brokerage firm Floating Life, unsurprisingly argues otherwise. Its a successful business model that we make money from, he says, referencing the companys operation of the 135-foot Ocean Pearl (above) under fractional ownership for the past 11 years. However, the working parameters can prove too restricting for some, and despite Pezzinis time-share benefits, the demand is still there for increased flexibility.

Explorer-yacht builder Arksen has a new Adventure Syndicate Model born out of trying to design an ownership methodology that works for families and gives them access to great adventures tied in with citizen science programs, explains founder Jasper Smith. The initiative commits each Arksen vessel (below) to spend 10 percent of its time at sea involved in oceanographic research, education or conservation and enables owners to engage with important data-study work. In addition, Arksens model means that members buy shares in the boat, which are an asset class rather than an entitlement.

Arksen 85Arksen

But for those who remain averse to the idea of sharing, Ocean Residences may have the answer118 private apartments on board the future 925-foot Njord. Planned amenities for the gargantuan craft include beach clubs, helicopters with hangars, flat-bottom RIBs for Antarctica and limousine tenders for the Mediterranean. But the jury is still out on whether the floating real estate is actually aboard a superyacht or, for all intents and purposes, a cruise ship.

Whether or not the fractional model ever comes together on a large scale, for now, its still a fractious concept for many.

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Superyacht or Cruise? The Ginormous 925-Foot Njord Wants to Sell You a Luxury Condo on the High Seas - Robb Report

LONDON Residents in central England and Wales piled up sandbags, readied water pumps and hoped for the best Tuesday as rivers peaked after a weekend storm brought up to 6 inches (150 mm) of rain to an already waterlogged region.

Environment agencies in England and Wales on Tuesday declared 8 severe flood warnings, meaning there was an immediate danger to life, for the rivers Severn, Wye and Lugg. Two other severe warnings were lifted. About 150 less severe flood warnings were also in place.

In the Welsh town of Monmouth, the River Wye reached a record level of over 23 feet (7.15 meters). Residents of one flooded street used canoes to get to a nearby supermarket and mountain rescue teams saved one man from his flooded home by raft.

The Welsh water supplier asked residents to reduce their usage after a water treatment plant was flooded and lost power. Welsh Water said it had limited storage of drinking water until we're able to access and restart the treatment works."

Storm Dennis the second major storm of the winter - blew through the U.K. on Saturday and Sunday, bringing wind gusts of up to 90 mph (145 kph) and heavy rain that flooded roads, railways, homes and businesses. The storm killed three people in Britain, including a 55-year-old woman who was swept away by floodwaters in the central English town of Tenbury.

The fierce weather also upended travel plans for thousands of British families trying to get away for the mid-winter school break. It turned rivers, including the Severn and the Wye, which normally meander through picturesque countryside, into raging torrents.

Dave Throup, a manager in the region for the Environment Agency, tweeted; I've seen things today I would not have believed. This is not normal flooding, we are in uncharted territory."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been criticized by opponents for failing to visit any flooded areas or to convene a meeting of the governments crisis committee, COBRA.

Flood defenses successfully held back the water in many threatened areas, but Throup said residents should "remain vigilant, with more rain forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.

There may be some short-term drops in levels but they may well rise again, he said. We're certainly not out of the woods yet, there is quite a long way to go with this flood.

The storm also left a trail of flooding and power outages across northern Europe, including in southwestern Sweden.

The high seas churned up by the storm dragged an abandoned cargo ship, the MV Alta, and left it to crash upon the shore near Ballycotton in County Cork, southwest Ireland.

Read more:

Storm-Swollen Rivers Surge in UK, Severe Flood Alerts Issued - The New York Times

Its certainly true of the Diamond Princess, docked outside Yokohama, Japan, since Feb. 4. Roughly 3,500 people, of which around 1,000 are crew members, remain quarantined and will not be permitted to leave the ship until Feb. 19, assuming everything goes as planned. To date 454 coronavirus cases have been confirmed aboard the ship, but there could very well be more.

No other closed population in the world has as high a proportion of coronavirus infections as do the passengers and crew of the Diamond Princess: 13% of the people on board are infected. The cruise ship is a miniature version of Wuhan, the Chinese city of 11 million people where the new coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected. So far, tens of thousands have been infected in China and, as of Monday, 1,770 people have died there, including the doctor who first warned of the outbreak.

The tragedy of this epidemic, which has forced entire cities to be quarantined, is that it could have been prevented long ago. Instead of a worldwide crisis we could have had only a few cases. If Chinese authorities had been more transparent about the existence of the disease, the international community could have taken the steps necessary to isolate the first victims within Wuhan.

But that didnt happen. Local officials censored early reports about the virus and tried to suppress information about the epidemic. As the disease spread, the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency. Today there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 28 countries or territories outside of mainland China.

In China, dogma has been prioritized over public health, party has come before country and maintaining a tight grip on Beijings international image has proved more important than controlling the spread of a serious disease. Each report of a new infection reveals deep flaws in the partys system of secrecy and repression. Chinas leaders have a crucial lesson to learn: Withholding information that is in the public interest can only lead to disaster.

It was in late December that Dr. Li Wenliang told his former medical school classmates about a seemingly dangerous virus. The local police in Wuhan chose to ignore him, and didnt look into the matter. Li was accused of spreading rumors and forced to take back his statements. He was made to sign a document declaring that his behavior had been illegal.

It wasnt until Jan. 20 that a renowned Chinese scientist, Dr. Zhong Nanshan, appeared on state-run television to announce that the coronavirus could be transmitted between humans. Unfortunately, the warning had come too late. By then, the epidemic was already spiraling out of control, infecting people far beyond Wuhan.

Eventually it reached the Diamond Princess where Jos Antonio Alatorre, a Mexican citizen, and his wife Lissa were staying. Today, given the threat of infection, the couple remain inside their windowless cabin at all times. Day or night, its the same to us in this interior room, Jos Antonio said in a recent interview with Univision, recorded by his wife on her cellphone. [Even] if we had a balcony, we would have chosen not to go outside for a walk for one hour each day, as were allowed.

Fortunately, food isnt a problem. Jos Antonio and Lissa receive three meals each day in their room. Its the entirety of their contact with the outside world.

The Alatorres have stuck to the instructions given to them by the cruise line and Japans Health Ministry: They wash their own cutlery, and use their shower as a washing machine. Japan of course cant take any risks; the nation is hosting the Olympics this summer.

The real fear is that the coronavirus will reach the worlds poorest countries, which lack the resources and medical personnel to tackle a health crisis of this magnitude. In rural Latin America and Africa, the arrival of the virus would be an absolute disaster. Remember that over 11,000 people died from the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia between March 2014 and January 2016.

Whats dangerous, Dr. Juan Rivera told me in an interview, is that with the coronavirus, even if people show no symptoms, they can still be incubating the virus and pass it on. The outbreak hasnt shown any signs of stabilizing, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the U.S., told The New York Times that a vaccine wont be available for at least a year.

In the meantime, life goes on for the Alatorres, afraid and in the dark aboard the Diamond Princess. They want to return to Mexico, just not at any cost. Im afraid I could pass [the virus] on to my loved ones or other people, Jos Antonio said. They know they can survive this hell.

At least their nightmare on the high seas is free. The cruise line has said it will reimburse passengers for the cost of the trip. The companys credibility, however, is lost forever; once it has been ruined, theres no way to get it back. (This is a lesson we journalists know well.)

Officials in Wuhan forgot or perhaps never knew that crises in our globalized and digitized era can only be solved with full transparency.

The new coronavirus proves that silence can kill. And the deeper and more pervasive the silence, the more people will die.

By Jorge Ramos valos

The rest is here:

The Silence That Kills - Jorge Ramos valos

Dianne Newcomer Published 11:49 p.m. CT Feb. 14, 2020

Dianne Newcomer(Photo: courtesy)

There's an ocean of opportunity out there,folks, and I really don't want you to miss the boat!

In the world of travel where I play every day at Monroe Travel Service, we're in high tide of what is known in our industry as the "Wave Season." Over 30 million passengers cruised last year, and 20% of those travelers made their reservations between now and March 15.

The numbers don't lie, which is why "Wave Season" is such a big deal, plus it's a win-win for everyone.The cruise line's get operating cash with your early booking deposits, and you get to choose the best available cabin location along with what is usually the best saving offers of the year.

Because the high seas and rivers of our world are flooded with ships and boats, the cruise lines like to bedazzle their product with special enticements to attract your attention. Extra perks like cabin upgrades, shore excursion dollars, unlimited drink packages, free wi-fi, complimentary dining packages, onboard cruise credit, prepaid tips or just simply a nice price reduction are being offered right now.

So, if you are thinking about riding the waves in 2020, here are just a few of the deals we have to offer at Monroe Travel Service at this time:

PANAMA CANAL Cruising--Why not consider this unique 13 night adventure cruise from Lima, Peru to Miami with stops in Cartagena, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. Departure date is March 23 and an Outside Club Cabin is on sale from $2499 double occupancy. Since it is summer in South America, maybe you could add a pre-cruise extension to Machu Picchu, Cusco, and a train trip on the world famous Hiram Bingham!

Go hopskotching around the ISLANDS OF NEW ENGLAND from New York City to Boston with stops at Block Island, Newport, Martha's Vineyard, Nantuckett, and Plymouth. This 7 day cruise on an 84 passenger boat has prices starting from $2259 on this lotsa lobstah itinerary!

From Monroe, we have great flights to St. Maarten, so maybe this fun 7 DAY SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN cruise that ports in Dominica, Guadeloupe, Nevis, St. Bathelemy and St.Kitts is perfect for you. Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, lush mountains, and beautiful waterfalls are yours to explore on this little sailing ship with a very different itinerary! Cabins on both sailings on March 14 and 28 are priced as low as $1599.

If Tahiti tops your dream list, then, check out this sailing ship from Tahiti that cruises to the BEST OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC:Moorea, Raatea, Bora Bora, Tahaa, and Huahine. Their August 26 cruise starts as low as $4999--and that is with air from Los Angeles and an overnight hotel stay in Tahiti to rest up from the flight before cruising out. A shipboard credit and unlimited wi-fi makes this air, hotel, and 7 day cruise an even sweeter deal!

Free drink package, free wi-fi, and free gratuities are yours to enjoy along with a great price on any of these sailings listed below. Keep in mind these are just a few select dates we have available to sell at Monroe Travel Service, so why stay at home when the world of cruising is having a sale like this:

Considering we have 10 new ships coming to Alaska this summer in addition to the 12 cruise lines and their ships that are always there the deals are too many options to list. Please call or come by and let's talk if the Last Frontier is on your radar.

Also, if I failed to mention a trip to your desired destination, don't worry. We have been appointed as your local representative for all the major cruise and river boat lines. Whatever deals are floating around during WAVE SEASON, we can find the one right for you. We are fully bonded; your money is safe with us so don't talk to strangers or book on unknown websites when we are just around the corner!

If it is time to take the plunge and dive into a world of savings, you really don't want to miss WAVE SEASON!

Dianne Newcomer is a travel agent at Monroe Travel Service, 1908 Glenmar Avenue, just off Tower Drive and No. 19th. For your next vacation, call for a free consultation with one of their travel professionals at 318 323 3465 or email info@monroetravel.com.

Read or Share this story: https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/life/2020/02/15/there-wave-coming-travel-year-head-sea/4737830002/

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There is a wave coming for travel this year. Head to the sea. - The News Star

Today, the Bank of England begins issuing new polymer 20 banknotes, featuring Turner and The Fighting Temeraire, the ship herself famous for assisting Nelsons flagship, HMS Victory, at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Bank of England was founded in 1694 to help raise funds for the Navy.

At last, some recognition on a banknote of maritime Britain, albeit of a great ship towards the end of the Age of Sail, under tow in 1838 in the Thames at the beginning of the Age of Steam, nearing the Rotherhithe breakers yard.

Depicting the nations favourite painting, the banknote surely contains a message for HM Government and Britons.

The Royal Navy remains a bulwark for global Britain post-Brexit, for the defence of our islands and the UKs 14 overseas territories.

Today, 95% by volume of UK trade is in merchant ships and protection of our business on the high seas remains paramount.

The imminent defence review will surely embrace Global Britain, worldwide relationships, partnerships and sea trade.

The obvious outcome is that the United Kingdom must pursue a maritime defence strategy.

This will mean the lions share of twenty-pound notes funding the Navy, while ensuring investment in cyber security and counter-terrorism.

Yours faithfully,

Lester May

(Lieutenant Commander, Royal Navy retired)

Reachview Close

Camden Town

London

Originally posted here:

YOUR VIEW: UK must shore up the Navy again - NW Evening Mail

WINNER

Al Fayrooz LoungeThis is a top spot for visitors thanks to the stunning views of Burj Al Arab. Indulge in a traditional English tea in this elegant lounge and sample classics such as Victoria sponge, English fruit cake, tea cakes, sandwiches and scones.Dhs235 per person (Arabesque Afternoon Tea), Dhs335 including a glass of bubbly (Royal Afternoon Tea). Daily 2pm-6pm. Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim, http://www.jumeirah.com (04 432 3232).

Al BaytThis tea at Palace Downtown is a suitably regal affair. Choose from a traditional English or Arabic afternoon tea in this Arabesque lobby. The Arabic tray offers shawarma and kofta concoctions, scones flavoured with saffron and cardamom, and camel milk crme brle.Dhs170 per person. Daily 2pm-6pm. Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai, http://www.addresshotels.com (04 888 3444).

Raffles SalonThis is a delightful tea at a longstanding spot in Oud Metha. Amid a warm and homely setting, this is an excellent place to relax and indulge in beautiful culinary creations that go beyond what is traditionally served at afternoon tea.Dhs160 (tea and coffee), Dhs225 (one glass of bubbly). Daily 2pm-7pm. Raffles Hotel, Oud Metha (04 324 8888).

Choix Patisserie and Restaurant par Pierre GagnaireThe winner of this award in 2019, this afternoon tea, from a Michelin-starred chef, comes in a remarkably low-key setting. We love the petite cheese and truffle toasties (indulgent and delightfully crisp), while the colourful macarons are light and sweet.Dhs100 per person, Dhs150 for two. Daily 2.30pm-6pm. InterContinental Dubai Festival City (04 701 1136).

At.mosphere Restaurant & LoungeFancy high tea, literally? This is the worlds tallest restaurant and it serves up a high-flying tea. Its elegant, fancy and set on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa is a bucket-list experience.Dhs430 per person (non-window table), Dhs503 (window table). Daily noon-4.30pm. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, http://www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com (04 888 3828).

Noor LoungeWith a canopy of gilded trees and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the pool and on to the Arabian Gulf, the lobby of this luxurious Jumeirah hotel is the perfect place for a sophisticated afternoon tea. Noor Lounge offers just that with mini sandwiches, soft scones and the most incredible intricate pastries all served elegantly on the branches of a golden tiered platter. Plus an interesting and unusual choice of tea to wash it all down with.Dhs320 (for two). Open daily 2pm-6pm, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Jumeirah, http://www.mandarinoriental.com (04 777 2222).

Sahn EddarLooking to push the boat out? This afternoon tea at the world-famous Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is a must-try. Delicate sandwiches, fresh pastries and cakes make a decadent afternoon tea offering with the option of raising the bar with a glass of bubbly.Dhs550 per person, Dhs635 (house beverages). Daily 1pm-4pm. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, http://www.jumeirah.com (04 301 7600).

Shai SalonMarvel at the ornate ceilings as you enjoy a selection of English-style finger foods, cakes and snacks to complement a wide range of JING loose-leaf teas.Dhs285 per person, Dhs380 (bubbly). Daily 2pm-11pm. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, http://www.fourseasons.com (04 270 7805).

Sidra LoungeThis palatial hotel has a grand, traditional afternoon tea. Guests are serenaded by the live sounds of a pianist, cellist and saxophonist while enjoying three courses of delicious cakes and sandwiches. A charming afternoon.Dhs165 per person (regular afternoon tea), Dhs225 (grand afternoon tea). Sun-Fri 3pm-6pm, Sat 2pm-5pm. Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor City (04 435 5555).

The Chart RoomFor a foray back in time, you cant do better than the QE2, the iconic vessel now berthed in Port Rashid after a life transporting passengers across the high seas. Tea is now served on the Quarter Deck, with a line of tables looking out towards the docks with the Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa in the background. Youll enjoy a traditional stand of sandwiches and cakes with the choice of hot pastries too.Dhs195. Thu, Fri, Sat 3pm-5pm. The QE2, Port Rashid, Deira, http://www.qe2.com (04 526 8888).

More:

Dubais best afternoon teas 2020 - Time Out Dubai

There is no doubt that cruising remains one of the most glamorous holidays.

And the person to illustrate this perfectly is, of course, Queen of Cruise herself, Jane McDonald. Having taken a fair few cruises in her time (whether as a passenger or in her professional capacity as a cruise ship singer), Jane certainly knows how to dress to impress for the occasion and is often sharing her cruise ship style and packing tips with her avid fans.

Taking to Twitter while living the high life on the high seas, the cruise legend shared an exclusive snap of herself dressed in a dazzling pair of black-and-white polka dot trousers with a matching top, pointed black heels and simple accessories to match.

Her hair perfectly coiffed, the star looked effortlessly elegant as she posed on the cruise ships grand staircase before heading down for a glamorous evening on board.

The star wrote: Another week another cruise! (I still cant believe they pay me for this!) Ready for a glamorous evening. #cruise #holiday.

A couple of days later, Jane followed this up with another photo of herself, this time standing outside on the ships deck during the daytime.

Enjoying the glorious weather and bright blue skies, Jane posted a snap of herself fittingly dressed in a pink scalloped summer dress, paired with peep-toed tan sandals (revealing her lovely pedi and fabulous pins) and a pair of glamorous black shades to shield her eyes from the glaring sun.

This time, she simply tweeted: Blue skiesbright sunshinecalm seas another day cruising! #cruise #holiday.

Jane has retained an air of mystery in both tweets, not revealing to her followers which cruise ship she is currently on or indeed, to where she is sailing. However, we all know that its not long before she embarks on her voyage with Royal Caribbean, chartering her very first cruise this September with her fans by her side.

Departing on 20 September 2020, the seven-night Sail Away with Jane McDonald cruise will start in Southampton, completing a round-trip from the Hampshire city visiting Cherbourg, Vigo and Lisbon.

Jane, with her husband Ed in tow, will be on board for the whole duration of the cruise, making special appearances throughout the ship.

Visit floatingfestivals.co.uk for more information.

Go here to see the original:

Jane McDonald Shows Off Her Glamorous Outfits on Latest Cruise - World of Cruising

MICHAEL T BURT

The Amaltal Apollo trawler slipway at Port Nelson.

A New Zealand vessel, alleged to have illegally fished in a protected part of the Tasman Sea, has been removed from an international blacklist.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) moved to prosecute the Talley's-owned Amaltal Apollo over the alleged breach in May 2018. But environment groups are questioning what role government officials played in having the vessel removed from the draft Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) list reserved for disreputable fishing vessels.

The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, an umbrella group of NGOs, says officials carried out "heavy lobbying" on behalf of the Nelson-based company at a closed-door meeting of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO), the inter-government body in charge of regulating high seas fishing.

And they say that's inappropriate given the pending prosecution, due to be heard in court in March.

READ MORE:* NZ govt accused of proposing "shameful" new fishing rules* Forest and Bird release letters, slam trawling companies over seabed protection* Fishing company denies unauthorised trawling in Tasman Sea* Fishing company says observer error to blame in Tasman Sea breach* Government drops plan to restrict deep sea trawling, protect orange roughy

"It's sad to say, but the New Zealand Government has been captured by the deep-water fishing industry. It is acting as their advocate rather than as a government," Greenpeace ocean campaigner Jessica Desmond said.

She said she was "appalled".

LAWRENCE SMITH/STUFF

Oceans campaigner at Greenpeace Jessica Desmond says the Government has been acting as an advocate.

Last year conservationists also accused MPI for pushing for a delay on a decision on the list.

MPI's director of international policy Phil Houlding said the decision was made by consensus by the 15 member countries of SPRFMO.

"New Zealand supported this decision and is happy with SPRFMO's recognition of the effective action New Zealand has taken, and continues to take, in monitoring New Zealand flagged fishing vessels operating on the high seas and taking appropriate actions to deal with alleged breaches."

Houlding said MPI couldn't find any record of correspondence from Talley's lobbying on the blacklist.

Ina statement,Houldinglater added thatTalleys was present at the meeting as part of the High Seas Fisheries Group which represents industry participants in the fishery.

"It had observer status only, as is routine at SPRFMO meetings. It was not part of New Zealands delegation."

Amaltal - the deepwater division of Talley's Group - faces 14 charges over the incident. It was the first case of its kind involving a New Zealand vessel being considered for the international blacklist.

Tony Hazlett from Amaltal said in a statement that the AmaltalApollo hadbeen found to be alegal vessel.

"The spirit and intention of the management measures of the SPRFMOConvention is to identify and publicise and penalise truly illegal unregulated and illegal vessels. The Amaltal Apollo is not one of those vessels and this is reflected in the unanimous decision of the 15 SPRFMO countries and the Commission's decision.

"We are part of New Zealand's broader fishing fleet and we are a country in good standing with SPRFMO and have been a long vigorous proponent for rules and regulations in international waters."

In a statement issued last year the company said it was a technical error, made based on out-of-date information given by an MPI observer on board the vessel.

SPRFMO manages fisheries in the South Pacific and is meeting in Vanuatu.

Marine conservationists are also worried that the Government has gone into bat for deep sea fishers over a controversial rule designed to protect the ocean floor from deep sea bottom trawling.

Vessels must move to a new fishing area if they uplift a certain weight of vulnerable species - such as coral - in their trawl nets.

The weight was set at 250kg for stony coral. The European Union, supported by the US and Australia, proposed this be reduced drastically to 25kg. A limit of 80kg was eventually settled on.

Desmond said this was a "weak compromise" and said the EU plan was "vehemently opposed by New Zealand fishing industry lobbyists the High Seas Fishery Group, led by Talley's, and the New Zealand government".

"Other countries are trying to move on from this scorched-earth approach to fishing, but the New Zealand government seems determined to let our industrial fleets continue their rampage," she added.

More here:

'Scorched-earth approach to fishing': Conservationists says Govt lobbying for fisheries - Stuff.co.nz

Kleos satellites make use of automatic identification system (AIS) signals transmitted by large ... [+] ships.

With so much ocean to cover, another satellite company has brokered an agreement to keep track of large ships sailing around the world.

Luxembourg-based data service company Kleos and Geollect, a geospatial intelligence and analysis company in the United Kingdom, signed an agreement to use Kleos' data for a new tool. Whats even more interesting is the pact (whose dollar amount was not disclosed) was signed before Kleos satellites begin operations.

Geollect plans to use the data from Kleos forthcoming satellites for "dark vessel tracking capability" using radio frequency transmissions from ships. These transmissions include both the automatic transmissions that all ships must use to show their port of origin and destination (among other pieces of data), and other radio frequency communications emanating from vessels.

Kleos can offer unprecedented situational awareness at sea with optimized revisit rates, said Peter Round, Kleos chair, in a statement. Revisit rates refers to the amount of time in between satellite passes over a particular region of the world. Round added that key regions of maritime interest in the United Kingdom include the Strait of Hormuz (between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman), the South China Sea and the coast of Africa.

Artist's impression of Kleos satellites.

Four Kleos Scouting Mission radio surveillance satellites are set for launch in February from Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India. This liftoff, which was delayed a few times from August for various reasons, is expected to start building out the Kleos constellation of satellites.

The system is meant to provide "a global picture of hidden maritime activity, enhancing the intelligence capability of government and commercial entities," Kleos said in 2019.

"It is a further way of narrowing down areas of interest that should be investigated more by the analyst, and the narrowing down speeds up the workflow reducing the amount of EO [Earth observation] imagery that would need to be analyzed," CEO Andy Bowyer added in an e-mail in August.

As the company has yet to launch its satellites, Kleos is pre-revenue and expects customer money to start flowing once the satellites begin sending data to Earth. Several more rounds of launches are expected in 2020 and 2021, and the company already completed an initial public offering (stock market launch) in 2018.

The ship-tracking space has already attracted several other companies, including Spire Global, which announced the debut of an integrated AIS product a few days ago.

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New Contract Aims To Increase Security On The High Seas - Forbes

So, we werent surprised when we heard that the first roller coaster at sea would thrill passengers aboard the lines Mardi Gras.

The mega-ship under construction in Finland and set to debut in August will feature Bolt, an 800-foot coaster offering 360-degree views 187 feet above the sea with drops, dips and hairpin turns at up to 40 mph. A novel twist allows guests to choose their own speed.

The coaster is the centerpiece of the Ultimate Playground, one of Mardi Gras six themed zones and home to a WaterWorks aqua park with three slides and a splash zone for kids with a 150-gallon PowerDrencher tipping bucket. A recreation complex features a 600-foot-long suspended ropes course, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a jogging track and a basketball court.

And theres another milestone for Carnival: Its the first line to be certified sensory inclusive by KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities.

Team members, including guest services personnel and youth staff, have been trained to understand and help adults, youth and children with sensory-related questions or needs relating to conditions such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, PTSD, etc., notes a press release.

The cruise line also offers KultureCity sensory bags containing items such as noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys and a lanyard to help staff easily identify these guests to help calm, relax and manage sensory overload.

Visit carnival.com.

Excerpt from:

Adventure On The High Seas - The Boca Raton Observer