Sunday, April 28, 2024

Exterior Shutters Outdoor Window House Shutters

house shutters

Today, since window panes are standard in homes, decorative shutters are more common than functional shutters. However, shutters that are operational carry old-world charm and can still be used in conjunction with open windows to regulate light and air. The price of ShutterLand window shutters is largely determined by the style, material and finish combination. We have attempted to keep costs at a minimum for direct internet sales. You can get an immediate price by visiting the product page which best fits your need.

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The shutters would be unsightly and diminish the integrity of the shutters in a relatively short period of time. Using a composite material eliminates those problems, and the composition of the material is not evident when painted. Solid panel shutters incorporate a beveled or grooved section between the stiles and rails. This style is also prominent throughout all regions of the United States.

storm & hurricane protection

Plus, you can customize the overall configuration and even add an optional tilt rod and mouse holes. Wouldn’t it be nice to allow a soothing breeze to enter your home while shielding glaring light from the sun? Timberlane’s Bermuda Shutters do just that, and a whole lot more. Discover the shutter materials that we use to build our handcrafted shutters. Each has its own unique benefits and customization capabilities.

Experience Endless Shutter Personalization Options

This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Timberlane’s Open Board & Batten Shutter Profile option is simple, rustic, and looks right at home on farmhouses and cottages.

Raised panel shutters are synonymous with the ever-popular colonial look. Each raised panel option offers unique styling to create that welcoming feeling homeowners crave. Board & batten shutters are a popular choice for certain architectural styles such as farmhouse and cottage-inspired looks. Create your own design by adjusting the board width, choosing a different profile, and adjusting the batten placement. Composite exterior shutters install in a stationary position to the side of the window with the included Lexan polycarbonate fixed mounting brackets. The v-shaped 1-1/8″ x 1-1/8″ brackets are specifically suited for use with outdoor composite shutters.

Double Wide Shutter Widths

house shutters

Modifications to the configuration, including additional battens or space between boards, can be requested. Combination shutters merge the louvered and raised panel styles, separated with a divider rail. The most common configuration utilizes louvers on top with a solid panel below.

Shop exterior shutters by style

Workers rights case highlights the struggle immigrant women face in the workplace - Houston Public Media

Workers rights case highlights the struggle immigrant women face in the workplace.

Posted: Wed, 29 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Red Grandis is a nearly perfect high quality hardwood to manufacture exceptional exterior shutters. The straight tight grain of the Red Grandis timber is naturally durable with minimal knotting. The fibers of Red Grandis can raise a little in the finishing process giving it a slightly rougher surface than other species. The fibers are relatively uniform in color with variations from light pink to dark red, and accept paint or stain well. Red Grandis is dimensionally stable with strength comparable to Oak, yet lightweight in comparison to similar woods.

Custom Exterior Shutters

Most wood shutters are manufactured within a window of 4-6 weeks. Most vinyl shutters are manufactured within a window of 1-3 weeks. The raised or grooved areas of our solid panel shutters are ⅝ inch thick sections of composite material, which results in a more reliable exterior panel shutter. If wood were used for the solid panels, it would be necessary to assemble multiple pieces to achieve the necessary expanse. Over time, the seams between sections could detach and create cracks in the finish.

Time-tested Cedar shutters paint and stain nicely and will endure for years in harsh outdoor conditions when properly maintained. Exterior window shutters can be ordered unfinished, primed or fully painted. Combination shutters combine louvers with a raised panel for the best of both styles. Seven distinct outdoor shutter styles provide a broad array of options.

Panels are constructed from sheets of wood fibers pressed with marine grade resins. The resulting panels are rugged, sturdy and virtually impervious to rot. Vinyl shutters are available in 19 standard colors plus one paintable version. Colors are molded through the vinyl material for a lifetime finish.

Each of our handcrafted Hurricane-Rated Bermuda Shutter Profile options not only look good but are specifically built to help defend your home against intense storms. ShutterLand has a great reputation for both service and quality of product. We currently have 500+ Google reviews with an average score of 4.8.

Our Closed Board & Batten Shutter Profile options showcase a design that looks right at home on many homes or when a modern design is preferred. How the window is measured depends on which of these two options is selected. Stationary shutters permanently attach to the side of the window in a fixed location with the included polycarbonate mounting brackets.

Cedar shutters, mahagony shutters and pine shutters are among the most popular choices for exteriors, while basswood remains the leader in interior shutters. From raised to recessed, shaker to flat, ogee to quarter-round and bead trim, there are profiles to fit many home styles and tastes. Timberlane uses a craftsman-quality tongue and groove construction to secure the edge of the trim inside the shutter frame, ensuring a snug, long-lasting fit. Composite and wood shutters are available in a wider range of sizes. Composite, PVC and wood shutters are available in a wider range of sizes.

A divider rail is a horizontal bar (much like the top rail) that creates solid panel areas above and below the division. A divider rail is a horizontal bar (much like the top rail) that creates raised panel areas above and below the division. The brackets extend the full width of the shutter and are not easily visible after installed.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Best Shutter Value in All Styles

house shutters

White and grays work in a similar fashion to promote a unification of all components of the building. The compact grain of Mahogany is wonderfully nuanced with a rich, warm, reddish-brown hue. The resulting shutter is strong, sturdy, and moisture resistant. Construction begins with 99% percent knot free Select and Better Mahogany, resulting in extremely high-quality premium wood exterior shutters.

Measure Bahama Shutters

Average long-term mortgage rates edge higher, snapping 9-week slide - Boston.com

Average long-term mortgage rates edge higher, snapping 9-week slide.

Posted: Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

This species of Eucalyptus is grown on responsibly managed FSC–certified plantations in South America, and harvested after a 20 – 30 year growth cycle. The current production time for wood shutters is about 4-6 weeks, PVC 4-5 weeks and composite shutters 4-5 weeks. Once complete, our high-quality shutters ship directly from our shop to your house. Each panel pivots from the top of the window and prop outward from the bottom. Because of their broad expanse, bahama shutters often incorporate one or more vertical sub-stiles resulting in multiple banks of louvers. This particular exterior shutter style is predominantly used in the southern states or Caribbean islands.

house shutters

Composite Shutters

With the addition of hinges and hardware, premium wood shutters can swing open or closed to help govern sunlight, regulate airflow and manage privacy. ShutterLand provides three finish options for wood and composite materials. All shutters should be completely finished to protect the raw material for regular exposure to the outside elements. Quality paint applied with thorough coverage is the best to shield the shutters for an extended period.

Consider Storm Protection

Outdoor decorative vinyl shutters are strictly installed to add visual interest to the house. They are a cheap alternative to more solid materials and can be manufactured more quickly. The polypropylene components are molded with a wood grain pattern for surface texture.

Select one of the shutter styles above to price and order outdoor wood shutters. American homeowners and builders continue to loyally select exterior wood shutters after centuries of use. This is a testament to the enduring appeal and durability of the product. An array of nine popular widely used colors can be selected for factory paint application. Or, for a one-time matching fee of $200 a custom color can be specified. Exterior shutter paints typically match the second or third palette in a house’s color scheme or the front door.

Construction

They adapt to a majority of architectural home styles and are functionally the most practical. The louver angle provides visual depth and added dimension to any home. Common louvered wood shutters hinge to the side of the window with the ability to swing open and closed. Panels can also be mounted in a stationary position if operation is not required. Standard 1 ½ inch louvers comply with most requirements and often blend well with existing shutters.

house shutters

Shaker panel shutters are constructed the same way as the raised panel style, replacing the insert with a perforated section. This craftsman design simulates the vertical planks of the popular board and batten structure with the addition of surrounding stiles and rails. Solid panels are considerably easier to finish than louvered shutters. A similar contemporary flat panel shutter can also be supplied. Raised panel shutters incorporate solid tapered panels that lock between the stiles and rails. These rigid custom exterior shutters provide a structured appearance that is desirable on many homes.

Composite shutters look and feel real, but they have a few advantages over traditional wood. Composite does not absorb moisture, making it mold and rot resistant. They are not susceptible to termites, and composite shutters have double the expected lifespan of their real wood counterpart.

We offer thousands of sizes of each style to meet the requirements of a specific window. Most composite shutters are manufactured within a window of 4-6 weeks. This projection is calculated based on current orders moving through the shop. We evaluate and update the forecast daily and we work diligently to meet the production time quoted. Most composite shutters are manufactured within a window of 4-5 weeks.

Stationary shutters permanently attach to the side of the window in a fixed location. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative is a North American forest designation standard that guarantees wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests. The two major considerations when making a species selection are price and longevity.

Some homeowners may elect to use Southern Yellow Pine as a more economical solution. All outdoor wooden shutters are built with solid lengths of meticulously selected kiln-dried premium lumber. Boards are inspected for straightness and to remove any imperfections. The plastic shutters are constructed in the form of a shell, with four sides and a front from 1/8″ vinyl.

Sizes are nominal, and the actual width received may vary by 1/4 inch more or less than ordered. The actual height will be within 1/8 inch of the size ordered. Outdoor shutters can be installed as stationary elements that enhance the look of a building only. This is the least costly option, requiring simple hardware like exterior grade screws or anchors to affix the shutters to the face of a building. The most common and recognizable tree species for the construction of outdoor shutters is Cedar. Cedar shutters possess an impressive condensed grain with few knots, resulting in straight handsome panels interwoven with tones of red, brown, and tan.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Best Cruise Ships: Discover Our Top Rated Ships

royal caribbean cruise line ship names

Ovation of the Seas is the third vessel in Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class of ships. The table below lists every Royal Caribbean ship currently in service in order from largest to smallest. This measurement is by GT or Gross Tonnage which measures overall space and not weight. At around 139,000 tons, the ships are about 11% smaller than the Freedom Class ships.

This story is part of Travel Tips

Jewel of the Seas offers a range of itineraries, including short Greece cruises from Haifa, and Caribbean cruises from Galveston and San Juan. Ovation of the Seas was the third Quantum-class ship, and the last before the introduction of the Quantum Ultra class. She shares many of the same popular features as her sister ships, such as the Bionic Bar and the North Star.

royal caribbean cruise line ship names

Loyalty program (Crown and Anchor Society)

Navigator of the Seas offers endless opportunities for you to bond with your loved ones. Discover all the exciting family vacation ideas and travel activities. With an abundance of onboard cruise attractions and experiences discover the top 10 things to do onboard Quantum of the Seas for a vacation temptation. Envision your next travel vacation, as you plan the best family cruise getaway while sailing onboard the Voyager of the Seas. Plan the best vacation with all included onboard cruise activities and experiences!

Making an Icon: Icon of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises

Grandeur of the Seas primarily cruises around the Caribbean from different ports in Florida, although there are also cruises from Boston to explore Canada. During winter, she sails around the Caribbean from Tampa, but she’s another ship that crosses the Atlantic for the summer season, with a variety of Mediterranean cruises from Ravenna, Barcelona, and Athens. She offers the Ultimate World Cruise, including segment sailings all around the world. The Mariner of the Seas was already a fun-packed ship when she first launched over 20 years ago, but her Amplification since has seen even more awesome features added. Guests can enjoy duelling waterslides, the FlowRider surf simulator, or a relaxed meal in Jamie’s Italian. She still has plenty of exciting things to do onboard, including the Royal Theater, the climbing wall, the sports court, the arcade and more.

Royal Caribbean News Round-up October 8, 2023 - Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean News Round-up October 8, 2023.

Posted: Sun, 08 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Free Things to Do on Grandeur of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises

Following on from the launch of the first Icon-class ship in 2024, Royal Caribbean will launch a second Icon-class ship in 2025 – Star of the Seas. The agreement to build a sixth Oasis-class ship was signed on 18th February 2019. Originally, the ship was scheduled to be delivered in late 2023, but the date has been put back around 12 months due to the effects of the global pause.

The remaining eight vessels, spread across two classes, are comparatively smaller, with a maximum capacity of about 2,500 passengers. These smaller, typically older ships offer routes to destinations less accessible to larger vessels. They appeal to Royal Caribbean fans who prefer a more intimate cruising experience and are willing to forego some onboard amenities. Dazzling entertainment, palate pleasing dining, sensational spa services and luxury that takes your getaway from first class to world class — onboard these award-winning cruise ships, every experience exceeds expectations. Mariner of the Seas was the last of the Voyager class ships and is a second generation Voyager class vessel. Built in 2003, Mariner has a max capacity of 3,807 while coming in at 139,863 in gross tonnage.

(NEW) RoyalUp - cabin upgrade bidding

The 274-night itinerary (Dec 10, 2023, thru Sept 10, 2024) is roundtrip from PortMiami and visits 150 ports/islands (57 new for RCI), 65 countries, 7 continents. On June 15th, RCG signed with Eagle LNG Partners LLC (Eagle LNG) a contract for providing LNG (liquefied natural gas) and bunkering services to LNG-powered RCI liners, the first of which is Icon OTS. The gas supply is sourced from Eagle LNG's facilities in JAXPORT-Jacksonville Florida, shipped throughout the Caribbean and bunkered by Eagle LNG-owned newbuild vessels. In December RCI ended its partnership with Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings Inc (1978-founded company that manufactures premium ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet). On 13 RCI ships, the Ben & Jerry's ice cream shops (previously offering the Vermont brand) now offer in-house brand ice cream. Since March 2023, RCI provides fleetwide once-per-day cabin housekeeping service to all staterooms in non-suite categories.

RCI-Royal Caribbean's ship Brilliance of the Seas cut voyage short due to propulsion problem

Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Splendor of the Seas is the name of a former Royal Caribbean cruise ship, although it was spelled "Splendour". She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises.

With new ships launching so often, it can be tricky to keep track of which is the newest Royal Caribbean ship. Oasis-class ships go a step further, featuring an outdoor Boardwalk area furnished with a beautifully hand-carved carousel. The thrill of a Royal Caribbean cruise truly comes to life on the upper decks, where guests are treated to a plethora of unique experiences not found on any other seafaring vessel.

Three of the four vessels — all but Enchantment of the Seas — have an Izumi Asian restaurant. In general, they appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship as well as those who care more about the destinations they visit than the onboard attractions. Dating to the 1990s, the Vision Class ships are the smallest at Royal Caribbean, and they offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line's vessels. There are also some variations in attractions among the five Voyager Class vessels.

In general, Royal Caribbean's newest ships are far bigger and much more amenity-packed than its older ships. If you crave a lot of activities in a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation, you'll want to stick to vessels built in the last 15 or so years. With two more Oasis class ships on order, there will be a total of seven ships in this class. In addition to being the largest ships in the world (before the debut of Icon of the Seas), Oasis class ships introduced Central Park and the Coney-Island inspired Boardwalk. Being able to accommodate well over 5,000 passengers, the first Oasis vessel was launched in 2009. Another Vision class ship, Enchantment of the Seas was built in 1997 and has a gross tonnage of 82,910 with a max capacity of 2,730.

RCI's children program (named "Adventure Ocean") covers ages 2-17 and features brand partnerships (with Fisher-Price, Crayola), Family Disco Hour. Dedicated areas and facilities, including toddlers-only pools, computer rooms, video game arcades, separate kids- and teen-only clubs. Also complimentary the company offers to kids and teenagers supervised activities at dedicated facilities and youth counselors on each vessel. Occasionally, Royal Caribbean offers VOOM package discounts for passengers with pre-purchased online (via CruisePlanner) internet packages. Discounts are also offered for Royal Caribbean loyalty program members (Crown and Anchor Society) when the VOOM package is purchased onboard.

Launched in 2009 with the debut of Oasis of the Seas, the Oasis-class ships have dominated the world of mega-size cruise ships since that year. At the time the class began rolling out, the vessels were around 40% bigger than the next-biggest cruise ships, and they have continued to be the biggest and most amenity-laden ships in the world ever since. These engineering wonders take home awards every year for their cutting-edge design, first-of-their-kind attractions, world-class dining and accommodations, and unforgettable experiences. From the tallest slide at sea, to culinary concepts that take guests from Japan to Italy to Wonderland, the world’s largest cruise ships are full of adventures guaranteed to wow every kind of explorer. These engineering wonders take home awards every year for their cutting-edge design, first-of-their-kind attractions, world class dining and accommodations, and unforgettable experiences.

Trials on the new Starlink Internet services were successfully conducted on Freedom OTS in June. Starlink Internet installations were scheduled to be completed fleetwide in 2023-Q1. In 2023, RCI's 26 vessels served 6+ million travelers (~23% increase from 2022's 4,6M) and visited 252 call ports (230 in 2022). The most visited were Nassau (Bahamas) and Cozumel (Mexico), both received 3+ million tourists. Since January 2023, RCI's onboard messaging system is complimentary (provided free of charge fleetwide/via Royal App) regardless of cabin category and during the entire voyage. The brand's other major markets are Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

Cruise ship guide: 20 popular lines explained

cruise liners companies

Diving deeper into the details, Royal Caribbean International consistently outdoes itself in offering unforgettable sea journeys. Orbitz is a typical OTA that offers flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, and cruises. However, the price guarantee isn’t as strong as some of the other sites — you’ll need to find a lower price within 24 hours to receive the difference in price as a refund. The site allows you to quickly search cruises by destination, cruise line, departure port, or last-minute deals.

MSC Cruises

The Ultimate List of Cruise Lines: A Roundup of Different Cruise Lines By Category - Cruise Critic

The Ultimate List of Cruise Lines: A Roundup of Different Cruise Lines By Category.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This advanced technology, encapsulated in the wearable OceanMedallion, streamlines numerous aspects of the cruise experience. It provides expedited boarding, touchless stateroom entry, on-demand food and beverage delivery, easy navigation around the ship, and more. It’s an example of how Princess Cruises skillfully marries tradition with innovation to enhance their passengers’ experience. Overall, Royal Caribbean’s commitment to innovation, coupled with a high standard of service and a wide array of global itineraries, sets the bar for contemporary cruising.

Viking Cruises: Navigating Luxury

TUI's new river cruise brand targets predominantly the UK market with 3 riverboats (TUI Maya, TUI Skyla, TUI Isla). Each boat has capacity 155 pax plus 40 crew, length 135 m, 4 decks (3 with cabins). Swan Hellenic's fleet has 3 newbuilds ordered by the Russian company Vodohod (shipowner). The brand starts operations in 2025-Q4 with a 207-m-long, 180-passenger superyacht (tbn) with 14 decks and 95 staterooms. The shipbuilding order with Fincantieri (placed in July 2021) includes two more sisterships. All brands offer complimentary onboard live entertainment, leisure facilities, daily scheduled activities, enrichment program, youth programs, buffet dining.

Royal Caribbean International: A Voyage Fit for Royalty

All Viking cruise ships are adults-only, so couples can enjoy their trip without interruptions from other travelers' children on board. Cruising is a popular way for travelers to visit multiple destinations for one price. In fact, industry statistics indicate that nearly 80% of travelers who have cruised before want to book another cruise in the future. The best cruise lines offer transportation, accommodations, food and entertainment that meet their target audience's needs. With just four ships, each holding fewer than 700 passengers, Azamara is one of the smallest players in the cruise business. But it has a loyal following of travelers who appreciate the upscale ambience of its vessels, the inclusive amenities it offers (including gratuities and alcoholic drinks) and its destination focus.

Cruise Ships

This much-beloved luxury line recently restarted operations under new owners after shutting down for 18 months. For years, it was considered the ultimate luxury cruise operator, and our take after sailing on Crystal Serenity after its relaunch is that the line is even better than before. But it recently announced plans to expand rapidly with four more ships over the next six years. The line prides itself on offering longer stays in ports, including multi-day visits. Pricing is higher than at the big, mass-market lines but not quite as high as you'll find at luxury lines. "Royal Asian Cruises" (RAC) is a luxury cruise line based in Sri Lanka, with offices in India and the USA.

Carnival Cruise Lines Set To Sell Headquarters Near Miami - CoStar Group

Carnival Cruise Lines Set To Sell Headquarters Near Miami.

Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:41:15 GMT [source]

cruise liners companies

(No 1) Carnival Corporation & plc (1972-founded American-Panamanian company) is the world's largest cruise shipowner, with 1/2 share of the market. The company is dual-listed (as Carnival Corp and Carnival plc), Southampton-headquartered, has a combined fleet of 100+ ships, 160,000+ berths, 10,000+ employees, ~75,000 crew, USD 38,9 billion in assets, USD 16,4B revenue (data 2016). Carnival owns the following brands (in brackets - the year of acquisition/establishment) - AIDA (2000), CCL-Carnival (1972), Costa (2000), Cunard (1998), HAL-Holland America (1989), Ibero (2007), P&O UK and P&O Australia (2003), Princess (2003), Seabourn (1992).

cruise liners companies

Which cruise lines does Norwegian own?

Celebrity's four newest ships, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent, feature "infinite veranda" cabins that are open to the sea in a way we haven't seen with other ocean ships. They boast a glass wall that opens from the top to create a balcony-like effect. Some of the brands — Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, in particular — operate massive vessels that are like giant floating resorts with deck-top water parks and other over-the-top amusements.

Seabourn

This marina platform is available in select warm-weather destinations and adds a fun and adventurous element to the cruise. From the Seabourn Conversations program, where luminaries from various fields share insights and experiences, to the evening entertainment featuring musical performances and dance shows, there’s something for every taste. Guests can also indulge in spa and wellness activities, thanks to a partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil, offering a holistic spa and wellness experience that integrates physical, social, environmental, and spiritual well-being. Carnival Cruise Line sails to a broad range of sunny destinations, including the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and even Panama Canal. Their private island destinations, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays in the Bahamas, offer an exclusive beach day to their guests, complete with water sports, excursions, and a beachside BBQ.

You’ll find lots of different types of cruises, from budget to luxury and from mega-ships to riverboats. We combed through the most popular websites used to book cruises to look at their pros and cons and to do some head-to-head price comparisons. Specializing in ocean, river, ultra-luxury, small ship and expedition cruises. As with other luxury lines, Seabourn offers a wide range of itineraries around the globe.

A cruise line is a company that operates cruise ships and markets cruises to the public.[1] Cruise lines are distinct from passenger lines which are primarily concerned with transportation of their passengers. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when looking at the myriad of cruise lines currently available. There are cruise companies catering to families, lines for those seeking a luxury getaway, river cruise lines and even companies that specialize in expeditions and adventure cruises. Seabourn’s fleet consists of five intimate, all-suite ships, each carrying between 458 and 600 guests. This small-ship experience allows for high levels of personalized service, a relaxed social atmosphere, and access to less-traveled ports that larger ships cannot reach. Among the fleet, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation, the newest additions, offer an expanded array of amenities and enhancements while staying true to the line’s intimate ambiance.

Typical passengers are a mix of veterans and first-timers, many kids and couples in their 50s. Ships are large-sized (over 3000 passengers), providing large resort-like experience. Examples include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, MSC, Costa, Holland America, AIDA, TUI. With so many culinary options to choose from, NCL’s Free at Sea program delivers guests more value with vacation enhancing benefits including specialty dining credits, unlimited beverage package, shore excursion credits, Wi-Fi minutes and more. The Commodore Room, one of Norwegian Aqua’s complimentary main dining venues, is being reimagined with a sophisticated design paying homage to the luxury maritime aesthetic of the past with antique wood furnishings, leather banquettes and stone accents.

The brand's inauguration is planned for 2023-Q4, with the newbuild luxury residential cruise ship MV Narrative. The ship Aroya Manara (2017-built as "MS World Dream" for Genting Cruise Lines) operates exclusively in the Red Sea. EXPEDITION TRAVEL brands operate nature-themed voyages to unusual destinations (Arctic, Antarctica, Galapagos, Indian Ocean islands, Alaska). Prices depend on itinerary (fares from $ + pp per day. Itineraries range from 1-3 weeks. Passengers are older and more experienced. Ships are usually with ice-strengthened hull (also icebreakers), marina platform (watersports) and Zodiacs (large boats for landings). Examples include Windstar, Lindblad-National Geographic, Quark Expeditions, Uncruise Adventures, Star Clippers, Metropolitan Touring. CHEAPEST brands (aka mass-market/mainstream) offer good product at affordable prices.

This France-based line is a specialist in expedition cruising, a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on small, hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft. Its seven ships feature a relaxed, country club-like ambience and inspired dining that appeal to a mostly older crowd. Multistory waterslides, ropes courses and even go-kart race tracks are among the gee-whiz attractions atop Norwegian Cruise Line's giant, resort-like ships. Tradition long has been a touchstone for this storied line, which dates to 1873 and is known for carefully crafted, globe-circling itineraries on midsize ships.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Why Ukraine wants Germany's Taurus missiles 03 15 2024

taurus cruise missile

That unspecific formulation allowed government lawmakers to advocate sending Taurus missiles, or not. Britain and France have long since announced that they were sending Storm Shadow and Scalp long-range missiles, respectively, to Ukraine. Taurus Systems conducted free flight tests on the missile system in Denel Overberg Test Range, South Africa, in November 2002. The test was led by Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 61 and the German Air Force.

Ukraine Eyeing German Taurus KEPD 350 Cruise Missiles

Taurus Systems has proposed a few variant Taurus missiles, including models designed to launch from the open rear ramp of cargo aircraft (Taurus T), or surface-launched from containers that could be plonked onto trucks or ships (Taurus CL). A mysterious Modular Payload model was possibly intended for electronic warfare or microwave-weapon payloads (Taurus MP or HPM). There’s also a reduced-mass variant (KEPD-150 Taurus-L) with smaller fuel supply and warhead, and a proposed anti-ship model. How effective the Taurus or Storm Shadows could be depend on how Ukraine would use them, such as targeting the supports of bridges or roadways, he said. Last week, German lawmakers called on the government to deliver further long-range weapons to Ukraine, but voted down an opposition call explicitly urging it to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles.

IAI to supply air defence radar to an undisclosed European country

For the typical pop-up attack, a Taurus missile lunges upward on the final approach, giving the IR-imaging sensor in Taurus’s nose a better vantage to search below for a structure matching a 3D model of its pre-assigned target. Once identified, the missile dives at 90 degrees towards the target’s roof. If the missile can’t find its target, it’s programmed to crash somewhere it won’t cause collateral damage. Both are made by European missile manufacturer, MDBA, were developed in tandem and have almost identical uses Hoffmann said.

Variants

But ultimately, "these attacks on bridges using Storm Shadow have not been terribly effective, it seems," Hoffmann told Newsweek. Although it is difficult to tell from photos and available footage, Storm Shadow strikes appear to have damaged the bridges, but not taken them out for long periods of time. Russia has blamed several attacks on bridges in the annexed Crimean peninsula on Ukraine, and specifically on U.K.-supplied Storm Shadow missiles. On Sunday, the Russian-backed governor of Ukraine's southern Kherson region said Kyiv had fired 12 Storm Shadow missiles at two bridges linking mainland Ukraine with Crimea. Unverified footage showed holes in the bridge, with Russian media and officials reporting temporarily paused traffic. Russia has also accused Ukraine of attacking the Kerch Bridge, connecting Russia to Crimea, with naval drones.

Why Germany is rattled about sending its Taurus missile to Ukraine - POLITICO Europe

Why Germany is rattled about sending its Taurus missile to Ukraine.

Posted: Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The government in Berlin has been reluctant to provide Ukraine with weapons that could attack targets on Russian territory, fearing a further escalation of the war. That said, Taurus’s expanded range also would improve Ukraine’s strike options across Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, making it impossible for Russia to keep depots and command posts out of range while on occupied soil. Russia has repeatedly tried and failed to destroy those Su-24s on the ground. The KEPD-350 is broadly comparable to the Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG stealth cruise missile developed jointly by the UK and France, which began supplying Storm Shadows to Ukraine in spring and summer, breaking the taboo on long-range weapon transfers. "We are still of the opinion that right now this is not our top priority," Pistorius said on Thursday. "We are not the only ones not delivering. Our American allies are not supplying these cruise missiles either. Ours have a special range. The time for us to make a decision has not yet come."

taurus cruise missile

The Taurus KEPD-350 missile, which Germany may send to Ukraine, is considered to be one of the most modern weapon systems in use by the German military, the Bundeswehr. Germany began developing Taurus in the mid-1990s after a failed attempted cooperation over France’s Apache anti-runway missile, which evolved into the French-British Storm Shadow. Taurus was intended for compatibility with the DWS-24 (renamed DWS-39) weapon dispenser that Germany developed with Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors for its Tornado IDS strike jets. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders.

In some political discussions, the range of the Taurus has been put at around 430 miles. Scholz’s remarks drew a sharp rebuke from opposition lawmakers of the Christian Democratic Union, who accused him of mistrusting Ukraine and disregarding the possibility local forces could eventually use the weapon entirely without German assistance. "We did that with Starstreak and Storm Shadow. Germany should now send their Taurus missile systems to Ukraine and join the UK and France." As many as 150 to 300 of the Bundeswehr's 600 Taurus missiles could quickly be ready for use.

German lawmakers reject motion to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine - Reuters

German lawmakers reject motion to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

Posted: Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

TAURUS KEPD 350 is a product of TAURUS Systems, a joint venture between Saab and MBDA Deutschland. The partnership includes the system’s development, production and global marketing. The Taurus KEPD 350 is currently in service with Germany, Spain, and South Korea. The missile has been tested and evaluated by several other countries, such as Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, India, and Turkey. The Taurus KEPD 350 is a product of Taurus Systems GmbH, a joint venture between MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Saab Bofors Dynamics.

How many Taurus missiles could Germany deliver?

Should Germany agree to send Taurus missiles, Berlin would likely demand a similar guarantee, Hoffman told Newsweek on Monday. Therefore, he added, a range of up to 430 miles would be de-facto restricted to operating within Ukrainian territory. The use of TRN and IBN autonomous guidance systems allows the missile to be used without support for satellite guidance systems, among other things. In this case, guidance is provided by inertial navigation system, which is periodically corrected in flight according to TRN and IBN data. On approaching the target, a thermal imaging head is activated, which provides guidance to the missile in the final part of the flight. TGSN has a focal plane matrix of sensitive elements (256 x 256) of indium antimonide and provides automatic target recognition.

"We are not the only ones not delivering. Our American allies are not supplying these cruise missiles either. Ours have a special range," he said. The basic model of the TAURUS KEPD 350 is equipped with a MEPHISTO (Multi-Effect Penetrator, High Sophisticated and Target Optimised) combat unit. The MEPHISTO tandem concrete piercing combat unit (481 kg) was developed by the French-German company TDA/TDW. The leading charge of the combat unit is a 0.36 m cumulative diameter, 0.53 m long.

Ukraine could be on the cusp of getting Germany's Taurus long-range cruise missiles, possibly giving Kyiv the edge it needs to move its ongoing counteroffensive firmly into Russian-controlled Crimea. BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made clear Monday that he remains reluctant to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, pointing to a risk of his country becoming directly involved in the war. The blast and fragmentation capabilities eliminate the collateral damage to civil facilities near the target. The stand-off and precision capabilities of the missile and deployment range of more than 350km ensure maximum safety to the aircraft and crew. The high precision stand-off guided missile system can penetrate through dense air defence systems and destroy the hard and deeply buried stationary and semi-stationary military targets on ground.

This metal penetrator, weighing 400 kilograms (880 pounds), uses sensors to measure how much resistance it has to overcome. Taurus can penetrate several floors of a bunker before the actual warhead explodes. Taurus is used against what the German Air Force refers to as "high-value targets," which would include bunkers or command posts from which enemy troops control operations. When it reaches its target, the missile climbs steeply and then hits from above in a vertical nosedive.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Disney Cruise Gratuities Guide + Calculator

disney cruise line gratuities

They’ll assist you daily and you’ll observe them doing their jobs. Pre-paying Disney cruise line tips can be useful when budgeting for your Disney cruise. If you haven’t pre-paid, the charges will be added to your onboard account.

Disney Cruise Tipping

disney cruise line gratuities

But because of this, Disney automatically charges you the gratuities. It’s considered “good form” to reward them for the service they provide. The easiest situation is that you’re giving the baseline tip level. If you’re just giving the recommended amount, you don’t really have to do anything.

Should you Tip the Tour Guides on Port Adventures?

Each and every cast and crew member make you feel like you are the most important person on the ship. My opinion only – you do you – I don’t think that bare minimum level of tipping is adequate for the impeccable service you’re getting at these restaurants. Bar tabs (at the coffee bars and at the traditional bars) on the Disney Cruise Line ships have an automatic 18% gratuity added.

Prepaid Gratuities

Celebrity Cruises Makes Major Rate Increase for Passengers - Cruise Hive

Celebrity Cruises Makes Major Rate Increase for Passengers.

Posted: Sun, 02 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Let the dedicated crew members know that their exceptional service has made your dreams come true. They are a tangible way to express gratitude, motivate the crew members, and foster a culture of exceptional service. By providing gratuities, you become an integral part of the magical experience aboard a Disney Cruise.

Replies to “Disney Cruise Line Increases Base Gratuities”

Is a Disney Cruise truly an all-inclusive vacation, or are there additional costs – like gratuities – to keep in mind? Additionally, Concierge Guests often ask for guidance regarding gratuities for the Concierge Lounge Team (Concierge Managers and the Concierge Servers). Disney recommends that these folks receive a gratuity amount of $8.00 per night, per stateroom guest. However, it is always up to the Guest to determine what they feel is appropriate.

Your main server will be responsible for your meals and the assistant typically handles your drink orders. If you are in the midst of planning a Disney Cruise, it might help to know what to expect when it comes to Disney Cruise Line Gratuities. While Disney Cruise Line will give you an idea on how much they expect you to give, you do have the choice on exactly how much gratuities you give out.

These gratuities are broken down the same as above with the addition of an assistant stateroom host. In such cases, you can provide additional cash tips to express your appreciation directly to the crew members who went above and beyond to make your cruise extraordinary. It is important to note that these service charges are automatically added to your onboard account and can be adjusted or removed if necessary. Tipping is an integral part of the Disney Cruise experience, to acknowledge the exceptional service during your voyage.

Ask a thousand people and you’ll get a thousand different answers. And when you get those answers, you can’t 100% be sure that what they’ve told you is true. There are two options to pay your Disney Cruise line gratuities.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of Disney Cruise gratuities, providing you with valuable tips and insights to help you navigate this aspect of your vacation. Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, this guide will equip you with all the necessary information to make informed decisions and ensure a memorable trip. Yes, gratuities are expected and are automatically charged to your on board account. Cruise tipping is common to most cruise lines, not just Disney.

However, you will most likely receive exceptional service at Palo and Remy. When planning a Disney cruise, one question that often arises is whether you can use cash onboard the ship. The answer is that all onboard purchases are charged back to your stateroom folio, but you can use cash to pay that folio. That said, an 18% gratuity will automatically be applied to all spa services you receive.

Gratuities are an important aspect of your Disney Cruise experience, appreciated by the crew members for the outstanding service they provide. In May 2022, Carnival Cruise Line increased per passenger gratuities by $.51 per day, for a total of $14.50 per day for standard cabins and $16.50 per day for suites. The last time Disney increased the recommended gratuities was in January 2019. Disney Cruise Line has not increased the recommended gratuities since January 2019. If you order an alcoholic beverage, or a soda or bottled water from a bar rather than using the drink machines, a tip is automatically added to your bill. However, if you wish to add more, you can do so on the receipt.

If guests with current sailings added pre-paid gratuities to their reservation prior to July 2, 2022, they will keep that rate of $13.50 per guest, per night. Guests who add pre-paid gratuities going forward, will be charged the new rate of $14.50 per guest, per night of their sailing. The total recommended gratuity is $14.50 per person/per day based on the length of the cruise. To ensure transparency and fairness, Disney Cruise Line provides guidelines on their website that outline the breakdown of the automatic gratuity distribution. By referencing these guidelines, you can get a better understanding of how your gratuity contributes to the various departments, such as dining, housekeeping, and youth activities.

You're expected to tip various members of the ship's staff, including your dining room server, head server, and others. As of the current guidelines, the customary amount is around $14.50 per person per day, which can be prepaid or charged to your onboard account. Broken down, the standard gratuities cover the three levels of dining room server – head server, assistant server, and server – as well as the stateroom host that cleans and services guests’ cabins. The recommended daily gratuity for each of these positions has been increased by $.25 per passenger, per day. Disney Cruise Line has a well-defined gratuity policy in place, with automatic gratuities added to your onboard account as a convenient way to show your appreciation. However, it’s important to understand the guidelines, consider additional cash tips for outstanding service, and budget accordingly to ensure a seamless and gratifying experience.

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Msc Magnifica 4 Night Bahamas Cruise from Miami, Florida

4 night bahamas & perfect day cruise

Swim in the Bahamas' largest freshwater pool, go down the tallest waterslide in North America, and chill with a book in the only private overwater cabanas in the Bahamas. Out of all the towns in the Bahamas, Nassau encapsulates this destination's heritage with many historical landmarks. Stop by Fort Charlotte, the Queen's Staircase, Pompey Square or the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas and get a dose of its past. Shake off the sand and delve deep into towns like Nassau and Freeport and the remote island of CocoCay.

SHORT BAHAMAS CRUISES

A cruise to the Bahamas is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover the Bahamas onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships. To take your holiday experience to an entirely new level, visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, where a perfect day is waiting.

THE 25 BEST Cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:04:11 GMT [source]

Night Bahamas & Perfect Day sailing on the Allure Of The Seas

A respite for sun and sand seekers, the Bahamas is home to light blue beaches, translucent underwater caves, a rich royal heritage and exclusive private isles. These can all be found throughout a beautifully scattered string of 700 islands (most of which are uninhabited). The Bahamas has an island for every taste and style, and it's easy to enjoy its subtropical charm during an overnight stint or a week-long cruise. Fill your days on a short escape with Oasis Class thrills – onboard Allure of the Seas®. And catch jaw-dropping entertainment, night after night.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. Get ready for the most fun you will have Monday through Friday! When you cruise to the Bahamas from Miami you get more choices of what to do and see on your vacation with the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Cruising. Experience everything you want in this fun-filled weekday itinerary. Plan a Bahamas excursion on board your cruise vacation; swim, play, snorkel or just unwind in the sunny Bahamas.

Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary. Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help.

Weekend cruises aren't just for adults, families can enjoy them too! Laze in a beachside hammock or get your thrills at Thrill Waterpark on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Jump onboard a Bahamas cruise to stroll along the waterfront of capital city Nassau and see its distinctive pastel-coloured buildings. Or explore waterfalls and botanic gardens on Grand Bahama Island.

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay 2024 (with Prices) - Perfect Day at CocoCay Cruise Port Terminal on ... - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay 2024 (with Prices) - Perfect Day at CocoCay Cruise Port Terminal on ....

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:45:47 GMT [source]

Save Big with these Bahamas Cruise Deals

Take a nature walk or a Jeep adventure through the pine forests, or stretch your legs at the Rand Nature Center, which offers bird-watching and installations by local artists. Beyond the coasts lie more wonderful discoveries. Saunter the lively streets of Nassau, chill by a freshwater pool in Perfect Day at CocoCay or get a history lesson at the Heritage Museum during your cruise to the Bahamas. Soak up island views and aquatic adventures with a cruise to the Bahamas.

Related Destinations

4 night bahamas & perfect day cruise

All while sailing to the picture-perfect shores of The Bahamas and our private destination Perfect Day at CocoCay. If you’re craving crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and island vibes turned way, way up, these getaways tick all the boxes. Home to enchanting shades of blue and deliciously warm breezes, the Bahamas is the ideal place for adventures involving the sea. The best Bahamas cruises will allow you to dive and discover underwater worlds, meet marine animals and shop for island souvenirs by the ocean.

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars & include NCCF. Government taxes & fees are additional and vary based on sailing. All government taxes and fees may change without notice -- please confirm at time of booking. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking.

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