The Merchant Navy and the Internet
May 6, 2007
A web site dedicated to the writings of the sea, ships and all those that sail on them? It sounds strange as who knows what the Merchant Navy is or what those at sea actually do all day, those who work in the Industry that is. Isn’t the Merchant Navy something to do with fishing or fighting? What is interesting about that? "Get a real job", some would say and others would ask "and so why haven’t you got a sun tan". So why would anybody be interested in a web site filled with things that nobody is interested in ? beats me.
If one would look through the endless Marine and Nautical webs sites available or if one was to go to a bookshop and look at the available literature on the subject this is what you might find. Ten books on the "Titanic", dozens of "how to sail around the world in a plastic boat with a sail" DIY books and a couple on "when I was shipwrecked or and attacked by pirates" biographies. This is all good stuff and I must admit to do with the sea and ships, but oh so very long ago! The Merchant Navy of today is not about sails and pirates, it is not about sinking ships and unqualified people sailing the world for adventure, it is not about scurvy and cannibals in foreign lands and it is definitely not about fishing and catching the nearest ferry to France!
Sailing Itineraries
May 5, 2007
SAILING ITINERARIES IN GREECE - A PROPOSAL
Bellow you may find some itinerary suggestions for your sailing holidays in Greece. These routes are just a proposal your actual itinerary should always be planned having in mind current weather conditions for your crew’s safety! Important notice : Charters in Greece usually start on Saturdays at 17:00 and usually end one or two weeks later on Saturday morning at 09:00.
Saronic Gulf & Eastrn Peloponnese Departure/return base Alimos Marina - Athens
1 Week charter
1st Day Alimos Marina Check-in at 17:00 2nd Day Epidavros 31 NM 3rd Day Hydra Island 32 NM 4th Day Spetses Island 15 NM 5th Day Poros Island 26 NM 6th Day Aegina Island 13 NM 7th Day Alimos Marina 17 NM 8th Day Check-out at 9:00
2 Weeks Charter
1st Day Alimos Marina Check-in at 17.00 hours 2nd Day Poros Island 29 NM 3rd Day Hydra Island 11 NM 4th Day Spetses Island 15 NM 5th Day Nafplio (Peloponnese) 23 NM 6th Day Astros (Peloponnese) 9 NM 7th Day Gerakas (Peloponnese) 41 NM 8th Day Monemvasia (Peloponnese) 8 NM 9th Day Leonidio (Peloponnese) 40 NM 10th Day Porto Heli (Peloponnese) 16 NM 11th Day Poros Island 27 NM 12th Day Epidavros (Peloponnese) 22 NM 13th Day Aegina Island 15 NM 14th Day Alimos Marina 17 NM 15th Day Check-out at 9:00
Caribbean Cruise: An Enchanting Experience
May 5, 2007
A Caribbean cruise is the world’s most popular cruise. The Caribbean islands are a dream destination and the journey is equally out of the world. The island chains with a delightful combination of modernity and natural resources are a heady mix. If you are a nature lover used to the modern way of life the Caribbean islands and the Caribbean cruise are perfect getaways for you.
A Caribbean cruise takes you to a land of lush vegetation, beautiful beaches and dense forests. Amidst the luxuries of the modern resort, you have the good fortune of experiencing the richness of the immaculate nature reserves. You witness nature in all its glory be it Puerto Rico’s dense rain forest or the nesting grounds of flamingos on Bonaire’s beaches. The pleasant climate of the Caribbean is just perfect for a swim in the sea, snorkeling or just basking on the beach. It is an ideal location for a nature or outdoor lover.
Caribbean cruises have their distinctive charm and characteristic appeal. The islands have a warm climate with some of the world’s best beaches, exquisite marine life along with the amazing coral reef and exceptionally clean seas. Shopping is also an interesting feature with duty free prices.
Boat Timeshares - A Unique Vacationing Experience
May 4, 2007
If you’ve dreamed of sailing the seven seas, but don’t necessarily have the bank account to buy a luxury vessel, don’t despair. There are ways to make that dream happen without breaking your bank.
Boat timeshares offer a unique vacationing experience for almost any budget. By getting involved in a timeshare, you have the right to use that luxury vessel to make your dreams come true, but you alone are not solely responsible for all the expenses. Timeshares provide an excellent way for someone not willing or able to take on the expense of purchasing a great vacationing boat themselves to still experience the adventure of life on the water.
A variety of companies offer would-be Captain Ahab’s the ability to take to the sea without shelling out a lot of cash. Boat timeshare companies and programs are readily available and accessible across the Internet. Boating timeshare companies are active all over the world with even some finding their homes on America’s Great Lakes.
Want To Know More About Cruises and Cruise Ships?
May 3, 2007
Today, Norm Goldman Editor of Sketchandtravel.com, is pleased to have as a guest of Sketchandtravel.com Douglas Ward, author of Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2005, now into its twentieth year of publication, published by Berlitz Publishing.
Thank you Douglas for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.
Norm: Douglas could you tell us something about yourself and why did you want to write a book about cruising and cruise ships?
Douglas: I had worked aboard passenger ships for 17 years before forming an association of cruise passengers, who were looking for more comparative information about cruise ships and cruising. So was born the idea for the book, which started with 120 ships and 256 pages. Today, after 20 years, the book has grown to include 256 ocean-going ships, 656 pages, and half a million words.
Norm: I noticed your first book on cruises and cruise ships was published twenty years ago, and you have been updating your book every year. How do you go about gathering material every year for these updates and how long does it take you to update your annual book?
Whos Looking Out For Your Boat When Your Not There?
May 2, 2007
Over 72 million Americans participated in recreational boating in 2003 on the estimated 17 million recreational boats in the United States. For many Americans, the investment in their vessel ranks along with their homes and automobiles. However, unlike homes and automobiles, most boat owners only spend a fraction of their time on their vessel which creates a few areas of serious concern; burglary and damage reporting.
Burglary and vandalism are crimes of opportunity. Criminals know that boats are frequently left unattended for long periods of time, making them an easy target for burglary and vandalism. Imagine showing up at your boat on a beautiful Saturday morning looking forward to a great day on the water only to find out that all the possession you stored on your vessel were stolen or that your boat has been seriously damaged, criminally or otherwise. That beautiful day just turned ugly very quickly. This is when you realize that, unlike your home or car, your boat is quite vulnerable without you there to protect it.
Cruise The Nile of Cleopatra
May 1, 2007
For centuries, the Nile River has been at the center of life in Egypt. The ancient Egyptian civilization relied on the flooding of the Nile to create fertile land for farming in an otherwise desert landscape. Excavations along the Nile have unearthed vast quantities of archeological remnants from ancient times and a leisurely cruise along the Nile takes you through this ancient populated area that is so steeped in history. And remember, you are following a royal route; the pharaohs and Queen Cleopatra cruised the Nile!
A cruise along Nile is an excellent way of visiting scattered archeological sights in a country with less than spectacular roads and airline service. In fact, some quality travel agents recommend cruising as the preferred method of transportation in Egypt. The best time of year to enjoy a Nile cruise is winter, from December to February, due to the hot desert climate.
Think of the romance of a leisurely cruise through such an ancient and historic land. The banks of the Nile are lined with ancient monuments and unusual sites, like banana plantations. Excursions to other famous locations, such as the Karnak Temple and the tomb of Nefertiti in the town of Luxor, are available on most cruises. Other towns that can be touring stops are Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Edfu. Knowledgeable local guides are available and are recommended to explain the finer points of each site.
