Rescue Crew Medevacs Cruise Ship Passenger to Hospital

An 85-year-old passenger aboard the Holland America cruise ship Zuiderdam was medevaced to Torrance Memorial Medical Center on Wednesday after suffering stroke-like symptoms. The incident occurred 20 nautical miles southwest of Long Beach. A Coast Guard crew responded to a 6 pm call from the cruise ship. They flew in an HH65C Dolphin rescue helicopter from the Coast Guard Air Station in Los Angeles. The medevac team lowered a rescue basket to crew members aboard the Zuiderdam, who secured the man in the basket. He was then hoisted up to the helicopter and taken to the hospital. The patient's medical condition is not known at this time.

Source: LA Daily News

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Los Angeles Port Development Approved

A $1.2 billion renovation plan for the Port of Los Angeles has been approved by harbor officials. The plan includes a new cruise ship terminal, an eight-mile promenade, and other tourist attractions.

The industrial port complex looks to lure diners, shoppers, and pedestrians, as well as accommodate the influx of cruise vacationers to Los Angeles.

Supporters claim the renovation will create thousands of jobs, but some residents fear that the new cruise ship terminal will negatively impact boaters in the marina and may spoil the beauty of local beaches.

The vote by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners certified the environmental impact report, allowing the project to move forward.

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Discovery Cruise Line Gives Free Cruises to Military

Military personnel who served in Iraq or Afghanistan can get a free "Discovery Day" cruise to Grand Bahama Island. They must have served during the preceding year. This is part of special program for the military that Discovery Cruise Line has offered for the past several years.

The offer is good for one free roundtrip cruise to Grand Bahama. It includes meals, service charges, taxes, and Bahamian departure fees. Discovery Cruise Lines says there are no additional costs involved.

Source: Discovery Cruise Line

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Cruise Ship Environmental Report Card

Cruise vacationers who care about protecting the environment may want consult the latest study by Friends of the Earth, which recently ranked the major cruise lines on three environmental criteria: sewage treatment technology, air pollution reduction, and water quality compliance in Alaskan waters. Top marks went to Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises. At the bottom were Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line.

Source: Friends of the Earth

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Royal Caribbean Contest: "Reporter at Sea"

USA Today and Royal Caribbean are sponsoring a contest to help promote the unveiling of Royal Caribbean's new ship, Oasis of the Sea. Contestants are asked to submit a short video (no longer than 45 seconds) demonstrating their reporting skills and explaining why they should be chosen to be a citizen journalist for Royal Caribbean. Ten finalists will be selected, then voted on via the Internet. Winners receive a three-night cruise for two aboard the Oasis of the Sea, plus air fare and hotel. Deadline is October 9, 2009.

For more information: Reporter at Sea Contest

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Harbor Pilots and Cruise Lines Sailing into Court

A dispute over harbor pilot rate increases for Galveston Island and Texas City is sending Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival Cruises, and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association sailing to court. The companies filed paperwork asking for a judicial review of proceedings from earlier this year. Meanwhile, rate increases are still being considered.

The harbor pilots have insisted that all cruise ships in and out of Galveston Island and Texas City require two pilots on board. The second pilot would bill the cruise lines at 50 percent of the standard tariff. Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises believe that modern cruise ships to not require a second harbor pilot.

Source: Houston Business Journal

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Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010