#ambassador Cruise Line

[kreuzfahrttester]

Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven: Die „Ambassador Ambience“ wird überholt

Lloyd Werft Ambiance … Die Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven hat den Auftrag zur Überholung für das britische Kreuzfahrtschiff „Ambience“. Ursprünglich im Jahr 1991 als „Regal Princess“ für Princess Cruises gebaut. Das Schwesterschiff (Crown Princess 1990) ist vielen deutschen Reisenden noch als A-ROSAblu und später als AIDAblu bekannt. Dieses Schiff wurde allerdings bereits am 27. Nov. 2020 in Indien…

[zeroslashsix]

The “Shepard Effect” has gotten so much funnier to me as I replay Mass Effect. The thing where all Shep’s squadmates end up flying the nest and becoming big important players in their own spheres? Like the random mercenary Shep brought along to hunt Saren ended up leading his entire species, that random Quarian kiddo on her Pilgrimage ends up as her species ambassador, the Virmire survivor becomes the next human Specter, etc. It’s the effect Shepard just has on the people around them that launches their careers/destinies... except it doesn’t apply to Shepard themself. I get the marketing plan of “Commander Shepard” being the only title so they’re more recognizeable to a gamer audience, but from a military perspective it is so fucking funny that Commander Shepard doesn’t get promoted once. Like not even posthumously, not even after saving the Citadel and killing Reapers left and right, all the while their squadmates are jumping from lieutenant to major, kid to ambassador, professor to Shadow Broker. Garrus isn’t even attached to any government body, and he still goes from C-Sec officer to Omega vigilante to Reaper expert(?) in the turian Hierarchy. It’s unclear what his official position is in the third game, but we know he gets a salute from a Hierarchy general.

And here’s Shepard cruising through, still a Commander because obviously they haven’t done a single thing worthy of promotion since the first game. No, it’s fine, they’ll fix everything for you and keep killing Reapers left and right. Died in the line of duty? Just a normal tuesday for Commander Shepard, nothing noteworthy here. Yes they will be the commanding officer of a major, there is nothing strange about this rank structure. 

[todays-problematic-ship]

Today's Problematic Ship is the Satoshi

The Satoshi was a cruise ship owned by Ocean Builders, a company dedicated to "seasteading," an attempt to create a seabourne community free of laws imposed on dry land, with strong ties to the cryptocurrency movement.

The 1991-built ship, originally named Regal Princess but renamed Pacific Dawn in 2007, was purchased by Ocean Builders in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The idea was to permanently anchor the ship in Panamian waters, as the central hub of an eventual community of "SeaPods", essentially individual houses at sea, which would be arranged around the Satoshi in the form of a Bitcoin B.

It quickly became evident that the people running Ocean Builders had no understanding of how to operate a ship: they initially failed to ensure their ship had certificate of seaworthiness to allow it to sail to Panama (where the venture was to be based), and even after this no-one was willing to insure the ship, making it impossible for passengers to live onboard. They also planned to re-engine the ship while it was out at sea, a physically impossible task to accomplish without sinking the ship in the process.

The leadership of Ocean Builders blamed all this on shipping being "plagued by over-regulation." (Many of our entries here at Today's Problematic Ship demonstrate those regulations exist for a reason). The end result was predictable: by the time the Satoshi arrived in Panama it had been sold to an Indian shipbreaker.

Except Ocean Builders had signed a contract they could not honour: according to the Basel Convention, which covers the disposal of hazardous waste, they weren’t allowed to send the ship from a signatory country (Panama) to a non-signatory country (India). Thus the sale was cancelled, and subsequently the ship was arrested by Panamian authorities.

Eventually, the Satoshi was sold in 2021 a different startup company, Ambassador Cruise Line. The new venture, who actually knew how to operate a cruise ship, started successful operations with the former Satoshi, now renamed Ambience, in 2022.

The Guardian has a detailed article about the saga of the Satoshi and the seasteading movement.

[beardedmrbean]

The German ambassador to the UK has said there is "no need to apologise" for security breaches which led to a call between top army officials being leaked by Russian sources.

Miguel Berger told BBC Radio 4's Today programme one of the participants had likely dialled in via an insecure line.

As a result, Russia was able to intercept the call, he said.

In the audio, officials can be heard discussing details of alleged British operations on the ground in Ukraine.

Mr Berger hit back at criticism by former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who said Germany was "pretty penetrated by Russian intelligence" and "neither secure nor reliable".

"It is extremely unhelpful what Ben Wallace has done," Mr Berger said.

"This is what Russia wants."

The publication of the call was a Russian "hybrid attack", he added.

Mr Berger also said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius had called allies to explain Berlin's position over the leak.

He said preliminary results of an investigation by military intelligence showed that the leak was down to "an individual mistake by one of the officers".

The call had been intercepted because one of the participants had connected in an insecure way, he said.

"I think that is a good lesson for everybody: never use hotel internet if you want to do a secure call," Mr Berger advised listeners of the Today programme.

In the leaked recording, four senior German military officers are seemingly heard discussing the prospect of Ukraine using German-made Taurus cruise missiles to hit the Kerch Bridge, which links Russia to the Crimean peninsula, which was illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has repeatedly ruled out sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

Mr Berger said Mr Scholz was being careful about how to increase support to Ukraine, so as not to cause "consequences we all don't want to see".

If Germany were to provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine it would create "potential for escalation", he said.

The missiles have a range of around 500km (300 miles) - enough to potentially hit Russian territory.

Ambassador Berger said allies' focus needed to be on supplying enough ammunition to Ukraine.

Kyiv has said it is losing ground to Russian forces in part because of diminishing ammunition supplies.

[canichangemyblogname]

I’ve been telling people that Israel— and the Zionist movement as a whole— is actually a security threat to the whole of Southwest Asia *and* to Jewish People globally.

The moderate conservatives and fascists who control the US government keep saying that Israel is vital to western geopolitical interests in the region. But those interests are *not* “security” interests. The interest isn’t preventing war in Southwest Asia or North Africa, especially not when historically colonial leaders (US, UK, and France) are involved. Like… Israel has often been a roadblock in diplomatic deescalation with Iran and counterterrorism in the region (see: Bibi funding terrorists, for one).

I’ve been saying that Israel’s violence is going to spill over to the region. I’ve been warning that Zionist expansion and aggression is going to meet fierce resistance. I’ve been trying to explain that Zionist aggression and expansion is dangerous not just to the Arab people of Southwest Asia, but also Jewish people in Israel and the SWANA region. At some point, Israel will meet too much resistance. At some point, there will be too many fronts and not enough resources.

This violence going to continue to widen in the region and diplomacy will continue to deteriorate. Hezbollah and Houthi activity are only the beginning. Jordan withdrawing their ambassador, the deterioration of normalization with Saudi Arabia, the complete cessation of relations with Brazil, etc… are only the beginning.

But America’s support is likely to remain unwavering, and as long as America has the international power it does, that means little is likely to change. As long as Israel has American support, there will be violence in Southwest Asia.

What a lot of the “I stand with Israel” promoters don’t understand is that the only way to secure the long-term safety and wellbeing of Israeli Jews, and the only way to achieve security and longevity for whatever state they live in, is to provide full and equal rights to Palestinians. That includes their full participation and representation in political systems, full land rights and protections, full economic freedoms, full citizenship, and the right of return.

Zionism has led to nothing but Jewish and Arab death. And the thing is? When the concept was first created in the early 1800s, long before it became a term Israelis attached to Jewish Nationalism, that was its point. People supported this concept as a solution to their country’s “Jewish Question.” They saw it as an opportunity to get Jewish people out of their country. And many Christian groups have come to support the concept believing that all Jews must return to the holy land to be massacred so Jesus can return. They want death. Death is the literal point of Zionist support and movements in countries like the US, UK and France. Christian Zionists want war while Secular Zionists just want to get rid of Jewish people, and don’t give a shit if they die.

There are more Christian Zionists in the US than there are Jewish people in the US. There are more non-Jewish Zionists in the US than there are Jewish people in the whole world. Jewish people make up a fraction of Zionists, and that is because many Jewish people recognize the antisemitic origins of the concept and the danger of ethnic and religious nationalism.

Anti-Zionists recognize that Jewish Nationalism is being used for US and UK colonial interests. Zionism justifies putting Jewish people in harm’s way and the line of fire for US economic interests in Southwest Asia, and calls it “necessary” for Jewish freedom and security. Zionism as well as terrorism is the reason over 1400 Israelis died on Oct. 7th.

Israel ignoring Egypt's warnings, Israel's chaotic "recovery" (a.k.a. their explicit non-recovery and bombing of hostages), and the IOF's chaotic engagement with Hamas fighters on Oct. 7th and 8th that caught hostages and civilians in crossfire should be proof enough that Israel cannot and will consistently fail to provide for the security and welfare of Jewish people. It should also be proof enough that Netanyahu's government doesn't give a shit about Israeli lives unless they can be weaponized to serve his political and regional goals.

From “Zionism encourages and spreads antisemitism around the globe.”

[modadivas]

The celebrities wearing Chanel at the 2023 Met Gala

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart, Chanel Ambassador, wore a white cotton drill jacket with a white silk chiffon blouse and black cotton gabardine pants, look 5, from the Cruise 2016/17 collection. Chanel tie, belt and shoes. Code Coco watch. Steel and one black dial set with a princess-cut diamond – Chanel Watches. Chanel Makeup.

Opening of The Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" READ MORE ARTICLE: https://www.modadivasmagazine.com/en/2023/05/02/celebrities-chanel-2023-met-gala/

[poshsmaroulis]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: 👗 White BCBG Eyelet Lace Cotton Dress for Spring/Summer Parties & Cruises.

[cruises-trips-news]

Carnival Cruise Line Addresses Vaping Onboard Ships

While cigarette smoking has fallen dramatically in recent decades, vaping is definitely increasing, especially for younger users. This has led to some discussion and even controversy as to whether vaping and smoking are equivalent, and if they should be treated equivalently onboard cruise ships. Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald has been questioned on […] The post Carnival Cruise Line Addresses Vaping Onboard Ships appeared first on BOAT CRUISES TRIPS NEWS. https://boat-cruises-trips.news-6.com/carnival-cruise-line-addresses-vaping-onboard-ships/

[padalinskie]

My Cruising Budget Tips

Often people ask me how am able to cruise so much? After 20 cruises in the last couple years I do have some experience in taking advantage of the deals that exist, most with NCL Cruise Lines because I am tied up with them with the Latitudes frequent cruise program. Now that I have reached Diamond Level I am just one step below their top tier of Ambassador. Not sure if I can make that level since…

[betshy]

Russia Leaks Information About UK Election Candidates

This is what the Russian Foreign Ministry published on Facebook on the 29th June, 2024: Ambassador Andrei Kelin’s interview to TASS News Agency (June 28, 2024) - General elections in the UK - Labour Party’s view on the Russia-UK relations - UK's cooperation with China - Reform UK's participation in the Elections - Statements by Nigel Farage on Russia - Deliveries of long-range weapons to the Kyiv regime - Hearings on the Dawn Sturgess case - The situation surrounding Sergei and Yulia Skripal - British sanctions against Russia - Freedom of the press in the UK - Russia-NATO Relations - Retaliatory measures following the expulsion of the Russian Military Attaché from the UK Read in full: https://london.mid.ru/.../ambassador_andrei_kelin_s.../ *** Labour Party’s view on the Russia-UK relations The Labour Party’s manifesto is replete with reams of paper and portraits of Keir Starmer, yet notably deficient in specifics, especially regarding economic affairs. As for Russia, the manifesto reiterates the usual rhetoric: a focus on NATO membership, closer ties with the EU, comprehensive aid to Ukraine, both through NATO and bilaterally. It also calls for a special tribunal for Russia and the confiscation of Russian assets to be handed over to Ukraine. This stance reflects a broader anti-Russian sentiment. I do not foresee any improvement in Russo-British relations under Starmer. He, along with the Labour Party leadership, wholly subscribes to current government policies and deviates not an inch from them. United Kingdom's cooperation with China Labour’s policy formulations on China reveal the government's ongoing vacillations. On the one hand, there is recognition that developing economic relations with China could serve as a lifeline for the British economy. On the other hand, there is pervasive paranoia about espionage, with every Chinese individual working in education facilities here viewed as a potential spy. This is exemplified by the recent, rather amusing scandal involving military insignias ordered from China, which London later feared could be used to obtain British military secrets. Hence, I do not anticipate any changes. These vacillations will likely continue, heavily influenced by the nature of U.S.-China relations, as Britain tends to follow Washington's lead blindly. The so-called 'Golden Era' with China has long since passed.  Statements by Nigel Farage on Russia Regarding Farage’s current statements on NATO-Russia issues, the main point is not the statements themselves, which are contradictory and incomplete, but the reaction to them. These statements have been condemned by virtually the entire political establishment, including all government ministers, party leaders, leading commentators, and major newspapers. This demonstrates the high level of ideological rigidity in British high society at present and the extent of de facto censorship. Any deviation from the approved line is not just unacceptable but condemned outright, with no room for dissent. Deliveries of long-range weapons to the Kyiv regime Britain is supplying Ukraine with Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles. We have a reasonable estimate of the quantities involved, considering production capabilities, and we understand the capabilities of these missiles. They are sophisticated, high-tech weapons launched from aircraft and requiring significant technical maintenance. We are certain, though the British deny it, that these missiles need highly skilled operators for mission planning and targeting. We are confident that these operators are not Ukrainians but those involved in their production and training. Hearings on the Dawn Sturgess case / The situation surrounding Sergei and Yulia Skripal The next hearings in the Dawn Sturgess case are scheduled for October 14. Speculation abounds in the press about whether the Skripals will attend. Despite numerous inquiries to the Foreign Office about the status of Yulia and Sergei Skripal, we received only one response months ago, indicating that Yulia can contact the Embassy but has so far chosen not to do that. Sergei Skripal’s status remains unclear. We will continue to seek information from the British about his condition and legal status and the circumstances of the incident. Russia-NATO Relations Statements about a Russian threat to NATO countries are particularly pronounced in the UK, especially ahead of the NATO summit. Notably, all party manifestos advocate increasing defence spending from the current 2% to 2.5%, including Farage’s Reform UK party. The narrative that Russia will not stop but continue its aggression serves two purposes: justifying increased defence spending to support the domestic defence industry and NATO, and ensuring public support for continued military aid to Ukraine instead of domestic investment. Read the full article

[ceb721]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: ATHLETA | Apres Convertible Cap Sleeve Ruched Stretch Navy/Black Dress | Small.

[kreuzfahrttester]

Ambience hängt in Bremerhaven fest - Reisen gestrichen

Ambassador Ambience Werft … „Ambience“: Weihnachten und Silvester Erneut in der Lloyd Werft – Ambassador Cruise Line Kämpft mit Reparaturverzögerungen Bremerhaven, 8. Dezember 2023 – Unvorhergesehene Probleme für die Ambassador Cruise Line und ihre Gäste, Nun muss das 1.400-Betten-Schiff „Ambience“ erneut die festlichen Tage auf der Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven verbringen. Das berichtet auch die…

[southgatetravels]

Exploring Cochin in Comfort: The Best Car Rental Services in the City

Cochin, or Kochi, as it's popularly known, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity, nestled along the picturesque western coast of India. As a major port city and a hub for travelers exploring Kerala, Kochi offers an array of experiences from the bustling streets of Mattancherry to the tranquil waters of the backwaters. To truly embrace the spirit of Kochi, many visitors choose the convenience and flexibility of car rentals. Here’s your guide to the best Cochin Car Rental, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey around the city.

1. Kochi Metro Car Rentals

Kochi Metro Car Rentals stands out with its comprehensive service offerings that cater to a wide range of needs. Whether you're in town for a day trip or need a vehicle for a longer stay, they offer everything from compact cars for easy navigation in the city to larger SUVs for family trips. Their rates are competitive, and their service is reliable, making them a popular choice for both tourists and locals.

2. Heritage Car Hire

For those who wish to immerse themselves in the local culture right from their mode of transport, Heritage Car Hire offers an exquisite selection of classic and vintage cars. Imagine cruising down to Fort Kochi in a vintage Ambassador or attending a high-profile event in a classic Rolls-Royce. Heritage Car Hire adds an element of elegance and nostalgia to your travels, making your journey as memorable as your destination.

3. Green Wheels

Environmentally conscious travelers will appreciate Green Wheels for their commitment to sustainability. Offering a fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles, Green Wheels combines eco-friendly options with the convenience of car rental. This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while exploring the sights and sounds of Kochi.

4. Cochin Luxury Drives

For those looking for a touch of luxury, Cochin Luxury Drives offers a fleet of premium vehicles such as BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis. Whether you're on a business trip or seeking a luxurious travel experience, their top-of-the-line models and professional chauffeur services ensure travel in style and comfort.

5. Kochi Easy Rides

Kochi Easy Rides is known for its customer-friendly service and transparent pricing. Ideal for budget travelers, they offer economical models that do not compromise on maintenance or comfort. They also provide useful add-ons like GPS navigation systems and child safety seats, making them a favorite among family travelers.

6. Adventure Car Rentals

If your trip to Kochi includes plans for venturing into the rugged terrains of nearby hill stations like Munnar, then Adventure Car Rentals is your go-to provider. Specializing in SUVs and all-terrain vehicles, they equip you perfectly for the adventurous roads ahead. Plus, their vehicles come with all the necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable journey.

Tips for Renting a Car in Kochi:

Book in advance: Especially during peak tourist seasons, booking your car rental in advance will secure your preferred vehicle.

Check reviews: Look at customer feedback to choose a reliable rental service.

Understand the terms: Be clear about rental terms, insurance, and mileage limits.

Inspect the vehicle: Before taking off, do a thorough check for any existing damages and ensure all functions work properly.

Conclusion

Renting a car in Kochi not only provides the freedom to explore at your own pace but also adds a layer of comfort and personalization to your travel experience. Whether you opt for the eco-friendly route, a touch of luxury, or a culturally immersive journey, Kochi's diverse car rental services have something to offer for every traveler. So gear up, pick your perfect ride, and get ready to explore the enchanting city of Kochi with ease and style!

[chonacas]

The Beatles First American Tour

Over more than half a century as a writer for the London Daily Express and the Times of London, British-born Ivor Davis covered major stories in North America. He penned a weekly entertainment column for the New York Times Syndicate for over 15 years, interviewing some of the biggest names in show business, from Cary Grant to Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton to Tom Cruise and Muhammad Ali.

In 1962 he was smuggled onto the campus of the riot-torn University of Mississippi when James Meredith became the first black student to be enrolled --accompanied by 127 --yes 127-- US attorneys--Days of rioting followed with two killed--including one foreign journalist. Three years later Davis  was in the front lines as Los Angeles’ Watts riots erupted.

In l964, Davis was the only British daily newspaper correspondent to cover The Beatles’ first American tour from start to finish, given unparalleled access to John, Paul, George and Ringo on the road, in their hotel, and during long nights of card and Monopoly games as they talked frankly about their bizarre new life. He also ghosted a regular newspaper column for George Harrison. His first-hand, insider’s memoir, the award-winning The Beatles and Me On Tour, 60th Anniversary Book, was published  in February. It is a fascinating journey back in time where for the first time he chronicles, frankly and humorously, 34 days with the world’s most famous band on the road—at a critical moment in the history of rock. The anniversary edition was published on Feb 9th this year.

Davis covered Robert Kennedy’s 1968 presidential bid and was in the kitchen in the Ambassador Hotel the night Senator Kennedy was assassinated.  He was one of the Boys on the Bus chronicling the life of actor-turned-politician Ronald Reagan, first in his campaign for governor of California, then for president.

He was a co-author of the 1969 political book Divided They Stand, which chronicled the Presidential election; and witnessed some of the biggest trials in American history: Sirhan Sirhan, convicted of killing Bobby Kennedy in 1969; black-power militant Angela Davis, acquitted of murder in l972; a year later, Daniel Ellsberg’s trial for leaking the Pentagon Papers, and, in 1976, he was in San Francisco to see heiress Patty Hearst convicted of robbery after being kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army.

  His new true crime book, “The Devil in My Friend: The Inside Story of a Malibu Murder.”  It is an account of the famous Eighties trial of Malibu engineer Frederick George Roehler,  who was convicted of the murder of his wife and young stepson after an almost year-long trial in the Santa Barbara Courthouse in May l982. The killings took place close by—at Santa Cruz Island. The new book will be published this year on May 7th.

  https://ivordavisbooks.com/

Connect more: 

https://www.chonacas.com/podcast/

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiechonacas/

  I hope you enjoyed the episode, please share with one person!

Please leave a 5 star & review on Apple Podcasts as it supports me as an Independent Podcaster :) Thank you!  Katie xo 

    Check out this episode streaming now in over 100 countries

[beardedmrbean]

A Malta-flagged, Greek-owned vessel has been hit with a missile in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, maritime security firm Ambrey has said.

It is thought to be the third incident involving Zografia, a bulk carrier, in 24 hours.

Tuesday's incident comes as the US military announced it had seized Iranian-supplied weapons bound for the Houthis during an operation last week.

Meanwhile, the US has hit more targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

An official told CBS, the BBC's American partner, that the US conducted further strikes on Houthi positions overnight.

Four anti-ship ballistic missiles that were ready to be launched were destroyed, the official said.

The US and UK launched a wave of airstrikes against dozens of Houthi targets on 11 January following attacks by the Iran-backed group on shipping in the Red Sea.

It is not yet known what was attacked in the latest US operation.

The Houthis have vowed to retaliate.

On Sunday, the US said it had shot down a missile fired towards one of its warships from a Houthi area of Yemen.

A day later, the group said they had carried out a ballistic missile strike on a US-owned cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden.

While it has not yet been confirmed that Tuesday's attack on the Greek-owned vessel was carried out by the Houthis, it appears to follow a similar pattern of strikes.

Who are the Houthis attacking Red Sea ships?

Several vessels have been targeted by the movement's fighters since November in protest at Israel's war with Hamas.

The Houthis say they are targeting vessels which are Israeli-owned, flagged or operated, or are heading to Israeli ports. However, many have no connections with Israel.

The Zografia, which was empty, was sailing from Vietnam to Israel with 24 crew onboard when it was struck on Tuesday, Greek shipping ministry sources have told the media.

No injuries were reported, only minor damage to the carrier. The Houthis later claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Red Sea connects the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal but several shipping lines have announced they are now diverting round the Cape of Good Hope to reach Europe instead.

British oil giant Shell on Tuesday became the latest to suspend all of its shipments through the Red Sea indefinitely, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The US said on Tuesday that analysis of the weapons it seized from a ship near the Yemen coast suggested the Houthis had been using the same kind of weapons in their Red Sea attacks.

The seizure took place on 11 January near the coast of Somalia - the same day as the first US-UK airstrikes.

Cruise and ballistic missile components were among the items found on a ship, as well as parts for air defence equipment.

"This is the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons (ACW) to the Houthis since the beginning of Houthi attacks against merchant ships in November 2023," US Central Command said in a statement.

The ship - a traditional vessel known as a dhow - was considered unsafe and sunk by the US. Legal responsibility for the 14 crew members is being determined.

Central Command also said a search is continuing for two Navy Seals who were lost overboard during the operation.

According to media reports, one officer was knocked off the ship by high waves and the second jumped in afterwards to try and help as is required by protocol.

Washington has blamed Iran for being behind the Houthi missile capability, which Tehran denies. Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said in a press conference on Monday that the West must stop the war against Yemen immediately.

In a separate development, the Greek ambassador to Iran is reported to have issued a formal appeal to Tehran to release one of its citizens - the captain of an oil tanker that was seized last week.

Armed men wearing masks boarded the vessel St Nikolas, close to the port of Sohar in Oman, on Thursday and ordered it to sail to an Iranian port.

Tehran said the seizure was in retaliation for the ship and oil it had aboard being confiscated by the US last year.

The vessel's owner, Empire Navigation, said on Sunday that it had been told by Iran that all of the tanker's 19 crew were safe and in good health.

[tsmom1219]

Carnival addresses plastic straws, water bottles to be replaced

Read the full story at Cruise Hive. In response to concerns about straws available onboard, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has clarified the cruise line’s policy and commitment to keeping debris out of the marine environment.