text:
Currency: ▾
General representative
Find and book
your cruise
with CARNIVAL
your cruise vacation
Information before
you cruise
Carnival in Russia
VIFP club
Everything for kids
Carnival wedding
Incentive cruises
Carnival News
8 DAY PANAMA CANAL CRUISE
Sailing duration, days:
Cruise heading:
Port, Country
1 day 25.01.2020 Saturday
TAMPAUSA
Capital:	Washington, DC
Government:	Federal Republic
Currency:	US Dollar ($)
Area	total: 9,826,675km²
water: 664,709km²
land: 9,161,966km²
Population:	316,451,000 (2013 estimate)
Language:	English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo-European 3.8%, Asian and Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7% (2000 census) Religion:	Protestant 51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Jewish 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Muslim 0.6%, other or unspecified 2.5%, unaffiliated 12.1%, none 4% (2007 est.)
Electricity:	120V, 60Hz
Country code:	+1
Internet TLD:	.us, .edu, .gov, .mil (most sites use .com, .net, .org)
Time Zone:	UTC -4 to UTC -10
Emergencies:	dial 911
The United States of America is a large country in North America, often referred to as the "USA", the "US", the "United States", "America", or simply "the States". It is home to the world's third-largest population, with over 310 million people. It includes both densely populated cities with sprawling suburbs, and vast, uninhabited and naturally beautiful areas.
With its history of mass immigration dating from the 17th century, it is a "melting pot" of cultures from around the world and plays a dominant role in the world's cultural landscape. It is famous for its wide array of popular tourist destinations, ranging from the skyscrapers of Manhattan and Chicago, to the natural wonders of Yellowstone and Alaska, to the warm, sunny beaches of Florida, Hawaii and Southern California.
The United States is not the America of television and the movies. It is large, complex, and diverse, with several distinct regional identities. Due to the vast distances involved, traveling between regions can be time-consuming and expensive.
The contiguous United States (called CONUS by US military personnel) or the "Lower 48" (the 48 states other than Alaska and Hawaii) is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, with much of the population living on the two coasts. Its land borders are shared with Canada to the north, and Mexico to the south. The US also shares maritime borders with Russia, Cuba, and the Bahamas.
The country has three major mountain ranges. The Appalachians extend from Canada to the state of Alabama, a few hundred miles west of the Atlantic Ocean. They are the oldest of the three mountain ranges and offer spectacular sightseeing and excellent camping spots. The Rockies are, on average, the highest in North America, extending from Alaska to New Mexico, with many areas protected as national parks. They offer hiking, camping, skiing, and sightseeing opportunities. The combined Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges are the youngest. The Sierras extend across the "backbone" of California, with sites such as Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park; the Sierras transition at their northern end into the even younger volcanic Cascade range, with some of the highest points in the country. The Great Lakes define much of the border between the eastern United States and Canada. More inland seas than lakes, they were formed by the pressure of glaciers retreating north at the end of the last Ice Age. The five lakes span hundreds of miles, bordering the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, and their shores vary from pristine wilderness areas to industrial "rust belt" cities. They are the second-largest bodies of freshwater in the world, after the polar ice caps.
The overall climate is temperate, with notable exceptions. Alaska is cold and dominated by Arctic tundra, while Hawaii and South Florida are tropical. The Great Plains are dry, flat and grassy, turning into arid desert in the far West and Mediterranean along the California coast.
In the winter, the northern and mid-western major cities can see as much as 2 feet (61 cm) of snowfall in one day, with cold temperatures. Summers are humid, but mild. Temperatures over 100°F (38°C) sometimes invade the Midwest and Great Plains. Some areas in the northern plains can experience cold temperatures of -30°F (-34°C) during the winter. Temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) sometimes reach as far south as Oklahoma.
The climate of the South also varies. In the summer, it is hot and humid, but from October through April the weather can range from 60°F (15°C) to short cold spells of 20°F (-7°C) or so.
The Great Plains and Midwestern states also experience tornadoes from the late spring to early fall, earlier in the south and later in the north. States along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico, may experience hurricanes between June and November. These intense and dangerous storms frequently miss the US mainland, but evacuations are often ordered and should be heeded. The Rockies are cold and snowy. Some parts of the Rockies see over 500 inches (12 m) of snow in a season. Even during the summer, temperatures are cool in the mountains, and snow can fall nearly year-round. It is dangerous to go up in the mountains unprepared in the winter and the roads through them can get very icy.
The deserts of the Southwest are hot and dry during the summer, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). Thunderstorms can be expected in the southwest frequently from July through September. Winters are mild, and snow is unusual. Average annual precipitation is low, usually less than 10 inches (25 cm).
Cool and damp weather is common in the coastal northwest (Oregon and Washington west of the Cascade Range, and the northern part of California west of the Coast Ranges/Cascades). Rain is most frequent in winter, snow is rare, especially along the coast, and extreme temperatures are uncommon. Rain falls almost exclusively from late fall through early spring along the coast. East of the Cascades, the northwest is considerably drier. Much of the inland northwest is either semi-arid or desert, though altitude and weather patterns may result in wetter climates in some areas.
Northeastern and cities of the Upper South are known for summers with temperatures reaching into the 90's (32°C) or more, with extremely high humidity, usually over 80%. This can be a drastic change from the Southwest. High humidity means that the temperature can feel hotter than actual readings. The Northeast also experiences snow, and at least once every few years there will be a dumping of the white stuff in enormous quantities.
The United States is made up of many diverse ethnic groups and its culture varies greatly across the vast area of the country and even within cities - a city like New York will have dozens, if not hundreds, of different ethnicities represented within a neighborhood. Despite this difference, there exists a strong sense of national identity and certain predominant cultural traits. Generally, Americans tend to believe strongly in personal responsibility and that an individual determines his or her own success or failure, but it is important to note that there are many exceptions and that a nation as diverse as the United States has literally thousands of distinct cultural traditions. One will find Mississippi in the South to be very different culturally from Massachusetts in the North.
From the spectacular glaciers of Alaska to the wooded, weathered peaks of Appalachia; from the otherworldly desertscapes of the Southwest to the vast waters of the Great Lakes; few other countries have as wide a variety of natural scenery as the United States does.
America's National Parks are a great place to start. Yellowstone National Park was the first true National Park in the world, and it remains one of the most famous, but there are 57 others. The Grand Canyon is possibly the world's most spectacular gorge; Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park are both home to the world's largest living organisms, the Giant Sequoia; Redwood National park has the tallest, the Coast Redwood; Glacier National Park is home to majestic glacier-carved mountains; Canyonlands National Park could easily be mistaken for Mars; and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park features abundant wildlife among beautifully forested mountains. And the national parks aren't just for sightseeing, either; each has plenty of outdoors activities as well.
Still, the National Parks are just the beginning. The National Park Service also operates National Monuments, National Memorials, National Historic Sites, National Seashores, National Heritage Areas... the list goes on (and on). And each state has its own state parks that can be just as good as the federal versions. Most all of these destinations, federal or state, have an admission fee, but it all goes toward maintenance and operations of the parks, and the rewards are well worth it.
Those aren't your only options, though. Many of America's natural treasures can be seen without passing through admission gates. The world-famous Niagara Falls straddle the border between Canada and the U.S.; the American side lets you get right up next to the onrush and feel the power that has shaped the Niagara gorge. The "purple majesty" of the Rocky Mountains can be seen for hundreds of miles in any direction, while the placid coastal areas of the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic have relaxed Americans for generations. And, although they are very different from each other, Hawaii and Alaska are perhaps the two most scenic states; they don't just have attractions—they are attractions.
Americans often have a misconception of their country as having little history. The US does indeed have a tremendous wealth of historical attractions—more than enough to fill months of history-centric touring.
The prehistory of the continent can indeed be a little hard to uncover, as most of the Native American tribes did not build permanent settlements. But particularly in the West, you will find magnificent cliff dwellings at sites such as Mesa Verde, as well as near-ubiquitous rock paintings. The Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. is another great place to start learning about America's culture before the arrival of European colonists.
As the first part of the country to be colonized by Europeans, the eastern states of New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and the South have more than their fair share of sites from early American history. The first successful British colony on the continent was at Jamestown, Virginia, although the settlement at Plymouth, Massachusetts, may loom larger in the nation's mind.
In the eighteenth century, major centers of commerce developed in Philadelphia and Boston, and as the colonies grew in size, wealth, and self-confidence, relations with Great Britain became strained, culminating in the Boston Tea Party and the ensuing Revolutionary War...
Monuments and architecture
Americans have never shied away from heroic feats of engineering, and many of them are among the country's biggest tourist attractions.
Washington, D.C., as the nation's capital, has more monuments and statuary than you could see in a day, but do be sure to visit the Washington Monument (the world's tallest obelisk), the stately Lincoln Memorial, and the incredibly moving Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The city's architecture is also an attraction—the Capitol Building and the White House are two of the most iconic buildings in the country and often serve to represent the whole nation to the world.
Actually, a number of American cities have world-renowned skylines, perhaps none moreso than the concrete canyons of Manhattan, part of New York City. The site of the destroyed World Trade Center towers remains a gaping wound in Manhattan's vista, however America's tallest building, the new 1 World Trade Center, now stands adjacent to the site of the former towers. Also, the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building stand tall, as they have for almost a century. Chicago, where the skyscraper was invented, is home to the country's single tallest building, the (former) Sears Tower, and an awful lot of other really tall buildings. Other skylines worth seeing include San Francisco (with the Golden Gate Bridge), Seattle (including the Space Needle), Miami, and Pittsburgh.
Some human constructions transcend skyline, though, and become iconic symbols in their own right. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Statue of Liberty in Manhattan, the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, and even the fountains of the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas all draw visitors to their respective cities. Even the incredible Mount Rushmore, located far from any major city, still attracts two million visitors each year.
In the US, there's a museum for practically everything. From toys to priceless artifacts, from entertainment legends to dinosaur bones—nearly every city in the country has a museum worth visiting.
The highest concentrations of these museums are found in the largest cities, of course, but none compare to Washington, D.C., home to the Smithsonian Institution. With almost twenty independent museums, most of them located on the National Mall, the Smithsonian is the foremost curator of American history and achievement. The most popular of the Smithsonian museums are the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History, but any of the Smithsonian museums would be a great way to spend an afternoon—and they're all 100% free.
New York City also has an outstanding array of world-class museums, including the Guggenheim Museum, the American Museum of Natural History,the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
You could spend weeks exploring the cultural institutions just in D.C. and the Big Apple, but here's a small fraction of the other great museums you'd be missing:
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh
Children's Museum of Indianapolis — Indianapolis, Indiana
Exploratorium — San Francisco
Hollywood Walk of Fame — Los Angeles
Monterey Bay Aquarium — Monterey, California
Museum of Science & Industry — Chicago
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame — Springfield, Massachusetts
National Aquarium in Baltimore — Baltimore, Maryland
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum — Cooperstown, New York
Pro Football Hall of Fame — Canton, Ohio
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum — Cleveland, Ohio
San Diego Zoo — San Diego, California
Strong National Museum of Play — Rochester, New York
Here is a handful of itineraries spanning regions across the United States:
Appalachian Trail — a foot trail along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine
Braddock Expedition — traces the French-Indian War route of British General Edward Braddock (and a younger George Washington) from Alexandria, Virginia through Cumberland, Maryland to the Monongahela River near Pittsburgh.
The Jazz Track — a nation-wide tour of the most important clubs in jazz history and in jazz performance today
Lewis and Clark Trail — retrace the northwest route of the great American explorers along the Missouri River
Route 66 — tour the iconic historic highway running from Chicago to Los Angeles
Santa Fe Trail — a historic southwest settler route from Missouri to Santa Fe
Touring Shaker country — takes you to one current and eight former Shaker religious communities in the Mid-Atlantic, New England and Midwest regions of the United States.
U.S. Highway 1 — traveling along the east coast from Maine to Florida.
United rescue — 911
2 day 26.01.2020 Sunday
FUN DAY AT SEA
3 day 27.01.2020 Monday
4 day 28.01.2020 Tuesday
LIMONCOSTA RICA
The Port Terminal of Limón (Spanish: Terminal Portuaria de Limón), adjacent to the city of Limón, is one of the seaports in the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
The port was officially established in 1852, during the government of Juan Rafael Mora Porras, but it was not linked to the capital, San José, or to the rest of the country until the 1890s, when the construction of the railroad to the Atlantic was finished by the United States businessman Minor C. Keith.
Limón (Spanish for "lemon"), is the capital city and main hub of Limón province, as well as of the cantón (county) of Limón in Costa Rica. It has a population of about 60,000 (including surrounding towns), and is home of a multicultural community. Part of the community traces its roots to Italian, Jamaican and Chinese laborers who worked on a late nineteenth-century railroad project that connected San José to Puerto Limón. Until 1948, the Costa Rican government did not recognize Afro-Caribbean people as citizens and restricted their movement outside Limón province. As a result of this "travel ban", this Afro-Caribbean population became firmly established in the region, which influenced the decision to not move even after it was legally permitted. The Afro-Caribbean community speaks Spanish and Limonese Creole, a creole of English.
Puerto Limón contains two port terminals, Limón and Moín, which permit the shipment of Costa Rican exports as well as the anchoring of cruise ships. Health care is provided for the city by Hospital Dr. Tony Facio Castro. Two small islands, Uvita Island and Isla de Pájaros, are just offshore.
Limón features a tropical rainforest climate under Köppen's climate classification. Average temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year averaging around 25 degrees Celsius. Common to all cities with this climate, Limón has no discernable dry season. Its driest month (September) averages roughly 160 mm of precipitation while the wettest month (December) averages just above 400 mm of rain. Limon averages nearly 3,400 mm of precipitation annually.
Capital:	San Jose
Government:	Democratic Republic
Currency:	Costa Rican colón (?,CRC)
Area:	51,100 km2
Population:	4,301,712 (2011 Census)
Language:	Spanish (official), Limonese Creole (Mekatelyu) spoken in Limón Province
Religion:	Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, other Protestant 0.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%
Country code:	+506
Time Zone:	CST(UTC -6)
Costa Rica (i/?ko?st? ?ri?k?/), officially the Republic of Costa Rica (Spanish: Costa Rica or República de Costa Rica, pronounced [re?puβlika ðe ?kosta ?rika]) is a small country in Central America bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Since the late 1980s Costa Rica became a popular nature travel destination, and its main competitive advantage is its well-established system of national parks and protected areas, covering around 23.4% of the country's land area, the largest in the world as a percentage of the country's territory, and home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, in a country that has only 0.03% of the world's landmass, but that is estimated to contain 5% of the world's biodiversity. The country also has plenty of world renowned beaches, both in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, within short travel distances between both coasts both by air and land, and also several active volcanoes that can be visited with safety.
By the early 1990s, Costa Rica became known as the poster child of ecotourism. According to the Costa Rican Tourism Board, 46% of international tourists visiting the country in 2009 engaged in activities related to ecotourism, including trekking, flora, fauna, and bird watching, and visits to rural communities. However, most visitors look for adventure activities, which Costa Rica offers as well. Costa Rica was included by Ethical Traveler magazine in the 2011 and the 2012 list of The Developing World's 10 Best Ethical Destinations.
Costa Rica historically managed to stay away from the political turmoil and violence from which neighbouring nations still suffer. The nation constitutionally abolished its army permanently in the 1940s. It has also managed to be the only Latin American country included in the list of the world's 22 oldest democracies, paying homage to its stance as a peaceful and politically stable nation. Costa Rica has also consistently been among the top Latin American countries in the Human Development Index, and is cited by the UNDP as one of the countries that has attained much higher human development than other countries at the same income levels.
Costa Rica is ranked third in the world and first among the Americas in terms of the 2010 Environmental Performance Index. And the New Economics Foundation (NEF) ranked Costa Rica as the happiest nation in the world, both in 2009 and in 2012. This same organization (NEF) ranked Costa Rica as the "greenest" country in the world.
This nation has bewilderingly diverse culture, climates, flora, fauna, and landscapes. From rain forests, to dry tropical and temperate forests, to volcanoes, to Caribbean and Pacific beaches, to high mountains, and marshy lowlands.
Costa Rica constitutionally abolished its army permanently in 1949.
Costa Rica is located on the Central American isthmus, lying between latitudes 8° and 12°N, and longitudes 82° and 86°W. It has a total of 1,290 kilometres (800 mi) of coastline, 212 km (132 mi) on the Caribbean coast and 1,016 km (631 mi) on the Pacific.
Costa Rica also borders Nicaragua to the north (309 km or 192 mi of border) and Panama to the south-southeast (639 km or 397 mi of border). In total, Costa Rica comprises 51,100 square kilometres (19,700 sq mi) plus 589 square kilometres (227 sq mi) of territorial waters.
The highest point in the country is Cerro Chirripo, at 3,819 metres (12,530 ft); it is the fifth highest peak in Central America. The highest volcano in the country is the Irazu Volcano (3,431 m or 11,257 ft). The largest lake in Costa Rica is Lake Arenal.
Costa Rica also comprises several islands. Cocos Island (24 square kilometres / 9.3 square miles) stands out because of its distance from the continental landmass, 300 mi (480 km) from Puntarenas, but Calero Island is the largest island of the country (151.6 square kilometres / 58.5 square miles).
Near 25% of Costa Rica's national territory is protected by SINAC (the National System of Conservation Areas), which oversees all of the country's protected areas.
Costa Rica is one of the world's most popular destinations for eco-tourists because of its biodiversity. Costa Rica possesses the greatest density of species in the world, and around 25% of its national territory is protected by a system of conservation areas and national parks. It has been stated in various places that Costa Rica may contain as much as 6% of the world's plant and animal species in an area the combined size of the U.S. states of Vermont and New Hampshire. Both tropical plant and animal species abound in Costa Rica. Some of the more impressive plants range from huge ficus trees with epiphytes abounding on their limbs to approximately 1500 different orchids. The animals are equally as impressive, whether it's a jaguar (the largest cat in the New World), the ever-elusive Margay, or the wonderful birds like the green or scarlet macaws (lapas in Costa Rican Spanish.) The amphibians are also quite impressive; the poison dart frogs with their bright colors are bound to catch your attention, or the giant cane toads.
Because Costa Rica is located between eight and 12 degrees north of the Equator, the climate is Tropical year round. However, the country has many microclimates depending on elevation, rainfall, topography, and by the geography of each particular region.
Costa Rica's seasons are defined by how much rain falls during a particular period and not to the four seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. The year can be split into two periods, the dry season known to the residents as summer, and the rainy season, known locally as winter. The "summer" or dry season goes from December to April, and "winter" or rainy season goes from May to November, which almost coincides with the List of Atlantic hurricane seasons, and during this time, it rains constantly in some regions.
The location receiving the most rain is the Caribbean slopes of the Central Cordillera mountains, with an annual rainfall of over 5000 mm. Humidity is also higher on the Caribbean side than on the Pacific side. The mean annual temperature on the coastal lowlands is around 27°C, 20°C in the main populated areas of the Central Cordillera, and below 10°C on the summits of the highest mountains.
Spanish is the official and most spoken language in Costa Rica. All major newspapers and official business are conducted in Spanish. English is used widely in most areas, especially those frequented by tourists, and information for visitors is often bilingual or even exclusively in English. A number of businesses operated by European proprietors can accommodate guests in Spanish, English and their native languages.
Some Costa Rican colloquial expressions:
Mae or sometimes "Maje" is used akin to the American English word 'dude'. Generally spoken among the male population, or among friends. It is as informal as the word 'dude'. Mae is mostly used by the younger population and Maje by the older population. It is pronounced 'maheh'.
Pura vida, literally translated as "pure life," is an expression common to Costa Rica. It can be used in several contexts, as an expression of enthusiasm, agreement, or salutation. It's pronounced 'poora veeda'.
Tuanis, means "OK" or "cool." Was believed to be taken from English phrase "too nice", but it is actually a word borrowed from the Codigo Malespin, a code developed for communication during the various Central American civil wars in the XIX century.
A prevalent version of slang in Costa Rica, and other regions of Latin America, is called "pachuco", "pachuquismo" or "costarriquenismo" and is used by all social classes (to some degree), however, it can be at times vulgar and is considered an informal way of speaking.
For the word "you", (singular informal form), Instead of "tu", most people of the Central Valley use "vos" (as in "vos sos" - you are) which is also common to other Latin nations (Argentina, Uruguay), but the word "usted" is prominent in south Pacific Costa Rica and preferred over "vos". Either way, formal Spanish is understood and you may use any form of the word "you" you consider proper.
Costa Ricans tend to use the term Regalame, literally "gift me", instead of "get me". An example is when a Costa Rican says: "regalame la cuenta", literrally "gift me the bill", which is unusual to other Spanish speaking countries, however, it is a very common Costa Rican term. Another such case might be when Costa Ricans go out to buy something, in which case they might use the term this way: "Regaleme un confite y una Coca", literally, "Gift me a piece of candy and a Coke", but it is understood that the person asking is going to buy said things and is not expecting the other to gift him or her those things. A more precise phrase in standard Spanish would be: "Me vende un confite y una Coca", meaning: "Sell me a piece of candy and a Coke".
Limonense Creole (Mekatelyu)
As well as Costa Rican Spanish, there is also an English-based Creole language spoken in Limon Province on the Caribbean Sea coast of Costa Rica. It is called Limonese Creole or Mekatelyu. This Creole language is similar to varieties such as Colon Creole, Miskito Coastal Creole, Belizean Kriol language, and San Andres and Providencia Creole. The name Mekatelyu is a transliteration of the phrase "make I tell you", or in standard English "let me tell you".
Costa Rica has one of the highest levels of social care in the world. Its doctors are known worldwide as some of the best. Many people from U.S, Canada and Europe go there to be treated, not only because the quality of the service but for the cost. First class Hospitals can be found in the capital. There is a public/private hospital system. There is excellent care in each. The public system has much longer waits, while the private system has shorter waits. If you are unfortunate enough to have a very sick child requiring hospitalization, the child will be transferred to the only children's hospital in CR, located in the capital. This children's hospital is public.
There have been outbreaks of dengue fever in some areas of the country and an outbreak of malaria was reported in November 2006 from the province of Limon but just a few cases. Protection against mosquito bites is very important, wearing lightweight long pants, long sleeved shirts and using insect repellents with high concentrations of DEET is recommended by the CDC. If you are going to be in very rural areas known to be malaria-infested areas, you might want to consider an anti-malarial med. However, most travelers to Costa Rica do just fine with updated childhood immunizations and taking preventative measures against mosquito bites (rather than take anti-malarial medication).
Tap water in urban areas of the country is almost always safe to drink. However, being cautious may be in order in rural areas with questionable water sources.
With 1.9 million travelers visiting Costa Rica annually, travel is quite popular and common. Still, travelers to Costa Rica should exercise caution. The emergency number in Costa Rica is 911.
Traffic in Costa Rica is dangerous, so be careful. Pedestrians in general do not have the right of way. Roads in rural areas may also tend to have many potholes. Driving at night is not recommended.
Use common sense. Do not leave valuables in plain view in a car or leave your wallet on the beach when going into the water. Close the car windows and lock the car or other things that you might not do in your own country.
In the cities, robbery at knife point is not altogether uncommon.
The capital of San Jose is usually packed with foot traffic during any part of the day. However the streets rapidly become deserted shortly after dark when the public buses stop running. It is extremely dangerous to be walking in San Jose after dark when there is no foot traffic, and if you find yourself in this situation, it is recommended you find a taxi to go to wherever you need to go.
Buses and bus stops - especially those destined for San Jose - are frequent locations for robbery. Any bus rider who falls asleep has a good chance of waking up and finding his baggage missing. Don't trust anyone on the buses to watch your things, especially near San Jose.
Like any other tourist destination, watch out for pickpockets.
Purse snatching, armed robberies and car-jacking have been on the rise lately. Stay alert and protect your valuables at all times, especially in the San Jose area.
"Smash and grabs" of car windows do happen, so do not leave valuables in your vehicle, or if you must, make sure they are not visible.
Another common robbery scheme includes slashing your tires, then when you stop to fix the flat, one or two "friendly" people stop to help and instead grab what valuables they can.
If you are motioned to pull over by anyone, do not do so until you are at a well-lit and safe place.
Make use of hostel or hotel lock boxes if they are really secure – this is great when you want to swim or kick back and really not worry.
On a long trip, it's advised that you make back-up CDs (or DVDs) of your digital photos and send a copy back home. In the event that you are robbed, you will thank yourself!
When encountering a new currency, learn the exchange rate from a reliable source (online ahead of time or a local bank, preferably) and create a little cheat sheet converting it to US dollars or the other Central American currency you are comfortable with. Travel with small denominations of US dollars (crisp 1s, 5s, 10s) as back-up... usually you'll be able to use them if you run out of local currency.
Go to a bank to change money when possible and practical. If you find yourself needing to use the services of a person who is a money changer (Sunday morning at the border, for instance) make sure to have your own calculator. Do not trust money changers and their doctored calculators, change the least amount of money possible and take a hard look at the bills – there's lots of false ones out there. Always insist that your change be in small bills – you'll lose more at one time if a large bill is false, plus large bills are hard to change (even the equivalent of $20 USD in Costa Rica or $5 USD in Nicaragua can be difficult in some small towns, believe it or not!) Money changers do not use the official exchange rate - you are better off going to a state owned bank to exchange your currency at no fee.
Do not exchange money at the San Jose airport in the luggage area. The exchange rate used there is not the official rate and you will get a lot fewer colones. However there is a bank upstairs that has fair rates, it is next to where you pay your departure tax.
Traveling alone is fine and generally safe in Costa Rica, but carefully consider what kind of risks (if any) you are willing to take. Always hike with other people and try to explore a new city with other people. On solo forays, if you feel uncomfortable seek out a group of other people (both women and men). A well lighted place with people you can trust is always a plus. A busy restaurant or hostel is a great source of local info as well as a great place to relax and recharge.
Rescue - 911 (only in San Jose) or 122
Police - 117
Fire service - 118
Traffic police - 222-93-30 or 222-92-45
5 day 29.01.2020 Wednesday
PANAMA CANAL PARTIAL TRANSIT
6 day 30.01.2020 Thursday
7 day 31.01.2020 Friday
GRAND CAYMANCAYMAN ISLANDS
Enjoy laidback British civility in a sun-splashed tropical locale on your Carnival® Grand Cayman cruise. Don't let the island's scrubland terrain fool you—a spectacular marine paradise lies just offshore of Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, where a living undersea wall drops dramatically into the ocean deep. Cruises to Grand Cayman bring you directly to the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the kaleidoscopic Caribbean Sea.
Stretch out on the glimmering white sands at Seven Mile Beach.
Stroll the shops, cafes, and museums in George Town, Grand Cayman.
Swim with gentle stingrays in Stingray City on your Grand Cayman cruise.
Dive in the wondrous undersea world along the Cayman Wall.
Spot native parrots and lizards in the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.
Capital:	George Town
Government:	British Overseas Territory
Currency:	Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
Area:	264 sq km/102 sq miles
Population:	55,456 (2010 census)
Religion:	United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, Church of God, other Protestant, Roman Catholic
Internet TLD:	.ky
Time Zone:	UTC -5
The Cayman Islands [1] are an island group in the Caribbean Sea, ninety miles south of Cuba. The beautiful coral reefs and outstandingly clear waters have made this island group a favorite destination of divers. Great beaches and fine restaurants and resorts make it an excellent tourist destination as well.
Popular local gifts are Cayman Sea Salt and Cayman Logwood Products.
The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries. Administered by Jamaica from 1863, they remained a British dependency after 1962 when the former became independent.
In addition to banking (the islands have no direct taxation, making them a popular incorporation site), tourism is a mainstay, aimed at the luxury market and catering mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 2.19 million in 2006, although the vast majority of visitors arrive for single day cruise ship visits (1.93 million). About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world. The Cayman Islands are one of the richest islands not only in the Caribbean but in the world.
Tropical marine. Warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, Great vacation spot, relatively dry winters (November to April). In 2004 the Cayman Islands, and especially Grand Cayman, were hit hard by Hurricane Ivan.
Low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs. Highest point: The Bluff on Cayman Brac, at 43 meters (141 ft).
Hurricanes are possible from June through November.
Despite being more liberal than other Caribbean islanders, Caymanians are still relatively conservative. Public displays of affection (both Gay and Straight) are not usually acceptable. Acceptance of homosexual tourists is relatively new and visitors should refrain from any sort of public displays of affection. In past years Gay cruise ships have been barred from calling in the Cayman Islands, but recent policy is to remain non-discriminatory. Gay visitors can expect the same levels of hospitality and service as any other visitor, but should expect some hesitation from older Caymanians. Young Caymanians are very liberal and for the most part, won't care either way.
The Cayman Islands is a "relatively low-crime area, especially compared to other vacation destinations in the Caribbean".
"However, that being said, crime is on the rise on Grand Cayman. Walking or riding a bicycle at night along dark roads (for example, along Courts Road) puts one at risk for assault and/or robbery. Pedestrians also need to worry about being hit by cars along soft shouldered roads. Drunk driving/Hit and Run accidents have been a problem. The RCIPS regularly conducts roadblocks to deter and detect drunk driving, making numerous arrests most weekends. DWI/DUI is a serious offense in Cayman.
The capital city of George Town is generally safe. Tourists should avoid certain areas (Rock Hole, Swamp, Jamaica Town/ Windsor Park, Courts Road, and Eastern Avenue) and this shouldn't be a problem as these areas are all well out of the way for most activities. In addition, George Town is virtually deserted at night as there are few centrally located restaurants, bars, or nightclubs.
One need not be overly concerned about miscellaneous belongings. While at the beach, no one will be stealing your lunch, towel or sneakers. Cayman thieves are not desperate individuals, and have no interest in normal personal effects or used snorkeling gear. Very likely the thieves are just local teens looking for items that they can sell to other local teens. Example: An average pair of sunglasses will not "grow legs"; But a flashy pair of Chanel knock-offs just might!
Special note to women: Women traveling alone should be especially careful at night, as sexual assaults do occasionally occur. Carry a cell phone capable of emergency calls to local 911. If you feel you are being followed or inappropriately watched, you should immediately call the police. The RCIPS is a very responsive and extremely professional organization. They will take your complaint seriously.
Grand Cayman is no longer a Camelot . But not to worry. You can enjoy a relaxing and "incident-free" holiday if you take care to be aware of your surroundings and lock doors and windows when possible.
Many locals won't eat barracuda because it is likely that it is poisonous. Be aware of that. Other reef fish (groupers, amberjack, red snappers, eel, sea bass, and Spanish mackerel) are not likely to cause ciguatera (fish poisoning). No natural fresh water resources; drinking water supplies are met by desalination plants and rainwater catchments.
Make sure you have sunscreen on if you plan on walking around town. It is sunny all year.
Caymanians are very respectful. Greetings and pleasantries are common and expected, even to shopkeepers when entering their stores. Most islanders use titles of respect, such as Mr. and Miss, followed with the given or first name, when addressing other islanders.
The Russian Embassy in London:
13, Kensington Place Gardens, London W8 4QS
Tel.: (44-207) 229-2666, 229-7281, Fax: (44-207) 229-5804
Consular Section:
5, Kensington Place Gardens, London W8 4QS
Tel.: (44-207) 229-8027, Fax: (44-207) 229-3215
The price per passenger based on double occupancy in a cabin for each category cabins.
IS - Inside (Guaranteed)
Interior cabin
Interior with Window (Obstructed View)
BL - Balcony (Guaranteed)
Year of built: 2002
Year of reconstruction: 2011
Length: 292.6 meters
Width: 32.2 meters
Displacement: 88,500 tons
Passenger capacity: 2,124 (double occupancy)
Onboard crew: 930
Number of cabins: 1,062
Number of passenger decks: 12
* Dear visitors! All descriptions, cabin photographs and ship infrastructure are showed for informational purposes only and may differ from the actual.
Sport and Wellness
Open all
Deck: PROMENADE
Description: Sushi Bar brings more to the table than just sushi, and brings it well. Enjoy good times and great eats in a unique, festive atmosphere.
The Private Club Restaurant
Description: The Private Club Restaurant on the Carnival Legend board is known for its glamor and luxury. This aristocratic and elegant restaurant can always surprise you with a wide selection of incredible and original dishes prepared by masters.
Truffles Restaurant
Description: Choose Early (6 p.m.), Late (8:15 p.m.) or Your Time (5:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) dining in the Carnival Legend main dining room and feast on culinary pleasures to your heart's delight.
Unicorn Grand Restaurant
Deck: LIDO
Description: Stroll around the buffet and explore our many international cuisines and made-to-order options at the Carnival Legend Lido restaurant.
The Golden Fleece Steakhouse
Deck: SUN
Description: The intimate ambiance and mouth-watering favorites at the Carnival Legend's Golden Fleece Steakhouse will make this a truly memorable meal.
Description: Hungry, but don't feel like leaving your stateroom? Relax. Our complimentary room service is available 24 hours a day.
Firebird Lounge
Deck: RIVIERA
Description: You can't drink great wine at your neighborhood library. Then again, this sure isn't your neighborhood library.
Legends' Cafe
Description: Take a break and revive in style at our coffee bar, stocked with premium coffees and delicious pastries.
Satchmo's Jazz Club
Description: Music lovers, listen up. Because our ships are rocking and rolling with some of the best bands at sea.
Dreamteam Sports Bar
Description: Pretty much just like your favorite neighborhood sports bar, except this bar travels at 18 knots.
Billie's Piano Bar
Deck: ATLANTIC
Description: Check out Carnival Legend's Billie's Piano Bar for the ultimate in fun. Listen to live music, make song requests, sing along or just chill with others.
Unicorn Bar
Description: Unicorn Bar located outdoors near the pool, so that you can enjoy the morning sun and fresh sea air, or a warm evening and the amazing starry sky!
Carnival SPA & Fitness Center
Description: Leave your worries back on land, where they belong. Visit our spa, the ultimate escape from the outside world.
Camelot & Avalon Pool
Description: Soak up some sun and some Carnival fun! Float the day away in one of our resort-style pools on deck.
Unicorn Pool
Deck: SPORTS
Description: Walk, jog or skip around the ship. Our special jogging track has some of the best views, and a great workout to boot.
Description: Get your heart rate up over the great blue sea! Pick up a paddle or putt the day away.
Description: Play some mini golf on your way to the Caribbean. (Bet you're wondering what crazy onboard fun we'll think up next.)
Description: Traveling with children, you shouldn't worry about whether there will be a great place for them on the Carnival Legend board. Here is a swimming pool Children's Pool Area for young guests.
Description: Splash, play and slide on our Twister Waterslide aboard Carnival Legend. Its spiral is three-decks high and fun for all ages.
Description: The Ship's Nurses are responsible to care for the nursing needs (routine and emergency needs) of the guests and crew.
Follies Main Show Lounge
Description: Follies (main show lounge) - Sit back and enjoy the performance, where every night aboard Carnival Legend is an extravaganza.
Trump Card Room
Description: You can enjoy playing cards not only noisy and glittering casinos, but in a small, cozy room, where you can show your skills in a cards game.
Club Merlin Casino
Description: Feeling lucky? Sure you are. Try your hand at poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and more - Just a sampling of the games Carnival Legend's Club Merlin Casino has in store.
Medusa's Lair Dance Club
Description: Better pack your best moves 'cuz our dance floor is waiting for them. You ready to get this party started?
The Holmes Library & Internet Cafe
Description: If you fancy a little downtime, recharge at the library, stocked with books and games for some peaceful rest and relaxation. Let your friends and family back home know about all the fun you're having at sea. (They're going to be so jealous.)
Description: The Chapel on the Carnival Legend board will be not only a great place for a romantic wedding or baptism ceremonies, but could do a great service in the event of lectures and workshops.
The Fun Shops
Description: Attention all shoppers! Get a great deal on everything from vacation keepsakes to fine jewelry at our onboard shops.
Description: Carnival Legend Photo Gallery is opened for all photography lovers! There you can purchase photos you like.
Round Table Conference Room
Description: Carnival Legend will provide you with a conference room with all necessary equipment and materials.
Gigabyte Video Arcade
Deck: MAIN
Description: What's up, playa? Our video arcade is equipped with the latest and greatest high-tech video and arcade games.
Description: Welcome to the ultimate hot spot for guests ages 12 to 14. And with all this fun happening, they'll be LOLing in no time.
Camp Carnival
Description: Once your kids discover Camp Carnival, they'll never want to leave. (Seriously.)
Description: The place to be a aboard Carnival Legend for teens 15-17 - They can enjoy their own cool parties, movies and shore excursions.
Палубы: RIVIERA
An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and Carnival Legend's interiors are not just cozy, but are full of things you'd expect from any Carnival stateroom: a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and just-a-call-away 24-hour room service.
Палубы: MAIN, UPPER
Палубы: EMPRESS
Палубы: EMPRESS, VERANDAH
Палубы: VERANDAH, PANORAMA
Палубы: MAIN
Catch a glimpse of what's going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Legend, where you'll get views you won't find anywhere on land. Don't miss sunrise and sunset at sea —your comfy stateroom is the best way to experience these!
Balcony (obstructed views)
Палубы: UPPER
An Obstructed View Balcony stateroom on Carnival Legend provides all the indoor amenities of a Carnival stateroom, as well as some of the outdoor ones as well, including your own personal outdoor space that's great for stretching out and relaxing.
Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you're looking to cruise aboard Carnival Legend. Any time you're in your room, you're just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.
Палубы: UPPER, EMPRESS
Палубы: PANORAMA
Extended Balcony
Палубы: MAIN, UPPER, EMPRESS
Premium Balcony (Obstructed View)
Палубы: EMPRESS, VERANDAH, PANORAMA
Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Legend and it's easy to see exactly what you're getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It's about more than just the room itself, you'll find… step onto your oversized balcony and you'll find that when there's a sea breeze in your hair, there's no limit to the relaxation you can have.
Палубы: UPPER, EMPRESS, VERANDAH, PANORAMA
A Carnival Legend suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool.
As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Legend, you can't help but feel that you're stepping into full-size luxury in a smaller package. Featuring a standard-size balcony, in a Carnival Legend Junior Suite you'll find everything else there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet… and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.
Палубы: MAIN, UPPER, EMPRESS, VERANDAH, PANORAMA
Don't get us wrong — a Carnival Legend Vista Suite stateroom is a lovely room with all the suite fixings. But the thing to see here is truly the view that your balcony affords you. A Vista Suite features a wraparound balcony that provides wide, stunning views when you're outside, and a uniquely panoramic inside view thanks to a wall of windows that brings more of that outside inside.
A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Legend features even more space than the standard suite — plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.
You can't drink great wine at your neighborhood library. Then again, this sure isn't your neighborhood library.
Cabins on this deck is not located
Sushi Bar brings more to the table than just sushi, and brings it well. Enjoy good times and great eats in a unique, festive atmosphere.
The Private Club Restaurant on the Carnival Legend board is known for its glamor and luxury. This aristocratic and elegant restaurant can always surprise you with a wide selection of incredible and original dishes prepared by masters.
Choose Early (6 p.m.), Late (8:15 p.m.) or Your Time (5:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) dining in the Carnival Legend main dining room and feast on culinary pleasures to your heart's delight.
Take a break and revive in style at our coffee bar, stocked with premium coffees and delicious pastries.
Pretty much just like your favorite neighborhood sports bar, except this bar travels at 18 knots.
Follies (main show lounge) - Sit back and enjoy the performance, where every night aboard Carnival Legend is an extravaganza.
You can enjoy playing cards not only noisy and glittering casinos, but in a small, cozy room, where you can show your skills in a cards game.
Feeling lucky? Sure you are. Try your hand at poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and more - Just a sampling of the games Carnival Legend's Club Merlin Casino has in store.
Better pack your best moves 'cuz our dance floor is waiting for them. You ready to get this party started?
Check out Carnival Legend's Billie's Piano Bar for the ultimate in fun. Listen to live music, make song requests, sing along or just chill with others.
If you fancy a little downtime, recharge at the library, stocked with books and games for some peaceful rest and relaxation. Let your friends and family back home know about all the fun you're having at sea. (They're going to be so jealous.)
The Chapel on the Carnival Legend board will be not only a great place for a romantic wedding or baptism ceremonies, but could do a great service in the event of lectures and workshops.
Attention all shoppers! Get a great deal on everything from vacation keepsakes to fine jewelry at our onboard shops.
Carnival Legend Photo Gallery is opened for all photography lovers! There you can purchase photos you like.
Carnival Legend will provide you with a conference room with all necessary equipment and materials.
What's up, playa? Our video arcade is equipped with the latest and greatest high-tech video and arcade games.
Welcome to the ultimate hot spot for guests ages 12 to 14. And with all this fun happening, they'll be LOLing in no time.
Once your kids discover Camp Carnival, they'll never want to leave. (Seriously.)
On this deck there is no description available infrastructure
Stroll around the buffet and explore our many international cuisines and made-to-order options at the Carnival Legend Lido restaurant.
Unicorn Bar located outdoors near the pool, so that you can enjoy the morning sun and fresh sea air, or a warm evening and the amazing starry sky!
Leave your worries back on land, where they belong. Visit our spa, the ultimate escape from the outside world.
Soak up some sun and some Carnival fun! Float the day away in one of our resort-style pools on deck.
The intimate ambiance and mouth-watering favorites at the Carnival Legend's Golden Fleece Steakhouse will make this a truly memorable meal.
The place to be a aboard Carnival Legend for teens 15-17 - They can enjoy their own cool parties, movies and shore excursions.
Walk, jog or skip around the ship. Our special jogging track has some of the best views, and a great workout to boot.
Get your heart rate up over the great blue sea! Pick up a paddle or putt the day away.
Play some mini golf on your way to the Caribbean. (Bet you're wondering what crazy onboard fun we'll think up next.)
Traveling with children, you shouldn't worry about whether there will be a great place for them on the Carnival Legend board. Here is a swimming pool Children's Pool Area for young guests.
Splash, play and slide on our Twister Waterslide aboard Carnival Legend. Its spiral is three-decks high and fun for all ages.
When it comes to relaxation from the inside out, nothing beats a trip to the spa. From the minute you step inside, the soothing ambiance begins to work its magic. Renew yourself with premium beauty and wellness therapies, like hot stone massages, aromatherapy or full-body wraps. This is your time to be spoiled, indulged and beautified. Lay back, close your eyes, and feel the stress sail away as your body and mind experience total tranquility. (Oh yeah, and this feel-good stuff isn't just for the ladies — there are plenty of treatments on our menu for men too.)
Number of rooms №1
Results for hotels: 0
Hotel Name Star Rating
Before You Cruise :
Pre-Cruise-Transfer from TAMPA $21.99
After You Cruise :
Post-Cruise-Transfer to TAMPA $21.99
Большинство россиян, запрашивающих визу для въезда в США, получают положительный ответ, число отказов в России меньше, чем в других странах. Большинство тех, кто запрашивает визу, получает ее, таких людей более 90%»…
Майкл Макфол, Посол США в России
Компания Атлантис Лайн имеет большой опыт в области оформления виз в США.>
Мы помогаем в оформлении визы гражданам различных стран, желающих поехать в США: как гражданам, желающим пройти собеседование на получение визы в консульских отделениях российской федерации, так и гражданам республики Беларусь, Украины, Грузии, Казахстана и др., желающих пройти собеседование в своей стране.
Наша компания оформит для вас все документы, вам останется только прийти на собеседование в назначенное время. квалифицированные сотрудники Атлантис Лайн проконсультируют вас по специфике получения визы США в консульстве.
Если Вы впервые обращаетесь за визой, Вам нужно предоставить нам только:
1 фотографию (цветная, 5х5 на белом фоне в электронном виде)
Копию загран. паспорта (в электронном виде)
Анкету-опросник (в электронном виде)
Копию российского паспорта (в электронном виде)
Бронь авиабилетов в оба конца (если не заказано в АТЛАНТИС ЛАЙН)
Бронь гостиницы (если не заказано в АТЛАНТИС ЛАЙН)
Если же Вы повторно обращаетесь за визой и срок окончания действия прошлой визы истек не более 47 мес. назад, Вы передаете нам оригиналы документов и Вам уже не требуется личное присутствие в Консульстве, наши сотрудники все сделают за Вас. Вам останется только получить готовый паспорт с визой.
Города, в которых можно пройти собеседование:
Россия: Москва, Санкт-Петребург, Владивосток, Екатеринбург
Украина: Киев
Казахстан: Астана, Алматы
Грузия: Тбилиси
В связи с временной приостановкой работы посольства США в Минске, граждане Беларуси, планирующие поездку в Соединенные Штаты, могут обращаться за визами в посольство США в Москве, Варшаве, Вильнюсе или Киеве. Условия зависят от выбора места подачи на визу.
Заявители, отвечающие всем нижеприведенным требованиям, освобождаются от прохождения собеседования:
- Повторное обращение за визой производится не позднее 47 месяцев с момента завершения срока действия предыдущей визы;
- Заявитель ранее проходил процедуру сканирования 10 пальцев;
- При предыдущем обращении за визой не требовалось получения специального разрешения для выдачи визы.
ДЛЯ ДЕТЕЙ МОЛОЖЕ 14 ЛЕТ, кроме заявления НЕОБХОДИМЫ:
1.НОТАРИАЛЬНО ЗАВЕРЕННОЕ СОГЛАСИЕ НА ПОЕЗДКУ ОТ ОБОИХ РОДИТЕЛЕЙ, ЕСЛИ РЕБЕНОК ПУТЕШЕСТВУЕТ НЕ С РОДИТЕЛЯМИ (с собой в Консульство).
2.КОПИЮ ВАШЕЙ ДЕЙСТВУЮЩЕЙ ВИЗЫ (ЕСЛИ ОНА ЕСТЬ). ЗАЯВИТЕЛЯМ В ВОЗРАСТЕ ОТ 14 ДО 16 ЛЕТ РАЗРЕШАЕТСЯ ПРИХОДИТЬ НА СОБЕСЕДОВАНИЕ В СОПРОВОЖДЕНИИ РОДИТЕЛЕЙ ИЛИ ДОВЕРЕННЫХ ЛИЦ. ПРИСУТСТВИЕ ДЕТЕЙ МОЛОЖЕ 14 ЛЕТ НЕ ТРЕБУЕТСЯ.
What's on board
Law information
Russian groups
Children onboard
Wedding and romance
Carnival SPA
© Atlantis Line, 2005-2019
SEA CRUISES OF CARNIVAL
Главная О компании Что на борту Как купить
Русские группы Все для детей Свадебные круизы Корпоративные круизы Карнивал SPA Подарки Ответы на вопрос Видео Carnival
Carnival Dream Carnival Splendor Carnival Freedom Carnival Liberty Carnival Magic Carnival Spirit Carnival Conquest Carnival Glory Carnival Valor
Carnival Triumph Carnival Victory Carnival Destiny Carnival Pride Carnival Legend Carnival Miracle Carnival Fantasy Carnival Ecstasy
Carnival Sensation Carnival Fascination Carnival Imagination Carnival Inspiration Carnival Elation Carnival Paradise Carnival Breeze Carnival Sunshine


When Peter Wills, Deputy Director of Auckland University's Centre for Peace Studies, penned an article criticising war hero, VC winner Clive Hulme in today's Sunday Star/Times I saw red.
The article entitled "The Bravest War Hero Can Still Be a Coward in Disguise" took Hulme to task for breaking the rules of war, in donning a German military uniform and using the disguise to get close enough to kill several German soldiers.
Who is this Peter Wills? Who is he to judge our military heroes?
This Socialist Academic Profile looks at Wills's history as a "peace" activist.
In 1985, Wills was involved the NZ anti Tomahawk Missiles Campaign, working alongside the late Owen Wilkes. He was, at the time also a leading member of "Scientists Against Nuclear Arms". This organisation was closely allied to International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War and Engineers for Social Responsibility. All three were regarded as part of the new wave of Soviet "Peace" fronts created in the early '80s to be less obvious than the completely Soviet dominated World Peace Council.
SANA was founded in Britain in 1981 by scientist Professor Mike Pentz. British Conservative MP, Julian Lewis, wrote a 1995 obituary of Mike Pentz " Not only was Mike an enemy of nuclear deterrence and of Nato's doctrine of flexible response, he was also a prominent activist in a number of highly committed political bodies.
As Communist Party candidate for the Barnes Division of Surrey County Council, he polled 216 votes in the 1955 local government elections. As well as being a Vice-Chairman of CND (1981-84), he was a Sponsor of the British arm of the leading Soviet front body, the World Peace Council (WPC). He was Chairman of the J.D. Bernal Peace Library, founded by the former WPC Chairman and lifelong Stalinist Bernal in 1967.
When he set up Scientists Against Nuclear Arms(SANA) in 1981, Mike chose the Morning Star (Communist Party newspaper) as the vehicle for an article explaining "how scientists can arm the peace movement with the facts".
In May 1984, he went to Moscow at the invitation of the official Soviet Peace Committee to establish links with the Kremlin's "Scientific Research Council on Problems of Peace and Disarmament". He was listed as one of four activists due to represent another Soviet front, the World Federation of Scientific Workers, at the 1982 UN Second Special Session on Disarmament.
In January 1987, Peter Wills visited Moscow at the invitation of the Soviet Academy of Science. He was pictured in the pro Soviet, NZ Socialist Unity Party's "Tribune" (April 13 page 9)in Moscow with Hone Harawira and NZ Ambassador Alison Stokes. He had been invited to the "For a Nuclear-Free World, for the Survival of Mankind" Forum. According to "Tribune" Wills had discussions with Yuri Druzdov, Head of the Asia, Africa and Middle East Department.
This "Druzdov" was very possibly "Yuri Drozdov", pictured here in 1961.
Drozdov is regarded as a KGB "legend" and has recently published a book in Russia on his experiences "Fiction Excluded. The Notes of the Chief of Illegal Intelligence" - that's a name of a new book by the notorious Soviet spymaster Yuri Drozdov published in Russia. For 35 years he worked in the Soviet Foreign intelligence, spying in China, Germany, United States. The book tells of his operation in Germany, where, pretending to be the leader of the Neo-Nazi movement, Drozdov managed to recruit BND officer. Drozdov was also behind creation of the famous Soviet special units as, for example, "Vimpel" – created for special force missions abroad.
According to Pakistan's "Pak Tribune"
The deployment of the Soviet military contingent in Afghanistan in the end of 1979, warded off the Soviet Union's collapse by ten or even twelve years, said Yuri Drozdov. He was a KGB department chief at that time.
In March 1987 Wills was interviewed in the SUP's "Tribune" as a member of SANA. He was involved in campaign with CND to get Auckland Harbour made nuclear-free.
On June 8, 1987, Wills was the first speaker at an Auckland Trades Council Peace Office seminar. He was introduced by the SUP's Bill Andersen, founder of the World Peace Council's NZ affiliate, the NZ Council for World Peace".
In October 1987, Wills represented SANA at a World Peace Council Bureau meeting in Auckland.
In November 1988 Wills was a physics lecturer at Auckland University, based temporarily near Washington DC. He released a technical paper with Owen Wilkes (then a peace researcher with Peace Movement Aotearoa), outlining their case against Black Birch observatory - that it was being used for military purposes and was breaching the Nuclear Free Act of 1987.
In 1990, Wills was working at the Centre for Peace Studies, at Auckland University when he wrote an article for September's "Peacelink" on chemical weapons use in the Gulf War.
In May 1991 Wills wrote an article for the socialist journal "Agenda" on "Secret Star Wars Plans for Pacific"
In the Mid '90s, Wills was chairman of Greenpeace NZ.
Just the kind of person to give balanced comment on Clive Hulme's military exploits.
Many Soviet young men and women died bravely fighting the Nazi menace. Soviet soldiers weren't really into respecting the Geneva convention either though.


text:
Ellerslie Road Baptist Church
Affirmation of Faith
Early Childhood (ages 0 – 5)
Youth (Grades 7-12)
Sermon Based Groups
Faith Milestones
Connecting Card
At Ellerslie we want to take seriously Jesus' mandate to his followers to join him in helping people from every corner and culture of the world discover and follow the God who is already pursuing them.
The goal of the Global Mission Team is to help us at Ellerslie become as effective as possible in crossing cultural and demographic boundaries to help people discover life in Jesus.
Terry and Jane Baskin | Grindrod, BC | VILLAGE Missions
In 1986, with hearts burdened for broken and hurting people, Terry and Jane left Edmonton to begin an evangelism/church planting ministry among the Innu people in eastern Quebec. After 20 years that work had matured to the place where it could continue on. This was God's timing for a new direction.
God led them to "Village Missions of Canada". "VM" provides pastoral leadership, in small communities, where otherwise, there would be no church. Their motto is "Preach the Word and Love The People". The Baskins are ministering to believers and sharing the Gospel with the entire community of Grindrod, BC.
Valerie Salkeld (Laird) | Calgary, AB | BGC Canada, Wycliffe Bible Translators Canada
Valerie has been a member since 2001. As associate director of prayer ministries she provides spiritual leadership for members in Calgary and across the globe through weekly chapel times, retreats, days of prayer, intercession and spiritual direction.
I love the vision to see a world where translated Scriptures lead to transformed lives among people of all languages, because the Word of God is so vital for transformation in my own life.
Brian and Jessica Myrholm | Uganda | BGC Canada & AIM
Brian, Jessica and their two young boys serve in Uganda, East Africa. They work under a Ugandan agency called Global Link Afrika which seeks mobilize, train and send out Ugandan missionaries. Brian also assists the local church in understanding their responsibility in global missions, and Jessica helps out as a consultant to educate missionaries and other workers about health care. Brian and Jessica began their long-term service in Uganda in 2014.
10603 ellerslie road sw
edmonton, ab t6w 1a1
Traditions | 9:30
Contemporary | 9:30 & 11:15
erbc@erbc.ca
New to Ellerslie
Mandarin Service
Copyright © 2018 ERBC. All Rights Reserved.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Senate Climate Vote Usurps Authority, Endangers Democracy
June 15, 2010 Amy Kaleita
Last week, the senate refused to take true responsibility for climate change legislation by letting the Environmental Protection Agency essentially usurp that authority. In a 53-47 vote, senators struck down Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski's resolution of disapproval to overturn the EPA's power grab to set climate policy.
In a controversial move known as the endangerment finding, the EPA declared that greenhouse gas emissions are a danger to public health and welfare, and thus subject to regulation by the EPA under the Clean Air Act. Because greenhouse gas emissions come from a huge variety of sources and sectors, this represents an enormous shift of regulatory power to the EPA on the climate issue. In an open letter to senators last month, a coalition of policy think tanks and energy interests noted that "at a minimum, the endangerment finding will allow EPA to deal itself into a position to determine fuel economy standards for the auto industry, control CO2 emissions from stationary sources, and, more broadly, set climate policy for the nation – powers never delegated to the agency by Congress."
The EPA itself recognizes that the wide reach of the endangerment finding, and the enormous administrative overhead required leads to "absurd results." To avoid some of the problems their endangerment finding would cause, the EPA proposes to "tailor" the Clean Air Act so that firms emitting relatively low amounts of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions (less than 50,000 tons per year) would be exempt from the permitting programs for six years. Clearly, the EPA is planning to amend the Clean Air Act to lessen the burden of the endangerment finding. This may seem practical at first glance, but the EPA is not a legislative body and has no authority to amend legislation. That they in fact seek to do so would seem to be a case for limiting their regulatory scope, not making it larger.
In their letter to senators, the coalition members note that the Murkowski resolution was "a referendum not on climate science but on who should make the big decisions affecting America's economic future. Is climate policy to be made by the people's representatives or by politically unaccountable bureaucrats, trial lawyers, and activist judges? Only one answer to that question passes constitutional muster. EPA has no authority to do an end-run around the democratic process. Climate policy is too important to be made by an administrative agency without new and specific statutory guidance from Congress."
Key senators themselves, despite their nay vote on the resolution last week, seem to recognize this reality. Unfortunately, they just don't want it to be so because it's easier to have somebody else do it. Sen. Barbara Boxer, California Democrat, has said that if the public has to wait for Congress to pass legislation to control greenhouse gas emissions, "that might not happen, in a year or two, or five or six or eight or 10." Perhaps that is the case, but that is how legislation works in a representative democracy.
Indeed, the closeness of the vote on the Murkowski resolution suggests that passing (with 60 votes) any comprehensive climate legislation will be no easy task. But that is the job of legislators, elected by the people. When those legislators cede that task to powerful but unelected regulators, they abdicate their leadership responsibilities and cheat the democratic process.


text:
As LeBron James makes return as a visitor, the Cavs, as expected, are in disarray
LeBron James says the "beginning of the end" for the Cavs was when the team traded Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics prior to the 2017-18 season.
LeBron James is returning — this time as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers — and many of you are debating about what type of reception he should receive.
George Hill, one of the veterans who is well aware his remaining tenure with the Cavs can at best be measured in months, has a rather colorful description for anyone who boos James on Wednesday night at Quicken Loans Arena.
J.R. Smith, meanwhile, told The Athletic's Jason Lloyd that the team isn't trying to win, he won't accept a buyout and he has no relationship with Cavs general manager Koby Altman.
The comments by Smith, who reiterated that he wants to be traded, occurred soon after James told The Athletic's Joe Vardon (pretty decent week for these guys) that the Kyrie Irving trade "was the beginning of the end for everything."
James also said Altman, after LeBron implored the GM not to trade Irving, told the superstar that a deal would not occur. Soon after, news broke of the blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics, and a team that had won a championship not even 14 months earlier was on the verge of a much larger breakup.
In all, it's been a rather fitting 48 hours for the Cavs.
When LeBron leaves, chaos ensues. It happened in 2010. It's happening again now.
James, try as he might, isn't blameless.
The Cavs told Vardon that they asked the world's best player if he would commit to the franchise long-term if Irving wasn't traded, and James declined. LeBron also could have made more of an effort to mend his relationship with Irving, who, when paired with James, was the Cavs' only chance against Golden State.
But there's no disputing that the summer of 2017 — with the ill-advised trade of Irving, the departure of David Griffin (a rare GM who had James' respect), the odd courting of Chauncey Billups and the extended time the Cavs went without a GM during the most important stretch of the offseason — was a colossal failure by ownership and the front office. It made keeping James beyond 2018 almost impossible. It might as well have pushed him out the door.
And what's left 15 months later — a 2-13 team that has the league's worst defensive rating and its fifth-worst offensive rating — only serves to make James' accomplishments in Cleveland more remarkable. He took this team, basically with a healthy Kevin Love and no Collin Sexton, to the NBA Finals for a fourth time in as many years.
What's made the transition even worse for the Cavs — not that it was ever going to be lollipops and Baker Mayfields — was their odd insistence that they were going to compete for a playoff berth in the season after an all-timer bolted. Maybe it was, as Smith said to Lloyd, an effort "to save face with everybody else." Or, as Lloyd called it, an "ill-conceived stunt to try to keep interest high both publicly and internally among the players."
Or maybe they really believed it, which is pretty terrifying. And heading into the season, the Cavs' actions indicated they did, with Kevin Love's four-year, $120 million extension looking even worse now than it did at the time.
But a couple games into the season, it was as if a switch flipped. It made a ton more sense to be bad, develop the limited amount of young players who might be part of a future contender and keep their 2019 draft pick (which goes to Atlanta if it falls outside the top 10).
The results, as expected, have been ugly. Tyronn Lue is long gone, and Smith, Hill and Kyle Korver are still here. The latter had expected, and hoped, to be traded once James left for L.A.
Yes, it would have been nice if Irving never wanted out. That would have made things a heck of a lot easier, and made the post-LeBron world a bit less daunting.
Heck, none of this might have happened if Kevin Durant didn't sign with the Warriors during the same summer in which all hell broke loose for the Cavs. The Cavs might have entered last season as the two-time defending champs, and Akron's favorite player might have put his Hollywood ambitions on hold for a while longer.
Some of this was out of the Cavs' control. What was in their hands, however, was bungled, and we're back to bad basketball, lottery hopes and LeBron coming back in another team's uniform.
Some of you might boo. Many more will cheer.
There are so many memories. So many what-ifs.
And so many questions about the Cavs' ability to build a winner that doesn't revolve around the best player we've seen since Michael Jordan.
Lakers market is Cavs' best of year
The secondary marketplace for James' first game in Cleveland as a member of the Lakers is — surprise, surprise — robust.
TickPick, a no-fee secondary market, says the average listing price for the Cavs-Lakers game on Wednesday night is $377, which is a 142% increase from the Cavs' average listing this season. The average purchase price, according to TickPick, is $211, with a get-in cost of $81.
As of Tuesday morning, the get-in prices for the Lakers matchup on the Cavs' official secondary marketplaces — Flash Seats and StubHub — were $65 and $66, respectively.
And if you're wondering about the media presence at Wednesday's game, a Cavs source said it wouldn't be anything like the throng that's present at a playoff game. It will more closely resemble the media gathering for big national TV games in past regular seasons, the source said.
We're interested to see the type of reception James gets. Our guess is it will be raucous — in a good way.
It would also be fun to see the Cavs put up a fight against their former teammate, whose path to a ninth consecutive NBA Finals looks even more difficult than the craziness that was the 2018 postseason.
You can follow me on Twitter for sports information, analysis and prisoner-of-the-moment tweets during wild "Monday Night Football" games.


text:
Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies: Digital Collections
At Yale
Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies: Digital Collections: At Yale
Digital Libraries and Open Access Databases
Digital Humanities Projects
eBook Platforms
A popular platform offering fiction in both ebook and audiobook format.
Formerly known as Ebrary Academic Complete Subscription Collection.
eBook collection chiefly focused on technology and natural sciences, social sciences, and history.
Project Muse
Includes e-books as well as scholarly journals.
Hathi Trust Digital Library
A free web resource containing thousands of digitized historical texts. Yale Library is a member of the consortium sponsoring this resource, so additional website features are available when accessing this resource via the Yale network.
East View E-Books
A small collection of Russian-language ebooks, including a cache of digitized publications on early Russian cinema.
Newspaper & Journal Databases
American Bibliography of Slavic and East European Studies
The American Bibliography of Slavic & Eastern European Studies (ABSEES) provides information on East-Central Europe, Russia, Soviet Union and the former Soviet republics, with indexed sources published in the United States, Canada and some European countries. More than 145,000 records from 1989-present are included, with content added annually.
ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
One of the premier databases for religion and theology, ATLA includes substantial content on Russian Orthodoxy, within Russia and abroad, as well as on Russian and East European Jewish topics.
Central and Eastern European Online Library
The Central and East European Online Library (CEEOL) provides access to more than 2,000 scholarly journals across Eastern Europe, in addition to publications about Eastern Europe from Japan, Turkey, the U.S. and U.K.
Current Digest of the Russian Press
Founded in 1949, the Current Digest provides access to a curated selection of Russian news sources translated into English. Very useful for readers of English looking for information on how various events are being reported in Russian-language media.
Iskusstvo Kino digital archive
The premier journal for Russian film criticism, theory, and history. Archives go back to 1933, with current content available in the Russian Social Sciences & Humanities Database.
Izvestiia digital archive
The other essential source of Soviet-era news, the Izvestiia archive contains issues from 1917-2010. It retains its reputation today as the Russian Federation's paper of record.
Krokodil digital archive
The famous satirical journal Krokodil is digitized here in its entirety (1922-2008), and in addition to full-text searchability, the image metadata on its pages is also indexed, allowing you to search through its copious illustrations.
LEF Digital Archive
This small digital archive contains the full run of Lef and Novyi Lef, journals produced by the members of the early Soviet association Left Front of the Arts. The Beinecke Library also has physical issues of some journals in the run.
Literaturnaia Gazeta
A major outlet for criticism and commentary among Russia's preeminent cultural and literary stars, this archive contains all issues going back to the journal's founding in 1929.
Niva Digital Archive
The massively popular illustrated weekly Niva ran from 1870-1917 and contains content on nearly all subjects for nearly all ages. An excellent source for analysis of 19th century Russian popular culture and media.
Pravda Digital Archive
By far the most often consulted of our available digital newspaper archives, the Pravda Digital Archive contains all issues of the official organ of the Russian Communist Party (1913-present). An essential source for official party communications throughout the entire Soviet era. Its current issues can be found in the Russian Central Newspapers database.
Press Reader
Recent coverage from thousands of newspapers and magazines around the world.
Sovetskaia Kultura Digital Archive
A compendium of titles that predate the contemporary journal Kultura, this archive is a major source on Soviet and Russian perspectives on arts and culture spanning 1929-2013. Current issues can be found in the Russian Central Newspapers database.
Universal databases - Regional Russian Newspapers
The Universal Database of Regional Russian Newspapers (UDB-REG) provides close-up coverage of developments throughout Russia's regions. This database currently presents newspapers from all seven Federal Districts of the Russian Federation and includes coverage of local issues of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The database represents such noteworthy regions as the troubled Northern Caucasus (Groznenskii rabochii from Chechnya, Severnaia Osetiia from Northern Osetiia-Alania, etc.), oil & gas rich Western Siberia (Tiumenskie izvestiia, etc.), the investment-friendly Volga region (Nizhegorodskie novosti from Nizhnii Novgorod or Samarskie izvestiia from Samara), and many others. The selected newspapers have the largest circulation in their regions and are considered as most authoritative. Access is available only through 2016.
Universal databases - Russian Central Newspapers
Universal Database of Russian Central Newspapers (UDB-COM) contains around 40 actively publishing Russian central newspapers and weekly magazines, covering the entire spectrum of domestic news, as well as the currents of Russia's economic and cultural life. They include official publications (Rossiiskaia gazeta, Rossiiskie vesti), popular and business newspapers (Argumenty i fakty, Moskovskii komsomolets, Komsomolskaia pravda, Kommersant, Vedomosti), trade publications (Gudok, Stroitel'naia gazeta, Ekran i scena, Uchitel'skaia gazeta, Literaturnaia gazeta), in short important publications which cover news about and provide commentary on contemporary Russia. Independent media, with the exception of Novaia Gazeta and Nezavisimaia Gazeta, are presented as online versions with the same original content (The New Times, Republic) allowing users to have access to the entire spectrum of opinions and perspectives.
Universal databases - Russian Military and Security Periodicals
The Universal Database of Russian Military and Security Periodicals (UDB-MIL) includes several dozen publications covering military and security developments in Russia from both official and independent sources. All branches of the armed forces are covered by this database, including the Russian Air Force, Army and Navy. Equally important, the database includes a trove of English-language sources. In addition to journals and newspapers published in Moscow, the database presents imprints from military districts and some armies and divisions. Access is available only through 2016.
Universal databases - Russian Social Sciences & Humanities
This database includes all 31 journals of the Russian Academy of Sciences ranging from archeology to linguistics, as well as popular literary editions, and independent scholarly publications. New titles are added on a regular basis.
Universal databases - Baltics, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine
The Universal Database of newspapers from the Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus (UDB-EUR) includes important periodicals published in these newly independent states which used to be part of the Soviet Union. The sources are in mostly in Russian, they cover various issues of domestic and international importance. Access is available only through 2016.
Universal databases - Ukrainian Publications
Includes publications on political, cultural, social, and artistic life in Ukraine, through 2016.
Universal databases - Central Asia and Caucasus
The Universal Database of Central Asia and Caucasus (UDB-CAC) includes a number of authoritative periodicals published in the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union. The sources are mostly in Russian and English and cover various issues of domestic and international importance. AP-Blitz, an information agency, offers its daily newsline, Tajikistan News in Brief. Another important publication from the same region is The Times of Central Asia, a business weekly published in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan). A notable feature of the database are the journals published by the Center for Economic Research in Tashkent (Uzbekistan). Their content covers critical analytical and statistical data on the economic dynamics of Uzbekistan society, changes in social and economic development of Uzbekistan. Access is available only through 2016.
Arcanum Digitheca
A database of Hungarian journals and newspapers, including both current and historical content.
Academic Video Online (Alexander Street)
Provides access to thousands of video titles on the arts, humanities, science, and social sciences. The formats include documentaries, interviews, performances, news programs and newsreels, field recordings, commercials, raw footage, and award-winning films, all with accompanying transcripts. Collection highlights include: BBC, PBS, Sony Pictures Classics, Filmakers Library.
A collection of streaming videos from a variety of producers including California Newsreel, PBS, the BBC, National Geographic, Films for the Humanities & Sciences, and more. Includes over 35,000 videos covering a wide range of topics organized by broad subject area, as well as feature films in the world cinema collection
Provides streaming access to documentary and social issue films and videos from a variety of distributors, including Bullfrog, First Run Features, Icarus Films, and National Film Board of Canada.
Collection of streaming documentary films from across the world for an academic audience. Films cover various topics of social, political and cultural importance.
Streaming video service that offers international films and documentaries across diverse subjects and disciplines. Collections include titles from the DEFA Film Library, ArtMattan Films, HBO, PBS, Frameline, Ruscico, Pragda, BBC, Flicker Alley, National Film Board of Canada, First Run Features, Cinema Libre Studio, New Day Films, and the Criterion Collection/Janus Films. Films are licensed individually for academic use only.
New World Cinema: Independent Features and Shorts, 1990-present
The database includes over 200 full-length feature films from leading independent distributors such as Kino Lorber, First Run Features, Film Movement, and Global Lens. There are also some 50 award winning short films. All films were presented at major film festivals, many were nominated for awards, and many have won major awards.
Asian Film Online
Selection of over 1000 feature films, documentaries, and shorts from across Asia. Themes cover include modernity, globalization, female agency, social and political unrest, and cultural and sexual identity.
LGBT Studies in Video
A cinematic survey of the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people as well as the cultural and political evolution of the LGBT community. It features documentaries, interviews, archival footage, and select feature films exploring LGBT history, gay culture and subcultures, civil rights, marriage equality, LGBT families, AIDS, transgender issues, religious perspectives on homosexuality, global comparative experiences, and other topics.
Silent Film Online
Brings together films which represent the basis of modern cinematic technique and film theory. This database covers silent features, serials, and shorts from the 1890s to the 1930s and includes examples of the silent film movement from Germany, Britain, the Soviet Union, and France. The resource complements its feature films with a selection of related documentaries.
Socialism on Film: the Cold War and International Propaganda
Collection of documentary, newsreel and feature films produced primarily in the communist world and re-edited for western audiences. includes works by Soviet, Chinese, Vietnamese, East European, and Latin American filmmakers. Ranging from the early 20th century to the 1980s, the material encapsulates the themes of war, revolution, news, current affairs, culture and society.
Naxos Video Library
The NVL contains more than 1290 full-length videos from 28 different publishing houses. The content includes classical music in large part (opera, ballet, theatre, jazz, concerts, competitions, documentaries, master classes, and lectures) but also includes feature films about religious figures and topics like geography, world monuments, and fine arts. Films appear under the "Genres and Programmes" catagory.
Dance Online. Dance in Video
Includes streaming video files related to 20th century dance, including documentaries, editorials, instructional, interviews, and performances. Selections cover ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, experimental, and improvisational dance, as well as forerunners of the forms and the pioneers of modern concert dance. Videos can be browsed by people, role, ensemble, genre, and venue.
provides online access to a digital streaming video collection of films of current British theatre productions. Includes behind-the-scenes documentaries as well as teaching and learning resources to facilitate understanding of the productions and texts. Learning resources include a detailed introduction, plot summary, character biographies, a relationship map, language analysis, scene study, performance background and historical context for each play.
Met Opera On Demand. Student access
Met opera on demand provides access to full length Met performances. It features live HD productions, classic telecasts from the 1970s, '80s, '90s, and '00s, and radio broadcasts dating back to 1936.
Next: Digital Libraries and Open Access Databases >>
URL: https://guides.library.yale.edu/slavicdigital


text:
We moved from conceptual thinking to concrete actions We moved from conceptual thinking to concrete actions We moved from conceptual thinking to concrete actions
Fernand Griffnée, CEO ORES.
We moved from conceptual thinking to concrete actions
Energy played a key role in reaching the climate and decarbonization objectives, and the grid operators faced a triple challenge: accommodating decentralized production and enabling the transitions to electrical mobility and electrical heating. To meet these challenges, ORES relied first and foremost on its infrastructure, in which it continued to invest heavily, and on the efficient use of data for the benefit of a consumer who became increasingly a consumer-actor.
Today, in anno 2030, the energy sector embraces things that caused concern in the past, such as the energy transition and decarbonization. We realized that we needed to talk about these issues in concrete terms and see how they transform the lives of people, businesses, and energy players. In other words, we have moved from conceptual thinking to reality.
Fernand Griffnée
CEO ORES
Three major areas were connected to the energy transition and decarbonization: electricity production, heating, and mobility. In the coming years, we must meet these three challenges in order to achieve the objective of a climate-neutral European Union by 2050, i.e. tomorrow.
Produce electricity differently
Electricity production had to increase substantially due to the electrification of our society. Today, we are pursuing the decentralization of electricity production, mainly through photovoltaics. In the past 10 years, no less than two gigawatts of renewable electricity have been added to our network – roughly the equivalent of two nuclear reactors, to reach a total of more than four gigawatts. This meant that ORES had to develop a new activity, namely the accommodation of decentralized electricity generation.
Heat homes and organize mobility differently
In Wallonia back in the 2020s, around 40% of the population heated their homes with gas and another 40% with fuel oil. The rest was covered mainly by biomass or heat pumps. The priority was to increase energy efficiency and to reduce the share of fuel oil. Furthermore, gas was gradually replaced by biogas as we realized that the potential of biogas in Wallonia is substantial3. The advantage of biogas was that the existing gas network could be used. It provided a new revenue stream for the actors in the agricultural sector, which, together with the public authorities, were important partners to develop this industry.
As far as hydrogen is concerned, we remained attentive to the development of the sector, but did not see immediately important development of the uses on our infrastructure.
Electricity plays an important role in heating as well. Over the last decade, we have seen an important electrification of heating with heat pumps becoming the standard for new or well insulated homes. Hybrid solutions that smartly combine electric heat pumps with gas boilers - depending on external temperatures - have also been adopted by many households and contributed to the decarbonization of heating.
The number of electric cars increased massively between 2020 and 2030 and is expected to represent the majority share of the car fleet of 2050.
As far as ORES is concerned, we knew enough about the future trends to act in 2022. It was certainly not too early to put the required projects in place. We did not have the time to wait any longer
Significant investments in the low voltage network
These three elements have a significant impact on the electricity and gas distribution networks, which raised two questions. First, were the networks ready? And if not, would we have sufficient time to adapt them?
We were able to gradually adapt the distribution networks. They were not in a situation of under investment. However, the pace at which we had to transform the networks had to accelerate around 2028-2030. The amount of required investment also increased rapidly, particularly in the low voltage network, which was put to the test because it is at this level that electric vehicles are being charged and solar panels and heat pumps are being connected. This also meant that we had to adapt our operations significantly. Until then, we were used to working mainly on the medium voltage network. The low voltage network is more fine-grained, spans over 50,000 km (1.25x the Earth's circumference) and is situated along municipal roads.
In order to relieve the low voltage network as much as possible, we had to incentivize certain applications that used the medium instead of low voltage network, such as, for example, photovoltaic panels.
As far as ORES is concerned, we knew enough in 2022 about what was going to happen in the next years to launch projects and invest. So today, anno 2030, our networks are ready for the new uses we anticipated.
Data & infrastructure
Even in anno 2030, infrastructure remains the core business of a network operator. This does not mean that we neglect data. Together with software it is a key enabler to minimize our investments, allow efficient operation, unlock flexibility in the network, and offer new services to our customers. In order to avoid duplication of tasks, it was important that the distribution network and the transmission operator worked together to develop a unique, real-time data platform in Belgium, which was able to manage the significant amount of data.
Thanks to the investment in data, a whole new range of services have been proposed to consumers, by ORES but also by a large eco-system of companies, from startups to well established energy players.
These services have allowed consumers to take a much more active role regarding their energy use, by adapting their consumption depending on market conditions, by providing win-win flexibility services to the network operators, and by actively participating in energy communities. These new consumer behaviors, facilitated by investment in data, have been to the triple-benefit of the energy transition, reduced energy bills, and the sustainability of our energy network.
To support this energy transition and the electrification of society, ORES had to invest efficiently and accurately. In other words, we needed to get it right. We knew enough in 2022 about what was going to happen in the next years to launch projects. It was certainly not too early to put in place the required projects. We did not have the time to wait any longer. Today, in anno 2030, our networks are ready for the new uses we anticipated.
About the interviewee
Fernand Grifnée is the Managing Director of ORES, the operator responsible for the electricity and gas distribution networks of some 200 Walloon municipalities, and a well-known player in the energy world. As law graduate from ULiège, he worked in the early 1990s in the office of Justice Minister Melchior Wathelet, before joining Electrabel in 1995, where he became communications director in 2002.
3. According to the study of ValBiom of 2019, the realistic biogas potential in Belgium is 15.6 TWhpcs. The Walloon potential alone could represent almost 50% of the consumption of the distribution network: in other words, 1 in 2 Walloon households could be supplied with biomethane
Voices on 2030: The new reality for Energy
Discover more perspectives from Voices representing the energy industry.
Download full report ⤓
The Future of Energy
Voices on 2030
KPMG's Energy & Natural Resources assists organization in the power & utilities and water industries.
KPMG's Energy network responds to business issues and trends.
Be the first to know about top business trends that can drive success for your company.
About KPMG
© 2023 KPMG Central Services, a Belgian Economic Interest Grouping ("ESV/GIE") and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.