Category Archives: High Seas

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SOMETHING fishy is going on. As everyone with a bit of nous has realised since the Brexit referendum in 2016, there is no chance in Hades that rEU is going to let the UK close off its seas to European fishing at least, not if we want access to continental markets for other goods. Brexiteer claims that quitting the EU will mean Scottish and EU fishing folk escaping the Common Fisheries Policy (or a re-labelled version) are as reliable as that promised extra 350m a week for the NHS or no customs barriers down the Irish Sea.

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Now the UK Government is actually negotiating an actual trade deal with rEU, the fishing issue is emerging as a potential deal breaker. The Danes, who land 60% of their catch from UK waters, are particularly determined to retain access to British seas. Esben Sverdrup-Jensen of the Danish Pelagic Producers Organisation warns: I cant really accept the argument of handing anything back to the UK, as Danish fishermen have been operating in those waters for centuries. Welcome to the next fishing war.

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The Tory Government is actually offering to grant rEU fishing boats continued access to British waters but on the basis of a new system of quotas. However, this would still reduce rEU access under the CFP which results in European boats landing six times more fish from Britains coastal waters than domestic boats. The French are playing hard ball and threatening to blockade Calais within 24 hours of any deal that cuts their catches. A blockade at Calais would stopper 17% of UK trade in goods worth circa 100 billion a year. Protecting exports might trump protecting the fishing industry, adding another complication to agreeing a deal.

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Expect the SNP Government to wade into this fight on behalf of the nations fishing industry. Mind you, this will create obvious tensions as the SNP leadership is also determined to return an indy Scotland to EU membership. Defending both the fishing industry and supporting the EU could prove complicated to reconcile. Add to this the impact of Covid-19, which has effectively shut down the local fishing industry as markets dried up.

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AT SEA WITH NIGEL FARAGE

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Yet what exactly are we defending when we speak of the Scottish sea fishing industry? These days, the industry contributes a miniscule 0.2% of Scottish GDP, though obviously it is locally much more important in the North East and Shetland. Total fishing employment overs around the 5,000 mark with the same again engaged in onshore processing (though this is a largely immigrant workforce).

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Some 64% of the total UK fish catch is still landed at Scottish ports. But the nature of the industry has changed dramatically in the last generation. The cod and haddock sector has been reduced to a shadow of its former self through overfishing and competition. Ditto with herring (the so-called pelagic or deep-sea sector) which underwent a terminal decline in the 1970s during the era of super trawlers. True, after a massive industry shakeout and modernisation, the remaining Scottish pelagic fleet is now highly profitable but it is tiny.

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Meanwhile, the introduction of EU quotas has proved a deceptive reform ecologically and economically. In theory, quotas restrict over-fishing but in practice any excess catch is either landed illegally or simply destroyed. Plus, the trading of quotas has resulted in a massive concentration of ownership and monopoly which restricts incentives and flexibility. Those few individual monopolists family and corporate owning quotas obviously concentrate their landings at harbours where they get the best return not to the places where they deliver the best seafood offering to the local community. Result: lots of landings to Peterhead, where the buyers for European restaurant markets come to bid; to Fraserburgh with its massive processing plants; or direct to ports in Denmark and Holland where the EU companies that control the vast bulk of Scottish pelagic quotas are based.

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But quotas and monopolisation also led to organised crime. In 2005, the Scottish police uncovered an ingenious conspiracy to evade quota restrictions for mackerel and herring, using underground pipes and secret weighing machines. Some 170,000 tonnes of over-quota fish were involved. A series of court cases resulted in 2011 and 2012 in which three fish factories and more than two dozen skippers were hit with fines and confiscation orders, including some of the largest holders of Scottish quota. Among those prosecuted were four members of the Tait family worth 115m according to the Sunday Times Rich List whose Klondyke Fishing Company was the second-largest quota holder in Scotland.

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Also prosecuted was a fishing partnership that ran a trawler named the Christina S. In 2012, two men involved in the partnership Ernest Simpson and his son Allan were handed fines and confiscation orders totalling more than 800,000. Four years later, the Christina S was among the flotilla of vessels that sailed up the Thames with Nigel Farage, to protest EU Common Fisheries Policy only weeks before the Brexit referendum!

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ANOTHER CYCLE OF OVER-FISHING

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But the core problem is not the EU. With quota monopolisation, the bulk of the Scottish industry retreated to inshore fishing for scallops and Nephrops scampi to me and you. This has resulted in yet another round of over-fishing to service foreign markets.

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As Scots fishing boats were squeezed off the high seas by declining stocks, lack of quotas and EU competition, fishing folk refocused on scallops and scampi using a variety of methods from pots to small trawlers. Result: this is now the biggest sector of the Scots fishing industry. But theres a problem. Inevitably, any kind of industrial harvesting puts the available stocks under threat. Vessels forced out of deep sea fishing by the quota scam were refitted to dredge for scallops, which are not a quota species. But dredging the seabed for scallops and scampi is hugely damaging to every other species in the vicinity. So the process of over-exploitation begins anew.

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What to do with fishing after lockdown?

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The real agenda extends far beyond the Brexit negotiations. For basics, we need to prioritise sustainability by ending the monoculture and monopoly approach that leads to over-fishing. Lets start by ending the industrial despoiling of fish spawning grounds that results from scallop dredging for a few delicacies that go to supply expensive foreign restaurants. Of course, that cuts across the Scottish Governments export or die approach to food production.

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Instead, we need to promote local consumption of fish. The Covid-19 emergency has prompted a discussion about reducing extended and vulnerable global supply chains and returning to more localised production and consumption. Fortunately, Scotland is in a rare position to achieve this given our rich land and sea resources. But this will mean a break with the Scottish Governments support and subsidy of foreign-owned agribusiness.

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We also need to reform the quota system to end its monopolisation. But that is not merely a legal reform it has to do with restructuring the Scottish fishing industry. For instance, it is difficult for smaller trawlers to take up mackerel quota without investment in new onshore facilities to support them. The smaller harbours from which local boats operate desperately need new facilities, including storage, refrigeration, and transport.

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The Scottish Government is often a tad too close to the fishing owners. Recently ministers refused to disclose the identity of vessels given fines for suspected illegal trawling inside Loch Gairloch, an inshore seabed vital for spring spawning herring. Illegal fishing in protected seas is too frequent. This is down to the under-resourcing of fisheries enforcement in Scotland, but also because the legislative regime is weak. Posturing about defending Scottish fishing from the UK Government is one thing, protecting a sustainable industry is something else.

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Fly Fishing by the Tait Family and the New Brexit Cod Wars - bellacaledonia.org.uk

- Key Companies Profiled are BOURBON, Vroon, Damen Shipyards Group, "K" line (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd), Hornbeck Offshore, Solstad Offshore ASA, MMA Offshore Limited, Nam Cheong Offshore Pte Ltd, Maersk Supply Service, Other players

PUNE, India, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Offshore Support Vessel market size is poised to gain traction from increasing investments in the deployment of renewable and non-renewable energy generation procedures across all regions with the seashore. Offshore Support Vessel serve various operational purposes such as construction work, or oil and gas exploration at high seas. According to a recent report by Fortune Business Insights titled, "Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis By Vessel Type (Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTS), Platform Supply Vessels (PSV), Crew Vessel, Others), By Water Depth (Shallow Water, Deepwater, Ultra-Deepwater), By Application (Oil & Gas, Offshore Wind, Patrolling, Research & Surveying, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027", the market is anticipated to hit USD 20.73 billion by 2027 from USD 16.10 billion earned in 2019. The forecast period is set between 2020 to 2027 and the market is likely to exhibit a CAGR of 7.9%.

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The emergence of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill. We understand that this health crisis has brought an unprecedented impact on businesses across industries. However, this too shall pass. Rising support from governments and several companies can help in the fight against this highly contagious disease. There are some industries that are struggling and some are thriving. Overall, almost every sector is anticipated to be impacted by the pandemic.

We are taking continuous efforts to help your business sustain and grow during COVID-19 pandemics. Based on our experience and expertise, we will offer you an impact analysis of coronavirus outbreak across industries to help you prepare for the future.

Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this market.

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The Report Answers the following Questions

Drivers & Restraints-

Discovery of New Reserves to Add Impetus to Market

The growing number of production and exploration activities and the recent discovery of offshore hydrocarbon assets is considered as a keyOffshore Support Vessel market growth drivers. In addition to this, the presence of a substantial amount of oil and gas reserves is also boosting the market. For instance, the company Eni announced the discovery of a new reserve called Sureste Basin in the Mexican offshore in February 2020. This unexplored reserve is estimated to hold 200 to 300 million barrels of oil somewhere in the deepwater and an output capacity of more than 10,000 barrels of oil daily. The discovery of such precious reserves is likely to bode well for the market in the coming years.

In addition to this, the current pandemic of COVID19 has led to prolonged geopolitical uncertainties in trade relations. The rapidly increasing rate of coronavirus cases has impacted the cross-country trade relations via sea trade very badly This may pose a major challenge to the growth of the market. Nevertheless, the increasing demand for energy, and oil and gas products is likely to create growth opportunities for the market in the long run.

Segment-

Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTS) Segment to Hold Largest Shares Owing to Presence of Huge Equipment for Rescue Operations

With respect to segmentation by vessel type, the anchor handling tug supply vessel or the AHTS segment is holding the dominant share. This is because these types of vessels consist of cargo-carrying barges and large equipment such as Tugs, anchors, winches, and others that can be useful in case of emergency or any rescue operations. In 2019, this segment earned a 31.6% share.

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Regional Analysis-

Asia Pacific to Emerge Dominant Attributed to Clean Energy Outlook

Geographically, Asia Pacific earned USD 4.08 billion in 2019 and emerged dominant on account of the rise in hydrocarbon activities, coupled with the advantages provided by clean energy outlook. Major nations leading this region include Japan, Australia, India, China, and other Southeast Asian nations. On the other side, the uptaking of various clean energy initiatives and hydrocarbon reserve exploration activities are likely to help Europe compete closely with Asia Pacific. Other than this, North America will witness significant growth on account of the growing production of conventional and unconventional reservoirs. Furthermore, the availability of huge unexplored reservoirs at low capital expenditure is expected to help the Middle East and Africa region witness notable growth during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape-

Players Aiming to Provide Efficient Operations for Generating More Revenues

Several players are operating in this market, some of which are engaged in designing of new vessel structure to improve their fleet integrations across a variety of application range. This is expected to help players gain momentum in the market. Besides this, players are also investing heavily in exploration activities for earning the lion's share in the market.

Significant Industry Developments of the Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) Market include:

March 2020 An announcement was made by OSV operator based in Norway called Solstad Offshore for supplying five platform supply vessels (PSLs) in the North Sea. These units were deployed for supporting the offshore drilling rigs functioning in the waters of the United Kingdom region.

January 2019 Three fast support vessels (FSVs) were acquired by Seacor Marine to its fleet offering. This new addition will help increase the total FSV count of the company to 20, thereby serving offshore production and drilling with higher speed and versatility.

Fortune Business Insights lists out the names of players operating in Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) Market. They are as follows:

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Detailed Table of Content

TOC Continued..!!!

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Have a Look at Related Research Insights:

Platform Supply Vessels (PSV) MarketSize, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Cargo, Support), By Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) (Small, Medium, Large) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

Offshore Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance MarketSize, Share & Industry Analysis, By Service Type (Inspection {Visual Inspection, Ultrasonic, Electromagnetic}, Maintenance {Reactive Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Predictive Maintenance}, Repair), By Type (Offshore Support Vessels, AUVs/ROVs, Others), By Application (Oil & Gas, Wind Farms, Others) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

Offshore Helicopter Services MarketSize, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Light Weight, Medium Weight, and Heavy Weight), By Application (Inspection, Monitoring and Surveying, Passenger Transport, Goods Transport, Search and Rescue, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

Offshore Wind Power MarketSize, Share and Industry Analysis By Installation (Fixed Structure, Floating Structure), By Water Depth (Up to 30m, Above 30m), By Capacity (Up to 3MW, 3MW to 5MW, Above 5MW) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

Offshore AUV & ROV MarketSize, Share and Global Trend By Product(Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) & Remotely Operated Vehicle), By Propulsion(Electric System, Mechanical System, Hybrid System), By Application(Drilling and Well Completion Support, Construction Support, and others), and Geography Forecast till 2026

Offshore Drilling Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis, By Rig Type (Drill-ships, Semi-submersibles, and Jackups), By Water Depth (Shallow Water, Deepwater, and Ultra-Deepwater), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

Offshore Decommissioning MarketSize, Share & Industry Analysis, By Service (Project Management, Engineering, and Planning, Platform Preparation, Well Plugging and Abandonment, Platform Removal, Material Disposal, Site Clearance, Others), By Structure (Topside, Subsea Infrastructure, Substructure) By Water Depth (Shallow Water, Deep Water) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

Offshore Drilling Rigs Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Type (Bottom Supported Rigs, Floaters Rigs), By Depth of Water (Shallow Water, Deepwater, Ultra Deepwater) and By Geography Forecast till 2026

Offshore Mooring Systems MarketSize, Share And Global Trend By Type (Single Point Mooring, Taut Leg System, Semi-taut Leg System), By Anchorage (Suction Anchors,Vertical Load Anchors, Drag Embedment Anchors), By Depth Of Operation (Shallow Water, Deepwater), By Application (Floating Production Storage and Offloading,Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, Semi-Submersible Platforms), And Geography Forecast Till 2026

Offshore Pipeline MarketSize, Share and Global Trend By Installation Technique (S lay, J lay, Tow In), By Line Type (Transport Line, Export Line), By Product Type (Natural Gas, Crude Oil, Refined Products), By Diameter (Below 24 Inch, Above 24 inch), By Depth of Operation (Shallow Water, Deep Water) and By Geography Forecast till 2026

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Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) Market to Touch USD 20.73 Billion by 2027; Rising Production of Conventional and Unconventional Reservoirs Will Augment...

Palo is one of the most luxurious restaurants onboard any Disney Cruise Line ship. The Italian-inspired restaurant can be found on all four ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet (the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder).

Known for its high-end dining experience, Palo offers an exceptional menu and delicious cocktail options. Here, were sharing Palos Bloody Mary recipe, perfect for your next brunch!

Cocktail:

Garnish:

Enjoy!

Next time youre aboard the Disney Wonder, the Disney Magic, the Disney Fantasy, or the Disney Dream, make sure to get a Palo reservation so you can enjoy the restaurants Northern Italian cuisine.

Next time youre looking for a cocktail to transport you to a vacation state-of-mind, try these drink recipes straight from Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in KoOlina, Hawaii.

You can also recreate these delicious cocktails from Trader Sams at Disneyland Resort in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Cheers!

Are you excited to try the Palo Bloody Mary recipe or another Disney cocktail at home for happy hour?

Excerpt from:

High Seas Cocktail: Enjoy This Bloody Mary From Palo on Disney Cruise Line! - Inside the Magic

Krista figures it costs about US$2,500 a month to live the lifestyle. That includes capital outlays such as replacing the engines and rudders after hitting a semi-submerged fishing boat in the dark of night.

Modern-day pirates of the Caribbean if youll pardon the expression, but they do exist pose a threat, so boat owners tend to group together and sail as a convoy through dangerous waters.

The family has swum with a whale shark, with dolphins and sea lions, sea turtles, a school of silky sharks, and groups of kites hundreds strong.

Krista and Brad each lost their fathers early in life. Thats why they made thedaunting and heart-wrenching decision, against the advice of their families and friends, to sell almost everything and sail the blue yonder.

I cant say its been easy, I cant say its always been safe, Brad said. But I can say its always been amazing.

gordmcintyre@postmedia.com

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Family's high-seas adventures of navigating around pirates, COVID-19 - Vancouver Sun

DALLAS, June 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- EarthX and the National Geographic Society will convene virtually to celebrate World Oceans Week from June 9-11 at EarthX.org. EarthxOcean will bring together cross-disciplinary innovators driving solutions to the most pressing threats facing our oceans. These solutions will be explored through conversations, film screenings and extended reality experiences highlighting the power of science and storytelling to unlock the impact potential of communities across cultures, generations and ideologies.

Titled for its mission, Protecting the Life Systems of the Ocean will be introduced by Trammell S. Crow, Founder of EarthX, Michael L. Ulica, president and COO of the National Geographic Society and Danni Washington, conference moderator, followed by a welcome note from Robert and Sybille Szaggars Redford who will be introducing their environmental film series The Way of the Rain - Reflections on Earth. The conferences will bring together leading voices in ocean conservation including renowned National Geographic Explorers-at-Large Enric Sala and Dr. Sylvia Earle, who will start the conversation with storied conservationists Julie Packard and Fabien Cousteau kicking off a three-day program that will cover some the most critical issues threatening the greatest life source of our planet.

High Seas Protection | As the region of the global ocean that is beyond national jurisdiction, the high seas include some of the least protected and most critically threatened ecosystems in the world. EarthX offers a platform for members of the High Seas Alliance and mission-aligned partners, who work together to inform and engage the public, decision-makers and experts to support and strengthen high seas governance and conservation.

The lawlessness of the high seas will furthermore be explored through musical storytelling with the EarthXR presentation of The Outlaw Ocean Music Project. Based on The New York Times best-selling book by Ian Urbina, The Outlaw Ocean, the session will feature visuals from this lawless realm alongside music produced for the project featuring rhythmic sounds as a medium to raise awareness and stoke a sense of urgency about the human rights, labor and environmental abuses that occur at sea.EarthxFilm will showcase Watson, thestory ofCaptain Paul Watson,co-founder of Greenpeace and founder of Sea Shepherd, who has spent 40 years fighting to end the destruction of the ocean's wildlife and its habitat.

Coral Reef Conservation & Restoration | Coral reefs support a quarter of all marine species on the planet, but make up only 0.1% of our ocean. This essential source of life in our ocean's ecosystem is being destroyed at an unprecedented rate from rising water temperatures, acidification, destructive fishing practices, and pollution. EarthX is assembling leading ocean conservationists across the world to address these threats and introduce solutions at an industry and individual level, mapping out a path forward for collective and long-lasting protection of our coral reefs.

EarthxFilm will bring this issue to life through the screening of Chasing Coral, an ocean adventure directedby Jeff Orlowski with a mission to discover why reefs are disappearing and revealing the underwater worlds of our changing oceans. EarthXR will also transport audiences to the depths of our ocean through virtual dives with National Geographic Explorer Erika Woolsey and Underwater Earth Co-Founder Christophe Bailhache, immersing audiences in the underwater worlds of coral reefs while illustrating the importance of their conservation.

Ocean Plastic Solutions | With over 8 million tons of plastic dumped in our ocean every year, plastic waste has become ubiquitous and has found its way into the air we breathe and the food we eat with the average person ingesting the equivalent of 1 credit card a week in microplastics. EarthX will host leaders in ocean plastic solutions to highlight this critical issue and introduce innovative solutions across categories including technology, policy and activism in a session featuring youth leader and Founder of Bye-Bye Plastic Melati Wijsen.

Sustainable Fisheries| Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have led to the alarming depletion of global fish populations, with a potential collapse of the world's fisheries projected by 2048. EarthX is catalyzing awareness around the issue and the need for sustainable fisheries by gathering leading experts and solution-drivers including Global Fishing Watch Co-Founder and President of SkyTruth John Amos and Seafood Watch's Senior Aquaculture Scientist Taylor Voorhees.

EarthxFilm presents an intimate perspective on the devastating impact of overfishing with their screening of Current Sea, directed by Christopher Smith. The film captures the illegal fishing practices threatening Cambodia's once robust seascape, following the journey of expats who are determined to end this system.

Registration is free and details are available at http://www.EarthX.org.

ABOUT EarthX EarthXconvenes the world's largest environmental expo, conference and film festival, and is a member of IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature. Founded in 2011 by environmentalist and businessman Trammell S. Crow, the Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization promotes environmental awareness and impact through conscious business, nonpartisan collaboration and community-driven sustainable solutions.In 2019, the event drew over 177,000 attendees, 2,000 environmental business leaders, 700 exhibitors, 450 speakers, 63 films and 49 Eco-virtual reality experiences. Earthx2020 was held virtually from April 16-26 and drew over 550,000 visitors worldwide. Visitwww.EarthX.orgor follow us @earthxorg onInstagram, Twitter, andFacebook.

ABOUT The National Geographic SocietyThe National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 14,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visitwww.nationalgeographic.orgor follow us onInstagram, TwitterandFacebook

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EarthX to Celebrate World Oceans Week in Partnership with the National Geographic Society - Brenham Banner Press

Singular, one of a kind, independent.

Among her peers, the 236-foot superyacht Solo lives up to her name. Delivered in 2018 by Italys Tankoa shipyard, Solo was designed with parameters that were very different than most other superyachts in her category. With roughly half the internal volume of similar 230-ft.-plus yachts, shes more fuel efficient and easier to maneuver. Solo also has one of the most environmentally friendly exhaust systems of any superyacht on the water.

The yacht has claimed multiple awards for her unique design, but reducing the internal volume accomplished more than creating a sleek profile, says Captain Andrew Johnson, who gave Robb Report an exclusive virtual tour of the boat.

The 236-foot yacht is less beamy and more slender than other yachts in her class, but the designers did not leave out multiple social areas like the sundeck.

Her naval architecture makes her extremely efficient, says Johnson. We have a higher cruising speed of 14.5 knots without burning too much fuel and at that speed we have a 3,800-mile range. After a 12-day crossing from Genoa, Italy to Florida, we still had 35 percent of our fuel left.

The propulsion system was also engineered to be more environmentally friendly than other vessels in her class. Were the only yacht that Im aware of that runs a urea injection system on our main engine exhausts to decrease emissions, Johnson says. This echo spray system is more commonly found on cruise ships. We were the test for vessels this size.

The Hug engineering and exhaust filters on the engines not only reduce emissions, but also let guests swim around the yacht, without the sight or smell of engine fumes.

The interior is more cosmopolitan than most superyachts, such as the grand piano and contemporary bar in the main salon.

Beyond the eco edge, Solo has a very distinctive look, with a dark-gray hull that makes a bold first impression and cosmopolitan interior that looks more like a New York City penthouse than a typical superyacht. The designers combined all sorts of materials, including white onyx, grained woods, and even leather floors.

There are also technical nuggets hidden in the design, including floor-to-ceiling glass windows. If you view the yacht from a distance it looks like high-gloss paint, but it is in fact glass with paint behind it, says Johnson, adding that it provides a way to see out, but not into the yacht. Its also really easy to maintain.

Solo has successfully chartered in and around the Mediterranean, as well as in the Caribbean, British Virgin Islands. Thanks to her 11-foot draft, she has also cruised the Bahamas.

The yacht also kid-friendly areas like the three-foot deep, 21-foot pool on the aft deck.

Set up for families with young children, Solo has distinct social areas that guests tend to gravitate towards. These include the winter garden on the main deck aft, which provides both privacy and views. The large salon on the bridge deck, with piano and contemporary bar, also provides the option of al-fresco dining. The 21-foot aft-deck pool, at three feet deep, is an ideal play area for kids.

Forward of the wheelhouse is the Portuguese bridge with enough seating for 18 people, while the dedicated owners deck includes a jacuzzi, and exclusive access to the sundeck.

The sundeck is the preferred area on board because its so private, says Johnson. Theres just one way in and no one can see you from anywhere else on the boat. In front of the owners suite, theres also a wraparound deck with a plunge pool, again affording complete privacy.

The darker, more somber colors are a striking contrast to the lightness of Solos exterior.

The owners deck also includes a studio, or master relaxation room, that can be used as a study, reading room or private treatment room for the owners. A second relaxation room on the deck below is used for guest massages. In the evening, the bridge-deck salon or aft area becomes the hub where cocktails and hors doeuvres are served.

One of the problems with a virtual tour is that its difficult to accurately gauge the size of rooms or the types of materials. I found the same with Solo, with her broad combination of stones, woods and fabrics. The onyx, marbles and high-gloss cabinetry get lost when viewed in virtual reality. But Johnsons fondness for the mix of flooringwood interspersed with silk carpeting and with leatherbrought it back into focus.

Im in the wheelhouse at the moment, standing on a leather floor, he says. You dont get that often.

Solo is listed with Northrop & Johnson for $74.5 million. Here is a video tour.

Check out the gallery below.

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Boat of the Week: Inside the Most Eco-Friendly 236-Foot Superyacht on the High Seas - Robb Report

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In his new book, Enemy of All Mankind, Steven Johnson writes about the first global manhunt, which occurred near the end of the 17th century, after the notorious English pirate captain Henry Every commandeered an attack on the Mughal treasure ship Ganj-i-Sawai.

One of the origin points of this project for me was years and years ago, Johnson says. When my children were very young, we went to Disney World and we went on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and it was right after 9/11. And I had this thought, as I was floating down the little canals of that ride and the songs are being sung and everything, that the pirates were the terrorists of the 1700s and 1600s. They were these terrifying figures who would show up out of nowhere and burn your village down and attack the women, and people lived in abject fear of them. And here it was 300 years later, and its just kind of a childrens story. So that link between pirates and terrorism, which is something that runs kind of subtly through Enemy of All Mankind, actually began on that Disney World ride in some ways.

Want to read Stephen King but unsure of where to start? Gilbert Cruz, the editor of The Timess Arts section, visits the podcast to discuss his guide to Kings essential works. One of the amazing things about King is, of course, how many books hes written, and within his oeuvre the many different kinds of genres that he has dipped into, Cruz says. In his later years, hes written detective novels, some of them have a little tinge of the supernatural. He recommends The Outsider in this vein. Its a great crime novel, theres sort of a spooky undertone to the whole thing.

Also on this weeks episode, Alexandra Alter has news from the publishing world; and Gregory Cowles and John Williams talk about what people are reading. Pamela Paul is the host.

Here are the books discussed in this weeks What Were Reading:

We would love to hear your thoughts about this episode, and about the Book Reviews podcast in general. You can send them to books@nytimes.com.

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A Manhunt on the 17th Centurys High Seas - The New York Times

Each year millions of people hit the high seas to enjoy going on a cruise. If youre a first-time cruiser, you might be wondering how to pick a cruise.

Which cruise is going to be the most fun? Which cruise is going to fit the way you travel best? We are here to help you figure out how to choose a cruise.

Continue reading this article and we will help you if youre asking, Which cruise is best for me?

Before you start looking at cruises, its important to get an idea of what type of cruise youre interested in. Are you looking for something for you and the family like a Disney or Nickelodeon cruise? Or maybe you are interested in a cruise that is geared toward adults.

Defining your goals for the cruise will help you weed out the ones you know immediately are not going to be for you.

Another major player in choosing the right cruise for you is your budget. You might see some cruises you are interested in, but if you look at the price tag, you might be taken aback. There are some pretty pricey luxury cruises that catch your eye, but you dont want to put your vacation on a high-interest credit card.

If you see a cruise that you especially like that you cant afford, there are some tricks you can use to go on the cruise at a cheaper price.

It isnt hard to get better prices on cruises if you know a few things.

If you keep these things in mind when youre getting ready to book a cruise, youll be able to get a good price on your cruise.

Before booking cruises, there are four major things to take into account before booking your trip and hitting the open seas.

Cruises lines are mixing it up. If there are certain things you expect out of a cruise, you need to look to see if that cruise line offers it or not. Some cruise lines target active crowds, others target those that want to lounge or people that have children and need childcare throughout the day.

You can even find some more niche cruise lines that allow you to immerse yourself in different types of experiences. Do some research on the different lines that look like a good fit for you and then its time to go on to the next part.

If youve found a line that you like, its time to look at the ships they have available. The larger the ship you choose, the more there is to do and the busier you can be while youre on board in most cases. If youre on a big ship, youll have to go to the larger ports that are bustling and buzzing.

If you want to go to tiny islands, youre going to have to find a super small ship that can make their way in there. Smaller ships generally come with a higher price tag, so keep that in mind when youre booking your cruise.

When youre looking at the price of the tickets, make sure to figure out if the ship is all-inclusive or if youre going to have to pay for things when youre onboard the ship. If you plan on eating a lot or if you want to go see a lot of shows, you might want to find a cruise line that offers an all-inclusive option.

Some cruises even include complimentary offshore excursions to make sure you have the best time possible on their cruise.

Your head might start spinning with all the different types of cabins available on a ship. While smaller ships are going to have a lower number of options, there is still a lot to think about.

Do you want an inside cabin, outside cabin, or do you want a room with a balcony?

If you want the most basic, budget option then an inside cabin is the way to go. Cabins with balconies are the most expensive and luxurious out of all the cabins available.

When you have a large family, you might need to get multiple rooms because of the limit on the room. You can ask for adjoining cabins, so it is easy to keep an eye on everyone.

Choosing the port you depart from shouldnt only be about how close it is to your home. There are other factors you need to think about if you want to enjoy the best cruise.

For instance, if youre thinking of heading out on your trip from Florida,Port Canaveral is a popular spot. There are lots of reasonswhy you should choose this port from the central Florida location, the top cruise lines that leave from the port to its proximity to the beach.

Now you know how to pick a cruise. Youll be able to choose a cruise that is best for you, so you can have an amazing time while out on the water.

Do you want to learn more about other topics like this? Make sure to continue through our blog section for more.

Samantha Gaines wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.

Greenwich Time and Hearst partners may earn revenue when readers click affiliate links in this article.

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How to Pick a Cruise and Sail the Seas on Your Next Vacation - Greenwich Time

Kids Can Spend the Hottest Hours of the Summer With the SmithsonianOnlineNews Release, Smithsonian Institutes

Smithsonian Associates presents Smithsonian Summer Adventures, a new series of weeklong virtual learning experiences introducing the world of the Smithsonian to children entering kindergarten through 11th grade in the fall. Over 50 live, interactive adventures will be held Monday, June 29Friday, Aug. 21. Kids and teens can explore Smithsonian collections and themes during these specially designed sessionslive, facilitated activities with peers take place online along with additional challenges and projects to continue offline.

For the youngest adventurers (grades K2), Smithsonian themes are explored through stories, songs, movement, games, craft, object discovery and virtual museum visits. Each week focuses on a different themefrom the oceans to outer space, from mammals to dinosaurs and morethrough one hour of live online interaction with instructors. Sessions include ABCs of the Smithsonian, Out of This World, Junior Paleontologists, Pattern Hunters and Worlds Underwater.

Students (grades 36) can take on the Great Smithsonian Caper! Kids can discover the amazing Smithsonian collection while trying to thwart a master villain. Weekly offerings include virtual visits to Smithsonian museums, hands-on projects, conversations with experts, plus a digital escape room or scavenger hunt in which adventurers must work together to prevail. Two hours of live online interaction with a team of instructors and other peers plus daily challenges off-screen will foil the villains plans by the end of the week. Sessions include Around the World in Five Days, Safari Sleuths, Cosmic Caper and Voyage on the High Seas.

Teens (grades 711) can sign up for Smithsonian Masterclassesweeklong focused studio courses where participants can develop specialized skills, socialize and interact with other teens and learn from professional practitioners. With two hours of daily live online workshops on coding, photography, painting, drawing, comics and more, teens practice, experiment and collaborate in the development of personal projects inspired by Smithsonian collections.

History comes alive in one-week Soldiers and Dioramas sessions (grades 711) where teens find a new dimensiona miniature oneto learning about some of the most important battles in history. Participants receive two hours of live online history instruction and two hours of live online-facilitated diorama construction each day, making their own terrain boards and leading troops of 1/72-scale soldiers in war games that offer vivid insights into the military strategies and conflicts that have shaped the world.

Prices for weeklong Smithsonian Summer Adventures vary depending on membership status and session length. Adventures for grades K2, which are one-hour live sessions each day, are $95$110 for non-members and $80$95 for Smithsonian Associates members. Adventures for grades 36 and Masterclasses for grades 711, which are two-hour live sessions each day, are $135$170 for non-members and $120$150 for Associates members. Soldiers and Dioramas at Home, which include two days of four-hour live sessions, are $185 for non-members and $165 for members; this cost includes the prices of a mailed kit of diorama-building supplies. Online registration begins Wednesday, June 3, at 10 a.m. For more information, the public may visithttp://smithsonianassociates.org/camp.

For 55 years, Smithsonian Associatesthe largest museum-based education program in the worldhas produced vibrant educational and cultural programming that brings the Smithsonian to life. Inspired by the Smithsonians research, collections and exhibitions nearly 1,000 public programs spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages each year.

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Smithsonian Summer Adventures Offer Live Virtual Learning Experiences for Kids - The Southern Maryland Chronicle

Wani Roslan

Considered to be one of the most prominent anime TV series around, One Piece is adapted from an adventure/fantasy manga of the same name by Japanese artist Eiichiro Oda and has proved popular among enthusiasts of both media.

Alongside One Piece, in the world of anime in particular, some series have become known as the essentials over the years and this includes well-known favourites such as Dragon Ball, Naruto and Bleach.

One Piece tells a story of the adventures of Monkey D Luffy, a boy who becomes inspired by his childhood hero, the powerful pirate known as Red Haired Shanks, and sets off on a journey from the East Blue Sea to find the greatest treasure left by the legendary pirate Gold Roger and become the next Pirate King.

Endowed with a stretching ability after he accidentally eats the legendary gum-gum devils fruit, Luffy travels towards the sea alone where he is able to gather a crew named as the Straw Hat Pirates.

The Straw Hat Pirates, a crew of ten pirates captained by Luffy, include the swordsman Roronoa Zoro, the navigator Nami, the sharp-shooter Usopp, the cook and martial artist Vinsmoke Sanji, the doctor Chopper, the archaeologist Nico Robin, the cyborg shipwright Franky, the living skeleton musician Brook, and the fish-man helmsman Jinbei.

They sail across the seas in pursuit of their dreams where they encounter many challenges including other pirates, bounty hunters, criminal organisations, revolutionaries, secret agents, soldiers of the corrupt World Government and other various friends and enemies.

Many of the characters are human but possess various superhuman and supernatural abilities that they gain by eating Devil Fruits and in this series, characters also include giants, mermen and mermaids, fish-men, sky people, minks and others.

While the popular series is generally light-hearted in its tone, it also created sad and heart-breaking moments, some of which were so significant that they sent ripples throughout the world of One Piece and among fans.

One Piece is produced by Toei Animation and has aired episodes since 1999. At of the time of writing, it has produced 20 seasons with 929 episodes and is still on-going.

One Piece also been 14 films since 2000, where the latest, One Piece: Stampede, was released in 2019 and was also shown at our local cinemas.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Toei Animation has announced a hiatus for the release of episode 930 onwards to preserve the health of Toei Animation staff.

Even though One Piece has been a long journey for anime fans, the series has never been disappointing with its amazing details and storyline.

Local One Piece fan Afif Afnan, who has watched the series since 2008, said, One Piece has very interesting and complex characters with lot of great plots and scenes, and also heart-breaking stories. Those are the reasons I am still watching it. I just cant wait for the release of the next episode.

Another local fan of the series highlighted that One Piece is one of the best animes around.

I have watched the series since 2005 and I watched all over again from the first episode while waiting for the new episodes to be released, and Ive never been bored.

I have watched dozens of heart-wrenching moments of One Piece to full light-hearted adventures which make me thrilled and emotional at the same time.

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A continuing tale of adventure on the high seas Borneo Bulletin Online - Borneo Bulletin Online