When Princess Cruises 109,000 gross-ton, 2,590 passenger, $450-million MV Grand Princess entered service in 1998, it was the world’s largest cruise ship. All but two of the Grand Class platform ships were built by Fincantieri’s Cantieri Navali Italiani shipyard at Monfalcone, Italy. The yard was formerly known as Cantieri Riuniti dell’Adriatico and produced some of Italy’s most revered ocean liners and cruise ships. Prior to embarking on its inaugural cruise on May 26, 1998, Grand Princess was named in a gala ceremony presided over by Hollywood screen icon, Olivia de Havilland, who served as the ship’s godmother. When built, Grand Princess created a sensation, not just for its massive proportions (951 by 118 feet with a 26-foot draft) but for its unusual architecture, which included a futuristic, whale-inspired bow and a visor-like,159-foot-wide, glass-enclosed bridge that were created by Italian marine architect Giacomo Mortola Casinoslots.
Not only does the bow have a finely tapered "nose," it also has what resembles a whale's mouth in the form of the ship's unique walk-around promenade. The Grand Princess’ most distinguished external feature was the suspended Skywalkers Disco atop the stern. Offering striking views from a 19-story level, it was accessed via a glass-enclosed escalator. This image was taken in 2008, showing the ship as built. In 2011, Grand Princess received an extensive, 24-day makeover that saw the removal of Skywalkers (among many other renovations) at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport. Although the views from within Skywalkers will be missed, the stern of the ship will no longer be hidden in its shadow. Grand Princess is manned by a crew of 1,100, which includes British/Italian navigation and deck officers and an International crew. The ship is powered by six GMT V-16 diesel engines that drive two fixed-pitch propellers at a service speed of 22 knots and a maximum speed of 24 knots. The Grand Princess has 18 decks and 123,000 square feet of outside deck space. Located at the very top of the ship, just aft of the funnel, there is a netted-in games court offering paddle tennis and basketball. The next highest accessible area on the ship is a small midships observation platform located between the adults-only Sanctuary and the open-air Neptune’s Reef pool area. This is the view from the midships platform, facing aft over the Neptune’s Reef pool area. Sheltered by a bowl-shaped structure at the base of the funnel on Deck 16, Princess Links is a 9-hole putting course. Adjacent to the putting course is a Golf Simulator featuring some of the world’s most challenging courses. Located at the forward end of the ship under canvas awnings on Deck 16, the Sanctuary is an adults-only "pocket of tranquility" that is staffed by Serenity Stewards who provide signature beverages and light meals for a nominal fee. It is available for up to 70 guests on a full-day or half-day basis. There are also private cabanas in the Sanctuary where guests can enjoy a relaxing massage. One of several outdoor watering holes aboard Grand Princess, the Oasis Bar is located at the aft end of the ship on Deck 16. On forward Deck 15, there is an observation deck overlooking the Grand Princess’ bow. From the wings of the Deck 15 Observation Deck, one can fully appreciate the size and power of the ship as it cuts through the sea. The first of four large pools on the Grand Princess, the swim-against-the-current Lotus Pool is located on Deck 15, adjacent to the Lotus Spa. The Conservatory is set within a glass dome above the Calypso Reef Pool area on Decks 14 and 15. The dome can be opened in optimal weather and shelters a wide terrace overlooking the pool that accommodates up to 118 guests. The Seabreeze Bar is another popular outdoor watering hole, located on a Deck 15 terrace, just above the Neptune’s Reef pool area. The open-air Neptune’s Reef Pool is located on Deck 14. Large terraces of sunning space surround the Neptune’s Reef pool on midships Deck 15. At night, the Neptune’s Reef Pool area is set up with cushioned deck chairs and steamer blankets for Princess’ popular Movies Under The Stars screenings on a 300-square-foot LED screen. Another large sweep of open sunning space terraces down the stern from Deck 16 to Deck 12, where the Terrace Pool is located. Sheltered by tiered decks, the Terrace Pool was in perpetual shadow before the removal of Skywalkers. From the crew recreational area on forward Deck 9, there is an impressive view of the Grand Princess’ layer cake superstructure and imposing bridge wings. The Grand Princess’ full wrap-around, teak-lined promenade encircles the ship by traversing two levels. The upper forward portion on Deck 8 forms what, from the outside, looks like a whale’s mouth, and is reached by stairs on either side that lead to Deck 7. On Deck 7, the promenades continue aft and wrap around the stern. Accessed via the Lotus Spa, there is a large gymnasium on forward Deck 15. It has up-to-date cardio machines (treadmills and ellipticals), several weight machines and a selection of free weights. There is a room for aerobics and stretching classes in the gym area on Deck 15. Guests awaiting treatments and massages at the Lotus Spa on Deck 15 have a waiting room with refreshments and a view of the Lotus Pool. The Lotus Spa has a wide range of treatment rooms on the port side of Deck 15 offering everything from teeth-whitening, massages and acupuncture to skin treatments. Grand Princess has men’s and women’s saunas adjacent to the Lotus Pool on Deck 15. There are separate men’s and women’s (shown) changing rooms in the Lotus Spa. At the entrance to the Lotus Spa, there is a large beauty salon offering hair care, facials, manicures and other beauty treatments. A small barber shop is next to the beauty salon in the Lotus Spa. On Deck 16, just aft of the Lotus Spa, there is a Youth Center with facilities for teens, ‘tweens and children. The teen area has a disco and a variety of games. The Children’s Playroom has Wii and Rockband in addition to board games and scheduled activities. Here is the small "theater" in the Youth Center on Deck 15. Named for Deck 15, where it is situated, One5 is a lounge and nightclub that was added in the most recent refit to replace Skywalkers. By day, it is a quiet lounge and in the late afternoon, it is an exclusive haven for suite guests to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. At night, One5 becomes an adults-only nightclub with its large dance floor and contemporary, fiberoptic-light-enhanced styling. Hearts and Minds is a wedding chapel that can also double as a meeting room. Located on aft Deck 15 next to One5, it was also added during Grand Princess’ most recent refit. Horizon Court is a 24-hour, casual cafe-style eatery on Deck 14 that accommodates 312 guests for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Forward of Horizon Court on Deck 14, Sundaes is an ice cream parlor that provides complimentary soft-serve treats and a variety of extra-tariff shakes and sundaes. The Prego Pizzeria (fresh pizza by the slice) and Trident Grill (grilled burger and hot-dog fare) are adjacent to the Trident Pool on Deck 14. Princess has some of the best pizza afloat, such as their take on Pizza Margherita with its thin, crispy crust and top-quality sauce and cheeses. The majority of Grand Princess’ public rooms are situated on Deck 7, beginning with the triple-level, 800-seat Princess Theater, which boasts excellent sightlines and comfortable seating. It has a 36-foot proscenium stage and is the venue for big, Broadway-style shows and headline acts. Headline shows, such as the popular "Do You Wanna Dance," are run twice nightly in the Princess Theater. Aft of the Princess Theater on Deck 7, there is the Adventures Ashore shore excursions desk. In place of the original Hearts and Minds wedding chapel, a new space called Leaves was added on starboard Deck 7. Leaves is a combination library, games room and tea-drinking venue. Up to 500 different tea blends can be selected and prepared by a tea sommelier in Leaves for a nominal charge. One, three and five minute hourglass timers are provided by Leaves’ tea sommeliers so teas can be steeped for precise times to ensure the best flavor. Directly across from Leaves on port Deck 7, Princess’ signature Crown Grill steakhouse was added in the ship’s most recent refit. The 160-seat Crown Grill is an extra-tariff ($25 per person) dining venue. In addition to offering the finest USDA-select cuts of meat, Crown Grill also has lobster and other seafood delicacies. Here is a table setting by the windows in the Crown Grill. This is a medium-rare filet mignon prior to the addition of side dishes that include creamed spinach, fresh corn and baked potato, among others. On sea days, the Crown Grill features a special, no-extra-charge Pub Brunch with genuine English-style pub food. The Pub Brunch menu rotates but can feature anything from Bangers and Mash to savory curries and the ever-popular Fish and Chips. Grand Princess’ atrium was completely restyled into what is now called The Piazza in the ship’s latest refit. This is a view overlooking the Piazza from Deck 7, where it is bordered by Crooner’s Bar and various shops. The Piazza spans Decks 5, 6 and 7, seats 32 guests and now has Wi-Fi access. Adjoining the Piazza from the starboard side of Deck 7, the 68-seat Crooner’s piano bar has a classic "1960s-martini-bar" styling and serves up more than 50 specialty martini varieties. A wide passage just outside of the Explorers Lounge continues aft from Crooner’s Bar, linking the rest of the public spaces on Deck 7. Explorers Lounge seats 262 guests and has a diagonal layout with a main stage area on the aft/port side of the room. The decor is inspired by Southeast Asia and Africa and the room is a favorite spot for cabaret acts, live bands, karaoke and art auctions. The Photo and Video Gallery stretches along the starboard side of Deck 7 from the Explorers Lounge to the aft lobby and stairtower. Film processing and photos taken by the ship’s staff as well as camera and video supplies are sold here. Accessed via the Photo and Video Gallery, the 107-seat Wheelhouse Bar has rich wood tones and a wonderful collection of nautical memorabilia from former Princess parent company and now-also-owned-by-Carnival-Corp, P&O Line. In the Wheelhouse Bar, there is a beautiful scale model of former P&O subsidiary British India Steam Navigation Company’s handsome liner KENYA of 1952. Directly aft of the Wheelhouse Bar, Sabatini's is a 130-seat, extra-tariff ($20) Italian alternative restaurant featuring an eight-course extravaganza of seafood specialties and other trattoria favorites. Table settings in Sabatini’s feature starched linen napkins, atmospheric lighting and specially designed chargers. Sabatini’s serves up some of the best Italian cuisine at sea, including this burrata, an appetizer featuring the finest mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, basil, extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Suite guests also have the exclusive option of dining in Sabatini’s for breakfast, which they can order from a full-service menu. This is a tomato, onion and cheddar omelet. Located at the aft end of Deck 7, the Vista Showlounge is another cabaret-style venue for live music, game shows and quizzes.
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Please Read: Alpha demo
I want to address something about the ALPHA demo. As I’ve mentioned, for me, the alpha demo did not drag on because I was forced to multitask, however, it may drag on a bit for some and, considering that the demo so far only has the basic mechanics of the game, it can get repetitive as well, but please do remember its an alpha demo, so I hope you won’t rush to conclusion that that is everything the game has to offer because that would be false, as you can clearly see not just from the features section of this review, but from the game’s recent indiedb update as well (pic below). Taken from the game’s indiedb page. Shows the recently implemented hiring mechanic Interview with The Developer What inspired you to make this game? -My inspirations are history and art. I am an art history student (masters degree) and I enjoy this subject a lot. Was it hard to replicate the famous works of art in your game as pixelated versions of themselves? – No. I have years of experience in replicating famous paintings digitally, I like studying the old masters. It is easier for me to copy something than to make something original. I usually make digital paintings, though, not pixel art. But pixel art makes it even easier that is why it is the game’s art style, it is easy and fast to make. As a solo developer, efficiency is important. If I spend too much time on art I won’t have time to code. Is this a one man team, if so, what are the hardest parts about developing the game so far? – I am pretty much alone, my friend Morvan is making the music and I am making everything else. The hardest part right now is finding motivation. When I was aiming towards getting greenlit I had plenty, but now it seems to have faded away. I still force myself to work on the game daily, but I have not been making the absurd amount of progress that I was making before. While any mathematician will tell you that your chances of online winning at gambling are pretty much fixed, a popular view has existed as long as gambling has been around that luck, the Gods, pure chance whatever you want to call it plays a big part in your chances of winning or losing.
Lucky charms, personal rituals, invocations to various deities all are believed to help increase the chance of winning. I would have thought that this was the sort of challenge Mythbusters would have taken on, but I don’t recall that episode. What superstitions or rituals will attract good luck and increase your chances of winning? Here are a few, and a few you should avoid. The Orientals being besotted with gambling provide more than their fair share. 1. Feng Shui. The ancient art of Feng Shui is most often though to refer to the household arts, for example keeping your toilet seat lid closed. If left open, your wealth is literally flushed away. But although gambling is discouraged by Feng Shui, there are some caveats. A typical Feng Shuicaution applied to gambling is not to gamble anywhere near anyone reading a book, don’t sit next to a window or with your back to a door, and ideally sit on the room’s west side. It is believed that having a few grams of sea salt inside your wallet attracts good luck. Ideally you should place the salt inside a plastic bag, then put it in a secret compartment inside your wallet. Remember to change the salt every month 2. Jade. A man should wear a jade ring on his left pinkie and women on the right pinkie. 3. Chinese Superstitions a. Do not gamble against a pregnant woman. Gamble with her. The Chinese believe that pregnant women are “carrying their good fortune inside their belly”. They also believe that they have an extra pair of “eyes”. So pregnant women are said to bring good luck to gamblers. Just have one standing behind, but not touching you. b. Do not go to the toilet when on a winning streak. To the Chinese water is money and to lose personal water is literally flushing away money. 4. Some Western Superstitions a. Wear your best clothes to a casino b. Blow on the dice before rolling c. Carry a horseshoe, rabbits foot or four leafed clover. d. Keep a genuine badger’s tooth in your left hand trouser pocket. e. Wearing something red. f. Crossing your legs while gambling g. The Norse believed that acorns brought good luck. Real acorns or those made of gold, silver or wood are all good. 5. Indian gamblers believe that Lakshmi’s mystic knot brings good luck. 6. And then we have Wicca. Ancient Druidic spells can bring forth gambling success, but I doubt many casinos would look too kindly on the ceremonies needed to invoke the spells. 7. Personal rituals. Many people believe that there is a magic ritual which if performed before going to the casino will guarantee increased good luck. Perhaps it is the same meal eaten before the last big win, perhaps a lucky totem to be carried, perhaps a special garment to be worn. Anyway, bad luck will follow if the ritual is not followed to the letter. While there is no conclusive evidence that any of the rituals or superstitions actually increase your luck, it is, I guess human nature to try to swing the game your way a wee bit. Just look at the dice table in any casino. The players usually all come together to support whoever is winning, seeing the casino as the great enemy to be bested. The bottom line is that you make your own luck.
Taking a career assessment test could be invaluable when trying to determine which home business would be right for you. Many people are looking to change careers during this turbulent time and are looking into starting their own business from home, but just aren’t quite sure what home business would suit them best. A career assessment test helps you pinpoint your interests so that you’ll be sure to select a business that you would actually enjoy. When you go to a site which has such a test, you will most likely have to register with that site in order to actually receive the final write-up which lists your strengths and weaknesses in the job arena. There are numerous assessment sites, most of which are free. They may incorporate a job search engine. You will be given a series of options (usually between 50 and 100) which you are asked to rank as “most interested” or “least interested.” The terminology does vary somewhat from site to site. The options are presented in sets of three and are designed to assess whether you’d be happier and better suited for artistic jobs such as acting, writing, editing, and even legal or more scientific jobs such as researcher, engineer, accountant, and medical. Once you’ve finished answering the questions during your online job search, you’ll either be shown your report immediately or you will receive the report via e-mail within a few minutes of taking the career assessment test. These reports are generally broken down into categories based on your responses. The categories include things aptitude, management, ability, and many more. Most of the categories will come with a narrative which explains your level of interest or skill in that particular category. After this you’ll be presented with the opportunity to pay a fee to actually join that site and utilize their job search engine. Most of the time these sites, once you’ve paid the fee to join that particular site, will also provide you with a list of jobs and home businesses which are best suited to you based on your responses to the questionnaire. The nice thing about these reports is it can save you time and money by directing your attention to areas which you may not have considered previously. There are usually links available which allow you to continue to conduct an online job search directly from that site. So, if you’re ready to change jobs and are interested in starting your own business from home it can be worth your time to take an assessment test to see exactly where your strengths are and then utilize those to start down a new career path. |
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