The Royal Sea Aquarium News

Having made the trip to the Dioro dock at Parera on the back of a large transport truck, the mini submarine Curasub recently made its first ‘landing’ on the aft deck of the RV Chapman, the vessel that will exclusively serve as a sub tender to the Curasub while also being able to accommodate both scientists as well as tourists on future trips and expeditions.

The first practice runs of bringing the 6.5 ton Curasub on board, setting it on its own small ‘deck’ on the port side of the Chapman, subsequently putting the custom made docking platform with its specially designed undercarriage in the water and then lifting the Curasub into the docking platform, were led by Curasub owner Adriaan ‘Dutch’ Schrier and witnessed by his business partner Rudy Pizziolo. Also present were several visiting Dutch scientists and other Substation acquaintances and business associates.

The workings of the 110 ton knuckle boom Fassi crane, that by now has become an intrinsic part of the 127 feet long Chapman, were highly appreciated by all spectators present on the ship. The crane is capable of launching and retrieving both the submarine as well as the docking platform from the back deck. The submarine represents less than 50% of the lifting capacity of the crane.

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By Michael Luongo, Special to CNN

updated 10:09 AM EDT, Sat November 3, 2012

Curacao

You won’t run into your neighbor on the beach in Curacao, a mostly off-the-radar Caribbean getaway that mixes an island lifestyle with a liberal Dutch attitude. While November might be high hurricane season for most of the region, the island is out of the range of these tropical tempests, untouched by one in almost 160 years.

There are more than 40 beaches lining its shores, along with about 60 diving spots, where visitors can see more than 600 species of fish in one of the Caribbean’s healthiest marine environments. The streets of capital Willemstad are lined with Dutch colonial architecture swathed in palm trees: Imagine an Amsterdam bursting with tropical Miami Beach colors.

If you’re fleeing the elections, the locals completely empathize. They just held the first of their own in October as a newly autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so they’ll understand how you feel right now.

Full article visit: cnn.com/2012/11/01/travel/bury-head-in-sand-trips

Whether you yearn for the white sandy beaches or blue tranquil waters of the Caribbean, American Airlines has special Business Class prices to the Caribbean that will be sure to make your trip a memorable and affordable one! Purchase your tickets on AA.com by August 27, 2012, and start travel between August 14 and August 29, 2012. All travel needs to be complete by August 31, 2012.

Enjoy the many benefits of traveling in Business Class:

Info: www.aa.com

SPECIAL FLIGHT OFFER TO CURAÇAO WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES!

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao – August 9, 2012 – Selected as a ‘Top Destination 2012’ by Frommer’s, one of the ‘5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now’ by Budget Travel, there’s never been a better time to visit the island of Curaçao! A Caribbean island paradise boasting 35 idyllic beaches and an assorted mix of history and culture, including distinct architecture, museums and world-class shopping, Curaçao holds countless things to discover.

American Airlines is making it easier for travelers to have a memorable and affordable Caribbean vacation this fall, as they are offering exclusive savings on flights to the colorful island of Curaçao. Book your tickets on AA.com by August 13, 2012 for travel between September 5 and October 27, 2012 to have an unforgettable vacation in warm Caribbean breezes and white sandy beaches or take a thrilling cultural adventure to explore the heritage and local cuisine of the island.

Gateway cities include the below, and more:
Miami (MIA) to Curaçao (CUR) – Starting at $159
New York LaGuardia (LGA) to Curaçao (CUR) – Starting at $275
Boston (BOS) to Curaçao (CUR) – Starting at $269
New Orleans (MSY) to Curaçao (CUR) – Starting at $202
Washington Reagan Nat’l (DCA) to Curaçao (CUR) – Starting at $246
Raleigh / Durham (RDU) to Curaçao (CUR) – Starting at $220

The best time to visit Curaçao is now as the island is also currently celebrating its “Curaçao Best Deals!” fall promotions party for travel starting August 15 through December 15, 2012 with deals available at participating hotels, dive centers, attractions and tours operators, including up to 50 percent off, FREE nights, FREE upgrades, special nightly rates, dive discounts, and much more!

To see the list of all participating American Airlines cities, please click here.
Flight prices shown are each way, based on round-trip purchase on AA.com. Taxes included, conditions apply.

To learn more about the island of Curaçao visit Curacao.com today!

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao – August 8, 2012 – Going for the gold! Curaçao’s Pariba Little League Team has made it in to the Little League Baseball World Series once again. Originally from the island’s capital city of Willemstad, the team won the six games in the Caribbean Region Tournament, successfully earning their spot in the Little League Baseball World Series 2012.

On August 16th, the World Series will kick off as Curaçao’s Little League team, representing the Caribbean, will play in the first game against their biggest rival, the Japan Region Champions. The much anticipated game will be televised ESPN at 1:00 p.m. EST.

The 66th annual Little League Baseball World Series will take place this year in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania from August 16th through the 26th. Young baseball players from ages 11-12 will make up 16 teams from around the world to participate in this world renowned baseball game series.

The island of Curaçao is also home to many extraordinary players in Major League Baseball whose early baseball beginnings were developed and cultivated on the island. Some world renowned names of Curaçaoans whose baseball careers have been remarkable are: Andruw Jones, outfielder for the New York Yankees, Kenley Jansen, pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Andrelton A. Simmons, shortstop for the Atlanta Braves, Roger Bernadina, outfielder for the Washington Nationals, and Jair Jurrjens, starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, Wladimir Balentien, outfielder for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Yurendell DeCaster, third baseman for the Winnipeg Goldeyes, Shairon Martis, pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, Hensley Meulens, former player and current hitting coach for the San Francisco Giants, and  Randall Simon, first baseman and currently a free agent.

Little League Baseball is the largest organized youth sports program in the world, with 2.7 million participants in all fifty states and other countries around the world, and Curaçao could not be more proud to be part of an incredible tournament for such a magnificent sport. The people of Curaçao are excited and wish the Curaçao Team the best of luck in the Little League Baseball World Championships 2012!

To learn more about the unique Southern Caribbean island of Curaçao where these players are from, and to request a FREE Curaçao information package, visit Curacao.com or call toll free 1.800.328.7222 to experience the islands’ stunning uncrowded beaches and spectacular diving, along with its colorful Dutch history and nature adventures!

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao – June 11, 2012 – More flights to Curaçao! On June 1, 2012, Dutch Antilles Express (DAE) launched new daily flights from Miami International Airport to Curaçao. To celebrate the inaugural flight, the  Curaçao Tourist Board hosted a series of agents and press from South Florida for a weekend of sightseeing and fine dining.

The new flights take just two and a half hours and with dinner service and an open bar the inaugural flight was a celebration from takeoff in Miami, to landing in Curaçao, where the plane was greeted with the tradition of being hosed down by local fire engines.

To celebrate the new flights, Dutch Antilles Express is offering special rates of $209.40 per person for a return trip from Miami to Curaçao for tickets purchased before June 19, 2012. The special price includes US taxes and fees.

Flight 9HO501 departs daily from MIA at 3pm arriving in Curaçao at 5.30pm and flight 9HO502 departs daily from Curaçao at 11am arriving back at MIA at 1.30pm.