Topic: Water Transportation

Europe launches airstrikes on Somalia to uproot pirate base

This is the first time the European-led naval expedition, Operation Atalanta, has attacked a pirate base on Somali territory.

Top 5 ways to save on your summer vacation

If you're pining for a summer vacation but worried about costs, consider how Wayne and Pat Dunlap of Del Mar, Calif., managed to tour 51 countries over two years, marvel at the Egyptian pyramids, scale a New Zealand glacier, and visit Laotian Buddhist monks all for less than $100 a day. "We often stayed at guesthouses and hostels, ate at local family restaurants, took public transportation, and in some cases, traveled on cruise ships offering reduced rates," says Mr. Dunlap, author of the travel book "Plan Your Escape." This year amid price worries and higher summer airfares, especially to Europe such ingenuity could prove essential. Here are five cost-cutting strategies that can help:

Flight attendants call police on unruly children

The hazards of flying with kids: Flight attendants on Alaska Airlines call police after two unruly children refused to stay in their seats or buckle their seat belts.

Massive, rocket-powered, robotic craft begins delivery mission to space station

The 13-ton cargo freighter is loaded with about 7.2 tons of supplies, including food, water, clothing, experiments and fuel for the space station, according to NASA.

Shooting near Texas courthouse: 1 dead, 3 wounded

The gunman was injured in the incident outside the Jefferson County Courthouse in Beaumont, about 80 miles east of Houston, and has been hospitalized, Beaumont Police Officer Doug Kibodeaux said.

Ferry service to Cuba a 'bridge' too far for US government

Reestablishing ferry services to Cuba for the first time in 50 years would surely present challenges, but is in line with recent US-Cuba policy changes, writes guest blogger Anya Landau French.

Crippled Costa cruise ship to reach land Thursday (+video)

Those aboard the Costa Allegra, a sister ship of the cruise liner that capsized off Italy last month, faced more stifling days and nights before the vessel docks in the tropical paradise.

Costa Concordia owners deny knowing about captain's near-shore salutes

A Costa Concordia executive distanced the company from the practice of near-shore salutes. Costa has suspended Capt. Schettino and declared itself an injured party in the tragic cruise ship sinking.

After Costa Concordia disaster: 8 safety tips for cruise ship passengers

The recent cruise ship disaster in Italy has prompted travel industry experts to advise the public about safety steps they can take, not only aboard ships but also in hotels. When the Costa Concordia ran aground off the shore of Tuscany on Jan. 13, roughly 160 yards from the shore of Giglio Island, many of the more than 4,200 passengers and crew on board the ship were reportedly unprepared for the crisis and the evacuation that followed.

Nancy Dunnan, publisher of TravelSmart Newsletter, urges cruise ship passengers to take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. She suggests the following:

Costa Concordia owner offers refunds, but gets low marks for response

Costa Concordia survivors will get full refunds, plus travel and lodging costs covered. But Costa Concordia owner Carnival Corp. faces criticism for its handling of the tragedy.

Two rescued alive aboard cruise ship off coast of Italy

A couple was found alive Saturday aboard the cruise ship Costa Concordia that ran aground off the coast of Italy. The captain of the cruise ship was arrested Saturday in Italy.

Cruise ship aground: Search for missing off coast of Italy (+video)

Cruise ship aground: At least three died and some 50 people are missing after the Italian Costa Concordia cruise ship hit a sandbar Friday night off Tuscany, Italy.

Getting the Strait of Hormuz straight: an FAQ

Iran has caused a stir with its threat this week to close down the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions were imposed on Iranian oil exports. Here’s why this small body of water generates so much world attention.

Lieberman and Collins: Shipping industry must choose between Iran and the US

Iran thwarts economic sanctions through loopholes in international shipping regulations. 'Classification societies' give certifications (access to ports and international trade) to both Iranian and US vessels. These groups must end their conflicting role, which supports Iranian commerce.

Occupy Wall Street: Protesters block shipping ports

Occupy Wall Street protesters blocked gates at some of the busiest ports on the West Coast on Monday. The "Occupy ports" demonstrations are the Occupy Wall Street movement's biggest actions since being evicted from most of their tent camps nationwide.

Trade deals: three big winners from America's new free-trade agreements

Trade deals passed by Congress Wednesday could be double-edged, but several economic sectors look set to gain the most from the trade deals with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama.

US, British forces rescue Italian ship from Somali pirates

The Italian crew steered the hijacked ship toward awaiting NATO forces in the Indian Ocean. Eleven Somali pirates were captured.

Space shuttle era ends, leaving big void for area firms

Space shuttle missions were a boon to businesses around Cape Canaveral, Fla. With the space shuttle era over, they're banking on cruise ships and other tourist draws.

Shipping companies: Europe investigates price fixing

Shipping companies were visited Monday by European Commission officials looking for evidence of price fixing. US exporters, importers with similar complaints against the shipping companies are watching closely.

Astronauts observe Japan's tsunami aftermath from space

High-resolution photos taken from the International Space Station show some of the areas hit the hardest by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the northeastern coast of Japan.

Pirates seize oil tankers, putting oil supply routes at risk

Pirates' seizure of two oil tankers in the past two days threatens oil supply to the West and ramps up pressure on navies to take more aggressive action.