In response to an increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro announced that his government will activate a special plan to mobilize over 4.5 million militia members across the country to “defend national sovereignty.

The Marine Corps has said it needs the amphib readiness rate at 80% or higher to complete its missions. It is currently at 41%.

Monster Hurricane Erin is causing cruise disruptions, and bringing a lesser-known hurricane hazard to Bahamas beaches.

While Erin is expected to take a northward turn in the Atlantic, a new system off the coast of Africa has the National Hurricane Center's attention.

Royal Caribbean has named a new 'godmother' for its 'Star of the Seas' cruise ship. The announcement comes after Diana Ross unexpectedly pulled out of her appearance.

That’s what some may be asking in light of the news that a passenger was injured on a slide aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas ship earlier in August. The aftermath of the scene was captured on video, with fellow passengers reacting in horror as water gushed out of a hole in the attraction. “Stop the slide,” yelled one.

Bloom starred in 2003's "The Curse of the Black Pearl" and 2006's "Dead Man's Chest" with Kiera Knightley and Johnny Depp, both of whom he'd welcome back.

Bloom reminded fans at Fan Expo Chicago (via Entertainment Weekly) this weekend that dead franchises just might be back. The Lord of the Rings veteran didn’t pitch an elaborate spin-off or a bold reinvention. Instead, his idea was refreshingly simple: bring the band back together. He said:

"We are disappointed that Diana Ross is unable to join us to be godmother of Star of the Seas," Royal Caribbean said, as it seeks replacement.

In an advance for climate-informed disease early warning systems, a team of researchers, public health actors and meteorologists have developed a prediction model capable of forecasting dengue outbreaks in the Caribbean up to three months in advance.