Christmas Market.

Good Day Everyone,

Pictured above is Richard and Jo Player who introduced themselves to me at the Christmas Market in The Meridian Restaurant. Jo is a cousin of Gill Fields who used to work with me in the as our Children's Officer. Jo tells me that Gill is a BLOG fan so HELLO to Gill back at home! How strange that we should meet today as I once acted as Santa Claus for Gill in St Maarten in the Dutch Antilles, when I came out to the ship by boat with all the kids screaming with excitement over the ship rails at the sight of Santa coming on board. I will never forget it.

Some other passengers whom I have just met this cruise invited me to ARCADIAN RHODES for Dinner last evening which was a most enjoyable occasion. A couple of them are real foodies and live in Spain so I was happy to know that they were really impressed.

Karen Snaith our Commercial Manager held a Christmas Market in The Upper level Meridian Restaurant - our stunning two deck main dining room at the aft end of the ship on levels 1 and 2. The atmosphere was very festive with mulled wine and Christmas music and an array of goods to view. It was an extra event for a sea day morning and over 1000 passengers passed through the doors.

Karen with her SPA Team.


Katy and Charlie adding the Festive SPARKLE!

Donna and Kingsly with their famous 'Captain's GALA DINNER plate' which is very popular.


Our lovely Jenny who is our Communications Assistant who helped out at the Christmas Market with the Art Display.


The Meridian Restaurant with the brass shining!

Later I had a 'huddle' with all the Hotel Officers in The Conference Room to run over my expectations for the forthcoming Refit, The Christmas Cruise and The Inaugural Grand Voyage.

Our business is all about planning ahead while looking after our Passengers and Ship's Company on a daily basis. Much time and planning has gone into all of this from the on board team and our shore side teams at P&O Cruises therefore we are confident that all will go well. Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail! On these occasions it is empowering to be the Leader of such a professional and dedicated Team of people. We had a couple of days of heavy seas and I thanked everyone for the spectacular customer service that they continue to deliver. It is these Officers who make the difference as they lead their own teams whether it be in sales, Accommodation or Food & beverage, Entertainment or Medical!

Our Executive Chef Haydn Davis in the Print Shop ( below decks!) giving the final 'go ahead to print' on one of our Christmas Menus to Adwin our Senior Printer, along with Marvin our Assistant Printer and in the blue is Paresh our 'Bell Man' who takes all the messages around the ship.

And finally meet Clifford Fernandes who was just been voted in as our new Crew Club Chairman - it was a very close call! Best wishes to Clifford in his new position. Clifford is standing beside one of the hundreds of pieces of art work on display around Arcadia. Please excuse the trolley but these pictures are 'live'!

Wishing you a great week ahead,

James.

'I'm dreaming of a white Christmas'!