Homeport Southampton

Greetings once again!

What a busy 48 hours we have had getting Arcadia into Southampton 2 hours late alongside at 0900 hours yesterday and then sailing again at 1630 hours. 2000 passengers off and on, all the baggage and stores, a new Theatre Company, 85 crew on and off meetings with Directors, Managers, friends, farewell to passengers who are like family members and welcome to new ones and ship's company alike! All the emotions of the oceans - not motions for once I hear you say! This is one the most exciting parts of my job and every 10 to 14 days you get to meet so many new people - can be up to 6000 people a month - multiply this by 8 and this is at least 24,000 people a year.............keeps you on your toes to have to remember so many regular names and faces. As we sailed out last evening we passed the SAGA ROSE which was alongside at Southampton and lots of well wishers in the park in front of the Grand Harbour Hotel waving frantically as the great white ship sailed out in the grey twilight. Their screams were saying ' wish we were with you on board'!!! Then Louis Hamilton won the race and everyone was cheering on board. What a day it was.

Today has been lovely with lots of people finding their way around the ship and exploring all that is on offer with all my staff out displaying their wares and hope to clinch that booking for the specialty restaurant or take a pre dinner wine order. The shops are buzzing with eager shoppers treating themselves to that new item of leisure wear that they wouldn't dare buy at home and then stocking up on the perfumes. Tomorrow is the Captain's Gala Welcome on Board Reception so all passengers can have a leisurely day and relax into the Indulgent Arcadia. All for now, as I have training sessions to attend and say 'Hello' to the New Headliners Theatre Company who will have had their induction briefing from the Cruise Director now. This is an 'Anniversary Cruise' with lots of couples celebrating milestone achievements, and where better to visit than Madeira, Gran Canaria,Tenerife, Lanzarote,Lisbon and Vigo. All set for a good time ahead and in the words of that American Country Song.........' Could I have this dance for the rest of my life.........?'

Bye for now,
James.

'Do something - either lead, follow or get out of the way'.
Anon