Arcadia dropping her Anchor for our first port of call in Thailand. 'Oh what a beautiful morning' .........another song coming on!! Lots of passengers went touring to James Bond Island.
Hello!
Leg 2 well underway now and we had a most successful call here in Phuket. All went smoothly and it was a very hot day. This was the first 'tender' port of the Grand Voyage where passengers and crew have to be taken ashore in our Ship's tenders (Boats). Due to commitments on board I did not get ashore but lots of the ship's company did - even if it was only for a short time they love the swimming in the sea, enjoy the Thai Food, the fabulous shopping, and naturally the heat - sea, sun and sand.............! I love the Thai people they are so peaceful and gracious - lots of smiling and bowing - they make you feel very special and welcome.
A patrol boat keeping jet skis at bay! My thanks to Simon Senior 2nd Officer for taking these photos from the Bridge! See I have lots of Blog buddies on board........
The Harbour Bay.
The Ship's tendering operation under way.
James Bond Island is where the 70’s Bond film ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’ starring Roger Moore was partly filmed. It was also in and around these islands where another Bond film was filmed starring Pierce Brosnan ‘Die Another Day’. My thanks to Graham Howell for taking these photographs for me.
Arcadia from the local beach.
A house on stilts.
Sightseeing tours.
Unique rock formations on James Bond Island.Sally Sagoe left us today to fly home and Gary Glading joined us as Cruise Director. I will miss Sally and all the fun we have, but looking forward to sailing with Gary who is a also a multi talented and gifted Cruise Director. This is how it is when you work at sea - you are best buddies with certain people and then one day you all split up - but when you meet up again it is as if you were never apart. Shipboard Friendships are priceless and very special. One of the JOYS of working at sea.
There is an hour forward on the clocks tonight so need to get to my bed early as we are in PENANG Malaysia tomorrow morning at 0800 hours. Lots to get on with...........and finally thanks to Andrew and Tony for all your blog comments - hope you are both well and enjoying life. Say Hello to Jayne from me!
Bye for now,
James
'There's a world out here!'
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13 comments:
I won't need to do a world cruise after reading your blog. I feel like am going around the world with you guys following this blog!
Lovely photos once again.
There is a young lad on Oriana doing a video blog of Oriana's world cruise that they are putting on you tube. Lucky lads (Taran, 22 and his cousin George) are doing the full world cruise. Looking forward to their latest instalment too!
Enjoy your sleep James. You are not only working hard on the ship you are also taking the time to update the blog.
Elaine (aurorabore)
Great to hear Gary is now on board, any chance he will be there for the April 16th Med cruise, Jean from Yorkshire is hoping for a dance!!
Thoroughly enjoying your Blog James, thanks so much.
Lizzie (Batwoman)
Oh the new photographs are wonderful.
Thanks so much for posting them all.
Hello James
Phuket looked great and so calm for a tender port. The pictures are really great - I can't beleive how you do your job and keep all this up together.
Alex hasn't seen the pictures yet - enjoying his 7th birthday too much. Tell Nanny he loved his present but there won't be any cake left by the time she gets home!!
Ann
Hello James, love your photos, cant wait to board now when you get to Singapore. Be starting to pack the cases soon. About time as the weather is not to good at the moment. Sunshine here we come. See you all soone.
Edda& Bert
Thanks for all pictures and stories. For many reasons a world cruise is a no go for us, but it is great to hear all about it. Definitely our favourite blog.
James, this is a fantastic blog. The superb photographs - including those from your many contacts - absolutely make it. The helicopter shot of HMS Portland leaning into the turn as Arcadia steams onward is something one could frame.
Graham Howell's photography of the stunning scenery is also great.
I'm getting absolutely sucked into this. I have a tonne of blog feeds, but yours is the one I look forward to most.
Elaine, is there a link to the Oriana blog?
I think I've found the Oriana video blog here. The video aspect is fantastic - I really feel as if I'm back on the ocean from all the wobbly handheld shots!
Sawadee Krup James!
Good to see pics of our own back yard (well almost!)
I personally feel that Phuket is seen much better as tender port, than when using Phuket Wharf, which is a bit tucked away and doesnt really meet the expected images of Thailand at all.
So well done to all at P&O for doing the 'right' thing!
We fly down from Phuket to Singapore on the 4th, to board on the 6th Feb.
The cases are out and dusted off. and one of the spare beds is now covered in folded shirts.
The 'Rellies' are on their way down from Bangkok today, to look after all the cats and dogs for us.
The packing begins on Monday!!
Peter & Alan.(Somsak)
Krabi, Thailand.
Skyring
Yes that's the link!
The guys haven't uploaded anything for a while, but then I also haven't had any replies from my daughter who works on Oriana. So maybe their internet link is not working!
Thanks for your Blog James, all very interesting making me quite envious, it might encourage me to go on a longer cruise sometime soon!
Cheers
Hi James. We missed James Bond Island when on Adonia some years ago. She lost so much time crossing the Bay of Bengal we couldn't make the trip. These photos confirm we have done the right thing in booking on Aurora for next year Singapore to Southampton taking in Phuket. Thenm we will be able to visit James Bond Island. It all looks so calm and peaceful. We are expecting very cold and snowy weather in the next few days. See you soon.
Judith
To Lizzie, above
How nice to hear from you and to know that Jean will be travelling on Arcadia in April. Unfortunately, April 16th is my disembarkation date. If she embarks with the first group, there may be time for a quick coffee and a chat. I'd love to see her again. Please do give her my best, and of course, my best to you as well.
Kind regards,
Gary
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