All at Sea

Greetings All,

What a day - never a moment and with an hour forward on the clock at midday the time just disappeared. We had a 'hearing' at 1300 hours with some of my staff which turned out to be a 'Storm in a Sauce boat' however you have to listen to all sides of the investigation.

The day before a cruise turnaround is always mixed emotions, saying good bye to people whom you have become shipmates with and at the same time looking forward to the next port of call and all the new faces who will walk up the gangway. A lot of things always come out of the woodwork the day before turnround and they all take time to resolve and bring closure. This is the nature of the game and so it goes on............

It was a beautiful sea day with the sun shining all day across the teak decks of Arcadia, with her yacht like finish - Staff Captain Kevin keeping the decks shining. Endless fantastic suntans around and for those passengers returning to the UK tomorrow every single ray of sunshine counts! The neighbours need to know that we have been away on a winter holiday cruise - don't they??!! Accommodation were busy weighing hand baggage for passengers and sorting out those who wished to leave baggage on board for us to take back to Southampton. The Chocoholics Buffet and the Galley Walk through attracts as much attention as ever. The Admin Team under Mario's direction were beavering away sorting passports. This was after the Singapore Immigration Officers, who are travelling with us, had stamped them and then the Admin Team were up by the Crow's Nest distributing these passports to our passengers.

It will be a change of beat for me tomorrow as I loose Caroline, Carl and Dan ( Kaye Geebe) from my team, and they are replaced by Helen, Steve and David. This is the thing about working at sea you have to remain very flexible at all times and adjust quickly to the changes. This is also what keeps life interesting as 'change is the essence of life it's self'.

I do hope the weather condition have improved in the UK and that you are not all snowed in. Don't forget in these days of bad news and downward trends to recommend this blog to your friends and family - I need to keep the ratings up!!!

What ever you are up to or where ever you may be - enjoy and have a great weekend. After Singapore we have five lovely sea days to look forward to before arriving in our first port of call in Australia - Freemantle - for Perth.

All good wishes,
James.

'Waltzing Matilda. Waltzing Matilda - you'll come a waltzing Matilda with me...........'