A general view of the Town from Arcadia's Bridge.
Hello Everyone,
Thank you for all the great messages I have read today! Keep them coming and so glad to know that many of you feel that you are actually on this Grand Voyage with us. As far as I know we are the first ship to blog around the world - I could be wrong? Let me know if you know different.
After all the excitement of Fremantle we have had a nice gentle rocking movement throughout the night and morning on our way to Albany. A local was telling me today that movies have been made in the Albany bay area because of the high sea conditions which can be experienced here.
We were alongside our berth at 1300 hours and clearance by the local officials was speedy as we have already been cleared into Australia at Fremantle ( as you regular blog readers know!). A good job we were as everyone was fed and watered and ready for the shore. It was about a 3KM walk into the town centre, and the port laid on a shuttle service which was very customer friendly with a commentary from the driver! Albany is the original settlement in the area and is the forerunner of Fremantle. The first ever Anzac day was held here. The town itself has many interesting buildings with lots of wooden facades and covered side walks - it has that 'gold rush' feel to it that you experience in places like Skagway and Ketchikan in Alaska. I wonder if P&O Cruises will ever post a ship to Alaska?? Our passengers enjoyed the many Coffee Shops, Bars and Restaurants and happy to stock up on essential supplies in the shops and malls. It was only a short call but long enough to give you a feel for the area. A lot of British people live here as they like the climate - it is cooler here than up in Perth.
Great to pop into some high street names to stock up on essential supplies like Valentine Cards!!
A reminder to us all that we have escaped the Supermarket run for the winter!!!
A view from the top of the gangway to the Dock Gate.Although I did not get to see the beaches I am told that some of the best beaches in the world are nearby. I hope you enjoy the pictures, it was a bit overcast today. Coming into port I felt as if were were sailing into somewhere in the highlands of Scotland or Donegal in Ireland.
Meet Roy and Kath Sensier who are Grand Voyagers.....and their daughter Carol reads this blog everyday. Kath popped into see me today to ask if they could appear and give her a surprise! Roy and Kath lived in Singapore from 1961 to 1964 and came home to the UK on the 'old' ORIANA.
Carol was born in Singapore and is missing her parents so much that she is going to fly out to Singapore to visit them. The Sensiers did their first Round World Cruise last winter on the Russian Ship the Vangoth which was operated by Travel Scope - Falmouth to Falmouth! They got so hooked on this form of winter holiday that when they got home they immediately booked up for ARCADIA. Roy and Kath send their love and good wishes to their children Carol, Linda and Clive and their seven grand children....! It is great to have Roy and Kath on board - they are having a ball and every time I see them they are smiling from ear to ear - and as you can see Kath's tan has taken a lot of dedication!
Real people, real life on board with the Arcadians!
Real people, real life on board with the Arcadians!
Enjoy your day,
James.
'Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work'
Aristotle
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10 comments:
Thanks James for another interesting update. I am enjoying my Grand Voyage...even though my weather doesn't seem to match yours!
I just hope that one day I get to do it for real. This blog was an excellent idea - well done to whoever thought of it!
Best wishes
Hazel
P&O in Alaska now there's a thought! Put me down for the first trip!!especially if it continues up to the Aleutians..Till then I must be content with a world cruise, albeit only though your excellent blog..
Really looking forward to joining Arcadia in Sydney and meeting our friends that are already on board.
Thanks James for another interesting update. I cannot see P&O ever posting a ship to Alaska, Princess have too many ships there already, would be a nice Port of Call on a World Cruise though, something a bit different, from there it could then go to Hawaii, two contrasting poc's. Looking forward to your updates from Adelaide and especially Sydney, its an amazing Port of Call, the sail in and out must be high on the list of the very best.
Cheers
Mary K.
Arcadia will be in Sydney in a few days. I thought I might drive up from Canberra to see her come in. It's always a spectacular sight to see the great cruisers come in, lording it over the harbour ferries, fisherfolk, sailboats, and so on. If it's a fine dawn, the sight of the ship with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House as a backdrop is one that almost makes me glad I'm ashore to see it
But Qantas has advised me that I'm busy that weekend. I've won a prize in a travelwriting competition, and I'm flying to Ayers Rock for two days!
I don't suppose any passengers are making a quick run ashore into the middle of the island?
OK....even I have to admit....we have "peaked" a week too early!! We are packed and ready to board in Brisbane....now all we need is the ship!
Christine and Julian West
Hey Grey Nomads,
On such a horrible windy,cool and wet day on the Gold Coast,we too have packed and are ready to go!Can't believe how much we have packed but excuse myself and keep telling myself that 52 nights on a ship and hot,warm and cold climates through this time PLUS, two weeks in London and Paris, I really do need all those clothes,shoes,toiletteries etc,etc,etc.You will recognise us at portside by all the excess baggage,may have to donate some of it to charities in London!
Another great instalment.
Loke everyone else, I am enjoying "my Grand Voyage".
Thanks for all your effort in keeping us all included.
Gill
Hi James
Its great to keep in touch with The Grand Voyage it also helps me feel closer to my son who is a member of the Headliners Entertainment group on the ship.From his messages he is also loving every minute what a great way to see so much of the world !
Cant wait to join you all at the end of April
Linda B
Hey Anonymous, of course you have to pack all that stuff!! Whether you need it or not is another question! That's half the fun! But the real question is whether James has arranged for the off loading of a sufficient amount of ballast to compensate for us Gold Coasters!! Hey this is our big opportunity to shine....we usually only get to wear shorts and thongs!
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