Good Day Everyone,
I trust this finds you all well and feeling hopeful with 'spring in the air' and Easter on the way. The excitement of the G20, showcasing London and the UK was great to watch on BBC World and CNN and all the paparazzi that goes with it. We are now on our Fourth sea day on our way to Safaga and the seas are calm and the sunshine bright.
We had our own excitement yesterday and here is a report from none other than the Master of Arcadia himself - Commodore Steve Burgoine............
We prepared for our return journey through the Gulf of Aden, where pirates have been quite active over the last couple of months, by having a briefing in Dubai with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations department who are based there. We were brought up to date on the latest developments and tactics employed by the wannabee "Captain Jack Sparrows".
We entered a secure corridor at 9.00 pm on the 1st April and finally left it and entered the Red sea at midnight on 2nd. This corridor is patrolled by UN ships and aircraft and our track was being monitored by the control operations department in Dubai.
Throughout the day we saw several naval craft, but not at close range like the show put on by HMS Portland during our outward journey. We had three passes by helicopters from the various naval ships. All this made for a safe and uneventful transit through this area.
On board we were well prepared and vigilant for any possible threat, but I am pleased to say none came.
The weather was in our favour as well. We had a moderately strong following wind which was creating a choppy sea. Nothing to Arcadia but a hindrance to pirates in their small skiffs. "They don't like it up 'em, Sir. They don't like it up 'em you know". Now who said that?
It is very good to know that no matter where we are around the world I can call on expert help and back up. This is why our passengers find a cruise is a safe way to travel.
Well, it is now on with our final leg with Egypt, Suez Canal and the Mediterranean cruise leg still ahead of us.
Thanks for your report Commodore and for keeping us safe and well.
Best wishes for your weekend ahead,
James.
It's the life behind the words that makes the testimony effective.
About James Cusick
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7 comments:
Hi James,
How lovely to hear from the Commodore himself. Very glad to know that your passage through the Gulf of Aden was uneventful except for the welcome watch by the UN.
I certainly envy you your warm and sunny weather. We have mild days but here in Cheltenham there is a distinct lack of sunshine.
Safe sailing. from Judith
It is very reassuring to know that the ships have "back-up" in case of problems. Thank you to the Commodore for the explanation.
Enjoy your last couple of weeks. This time next week we'll be well on the way to Miami to join Coral Princess and the Panama Canal.
Gill
Good Evening to all Arcadia.
Glad you had safe passage on your journey thru the Gulf of Aden, it will be nice for you to have landfall after 5 days at sea.
Well after work tomorrow i am off the see the WHO first time they have ever performed in Perth, so i am very excited to go after work, it does not matter what kind of a day i have i know it will only get better.
Enjoy Safaga,please say hallo to Dr Lawrence he is also one of your Grand Voyagers. He was our table guest when we were on board, a very nice man indeed, who helped my wife when she was feeling seasick.
Geoff Witts Perth
Nice to here of your safe passage and read The Commodore's report very intersting.
I'm again green with envy as we have always wanted to visit Safaga, 3 times we have missed out. Once becaue of the incoming flight in The Sychelles being late and we would have missed our passage through the Suez, once because we left the ship in Bombay (no cabins available)so we rejoined in Pireaus and once due to Medical emergencies. Still being a firm beliver in fate we were obviously not meant to visit.
So JamesI will certainly be looking forward to seeing your blog and photo's from Safaga.
The weeks will fly by now for you and for us as well, shame you will be going on leave the day we join.
good evening james been following your blogs since you left s/hampton ,we found your comments very interesting,and look forward to meeting you on the arcadia 2010 world cruise,which we are booked for the full 94 nights.will you be on the arcadia?regards rob/joy ragg parkgate cheshire.
Dear James,
I am still waiting for one of your informative reports about those wonderful security people who work so hard to keep everyone safe whether in port, at sea or beating off those pirates! Glad you made it through the gulf safe and sound - you can do without the sort of excitement which P & O so professionally dealt with.
The show put on by HMS Portland when we were outward bound was reassuring as well as entertaining although I was bemused when some passengers wanted to know where the pictures were of the helicopter - "er, it was taking the pictures of the ships my dear" !!
I fly back to Italy myself tomorrow so enjoy your final two weeks of Arcadias maiden Grand Voyage and here is to many more.
With love from Louise (& Tony) xx
Hi Parkgate, According to the latest leave programmes I will be with you.
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