Last port of call - Vigo - Spain

Good Day Everyone,

We had a very exciting call at Vigo today with everyone making the most of a quick run ashore on this last port on our Grand Voyage! It did not seem the same with out our dear friend and Port Agent Alberto Duran who sadly passed away suddenly last November. However it was good to see Alberto's son - also called Alberto and all our friendly officials. Lots of people taking advantage of our tours today and for everyone else you can just wonder into town or take a taxi to the Department Stores. Vigo is a very prosperous city and everything you could wish for it here along with many fine bars, cafes and restaurants.

Commodore Steve Burgoine and Staff Captain Simon Terry on Arcadia's Bridge ready for departure for Southampton.

The final gangway about to be lifted out - these were shore side supplied gangways today.

James. Sam and Mario at this morning's clearance - rejoicing in the fact that we have 'cleared' the world on this Grand Voyage.

Where's the gangway - James on the Promenade Deck as the ship is coming alongside.

The Vigo Cruise Terminal which has undergone major refurbishment inside and is looking very smart indeed.

For everyone who is asking where is Captain Hamish Reid? - Here is proof that he is alive and well - Captain Reid visited Arcadia recently on Company Business and is in fine form - enjoying Dinner here in The Orchid Restaurant.

I have got my cattle man hat packed - pictured here with Jane from P&O Australia.

Another great Pianist - Mr Bobby Crush!

Hello to our dear Canadian Friends - Captain John and his wife Trica pictured here at their Diamond Wedding Anniversary Calibrations with Paul Clasby - Chief Engineer now on leave.

Hello to Bomi and Prasad in our Mumbai Office - thanks for visiting us on board Arcadia at Mumbai - I know you all read my blog so sending best wishes to our Mumbai Office.

The Fortress at Vigo which is featured on one of out excursions.

The magnificent church at Santiago de Compostela where they have a huge incense burner. This is the areas big historical attraction and brings in thousand of visitors each year. The pipe organ in the church is so large that the pipes are fitted horizontally as they will not fit in vertically. I have been here in the past and it is well worth a visit - dedicated to St James.

As we come to the end of this Grand Voyage everyone is saying what a remarkable journey this has been. I agree! It is only when we all get home and take time to reflect that we will realise just how much we have seen and how many unique experiences we have enjoyed. What great people we have met - passengers, ship's company, Agents and Officials, locals and celebrities.

Louise and Tony - I was speaking to Brain and Judith Atkins this evening and they hope you will send them an email to them so as you can all keep in touch. Judith and Brian are still doing their morning miles around Promenade Deck every day - good standard!

Thanks for all your messages and good wishes which I have shared with the Arcadia team. I am so pleased you have enjoyed this blog on the grand voyage and this is the first time I have had cyber passengers on board with me! Take care!

Bye for now,

James.

We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, but I know we'll meet again one sunny day!