Sailing South towards Malaga.

Arcadia sails on...............the magic of the Ocean - nothing like having wide open sea and sky all around - all at once all appears well with the world.

Hello Everyone,

What a joy to feel the heat and see clear blue skies and calm seas. Arcadia's open decks came to life very early in the day, the sun beds were taken up with sun worshipers accompanied by their blue beach towels! Out came that carefully selected book bought specially for the holidays and very soon it was lying on the deck, as relaxation and snoozing took over! The mood really changes when the sun is out, very relaxed and I hear comments like 'this is why we came on a cruise!'. I have attached a couple of photographs taken on my rounds of the vessel. Again I keep meeting blog readers! It is great to have 'scottlass' on board looking so well. Commodore Steve Burgoine asked my to play the piano for his morning service so I was delighted to oblige - this was the first time I have been playing for the kirk since the Grand Voyage. Having said that I have been tinkling the ivories on and off in the Piano Bar...

This shot was taken outside The Orchid Restaurant looking up to the sun deck above. Check the colour of the sky and P&O Cruises iconic buff coloured funnel.

Elaine - I am so pleased that you are well and it is good to know that other readers are missing your comments - you were such a star on the Grand Voyage Blog - I see you have removed your ' Aurorabore' title!! Enjoy your time with your family and I am sure I will hear more from you soon. Really I would need to make an effort to reply to some of your messages! Anyhow keeps the messages coming. Where are your Jay? No doubt the Greynomads are touring somewhere in Australia enjoying the open roads. I have such fond memories of our coastal trip around Australia last February. You can always go back to February on this blog and revisit Sydney! G'Day to all our Australian readers not forgetting all our friends in Perth WA. Not many reports from Bond and M in Italy recently - they must be on a mission. Marina tells me that she is a great ambassador for the blog!

Wish you were here...........and thanks to my friend Naomi McFarren who sent me this web address for anyone thinking of a career at sea and wishing to apply for a Cadetship -
http://www.oceanopportunities.com/

Last cruise many of our passengers met my Art Teacher from school days - Elma became quite a celebrity on board! I hope Elma and Ann got home OK and don't forget to send me all the information on your favourite Italian Hotels!!

All is well,

James.

It's easier to down a hill than up it, but the view is much better at the top.