Southampton Turnaround

The Commodore's Burgee flying as we sail down the Solent for another time. The P&O Cruises house flag is well known the world over.

There is a small Isle of White Ferry between us and Ventura following behind. What a great sight for all those people who came out in Southampton to wish us well and wave us off!

Lots of small pleasure craft at this time of year in the water. Hello to Graham and Jacqui Barker as I do believe your lovely home is not too far away from this point!

Good Day Everyone,

The sail over to Southampton was a breeze - perfect weather conditions and everyone in fine form after their adventures on Arcadia. Our operation in Southampton is down to a fine art as you well know and Arcadia was berthed at the 'QE2' Terminal - 38/39. I can't wait to see the new Ocean Terminal however our big sister ship Ventura was alongside there. Further down the docks we could see Princess Cruises Crown Princess alongside at the Mayflower Berth 106. The new Celebrity Ship Equinox was also in town for her naming celebrations. She is 117,000 tonnes and carries 2850 passengers and we wish her and her Ship's Company safe journeys and good luck. It is always very exciting when a ship is brand new and entering service for the first time. We can all look forward to the launch of our own sister ship Azura next year.

With four ships in port the traffic was a little slower than usual however we completed our turnaround and set sail at 1700 hours - leading the Fleet out of Port - quite right to with our Commodore Steve Burgoine at the helm! Ventura was looking great as she backed out from her berth and followed us down the Solent. Carol Marlow our newly appointed Managing Director of P&O Cruises paid us a visit at 1300 hours and it was a great joy to see Carol again and have a brief meeting on board. We wish Carol every success in her new office. There was such a buzz around the ship all day with many of our shore side colleagues popping in to say 'hello' and catch up on business. We also had a change over with out Art Department on board with Whitewall Galleries joining our Arcadia Team.

It was a beautiful evening for the sail away and everyone very excited about their one week cruise to Norway. I am writing this between the Commodore's Gala Receptions and the people I met at the first party were all 'loving every minute' and looking forward to the wonderful ports and awesome scenery that lies ahead in the Norwegian Fjord land.

I had a good day catching up on paperwork and chatting to various people! I love the excitement of the first day when everyone is finding their way around the ship and discovering all that we have to offer to our passengers on board Arcadia.

I look forward to posting some great shots of Norway over the next week. Hope you are enjoying your weekend wherever you may be at home or away.

Best wishes,

James.

Can you feel the joy in life today? It is wherever you choose to let it be.