Happy New year!

Happy New Year to one and all!!

Our New Year Celebrations ran without a hitch, the weather was perfect for one of the biggest on deck parties ever for Arcadia. To add to the excitement of the evening we enjoyed a sail past with our sister ship Ventura. Just after midnight, two grand 'Ladies of the Sea' lit up in full splendour, the hooting of ship's horns, the music, the laughter and the sheer noise of it all - welcoming the New Year 2010.

For me and my team it is a relief to see all the main celebrations over, as there is such hype and expectations from our passengers and ship's company. Thankfully we delivered and the weather was with us! I will post some photographs soon. Ventura was berthed beside us in Barbados today, it is a turnround port for her. I went over to visit Patrick Harrison my counterpart on board. We had a most enjoyable morning catching up and taking a walk around the Ventura.

Wishing you health, wealth and happiness in 2010.

James


A Guid New Year to ane an' a'


A guid new year to ane an' a'
An' mony may ye see,
An' during a' the years to come,
O happy may ye be.
An' may ye ne'er hae cause to mourn,
To sigh or shed a tear;
To ane an'a baith great an' sma'
A hearty guid New year.


(my thanks to Mary G! for sending me these words)

St Kitts

Let's board the Sugar Train and enjoy the scenery.

One of the 68 Sugar Mills on St Kitts. After the train journey there were locals to entertain in the town square.

A now it is back home to Arcadia!

Arcadia sails out of St Kitts - next port St Lucia. Spot the Christmas Tree on the mast.

A penny for your thoughts - taken from the deck above The Orchid Restaurant by the funnel.

Arcadia pulls away from the quayside.

The goes down on another day...........

A chair with your name on it!..........

Three blasts on the ship's horn and we are away!

Looking across the Neptune pool from deck 10.

The tinted windows - The Orchid Bar.

Arcadia is about to sail.

Good Day Everyone,

The weather continues to hold up beautifully here in the Caribbean and our passengers as getting darker by the day - enjoying all this sunshine. After signing off on the Bridge for Departure I went for a walk on the open decks - and I took a few shots of the sunset for you to enjoy.

St Kitts has volcanic peaks with lush green forests and endless sugarcane fields. The capital is Basseterre and a must see is the Brimstone Hill Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Foundation and one of the most impressive fortresses in the Caribbean. Designed by the British and build by the slaves, the Fortresses is testimony to European colonial expansion, the African slave trade and the emergence of new societies in the Caribbean. My favourite excursion here is the St Kitts Railway! It was built between 1912 and 1926 to deliver sugar cane form the fields to Basseterre. This gives you a chance to experience many bridges, see the farms and villages and all the huge fields of lush cane. Each of the railway cars have an open upstairs and enclosed downstairs seating arrangements - so very comfortable. For the more active(!) you can go snorkeling at Bird Rock, go sailing or Mountain Biking - there is something for everyone.

All preparations in hand for our New year Celebrations!

All good wishes,

James.

Inspiration comes at the strangest of times!

Tortola

Greetings from Tortola!


The British Virgin Islands are a delight to discover. Largest of the group, Tortola is one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean. You can enjoy fabulous views over the outlying islands from the top on Ridge Road. Cane Garden Bay Beach is very popular or visit the infamous Pusser's Landing. Lots of people visit Virgin Gorda to witness the spectacular beaches and boulders or simply to chill out on a quiet private island for the day. The motor lunch crossing to VG takes 40 minutes. VG was named the 'Fat Virgin' by Columbus in 1493. ( lovely to have a date that goes back before 1837 when P&O Cruises began!)


The temperature was 81 degrees. After a walk ashore I took a break on my sun lounger. It was heaven to feel the warmth of the sun with a cooling breeze on the open decks - perfect for an afternoon break! I felt refreshed from my Christmas rush!


After we sailed our Food and Beverage Department laid on a Caribbean BBQ Dinner by the Neptune's pool and we dined under the stars with the steel band playing.


Next port St Kitts.




Not far to walk to get the Tour buses!


P&O Cruises - with you all the way - wherever you wish to travel in the world.


There is a tradition of ships painting their names on the dockside - as you can see Oriana was here!



Victoria also - my first ship when she was sailing as Sea Princess in 1983.


The town centre not far from Arcadia's ropes and bow.


A friendly wave goes a long way in good will. Excited passengers leave for their Island Tour.



Very colourful tour buses - all air conditioned as you can see!!!!!!!


Pictured here with Brian Williams who was the Baggage Master on the Canberra! Brain and I have sailed together on Canberra in the early 1990's. Also in the picture is Diane Ronchetti.


Arcadia's Steel Band played for the evening BBQ on deck.

Alex Jamison and his wife Caroline enjoying dinner under the stars! Alex is a retired Staff Electrical Technical Officer with P&O Cruises. We have sailed together in the past on both P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises Ship. Small world.............

Gegee and Sydney adding their sparkling smiles to the evening.

Executive Chef Andy and his team flash up the BBQ. Obviously all the other Restaurants on the ship are fully operational, this is just something more casual for people who want to have a casual night on deck in the Caribbean.

Dan the Man! This is Dan our Financial Controller who is a great assistance to me with my blog duties.

Mo our Tours Manager with her team, Carole, Martin and Sophie do a final check to see that all is in order for the next day dispatch in St Kitts. Carol will be doing a feature on this blog soon, sharing her Caribbean experiences with us all.

Bye for now..!

James.

I can live for two months on one good compliment.

Mark Twain

Antigua

The P&O Cruises House flag flying since 1837 - this one is the Commodore's Burgee.

From L to R under the Flag - Nigel, our well known Cruise Director, Shauvik - Crew Manager, James - Commercial Manager, James EP, Jackie - Senior Purser Passenger Services Manager, Greg - Doctor and Simon - First Officer. This photo was taken after Safety and Firefighting Training on the forward deck!

Lots of Colour in Antigua at this time of year.

The town is called St Johns.

Fancy a dip..........? Dickinson Bay - very popular with passengers and crew.

A general view across the bay.

Dickinson Bay...............

One of the many pleasure crafts to view from Deck 10!

The Seabourn Spirit - a sister company.

Arcadia berthed close to a suburb of St Johns.

Looking aft from Deck 10 - the Aquarius Pool looks very welcoming - look at how much deck space we have on board Arcadia...................

Arcadia is in town!

It is always interesting to view other ship's in port and we can have a chat with our colleagues on the quayside.

Side by Side.........................passengers boarding just prior to sailing. Grace and power together..........

Hello again!

I just can't tell you how much everyone is enjoying the sun, sea and sand in the Caribbean - it is what they came for. Antigua is always a firm favourite!

Best wishes from the Arcadians,

James.

'No winter lasts forever: no spring skips its turn'

Hal Borland