Morning Coffee view today - the sea was like dress makers velvet!
Good Day Everyone,
Another perfect day at sea in the Pacific Ocean. Very hot and a nice little breeze to tickle over the open decks and balconies of Arcadia. There was sense of well being all around as passengers relaxed after their exciting day in the Canal. Murry Walker was packed out in The Palladium Theatre this afternoon - the sunshine had no competition with Murray! Fortunately as I uploaded these pictures onto Blogger my good friend and Colleague - you've guessed it Nigel Travis popped into my office for a catch up and a coffee so he was able to help me with this blog.
James, Steve and Rina on the Commodore's Balcony as we viewed Oriana.
Steve's wife Eileen joins the Balcony Party!
Meet James Boyland - Arcadia's Commercial Manager, another of my fabulous Senior Team.
The Panama Canal Pilot has disembarked and we close up the Pilot door.
Photography Manager Soph is glad to be back on board!
Soph climbs the ladder from the Agents Boat.
The Photo Team returning on board Arcadia.
Thumbs up - international sign language!
The Agents Boat comes alongside Arcadia.
Commodore Burgoine was chasing me on the phone to call our Agent and see where the Ship's Photographers were - every minute counts...........
Staff Captain In Bound! Derek Gray who joined the Arcadia Team in Aruba and will be taking over from Ashley Cook at San Francisco. This is Derek's first time on board Arcadia and he is very much looking forward to the role of Staff Captain on this magnificent ship.
Simon Westell -Senior Second Officer with Tom Weise - Deck Cadet. This is Simon's last tour of duty on Arcadia - he is off to Queen Victoria next. We shall miss Simon's good humour and helpfulness on the Bridge Team.
Our Panama Canal Pilot for the Day.
Crew enjoy the sights on the forward deck of Arcadia.
These lower Lock Gates at the Miraflores Locks are the highest in the Canal at 82 feet to compensate for the 22 feet tide on the Pacific side of the Canal.
Arcadia in the lower East Lock Chamber of the Miraflores Locks. Pictured on the left is the Miraflores Locks Swung Bridge and in the distance is Ancon Hill - which is very famous in the Canal History.
Arcadia in Miraflores Locks
The Miraflores Visitors Centre at the Miraflores Locks. Thousands of people came out to see ARCADIA pass through. Just over 200 passenger ships transit the Canal each year so it not an everyday occurrence.
Me at my desk preparing another blog.
Island Princess at a distance.
Beautiful scenery all round - some beautiful Islands within Gatun Lake.
The 800 feet long Gatun Dam Spillway.
Arcadia leaving Gatun Locks.
Gatun Locks.
Panama Canal Line Handlers see that Arcadia is well secured to the electric mules.
Chief Engineer David Jewkes had this hand made to say hello to some passengers he is friendly with on the Oriana!
It was a fun day!
Arcadia's rails were lined with people - so much to see. These passengers are on Deck 12 above The Orchid Restaurant.
Meet Peter and Carol who are two of my delightful Dinner companions. 
Arcadia's Deck 9 aft by the Aquarius Pool is lined with well wishers to welcome Oriana into the Gatun Locks.
An electric mule.
The school children got off their bus to look at the great white ocean liner - ARCADIA.
Steve Mann our Senior Purser - Food and Beverage Manager, Jackie and James on the approach channel to Gatun Locks.
Passengers were climbing the rails to get the best vantage point!Arcadia sails on to the Mexican Riviera, next stop ACAPULCO.
Best wishes,
James.
Success comes in cans, not can'ts...........
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7 comments:
What great photographs - thank you so much for sharing them with us. I hope you enjoy Acapulco - it's never been high on my list of Must See places, but maybe one day I'll give it a go.
We are already considering doing half of Arcadia's Grand Voyage/World Cruise either next year or 2012 so we'll perhaps get the opportunity then.
In the meantime, I have to wait in for the Gas Service Engineer today - while Tony goes and looks at new cars - and you sail the Pacific - hmmm - who'll have the best day I wonder LOL
Gill
G'day James.
Wow a great blog again, Why i left the British MN, is beyond me, still i can enjoy traveling the world thru your blog.
Hi Abi again, hope your day is still going great, just watching the cricket seems to be going OK at this stage.
We had a rather late start to the day compared to yours, was up at about 06.30, had a great BBQ lunch, where there was Lamb cooked perfectly on the Webber. The Lamb melted in your mouth.
The T-Bone was perfect as well, plus great salads to be had, all in all a perfect Australia day.
Hope the Aussies on board get to tuck into Lamb.(Sam Kekovic does a great job for the Lamb Industry)Hopefully right spelling.
Regards to all on Arcadia.
Geoff Witts Perth
Hi James
WOW again. Those photos are great.
Have you got your camera fixed?
I am loving the sight of your morning coffee view.
We are very honoured to have both of you blogging (Hi Nigel) ;-0)
It's nice to see Ashley. Ashley was our table host (I was on Aurora with my sister in law in Nov 2006). He certainly wasn't Staff Captain then, but he may have been first officer! He's a lovely man.
Don't you think that both Ashley and the commodore look like they are having such a great time. How many people can go to work and say they actually love their job I wonder!! Although I'm sure as with most jobs, they have their "off" days (Lol) ;-)
I'm sure it's nice for the higher ranking staff to be able to move around the whole carnival fleet. It's a shame for us passengers though that get to know these guys. One of the reasons I love cruising with P & O is seeing the same friendly faces. Always makes me feel like I am coming home. DD said she saw Lorretta the other evening. Now Lorretta knew DD and my DS when they were about 6 & 4 respectively. DD is now 26 ;-0) Whilst they have aged I swear Lorretta hasn't (Lol)!
Well looking at these wonderful photos is bringing a tear to my eye James. I so wish I was there. It's just not my time yet, but one day, one day we will be doing that trip.
Say hello to Jackie for me.
Elaine (aurorabore)
PS, are you sure you couldn't share you desk with a PA (Lol) ;-o)
Hi James. Even better pictures today, if that is possible! Just like being there. I know everyone is saying that but it is so 'cos I've been there!!
What a tiny little window the Pilot has to jump into. The OH and I love to watch the Pilot come and go, but it does seem even more precarious than I thought looking at that tiny opening.
Say "Hi" to the Commodore for us please. Posh balcony he has got!!
Weather obviously keeping up to scratch for you all. The sun has come out here today but the temp is stil about 3C.
Regards to all Judith
Just checking Arcadia is still on time, don't want her arriving late in Hong Kong,LOL. The atmosphere as both P&O ships went through the Panama must have been wonderful.
Loving your blog James
Sharon
I swear the couple second from the right, climbing the rails are my parents! Bob and Alison Barnett from Dundee Scotland.
Great pictures. Enjoyed reading your blog so that I know what they are up to and I can ask knowledgeable questions when they finally arrive at my house in Charlotte, NC, USA.
Hi Jay,
Message passed on!
Best wishes,
James.
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