Aruba

Hello Everyone,


What a great day - in all ways. These photographs were all taken today so can see just how wonderful the weather is. Sun, sea and sand was the order of the day. My camera packed in! Not to worry I have friends on board and my thanks to Dan, Inga and Vaibhav for taking these shots for my blog.


We had Crew Drills this morning when we exercise the Ship's Company in the ship's emergency procedures and I ( as EP ) am in charge of Passenger Muster and Evacuation. At Muster Control we coordinate the mustering of passengers in the Muster Stations. We work with the Stairway Guides and Passengers Muster Personnel. After drills there were Crew Rounds to conduct. This is when the Officers inspect a section of crew accommodation to see that all is up to standard. The day flew past! Before we knew I was on the quay handover over the post to our Agent and collecting the clearance paper. The Ship must always have a departure clearance paper to present to the Authorities at the next port of call. This is a requirement of Maritime Law. The passenger mood is very buoyant and the majority are looking so healthy and relaxed, getting darker by the day as they are lapping up this good weather and enjoying wonderful days at sea between ports. Long may it continue!

Two Princess Cruises (our sister Company) ships were in port today. Arcadia was 'sandwiched' between the Caribbean Princess forward and the Island Princess at the aft. The Island Princess sailed at 1300 and the Caribbean Princess at 1700 hours so lots to see.



The 'A' of the ABC islands, Aruba, once a member of the Nertherland Antilles, now stands independently, having gained autonomy in 1986. Mother Nature has spread her charm, covering the island with a beautiful landscape, rocky deserts,sandy beaches, colourful cacti and secluded coves. ( ABC - Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao)


The town is very much geared for relaxation and 'good times'.

Irish Pubs - they are everywhere in the world including Aruba.

Colourful shop fronts.

You can see the Dutch influence in the architecture.

Shopping malls galore.

Beautiful tall palm trees.

Inspiration for your patio!

All the big Brand names are here.

Barbados has that 'British' feel, with Aruba it is more 'American'.

I have often dined on the Restaurant on the Balcony. A great spot for people watching.

All within walking distance from the ship.

A local runabout.

After a short taxi ride you can be on a white sandy beach.

Perfect for some 'chill out' time.

All the building are beautifully landscaped - great eye for detail evident.

If you prefer a pool then the choice is yours.

Inga meets a local.

Personally they give me the 'creeps'....

Inga and Dan enjoy a break ashore.

Always handy to have some shade to stay cool.

Plenty of water sports to enjoy. Wish you were here? Can't believe it when people who have never been say to me ' what would I do all day on a World Cruise'?

I love their car number plates - 'One Happy Island' ARUBA - and it sure is.

I like their style..........no bargain basements here.

The Caribbean Princess. We were in Barbados with this ship on New Year's Day and you can see more photographs of this ship on my New Year Blog. We were also in with VENTURA the same day, and we will not be meeting up with Ventura again in the Caribbean, we are PACIFIC OCEAN bound now. (someone did ask)

On days at sea, our Executive Chef Andrew Yuill loves to do some cookery demos in The Globe Theatre - they are always very popular and it gives us a chance to showcase the dishes from our Fine Dining Restaurants - Arcadian Rhodes and The Orchid Restaurant.

Another sea day tomorrow and then on Sunday 24th we will commence our transit of the Panama Canal when we hope to meet up with our sister ship ORIANA.

This world cruise is getting more exciting by the day.

Until the next time,

James.

No one has a greater asset for his business than a man's pride in his work.

Mary Parker Follett