Apia and the Pacific Crossing

Passengers gather for the Crossing of the Line Ceremony.

Good Day Everyone,

Thank you for all your recent messages it is always great to read these – they make for a bit of diversion from my main role here as Executive Purser of this mighty vessel. Honolulu seems like a lifetime ago now! Christmas Island was something different. After Christmas Island we had two sea days to Apia in Western Samoa.

On the 10th February we enjoyed the Crossing of the Line Ceremony by the Aquarius Pool on the aft deck. Permission was sought for Arcadia to cross the Equator. Word was sent to King Neptune, Ruler of the Seven Seas. A message was received that he will visit Arcadia together with his Aquatic Court to celebrate the crossing of the line. All a bit of old fashioned fun!

Cyclone Rene was doing is best to catch up with Arcadia but we kept on the move. We called at Apia to collect one passenger and two crew members and also disembark two crew members. Originally this was to be completed by boat however on the day this could not be done. Therefore Captain Walters took the ship alongside in the wind and the rain and our local Agent and Officials boarding the ship. It took almost an hour to complete the formalities and then we were on our way. Captain Walters was very busy on the Bridge as you can imagine therefore I made two broadcasts to our passengers keeping them up to date with what was going on. Our embarking passenger was Claire Sweeney who packed out The Palladium Theatre on the same evening! It is always disappointing to have to miss a port of call however the weather dictates and we cannot control the weather.

Saturday the 13th February was 'the day that never was', as we had crossed the International Date Line. St Valentine’s Day was a buzz around the ship with lots going on. One day we were GMT -12 hours and the next we were GMT +13!

I have also been hosting at the two Round World Cruise Luncheons and the second of our PORTUNUS Gold Tier Lunches - I really do need to get back to the Gym! ‘Choirs at Sea’ performed this afternoon in The Palladium Theatre to a packed house. There were 90 passengers in the Choir and they were absolutely brilliant – such talent on board this ship.

We are now on out sixth Sea Day! Needless to say that we are all looking forward to visiting Auckland tomorrow where we are due alongside at 0700. After all the lively seas we have been sailing today was a spectacular day – the sea has been like a mill pond and as I am sitting here typing there is the most awesome sunset taking place. Can’t believe we are in New Zealand waters – seems just a moment ago I was lunching in Barbados! That was the 20th January! Never a dull moment here.

Hope this finds you all well and I will have some good photos from our New Zealand calls at Auckland, Lyttelton, Christchurch, and Dunedin. I have been to all these places before and they are well worth a visit – if you have not been then you need to plan to go. Auckland is known as the City of Sails'. I once joined the old Sea Princess in Auckland on New Year's Eve for a handover. I was home for Christmas but never really enjoyed it as I knew I had to pack up and fly to New Zealand - you can't go much further to work than this! I have also enjoyed holidays in New Zealand both in the North and South Islands. So much wonderful scenery.

On Tuesday the 23rd February we will sail into Sydney Harbour and berth at Circular Quay, opposite the Sydney Opera House. One of the most magnificent arrivals in the WORLD.

Best wishes,

James.

Arcadia at Apia. By getting away early from Apia Arcadia was able to get ahead of the Cyclone path.

Two New Zealand Immigration Officers joined us at Apia. One had been staying with family for a few days and he spent his time assisting them to board up their house in preparation for Rene.

As you can see the effects of Cyclone Rene were evident.

The Meridian Restaurant Manager Jan Bacon checking that the scene is set for our Valentine's Evening Dinner.

It does not all happen by magic. Head Waiter Lola is giving a briefing to his team on this evening's menu.

Sanjog our Head Wine Steward gives his briefing to The Meridian Restaurant Wine Stewards.

The Dream Team - Executive Chef Trevor Connolly and Restaurant Manager Jan Bacon.

Philippa Crump - Deputy Food and Beverage Manager and her Back of House Supervisors.

Together they wash pots, pans, china and glass for 12,000 meals a day in the numerous plate houses and pot washes around Arcadia. They also have a night cleaning team for Arcadia's Galley which have millions of pounds of stainless steel.

Steve Mann, Senior Purser - Food and Beverage Manager at the Food and Beverage morning meeting.

It is amazing what our Ice Carver can do.

Meantime 'down below' in the Technical Stores, Lee Rutherford our Ventilation Officer sorts out some business with Peter May our Technical Storekeeper. You would be amazed at the thousands of nuts and bolts that are needed to keep Arcadia ship shape.

Behind the fine woven carpets and the splendour of our Public Rooms there are working alleyways which are a hive of activity 24 hours a day.

The Photographers had fun!

Cruise Director Sally Sagoe and her Entertainment Officers at the sail away from Christmas Island.

No funny business going on here!

Love on the decks! Be my Valentine...................XX

I hope you had a lovely St Valentine's Day wherever you are. Claire Sweeney joined me for Dinner in the Meridian Restaurant and then we went to see the Headliners Theatre Company in The Palladium Theatre where they were performing the show BIG PICTURE. This show celebrates 80 years of the Oscars and you have guessed the opening number - 'There's no place like Hollywood'! I felt as if I WAS at the OSCARS!

We are changing over 250 passengers in Auckland tomorrow so there have been a lot of fond farewells today.

Wherever you are - wishing you a good day,

Bye for now,

James.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.