Well, here at last.  My feet have hardly touched the ground since walking up the gangway on Saturday morning.

As I write, we are off the north coast of the Dominican Republic, making our way east towards the port of Roseau, Dominica where we arrive on Wednesday.

Joining  the ship is always fraught with challenges; least of all are the logistics of getting several pieces of luggage from the car park to the 7th deck of the “Amsterdam”.  That in itself is enough to make one wonder whether it’s all worthwhile.  Of course it is, however at the time it seems insurmountable.

While I discussed the change of command with the Captain I was relieving, Karen (K1 now, because K2 is on board too), was meeting friends from another HAL vessel in port, my old command, the “Nieuw Amsterdam”.  This gave me some time before another trip to the car park was called for, this time to plan logistics for a plethora of suitcases.

We were due to sail at 5 p.m., this seemed unlikely from the beginning, masses of stores to load, not to mention the thousands of pieces of luggage and taking fuel too.  We were indeed fortunate to get away at 7 p.m., at last we could take a sigh of relief and guests could relax.  A Sailaway party on the Lido deck seemed to have the desired effect, guests relaxing for the first time in days no doubt.

No photos as yet, I haven’t been able to unpack the camera gear and charge batteries, there will be some soon though.  Now you know I’m alive and well. I will leave you for a while.  I have 4 months to take you around the world though!

A belated Happy New Year to you all,

Jonathan