Dear Readers, one of my ‘plug-ins’ for this blog show me ‘statistics’; I see that you have preempted my arrival back on the “Amsterdam”, a large spike of views yesterday! 🙂
A belated Happy New Year to you all!
Well, I am back on the “Amsterdam” and so the blog of our 2018 Grand World Voyage commences. I now write as we make our way towards the western tip of Cuba, (Cape San Antonio), our destination being Georgetown, Cayman Islands, tomorrow morning.
Yesterday, in Port Everglades, came as a culture shock; from enjoying some R&R I found myself back to work. An early arrival on the ship, having to relieve my ‘oppo’, Captain Eversen and take command before embarkation started; meet-and-greet our guests as they made their way through the terminal, lots of photos, accompanied by Orlando Ashford no less. That done, a rendezvous with Karen and manage the loading of (numerous) suitcases, the logistics of which are beyond description 🙄
Back to what I know and love, Seamanship and our Bridge Resource Management meeting with the Navigating officers and a briefing for our forthcoming voyage; a chance to open suitcases and unpacking before our Passenger Emergency Muster drill prior to departure and finally, at 8 p.m. we departed Port Everglades and headed south.
My camera will be close at hand during the coming months, however I leave this post with some photos of the Grandchildren; I spent time with them and they are growing up too fast, every visit is precious.
It’s always fun when the 4 of them are together; Emily, Lois (Lo-Lo), Olly and Violet
Gramps, Violet and Lo Lo wrapped up for the winter weather
We have just decorated the tree……
Violet with her ‘Hatchibles’
Violet on her Christmas ride
Emily and Sam, in Spain
Olly and his 1st-time skiing
Hello….My friend is on this cruise and I am sooooo looking forward to following your blog. Thank you for taking us along on this wonderful adventure!
Joanne
Your grandchildren and just gorgeous! How fun to enjoy the holidays with them. They grow way to fast.
Safe travels to you and Karen. We are looking forward to your blogs.
Regards,
Pat and Joe
So glad you are back with your posts. I enjoy experiencing the cruise through your posts. Thank you and Happy New Year!
So good to be back enjoying your voyage from chilly Maine! Looking forward to many interesting posts as you circle the world! Fair winds and following seas, captain!
Dear Captain Jonathan and Karen
What a beautiful family you have…. Happy New Year to you all! I’m on Koningsdam for the Winter and look forward to seeing you again for the Alaska season.
Hi Captain Mercer, A Very Happy New Year to you and Karen. May it be a year of much Joy, Peace and Good Health. So pleased you are back as I missed reading your super blogs. I will be another arm chair passenger on this voyage. Looking forward to your stories and photos. Hope to see good ship Amsterdam in Cape Town in a few months time. Best regards, Ted dixon