If I were to be asked what comes to mind when thinking about this 2014 Grand World voyage, it would be ‘the weather’.
Apart from those famous ‘Cape Rollers’ off South Africa, we have had the most perfect conditions, in fact, having looked through the log book, it was almost 70 days before we even saw the hint of a larger wave. Some of my more experienced guests used to ask me if it was ever going to get ‘rough’, for some of them actually enjoy it 🙂
Now, as we make our way north-west, with the Silver and Navidad banks, of the Turks and Caicos group, in the distance on our port side, the winds are light and we are gently pitching in a long, north-east swell.
I believe I can safely say that we have all experienced an‘adventure’, seen wondrous sights and will take home many memories, which will remain with us forever.
When I reflect on our voyage, the weather at Easter Island, on my 3rd attempt, was beyond belief, calm as a mill-pond and what a lovely visit it was too, I think I deserved it after the previous 2 calls.
Another would be that of family members of our crew, visiting while we were in Manila. Heaven knows how many photos I had taken that day. And sitting in my office, seeing the children, wide-eyed and beaming with smiles, pop their faces around my door and wish me “hello Captain”, before dashing off giggling, to join their parents.
Of course, our visit from Archbishop Tutu and his family, 2 CEO’s and the Soweto Gospel choir, ought to be mentioned too. What a wonderful experience it was and one which I will never forget.
Now the packing begins, trying to find room for (another) large Buddha and an Elephant bridge. 🙂
I return here again on July 27th, Alaska-bound and more posts, whale-spotting faculties to the fore. I won’t be completely ignoring this blog and will try to post occasionally and especially when I see my daughters and grand-children again. Speaking of which, here are their latest to their ‘Gramps’. First, a video of Sam and Emily.
Thank you all so much for your lovely comments, unfortunately I haven’t the time to reply to them individually, however they are very much appreciated and I thank you.
Then Liz and Vi.
Liz and Vi
Keep exercising those legs!
Smiley face 🙂
Captain Jonathan and Karen,
Thanks for all your great postings! It has really been great of you sharing all your experiences. Just back from the Prinsendam, which was enjoyable but of course on a smaller scale. Our waiter the last night in Venice was Soldi, who was our waiter on the Amsterdam with you two years ago! It is indeed a small world!
Until next time, Cheers and Best regards to you both!
Many thanks, Captain! Your easy reading style is for anyone liking to travel and sail. It was much appreciated and loved looking at your entire “big eyed” family 🙂 I’m sorry I won’t be seeing you sailing to Alaska from the Vancouver home port this year. I made many good friends among your Indonesian staff, and even met your Staff Captain Friso in person. My bestest wishes to you and yours for the rest of the year ….
We had a great time following your blog…Many thanks! MH
Captain, I have enjoyed your posts and will miss them. Hope to see you on a “Dam” ship in the future. Enjoy your much-deserved time off.
Dear Captain Jonathan,
Thank you very much for your wonderful blog, we enjoyed travelling with you, all the best to you and your beautiful family !!!
Wow! You were in Port Everglades by 5:00 am and docked by 5:30….and they made you back up in the dark!! The Amsterdam was a beautiful sight. Thanks so much for a fabulous world tour, and welcome home!
Jonathan we have thoroughly enjoyed sailing with you, albeit from our armchairs. We really missed being on the Ms Amsterdam World which is always so special. Thanks for taking the time to give us this personal post, as it it was a bright spot in weather which, unlike yours was bitterly cold and snowy in Canada. We also love seeing Violet and Emily. Love to you and Karen, and hope to speak with you both soon. Hugs Jane
My morning breakfast read will never be the same without your blog. Thank you so much for letting me travel around the world with you. Brenda in Fla
Just a wonderful journey Captain and you spent all that time in your busy schedule writing to us in your blog.
Well done…hopefully we will have you as our own Captain some day on a HAL cruise. Lovely wife & lovely family!!
Thank you for sharing.
Noel in Melbourne Au
Thanks captain, for taking time to share your adventure with us. Always a pleasurable read. Enjoy your shore time!
Thank you for taking the time in your busy schedule to wrote your blog. I have certainly enjoyed it and hope that someday I too can enjoy a world cruise myself. I have certainly enjoyed cruising along on yours. Enjoy some time off and hold those little ones tight.
Helen
Captain Mercer,
We read your blogs and are always looking forward to getting the next one! Your latest blog was the best news we have heard from you, that you will be returning on July 27th for “Alaska” – the reason this is so special to us is because we are booked on that cruise, and hoped that you would be back by then; also because of the fact that you have been the Captain for us on two previous cruises with the first on the Veendam in 1998.
Have a wonderful vacation, we will see you onboard on July 27th!
Dick & Carolyn Floryanowich (four star mariners)
I enjoyed your Reports, hope to see you in August in Alaska
have a great Vacation.
Interesting about the weather, isn’t it….I mean, you circumnavigate the globe and don’t have any really “bad” weather. Unbelievable, for sure! Last year was was pretty good too although, Easter Island is one stop I’ll never forget, and not just because it’s a “bucket list” place to visit! The memories include the tender ride back to the ship in the afternoon with the waves IN the tender rolling back and forth! ;>O
Enjoy your time at home and with your family Captain, you’ve earned it!
Dear Captain Jonathan,
As you near the final port of the 2014 Grand Voyage I take this opportunity to thank you for all your wonderful blogs. It has been great reading and felt as if I were with you onboard AMSTERDAM. I also enjoyed your insights into the workings of the ship and navigation in and out of the smaller ports.I wish you a well earned rest after guiding your vessel,crew and guests around the world on a faultless voyage. Looking forward to reading more about your Alaskan adventures when you return. God bless and enjoy the family.together.
Best regards
Ted Dixon
Cape Town