At this time of year I am all too aware that time (and Leave) is passing too fast. It’s approximately 2 weeks before I and Karen begin to think about packing suitcases, getting all the tasks (that we have been putting off for far too long), completed and gradually getting back into the ‘zone’ of another Grand World Voyage and all that it involves, (including writing these posts).
Not that I haven’t been busy; spending time in Europe, (Netherlands and U.K.). The ‘Netherlands’ refers to Training courses. I (and many others) are continually required to update our qualifications. The Carnival Group of companies have a Training centre just outside Amsterdam, in the city of Almere. I’m a frequent visitor to the establishment, as are hundreds of fellow officers from the Group Lines.
My particular course involved being exercised in Emergency procedures; Loss of propulsion, steering, fires and suchlike. They all occur at the most inopportune times, (but of course 🙄 ) and require the Bridge team to react accordingly. Bridge Resource Management is the official term.
This is done on a simulator and very realistic too, I may add. They are so realistic that one finds oneself processing events as if one was on the Bridge of a ship, the attendant increase in heart rate, sweating palms ever present. The purpose being to assess the Bridge team’s reaction and how they work. My rank dictated that I was always in ‘charge’ and therefore had the burden of directing and organising teams to react. After a week of this I found myself finding no challenge in sleeping, each day involving 8-9 hours of simulations and critique.
The photos below were not taken during the exercises; (one hasn’t time to manage that). They were taken during a lull in the proceedings and the instructor kindly ran a brief simulation for me (and therefore, you 🙂 ) The programmer obviously had a sense of humour, a convoy of Carnival Group vessels were passing south through the Tongass Narrows as our vessel headed north.
I could not complete this post without updating you on ‘family’. Violet, Emily and Olly are growing up fast, communication is improving 🙂 and the girls are nattering away in understandable phrases. Olly is excelling at school and loves every minute of it.
I look forward to posting during our travels around the globe and wish you and your loved ones, a Happy and Joyous Christmas and a prosperous, healthy 2016.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Karen (K1) and you, Captain – See you in Muscat, Oman
Just received the link for your blog. Mel and I look forward to meeting you and Karen on the upcoming World Cruise. We were on the Amsterdam for Grand Asia 2011 and love the ship. We live in Spruce Creek Fly-In in Daytona Beach.
Hi Johnny
Been trying to video you but you must be out of contact.
Have a great Christmas both of you and we wilk catch up when you’ve got a signal.
Cheers Chris
Bon voyage and safe travels! I will follow the voyage and Randy & I hope to sail with you in 2017. Best to you and yours. Hi Karen!
Thank you Captain –always so good to read your news & see the pictures. A very Merry Christmas to you and your family and thank you for doing all this for our enjoyment.
Wendy & Al
G’day Captain,
Wishing you and your lovely family a joyous Christmas and a very safe & healthy 2016
We look forward to your posts and arrival in Australia again
Regards
Noel Bell
Jonathan & Karen
Merry Christmas!
I guess you will have seen the images of the 5 P & O ships approaching and in Sydney Harbour:
http://edge.alluremedia.com.au/uploads/businessinsider/2015/11/PO-Cruises-Five-Ship-Fleet-media.jpg
Big storm (tornado) hit Sydney last Wednesday (December 16) followed extreme hot weather in southern and western parts of Australia. Let’s hope more pleasant conditions prevail when the ms Amsterdam arrives down under in early 2016.
Didn’t get to meet you personally while we were aboard ex Seattle September 6, however, if you have a window during your stop in Sydney it would be good to go down the Circular Quay to say hello.
Enjoy Christmas and have a safe voyage.
Regards
Allan Gibson OAM &
Lois Gibson
Sydney Australia