It’s time for some family photos, I have had some from Sam and Liz, brightening my day and wanted to share them with you. Thank you for all your kind comments concerning our change of itinerary and the consequent ‘fallout’; they are much appreciated 😎
Olly, quite the young man, on a visit to Arundel castle
I edited this post today, (10th). Olly’s dad was away and before he left, he asked Olly to be the ‘man of the house’ and look after his Mum and sister, Emily.
Apparently he was pushed over in the garden at nursery and started to wimper a bit. When one of the teachers went up to him he kept saying, ‘I must not cry. I must not cry.’ When they asked him why, he replied, ‘Because Papa’s on an aeroplane and I’m the man of the house and I’ve got to look after all the ladies.’
Bless him, it almost broke my heart to read it.
Vi in her colourful vehicle 🙂
Vi, on Mum’s tummy, enjoying a snuggle
I just wanted to say that Vi is absolutely adorable. It must be so hard to be away from them for so long but it will be great to see them in the near future.
Captain Mercer,
My wife and I have sailed with you two times on the first segment of the Grand World Voyage in 2014 and 2012. Prior to that we were onboard the Amsterdam with Captain Olaf on two occasions. We commend both of you for always making itinerary and port of call decisions based on safety first. It is understandable that some guests may be disappointed by these changes, but we never have been. We appreciate that you take your responsibilities so seriously. “Stuff happens” and that is what makes cruising such a wonderful adventure.
Your blog is very informative and makes us wish we were with you now on the beautiful and elegant Amsterdam – our favorite ship.
Don and Geri
CAPT: I too have had “life and death” decision making authority and know the anxiety the controversy brings; however, I point out as I have to others over the years, that if “you didn’t care – take it personally” you are not fit to command and if one passenger/team member got sick/died, likewise you would never forgive yourself. I respect/praise you and HAL so much so that I have booked the 2015 World Cruise and only sail with HAL! Thank you!!! (P.S.: Thanks too for your great blog!) Al and Ruth Wentzy, Florida
Al and Ruth, thank you for your kind words and I am delighted to read that you are joining us in 2015. I look forward to seeing you. Jonathan
You did the right thing on the Itinarary change