Voyager World Cruise
#213703
01/14/10 10:16 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
larry1365
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The Voyager's World Cruise got off to a less than auspicious start.
In the morning the 2 pm departure was pushed back until 4pm and then 4:30. Then it was maybe 4:30 or 5:00, there were still many pallets of provisions to be on loaded. At 5:00, the longshoremen walked off the job; their day was over. By 6:30, some replacements started up and, finally, at 9:15 we set sail.
No fancy 360-degree turn (Capt. Dag’s trade mark departure in beautiful ports), no music or even a horn blast. Not a great beginning, but Niva Hiva here we come!
Larry
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213704
01/15/10 04:41 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
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bon voyage, world cruisers! have a great time. Cheers, Anne
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213705
01/15/10 05:10 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 472
Yallcruise
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Larry,
You know what they say, bad start great ending. I know y'all will have a wonderful time, enjoy.
:bv:
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213706
01/15/10 05:42 AM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 199
sealover
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Too bad about the delay in your departure but unfortunately those things happen. Have a marvelous cruise and the people in Nuku Hiva will be waiting for you with open arms.
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213707
01/15/10 06:28 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 12
Frank2525
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While Regent cannot control the longshoremen, they can control the loading scheduling which probably should have done earlier since the Voyager had been in port for some time. Hope this delay does not shorten your first port call. The Nuku Hiva cultural festival is well done and a lot of fun. You will enjoy it.
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213708
01/15/10 11:49 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 855
xrvlcruiser
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Actually, most of the time prior to Thursday's provisions loading was taken up with removing luggage for the departing passengers from the Panama Canal trip on Wednesday Morning, loading luggage for the Full World Cruisers on Wednesday after that and the other new passengers on Thursday.
I don't know for sure but assume that the personnel charged with doing all of that are the same as the ones who were loading the provisions later on.
Just a thought.
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213709
01/15/10 02:27 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 9
BeenThere2
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There are a lot of logistics that go into provisioning the ship, especially for a world cruise. This isn't a seven day weekly run to the Caribbean. It's more than making a schedule, especially when doing heavy storing. A lot of these items will not be reprovisioned until the ship returns to the States in May. I can almost guarantee you she will sail late on May 12th as well. You can only load the palettes so fast, and once onboard, space is very limited and the pallets have to be fork lifted to their designated area. The oncoming stores have to be inventoried, and are also subject to inspection by Customs and canines. The ship chandler is in charge of the scheduled deliveries. Dozens of trucks line up continually all day long, and it is a coordinated effort. It is a long, exhausting day, and you have hundreds of deliveries, you can only go so fast.
xrvlcruiser is correct. Crew change, disembarkation, customs and clearance all play a part in the puzzle. Luggage also has a huge impact, especially the amount of luggage and specialty items for the world cruise guests. Some even send their lazy boy chairs and other favorite items. Several years ago the Voyager loaded a container to hold all of the world cruiser's luggage during the voyage. They decided to keep it. It is on the bow of the ship, starboard side, and they painted it royal blue.
Lisa
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213710
01/15/10 03:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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Amen Lisa!
We've NEVER seen so much loaded for a cruise as they did on our WCs, simply seemed endless as we watched from our balcony. Just seeing all the pallets of toilet paper, and OMG the bottles of water going on was mind boggling. By the time they return to FLL their storage may be taken up by some larger items purchased by passengers. I remember on '05 WC seeing porcelain elephant end tables in the (emptied) refrigerator. It is a far cry from the shorter cruises and they really do an amazing job.
San Diego has such a gorgeous skyline, a nice trade off turning lemons into lemonade.
Marcie
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213711
01/16/10 10:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
larry1365
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As it turned oout...the departure delay was due primarily to union issues with the local longshoremen. However,. RSSC may have made unrealistic estimates in how long it would take to long it would take to onload such a huge amount of provisions. When the union workers quit at 5:00 p.m. sharp and walked off the dock there were many, many pallets alongside waiting to be loaded. About 1-1/2 hours later the loading commenced again...I don't know all the machinations that took place to get a relief crew there, but there was a great turnout of the ship's officers and crew to get it all onboard. All Capt Dag would say that maybe San Diego doesn't really want to have a cruise ship's business (intimadating tht it would be a long time before Regent begins a long cruise from there). But in typical Dag fashion, he was so proud of his crew's "can do" attitude that he is throwing a party for them tonight, to invclude an extra performance by the Jersey Boys tribute group that was the entertainment tonight.
But that is all in the past, and everything is runnning very smoothly...and we have enjoyed two wondewrful, fun-filled, relaxing seas days.
Larry
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213712
01/17/10 03:38 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 855
xrvlcruiser
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I also understand that Carnival - which comes to San Diego weekly - had it's sailing delayed 2 hours due to some of the same issues which we had.
Our crew is always wonderful - Dag is correct!
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213713
01/18/10 12:37 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,744
pkd
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Lisa/BeenThere2, thanks for your explanation. Very interesting to hear about the logistical issues in provisioning the ship. People take along their recliners? Yikes. As Meryl Streep might say, "It's complicated."
Larry, glad things are all in order now and that you are sailing along comfortably. Enjoy!
Priscilla
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213714
01/28/10 04:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
larry1365
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Capt. Dag confirmed this a.m. that yesterday the gale winds were 60 mph (just a modest autumn wind in Norway!) and that seas were 30 feet. Thankfully today it's sunny with just a mild roll as the winds are in the 35-40 km/h from the port side.
Everyone seems to be much better today...I haven't seen Lloyd Tinkle so can't provide an update. We are headed to Fiji and should make scheduled arrival time on Sunday. We cross the international dateline tomorrow....we are currently 171+ degrees west, south of Samoa.
Larry
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213715
01/29/10 05:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
larry1365
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Peggy is having difficulties signing into my web journal from here on the Voyager WC. Would like to know if any others are having problems? There are about 16 folks following it as "members" and I haven't heard any complaints other than Peggy's...so I am not usre what the problem is. When I clicked on the link in my signature below it took me to the site. Since Peggy can't get to them directly from the journal, she asked for the direct link to the photos on Picasa. For others who may be having problems, they are at: http://picasaweb.google.com/themccrackens There is a separate album for each day that I upload photos. Crossing the International Dateline soon...currently at 179.24.38 The Platters are the entertainment again tonight.
Larry
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213716
01/29/10 06:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
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Larry, I am once again enjoying not only your commentary, but your wonderful pictures as well! I feel like if I ever get the opportunity to travel with you and Karen, I will aready know you! Thank you for allowing us to go on this adventure with you!
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213717
01/29/10 08:08 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 855
xrvlcruiser
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213718
01/30/10 07:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
larry1365
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Wonderfully beautiful day in Fiji today...probably won't post details until tomorrow.
Larry
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213719
01/31/10 05:25 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868
Betty K
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Thanks Larry, for more beautiful photos. I am really enjoying your reports. Looking forward to the next installment.
Betty
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213720
01/31/10 05:33 AM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 199
sealover
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Larry,at home I have had no problem signing into your web journal and pictures and have certainly enjoyed following your cruise. Don't know if that will change once I board the ship. Maybe that problem has somethong to do with trying to access it on board. Please keep your wonderful journal coming and thanks for taking the time to share your cruise with us at home. Elaine
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213721
01/31/10 12:12 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 855
xrvlcruiser
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Elaine,
I think I'm the only one having an issue . . . we're at sea today so I may try to get it worked out with the computer guy on board.
Not to worry!
Peggy
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213722
02/19/10 01:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
larry1365
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Last night's pool deck party upon departing Lombok, Indonesia, was terrific.
We had a scare with a brief sprinkle at the start, but everyone was soon enjoying a balmy evening. The crew works so hard in putting these events on; so it was great that everyone was able to enjoy their artistry and wonderful food. The dancing was still going strong when we left at 9:45.
For LCTers who know Dr. Lloyd Tinkle, we will be having a special pre-dinner celebration of his 100th birthday in the theater tonight...Sat., Feb. 20. Jamie has some special surprises cooked up and has been video-taping well-wishes from his friends.
Larry
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213723
02/19/10 01:31 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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Sounds like fun Larry. I would have loved to wish Lloyd a Happy 100th Birthday. I played bridge with him on our 2005 WC...he is one crazy bidder. If I bid 1 of something...he'd take it straight to a Grand Slam :eek: 1/2 the time we weren't even in the right suit...needless to say we were often "set" but had lots of laughs.
Keep enjoying your wonderful trip! Lots of good memories of the fun pool deck parties. I hope you take some nice pictures of the birthday celebration.
Marcie
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213724
02/20/10 04:20 AM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 199
sealover
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Can't wait to hear all about the party for Dr. Tinkle and hope to see lots of pictures from the event. Dr. Tinkle is one special guy. Sorry I couldn't be there for the celebration. Elaine
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213725
02/20/10 06:54 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 855
xrvlcruiser
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The party was TERRIFIC - Jamie and lots of others did a great job! Larry and Karen were there and so were we so I'm sure there will be pictures available.
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213726
02/23/10 06:20 AM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
larry1365
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Sorry, I didn't take lots of photos...but it was great fun. Jamie did a terrific job in organizing it and getting everyone involved.
Larry
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213727
03/08/10 03:21 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 199
sealover
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I am packed and ready to leave tomorrow to join the Voyager in HKG. Can't wait to see so many familiar faces of passengers and crew. Shall try to give some updates about the cruise but, so far, the bloggers are doing a great job.
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213728
03/08/10 03:29 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868
Betty K
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Have a wonderful cruise. We will look forward to your reports. You know, we will take all the cruise news we can get!
Betty
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213729
03/08/10 04:03 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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Elaine, wishing you a WONDERFUL cruise!! Can't wait to hear all about it. Linda and Chuck are on this segment too.
Marcie
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213730
03/08/10 04:33 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
joannapv
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Please keep in touch we love seamail, Elaine - big hug to Chuck and Linda!
Joanna
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213731
03/08/10 05:10 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
larry1365
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We just pulled into Xiamen...at 0955L, Tues..about an hour early. Low 50s, cloudy, but no rain! Hong Kong tomorrow.
Internet connection spotty at times. Finally got my Shanghai photos organized, captioned and posted. It is an amazing place.
Larry
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213732
03/08/10 05:21 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 855
xrvlcruiser
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213733
03/09/10 04:59 PM
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Posts: 278
larry1365
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If you haven't been to Xiamen, China...it's a wonderful stop. Well worth the port call. Regent only ran two tours here; but from all reports, both were excellent. I know the one we took to Gulangyu Island was. And to think we almost canceled it because the weather was lousy early in the a.m.
Larry
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213734
03/12/10 09:32 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 199
sealover
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Am still getting over my 6 hour flight to SFO from EWR, my 10 hour layover there which was spent in 2 different lounges and last but not least the wonderful 15 hour flight on SQ to HKG. Did get to see 3 great movies on that flight or maybe it was the champagne, vodka and wine that made the movies and flight so good. All I can say that everything has been wonderful on the ship. Am busy getting reaquainted with all the people that I know and cruising on the Voyager is the best.
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213735
03/13/10 04:34 AM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,211
jbittle
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Voyager hits ferry-I received this description from a friend on the WC Hello everyone, Well there is much to say about the ferry boat, but first I must report we loved every minute we spent in Hong Kong. Never get enough of that city. This time we really had some great meals out. (You know John loves that.) Now to the "accident". I can only tell you what I saw with my own baby blues and what has been reported. I was on deck to watch the sail away so I did see it. As we are leaving we are very slowly making our way out of the beautiful port. If you have been here you know the Star Ferries go and come every few minutes. Two or three face us, we have the right of way so they follow their path and pass behind us. We see this one headed straight at us. (I'll get into why this may have happened later) There is no way he can out run or miss us. Our Captain hit (I know it's not called brakes, but whatever) which sent a few people grabbing for support and slowed us as quickly as possible. Only because of this did we miss hitting him straight on. People on the Star Ferry were screaming. We did collide but it was minor. No one hurt on either ship. I truly believe with a lesser Captain than our Captain Dag we would have split there ferry in half and it would have been a horrible disaster. The Ferry indicated by radio that all was well, no problem with them. We proceeded out thinking there was no problem when we were circled by 6 or 7 boats flashing lights. We were pulled over and held for several hours for reports to be filed. All now truly is all well and we are on our way. Captain Dag talked this morning. He doesn't know why the ferry did this. He suggested (I think tongue in cheek) that it has to do with the Chinese legion of passing a larger ship close to the bow to drive away the evil sprits from your ship. Some think the ferry captain just wasn't paying attention because they go back and forth so many times a day. Some think it was a dare devil thing of we can outrun that big ship. Who knows? I personally doubt that the Chinese will accept our version of whose fault this is, but again - who knows. We were in our designated lane, had the right of way, and did not cause this, but avoided it. We may never know what the outcome is, but I think I speak for all the people on board saying we are glad to be almost to Vietnam at this moment. Not much to say after that except I will let you know what our next EXCITING adventure is. Since we are in Vietnam - who knows. By the way Morton Dean ( remember the reporter during the Vietnam war on CBS) is on board. I went to his lecture this morning and left touched and a bit in tears. Brought back a lot of memories.
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213736
03/13/10 05:33 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868
Betty K
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Jim, I received the same e-mail. No doubt, from this report, it was the expertise and quick action of Capt.Dag that leveled this to a mild mishap instead of a much more serious incident.
Betty
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213737
03/13/10 07:08 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,512
azgkrudi
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WOW! :eek: Sounds like Capt. Dag did his very best, given the situation. Glad to hear everyone is OK!
Kristin
Paul Gauguin's Tere Moana-12/14 Voyager-10/08, 11/10 Navigator-05/07, 5/09, 10/11 Paul Gauguin-6/06, 12/07 Silver Shadow-12/06 Silver Whisper-11/05, 12/04 Silver Wind-4/04
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213738
03/13/10 02:37 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,257
kirky5
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I would expect nothing less from Captain Dag. Elaine, I am glad you are on board on having a good time. I heard from Janice, that you are enjoying yourself. Lynn
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213739
03/13/10 02:54 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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Welcome aboard Elaine...I'm sure it will be fantastic and well worth all your hassle of getting to HK.
Marcie
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213740
03/13/10 09:03 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 637
Tom G
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There is actually video of this incident. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsjlycZeEA8 It's hard to understand why that ferry would try to cross in front of such a large ship. Tom.
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213741
03/14/10 12:52 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,369
Beth
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Thanks for posting that, Tom. It looked like a near miss from the video.
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Re: Voyager World Cruise
#213742
03/14/10 01:43 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 855
xrvlcruiser
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NO ONE WAS INJURED AT ALL ON EITHER VESSEL.
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