Luggage arrived just before departure. Happy to hear that DING DONG at the door at 5.30 pm!

So great to see everyone last night we spent most of our time together on the deck outside. A little overcast but warm and not too windy. Sandra Bowern is on board and did the commentary and it always makes me happy to see her.

Dinner last night was good with an Australian fish that I really like called barramundi. I had that for an appetizer and it was yummy. For a main I had a nice slice of prime rib. A perfect start to a what I am sure will be many delightful dinners.

Lots of new faces for me aboard the ship with the General Manager, F&B and Dining Room Managers being people I have not sailed with before. Met them briefly last night and instantly liked them all so I think they will be great to work with. Sometimes new is good, we like to sail with people we know but at some point EVERYONE was new.

Captain John McNeil is on until Auckland, and of course he is wonderful and will draw the 2011 cruise winner at our cocktail party on the 20th. There are some others in the senior staff that are always a pleasure to see. I feel right at home and delighted to be on the Navigator again.

Seas calm today and the sun is shining we are looking forward to our first day at sea. Today they are featuring an "international" lunch on deck. Looks like some good lectures coming up.