Jim and Pat Bittle were right: the stop in Doha Qatar on the Navigator was the one and only . . the stop there scheduled on the Voyager WC in March has been canceled and the stop in Abu Dhabi been lengthened.

So far that's the only change we've been told about.

Jamie and Dana (they are on board now) will be on for the entire trip as will Dag - he boards in LA.

Peggy

Bon Voyage World Cruisers! We look forward to traveling along with you via sea mail. We know you'll have lots of fun and adventures!

Hi Peggy:

We wish we were doing the World Cruise with you again this year but, alas, the economy knocked us for a loop. We are fortunate however that we did the cruise last year as met so many wonderful people and saw sites we never thought we would.

May smooth seas, good health and lots of laughs be your constant companion during your world adventure.

Cheers! Ray & Penny

Bon voyage Peggy - can't wait for your Seamail to start.

I'm looking forward to your Seamail, Peggy. Bon Voyage!

Bon Voyage, Peggy! Have a wonderful WC!!!!!

Sorry guys,

I'm not a good blogger . . . hopefully someone will be on board who will step up to the plate. I guess we were all counting on Larry . . . .

I don't mean to be a wet blanket , I just don't feel comfortable . . .

I will of course post anything important . . .

Peggy

We sure hope we hear something from you Peggy. We'll go through withdrawals not hearing any news. Even if it's just a bit of blah blah blah (that's all I ever did )

Any other LCT'ers on any of the WC segments ??

Peggy, even a "Hi, it's beautiful on the Voyager today," is better than nothing. Just let us know once in awhile that all is well with you and the cruise.

Peggy, my friend: Don't let LCT put you on a guilt trip! We would love to hear from you but your enjoying your cruise is your primary purpose.

Happy cruising,
Ardis

Ardis, I don't think we are tying to lay a guilt trip on Peggy, we just want her to check in to say hi every now and again! I think she thought we wanted her to do a blog but no one actually requested that from her.
We are going to miss our Peggy!!!!

I don't blame you for not wanting to blog, I'm not sure I would do that either. Keeping a private journal is different, and would be more meaningful for me on such a long trip. But we all love seamail back here, so drop us a line once in a while if you can manage to tear yourself away from the great time you are having!

I thoroughly enjoy reading other peoples' blogs,viewing their pictures when they are cruising.I find it interesting and informative...seeing the world through anothers eyes.


I have often wished I had kept a journal/blog on our cruises...but never have,perhaps due to the fact I wasn't sure how to set it up, also I hate writing,but don't mind typing in my 3 finger style.

Not so much for other people to read but to refresh my memory down the road when things start to fade...after all they say memory is second thing to go.

I know!!! I'll get someone to help me set one up on CAPTAINS. Any takers?

Peggy, no pressure or guilt trip from me either. Just hope you'll check in once and awhile to let us know you're having fun. We'll miss you.

I will check in . . and of course if anything "important" happens, I'll post. I'm hoping for a calm, fun trip!

I agree with Wanda - I do a private journal but going public is just not my style.

Debby Burch always finds Regent blogs and I'm counting on her again this year!

Ardis - I hope you'll post from the Mariner as well!

Peggy

Peggy, I hope you have a wonderful cruise, and if you want to tell us about it, we will love that!

Yes, I will post from the Mariner. It is exciting that there are two World Cruises this year. We leave in about two weeks and have not yet received our docs. Our luggage is picked up in six days. IT IS CLOSE.

Ardis

Peggy -- Please don't feel any guilt...enjoy your cruise. As you know, we surely wish we were going along with you. Just let us know if you hear of anyone doing a blog or on-line journal. I don't have your e-mail address, but have sent you an LCT private message.

Ardis -- Best wishes to you and Stan on your upcoming Mariner WC. Looking forward to your insightful posts.

We are having a bit of excitement today: a medical evacuation by US Coast Guard helicopter. A seriously ill patient was removed at 2pm our time. The original time was 10:30am but the wind (43km) made that impossible so there was a delay

We are about half way up the Baha Peninsula (looking at the TV map). The man is being flown to a hospital in San Diego where his family is waiting for him – his wife was not able to accompany him on the helicopter but we get to LA tomorrow morning so I assume she will go there asap.

The evacuation took place from deck 12 (it would have to be in front of the superstructure), all the deck furniture is being removed from that deck as well as deck 11.

The helicopter hovered over the port side of the ship and the man strapped to a stretcher and winched up and flown off.

The helicopter flew 200+ miles to get to the ship and was accompanied by a refueling plane. Jamie did say at one point that he was stable so that’s good news.

Congratulations to the US Coast Guard and to all the people on board the Voyager who made this go smoothly.

Quite a story Peggy. I do hope the man will be o.k.!

I can't imagine how scary that would be, I hope the patient makes a quick recovery.

We had similar experience on Fjords but I was in bed - many LCTers witnessed evacuation of medical patient in wee hrs - high winds etc pretty amazing job done by helicopter and Regent etc -

Thanks for the update, Peggy. Hope the ill passenger makes a quick recovery.

Joanna,

I remember reading about the evacuation on Fjords. Although we had wind, it clearly was not the same weather conditions - it was in the mid-60s today. That must have been really something!

We're all praying that the gentleman recovers quickly.

Peggy

Looking forward to visiting the Voyager tomorrow. Today is in the mid 80's but some breeze, blue skies... just perfect. Hopefully tomorrow will be just as nice. I can't wait to hear about the big dinner party tonight with Frankie Vali.

I sure hope the gentleman will be OK Peggy.

Is Voyager overnighting in LA? Are they not putting up all the World Cruisers at the St Regis again?

NO, the gala dinner is just another evening on Voyager. No more elegant hotel pre-cruise. Mariner IS having their gala dinner and pre-cruise night at a hotel.

Ardis

p.s. I forgot to add that Frankie Vallie will be a special guest on board for the pre-night.

Marc, the St. Regis is no more (sold off as condo's I think). Last year all the WCers were at the Fairmont Hotel in S.F. but this year they're staying on the ship for the big event. Besides, officers & crew, It will be full WCers and RSSC "brass" only on the ship. There are a few other very lucky ones who are invited to attend the Frankie Vali concert....like Ngaire & Ken !

When does the Voyager leave LA for the WC. The web site said the 13th, today.

Doris -

Scheduled for 4pm today, Tuesday.

Larry, how is Karen doing? thanks Wes

Wes -

Thanks for asking. Karen is doing fine. Still don't have the right blood-thinner dosages set to where there should be, but the docs are working on it.

This week has been a bit rough, thinking of all the full world cruisers joining the Voyager yesterday and her departure today...as we are in sunny, snowy-covered Chicago with 10 degree temps (expected 2 degree high tomorrow) while our planned shipmates are setting sail for Tahiti enroute to a wonderful four-month experience.

But we hope all the TAs enjoyed their night oboard last evening for dinner and the Frankie Valli show, and Marcie her visit today. We will look forward to reading the reports.

In the meantime, we wish Peggy and the others a wonderful voyage with Capt. Dag and his crew.

Just make it to Saturday Larry. Should be in the 20s. Heat Wave!

Glad to hear that Karen is doing OK. Hope things get regulated soon and she gets back to feeling herself.

Know you must be disappointed not to be on the ship, but as someone said, good thing this came up before you would have left, could be scary if it happened a few days into the cruise. Hang in there.

We had a FANTASTIC day onboard the Voyager yesterday and were sure thinking about Larry & Karen !! It's hard to even know where to begin so I'll just try to summarize....

We arrived around 11:00 am and were the last of the visitors to leave the ship (during the newcomer's muster drill) :eek: just before sail away. The weather was perfect, mid 80's. The ship looks fabulous and we really like all the improvements. Considering the smaller size for the coffee bar compared with the Mariner's space, I think they did a great job utilizing the space in configuring the new coffee corner. We also LOVED Prime 7 and the menu is to die for ! There is new furniture (mostly comfy big padded chairs) through out the ship and restaurants. The entire ship is much lighter with off white walls...it just all seems so cheerful. I took lots of pictures so I may post some for you. The ice cream bar is great....of course I was quick to try that out. There is the pizzeria inside of LaVeranda (had to try this out too ). The pizza is very tasty, not great but better than the previous pizza. If they could find a way to make the crust real thin and crispy, it would really be good.

One of the first people we ran into when we boarded was Jamie Logan. He came over and gave us both big hugs. I asked how things were going (maybe not the best lead in question) and he immediately told us about how disastrous the disembarkation had been the day before. Apparently it was as if the Port of Los Angeles wasn't even expecting them and NOTHING was ready. There was a huge shortage of port people, porters, custom clearance types....just a HUGE fiasco. We heard all this from other officers as well saying it was the worst disembarkation they had ever experienced in their careers. Dana Logan said the last passengers weren't off the ship until 12:15 (or was it 1:15 ?)
Of course Regent (and probably Jamie) was taking the brunt of all the complaints and frustration but it truly sounds like it was a fault of the port authorities etc., not Regent. Many missed their flights and there were a lot of unhappy people....both passengers and crew. Probably a very helpless feeling by the Voyager crew. Thank goodness yesterday was a whole new day and everything seemed to be going very well. Capt Dag looks great (duh) and it was nice seeing him. He will definitely miss having Larry & Karen on board.

We saw sooooooooooooo many passengers and crew we knew and had a wonderful time catching up with old friends. Unfortunately, we didn't see Peggy and Cy :banana:

Larry, great to hear Karen is on the road
to recovery...hope ya'll get to plan another cruise soonest..r/wes

Marcie, I bet you and Tom had soooo much fun! I am looking forward to the pictures!

Perhaps those that actually had to endure the disembarkation should voice their opinion. I was there and was subjected to the madness, but prefer to take up the matter with Regent.

Marcie what a fun day! The Voyager is such a beautiful ship - look forward to your pixs!

Pam, read your Voy disembarkation post on CC, describing the chaos, very sorry this happened, would never want a cruise to end this way for anyone...r/wes

Marcie: Is the coffee corner where the computer room was? Are the number of computers greatly reduced? Is the boutique area involved at all? We are anxious to see it all ourselves.

Ardis

No Ardis, the coffee corner is exactly where it's always been....just rearranged (no more Plasma TV on the wall). Other than when you enter or exit Constellation Theater I doubt if there's any "walk thru" traffic. There is a bar where liquor is for specialty coffees, also an island with snacks and goodies like on the Mariner. I will see if I can post a photo. The computer room and boutique are unchanged and in exactly the same location as before.

Marcie --

Glad you had a great day. Thanks for the update. Look forward to seeing the photos.

Best,

This is certainly different from the drawings the architect showed me. It doesn't sound like much of an improvement.


Ardis

I'm really sorry we missed you, Marcie (and Tom).

I ran into Linda and Chuck Walker as they boarded - we had friends coming so we were with them all day. I did walk around the ship to show it off but except for one trip across the pool deck, we were inside and had lunch in CR.

Lots of familiar faces on board - some from last year, others from earlier cruises. Lots on new ones as well.

Ardis: The coffee corner seems to work - it is smaller that the one I saw (briefly, in Bermuda) on the Mariner but so far it seems to be the right size. If the tables are full, people sit on the couches and chairs between the corner and Concierge desk.

In any case, we're off across the Pacific for next 6 days . . . .

Peggy

I'm posting some of the (non-people) photos I took yesterday of the new additions. My camera didn't do so well and everything looks better in person than how it looks here. Except for a few areas such as Constellation Theater, most of the ship looks BRAND NEW ! I think they did a great job giving it a new look.

I added my own captions.
http://picasaweb.google.com/petlovermarcie/DayOnTheVoyager?authkey=NYTK4F1KEYs&feat=directlink

Sorry we missed you too Peggy. We spent time with Linda & Chuck (who were with April & Gordon) at pool bar. We ate in La Veranda with John Fitzgerald.

Marcie, those pix were great! I loved the new cushy chairs in Compass Rose and Prime 7 and I can imagine sitting outside on that wicker furniture having a cocktail!

The new pool lounges look nice, too.

Wow, everything looks beautiful....oh those lucky world cruisers, they are on their way.

Marcie thanks for the pictures...did you see Marc and Harry? they called today but I wasn't home!

Yes, all the chairs look so nice. What a huge improvement. I wish I had gotten a copy of the Prime 7 menu....quite extensive with variety... definitely looked like my type of cuisine.

I think Debbie posted a copy of the Prime 7 menu but I forget where it is, here or on CC?

It's on her blog.

http://www.luxurycruiseandland.com/blogs/media/blogs/rvcc2008/Dining/prime7menu12272008.pdf

Indeed, the chairs both in La Veranda and Compass Rose are very comfortable. Those in CR are a bit heavy to move & some staff joked that they are getting muscles!

Some of the items on the Prime7 menu include foie gras sliders, shrimp cocktail, crabcake,
various cuts of beef [the bone in prime rib being the star], lamb chops, Alaskan King Crab legs, Dover Sole, a 2 lb Maine lobster and veal chop. For obvious reasons I can't recall any desserts!

The disembarkation on 1/12 was a debacle beyond description. Two days prior to our arrival I was told by a senior officer that the doors weren't going to match. I don't know where the error lies but it was a major one as was the alternative plan of off loading the luggage from pool deck utilizing a crane!

Oops...I got distracted by reading the notes.

What I really meant to ask is whether anyone knows why Qatar keeps getting removed from the itinerary....is it a Qatar situation?

Thank you Marcie, for the great photos of the Voyager improvements. WOW!! I want to be there!

We've had our luggage unloaded with a crane from the pool deck quite a few times....I honestly thought on longer cruises (or maybe just on the Voyager) this was the norm ???

Thanks for posting the picture, Marcie - the deck chairs and wicker chairs look very comfy!

I loved your pixs Marcie - thanks for talking time to post - ship looks A plus!!!!

Thanks for the photos, Marcie. Love all the new chairs. They look so comfortable. I can't wait to eat at Prime7.

Maybe Regent had to entertain the WC's at an onboard gala because of the Golden Globes? No rooms in LA? Just a thought.

Marcie - thanks for the photos - it's very helpful to see the changes that have been talked about. That ice cream counter looks very dangerous to me. (I'm an ice cream-aholic)

We had the new deck chairs on our pre-dry dock trip but no cushions at that time. They do look really comfortable - perfect for an afternoon nap after ice cream :)

Dena

Marcie - thanks for posting those pictures. I think everything looks wonderful. Hope we get to enjoy it in person one of these days.

Peggy, as promised here are the links to the blogs I've found. No one is actually posting yet though, so we'll have to wait and see. Happy sailing to you and Cy, Debbie
http://worldwideweldens.blogspot.com
http://cruisingsherry.blogspot.com
http://regentworldcruise2009.blogspot.com/
http://www.photofinnish.com/index.html

Thanks Debbie, I really enjoy reading these blogs and was having trouble finding some this year.

I'm very impressed by all I'm hearing about Voyager. I think the smaller size coffee corner will be better than the huge one on Mariner and the Prime 7 sounds fabulous. I know there is a dress code for Signatures. Is there a dress code for Prime 7?

Stan and I are so anxious. Our passports arrived yesterday and our luggage will be picked up today so we are almost THERE.

Ardis

There has been some (well - alot, really) discussion about the debark in LA. One issue was that when we arrived, the pilot was not ready for us. Another issue was the luggage being brought off by a crane in containers. And that the crane operator was late arriving to start the operation.

The only other time I remember crane/luggage removal on the Voyager was in FtL at the end of the 2008 trip because we were on the dock side of the ship. Honestly, I've never paid much attention before.

It would have been very stressful for the departing passengers with missed flights etc.

Peggy

I was sorry to read about the problems passengers had with disembarking in LA. I know that when we have disembaked in Ftl after a world cruise, luggage has been taken from the pool deck by cranes without a problem. Maybe the POA in LA isn't equipped to do it.Too bad the cruise had to end on a bad note but I am sure that the Captain, Jamie and everyone involved from Regent did the best they could under the circumstances.

Thanks so much for sharing those pics, Marcie! We are eagerly anticipating our next Voyager cruise, that is for SURE.

Excellent pictures Marcie! Thanks . . . now we need to see what the Mainer looks like . . .

Many thanks for sharing the great pictures Marcie.
It looks wonderful.

FYI -- In a msg today from friends on the Voyager, the emergency board on the bridge lists 498 passengers onboard. That's only about 71% full. However,with the normal number of single folks that the percentage of occupoied suites would be higher. (Not aware if the lecturers, dance instructors, hosts, art director, etc., are counted as crew or pax.) The crew number was 447.

According to Guest Services there are 298 full World Cruisers. That's higher than Regent WC mailers stated -- they used the figure of 250 one time and 275 another.

It would be interesting if Peggy has heard a figure.

I also heard that the upcoming Mariner WC has aboout 150 full World Cruisers.

Larry,

I haven't heard any of the numbers except that we were close to 500 . . . the first and last segments are usually the lightest by the way.

Thanks for the information!

Peggy

I believe that the luggage is always off loaded by crane in LAX. Just the way it is done at that terminal. Probably the ship being late and if the crane driver was not there that made the situation chaotic.

Linda was on the Voyager in LAX and is currently on the Mariner. She said the decor of Prime 7, Signatures, Compass Rose, La Verandah and the changes on the pool deck are all the same. So they may have been consistent in this refurbishment for both ships.

For the first time in our history with Regent (Raddison) we received a phone call today from "Destination Florida" to verify our flight times and arrange to pick us up at the airport. I guess this is a sign that Oceania is making some changes.

Ardis

We are sitting in our cabin anchored off Nuka Hiva watching the Inauguration in DC! Ain't technology great!

Peggy

Peggy, Glad you were able to see the inauguaration from the South Pacific. Also, a dear friend, Marcia Marshall, is the art instructor again on the full WC. Even if you art challenged like me, I highly recommend that you get to know Marcia...she's such a doll and lots of fun.

Nancy

Thanks for checking in Peggy! Glad you were able to see the Inauguration, it sure has been crazy here in DC area trying to get anywhere, fortunately we don't have too, and we live in VA, but I feel sorry for all those who could not get to work and such today, or if they did what a mad house it was. Metro lines were hours long apparently and started at 4:00am we heard.

Peggy, that's cool that you were watching the Inauguration this morning, right along with the rest of us!

JoAnn, my advice to you is to stay in and avoid the mess, if you can. It's too cold to be out anyway.

Peggy, Say HI to Manuel at the Tour Desk for me. I hear this is his first time in French Polynesia and he is very happy to be there.

You got that right Betty, it is miserable!

Ahoy, Voyager. Rumors here are that the placques from Song of Flower have been removed from the ship. Is this true?

Ardis

Not sure which placques you mean but all the placques they got when the visited a port for the first time are gone. As is the model of the Song of Flower. I loved the model but must admit there is more room without it. Wish they had given that to me I would love to have that in my home or office.

Ngaire, There are a lot of LCT folks who would "fight" you for it!!!

Ardis

All the inaugural stop-in-port plaques/gifts/etc are gone as is the Song of Flower memorabilia in Observation. Ngaire is right - the ship model does free up space but the long hall seems empty/impersonal (there are some paintings) without the old stuff.

Have they done the same thing on the Mariner?

Peggy

We disembarked from the Mariner in LA on 12/20. It was very slow (luggage came off by conveyorbelt) and then we were not allowed off for 20 minutes after all luggage for our group (tag color) was off. We were told that we had to wait until the unions OKed disembarkation and almost missed our flight. Many passengers were very angry.

There has not been any memorablia from Song of Flower on Mariner that I know of. My question is, where are the placques now? Are they in possession of Regent/Apollo?

Ahoy, voyager. We have rumors that Barbara Klutz is not on board and we are concerned about her. Is there any information about her whereabouts?

Ardis

Ardis, I did hear that,unfortunately, Barbara Clutz had to leave the ship quite a while ago due to illness and probably will not return. Maybe Peggy will be able to tell us more.
On a happier note, your cruise sounds wonderful and hope you continue to have a great time. Sorry we had to cancel.
Elaine

I am so sorry to hear that, we met her on B2B and she was just the most delightfut, friendly, charming lady. We had a couple of cocktails with her and loved hearing her tales of her world travels.

Barbara left the Voyager some time over the summer, she does have some health issues and is in Florida. I really don't know any more specifics.

We miss her!

Peggy

Peggy, I sure hope you get to meet my friend Marcia Marshall. She is doing the art program. Even if you don't participate in the art program...you really need to meet her.

Nancy

I do know Marsha and she is a delight! I've been to 3 or 4 of her classes (and enjoyed them) but with lectures in the afternoon and so many ports this segment, I have not gotten back recently.

I will try to do better as the cruise progresses!

Peggy

Peggy, there was this set of conflicting reports on the Events at Sea site:

Do you know who filed the "chicken little" report? Any news to report?

I don't know who the "chicken little" is.

It was rough but I didn't hear about any dishes breaking but I didn't ask either.

I can't imagine anyone wanting to go out on a deck or balcony under the circumstances but I know people do it so the signs were reasonable.

We stayed fairly low on the ship - no meals in LV those days.

A new segment started today - I heard but don't know for sure that we're down below 500.

Things are going smoothly - few complaints from what I hear. Different than in 2008.

Peggy

Marc, I'm glad Peggy checked in. I really didn't read those as conflicting reports, both reported very rough seas. For example, I know on my last cruise rounding the Horn we had rough seas. I was medicated in my cabin. A poster on CC was in Observation Lounge and reported that glass display cases were crashing to the floor. I was on the ship too, but I wouldn't know about that, so I wouldn't go post that report was nonsense. Same here I think, both posters say no going out on deck, but the one describing the signs up says it wasn't 'forbidden'. I think it is just people being people. Why it is lucky we have some many reporters these days! Here are some bloggers comments on the sail to Hobart. It is clear everyone agrees it was a rough sail. Debbie

Then we crossed the Tasman Sea (“Roaring 40s”) in very high winds, Force 9, a rough crossing which lasted 48 hours.
http://harv116.wordpress.com/

Due to inclement weather with huge 30-foot waves and wind, we arrived 12 hours late in Hobart, Tasmania.
http://realtravel.com/hobart_town-journals-j8232369.html

We spent two very lumpy days at sea. Our arrival in Hobart was delayed because of a variation of course due to the rough weather.
http://cruisingsherry.blogspot.com/

Stormy days at sea Feb 8-9, 2009
http://www.photofinnish.com/pf-2009-01-12-wc-blog2.html

Just to add a bit more detail: we arrived in Hobart 12 hours late because Dag reduced the speed and steered the ship to avoid the worst of the weather and even though we could have arrived a few hours earlier, that would have been in the middle of the night.

We all (crew, staff, passengers)had to go though face to face Immigration (this was our first Australian port)so there was no point in arriving much earlier since we would have been "stuck" on board till that was accomplished. I doubt that anyone would have been happy to be called at 3am for Immigration.

As it was we arrived about 7am and Immigration started shortly after that.

Peggy

Peggy, thanks for the information!

Tow small questions for Voyagers: Is Malcolm (Barbara Clutz's brother) on board? What are the World Cruiser jackets like?

Ardis

Ardis, Malcolm is aboard. I heard that the WC jackets are very nice but Peggy will have to tell you more about them.
Elaine

I just checked the Adelaide webcam and caught this image but not sure what ship it, Peggy, could it be the Voyager?

I think you caught it Karen.
It was due in at 6am this morning according to the port schedule and will leave at 7pm tonight.
Good catch as you only have a small time frame to catch any ships on that cam.

David, you got that right, when I refreshed the page, the ship had passed by already.

They are due in Fremantle today, so we should get a shot from one of the great port cams they have there.They have 14 cams. Cam No 9 is the passenger terminal. It is still early in the morning over there as I post ,so will check back later.
http://www.fremantleports.com.au/Shipping/Weather/Webcam9.asp

David, I have been watching all day for their arrival! Those cams are great, aren't they!

Is that Voyager now? I don't know how to post the pic within my post...

Looks like a lovely morning in Fremantle!

I think so, Kristin. This looks like her.

[img]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a204/bpunte/LCT/Voyager_Fremantle.jpg?t=1235173197[/img]

Good job, Beth! I am picture-within-a-post challenged! ;)

Yes.. She has just sailed in and docked.

You got some great angles, David.

Looks like at least three of us were waiting on those webcams to show us the Voyager!!

Hi, Voyager.

Fabulous, David!

Way to go Beth, David and Kristn!!! Wonderful photos and of course the ship pulled in while I was starting dinner :)

It great when a port has good webcams.
Just a shame a ship was "parked "in front of the Harbour Entrance cam or we could have seen her sailing in from out at sea.

:app: :app: :app: :app:
Great stalking, gang!!!!!

Filling up the fuel tank...
looks like a tug has just brought the fuel barge alongside.

the fuel barge was right under our balcony . . very noisy but it's gone now (after 5pm here, 3am on the east coast).

I just did a double take - my thermometer is reading 109 degrees! I knew it was hot but that's REALLY hot!

We sail in a half hour . . .

For those of you who have traveled on the Voyager WC, it was Lloyd Tinkle's 99th birthday yesterday - Dinner and a Show was the site of his party with cocktails before. I have some pictures - not very good, I'm afraid but when someone else posts better ones, I'll send them to Karen to post.

Peggy

Off they go into the sunset and the Indian Ocean
Enjoy Indonesia.....

We're sailing into Manila in the morning - we're going to have a huge number of visitors - 1200 or more. This is always one of the memorable stops on our World Cruise.

Something like 80 staff get off here and I don't know who or how many will board . . . anyway, this is bittersweet for everyone.

In any case we appreciate all our wonderful staff!

Peggy

Peggy, I remember Marcie telling us about this special day, all the happy reunions!

Ah Peggy, That is one of the most special days anyone can EVER experience when the families come on board. As always, I'm sure there won't be a dry eye when you sail away from Manila.

So special about Lloyd Tinkle's 99th birthday....he is so amazing. I'm proud to say he was my bridge partner on 2005 WC. I bet he wore his famous local regalia.

Peggy arriving in Manila and watching the families reconnect is at the top of my "all time cruise memories."

I remember Mr. Tinkle. He plays the piano sometimes in the lobby. I want to be like him when I grow up.

I hope they do another DVD of this wonderful day. I don't think there is a passenger aboard who doesn't enjoy it "almost" as much as the crew who have family visiting!

I have a DVD I think Marcie sent to me???? Bring out the tissues!!!!!

Ok - kind of a stalk - but a friend of mine was in Hong Kong and took this shot from his room - http://boardingarea.com/blogs/onemileatatime/2009/03/09/are-these-really-panoramic-views/#comments

Let me suggest that if you're interested in the WC be certain to read Harv's Blog on the departure from Manila. A most moving piece of reading reminiscent of Marcie's posts on the same topic a couple of years ago. A must read! Pat

Pat, can you provide a link to his blog? I can't find it in other posts, and would love to read it.

The link for Harv's blog:

http://harv116.wordpress.com/

Wes...thank you for sharing the link. It is indeed a heart moving account of a moment in the life of crew members. I can imagine that feeling enhance by the music...It's time to say goodbye. That selection has often been my memory for the ending of cruises.

I've witnessed the same celebration in Bali. So touching.

Margo, your very welcome...fyi, andrea's luxury
cruise bible is becoming, imo, the one source
luxury cruise site on the web..she has links to most 2009 WC blogs (Bittles, Weldons, Sherry's, Harv's) and prior years...LCB is chock full of just darn good lux cruise info. Just check
the links tab..r/wes