The deck motion has increased significantly since yesterday and was now impacting your ability to walk straight without being careful. A few times we had some small objects tumble to the deck of our cabin during a particularly heavy pitch. We must be close the limits of the stabilizers as we are getting the occasional roll in addition to the constant pitching.
As I passed by the front desk, there were a couple of bowls filled with saltine crackers and green apples. Judy and I are fortunate enough to not be affected other than we need to be a little more careful walking about the ship.
This $5 progressive slot machine paid off $21,000 a few days ago – now back to $20,000
Judy Carmichael was the guest on Good Morning Amsterdam. She started playing piano very young and can’t remember ever not playing the piano. Judy found her niche playing Jazz and was inspired by a meeting with Count Bassey who was one of her early influencers. She is from the Los Angeles area and now lives in New York City.
Judy Carmichael was the guest on Good Morning Amsterdam
I went to the lecture on Christopher Columbus this morning. It was very interesting as I learned that most of my understanding of his explorations and life were very superficial. Apparently he visited the Vikings before he left and knew that there was land out there somewhere, just not exactly sure how far. Pretty fascinating story to think about how he was as much a salesman & entrepreneur as he was a sailor.
Christopher Columbus never posed for a painting – all drawings that exist were done from descriptions from others
One important part of the ship’s crew that in many cases goes unappreciated is the Front Desk Staff. I would like to give them all a special shout out here as they have been phenomenal the entire cruise. Without exception, my every interaction with anyone behind the desk or on the phone exceeded my expectations and always left me smiling with their infectious enthusiasm and energy. When you think about what makes up most of their day – solving guest problems – they all are simply amazing in their ability to put on a smiling face constantly. A well-deserved tip of the hat to this special crew.
The Front Desk on the Amsterdam in first rate and always friendly
We spent a little time by the Seaview pool this afternoon watching the water slosh out of the pool. We found it incredibly entertaining as we wondered from pitch to roll whether or not the next wave would be the “Big One” and wash away all the deck chairs. After a bit we wandered off to BINGO!
Deck motion was sloshing water out of the pool
Judy and Linda relaxing by the pool
Today’s Bingo was special in that it would be a single game with a single prize: A 7 day cruise in either the Caribbean or the Mexican Rivera. We didn’t win, Judy came within one number of victory, but alas B6 was never called.
Erin and Jodie signing people up for Bingo
Tonight’s dinner included one of my favorites, roast turkey, while Judy ordered the Barramundi. They were both excellent as usual.
Buzz Sutherland was on the main stage tonight. He is a comedian whose claim to fame is having performed in 47 different countries. The highlight of his show was a guitar solo tribute to Prince by Zebastian from the HAL band. After his show was over it wasn’t clear if he was a magician, an impersonator, or a comedian. I can only surmise that the deck motion may have affected his performance.
Zebastian wowed the crowd and was the highlight of the show
Dear Peter and Judy,
My name is Tom Beadles, from Okla City, Okla. First, a couple of comments about your wonderful blog, and then a question for you. I hope you have time to view my note here, as I know you are very busy in these last few days.
I have been following you since day 52. When I told one of my regular golf mates about a 70 day voyage we have in January, he told me about your site and that he had been reading since early on. How he came across you, I do not know, but boy I am sure glad he did !
I have been fascinated with your site ! Want you to know that you are such a wonderful writer. Each post is fascinating and so much fun to read. I feel that I am living vicariously through your posts. Your pictures are great. I commend you for your dedication and diligence to the site you created.
We are scheduled for our first long voyage with Oceana Cruise. This is to sail on Jan 5 and will be 70 days.. Miami to Bali ( westward). Then 9 days in Singapore.
Obviously, I have so many questions about how to prepare for such a voyage: e.g. What and how to pack; how much spending money does one need for incidentals; how to prepare for the voyage, etc.
Coming across you, I felt as though this was a God send as maybe you could talk to me and give me advice and direction.
Well, I guess only about 4 more days till you arrive in Ft. Lauderdale. I must say that it will be very sad for me not having your daily blogs to read !! You are incredible and very talented. I will always remember the diaries and the photos. One photo I will always remember is the one, when in the Straight of Hormous, wither the razor wire and water cannons.
Thanks again to you and your wife.kindly give her my regards. I hope that you will see my letter here and at your convenience have a chance to right back. Before, I forget, one thing I was curious about, was whether you were in an inside cabin the whole trip or moved to a veranda room ? I read a couple of posts where you mentioned your veranda, so I was not sure about your location on the ship.
Many Blessings to You and Judy,
Tom Beadles
Hi Tom.
Thanks for your note. I will call when I get back to San Diego.
We have been in a Verandah Cabin for the whole cruise.
Enjoying your blog very much! Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thanks – glad you are enjoying the blog
They sell boxes and tape for shipping! Is there anything they haven’t thought of for the world travelers? This is great reading for us.
I imagine Fort Lauderdale will be crazy with all that luggage as I understand you must collect it all and take it through customs yourself, even if you’re having it shipped.
I hope San Diego will be less hectic for you and the other 33 folks staying on until then.
Since we live in San Diego, we will just load it into a large SUV we have arranged
Thank you Peter. Tom