SurveyHand

Very true:)

Would it be possible to have a sticky where we can post the one shot that captures everything that sums up PG or South Pacific for each of us?

Beautiful shots!

It's very difficult to quantify the exact loss of efficiency caused by hull fouling although I've seen reports from paint manufacturers like Jotun Marine which claim a loss of something like 15% by the time a dry dock is performed.

But there is a very real increase in drag caused by marine growth on the hull as well as the propellers which is why they are also taken off and polished during a dry dock.

Many years ago underwater hull sections were painted with paint containing poisons to try to kill off organisms as they attached themselves. These days the paints are called "self-polishing" and in contact with seawater will leach out biocides to try to reduces the fouling. This is especially important for vessels traveling from one region to another and possibly transporting non-native invasive species such as the zebra mussels in the Great Lakes.

Back to the question of efficiency loss; many factors affect this including the region of operation, the amount of time spent sailing versus being in port or at anchor and even the draft and trim of the vessel. Since the fouling begins again as soon as the vessel leaves dry dock it's almost impossible to measure precisely, but it's very definitely a concern for the shipowner as it does lead directly to increased fuel costs.

So we just got in from ordering our XPF for our trip. I get in and check Facebook... first post from ATN with a photo of their new currency designs.

They look very tropical so I wonder if we'll get the 'new' or 'old' style notes now.

Great review so far.

We're down to the last few weeks till it's our turn so we're really enjoying reading these, nice photos as well.

Thanks

The term "dry dock" refers to taking the vessel out of the water, which necessitates connections to the shore for essential services like power, water and sanitary systems, but allows for work on things like main and auxiliary engines and generators, as well as openings in the hull such as water cooling inlets etc. Also for a class 1 vessel, a bottom survey must be carried out at regular intervals depending on flag, and this needs a dry dock.

During a "wet dock", the vessel stays in the water and is normally able to maintain those services at least to the point where crew are able to remain on board. She will probably still connect to shore power and water.

You can still do a lot of work during a wet dock, but in general they're less costly and easier to arrange than full dry docks.

It wasn't my first cruise, but I sailed as third officer on the Uganda in 1982. Just did one trip from Ascension Island to Port Stanley and back.

We had a music teacher on board from the Fellowship of the Seas and he taught a few of us to play the organ, something which I still enjoy to this day.