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Join us, Bill and Mary Ann, on our 128 day epic journey around the world in 2009

WCB

By WCB,
in Holland America Line

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DFD1

DFD1

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What an incredible adventure! I've read and enjoyed every word of your long and interesting report here. It has been great fun to read, and I've learned a lot as well.

Thank you so much. Welcome back and have a safe trip home!

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DeepWaterMariner

DeepWaterMariner

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I followed your trip all the way from beginning to end. What wonderful descriptions of everything from the amazing to the mundane. I know this had to be a lot of work and I certainly appreciate everyone of your reports. It has been a pleasure to experience this trip through your eyes and words.

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7toEleven

7toEleven

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I also have been following you since day one! I can't beleive it has been since January 1! Each and every day I have looked for your postings, and the days in-between postings were so dull! I am so sad this trip is over, I am glad that I am leaving on vacation next week, or I would really be blue! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. Your are an excellent writer, I really felt as if I were on this trip with you.

Here is to your future cruise!!

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DizzyDallasDi

DizzyDallasDi

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Thank you, thank you, thank you for this fabulous travelog of your voyage to places most of us only dream of visiting. Your writing style is on par with any professional travel journalist and it has been a real treat to follow your journey in your words.

 

As you enjoy your last cocktail in the Crows Nest and watch your last sunset at sea, I'm thinking Frank Sinatra is singing "My Way" in the background. You have inspired me to take one of these fabulous long cruises and when I do, I'll raise a glass to you, Mary Ann and Bill, for reminding me of the wonders there are to see in our world.

 

Have a safe trip home!

 

Diane

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WCB "Live from...." Rare

WCB

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Report # 129 May 11, 2009 Monday Day at Sea

 

The Rotterdam is sailing in the Caribbean Sea, a region of more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. These islands are called the West Indies, because when Christopher Columbus landed here in 1492, he believed he had reached ther Indies of Asia. This is where we began doing many of our first cruises in the early 80's, and a destination we still enjoy visiting.

 

Today at 10:30 am, the big disembarkation presentation and crew farewell was held in the Queens Lounge. All the information you needed to know was revealed there. Then, many crew members took the stage to sing their farewell song. So sad!

 

The usual activities were happening the rest of the day, but most of us concentrated on the final stages of packing.

 

The weather was hot and sunny, but since we packed the sunscreen, heaven knows where, that we don't want to risk serious sunburn at this point.

 

We received our brown # 1 luggage tags to attach to our 20 pieces of luggage. According to our disembarkation letter, we should be called off of the ship by 9:45 am on Wednesday morning. That sounds fine, but it rarely happens that these numbers are called on time. We're not too worried, since our flight leaves Miami ay 3:40pm.

 

At 1 pm, we were invited to a meeting with the president of our travel agency, Tom B. He had some very interesting info in general to share with all of us. He said that the cruise industry was struggling, due to the state of the economy worldwide. Even more so than after the attacks of 2001. For example, he said that recently, a Carnival ship, that was due for a 7 day Mexican Riviera voyage, had to be re-routed due to the swine flu. So the ship sailed up the coast of California to Vancouver, all for the astounding price of $40. per person! Even with the addition of the port taxes, that would just be an unbelievable price! What a deal that was for the folks that live on the west coast.

 

Tom annnounced the largest ship yet to hit the high seas, the 5400 passenger Oasis of the Seas from RCI, will be christened soon. Wow, you would get a workout just trying to find your stateroom! He also added that 20 new ships will be added to the market between 2009 and 2011.

 

More clients are looking for itineraries that leave close to home, where no flight is involved. And currently, worldwide, the most desired destination is the Middle East, specifically places like Dubai, UAE. Who would have guessed that?

 

A hot topic is the free-style dining option on many of the ships. Most like it, but some do not. On the same subject, most cruise lines are going all casual. With HAL, the informal evenings (jacket required for the gentlemen, tie optional) will be eliminated from all voyages, including the grand voyages. Well, that would help in the packing department!

 

As for who is cruising, 70% of passengers come from the US, while 26% live in Europe. Only 2% of cruisers come from the Far East. However, cruising is only 5% of all travel. So there is much room for growth in that market.

 

Now, regarding money, one quarter of the entire revenue on ships comes from onboard products, such as shore excursions, art auctions, the ship's stores, the spa, and the casino. Food costs per person, depending on the type of cruise you choose, runs the company $10 to $18 per day per passenger. The cabin stewards and the waiters make up to $3000. a month. We are not sure if that includes their tips, which on this world cruise, cost $11. per person a day, and was applied to their shipboard account. Tips were covered for most of us that took the entire trip.

 

With that, Tom previewed some of the upcoming popular cruises that HAL is doing, enticing us to book something in the future. The way it works the best, is to put a down a small deposit early, like over a year or two in advance. That gets you the best price and the most perks.

 

Tom ended the meeting with a huge thanks to all of us for being such loyal customers.

 

While watching a movie in our room, a bright star alert was sent on the PA system, summoning the medical staff to a room on the promenade deck. We later heard that an elderly fellow had passed away in his room. Apparently, he was in bad health, and this was not uexpected. Nevertheless, it was sad for all of us to hear. Just the day before, he had performed in the guest talent show, and sang on the stage. We guess it was his "swan song".

 

We missed the early show that featured the "Perfect Gentlemen", a quartet that sang barbershop tunes.

 

We did not miss cocktails in the Crows Nest! We have so few days left to visit with friends Sandy and Frank, and Leslie and Handler, that we don't want to miss a day.

 

At 8 pm, we had our last prepaid dinner in the Pinnacle Grill restaurant. We both ordered the bone-in ribeye steaks once again, and they were just as good as the first night we had them. At least business had picked up for them, because the back dining room has been opened for over a week now, and filled with customers. Prior to that, the back room was being used for storage.

 

After dinner, we strolled the promenade deck for a while. It was still warm outside, with a nice breeze. At least it is not raining!!

 

One more day at sea, and we'll be heading home!

 

Mary Ann & Bill

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WCB "Live from...." Rare

WCB

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We would like to thank everyone for your kind words in regards to our reports! It meant a lot to us that we had such a super audience.

 

We intend to continue with the follow-up reports, and the fully completed journey all the way to the delivery of our luggage, God-willing!!

 

Thanks again,

 

Bill & Mary Ann

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wynkys

wynkys

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Bill & Mary Ann,

 

Thank you both for your wonderful, detailed and most entertaining reports.

I wish you well for your journey home and look forward to your continuing reports.

 

Wayne

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RuthC

RuthC

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Welcome home. It's been a joy sailing along with you---I feel like a chapter of my life has ended.

Thank you, again and again, for all the wonderful posts. Your stories from Africa were especially interesting to read as that is one area of the world I know little about. Or "knew" little about! Your posts filled in a lot of the gaps, and even piqued an interest in visiting some day.

Safe journey home.

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kjunea

kjunea

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I (and my kids) have really enjoyed this! They want to make sure that Giraffe makes it home! I hope we find out school's out next week. If not, I'll have to post it on my school website!

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CruisFran

CruisFran

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Mary Ann & Bill,

 

Just one more "Thank you"..for sharing your world experiences! I know I will never go to most of those places, but enjoyed, so much, your reports...truly felt like being there! Look forward to every ounce, to the bitter-sweet end!

 

Thanks again!

 

Fran

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kryos

kryos

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Thank you so much for taking me along on your wonderful voyage! Your reports have been a joy to read and a high point of my day over these past several months. Seriously, you should put them into book form, complete with pictures, upon your return. You'd have a wonderful momento of your trip there, not to mention some sales that will offset your costs of printing. I bet a lot of people here on CC would be clamoring to buy one.

 

But, the big question that begs answering ... did you book next year's World Cruise? :)

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

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SDHALFAN

SDHALFAN

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Aw Bill and Mary Anne: I can't believe that "our" Grand World adventure is over. Thanks so much for taking me along with you - I have had a wonderful vicarious voyage with both of you.

 

I can't wait to see where you are going to take me next.

 

Valerie:)

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aussieoz

aussieoz

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Bill & Mary Ann,

THANK you so VERY MUCH!!!!:)

Can't tell you how we enjoyed your posts & with Jeff's blog it was ALMOST like being there with you!

Am very sad to see your adventure end.

Wonder if you'll be on the Grand Voyage in Sept.? on the Amsterdam?

We are booked on that ....

Have a very Safe Journey home!;)

Jean & Doug

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airlink diva

airlink diva

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I, like so many others,want to thank you for allowing so many people to also enjoy another world cruise!!

So many of us will never have the chance to do so and sign on to savor the journey!

Please tell me that you are booked for 2010 so I can get ready for another wonderful world cruise!

May you have a safe trip back home and take a few days before unpacking!!

HAPPY SAILINGS!!

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Mtierney

Mtierney

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It has been grand and has been one of the finest "live" reports I've seen on any of the boards.

 

Thank you both so much for taking us along with you.:)

 

I am in awe of your travels. Not to be negative, I have to ask: How do you prevent gaining weight on such a long journey with great food available everyday? Or did you?:D

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