Saturday April 30th 2011

Okay, one final post then.

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It was frustrating not being able to get the blog off but finally this morning it started working again :) We are well on our way to Florida now, the weather is perfect and we are enjoying our last two sea days. After 30 some days of dining on the various gastronomical creations of the master chef, it will good to get home to simple food.

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Tonight is the Captains farewell dinner, 8 of us have decided to pass on it, and go up top and enjoy a dinner together. It will no doubt be a lot of fun. Dorothy is at the hairdressers getting a cut as the heat and humidity have really made her hair grow. It's made mine grow too but I'll wait till I get home, I don't have enough hair to pay their prices.

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Soooo, that's about all folks. Again thank you for following, I appreciate it and your comments. I hope Calgary has finished with snow and will welcome us home with more seasonal weather.

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Bye bye from the final voyage of the Royal Princess, soon to become P&O Adonia

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Tony

Saturday April 30th 2011

Okay, one final post then.

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It was frustrating not being able to get the blog off but finally this morning it started working again :) We are well on our way to Florida now, the weather is perfect and we are enjoying our last two sea days. After 30 some days of dining on the various gastronomical creations of the master chef, it will good to get home to simple food.

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Tonight is the Captains farewell dinner, 8 of us have decided to pass on it, and go up top and enjoy a dinner together. It will no doubt be a lot of fun. Dorothy is at the hairdressers getting a cut as the heat and humidity have really made her hair grow. It's made mine grow too but I'll wait till I get home, I don't have enough hair to pay their prices.

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Soooo, that's about all folks. Again thank you for following, I appreciate it and your comments. I hope Calgary has finished with snow and will welcome us home with more seasonal weather.

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Bye bye from the final voyage of the Royal Princess, soon to become P&O Adonia

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Tony

Wednesday April 27th. 2011

Wednesday April 27th. 2011

Greetings land lubbers,

It's hard to believe that we have only one more port of call to go, then a North Easterly course will be set to bring us home. The joy of  the longer cruise for me is, it's easier to adjust to what has to be, and like all good things must come to an end.

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It doesn't hurt to already have another cruise booked either, and so although it will be difficult to say goodbye to new found friends, the blow is softened knowing we have a HAL Grand cruise to look forward to, come September.

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But I digress, we've barely left San Blas, home of the Kuna Indians, where women are "boss" and take care of the purse strings, where the local brew distilled from sugar cane is freely swigged by the whole village, kids n all. Where on the surface things appear to be primitive but peek behind the veneer and you'll see big screen TV's and all mod cons. And who knows, perhaps on the mainland a Mercedes and condominium await!

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It was very still when we arrived at our anchorage this morning, the kind of still that conjures up images of lazing away in hammocks, too hot and humid to move, or don much more than a pair of cut off's…In days of sail, these were the "doldrums" not a breath of wind to ripple a sail, too hot to think of anything cept, finding a spot of shade and waiting for things to happen.

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We didn't go ashore, the early tenders were being boarded eagerly by those who just had to check things out, and get their feet on mother earth. It was great to have the ship to ourselves along with others who'd visited here on more than one occasion. Soon the dug out canoes arrived with youngsters crying out for "money money money" They seemed to be less in numbers than  in years past, then I learned that nowadays days ships discourage the throwing of coins over the side for the locals to dive for. It used to be a big part of calling in San Blas but alas no more.

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Speaking with fellow pax, things were much the same here as in past decades, $s required to take picture of lady with monkey, boy with parrot or girl with iguana, etc. etc. etc. Cold beer was readily available, plus the embroidery that the Kuna women are so famous for. Other than that, it was the quaintness of the place which if you've not seen before is well worth a look. Pax struggled back on board looking bedraggled and wilted from their time ashore and showers were the order of the day.

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By early afternoon we were on our way and headed for Limon, Costa Rica our final POC. We have a tour booked there with Jennie & some of our CC friends tomorrow morning. The forward motion of the ship causes air to move and it feels good sticking my head over the rail letting my face feel it. Some thrive in this climate, we must have lived too long in the Great White North or something, I find it much easier to warm up than to cool down…

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Dorothy has gone with Volker and Jo to see tonight's show, I'm enjoying the quiet and coolness of our cabin. The clocks go back an hour to Mountain time tonight but we need to be up early for our tour in the morning so the hour gained will come in handy.

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I'm going on the balcony to soak up some moon shine, (no not the drink) but moon and stars, I like the night sky where there's no city lights to spoil the effect and what better place to experience it than aboard a ship upon the sea.!

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Buena notte.

Tony

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Sorry but after 15 minutes of watching the satellite icon go round and around using up minutes with nothing to show for it, I logged off and will include this with Thursday's posting :)

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THURSDAY APRIL 28th. 2011.

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We were up before the alarm this morning and after a quick breakfast went ashore to meet Oscar, our tour guide for the day. Only Jennie, Peter, Dorothy and I were going on this trip, Bruce stayed aboard with Cathi, who was not feeling too well.

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It was hot and sticky, not a breath of air, and with "natural" air conditioning it was fine as long as the van was moving. As soon as it stopped we were drenched. After showing us the down town area, it was off to look at the variety of fruit growing in and around Limon. Papaya, mangos, coconuts, bananas, pineapples, cocoa beans and  cashew nuts to name some of them.

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We saw a dog with 14 pups, and a pet sloth, before boarding a motorized punt for a lazy cruise down a canal where we observed sloth's, bats, and many colorful birds along the banks, but no crocodiles. We were now knackered and couldn't wait to get back to the comfort of the ship. Dorothy wanted to shop, I wanted a shower so we went our separate ways. I've now had two showers but still feel  hot and bothered, the Sloth has it right in my book, "why move if you don't have to" and if you do, do it .. S L O W L Y !

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Ohhhh, that was a lovely snooze and though I need another shower I feel human again. I'll not venture out now until we move away from the quay, breezes are hard to come by today. Dorothy was not impressed with the local merchandise, and came back to the ship with most of  the money she'd taken ashore :)

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At 5.30pm it's all aboard, at 6.00pm we sail, setting a North, North Easterly course for the 1296 nautical mile voyage to our final destination, Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale and the end of another fabulous cruise.

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I hope you've enjoyed tagging along, I'm not sure how much more I'll be blogging.

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Best wishes to everyone.

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Tony

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My apologies but there's been satellite problems for the past few days, let's see if I can get this away now...

Tuesday April 26th. 2011

Good afternoon,

We were awakened at 6.00am by the breakfast steward, it had been a short night and I did not want to get out of bed but out I got anyway. It was hot, humid and overcast,  we were surrounded by merchant shipping and creeping toward  the approaches to the canal, with the "Bridge of the Americas" connecting the Continents of North & South America looming just ahead.

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At about 8.30am we arrived at the Miraflores locks, taking about an hour to wend our way through them into Miraflores lake. Next we arrived at the Pedro Miguel locks at around 10.00am and in just over a half hour had passed through them, then after negotiating the Culebra Cut, entered Gatun Lake. After a quick lunch up at the buffet, we were back on the Balcony in time to see the Gatun locks  come into sight. At about 2.00pm we lined up next to a huge container ship, the "Liverpool Express" and preceded her into the first of the three locks  to begin lowering us  into the Caribbean Sea. As we looked back it was strange to see this huge ship floating and towering above us.

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We are now through the lock system and heading for Colon where we are scheduled to arrive at 5.30pm for a four hour visit. On this side there is another flotilla of shipping waiting their turn to pass through the lock system on their way to the Pacific Ocean.

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We are not sure what awaits us at Colon, not having called there before but will go ashore, look around and then probably have an early night. Today has been quite lazy but with the heat and humidity, we feel exhausted.

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5.25pm. We are nudging into our birth at Colon, one side is busy with container shipping loading and unloading. Where we appear to be docking is very pleasant with sailing boats from all over the globe and tidy looking apartment buildings, all very tropical looking. It will be interesting to find out the reason for our call here, if and when I find out, I'll be sure to let you all know. I see a quaint street of multi colored buildings with red tiled roofs, a church, pods of palm trees, a Radisson hotel, all just a chip shot from our balcony. lots of flowers with people strolling, I really like the look of this place.,

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As soon as we were docked an ambulance arrived and EMS people boarded, it took a while before a man was taken off, we recognized him as a very emaciated person we'd seen from time to time and wondered if he had some sort of non curable disease! I'm not sure if I'd want to be hospitalized in Panama but when one has no choice???? I also wonder if he had insurance???

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We did get ashore, but apart from some casinos, bars, restaurants and touristy trinket stores, "nada". The air was hot, heavy and damp, it took all my strength just to walk the few blocks along the pier. It looked far nicer from the ship. We mooched around for about a half hour, then in a rare moment of "Dorothy not finding a single thing to buy" we decided to get back to the cool of the ship…Too late for the dining room and not really feeling hungry we opted to eat light up top and then down to the comfort of our cabin for the night. We'll miss the on deck party and champagne waterfall, can you believe I'm such party pooper:)

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My eyes are getting heavy  so I'm keeping this short, next stop San Blas " woo hoo" I may not go ashore I'll watch the action from the rail.

TTFN

Tony

Monday April 25th. 2011

Hello and good afternoon,

As I sit here composing the blog, a crossing from the southern hemisphere to the northern ceremony is taking place, I'm giving it a miss. It's been a quiet day for me not to mention hot and humid with not much wind across the decks. An air conditioned cabin is the place to  be for me, I do stick my head out of the balcony door and in a second I feel and look like a wilted lettuce.

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I must mention that David Knight the hypnotist did another show last night. We encouraged our table mate Jo to volunteer, as she stood to go on stage, she grabbed Dorothy (she who would never allow herself to be hypnotized) and soon all eight seats were filled… Jo fought it all the way and would not let it happen, Dorothy on the other hand was putty in his hands. :) After it was all over she was worried in case she'd done anything to be embarrassed about!!!!! I let the people who've been stopping by to talk to her today, fill her in, he he…She was so happy that Yvette & Jolene were not there to see her :)

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I went down for a nap this aft. and  was just waking up when the phone rang. It was Randy from our Cruise Critic group telling me he had recorded Dorothy doing  "her thing" last night, and if I would like, he'd come to the cabin and load it on to the computer :):):) "Come on down" says I. Sooooo girls,

I have video of your Mum being a goldfish, and also  a chicken laying a square egg :):):) You'll both love me for this, Mum on the other hand is not in any position to make one single demand of me:)

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There was a two hour delay leaving Manta last night as a group had flown to Quito for the day, Heavy thunder storms prevented them from leaving on time and being a tour booked through Princess, we were able to wait for them. One must carefully choose the tours to do privately, this would not be one of them. The ships do not wait for private tours who return late,  over the years we've witnessed more than a few people "miss the boat". Time was made up during the night so we still plan on reaching the Gulf of Panama on time tomorrow at around 6.30am and ready to begin the transit at 7.30 ish. If all goes according to plan.

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We've transited the canal  in the past, but before cruise ships began adding balconies.... I recall standing out in the heat and humidity for hours trying to take it all in and each transit noticing things that we'd missed before. It will be great to be able to step back into the cool of the cabin when things start getting too hot.

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Time for a shower before dinner.

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Dinner's all done, I had sole and though it was recommended, it was dry and tasteless, but I don't think I'll die of starvation overnight. I just heard after dinner that our friend Cathi had to call 911 in the wee hours as Bruce was in pain. It turned out to be a kidney stone that he was able to pass and he's fine today. We've not seen them at all since yesterday,  it may well be a small ship but large enough that they were invisible today.

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I am really tired tonight, Dorothy's gone to the show to see the pianist who is we're told, very good. I'm getting this away and then to bed, 6.00am will be here soon enough.

Hasta manana

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tony

Sunday April 24th. 20011

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A gorgeous day at sea, I decided to giv

Saturday April 23rd.I thought I'd give myself a break and combine this post with Sundays. I slept well after my hypnosis session, and talking to others who were on stage too, found that they did  as well... We were in no rush to rise and greet the day so took our time getting shipshape then headed up for brekky, taking our time there too. After that we spent time at the spa in the pool & steam room.

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The next thing we knew it was time for trivia, far too taxing for my brain when I'm so vegged out but by gosh and by golly we won. Our prize was "Cadbury Easter eggs", the genuine English ones, they are in the fridge waiting for me to attack them. There were two trivia sessions today being a sea day, but I was not feeling up to doing the second one, I'm sure the team will fare just as well without me, perhaps it was too much sun this morning. I'm just waiting for Dorothy to get back.

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Tonight is another formal, it's far too hot to get all gussied up really but it's a tradition and even though I'm travelling "tuxless" the collar & tie feels alien about my neck since I've been retired.

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I'm sitting on the couch with the drapes open looking out past the balcony to the sea, one of my favorite sights is the enormous ocean devoid of all normal day to day things we take for granted. Just me and the sea at peace, a very special feeling, hypnotic even, in it's own way. The sun hangs there, waiting to drop over the horizon within the hour, day becomes night and another circle completed.

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Time to gather my wits and get dressed for dinner, Ohhhhh, Dorothy's back from trivia, they came 3rd. With 14 out of 20, the winners had 17 correct. As if I would mention anything about me not being there:)

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I was not in the mood to eat but went to dinner anyway, We really enjoy the company of Volker and his wife Jo. He keeps us entertained with tales of his career as a pilot for the Johnson & Johnson company. What an awesome gig that was, allowing him to purchase his own plane and hanger in

Florida. Oh and we all had rack of lamb tonight, it was  delish…

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EASTER SUNDAY, MANTA, ECUADOR.

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And a very happy Easter to everyone. The chefs and staff must have been busy throughout the night as we found the ship decorated with Easter eggs of every hue and size in most public rooms. The Royal Princess has slipped into her birth right on time, it's hotter than Hades out there and sunscreen is the order of the day. We are less than one degree North of the equator, so the wise will adhere to the constant reminders to slather on the sunscreen.

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There is a nasty cough going around the ship and I being no exception have it. It does not make for good nights sleeps for anyone as even if one doesn't have it, the other will keep them awake with the constant hacking. We woke up, neither having had a great night, at 8.00am ate a bit of brekky and are just about ready to catch the 10.00 o'clock shuttle bus into down town. No special itinerary just a general look about, take a few photos and knowing Dorothy, she'll be buying something.

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It was me who spent money today, on a Panama hat,  some Ecuadorian cough medicine for $1.25 and some agua con gaz. Manta is a pleasant city and IMO nicer than Guayaquil where we stopped the last time we were down this way. Manta has become a major port along the central Ecuadorian coast in the province of Manabi, as well as an important local tourist resort. We enjoyed our time ashore but finally the heat got  to us so we opted to head back to the ship before the rush.

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Judging by the number of large fishing boats at anchor as well as docked along side us, it's easy to see that Manta also serves as the primary industrial port for Ecuador's Tuna fishing industry….. From our vantage point on the port side we can see a bustling beach area and with the high being 30c. It is looking very busy. The ship was taking on fuel for most of today, I would not want to be responsible for putting that on my credit card.

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The Princess Patter announces that David Knight (the hypnotist) is doing a late night show tonight!!! We plan on going but I just may have to tune him out as It promises to be a bit risqué and some of our crowd would like to see me up there (I don't think so). 

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Tomorrow we transit the Panama canal, we have friends joining us in our cabin to view the passage, it will be a lot of fun.

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Until tomorrow then!

Tony

Friday April 22nd. 2011

Happy Good Friday everyone,

We are about to lift our lines and depart the port for the city of Lima, Callao. It's a busy port and we expect lots of traffic. Heading North, we should  reach Ecuador in about 36 hours. We did a private morning tour with Paul our excellent tour guide, We all are very happy to give him top marks for the great job he did both yesterday and today.

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If anyone is planning on being in Lima and looking for a reliable private tour, we highly recommend Paul as your guide, he has excellent English speaking skills and the name of the company is.

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Julio Cusinga 

Peru Inca Wonders

Attention Paul.

www.peruincawonders.com

info@peruincawonders.com

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Today being Good Friday was great for our driver with little traffic on the roads. Once we arrived at the cathedral, squares and churches though, it was packed with people all waiting for the procession of the "Holy icon of a thousand miracles'' that was paraded through the streets at a slow pace.  Everyone kept a wary eye out for the ubiquitous pick pockets and I'm pleased to say none of our group of 10 were assaulted in any way, we felt safe the whole time we were in Lima .

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One thing I recall from the last time we were in these parts is, I always feel tall :) most of the indigenous folk are quite short, many (adults) are under or just over five feet.

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We were invited along with Cathi & Bruce, to be part of Jennie & Peters team for trivia this afternoon. Their four regular team members left the ship yesterday for the Galapagos Islands, and will rejoin the ship in Ecuador. We came in second, so didn't let them down, it was fun.

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Not only did I go to the show tonight, I was part of it.  British stage hypnotist David Knight was having trouble getting the last chair on stage filled, so I said I'd have a go. All I can say is that I felt very relaxed and just let it happen, judging from comments after the show, the audience enjoyed it and it's not like I've not made a fool of myself before.

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Saturday will be another relaxing day at sea, which will be welcome after the last two busy shore days.  We'll play trivia again, soak in the thalasso pool, read  and generally veg out.  We have no tour booked in Manta so we'll just mooch around around there for a while and I may pick up a Panama hat.

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Dorothy, is feeling much better now that her nebulizer treatments have started to take effect and certainly sounds it. Yesterdays all day excursion really took it out of her and we were both happy that today's tour was only a half day. The doctor says it is definitely an allergy and it must be to something in this cabin, she had no problem in the cabin we had for the first part of the cruise!!!

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Ima, I spoke with Roberto as we went into dinner this evening and he certainly does remember you :) He asked me to say hello. "Hello from Roberto".

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Ohhh, it's past my bed time, better say ciao for now.

Tony

Thursday April 21st. 2011

Twas a short trip up the coast to Callao, the port for Lima, about 146 statute miles in all. We both had lousy nights, coughing and spluttering, the 6.00 o'clock cabin service wake up came way too soon. Dorothy is busy with her nebulizer and I'm looking out at a polluted sky which as it gets lighter is turning bluer. It looks like it might clear up by the time we leave for our tour.

The fishing fleet is in already, they'd probably appreciate laying in till 6.00? We'll be meeting our group at 7.30 so I have 40 minutes to dabble on here.

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It has been mentioned that a Cruise Critic member claims the service has gone down aboard the Royal "P". And  supplies of certain products have been running out. I can only speak for the service that we've received, it has been top notch from our cabin steward, food service staff, shop staff photo and spa staff. Also Tatyana and Staney at the Club bar. I am not a drinker but have been welcomed to sit and partake in the nightly "goings on" with Lynne & Paul, Shirley & Walter, Uncle Charlie and many others. No complaints from us.

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I did mention that the chocolate sprinkles for the ice cream were no longer available but, they showed up yesterday so I take that back. We must remember that this is the final voyage of the Royal Princess, many staff have worked this ship for years it's like family to them and one can understand the sorrow they are feeling. They are being posted to various ships of the line and the family is breaking up, this cant be easy for them so I think they deserve a break.

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Our tour was great, a 25 seat bus for 10 of us, it started at the gold museum where we spent an hour looking around. Next was a visit to the Pachacamac ruins, dating from 700 AD. Lunch was next at a delightful restaurant named "Ose Del Mar", then on to more ruins at Huaca Pucllana, lots of steep climbs here and Dorothy's chest started to bother her so I took her down and waited for the tour to finish. Our last stop was at the Indian Market where Dorothy picked up a table cloth that she was quite taken with.

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I was nodding off on the ride back to the ship, Dorothy had to see the doctor when we got back I'm glad we are insured. We decided to dine at the buffet, neither of us were too hungry and it's an early night for both of us as we have another early start in the morning.

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Bye for now.

Tony

Wednesday April 20th. 2011

It's hard to believe we're into our 12th. Sea day, yes we stopped at Pitcairn for a couple of hours and Easter Island for a while before plans to land were scuttled, but this is our 12th. Day without our feet touching Terra Firma. There's an air of excitement around the ship, not only from pax, but crew lucky enough to be getting an hour or two off.

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The ocean has flattened out, the skies are blue and sunny once more, it's like the end of term from our school days. After the ship has been cleared by Peruvian authorities, we have to collect our shore passes, it will be very zoo like down there no doubt, thank God we are only 600 or so pax. as we are not on an organized tour we'll wait for the crowd to disperse before we venture into the fray, hopefully it will be quiet and orderly by the time we pick our passes up.

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There will be much window cleaning around the ship today as every inch of exposed glass has been exposed to sea spray for the past 12 days. Our cabin has been cleaned already and it's good to be able to see through our windows again.

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A warning came from the bridge, reminding us not to flaunt jewelery or cash while ashore, this should be a given  but there are always those silly enough to do so. We tend to dress down when going ashore in most ports and carry very little cash. The police in many of these South American countries turn a blind eye to tourist crime and we know a few who've learned the hard way.

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It was scorching when we berthed at around 1pm, nothing to see but sand dunes for miles and miles of  Atacama desert. No trees just a barren landscape with semis parked all along the highway waiting for freighters to dock and unload.

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The shuttle into town took about 20 minutes, the sidewalks were lined with cheap hotels and even cheaper backpackers shack like abodes. Local entrepreneurs hawked their wares along the front selling all the usual "stuff we never knew we needed". Restaurateurs waved menus at us, like we really needed to eat after 12 days at sea. We did pick up a few items just to help the local economy. I gave a guy a buck to take a photo of his "pet pelican" but because of the sun on the screen, it didn't turn out so good. An hour in the heat was enough for us so caught the shuttle back to the ship and sat in the shade.

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Dorothy still labors with her breathing and coughing, she's waiting for the Doctors office to open at 5pm. Her steroid inhaler is helping but she really needs to get checked out again.  After seeing the Doc. he says she has an allergy and thinks it may be "mold" in the room!!!! Our room has been cleaned, sanitized and all bedding has been changed to non allergenic materials. She's using a nebulizer, "steam mask" and her chest sounds much better already. Will keep you up to date on this latest development.

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Tonight will be an early one for us as we have a 6.00am wake up for a private all day tour in Lima. Jennie arranged this months ago, so that we could have the tour company owner as our tour guide. He came highly recommended on Cruise Critic so I look forward to reporting it all to you. We have two days in Lima with tours both days, if I miss posting tomorrow, it's only because we may have returned late but I'll catch up when I have time.

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After dinner we went to an encore performance by Bobby Brooks Hamilton, son of the late great Jackie Wilson, he has a great voice and besides one or two of his dad's hits, he did some 50's & 60's numbers which we all knew.

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Off to bed now, 6.00am comes early….

Tuesday April 19th. 2011 At Sea

11.45am

A late start for me today, well I mean, what the heck are sea days for!!! No rush, lay back, take what comes. I had a restless night, sleep would just not come so I read on and off. Dorothy was not too happy with me, I would have gone out on the balcony so as not to disturb her but it was howling out there.

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Dorothy woke me at 9.30am, "where am I" was my first thought, then everything fell into place, she took off for some pool therapy, I nipped up for a coffee and a bite to eat after attending to my grooming and other functions. Joined the already assembled group discussing our upcoming tours in Lima and the one in Costa Rica.

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My turn to laze in the thalasso pool, I was alone with both jets blasting, we really have enjoyed our time up there. The main reason we bought the package was for Dorothy's neck problems but it's helped mine too. After that I sat in the steam room with a guy from Dallas. He was interested in the fact that I was from Calgary, after telling me he did business with the Calgary Stampede Board and would be attending the Stampede this year.

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I'm assuming that "not everything is BIG in Texas" as he clung to his towel while sharing the steam room, on the other hand he may have been sparing me embarrassment. ;)

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The ocean is smooth this morning but the wind is still up there, we seem to have slowed a bit which is strange as the captain  told us it was peddle to the mettle if we were to make it to San Martin by noon tomorrow! His noon time voice from the bridge announced that we'd made good progress throughout the night so perhaps he's conserving fuel..

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Went up top for ice cream hour, there are always two flavors but no sign identifying what is what. I did ask the "ice cream man" but couldn't make out what he said, so had one scoop of each and still don't know what flavors I had plus, they seem to have run out of chocolate sprinkles!!!.

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Less than 24 hours till we set foot on dry land again after seven days at sea. Because all tours bar one were canceled due to our late arrival, the tour to Tambo Colorado is full. They have provided shuttle busses to beautiful down town San Martin for us though, it's a small fishing village located about 145 miles south  of Lima, not far from the town of Pisco so no doubt copious quantities of Pisco sours will be consumed, to celebrate  this fact. There are docking facilities at San Martin, always nice not to have to tender, it's on the Paracas  Peninsular surrounded by sand dunes with an average temperature at this time of year, 85/90 f.

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Apparently the ancient Paracas culture thrived here from 1300 BC to 200 AD. This was discovered  by archeologist J.C.Tello in 1925. The tombs contained woven textiles from this period along with mummies and other artifacts.

Leaping ahead 1200 years to the Inca period you'll find the Tambo Colorado fortress, built of adobe and stone in 1440 and is believed to be the site which housed the high priest and was used  for sun worshipping, studying astronomy and agriculture. Here also is a temple, food silos and the high priest's chambers, along with a sacrificial altar and soldier barracks.

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The mini Galapagos, "Islas Ballestas" are just a two hour cruise away, but unfortunately our stop does not give us time to visit them, sooooo it's down town San Martin or nothing for us.

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Hasta Manana.

Monday April 18th. 2011 At Sea

Ho lee, morning came way too soon,

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Cloudy skies and some wobble, yep we're still at sea. Dorothy was up long before me but lovely girl that she is, waited for me to ready myself then we went up top for brekky.

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Sat with the usual suspects, Jennie, Peter, Cathi & Bruce, started a few more rumors, laughed till my sides split then left for the therapy class, OOPS I meant pool. Dorothy and I were first in there this morning, the attendants forgot to tell me that the piranhas were still guarding it so I got bitten..Just kidding, but I did scratch my leg on a sharp bit, that should be good for a world cruise.:)

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Still no word on San Martin Peru, but we have a feeling that with the heavy seas and head on wind, it could be off the menu. Cabin fever has hit a whole bunch of pax, they sit there drooling and giggling  with strange looks on their faces. :)

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5pm.

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The seas have calmed, as has the wind, people are coming out of hibernation, so the dining room should be busier tonight. Our lunch turned into a conference as after we'd eaten, a gathering of the clans congregated at one table and the next thing we knew two and a half hours had passed. I missed my afternoon nap so I might be a bit grumpy but at least we won't have to put the clocks forward tonight.

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Dinner was light, shrimp, scallops and julienned veggies for me, no soup but a piece of chocolate cake for dessert.  Met up with Paul and Lynne as we usually do after dinner, had a few laughs till it was time for 2nd. Seating, they went to eat, Dorothy went to the show, I went up to finish blogging, After 6 sea days there's not a lot to tell though. Tomorrow at noon ish, we should dock at San Martin, some of us have our doubts though. If we do we do but if we don’t we don’t, there's not much there except Peruvian desert.

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To be continued.

Sunday April 17th. 2011. Sea day

Good afternoon blog followers, 

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Do not believe another word I say, first I said our call at Callao tomorrow, then I corrected that to San Martin, NOW I humbly apologize once more, for the fact is we have two more days at sea before we say "land ho" I am so relaxed which is a good thing but I don't know my head from my erm, ahh, butt.

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At present according to Capt. Jerman's noon update  we are being hit head on with a gale force 8, the Royal "P" is handling it very well but there is some wobble and it's only 22c. I'm enjoying the ride others think I'm "nuts", of course they could be right. I may be crazy and I just might be the one that they are looking for. Hey, they should write a song about that!

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Because of the head on wind, we've slowed down enough to change our arrival time in San Martin, we now wont arrive until the afternoon, meaning those booked to fly over the Nazca Lines wont get to do it and those going to Machu Pichu will now leave the ship from Lima, cutting the time spent there in half. There are many P'O'd Princess Pax parading past the purser's office.

I feel so bad for people such as Jennie & Peter who came all the way from Australia, mainly for the Easter Island and Nazca lines tours. Even though Princess has no control over the weather, I  hope that they will offer them some token of compensation.

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Pax are now taking bets as to whether we'll make it into San Martin or not. Those who do not enjoy sea days! or, haven't experienced 7 sea days in a row are getting cabin fever, I've made it my job to keep them smiling, with comments like "have you heard we are going to miss the Panama canal" :)

Dorothy is up and about today, though she is keeping to a bland diet. She just purchased the last bottle of cough medicine on board, she could auction it off for a princely sum :) I've been up in the Thalassa pool bobbing about like a cork, Paul, Bruce, Cathi and I were the only ones in there making probably a bit more noise than we should have but it was great fun. Lynne was up top too though not in the pool,  we're pleased  to see her feeling better.

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Time to go chat with uncle Charlie and tease Tatyana at the club bar, if I fall off the bar stool, those who know me will know it's not from the contents of my glass, those who don't will be busy trying not to fall off themselves.

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I'm proud to say that I've still not used the lifts, and I feel stronger than I have in ages, I also believe that my new meds are starting to kick in as my shoulder pain has subsided to a more manageable level. I've only fallen once so far too, the cane has me feeling more confident and all in all I'm a new man, this has been a good test for me.

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Oh dear, we lose another hour tonight leaving only one more change before we're on EDT. The seas calmed a little during cocktail hour and I don't recall much motion at dinner, mind you there were a lot of empty seats. The Orange roughy was excellent, so were the pot stickers we had as an appetizer. I wasn't hungry really but the portions were just right. I did manage to slide down some chocolate mint ice cream for dessert.

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Well I think I'll send this on it's merry way and read for a bit…Until tomorrow then.

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Tony

Saturday April 16th.2011

Saturday April 16th.2011G'day pilgrims,

It's a bit blustery out on the decks today, with whitecaps making things just a wee bit wobbly. I love it when we have movement but many don't, that's life aboard ship though and if the ocean moves, you can bet the ship will too.. It's sunny and the high will be 26c, better than snow eh Joey.

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Dorothy is staying in bed and I hope she'll be okay to go ashore in our next port of call which is San. Martin, NOT Callao, one of these days I'll get the itinerary straight. We have about 26 or so flying over the Nazca Lines and some leaving for Machu Pichu, others to the Galapagos Islands. We've flown the Lines on a previous trip so not sure what we'll be doing yet, much depends on Ms. Dorothy, who has TOLD me to let Jolene know that she's fine, It's just that the cough is taking it out of her. She's been well attended to by our cabin staff and me too:)

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Had breakfast with Jennie & Peter, Cathi & Bruce, I'm going up to soak in the Thalasso pool, I hope it's warm in there today, after that a steam and shower then I'll be ready to tackle the world :) Checked back in with Dorothy then ate some pizza for lunch….While walking the decks, Carolyn, Earl and "Pinkie" the traveling pink flamingo who goes all over the world with them were looking at photos on their computer with Mary & Bernie, we've met some great people through Cruise Critic and one pink flamingo too.

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There are a number of P&O people on board, ready to take over when we reach Ft. Lauderdale. They'll be learning the idiosyncrasies of the ship and making sure that Princess keeps on top of things until they take command on May 2nd.

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Tonight is formal, we are supposed to attend a Captains Circle soiree but with Dorothy not functioning and unable to attend, it gives me an excuse not to go. I will go to the club bar before dinner and have a drink with Paul who will probably be without Lynne who is in bed with the same problem that Dorothy has. Uncle Charlie will be on his favorite barstool, he's at least 15 years my senior and enjoys lusting after Tatyanya the lovely bar tender who is really great with these older gentlemen.

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The seas have calmed considerably, and it's perfect for sitting on the balcony sipping on something cool, before having a quick shower and getting dressed for dinner. We've observed that the ratio of tux v suits on this cruise is about 30% tux v 70% suits, at least for 1st. Seating. I'm part of the 70% on this trip, mainly because of our pledge to use only one suitcase each. I do wish now though that I'd brought my tux along, I feel like I'm letting down the side in this growing trend towards dressing down.

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Dinner was good except that Dorothy was absent, only Jo, Volker and me at our table. There was no shortage of topics to talk about, I learned that one of Volker's co-workers who'd left to join another airline was killed in the cockpit on 9/11. Sometimes I wonder where the world is headed, with so much insanity going on year after year.

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Our cabin steward Renato brought some soup for Dorothy and I picked up some Robitusin for her cough, she's hoping to feel like being up and about tomorrow, looking at her though, I'm not so sure she will be. It is another sea day so perhaps that will get her over the hump, fingers crossed and let's hope so.

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Until tomorrow then.

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Tony, Ohhhh I managed one pic. even if it was at our hotel in Honolulu

Friday April 15th. 2011

Good Morning,


This is the email from home that was sent by Jolene this morning.
"""We woke up to a winter wonderland. We got over a foot of snow from 10pm to 6am when I woke up. The city is a mess! It's that really heavy wet snow that breaks tree branches causes Calgarians to forget how to drive. Oh dear. There are city buses jack knifed and stuck in a few places even. The road report on the news this morning was a special edition, it took 7 minutes to get through all the accidents to avoid. Not kidding or embellishing. :( It is supposed to be 5C tomorrow so we've already been warned of sewer system overload and road flooding when it melts... Dontcha wanna come home?!? LOL!! At least we aren't in Medicine Hat, they have called a state of emergency, flooding badly like a few years back. Mother Nature is pissed off! 
Hope you get some sleep Dad, and you get into the groove with all the time changes!
Give kisses to Mom for us!
Xoxoxo"""""""


. Well at least we're missing that lot….

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I put in for a wake up call and once more spent the night waiting for the phone to ring. Got up, did what a man has to do then had breakfast. Easter Island appeared out of the mist and after dropping for what felt like three miles of anchor chain, we anxiously awaited the news, "would we or wouldn't we" be going ashore.

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After much waiting and wondering, the Captains voice from the bridge informed us that we WOULD NOT be going ashore, a collective sigh of disappointment reverberated around the show lounge where we were congregated. Some folk were angry, others sad and let down but  truth be told, we were aware that this lonely Island isolated in the Pacific is always an "iffy" call and much like the Falklands, is surrounded by treacherous waters and passenger safety is first and foremost. We will get over it but after so much anticipation, it really was a let down.

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SO, no miniature Moai to put in our travels cabinet not even an Easter egg:) Somehow though, the engine part that was air lifted to Rapa Nui, did find it's way on board. As a token of the Captain's disappointment! he did make a circumnavigation of the island, where in the distance Moai could be seen like tiny ant like figures, too far away for my lens to capture.

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I heard at dinner that it was known two days ago that we would not go ashore, this of course is typical of such situations and after all, what is a ship without scuttlebutt. True or not, we can't do a thing about it.

What is annoying is, the ship is running out of things, being the last voyage of this vessel, at the end of which some crew will go home and others to other ships, one can sense something though I can't put a finger on it. Drinkers are complaining that beer and wine brands are no longer available, others that staple foods etc. can't be had for love nor money. Personally, I've had no problem but then I'm easy to please!

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Dorothy missed dinner again as she didn't want to be coughing at the table, she went to the show while I'm here working feverishly. Another two sea days before we arrive at Callao, no wake up calls at least for a couple of days, no putting clocks forward, I should sleep well tonight.

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Some will be pleased that this is a short post, my eyes need match sticks to keep them open so until tomorrow, Good night from the Royal "P"

Tony

Thursday April 14th. At Sea

Good afternoon friends, foes, lurkers and loved ones.

Last night I read then turned out the light, turned on the light and read some more, on off on off and so it went until I finally fell asleep at around 2.30 with the clocks being advanced one hour. We awoke at 10am and arose at 10.30. not knowing which end was up or down. By the time we were ready to check out the buffet for breakfast, it was about to close down. Neither of us were hungry so it was fruit and yoghurt and a cup of coffee to get the day under way.

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Dorothy's asthma is playing up, she does have her "puffers" but feels the need to see the doctor today, I will keep you up to date. We went to the thalassa pool with jets on full blast, it got the circulation moving well, so next the steam room and another shower, I do believe I feel human again.

We plan on a lazy day "again" :) but will attend the lecture on Easter Island this afternoon at 3 .15.

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The lecture was full of good info. some we had known about by reading up over the past year, one thing I didn't know was the hefty fines issued if caught even touching the Moai, we learned that s few years back a man was fined $1700 US for chipping a piece off one of the statues, a stupid thing to do and an expensive lesson!

Dorothy is down at the Drs. Office and doesn't feel like going to dinner, I wonder if Shirley will be as talkative? Weather has been perfect and tomorrow is forecast to be the same, it's the swell that could be a problem, especially with some of the elder pax getting on and off the tender. A few who "didn't know"!!! That there would be so many sea days in a row, are moaning, we on the other hand have been so busy lazing, reading and chatting that time has passed way to quickly.

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Photos, Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. I'm at a loss to explain why they are not showing up on the blog when it says they were successfully posted, an I.T. man I'm not in case you haven't guessed yet. I will though, put some up after we get home.

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We are so hoping we'll get ashore tomorrow, Rapa Nui, (Easter Island) has fascinated me since childhood and I can't wait to take photos of the line up of Moai that we've all seen pictures of at some time or another. This volcanic island is 64 square miles and the population numbers approx. 3400 people. The giant monoliths have puzzled Westerners ever since the Dutch seaman Roggeven first made landfall there on Easter Sunday, 1772. The society who carved and erected the Moai, possessed considerable masonry skills, on par with those found in the Inca Empire but today no longer exist.

We missed Dorothy at dinner, especially Shirley, she'd gone back in her shell and was quiet as a mouse. Some of us made up for it though with very little lull in conversation. Back in our cabin, Dorothy say's that her tummy is queasy from the medication and if she feels the same, may miss the excursion tomorrow. That would be a crying shame so fingers crossed please, everyone.

Hasta la Pasta :)

Tony

Wednesday April 13th. 2011

Tuesday Evening.

Dinner last night was good, Shirley is talking louder now, mainly to Dorothy and using hand gestures, she had dessert for a change too, Strudel a la mode for me and a light latte to finish off. Then it was off to the show, The Royal Princess Cast did a song and dance routine followed by Arturo the Hotel General Manager who has a great voice and performed three numbers, then a comedian Steve Bruner came on, he was funny and quick, some of his wit went over the heads of many and he made that funny too.

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Another hour loss tonight :( Oh well with the lack of sleep last night and the early wake up, we should have a good night, plus being another sea day, no rush to leap out of bed.

………………………………………………………Wednesday…………………………………………………

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I woke up at 7.45, grabbed a few more minutes while Dorothy showered, the older I get the more difficulty I seem to have adjusting to time change, especially travelling East on a "slow boat" changing one hour at a time. We lose another hour tonight and I have no idea what time zone we are in now. I know we gained 4 hours between Calgary and Honolulu but I believe we will have given them all back now.

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Today's high will be 26c with a stiff breeze across the decks, I can really feel the change though it's still comfortable on the balcony where we're not feeling the wind so much. The Patter say's we lose yet another hour tonight :( This being the main reason we tend to travel Westerly when ever we can but with a rare itinerary such as we're on, well, "thems the breaks".

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Spent some time in the Thalasso pool this morning which is up at the "pointy end" right above the bridge to be precise, had another lovely steam too in, where else but the steam room, my skin's as soft as a babies  bum now, due mainly to the number of times I'm rubbing it with their up scale eucalyptus cream. Swapped a few "war stories" with Bruce up there, bumped into Jennie and Peter on the way down, I'm such a social butterfly :) Then Dorothy felt hungry!!!!? So off to eat, again.

Had a light lunch with Lynn and Paul from Toronto, Lynn is feeling much better now and looks it, Paul who's a "ropey old dodge pot" like myself, keeps me laughing with tales of his Mother in law who is 94 and lives with them and so the days pass, all too quickly at that.

I love meeting people and aboard a ship where for the most part we're all there for the same reasons, meeting and mingling comes easy, already it feels like we're chatting with old friends making it all very interesting and keeps us coming back.

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We were invited to a wine tasting, so Dorothy while and I did a little bit of this and a little bit of that till she came back. She's seen a camera she likes in the photo shop, a Nikon Coolpix S8100, that could be a 5 before the 8 ??? It's selling on board for $299. Perhaps Jolene, you could Google it for me and let me know if it's a good buy compared to Calgary? Thank you.

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My excitement at posting photos was premature yesterday, I brought the blog up on Picasa and posted three pics. It all went well, if not s l o w, the "your post was successful" notification came up and I was thrilled, then when I checked to view them, "nada" so I said fiddlesticks or words to that effect:)  I just don't get it and like after having "tee martoonies and I fool so feelish"… I'm flummoxed.

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News from the bridge informed us that during last night there was an electrical malfunction with one of the engines causing us to lose speed. We are now going to be late in arrival at Easter Island, but a spare part is being sent there. As the ocean tends to be calmer there in the mornings but can deteriorate in the afternoons, pax may or may not get to go ashore. We all have our fingers crossed for many of us it, along with Pitcairn were highlights that enticed us to book passage for this itinerary.

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I must say that dinner was excellent tonight, especially the roast lamb, Shirley got excited and was telling us about her pot bellied pigs that all died from natural causes. She has cast aside her shell and blossomed since the first few nights. Her brother is still quiet and I strain to hear him hoping that I'm nodding in the right places.

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As mentioned earlier, another hour will be grabbed back tonight, these 23 hour days are getting hard on us, I believe we only have two more hours to give back until we are on Eastern daylight time.

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Time to say goodnight and get this post on it's way….

At sea, Tuesday April 12th.2011

Good morning,

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After setting the alarm for 6am to ready ourselves for the 7am arrival at Pitcairn, I read for an hour, then turned out the lights and promptly tossed this way and that, finally turning the light back on and by the time I finished my book, it was 1.30am. Once more the lights went out and so it was that I lay awake waiting for the alarm. How utterly insane, but then some of you know that already :)

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We were up top by 6.40 and had breakfast before Pitcairn came into view, we arrived and it was not long before the longboat carrying 43 of the 48 souls who live here came close to the ship. Although the swell was slight, it took a while before lines could be secured and the Islanders and their wares could be safely brought aboard.

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Shop had been set up in the Royal lounge deck 10 forward and soon the crowds were let in, it reminded me of the zoo like scene one sees at Best Buy and the like on Boxing day. The locals were friendly and smiling, selling stamps, postcards, T-shirts, caps, carvings and jewelry, they had a good day from my observations, all within a two hour period, before the Royal set sail again, this time for the 2000 mile journey to Easter Island.

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Kerry Young, a 7th. Generation descendent of Bounty Mutineer, Edward Young gave a talk with slide presentation about the history and life today on Pitcairn, it was most interesting. In addition to English the residents speak a mixture of Tahitian and 18th. Century English. He informed us that the supply ship from NZ only calls once every 3 months, and the postcards that were purchased today, wouldn't make it off the island until June. The Royal is the last cruise ship to visit till October this year, it's a lonely existence but perfect for them.

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Our two hour visit was over in a flash, the Islanders packed up what was left of their goods, and were back on the longboat in short order, waving as they made their way to shore. Far, far away from wars, consumerism and the general clap trap that we are fed on a daily basis by our media.

I'm not sure if I mentioned that Princess has done away with the printed newspapers but I haven't missed them one bit, except for the sports scores. BBC world and CNN are available on the TV in our cabin, we just haven't bothered.

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A cat nap before lunch then up to the spa to soak in the Thalassa pool, next a  15 minute stop in the steam room, a shower, and I feel like a new person. Now it's time to start a new book, another by Michael Palmer "The Fifth Vial" Busy busy busy, I must try to relax a little :)

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The wind is freshening and the swell is about 4 meters at 4.30pm. Skies have clouded over with the possibility of a squall, temp has been a steady 28c. Very comfortable to sit out in, as long as we remember the sun screen. I think I'll check to see if the satellite is working and get this away early as it's another laid back sea day.

Oohhhh, I do believe I got some photos away but couldn't get text to go with them?

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Ciao for now

Tony

Sea day 3, Monday, April 11th.

Hello all, 3.30pm.

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We are still sailing in a South Easterly direction, it's 3 pm. and I have just arisen from a nap. Last night I woke up at 3.30am. felt wide awake so sat out on the balcony reading and counting the stars, it was very pleasant. Thinking a lot about David today, not that we don't most days but his b/day is special. I know Jolene & Yvette will be thinking of him too :)

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We attended the lecture on Pitcairn Islands this morning by guest lecturer Ann, they are three islands though only one is inhabited and one where they go on holiday! :) The current population is some 54 people with 10 living there part time. Pitcairn is a British protectorate, the only one in the South Pacific and is administered by New Zealand. A ship from NZ calls once a month with provisions, and the islanders make a living from selling crafts, stamps and coins etc. to ships when they make a call., which is not more than 10 a year by my understanding!

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We shall need a wake up call if we want to check out their wares in the morning, as we are scheduled to arrive at 7.30am where some will come aboard to set up shop and we're due to set sail for Easter Island at 9.30am. This will be the shortest visit anywhere in our cruising career but definitely a "bucket list" destination.

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After the lecture we hung about to partake in a quiz with Jennie & Peter, Cathi & Bruce. where the winner from each sex will go on stage tomorrow for the final for the "most knowledgeable" passenger. There were 20 general knowledge questions…The female winner had 15 correct, the male 14. I was not the winner by a long shot, I had 8 correct and 2 that I knew but could not drag out of the back of my mind. Not good but good to participate in.

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There was a "pub lunch" up in the Sterling steak house so we went up to eat at 12.30pm. Fish n chips for me, a curry for Dorothy, with English trifle (sort of) for dessert. We joined Paul & Lynn from the Toronto area who we meet up with for a drink every night in the club lounge, as we come out of the dining room and they are getting ready to go in. Lovely people, and great to tease and have fun with.

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The ocean has a slight swell and we spotted whales this morning, other than that just another perfect lazy day at sea. The swell should increase later this evening, mind you it was supposed to increase last night but was not evident while I was up in the wee hours reading.

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Pitcairn is probably the most remote Island on the planet, Is it any wonder that there was a "Mutiny on the Bounty" after the great time the sailors must have had in Tahiti, waiting for the Breadfruit crop to mature and thinking of the typical winter climate in the UK  verses Tahiti, well, erm, Duh, no contest... Plus all those lovely Tahitian ladies they must have struck up friendships with! Yep, I'm thinking I just might have become a mutineer too.

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This post will be short n sweet, I mean what can I say, yes the sea is flat, the sky is blue and it's 28c, again :)

TTFN

Tony

Sunday April 10th. 2nd. Sea Day

Good afternoon,

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Regardless of losing an hour last night, I was still awake at 7.30am. We shall lose another hour tonight (whoopee) …We had a slow start, no rush and after our ablutions went up top for  coffee and

A bite to eat. Our Cruise Critic meeting was at 11.00 where we got to meet members who boarded in Papeete.

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This is a much larger group than last cruise with 3 officers, including the deputy Captain who will take over as Captain in Ft. Lauderdale for P&O, attending and extending his gratitude for the loyalty to Princess Cruisers among  us. Peter the Cruise director and Jason his assistant popped in then the next thing we knew it was time for Sunday Brunch. Whilst all this was going on, Captain Jerman was officiating at the multidenominational church service.

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I must apologize (once more) due to getting things wrong (again) :(  Yesterday I quoted the Captain as saying that the distance from Papeete to Peru was 8000 miles when in fact it is the distance from Papeete to Ft. Lauderdale, I'd not have slept tonight had I not straightened that out :)

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Today is once more blue skies partly cloudy and  blue ocean, 28c with an 8 ft. swell, the swell will increase during the night to 13 ft. which will be a bit wobbly for some. Dorothy has gone to a medical professionals meeting, I, after a nice nap was sitting in the shade reading until I decided to start blogging. After her meeting, Dorothy wants me to take her to a Harry Potter movie, Just cant wait to get her in the back row!

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A lady approached me today and asked if my back ground was Welsh and when I acknowledged that it was, begged me to join them for Karaoke (like we're all Tom Jones) There was a time when I loved to get up and sing but since chemo what voice I once had has sadly gone the way of the Dodo bird, she was most disappointed when I declined.

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No back row groping for me, Dorothy's meeting went on longer than anticipated and we missed the movie. I was left to my own devices, mainly reading and gazing at the ocean. I find that when there's nothing but ocean all around, It feels hypnotic and for some reason womb like, could I have been a sailor in another life. I "dunno" all I do know is I'm right at home  when I'm sailing on the seven seas.

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We spent some time in the Thalasso pool which eases the pain in my shoulder and arm while I'm in  but, as soon as I get out it starts again, Then it was into the steam room for 15 minutes, a shower with seven jets, very refreshing.

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Dinner was lively, and Shirley was talking up a storm, Roy, her brother speaks so quietly I strain to hear him and although he has the build and looks of a county Sheriff, he's not loud as one might imagine. Dorothy is good at getting people talking, I was quiet tonight and tired though I'd not been overly active today. It's a lovely evening, Dorothy is out on the balcony reading and I may just join her when I get this on it's way.

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Tomorrow would have been David's 46th. Birthday, so hard to believe he's been gone almost 12 years, it's another sea day and we'll celebrate his life by having a quiet time, reflecting and appreciating the time we did have with him.

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Time to put the watch forward another hour, goodnight/day/evening where ever you are.

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Tony

Sea Day 1, Saturday April 9th.

Friday evening after  dinner.

No brownie points for me, I didn't feel like going to see the singer, Dorothy did, so she went along while I went up to enjoy some quiet time, although I did stop by to see a bit of the karaoke as we have a new crop of "would be" stars on board. I think I'll read for a bit and have an early night.

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It's great having the net book with me, besides writing this I can keep in touch with the kids at home. I still can't get over technology and how I can type on here and in an instant it's being read around the world, plus I'm in the middle of the Pacific ocean, some times it's hard for me to get my head around.

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There was a new menu when we sat down to dinner, I kept mine simple tonight and fairly healthy, just a seafood appetizer, chicken, and blueberry sorbet for dessert. Most of our friends are at late seating, we don't do late any more, too hard on our digestion.

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Slept really well and woke up at 7.45am. As soon as I awoke, the shoulder pain kicked in, these new meds. are taking their time to start working and even then I'm told they may not be the answer. It's extremely frustrating but what can one do! I have an appointment with the neurologist the week we get home so we'll see what he has to say.

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Dorothy is at the gym while I'm going to sit out and read. We found an author who we both like, I'm reading "The last Surgeon" by Michael Palmer, which will nicely take care of the next three sea days.

The spa is holding a draw for about 8 different treatments at 1pm., I'd better go up with Dorothy and get a ticket, gotta get those brownie points while I  can :) Seems though that I earn one and lose two, must be a man thing ;)

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We had a squall go through around 9 ish, then out came the sun, the sea is calm with a slight swell, sky is partly cloudy and temp. 28c. At 10am we went up to the Thalasso pool, turned on the jets and lay there for a good 20 minutes soaking up the heat and minerals, Cathi and Bruce showed up, we chatted  a while then I left Dorothy with them as I needed to attend to some personal matters.

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1pm, time to go up to the spa for the draw, only 5 prizes this time, then they'll do another draw on Tuesday. I have never seen so many people squished into such a small space hoping to get lucky! It looked like most of the ship attended. Of course we didn't win but Bruce did, and promptly gave Cathi the ticket to collect the prize, a $100 voucher for the spa. That boy sure knows how to earn his brownie point :) which should last him a couple of days.

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Down to the cabin for a nap but sleep wouldn't come so sat out and read. All in all it was a lazy afternoon and I loved it. Time for a shower then get ready for the captains welcome aboard cocktail hour and formal dinner.

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 SATURDAY EVENING 5pm.

Dorothy looks lovely as always when wearing one of her little black numbers, I've made sure I told her so too. When she asked the ubiquitous question "does this make my butt look big" I said no in a nano second…:) which of course was true.

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Our dinner table is now one big happy family, Shirley, sitting next to Dorothy for the past two nights has come out of her shell and is speaking to everyone, I am my usual taciturn self ;) We did go to the show but Dorothy was tired and as we were sitting by the exit it was easy to silently sneak out of the show room and nip up to our cabin.

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Captain Jerman informed us that we will have covered 8000 miles from Bora Bora to Peru with two stops en route, at Pitcairn and Easter Island. Though we don't get off the ship at Pitcairn, the island big wigs do board the ship and leave with as much booze and cigarettes as they can carry. We sat next to a nice couple at the Captains cocktail party only to find that they too are from Calgary, small world.

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Time to put our watches forward an hour before retiring, oh the joy of sailing east. No rush to get up in the morning and there'll be brunch in the dining room at 11am.

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Good night to our family, friends and lurkers.