Ides of March

We did the World Voyage in 2006, writing comprehensive blogs as we went. (See. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=273494 ).

I found the last third of the 105 day voyage somewhat tedious and now when I get the urge, I have only to read my lengthy account to scratch the itch and remind myself how much effort was involved in maximizing the experience. No thanks.

The best part was the friends we made who have remained close almost a decade later.

We have done a 35 day cruise since from Auckland to Hong Kong on the Volendam which seemed even longer because of the run down equipment and the nothing ports HAL foisted on us. The quality of service is much higher on world voyages making segments attractive.

Glad we did it but never again.

Bill and Mary Ann

We savour each and every one of your posts and Grux

will only read them in front of the fire with a glass of wine to maximize the experience.

Your post No. 62 was the "Piece De Resistence" for me as it put me right back on the Prinsendam with the cast of crazy characters that I came to enjoy so much. I knew there were a lot of repeat cruisers from 06 and now I know who many of them are.

We called your Bubbleman, Bubbleboy after this Seinfeld character hoping that he would accidentally inhale and suffer a similar fate. In Antarctica he called a number of us over on deck to demonstrate the hollow circular pattern the bubbles made on the wood and when they alit. This he proudly proclaimed to be different from the wet blob he achieved in higher latitudes and explained it was due to the magnetic effect of the nearby pole. I burst his bubble so to speak in pointing out that as it was below freezing, the soap froze before it could flow together. He departed leaving a trail like a drunken octopus. (He was on the CanAm trivia team so he did have some smarts)

Grux might fall into your category of Serious Winedrinker as she bought some of the most god-awful schlock throughout the trip. I bought any Scotch I could find.

In Crete I believe we shared a van with a group of fellow travelers and at lunch in a charming bistro Grux ordered a carafe of Retsina which tasted like diesel fuel to me but which she enjoyed. She shared it with a fellow who fancied himself a wine connoisseur and he similarly enjoyed it. Later we found a small shop where they were selling Retsina for about $.50 a gallon whereupon Grux bought a litre for pennies and her friend bought 2 gallons. When we got back to the ship we learned that it was not nearly the same quality as was served in the restaurant and could dissolve the enamel off your teeth. That was the only bottle at Grux threw out the whole trip and I hope our friend had a fence back home that needed stripping.

St. Susana, The Stick Lady, The Shufflers and the Complainers. Gosh how your report brought them all back.

Keep up the great work.

Ides

WCB

I just discovered this thread and am delighted that you are carrying the torch this year.

I was depressed when I learned that Grumpy is drydocked for a while and wont be reporting on SA as planned so this was a particularly nice surprise.

When you have time, could you let us know who the ACD's and God Squad are this year. I hope Ben is running the sea day trivia contests.

If you meet Melisa (she of the radient smile) and John, please say hello frome Terry and Claire.

I'm going to sit back and enjoy now but will be lurking daily.

Ides