Here are some photographs of our welcome to Saguenay, Quebec, Canada, yesterday as the 100 call to the port. It was a very special event in picture-perfect conditions. Our guests were overwhelmed by the welcome we received. A folklore show was awaiting our arrival and Hotel Director Ron Bontenbal and I were welcomed by the… read more of “Captain’s…”
The last of our itinerary that has us calling at Juneau first (for as I write we have just completed a call in Glacier Bay and dashed from Vancouver in order to make it, too). Not a great week for weather initially, Juneau was socked in with rain, however Skagway was a little brighter. An… read more of “Captain’s…”
A glorious week, the sun shone, the whales frolicked, the glaciers calved, what more can one ask for? A sunny day in Juneau, I did what I always try to do, at least once a season and that was the Juneau whale-watch tour. There was room on the evening one and what a lovely evening… read more of “Captain’s…”
Our speed from Vancouver to the ‘Great Land’ and our first port, Juneau, is governed by the time of slack water at Seymour Narrows. The parameter for the transit of this narrow passage is dependent on the speed of the current. We have compulsory pilots with us, from the Pacific Pilotage Authority, and they have… read more of “Captain’s…”
It has been a week since I walked up the gangway, on a glorious Vancouver morning and, once again, was greeted by familiar faces and beaming smiles, it’s always nice to come back to my 2nd ‘home’. Making the transition from man of leisure to Captain of a cruise ship is always something of a… read more of “Captain’s…”
On April 28, the ms Volendam was in Glacier Bay, Alaska. She is the first HAL ship and the second cruise ship to enter Glacier Bay this season. The day started with snow storms in the early morning and strong winds. It can be seen that the ice is on the window wipers on the… read more of “Captain’s…”
Dear readers, my apologies for not contributing for several days. Towards the end of one’s contract, there never seem to be enough hours in a day. What with social functions, endless paperwork, (reports in various guises) and the everyday responsibilities of commanding a cruise ship, time to sit and write to you seems to be… read more of “Captain’s…”
The oldest passenger I have sailed with so far. Born 1903. Her name is Florence Boggs and she made her first trip in 1922 from Hoboken to Oregon to study. After 4 years and finishing her study she traveled back, followed by a man who she met in college and married. After his retirement they… read more of “Captain’s…”
