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May 9th, 2006
We have been home for more than 2 weeks from our 105 day world cruise
It is wonderful to be home
We had planned this long trip for 3 years and to me it was a privilege to be able to travel to wonderful destinations, learn about people, cultures and the history of different nations and continents. Between Holland America’s Barbara, our friends the Branigan’s and Howard, we learned how to travel safely, efficiently and enjoyably. We met congenial people from all over the world, which we hope we will see again- Ella, think Canadian Thanksgiving, Vicky, after the 2007 Baltic.
I can’t say enough about the great ship Prinsendam and the Good Captain Gunderson- Fantastiques. This small ship (a big concern of mine before the trip) is more stable than the big new ones because of the v shape of the hull and the computer assisted aileron/stabilizers that come out in rough weather and minimize sway and pitch.
The activities crew was exceptionally congenial, polite, capable and always smiling. I enjoyed my close dealings with Bruce Scudder, Ben and Cynthia, great people at their jobs. The staff overall was expertly chosen for a tough almost 4
month, very demanding crowd and operated professionally throughout the trip. Susanna, guest relations, was a good send always- thank you.
Expensive, yes and no.
We traveled far and wide, we were served at the 4 star level, we were instructed, dinned, fed great food (fat, salty and bland compared to my home cooking but better overall); our Dolphin deck room was adequate with a great big square window, the bathroom and closet fine, the 2 single beds very comfortable.
I am thankful that we were able to do this trip and even more thankful that everybody survived our absence in good health, granny is well, our children came out of it splendidly having to fend for themselves more independently(some did better than if I had been here to nag!) and the cats are home safe and sound. Vicky is home; she was here yesterday visiting and is improving every day. Our homes were in pristine condition when we arrived, thank you B.
Favorites
Favorite destinations:
Montevideo, Uruguay for the flea markets and
Salalah, Oman for the rocks and desert.
Favorite scenery:
Isle of Capri off the coast of Naples (and the Limoncello) and
Seychelle Islands.
Favorite big town: Capetown, South Africa.
Favorite small town: Ushaia, Argentina.
Favorite food: African feast because of many small different tastes.
Would I do it again: yes in a few years
Favorite part of the day: Tomorrow’s schedule and Pillow gifts every 3-4 days as we came home from dinner:
Pillow Gifts from Holland America (HAL) to the passengers of The Grand World Voyage 2006,
Circle of the Sun in raspberry pink and mustard yellow
Versace ware Wine bottle stopper from the Captain’s dinner
Rosenthal china: Designer coffee cups
Burgundy LeatherYearly day planner/agenda and matching card holder
Raspberry coloured Pink HAL zippered shoulder tote handbag,
Winter coat, Long shoe horn, Hand towels
Mustard Yellow coloured Fuzzy scarf, hat and mitts and fanny pack
Delf white and blue painted ceramic tiles
4 one for each segment of the trip, a lovely coaster
****Lovely oval pewter tray with inlay of the world voyage, beautiful,
Books Antarctic coffee table book, South Georgia Island leaflet
Luggage: Medium large suitcase-hockey raspberry bag with wheels and a handle, 2 straps and tags
Magnifying binoculars, Sunglasses polarized, Eclipse viewers
Chocolates in heart shaped boxes for Valentine’s day
Chocolate basket and eggs for Easter
White house slippers
HAL Collapsable cup and pill container
HAL pen
Stuffed giraffe, wooden elephant and animal block game
-most gifts were for each person, we have two of everything
Ours wins at Trivia include many HAL picture frames, luggage tags,
key chain, bedside alarm clock, hat and a Prinsendam coffee cup….
1 glass at dinner every night wine package for 225$ US was a great deal
Would I do it again? Yes in a few years!
It was great sharing my experiences with you'all and
I can relive it all forever by reading my entries( printed in a scrapbook)
good travels to all
au revoir, au plaisir
Gruxy
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Fern
non-member comment
No matter where you roam, there's no place like home....
I've travelled extensively - otherwise I'd be wealthy, which I'm not.........but I am rich, rich in memories that will last to the end of my days! Money goes - memories are for ever! I've followed along on your and Ides posts, loving every minute of them.....Thank you both for so generously sharing your experiences. Hubby and I are HAL devotees. The Prinsendam has become our favourite - as I write, we are awaiting medical OK to board her this coming weekend. I say to anyone, do it now, life is shorter than you think! The Powers that Be are in control. If you are returning to teaching, I've no doubt that your students will benefit greatly. Again, my thanks for a wonderful 'voyage' :-)