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Trip Start Jan 10, 2008 Previous
Entry Trip End Apr 22, 2008

  Southampton, United Kingdom
Monday, April 21, 2008

This world cruise has been an extrordinary voyage. For 102 days, I'ved visited over 40 of the world's most exciting destinations, touching upon 6 different continents. It's been an adventure filled with unexpected delights, unforgettable sights & unbelievable experiences. We've cruised 30,336 nautical miles (the Equator length is 21,600 nautical miles). 1 nautical mile=1.15 statute miles.
There are 589 passengers onboard of which 63 are British, 87 are Canadian & 385 are from the U.S., most of whom are retirees living in Florida. As you would expect, the "clientele" onboard seems to be in their 80's although we have one man who is 98.
One of the entertainers asked for a show of hands, who has been married for 50 yrs.? Hands shot up. 55 yrs.? Hands still up. 60 yrs.? One couple won with 62 yrs. & that was only at the first show.
We also have two young girls onboard from Rhode Island, ages 11 & 7. They are being home schooled. Their parents are British & are moving to London. This is the first time the girls have been there. Naturally, all of the grandparents & great grandparents onboard have adopted them but they call me Grandma Linda. I often play Uno and Connect 4 with them. Sometimes they set up a playroom in one of the elevators with their assortment of stuffed animals & no one seems to mind.
The most amazing thing is, and you'll laugh at my sick humor, no one has died. On a 30 day cruise, it's virtually assured so you would think that after 102 days with this cliente..... However, we've had our share of broken arms,legs and hips but the passengers have surgery & fly to join the ship. In fact, the 98 yr. old man collapsed on my tour in Egypt. We thought he was a goner but after a short stay in the hospital, he flew to join us in Athens.
The passengers are very friendly & the main topic of conversation is traveling.
The food is the best I've ever tasted. We had the Princess culinary ambassadore onboard & Alfredo has also had several cooking demonstrations.
Lecturers have ranged from Academy award winner Rita Moreno to astronaut Rusty Schweickart.
It has been a chance of a lifetime for me & I hope you've been "traveling along, singing a song" with me.
So, until another time....aurevoir, adios, sayonara, lia subn hao-y, main chalta hoon, goodbye.
Linda

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