Waiting In The English Channel...

Friday, April 14. Off the coast of Dorset, south west England, waiting for an anchorage. 8 C. Misty, visibility 1/2 KM. Day 101, 27 to go.

Boy, talk about an interesting day! The rain was chilling and a harsh wind was blowing when we arose. I could not even open our balcony door because of the force of the wind. The ship was not moving at all, it had just stopped. The Captain announced that he was waiting for the wind to subside before going in closer to the proposed anchorage site for the night, looking for when the winds will subside a bit more. Needless to say we almost dread to hear his announcements as they have so many times announced bad news to us passengers. The Captain, in consultation with local port officials and head office in Seattle combined, make the tough decisions that are not always popular. 

We were also advised today that we are not going to France, [Le Havre],  because of a National Strike, so, no shore workers or tug boats! Our next port, after the one we are trying to get into, will be Dover. They arranged some shore excursions into London from Dover, which all sold out within nano seconds as they are having trouble arranging buses and restaurants for guests aboard that need a fully escorted tour with food etc. 

We also got a little note telling us that, again, we were scheduled to be resupplied in France, by not getting resupplied it is creating a culinary problem for the 'Really Big Show'  that they plan in Amsterdam to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Holland America Lines. We, the 'Suite People', have been invited to a Dinner with the President of Holland America Lines, Mr. Gus Antorcha on Friday April 21 while we are in in Copenhagen. I suppose all things will straighten themselves out in the next few days as we sail north to Norway, which many are not looking forward to at all as it is colder and many many aboard are Floridians!

An Interesting day, Again…

Our view most of the day.

Our objective is to get into that harbour entrance when the Cargo Ship finishes Loading! Last we heard, at dinner time, was that we will sit at anchor where we are overnight and move to our berth around 6:00 am tomorrow. The weather seems to be improving as well. Things have a way of working out just fine somehow.