Captain’s Log: Dec. 31, Willemstad, Curacao

Captain Jonathan Mercer

We are in Willemstad, Curacao, today and a beautiful day it is, too. I, like many of my associates, find entering this narrow ‘cut’ of a harbour to be one that concentrates the mind, one can almost feel the tension on the bridge when taking this ship, (or any other for that matter), into what amounts to a very narrow channel while being influenced by an extremely strong current outside the entrance, not to mention the wind.

It is a matter of heading towards the land on the eastern side of the cut and letting the current work you north; if one gets it correct, the ship should be in the centre of the fairway and pointing in the right direction. Once inside, it is a matter of slamming on the brakes, enough to stop her continuing past the berth one is intended for.

This evening we will back out, azipods being perfect for such a manoeuvre and then swing outside before heading northwest towards Fort Lauderdale for Saturday.

I have my trunks in the cabin, for it is almost time to leave the lovely ‘E’ and head home, Jeroen (and Pam) rejoin on Saturday until March, when I return.

I have thoroughly enjoyed posting on the blog and although I am not commanding the ‘E’, should I catch that elusive 20-pound trout, or break an 80 on the golf course, rest assured you will read about it. I am going to Europe, too, to see my family and spend some time over there.

I apologise for not writing more often recently, as I mentioned, paperwork and ship-matters have occupied a great deal of my time these past weeks, however, that is all but finished now. Perhaps one of my New Year resolutions should be to write more here?

I wish all of you a very happy New Year and may 2009 bring you all you wish for and more. Let us all hope that that it will be a better year and that we remain optimistic.

We will be in the Atrium at midnight, ringing in the new year with the ‘E’s’ polished bell and all of us, guests, officers and crew alike, will be thinking of friends and family while we do so.

Best wishes,

Jonathan