Let’s take a few moments to talk about our comings and goings at the different ports around the world. Many of the ports put on productions for us that usually include people in costumes, music, dancing and songs. Some have elaborate welcomes with the captain and director of the ship taking part. There have been gifts for guests and opportunities to don local costumes and have photos taken. So far I think Japan has been the most inspiring welcomes. They had it all – gifts, lots of English speaking tourist information and assistance. When we left the ports there were fireworks and people who came down to the ship holding glow sticks and waving goodbye. China also had elaborate send offs with lots of people waving goodbye. One of the most surprising to me was the one in Subic Bay, Korea – to me the music sounded more like something that belonged in Austria. Here are a few of our welcomes and send offs.
Hellos and Goodbyes
