MBP&O2/O

We boarded in Vancouver in September... one other ship in port. I allowed for two hours ... it took 40 mins from leaving the hotel room to being in the waiting lounge sipping something fizzy. Embarrassing really. But yes it was a single queue for US Immigration.

Forecasters predict a very active year for 2024. Have a look at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/marine/?atlc which may give you the information you require.

Looking back at what Andy said, we used to get minimal notice for a drydock. Probably because we were 'tramping' and you never knew where you were going next? I suspect the companies booked the docks and then were slightly flexible with which ship would be available, obviously trying to programme movements accordingly. Being so far down the food chain it was a need to know basis🙂

Or .... it's been a while... this one often cropped up in oral exams .. SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS - DEFINITIONS Rule 32 - Definitions (a) The word “whistle” means any sound signalling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which complies with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations. (b) The term “short blast” means a blast of about one second’s duration. (c) The term “prolonged blast” means a blast of from four to six seconds’ duration. Rule 33 - Equipment for sound signals (a) A vessel of 12 metres or more in length shall be provided with a whistle, a vessel of 20 metres or more in length shall be provided with a bell in addition to a whistle, and a vessel of 100 metres or more in length shall, in addition, be provided with a gong, the tone and sound of which cannot be confused with that of the bell. The whistle, bell and gong shall comply with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations. The bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the prescribed signals shall always be possible. (b) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound signaling appliances prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule but if she does not, she shall be provided with some other means of making an efficient sound signal. Rule 34 - Manoeuvring and warning signals (a) When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when manoeuvring as authorized or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on her whistle - one short blast to mean “I am altering my course to starboard”; - two short blasts to mean “I am altering my course to port”; - three short blasts to mean “I am operating astern propulsion”. (b) Any vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule by light signals, repeated as appropriate, whilst the manoeuvre is being carried out: (i) these light signals shall have the following significance - one flash to mean “I am altering my course to starboard”; - two flashes to mean “I am altering my course to port”; - three flashes to mean “I am operating astern propulsion”; (ii) the duration of each flash shall be about one second, the interval between flashes shall be about one second, and the interval between successive signals shall be not less than ten seconds; (iii) the light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round white light, visible at a minimum range of 5 miles, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Regulations. (c) When in sight of one another in a narrow channel or fairway: (i) a vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance with Rule 9(e)(i) indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle: - two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast to mean “I intend to overtake you on your starboard side”; - two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts to mean “I intend to overtake you on your port side”. (ii) the vessel about to be overtaken when acting in accordance with Rule 9(e)(i) shall indicate her agreement by the following signal on her whistle: - one prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, in that order. (d) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. Such signal may be supplemented by a light signal of at least five short and rapid flashes. (e) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound one prolonged blast. Such signal shall be answered with a prolonged blast by any approaching vessel that may be within hearing around the bend or behind the intervening obstruction. (f) If whistles are fitted on a vessel at a distance apart of more than 100 metres, one whistle only shall be used for giving maneuvering and warning signals. Rule 35 - Sound signals in restricted visibility In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule shall be used as follows: (a) A power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast. (b) A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about 2 seconds between them. (c) A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, a vessel constrained by her draught, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule, sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes three blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by two short blasts. (d) A vessel engaged in fishing, when at anchor, and a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when carrying out her work at anchor, shall instead of the signals prescribed in paragraph (g) of this Rule sound the signal prescribed in paragraph (c) of this Rule. (e) A vessel towed or if more than one vessel is towed the last vessel of the tow, if manned, shall at intervals of not more than 2 minutes sound four blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by three short blasts. When practicable, this signal shall be made immediately after the signal made by the towing vessel. (f) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and shall give the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule. (g) A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than one minute ring the bell rapidly for about 5 seconds. In a vessel of 100 metres or more in length the bell shall be sounded in the forepart of the vessel and immediately after the ringing of the bell the gong shall be sounded rapidly for about 5 seconds in the after part of the vessel. A vessel at anchor may in addition sound three blasts in succession, namely one short, one prolonged and one short blast, to give warning of her position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel. (h) A vessel aground shall give the bell signal and if required the gong signal prescribed in paragraph (g) of this Rule and shall, in addition, give three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell. A vessel aground may in addition sound an appropriate whistle signal. (i) A vessel of 12 metres or more but less than 20 metres in length shall not be obliged to give the bell signals prescribed in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this Rule. However, if she does not, she shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes. (j) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals but, if she does not, shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes. (k) A pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may in addition to the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a),(b) or (g) of this Rule sound an identity signal consisting of four short blasts. Rule 36 - Signals to attract attention If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorised elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel. Any light to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided. Rule 37 - Distress signals When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex IV to these Regulations.

Personally I would have thought September was too early? You are more likely to see the northern lights in winter, between the months of October and April, because the night sky is darker in winter and there are fewer daylight hours.

External factors may come into the equation, but the port authorities may have the final say. Eg. A large ship with a large 'air draft' may need lower water to get safely under the bridge. There may be restricted movements? Who knows.🙂

I agree with many on here in respect of a drop in overall standards across the board. Our last SS cruise was straight after covid and it was a disaster. The staff on board etc tried their best but it was obvious that there was problems. Corporate UK were a waste of space. I would agree that covid was part of the cause but only part of it .... unless it caused the staff not to answer emails? We elected to try Seabourn last year and were not impressed. There was a similar issue in staff being shackled by head office but the experience did not match Silversea, especially with regard to F&B and the attitude / helpfulness of staff. We have a Silversea one booked for later this year. No loyalty involved ... purely based on the itinerary! Certainly not based on the price😁 If they cancel the cruise (they seem to be doing this a lot) I am not sure that I would be overly annoyed😏 Circumstances now dictate that a couple of short haul city breaks but nothing over three days will be the best option. What I find quite interesting is that the 'My beloved Silversea can do no wrong - criticism is not allowed' brigade are quiet in their defence of Silversea.😊

Some interesting ideas on here. We were looking at a cruise from Tilbury and we would be coming down by either BA to LHR or train to KingsX 🤑. Neither gets me excited. We are getting on a bit so mobility rears it's head. 😒 A conundrum if the needs arise. Having said that Kings X to the Isle of Grain many moons ago was a wonderful experience for a 17 yrs old with three suitcases 🤪

Who knows? It can, and does vary day by day and month by month.🙂 Look through the first 5 or 6 pages on this forum and you will get an idea. We always used to say that if there is a vowel in the month it could possibly be bad but thereagain possibly not. Always the potential for 'fun' weather 🤮

Added to that .... do they honestly think that many many customers across the 'luxury' lines have not noticed a massive drop in quality coupled with an increase in prices🙂

.... and if the ship is, for example, sailing from Rome to Naples or another Italian port?

I had just been reading an article on prostate problems ... then I saw the picture of the Yorkshire Pudding 😄

If not actually walked out, manned and ready to drop

I have been totally 'dead ship' twice in unfavourable circumstances. The first time wasbeing towedoutof a drydock by two tugs. We had no engines. No problem until a sudden squall which caused one tug to snap its line and the remaining one couldn't cope. All we could do, on the poop, was stand clear when we collided with the jetty. A surreal experience🙂 The other time was in force 8 when we lost the main engine and within an hour we lost the emergency generator. That was 'interesting' 🙂 I dread to think what was going through their minds when they realised just exactly what was going to happen.

For what it is worth, the last time I was seriously involved in a dry dock it was on an oil tanker. The following surveys were made: (a) 3rd Special Survey of the hull with thickness determination. (b) Docking Survey. (c) Annual Survey. (d) Safety Equipment Survey. (e) Safety Construction Survey. (f) Load Line Survey. (g) Completion of Continuous Machinery Survey. (h) Tailshaft Survey. The reason I was involved, was that the DD was in April and the ship sank the following January. I was2/O at the time. The reason was suspected metal fatigue on a cooling pipe. Just to prove that even a DD isn't perfect 🤣

It would be interesting to know exactly what happened, why it happened, and what the damage was.

Unfortunately it is not what you or I believe that counts .... it is what the company safety officers perceive the risk to be. 🙂 Having been there and worn the tee-shirt I will concur with their decision to ban them.🫡

Ballpark ...we used to take about 30 days from the Arabian Gulf to Europe or the other way round. Where from/to could make a couple of days difference. This was a base speed of 15 knots. The only 'stop' was a very brief stores r/v with a launch off Robben Island.

I understand that some cruise lines may object to this practice citing fire / safety issues. It could be worth some research?

Must have been one BIG bang 🙂 I've been on a few ships where we have gone alongside and damaged the paintwork but have never seen a puncture. The going rate in those days was to come alongside, broadside, at a speed of 1 metre per minute.

IMHO SS UK really don't care. They have set themselves very low standards and they consistently fail to meet them. Since covid every dealing I have had with them has been less than satisfactory. Even my TA whom I now use is getting frustrated with them.

I tried mock booking with them. Two adults with three cases. The 'basic limo' was classified as too small so an upgrade in size was required .... at double the price. I think not 😁 I remember someone pointing out that pre D2D they suddenly offered a 'free' limo service. Coincidentally the prices of the few cruises it was offered on increased by £200? If you did not want the service they offered a 'refund' of £100. Taking the Mickley is a polite interpretation 🙂

We had a lovely meal at Ennio's, an Italian within walking distance of the PI. Town Quay I believe? Bookings suggested.

Possibly via a TA who hasn't sold their 'allocation ' ?

Not as busy on that day 🙂 Just three others, a Carnival, a Princess, and Silversea.