Thanks for all the Bon Voyage greetings. We're off to a great start. It was so special when we boarded yesterday as our ship, Seabourn Spirit was docked next to the Regent Voyager !! It seemed like old home week. So far this ship is great, like one of Regent's but on a mini-scale (except for the cabins which are 277 sq. ft. and plenty roomy).

We learned that Capt. Dag does read the Manifest list so he surprised us more than visa versa. We walked in our cabin and there was a very nice hand-written note and a stuffed "dog" waiting for us. Next we found him in the hall and he took us to a private area on the ship where we could sit, talk and catch up. He looks great and I'm sure he'll be a hit with Seabourn just as he was for so many years with Regent. It was so kind of him to invite us to eat with him tonight at the Captain's Welcome dinner. We are looking forward to that.

We did tell Capt Dag all the people who send their greetings (I think I received at least 20 emails before leaving from so many sending their best wishes and to give him a hug etc.) He was VERY impressed when I went through the list of familiar names and he just grinned. I'm sure it was a good feeling knowing he is missed. To most who know him, he'll always be our favorite Captain. I guess some of his old buddies from the Voyager came over here yesterday. I'm sure it was a nice reunion.

This afternoon we'll be on a small island Lipari, just off the coast of Sicily. We have no plans whatsoever....just the way we want it. Stroll, people watch and eat pizza!

Jean, Tom and I have talked about you and Clyde as we've walked around trying to imagine what it must have been like having the pirates shooting at this ship off the coast of Somalia. !!

Last night we had a wonderful dinner outside on La Veranda (what is called Restaurant 2) with a delicious Surf and Turf dinner. The lobster was outstanding. YUM.

Well....that's it for now. We're off to a great start on this pre-TUT trip.