The Pirates are Coming and I do not mean SHU

Howdy Folk,

We are approaching the Arabian Sea and so we get ready. The third deck which is our promenade deck has barb wire across the back. There are plans to put more wire on the railing. Guests are warned not to pamper with the wire. Tomorrow we enter the Arabian Sea where the pirates are at work, we are being prepared.

We now have a security plan to protect the ship. There are security on each side of the ship with glasses looking for pirates. We are now about to have a drill, which means if you have an outside room you are to leave the room and go to the corridor. If you have an inside room stay where you are. Stateroom stewards will check to make sure everyone is accounted for. This reminds me of my days in the Seminary when we had air raid drills because of the missile crisis with Cuba. The sems that were there at that time had a great time watching particular faculty go crazy.

The Captain has just asked all guest to return to the area of their stateroom. Now the fun begins. We have guests that refuse to do anything they are asked to do. I hope the staff is gifted with the grace to handle these stubborn people.

We will have military escort as we head further north, beyond Mumbai. The state of "concern" is from 3/25 to 4/9. As usual I will enjoy all the running around and all the sights offered on the trip.

We are doing an "Anti-piracy Exercise". As you can figure out I am sitting in my stateroom writing you. The Captain is talking to the guests giving directions. He just told us that 11 cargo ships have been taken. He believes we are comfortable in that we are big. But there is a chance the pirates could take pot shots at the ship thus everyone is inside. No one is allowed on the open decks while this is going on. He just told us that if a pirate ship comes alongside we can take evasive action and we can gun the engines, which means we will out run the pirates. I can just hear what is going on in the minds of our elderly guests. Great time for a therapist to be on board!!!

I am fine and am enjoying the activity around me. I hope they finish soon, I have not had anything to eat today. As I head upstairs I'll probably climb over fainted guests.

Just want to let you know all is well and we are well prepared for what ever if anything comes our way. Next stop Cochin then Mumbai; Muscat, Oman; Dubai; Salalah, Oman; Jordan; Suez Canal and then Greece. The days ahead will be fun.

Take care.

Bill