What a fascinating meeting! Learned much about ship operations from those running the place..

The meeting began with a video showing what was done during the Pandemic to spruce up the ship. New menu items were developed with much polishing, and ship cleaning conducted.

Then the Officers arrived and here’s some of the fun facts learned:

• Staff numbers; 500 food and beverage members, 150 housekeepers, 63 engine staffers
• Officers work 10 weeks on/10 weeks off
• Crew Members share accommodations, but future ships will now have private rooms with shared loos.
• Fifteen trucks replace supplies for cruises with 114,000 # vegetables, 22,500 # flour, 44,000 # beef, 21,000 # chicken, 10,500# pork, 25,600# fish, 93,000 eggs, 1352 gallons of ice cream, 1600 cases beer, for a 13 day cruise. WOW we eat much.
• The Ship produces its own water with 158,000 gallons used in 24 hours. Hey, maybe they need to teach California how to do that??
• There are 1700 sinks on the Ship, with 1500 showers, and between 8-30,000 gallons of water are used per hour.
• Ship was currently at half capacity but future voyages are picking up! Good to hear..

Shucks!

Bath is a Unesco World History site known for its Roman Baths. The Roman Baths began upon the discovery of the areas hot springs. Romans who visited would drink 2 bottles daily of the medicinal waters known to have 43 minerals in them. It is the only hot springs in Europe and was discovered and unearthed in the late 19th century. Since then the Baths have been restored and waters continue to flow as does tourists anxious to visit this ancient city where great Roman rulers walked.

The Museum gives an excellent presentation of the era surrounded by the 2000 year old ruins. Some pictures starting with the entrance to the Baths.

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Bath is also known for a famous resident, Jane Austen who lived here for 5 years. There is a museum dedicated to her in Bath and annually a Jane Austen Festival. Jane received her only marriage proposal while residing in Bath from a wealthy but somewhat uninteresting Harris Bigg-Wither. While she accepted the proposal the following day she withdrew her acceptance.

Bath has much charm with its many shops, and restaurants. If looking for a unique stop outside of London, consider Bath.