While the Prinsendam, at 675' and carrying around 1300 people, might seem like an odd buddy boat, we have been following it on MarineTraffic.com for weeks and anticipating its arrival here in St. Lucia with high excitement because our good friends Wayne and Sheila are aboard.
We met Wayne and Sheila way back in El Salvador and buddy boated down the Central American coast and through the Panama Canal together. Then at Lintón we parted ways but kept in touch as they made arrangements to board the Prinsendam.
They have been aboard for a couple of months now, but not as passengers. Sheila is head nurse for the medical team and Wayne rides for free, but helps with the shore tours on a volunteer basis. They invited us aboard as their guests for the day and what a day it was!
We were allowed onto the bridge and even met the Captain. (That's one of the third officers explaining the security camera system to Malcolm.) We could even see our little boat anchored below the bridge. It sure looked small from up there. We toured the whole ship and everyone was very welcoming and generous with their time.
My favorite part was my pedicure, but Lele kept telling me my feet were so dry. If she only knew how badly I abuse and neglect them she'd be horrified.
Undoubtedly Malcolm's favorite part was the Boddingtons and burger. In fact, lunch wasn't the only meal we ate while aboard. They insisted we have a second breakfast when we first arrived.
What with the breakfast, ship tour, presents, champagne, lunch, and non-stop catching up, the day passed much too quickly and before we knew it, it was time to go.
Shortly after we arrived back at our little boat, the Prinsendam reeled in its dock lines, gave three mighty hoots, and sailed out of the harbor with all of us waving madly. Safe seas my friends. Hope to see you again soon.
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