Day 70

Day 70 – New York to St Thomas – Tuesday 24/7/12

Weather – Sunny 26C - 29C

Sunrise – 5.55am

Sunset – 7.06pm

Time difference - minus 14 hours ex Sydney

Today Sun Princess continued on a south-easterly course through the Atlantic Ocean. We are in the area known as the Bermuda Triangle so if you dont see any more blog posts after today you will know we have been the victims of some paranormal activity. If you happen to see a little green man with antennas on his head, who may look suspiciously like a relative to ET , driving around the Gold Coast in a new blue Toyota Corolla Sport, you will know the aliens have kidnapped us, so can someone go to our place and feed the dog and cat :)

Today we had the medical evacuation of two passengers by the US Coast Guard. Two separate helicopters and a support plane were despatched all the way from Miami to facilitate the evacuation of the patients. The open decks atop were cleared aft and middle, the only area where people were permitted was on far front of the open decks. All deck chairs were stacked away, in preparation for the evacuation that was to occur at the open area on the rear of 14.

The Promenade deck was also partly closed off, with the small 'man overboard' runabouts at the ready. The Captain made numerous announcements to crew and passengers in terms of what and when to expect things occurring, and the dos and donts. There is not a helipad on the ship so the evacuations were done with the helicopters hovering incredibly close to the ship, on the port, aft corner of the ship.

Passengers were in awe at the professionalism and skill displayed by the helicopter pilot who was able to maintain such a stable, and hazardous position for the 20 minutes of so it took undertake the procedure. By the way the ship was not stationary, it continued to sail along, which made the feat even more meritorious. Firstly a crew member drop lined down to the ship deck, then the stretcher capsule was drop lined down, the patient hoisted up, and then the crew member hoisted back up.

Due to the helicopters payload restrictions, and fuel requirements needed for the helicopter to be able to get to San Juan, where the patients were being taken, the first chopper was not able to take both patients. This must have been factored into the planning as the second helicopter was on standby nearby, and performed the second operation the same as the first, and equally as well.

There was a US Coast Guard plane circling above in support, keeping watch on the operation. Full credit to the Princess and US Coast Guard crews for the professional way the whole operation was conducted, and we all hope that both patients recover well from their ailments.

Tonight we had our Christmas in July dinner, for our dinner table. Wendy and Donna went to a lot of effort to make bonbons, that contained Xmas hats, toys, candy and jokes. They also decorated the table, and Wendy made a fantastic Xmas tree. Everyone participated in the Kris Kringle which was great fun. Head Waiter Johan, and the Executive Chef spoilt us with a wonderful turkey dinner, followed up with a yummy plum pudding. We were the envy of the dining room I am sure.

After dinner we went to the move that was on show in the Princess Theatre, Mirror Mirror. Surprisingly I did not sleep through it :)

St Thomas, in the US Virgin Islands tomorrow, so we get our first taste of the Caribbean :)