The celebration took place in the faculty/staff lounge in the bow of the ship. To M.F.'s surprise, LaVahn arranged for a "special occasion" dinner in a private dining area. Once he told M.F. that it had been arranged, she suggested that we also renew our wedding vows if the captain performed such an event. She didn't get her hopes up thinking this might just happen in the movies. As you can see, the Captain agreed and will provide us with a signed and sealed certificate at some point.
We had a five course dinner with champagne at a cost of $25. per person. We mention the cost only because we aren't use to such low prices for a five course dinner, no charge for renting the facility either. We invited four people, Karen Ryan, Academic Dean on the voyage (from UVA), Rachel Most (faculty from UVA, also a dean there), Allen Lynch (faculty UVA and our new best friend), Amy Bippus from U of CA, Longbeach.
The dinner was definitely the best meal we've had on ship. We are waiting for the special invitation from the Captain for dinner. This is unlike dinner with the Captain on cruise ships where he and his staff members receive all passengers for a group dinner which is really no different from any other dinner on the ship. I understand that before this voyage is over we, as members of a small group at a time, will receive an engraved invitation to dine with him; another five course meal. How does the Captain keep his "figger"?
Speaking of dinner, we've been told ahead of time that the food is good but not great. Well, that too is unlike a cruise ship where all the dinners are superb as are the desserts. Most meals on this voyage have been okay to good and then others have left alot to be desired. Also, unlike cruise ships, all meals are cafeteria-style.
The chef's idea of salad every day is Romaine lettuce, tomatoes with occasional carrots, cukes and on hamburger nights, onions.
Toasting for the cameraman. Gordon (?) and Allen Lynch, who teaches Global Studies. Two session per day in the Union (auditorium). It is required of all students and requested that everyone else take it.
During the toast. Before the ceremony began, the hotel manager came into the lounge and informed the bar tender that he was to serve champange and wine on the house as it were. It just doesn't flow to say on the ship. (NO PUN INTENDED)
During the toast. Ship's video photograher in background. Of course, we've purchased the DVD! Another view of the faculty/staff lounge.
During the toast. Ship's video photograher in background. Of course, we've purchased the DVD! Another view of the faculty/staff lounge.
M.F. had an interesting conversation and with the captain and will share sometime when/if you're interested.
M.F. and Karen Ryan.
On the left is, of course, LaVahn, Karen Ryan, Gordon (?) faculty (can't remember his name and Mary Johnston, Librarian (all f rom University of Virginia).
This is where the ocean and fog blend.
Taken from the bridge. A cargo ship arriving from California and is identified on one of the computers.
Entrance to faculty/staff lounge. The view is spectacular as is located forward in bow of ship. No student allowed unless specifically invited. This is the location where we renewed our wedding vows on June 17, our wedding anniversary. Pictures to follow soon.
One of several piano bars. Students study and play games here. Several classrooms are located on left and on the way here, we pass the two campus stores (textbooks, class supplies on one side and sweatshirts and beach towels with SAS emblem on the other side) the purser's desk, field office where trips are made and paid for, dean's office, etc.
One of two exercise areas. This one is located on the pool, snack bar area on our deck.
This is the last view as we sail away. Prior to this picture, the Captain had announced that he would turn the ship in circles until the ship's compass was calibrated. We were relieved to finally be sailing toward Norway once the calibration check was approved. 
This fellow came aboard before we left the harbor. I saw him from my perch in faculty/staff lounge and wondered if he was a "terriorist." He had a tool box and began prying open this gray thing in the area marked "crew only" only. He wasn't wearing the typical crew uniform. Later we were told he was setting or calibrating the ship's compass in case the ship's GPS (global positioning unit) malfunctioned. 
M.F. just happened to be on our balcony when the harbor pilot positioned his boat against our ship for the compass calibration man to get on board. At this point, we were well out of the harbor after making "lazy circles" in the sea.
The calibration man safely on board, the harbor pilot quickly sails away. Our last touch which Halifax, Sunday, June 15 at 7:00 PM. We planned to set sail at 5:00 PM. However, many students were delayed in NYC and Boston and didn't arrive until shortly before 7:00 PM. There are still students on board without luggage which is due to be delivered to their cabins when we arrive in Norway. Several passengers have donated clothes to them.
