Joe, I'm so glad to hear from you! It seems like it's been forever and I was afraid you had fallen on harder times than usual. I applaud your ongoing bravery and penchant for adventure. Love you
Yikes - bad case of food poisoning for sure. You are lucky to have been rescued by a fellow VV resident! I hope that was decent beer dripping in by the IV line. Curious what they charge on VV for visits to the medical center. Is it as overpriced as typical cruise ships? I'm surprised the US Coast Guard inspects ships in foreign ports. It's a 50-50 shot for the vessel to enter US waters, and I wonder if a betting pool is going. Did they "drill the peephole" yet on your room door? Good luck as you sail.
It's a requirement for the ship to be inspected by the US Coastguard BEFORE entering US waters because the last time this ship had a US Certification (which it doesn't yet have) was in 2009. The cruise line has to pay for a team of inspectors to fly out for the inspection.
It’s here. But they couldn’t find a protected place with a high enough ceiling to use it. So they’re trying to find a way to have it outdoors without people knocking golf balls into the ocean. Or so I’ve been told. I have no idea how golf simulators work.
A pile of underpants. You have a more than one pair? I say this referencing the catastrophic event on the Golfihno do Mar II in March this year, when I believe a previous pair of your undercrackers suffered a terminal failure.
I’m sorry to hear about your trip out, perhaps next time you should opt for a day with the monkey ticklers. I imagine it’s lawful to tickle them in Costa Rica; but it’s generally frowned upon in the UK.
Funny enough I don’t have anything better to do, so the other day I just happened to be watching a webcam stream of the Riff Fort Renaissance Mill shopping mall - it’s some mall in Curacao. Anyway, you wouldn’t believe what I saw happen in the alleyway between it and the Sopranos Sports Bar and Pizzeria. This old geezer came staggering out of the bar and…
Thanks Joe and sorry for your being sick in Curaçao. That must have been awful. Reminds me of a time in Vegas when my family and I all ate fajitas, but I was the only one to get violently ill. I mean so bad I still remember it almost 25 years later so you just never know when it will happen to you when you eat anything outside of the home. Glad you are ok.
Just wondering since medical costs on traditional cruises can be outrageous, did Villa Vie cover the costs of the IVs and other expenses or did they stick you with a bill?
I’m a fellow resident with Joe and I learned 8 months ago NOT to eat meat or Dairy off the ship. Joe is not the only one who has spent uncomfortable days/nights after breaking this rule. Actually I usually eat deep fried any thing, estimating that any bacteria has been fried off it!
hahahahhahahahahha, better and better! oh laughed out loud at the El Salvador, "Disappear yourself" hahahahahah! and the T shirt idea for Ville Vie....and all of the cartoony inserts. I am laughing! THANK YOU! and for god's sake stay away from the pulled pork, blech! (the beer mentions makes me want one).
Hi Joe, Are the pools still out of commission? If so, any ETA on completion?
I just read an article posted on CC, that travel warnings in some areas in Mexico just increased. This includes resort areas of La Paz and Cabo, as there has been a recent uptick in cartel activity. Keep your diamond and emeralds in the safe while off the ship. 😂
The pools are full of seawater when we’re in motion, out of commission when we’re parked. They’re still working on the tiles. I suggested we ask the cartels to help us, but no one else seems to think that’s a good idea.
Have you heard anything more about the FMC Surety bond? You know, the proof of financial backing that's required in order for a cruise ship to enter a US port? As the FMC regs say,
"Proof of financial responsibility is required for PVOs to qualify for issuance of a Performance Certificate (46 CFR § 540.7) and is required for PVOs to qualify for issuance of a Casualty Certificate (46 CFR § 540.25). The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security is required to refuse clearance (46 USC § 44105) of a vessel at a port or place of departure from the United States that does not have FMC-issued, Performance and Casualty Certificates evidencing that the PVO has obtained the required financial coverage in compliance with Public Law 89-77 (46 USC Chapter 441) and the FMC’s PVO regulations (46 CFR § 540).
As you say, Joe, Kathy has a way of glossing over important details, like being allowed into US ports, polar clearances or Brazilian maritime laws...
I have no idea either about how much it will cost or whether they have enough money to pay it. They claim to be ok with finances for the near future, but they act as if they're scrambling for cash. We'll know in a couple of weeks, I guess.
"They claim to be ok with finances for the near future"
Well that's scary. Does that mean they aren't ok with finances for the medium future? Hopefully it's not a pyramid situation where money paid for future travel is used to fund the current day before the paid passenger has even boarded. Several of the programs are not refundable- cabin purchase (which even says the 50% deposit can be put in the Operating Account with the rest being due within 2 months max), both Endless Horizon programs and the Seasonal Ownership and then of course 100% of the payment of anyone on any program once it's 90 days until that person boards.
Thank you Joe. Sincerely. And we only had to wait 6 weeks. 😱 But just as you don't like to complain, neither does your audience so forget I mentioned it.
Something I've been wondering about - did you sign up for the "new" Segment 17 which was promised to be where all dead ports went to be reborn: nothing "cancelled", just "postponed"? It's going to be so exciting to see a 34 year old, non-Polar certified ship sail in Antarctica! And Greenland! All of that now reframed as World Uncharted! The Greenland portion may be more doable because when we own Greenland we probably won't care about such silliness as Polar certification safety requirements. But how does it work for those like you who bought the full 3.5 year circumnavigation which was supposed to end in West Palm Beach on December 6, 2027? World Uncharted/Segment 17 starts as always on 11/2/27 in Barcelona, but on 12/6/27 will be in Panama City instead of West Palm and then continues on, not yet having visited any of the promised "postponed" ports. Are the original full Segment purchasers expected to exit in Panama on the original end date and is it only at that point that you are charged going forward for World Uncharted? And will those original segment purchasers getting the original discounted (and scarily nonrefundable) rate be subject to the additional fees that this VV program is the first to charge ($18/day service fee and $39/day port charge)?
Best of luck in having those "few" issues on the US Coastguard inspection addressed ahead of Honolulu. I'm sure there's nothing to be concerned about for having them taken care of on a timely basis. Look how well getting the pools fixed prior to the Caribbean Round One worked out! And remember when VV said the first Sea Trials were without issues and then had to fly out teams to research the issues that had actually been noted and it took at least a month to then hold the Sea Trials Do-over for which they found more issues to be fixed prior to certification?Also best of luck in passing the US Public Health inspections as well. I heard that's a piece of cake. 🍰 So little to do...so much time (2 weeks!).
Please don't wait until the next disaster to let us hear from you again. BTW how's Bobby? Has he and entourage been back onboard? Doesn't the A/C in his cabin work? And seriously, have you thought about attending to your microbiome to help with all these bacterial onslaughts?
I will not be going on the new improved Segment 17. Too many repeats. Too many sea days. I'll be addressing this in the next Substack, which I promise will come sooner than 6 weeks. Whether it's before the next disaster, who's to say.
Out of curiosity, what did VVR tell its residents about safety in Topolobambo? That small city is an active hive for cartel activity and the very nearby other cities are as well. Most tourists don't go there and definitely one couldn't drive there on the main national toll road which was closed earlier in May due to violence as competing cartels are battling each other. There are so many places along that coast to stop, I'm surprised at some of the places VVR has chosen which are amongst the more notorious for current cartel activity.
We were given the usual safety warnings -- don't wear jewelry, keep your head on a swivel, etc. -- but with no specific mention of cartel violence. The dock is a considerable distance from the town so everyone took shuttles and stayed in a pretty defined area. In truth, the cartel violence isn't really a factor for tourists. The town was incredibly grateful to have us and put on a big show at the pier to welcome us. There have been no problems.
Joe, I'm so glad to hear from you! It seems like it's been forever and I was afraid you had fallen on harder times than usual. I applaud your ongoing bravery and penchant for adventure. Love you
Yikes - bad case of food poisoning for sure. You are lucky to have been rescued by a fellow VV resident! I hope that was decent beer dripping in by the IV line. Curious what they charge on VV for visits to the medical center. Is it as overpriced as typical cruise ships? I'm surprised the US Coast Guard inspects ships in foreign ports. It's a 50-50 shot for the vessel to enter US waters, and I wonder if a betting pool is going. Did they "drill the peephole" yet on your room door? Good luck as you sail.
It's a requirement for the ship to be inspected by the US Coastguard BEFORE entering US waters because the last time this ship had a US Certification (which it doesn't yet have) was in 2009. The cruise line has to pay for a team of inspectors to fly out for the inspection.
Any sign of the on board ⛳️?
It’s here. But they couldn’t find a protected place with a high enough ceiling to use it. So they’re trying to find a way to have it outdoors without people knocking golf balls into the ocean. Or so I’ve been told. I have no idea how golf simulators work.
A pile of underpants. You have a more than one pair? I say this referencing the catastrophic event on the Golfihno do Mar II in March this year, when I believe a previous pair of your undercrackers suffered a terminal failure.
I’m sorry to hear about your trip out, perhaps next time you should opt for a day with the monkey ticklers. I imagine it’s lawful to tickle them in Costa Rica; but it’s generally frowned upon in the UK.
Funny enough I don’t have anything better to do, so the other day I just happened to be watching a webcam stream of the Riff Fort Renaissance Mill shopping mall - it’s some mall in Curacao. Anyway, you wouldn’t believe what I saw happen in the alleyway between it and the Sopranos Sports Bar and Pizzeria. This old geezer came staggering out of the bar and…
Please write again soon Uncle Joe.
Thanks Joe and sorry for your being sick in Curaçao. That must have been awful. Reminds me of a time in Vegas when my family and I all ate fajitas, but I was the only one to get violently ill. I mean so bad I still remember it almost 25 years later so you just never know when it will happen to you when you eat anything outside of the home. Glad you are ok.
Just wondering since medical costs on traditional cruises can be outrageous, did Villa Vie cover the costs of the IVs and other expenses or did they stick you with a bill?
There was a bill, but a nominal one. They don’t charge for diagnostic visits.
Are you sure the Swinging Bridge isn't the West End in Dallas?
Glad your ship pals had your back. But you sort of buried the lede: Ville Vie cleared for US ports. Raise a glass!
Yes, I thought the couple that assisted you showed some real kindness there.
You’re making a few friends! Congrats, I’m happy for you! It must be so tempting to eat all that foreign food
A big chunk of foreign travel fun must be the foods, but maybe not pork? I’m glad the ship passed muster, ho, ho, ho.
I’m a fellow resident with Joe and I learned 8 months ago NOT to eat meat or Dairy off the ship. Joe is not the only one who has spent uncomfortable days/nights after breaking this rule. Actually I usually eat deep fried any thing, estimating that any bacteria has been fried off it!
hahahahhahahahahha, better and better! oh laughed out loud at the El Salvador, "Disappear yourself" hahahahahah! and the T shirt idea for Ville Vie....and all of the cartoony inserts. I am laughing! THANK YOU! and for god's sake stay away from the pulled pork, blech! (the beer mentions makes me want one).
Hi Joe, Are the pools still out of commission? If so, any ETA on completion?
I just read an article posted on CC, that travel warnings in some areas in Mexico just increased. This includes resort areas of La Paz and Cabo, as there has been a recent uptick in cartel activity. Keep your diamond and emeralds in the safe while off the ship. 😂
The pools are full of seawater when we’re in motion, out of commission when we’re parked. They’re still working on the tiles. I suggested we ask the cartels to help us, but no one else seems to think that’s a good idea.
Have you heard anything more about the FMC Surety bond? You know, the proof of financial backing that's required in order for a cruise ship to enter a US port? As the FMC regs say,
"Proof of financial responsibility is required for PVOs to qualify for issuance of a Performance Certificate (46 CFR § 540.7) and is required for PVOs to qualify for issuance of a Casualty Certificate (46 CFR § 540.25). The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security is required to refuse clearance (46 USC § 44105) of a vessel at a port or place of departure from the United States that does not have FMC-issued, Performance and Casualty Certificates evidencing that the PVO has obtained the required financial coverage in compliance with Public Law 89-77 (46 USC Chapter 441) and the FMC’s PVO regulations (46 CFR § 540).
As you say, Joe, Kathy has a way of glossing over important details, like being allowed into US ports, polar clearances or Brazilian maritime laws...
I have no idea either about how much it will cost or whether they have enough money to pay it. They claim to be ok with finances for the near future, but they act as if they're scrambling for cash. We'll know in a couple of weeks, I guess.
"They claim to be ok with finances for the near future"
Well that's scary. Does that mean they aren't ok with finances for the medium future? Hopefully it's not a pyramid situation where money paid for future travel is used to fund the current day before the paid passenger has even boarded. Several of the programs are not refundable- cabin purchase (which even says the 50% deposit can be put in the Operating Account with the rest being due within 2 months max), both Endless Horizon programs and the Seasonal Ownership and then of course 100% of the payment of anyone on any program once it's 90 days until that person boards.
13
Thank you Joe. Sincerely. And we only had to wait 6 weeks. 😱 But just as you don't like to complain, neither does your audience so forget I mentioned it.
Something I've been wondering about - did you sign up for the "new" Segment 17 which was promised to be where all dead ports went to be reborn: nothing "cancelled", just "postponed"? It's going to be so exciting to see a 34 year old, non-Polar certified ship sail in Antarctica! And Greenland! All of that now reframed as World Uncharted! The Greenland portion may be more doable because when we own Greenland we probably won't care about such silliness as Polar certification safety requirements. But how does it work for those like you who bought the full 3.5 year circumnavigation which was supposed to end in West Palm Beach on December 6, 2027? World Uncharted/Segment 17 starts as always on 11/2/27 in Barcelona, but on 12/6/27 will be in Panama City instead of West Palm and then continues on, not yet having visited any of the promised "postponed" ports. Are the original full Segment purchasers expected to exit in Panama on the original end date and is it only at that point that you are charged going forward for World Uncharted? And will those original segment purchasers getting the original discounted (and scarily nonrefundable) rate be subject to the additional fees that this VV program is the first to charge ($18/day service fee and $39/day port charge)?
Best of luck in having those "few" issues on the US Coastguard inspection addressed ahead of Honolulu. I'm sure there's nothing to be concerned about for having them taken care of on a timely basis. Look how well getting the pools fixed prior to the Caribbean Round One worked out! And remember when VV said the first Sea Trials were without issues and then had to fly out teams to research the issues that had actually been noted and it took at least a month to then hold the Sea Trials Do-over for which they found more issues to be fixed prior to certification?Also best of luck in passing the US Public Health inspections as well. I heard that's a piece of cake. 🍰 So little to do...so much time (2 weeks!).
Please don't wait until the next disaster to let us hear from you again. BTW how's Bobby? Has he and entourage been back onboard? Doesn't the A/C in his cabin work? And seriously, have you thought about attending to your microbiome to help with all these bacterial onslaughts?
I will not be going on the new improved Segment 17. Too many repeats. Too many sea days. I'll be addressing this in the next Substack, which I promise will come sooner than 6 weeks. Whether it's before the next disaster, who's to say.
Out of curiosity, what did VVR tell its residents about safety in Topolobambo? That small city is an active hive for cartel activity and the very nearby other cities are as well. Most tourists don't go there and definitely one couldn't drive there on the main national toll road which was closed earlier in May due to violence as competing cartels are battling each other. There are so many places along that coast to stop, I'm surprised at some of the places VVR has chosen which are amongst the more notorious for current cartel activity.
We were given the usual safety warnings -- don't wear jewelry, keep your head on a swivel, etc. -- but with no specific mention of cartel violence. The dock is a considerable distance from the town so everyone took shuttles and stayed in a pretty defined area. In truth, the cartel violence isn't really a factor for tourists. The town was incredibly grateful to have us and put on a big show at the pier to welcome us. There have been no problems.