BAHAMAS

About midway into the semester, talks of the possible docking of the MV Explorer in the Bahamas circulated the SAS rumor mill. There were students who were dead set in believing that we will be stopping by the Bahamas once we sail out of Cuba and head towards Florida.

"It doesn't take 4 days to get to Florida from Cuba! There has to be a stop over in the Bahamas."

They said.

Then there were people who insisted that a surprise stopover in the Bahamas was SAS's way of going all out to celebrate this 50th anniversary voyage. We are very special that way, after all. We feel like we deserve such a surprise.

Then during ship bridge tours, where students get to see the inside of the Captain's workplace (and get to sit in his chair and wear his Captain hat), members of the shipboard community caught sight of a Bahamian flag carefully nestled in between the other flags of the countries on our voyage itinerary. (It is maritime law to carry the flags of the countries your ship will be docking in)

"Now why would there be a flag of the Bahamas on board?"

They wondered.

But, there were also those who chose not to get their hopes up. They either refused to believe any part of the rumor, or they simply believed that even though we might be stopping over at the Bahamas, it would only be for technical reasons such as bunkering, and that we won't actually be allowed to get off.

Finally, two nights ago during logistical pre-port, our Executive Dean and Academic Dean silenced the rumors once and for all.

"Yes, we are getting off in the Bahamas!!"

They happily announced.

I will never forget the amount of cheers and the deafening sound of thunderous applause that followed. We were all so excited not just because we get to go to another country (our 16th one!!!), but mostly because by the time we get to Bahamas, we would be done with all things school related on the ship! Meaning we can bask under the sweet Bahamian sun, spending our last few days together worry-free. It would be like spring break!! Perfect way to cap off the voyage.

So yes, ladies and gentlemen: WE ARE GOING TO THE BAHAMAS!! Wuhoo! I guess some rumors turn out to be the truth! YAY SAS FALL VOYAGE 2013!! :) YEAH BAHAMAS SEE YOU SOON