November 1st- Introduction of Ship Crew, Safety Lecture & Life Boat Drill

We hadn't set sail @ this stage yet.. we were due to depart later in the afternoon. Therefore, the morning was taken up with lectures in the Dolphin Hall. We were introduced to the Ship Captain, the Chief Engineer and the Chief Purser. The First Officer then gave us a safety lecture with demonstrations and all.. Followed by a Life Boat Drill which we all had to participate in... we basically had to know which Life Boat to run to just in case emergency struck.. as usual, Jen our beloved Photographer and her camera was prowling and took these shots :D

November 1st- Flag Hoisting Ceremony for Japan

Flag Hoisting Ceremonies are a ritual on the Nippon Maru. They normally begin about 7.30 a.m in the morning whereby we observe the national anthem of the country who is having the flag hoisting ceremony. Sometimes, its one country, Sometimes 2 countries share one flag hoisting Ceremony (Like Brunei did with Cambodia this year, as both were not ports of call in this Year'S sseayp).. If its Bright and Sunny like you see in the pictures, the Ceremony is held @ the Sports Deck. If it Rains and Pours, we take it into the Dolphin Hall. The Raising of the Flags and National Anthem of the Host Country is followed by a speech from the National Leader of the Host Country. In this case, you can see the Japanese National Leader, Miss Kayako Nishida delivering her remarks...Also, lets not forget to say Big Thanks and Kudos to Brunei Darussalam's 2 faithful Flag Hoisters, Amier and Mimiet who were tasked with the Major Duty of raising the flag of Brunei Darussalam during all the flag hoisting ceremonies. We're so Proud of You for Your Job Well Done!