Early Departure - Bordeaux, France

Holland America Lines big bosses stayed overnight on the ship and left before the Prinsendam's departure which was around 8:00 this morning.  Despite strikes at by dock workers, the situation didn't affect us much at all and the Prinsendam was able to leave more or less on time.  We sailed down the Garonne River, passing underneath a modern bridge as we left Bordeaux.  The bridge doesn't split in half and lift up.  Instead a section of the bridge is raised and river traffic can pass through.  Eventually we went through the Gironde Estuary and out to sea.

Once out to sea the pilot was picked up by helicopter.  The helicopter arrived and hovered very briefly while the pilot hooked up to a line and was lifted up and away.  It was interesting.

We are now on our way to Lisbon, Portugal, just under 2 days sailing ahead of us.   

PHOTOGRAPHS