Brazil or No Brazil - I'm Going on a Cruise!

 The last 24 hours have brought great news.  First, I heard that my guaranteed cabin had been assigned.  You'll be able to find me on the balcony of cabin 4133 for the next two months.

This morning brought even better news from HAL: 

"Holland America Line continues to make progress with government and port officials regarding visa requirements for Brazil.  We know this has been frustrating for many guests and we are sorry for the added stress so close to your embarkation date for this spectacular voyage.

While we are hopeful for a resolution either through the government suspending the requirement or through more efficient visa processing, we know you need certainty as the start of the voyage nears.  If this issue is not resolved, we will revise our itinerary to remove Brazil so no guests are denied boarding over this matter.  While it is our hope this won't be needed, it is important to us that you know you will be able to embark as planned in Fort Lauderdale."

Yesterday I spent about 4 hours helping a friend submit the requested documents to get her Brazil visa.  Today they were rejected with no explanation.  Just "resubmit".  Now, I can stop fretting about it.  I applied for my visa on December 5.  There is still no estimate of if or when I might receive it.

If we don't cruise up the Amazon, I will be disappointed.  But, I'll be cruising.  My boarding time was also assigned.  I'll be boarding at 11:00 a.m. in Ft. Lauderdale.

Most important, Buddy is all set.  He'll have two humans and two new doggie companions staying in the house with him.  

This is a VB category cabin.  I'll be in one similar, #4133.