Dear Readers,

The following email was sent to me by a member of Global Traveler’s Globility Board (see article in the April 2012 issue introducing the board). Dorothy Wood is an avid traveler and found herself in a precarious position. Please read her post!

“Last week I was asked to write about security, not thinking that I would be drifting in the sea off of Malaysia on the Azamara Quest. We had a fire one night, and I was amazed at the calm of most people as we walked through thick smoke to get to our muster stations. The captain gave us updates about every 10 minutes during the evening and every few hours the next day, although there was little to report as we were drifting in the sea without full power. We had five injured people with one crew member in critical condition. I can not say enough about the good spirits of crew, captain and guests, although most of the guests were really scared (I must admit, I thought my time had come, when sitting in the dining room with smoke pouring in the exit!).

It is unfortunate that the main office was not as helpful. They told family members that nothing was wrong, there were no injuries and that we were sailing!

Oh for a Starbucks, or any coffee! We ate salami and cheese on a bagel served on paper plates for breakfast and lunch. Our last night we had a barbeque on deck!”

All passengers safely reached Malaysia.

— Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO