A Month We Will Never Forget

Dear Members and Friends,

September was, quite simply, a month that Annette and I would rather not have lived through.

I apologise for the absence of our usual monthly newsletter. There are times in life when business, projects and even our normal routines have to be put aside — and September was one of those times.

We travelled to Sydney for the funeral of Annette’s uncle, which was already a very difficult and emotional occasion for the family.

Then, just two days later, we received the heartbreaking news that Annette’s Mum, Denise, had passed away.

Perhaps the hardest part for Annette and the family was knowing that we did not get the opportunity to see her before she passed. That has made the loss particularly difficult to come to terms with.

As you can imagine, the remainder of September was largely written off for us. Our focus had to be on family, grief and supporting one another through what was an extraordinarily difficult period.

I therefore apologise for not providing the usual update on everything happening with The FIRM and VOYAGER I.

The good news is that the projects have continued to move forward in the background, and I will bring everyone fully up to date in our next edition.

For now, I simply wanted to explain why September was so quiet.

Life has a way of reminding us that, despite all the plans we make, family must always come first.

Thank you for your understanding, your patience and, most importantly, for the many messages of kindness and support that Annette and I have received.

They have meant more to us than you may realise.

With appreciation and warmest regards,

John & Annette Ibbitson
The FIRM International Cruise Lines
247th Monthly Edition — September 2026