March 17, 2020 - Day 72 - Updates on Disembarking

Another glorious day cruising on the very calm Indian Ocean.  Yesterday was similar, clear skies, warm weather and lots of anxiety.

The Captain had said he would make an announcement yesterday morning with an update on whether we'd be getting off in Fremantle or cruising back to the USA.  At 9:30 a.m. Hamish, our Cruise Director (as he tells us every single time he makes an announcement) came on and ignored the giant elephant on the ship and just gave the typical run down of the day's activities.

Around 11:00 a.m., the Captain came on to say that the Australian authorities would be allowing us off the ship in Fremantle and that all passengers must disembark on March 22.  The ship will stay in port until March 23.  He also said that he knew that a number of passengers had reported that they are physically unable to fly and that if that was certified by the ship's Doctor, they "would be accommodated".  Presumably that means cruising back to the US.

He went on to say that HAL in Seattle was working on a letter to provide details about disembarkation and reimbursement.  I happened to be in the hall outside my cabin along with a number of other passengers and my cabin steward.  There were tears and someone said a really bad word with a lot of feeling.  Ok, that was me.  I had to apologize to my young cabin steward.  Almost everyone on the ship wanted to just skip ports, except for refueling and supplies and just head home. 

About an hour later, the Captain came back on to say that because no more information was currently available from HAL and Guest Services was being inundated with questions, he was going to provide an overview of the information we'd be getting in the letter.  I suspect he only did this because it's his last cruise.  What are they going to do?  Fire him and keep his pension?

Here's what he said:

• If you booked air through HAL, they would make your travel arrangements home.  If you booked independently or didn't have any air booked (the case for several hundred of us who live in Florida), we are on our own.  HAL would reimburse up to $1,250 for flights, hotels, etc.
• Our transit visas are valid for 14 days in Australia.
• For reimbursement for the missed second half of the cruise we had two options.  Option One - 50% of fare paid would be credited to our credit card on file PLUS 50% of fare paid would be given as a future cruise credit.  Option Two - 125% of fare paid would be given as a future cruise credit.
• If you had used the HAL luggage program (bags are picked up at your house before the cruise and taken to the ship and sent to your home after the cruise) HAL would honor that.  Also, other baggage (some passengers have 12-14 bags) can be left on the ship and picked up at a later date in Ft. Lauderdale or they can Fed Ex bags, at passenger expense.  

The Captain said HAL is working on the details and we would be getting a letter in our staterooms, hopefully in the afternoon.  That was yesterday.  We still have no details from HAL.

People were clearly VERY unhappy about the decision to kick us off the ship.  Many (including me) believe it is a decision made to limit liability.  Better to take a hit by angering loyal customers than risk another month on board when someone tests positive for the virus.

Some of us immediately started trying to book flights using the incredibly slow internet.  Others are taking a "wait and see" approach and planning to make arrangements once we're in port.

I was able to get a flight booked yesterday.  Assuming international flights are still flying, I'll leave Perth at 10:50 pm on Monday night, March 23.  Itinerary is Perth >Sydney>Los Angeles>Orlando.  I also have a room booked near the airport and plan to just get a taxi to the hotel from the ship. 

There was one business class seat left on that itinerary.  Many people haven't started booking flights yet.  The thinking seems to be that since not many people are traveling, there will be lots of empty seats.  But, airlines have already cancelled a lot of flights.  And yesterday when I realized my flight left at 10:50 at night, not in the morning, I tried to change the flight to the 22nd.  The Delta site kept kicking me out mid-change and I thought it was just slow internet.  Nope, they were changing the fare.  The price increased over $2,000 from when I booked it an hour earlier.  Which explains why I'm just getting a hotel room instead of coming home a day earlier.

I'm trying not to worry about possible scenarios - like Australia or the US closing down international flights as some countries have begun to do.  While I wouldn't mind getting a short term apartment and staying here for a month or two, my transit visa is only good for 14 days from March 22.  Or is it 14 days from when we docked in Sydney?  That's one of the details we're waiting for.

We got a notice  yesterday that today at noon is the last time to turn in clothes to be washed.  Luckily, I've been using the unlimited free laundry service regularly so I'm good.  The free laundry is a perk of being a 4 Star Mariner.  Which makes me wonder - will I get credit for the sea days we missed?  Not that I'm likely to ever accrue 500 days on board to get to 5 Star status.

Last night's cocktail party was great.  I sat with my regular trivia/happy hour friends in our usual spot, along with another couple.  Lucky that we planned ahead and got there early.  The place was packed - unlimited free liquor is one way to fill a bar.  Norris, our regular server was a star.  Even though he was being run ragged, he made sure that he took our orders and then didn't bother to ask for more - he just brought fresh drinks when the first ones ran out. 

He was the same guy who worked the Cruise Specialist cocktail party.  While others were sipping the house wine being handed out, without me asking Norris brought my preferred drink (a Brooklyn).  Last night he also played photographer for our group when there was a break in the crowd.

The mood was upbeat in the room with lots of jokes being made.  One woman wore a large sign on her back that said "So Sorry - Free Hugs!"

BTW, some have asked why Australia is letting us in given that they've closed the borders to in transit ships.  The Captains explanation was that it is because the ship/passengers were medically cleared in Sydney where we went through immigration and we've been either at sea or in Australia since.  Lucky for us.  I heard yesterday that the Crystal is using the same loophole and will also be docking in Fremantle but I'm not sure what day.

After docking overnight in Fremantle, the Amsterdam with only crew and select passengers, will cruise on either the Bahamas or the USA for dry dock (which was scheduled to follow the world cruise). 

Yesterday when the Captain made his announcement he said passengers physically unable to fly needed to be certified by the ship's doctor.  That resulted in a very long line of people outside the medical center yesterday trying to get clearance to stay on board.  The Captain had to make another announcement asking people to NOT go to the medical center unless they had an emergency and not for clearance.

No announcements yet today.  When we get the letter from HAL with details, I'll share that.  In the meantime, fingers crossed that I'm on the plane next Monday, heading home.

Meanwhile, enjoy these great photos!  Just kidding.  The internet is slower than ever because so many passengers are trying to make travel arrangements.

The Silver Lining - Reasons I'm Glad The Cruise Was Cancelled

UPDATE:  We were expecting news tonight on what HAL was planning for us when we got to Fremantle. Instead, the Captain announced that Australia has closed all ports to ships in transit.  HAL and Australian government officials are having a conference call tonight to determine exactly what that means.  I'm hoping we'll be allowed to dock (with no passengers or crew leaving the ship), replenish diesel and supplies then head toward Florida. 

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

I am NOT happy the cruise was cancelled.  I understand it.  I think it was the prudent decision but would be MUCH happier if the damn corona virus was just a blip and not a pandemic.

Rather than stressing about things over which I have no control, like how I'm going to get home to Florida from Fremantle, I've focused today on not the sad side of this situation, but all the good stuff.  Here are some things I'm grateful for and looking forward to.

Here's the list, in random order.

• I've been posting updates on FaceBook to let friends know where I am and what's happening.  I'm am touched by the support I've received.  In particular, all the people who have business associates or relatives in Australia and are offering to put me in touch if I need assistance while I'm here.  I'm feeling the love and it means a lot.
• What a great travel story this will be when I'm a geezer in a nursing home.  I can repeat it ad infinitum and bore all the other geezers.
• I can't wait to hug my friends.  It may be a couple of weeks after I get home but still.
• Fast internet.
• Taking a shower and being able to use both hands since at sea I need one hand to hang on.
• Pajama days, when I can shower and not worry about hair, make-up or wearing a bra all day.  Sorry for TMI.
• Sleeping in my own bed.
• My shower, which is an oversized walk-in shower with a 4'X6' window for natural light.
• Being able to walk just a few steps to get tea or coffee.
• My surround sound tv set up with Amazon, Hulu and Netflix.
• Good pizza.  There are differing views on board but I think the pizza tastes like frozen (it's not).  Eddie's Pizza in Longwood, I've missed you.
• Mexican food.  They have stuff they call Mexican on board but it is not even close.  It's tasty, just not Mexican.
• Driving my car.  Just being able to hop in the car and go.
• Having internet on all my stuff, all the time.  Phone, Chromebook and Kindle.  What a concept.
• Silence.  There always seems to be some noise on board.  Most of it is good - ocean against the ship, etc. but silence is good.
• Children.  I love kids.  My career started as a teacher and ended as a teacher.  I look forward to being around kids when I get home.
• Cooking.  I'm going to regret this one because I do love the incredible food options at every meal but I am looking forward to cooking.  
• Inexpensive massages.  J. Sterling Wellness Spas, I'll be making weekly appointments as soon as I can.  $39 for an hour of great massage?  Yes!
• Dental care.  I chipped a tooth in Brazil.  So far, so good but will be good to get back to the dentist.  
• My pool.  I love looking at it, especially at night when it is lit up and I love swimming in it.  Or just sitting out by the pool in the evening.
• Using my gas grill to fix dinner, enjoying grilling by the pool.
• 4 Rivers Bar-b-que in Longwood.  The Messy Pig is my favorite - a stack of cheesy grits, pulled pork, cole slaw and jalapenos with sweet and spicy sauce.  Yum.
• The privacy of my house where I have space to dance, sing at the top of my lungs and just be.
• Cheap wine.
• High ceilings.  My house has vaulted ceilings which is wonderful and gives such a feeling of space as opposed to the low ceilings in my cabin.
• Being alone. Not seeing another human for days at a time.  Bliss.

I'm sure there are things I'm missing.   What are things that you love about your home?

March 15, 2020 - Day 71 - At Sea - Confusion and Rumors Abound

It is now 2:00 p.m. on this beautiful sea day.  I've been wandering around the ship, eavesdropping (not always on purpose), visiting Guest Services to get a movie and pick up my passport for final disembarkation (stuff is getting real) and enjoying a delicious brunch in the Main Dining Room.  Here are some facts and rumors.

• The Captain started his daily announcement with an update on our status.  Previously, he's given his regular update and then dropped the bombshell.  I think that's called "burying the lead" in journalism. 
  
  He said that they have received LOTS of comments and a petition that we stay on and cruise to Ft. Lauderdale.  All comments have been documented and sent to HAL in Seattle.  He said the decision is up to corporate and they have promised to get us an update by tonight about what will happen to us in Fremantle.   
• I talked with the Cruise Specialist's rep today to see if she had any info.  I'm waiting to hear what corporate decides before booking anything.  They are offering to book air/hotels for anyone who wants assistance, starting tomorrow, after HAL makes their decision.  Her impression is that we'll be on our own to get home from Fremantle, meaning no compensation or assistance with travel plans from HAL which might cause a small riot on board.    HAL has made it clear that travel agencies who booked us cruisers will not have commissions cut because the cruise was shortened.
  
  While we were chatting, two women came up to say that one of them cannot fly so what were they going to do about it?  The Rep pointed out that it was highly unlikely that we would be going anywhere after Fremantle, since HAL had committed to stopping all cruises and announced where we'd be disembarking.  My perspective is that they also announced our original itinerary and changed that, so what's one more change. 
• Lots of people purchased the 2020 World Cruise t-shirt which has the intinerary on the back.  My friend Jolanda was embroidering a line through cancelled ports and adding new ports.  Now she's just drawing a large X through the whole thing.  Another guy said he was going to use a Sharpie to "correct" the itinerary.
• I sat next to a table of people outside this morning.  They were doing the best to find the humor in the situation but brought up some serious issues.  I did like the idea that HAL partners with NASA and shoots us back to Cape Canaveral in a rocket.
  
  One of the women was discussing where to go.  She and her husband live in Seattle but he is traveling on a European passport so can't get into the country.  They're thinking of Mexico for a couple of months.
• One guy just embarked in Sydney for the second half of the cruise.  He was originally supposed to embark in Singapore.  I hope he enjoys the long flights for a 10 day cruise.
• A woman told me the best flights home she could find would take 60+ hours to get to British Columbia.
• Met a lady who told me about falling in Buenos Aires.  She sprained her knee and broke her wrist.  Still in a cast.  
• I was lucky to to brunch when I did.  Walked right in, had a lovely meal with great service.  As I left there was a line of about 30 people waiting to be seated since this was the last opportunity for Sunday brunch.
• I'm thinking of hoarding tp to take home with me.  I figure I can sell it on the black market at home to pay for my next cruise.
• Today was the EXC port talk. since they were covering our last few ports.
• People are starting to pack but trying to figure out how.  How long will it be before we can get out of Australia?  Or will we stay on the ship?  What happens to the people who had the luggage shipping perk from HAL (luggage picked up from your home prior to the cruise and delivered from the ship to your home after the cruise).
• More than 25% of the passengers are from Florida.  Like me, they didn't book airfare through HAL.  Current rumor is that only passengers who booked air through HAL will be compensated for flights home.  
• Some people are considering returning to Sydney for an extended vacation then flying home.  I don't think they're considering that a lot more cases of the CV are showing up in Australia, especially Sydney.  Trump could add Australia to the list of countries that won't be allowed back to the US.
• A wide-spread rumor is that instead of a refund for the second half of the trip, it will be given to us as credit toward a future cruise.  A number of people have decided this is their last cruise so that could be problematic.  Keep in mind 3/4 of the passengers are 4 Star Mariners and above - the most loyal HAL customers.  Also, many are over 80 which makes planning future cruises a bit dicey.
• A common concern is will there be groceries and toilet paper available once we get home. Please leave some stuff for us, please.  

At this point, I'm just anxious to find out what the decision from HAL is.  From there I'll have a better idea of what I need to do.  My current goal is to get home as quickly as possible so am planning to spend the day on the internet in Darwin tomorrow.  While I'm at it, hoping to finally post some photos!

For now, I'm going to prepare for afternoon trivia and happy hour by taking a nap.  Ah, the cruise life.

March 14-15, 2020 - Days 70-71 - The Cruise Is Cancelled

Usually sea days are pretty uneventful but not yesterday.  I got a text from my friend Heidi, who ironically is on her way home from Santiago where she'd gone to embark on a cruise that was cancelled by Norwegian at the last minute.  The text said my cruise was cancelled along with all the other HAL cruises.  She included a link from a HAL statement but internet was too weak to open it.

As I continued to try to access information on line, Heidi texted me details from the HAL post.  Most cruises would be ending within one or two days, at their original destinations.  We'd be ending in Fremantle on March 24.

About an hour later, at noon, Captain Jonathon came on the loudspeaker.  He typically makes daily announcements at 12:30 p.m. on sea days.  He sounded a bit annoyed when he announced that he was talking to us now because several people had seen things on the internet and he wanted to address them.  I suspect his irritation was HAL posting the information for the world to see before we were informed.

He went on to say that because of the rapidly changing situation, with an overabundance of caution, yada yada yada, that the cruise was done.  BTW, this is his final cruise because he is retiring at the end.  Certainly not the final cruise he dreamed of.

He confirmed the March 24 disembarkation in Fremantle but had no other information.  He did ask that we did not go to Guest Services because they had no additional information.  Seattle corporate was working on how to get us home and we should wait for information.

Passenger reaction was fairly subdued.  I was standing in the hall outside my cabin chatting with other passengers after the announcement.  Shared initial concern wasn't about keeping healthy on flights home, it was how we'd pack all the stuff we'd bought.  When I mentioned packing as an issue (I packed assuming I'd be driving to/from the ship, not on a plane) one sweet elderly lady (ok, she's maybe a few years older than me) said "Shit!" with great feeling as she realized the implications and then apologized profusely for the profanity.  We all laughed because we were thinking exactly the same thing.

Next I ran into Fathur, one of my cabin stewards.  We talked for a minute then he left to keep working and help Asep, the other steward process the information.  This is disappointing for us and getting home is challenging but this could be devastating for the crew.  As Asep told me later, there is no work where he lives in Indonesia which means no money.  And he has a newly pregnant wife.  Fathur came back from bereavement leave shortly after the cruise started because his sister had passed away suddenly.  He's now providing financial help for her children as well as his own family.   Those are just two examples of the impact on crew of not knowing when/if they'll work again.  And yet they still had to do their jobs, with a smile.

As the day went on and we went about our normal sea day routines, the impact started to sink in.  No freaking out that I saw but definite concern about how we were getting home.  A number of us spread the word to send a message via the HAL Navigator app suggesting that we cancel all ports and head back to the USA on the ship.  We'd have to stop for supplies/diesel but no passengers/crew would be allowed off the ship.  That way, we wouldn't have to fly.

At least 1/3 of the passengers have limited mobility.  Because the cruise is ending in Fremantle, the rumor is that we'd need to be bused to Perth, which has a larger airport.  Or, get their on our own.  Then, fly to Sydney then on to our final destination.  For me that would mean, best case scenario, three flights.  Plus, a lot of new cases have popped up in Sydney since we left so that's not ideal.  Someone suggested chartering planes to get us back to the USA.  I'd prefer that to commercial flights but it could devolve into the shore excursion from hell.

I heard from a passenger last night, who spoke with the EXC shore excursion manager that we can't cruise back to the USA because "they" won't let us dock.

No new news by the time I went to bed, which wasn't surprising.  I woke up about 3 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep and checked for info outside my door and found a notice from the Hotel Director saying that they had received a number of complicated questions which were being referred to corporate and due to the complexity and volume we probably wouldn't receive responses for a couple of days.

There are three Cruise Specialist reps on board and I haven't heard anything from them.  Not a surprise since although they have a close relationship with HAL, I don't think anyone knows details of what is going to happen.  Nothing we can do now but wait and have faith that HAL will support us as well as possible.

For many on this cruise, ambivalence is not their happy place.  Having been self-employed for so long, I'm more accustomed to it and more comfortable.  Yes, I'm anxious to know if I should be booking my travel home or whatever but I'm ok with it.  I suspect the anxiety level overall will increase as more time passes without news.  Not different than everybody else in the world who don't know what's coming next.  At least we are safe and comfortable.

In most ways, life on board is normal.  Last night was a Gala Night and lots of passengers were formally dressed.  As usual, I passed on that but did have dinner in the Lido with a friend where I dined on caviar, shrimp cocktail, cod and key lime pie (which was really, really good).

We received an updated notice of special events (Orange Night, HAL anniversary celebration, Gala Farewell Dinner, etc.) and a pillow gift.

Ironically, the pillow gift was the traditional Delft platter showing our itinerary (which we aren't doing).  It is lovely but large, heavy and fragile.  That would have been no problem when I was driving home from Ft. Lauderdale.  How I'm going to pack it, I don't have a clue.

This morning is sunny, smooth seas and temps in the mid-80's.  Time to get out and enjoy the day.  As usual, internet isn't adequate enough for photos (or to check flights) so those will come later.  I'm going to find a deck chair and enjoy the view of my new pedicure and the ocean.

March 13-14 - Days 69-70 - Cruising on the Great Barrier Reef

I'm writing this on Saturday morning, March 14.  The seas are calm, the sun is shining and I'm getting a pedicure this afternoon.  Life is very, very good in our sea-going bubble.

The news from outside is not so good.  People in America...have you lost your collective minds?  Hoarding?  News media freaking out?  Please take a deep breath.  Better yet take a long walk. 

Yesterday morning we heard that Princess, Viking and a couple of other lines had cancelled all cruises.  We were very happy then when the captain came on to make his daily 12:30 p.m. update on weather and location.  After telling us the weather, he announced that HAL is currently planning to keep cruising, including us.  That was great news.  I really dread hearing that they're going to stop the cruise in Australia and fly us home.  If they do have to end the cruise at some point, I'm very hopeful that we'll sail back to Florida, where I can just drive home. 

Yesterday afternoon during happy hour and trivia we had quite the view.  We were off the coast of Australia, cruising over the Great Barrier Reef.  We can't really see any sea life but the water color is varied because of differences in depth.  And, there are a lot of small islands and sandbars.  It was the sky, though, that was most spectacular.  Lots of clouds, some of them dropping huge amounts of rain.  It was a great way to spend a few hours in the Crow's Nest, chatting and enjoying the view.

Now, as a public service, I'd like to explain how elevators work.  There seems to be some confusion about boarding/leaving elevators or what to do while on board.  Please read carefully and follow these rules.

• If you want to get on an elevator, press either the up arrow or the down arrow.  If you don't press a button an elevator will eventually arrive but you're not allowed to complain about how long it took.  And please don't press both the up/down buttons so that an elevator will arrive more quickly.  That just slows down two elevators.
• After pressing the button, step to one side.  When you see that an elevator doors are opening WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE GET OFF before you shove your way on.  It will keep me from punching you in the throat and spending time in the ship's brig.  If you aren't paying attention and start on before letting people off, a simple "sorry" or "excuse me" will keep you from being bitch slapped.
• When there are several people waiting to get in, please follow the example of the older men on the ship.  Let the ladies and most infirm/elderly get on first.  If you happen to be a ship's dancer (they are the worst about this) don't shove your way on first because you're young, agile and entitled.  Let the 90 year old with a walker get settled first.  And, if there is someone with a scooter and someone with a walker, let them go and take the next elevator.
• When your elevator arrives, that's not a good time to stand in the doorway and finish the conversation you were having with the person not getting on.  The people already in the elevator don't want to hear about where you'll be meeting for drinks later.  Decide that stuff before you push the button to call the elevator.  
• When the elevator arrives and and you get on, do NOT immediately hit the "close door" button just because someone with mobility issues isn't able to get on as quickly as you'd like.  Please remember that you, too, may be limping on a cane sometime.  Sooner than you think if I see you do it because I'll kick you in the knee.
• Once you're on the elevator, choose one button to press.  Going to the Lido?  Press 8.  We really don't care to visit 5, 6 and 7 because you can't decide where to go.  Or because you are leaning against the buttons.
• Here's a fun tip for those unaccustomed to elevators.  If the elevator is full and you are closest to the door, please step off even if it is not your floor to let the people in the back off.  Trust us, we'll let you back on.  Did bullies kick you off the elevators in grade school?  Were elevators even invented then?  Seriously, it is so much easier to just take two steps out/to the side to let people off rather than everyone trying to squirm around in a crowded elevator so the people in the back can get off.
• While on the elevator, please try to remember that rule about coughing into your elbow.  Because when you spray your germs over everyone sharing that space, looks won't kill but someone might.
• When you're carrying beverages, please take care not to slosh them on your fellow passengers.  Unless it's a cocktail.  In that case, feel free to slosh it toward my mouth.  
• Lastly, when you do break any of these rules, please use those words our mommies taught us:  "I'm sorry. " Thank you."   "Excuse me."  We have all been distracted or just not paying attention and done all these things, myself included. 

March 11 - Day 67 - Townsville Australia

My plan for Townsville was to get a haircut and visit the Aquarium, which was advertised as the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere.  I LOVE aquariums so was very excited.

I got up and ready early to get off the ship but surprise!  It was raining.  So I opted to give it some time before walking to the port terminal and taking the shuttle bus to town. 

The rain did stop, leaving the weather very hot and humid.  Think NOLA in August.  It was a fairly short walk to the cruise port and that's when I started to be impressed.

As we walked into the small, new terminal, we were greeted by volunteers wearing pink shirts.  Most appeared to be retirees and they all seemed very excited to have us visit.  Screw the Corona Virus, they are trying to convince ships to dock in Townsville rather than the larger, more popular Cairns (which is closer to the Barrier Reef).  They rolled out the red carpet, literally.

The terminal was filled with comfortable chairs to use while using the free WIFI, along with more than a dozen artists and vendors selling their wares.  Everyone was friendly and cheerful and prices were good.  But, I just looked and headed to the shuttle bus.  The bus was great and easy to get on and off which means a lot when almost half the passengers use a cane, walker or scooter.

After a short drive to the center of the downtown area I hopped off and looked for a "pink shirt lady" but didn't see any.  Instead I saw Michael - a guy wearing a blue shirt and a name tag.  I asked about the ladies since I'd been told they'd be meeting our bus to give directions.  Michael laughed and said "Oh, they forget about us Blue Shirt Boys!"  And sure enough, as I looked around I realized that the male counterparts of the ladies at the port were here to help.

Michael pointed to a place where I could join the line waiting for another shuttle bus to the aquarium.  After a brief wait I snagged the last seat on the small free bus.  On the way to the aquarium the driver gave us information about the town of 200,000 people.  A town who relies on mining, cattle and a large military base and to a smaller extent, tourism. 

Most of us got off at the aquarium.  Some opted to head back downtown.  It actually was walkable, just a couple of miles but given the heat I was happy for the bus.

The aquarium was lovely.  Older and not as large as many I've been to (Atlanta comes to mind) but it wasn't too crowded, had a lot of volunteers and staff members to answer questions.  The best part, from my perspective, was that there were a lot of places to just sit and watch the fish.  Most of the other visitors were from the ship so it was a bit like a private tour.

I spent a couple of hours alternating wandering around and reading about the different fish and just sitting and watching the fish.

I went out to catch the shuttle to the shuttle and waited.  A bus pulled up and I was hopeful but it was a HAL shore excursion arriving.  I timed my trip perfectly. 

After about 15 minutes the driver of the bus walked up and said hello.  I told him I was considering hijacking his bus to get a ride back to the ship.  By then there were about a dozen of us waiting.  He stepped away and pulled out his phone.  A minute later he came back, apologized for our wait and said a bus was on it's way.  A few minutes later the small bus arrived to take us back downtown to catch the large bus back to the ship.

I really wanted a haircut but I know hard it can be to get a seat on the last few shuttles back to the ship and didn't want to risk it.  Instead, I went back and did a bit of window shopping in the port terminal.  I ended up paying $20 AUS for a reversible hat.  I even got to take a photo of the lovely woman who made it.

Bottom line, Townsville wins the prize for nicest, easiest to navigate port and friendliest locals.  Everyone I spoke with was friendly and helpful and seemed genuinely pleased to have us there.  It was a lovely little town and the views as we sailed away were stunning.  This is someplace I'd like to come back and spend some time.  Plus, I checked housing prices and it looks affordable to live there.  Always looking for options for places to spend a few months.

And now, here is where the photos should be.  Yes, they had WIFI in the port but all seats were taken by other passengers and crew.  And it's way more important for crew to be able to catch up with family when we're in port.  Patience is a virtue.  I'm not so virtuous.

March 8 - 10 - Days 64-66 - Sydney and at Sea

I'm continuing to have trouble uploading photos.  I'll keep working on it.  I paid $300 for internet on the ship just for this purpose but it is sooooooooo slooooooooooooow.  Usually works well enough for email and basic sites, if I'm patient but rare to be able to upload a photo. 

We had an overnight in Sydney.  It would have been much better if we'd been docked in The Rocks in the heart of Sydney but whatever.  I felt better when a Seabourne ship docked behind us.  They paid WAY more per day for their cruise.

I really wanted to go to the Rozelle Flea/Antique Market, which is held on weekends but Sunday was rainy again.  Seems to be a trend on this trip to Australia.

Since flea marketing isn't nearly as much fun in the rain, I decided to take the 30 minute shuttle bus to Darling Harbour instead.  If you've ever been to the International Drive area of Orlando, that's what Darling Harbour is like.  Madame Toussad's, Aquarium, etc. along with lots of tourists.   I walked around a bit there but it was still rainy and I wanted to get me some internet so headed to a small mall.

I got an excellent sandwich and settled in for some quality time uploading photos.  Unfortunately, the free internet was even slower than the ship.  So much for more photos.

Rather than hang out in the crowded food court, I opted to walk around the mall a bit.  Typical stores and nothing that excited me.  Until I came upon the Mandarin Massage shop.  I opted for the $80 AUS (about $53 USD) hour foot/leg/shoulders/neck.  It started with a five minute foot soak then 25 minutes of having my feet and legs massaged.  It was heavenly and was just like I used to get in Mandalay except this was way more expensive.  Why don't we have this in Orlando?

After 30 minutes, we moved to a massage table.  Fully clothed, I lay face down while the massage therapist covered my back, neck and head with a towel and went to work.  She used hands, fists, elbows and forearms to work out the knots.  Delightful.

Then I tried to sit up.  Whoa, the landsickness really kicked in and I had to lay back down for a few minutes.  Then I slowly sat up, then stood up.  I made it back to the bus then to the ship where I laid down for a bit.  By evening sail away I was feeling much better and joined friends in the Crow's Nest for sailaway.  After awhile, I decided to join the festivities in the Lido and Sea View, where they'd announced special Australian wines (for a charge) and Australian cheeses (they were exactly the same cheese we get everyday).  What they hadn't announced was that they were serving raw oysters in the Lido.  Hot diggity!  I had four.  Then went back for four more.  Then two more.  I could have eaten a dozen more but held back.  They didn't seem to be too popular with most of my fellow passengers. 

Sailing away from Sydney was beautiful.  No rain (ironic, eh?) and beautiful views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the rocks surrounding the entrance to the harbor.

I was happy to be back on the water and heading out to sea.

The next two days were typical.  Cards in the morning, reading in the afternoon followed by trivia.  And watching the ocean.  Lots of ocean watching.  We had some large swells and big winds.  Like, 20 foot swells and 55 MPH winds so sleeping was a bit challenging due to the rolling factor.  But I love lying in bed, feeling the motion and thinking happy thoughts.

Sooner or later, there will be photos here.

March 7, 2020 - Day 63 - Sydney, Australia

It's 8:25 a.m. in Sydney and I'm in my cabin waiting for the mandatory immigration interview for all passengers.  Hamish, our cruise director, just made a third announcement asking for passengers to not jam the stairways and hallway to the gangway.

Please note that we received a letter and they've made multiple announcements about the process, which will take 2 hours or so.  Each passenger has been assigned a group number.  When our number is called, we head to the port terminal for a face-to-face immigration interview.  The interview is the same as when you fly into a different country.

In addition to the announcements in my cabin, my FitBit just saw fit to "shock" me and point out that I should be walking.  This is the same FitBit that pointed out to me this morning that because I slept less than three hours last night it can't give me "quality of sleep" details.  Perhaps I'm not walking because I'm exhausted because I got to sleep about midnight but woke up at 2:30 to heavy seas.  I enjoy lying in bed, feeling the motion, but this is two nights in a row that I didn't sleep much so am pooped.

Since I was awake so early, I went outside to watch as we cruised in to Sydney.  Cruising past the iconic opera house and under the Harbour Bridge as the sun came up was as beautiful this morning as it was the last time I was here 19 years ago.   I'm disappointed, though, that a RCI ship is docked where we docked 19 years ago, in an area called The Rocks, in the heart of the Central Business District and within walking distance to cool stuff.  Instead, we're docked in White Bay Wharf and will need a 25 minute bus ride (one way) to get to an area where we can then Uber or taxi to The Rocks.  Luckily for me, my plan is to go to a weekend flea/antique market that happens to be an eight minute ride from the ship.  After I take a nap!

As I write this, I'm listening to the many announcements from Hamish, our cruise director.  In addition to the announcements telling people which groups should go on shore and telling people to cool their jets and quit blocking the stairway by the gangway, they are testing the communication system.  So, in the last 20 minutes, Hamish has made no less than 8 announcements.  He starts each announcement with "This is Hamish, your cruise director."  Hamish, dude, this is day 63.  We recognize your voice.  You can skip that part of the announcement.  Or a simple, "Yo, me again!" would suffice.

I think Hamish is reading over my shoulder.  The last three announcements he just made the announcement and didn't announce his name and title.

I just disembarked.  It took about 2 1/2 hours for everyone to get off and go through immigration.  Lots of Holland employees on hand to expedite the process and the Australian immigration and security crew was very polite, professional and speedy.  The octogenarian in line in front of me didn't realize she'd need her passport.  She was polite but confused.  The young immigration officer was so kind to her.  There was a small group of people who didn't bring their passports and had to go back to get them.

There were two courtesy buses to take passengers to Darling Harbour (a 25 minute ride) because there is nothing nearby where the ship is docked.  There were about 100 people waiting for a bus.  I opted to just get back on and take a nap.  A lot of people just got off to clear immigration (mandatory) and then got back on.  Some passengers never get off the ship and weren't happy about it.  One was yelling at the Hotel Manager about how inconvenient it was for her.  I'm not sure she understand that HAL doesn't control Australian immigration.

Typically, the ship gets a blanket visa for a country and individual passengers don't have to do anything.  Immigration officers come on board, clear the ship and we're free to go on shore.  I've also been on HAL ships where the immigration officers came on board and we had to have an individual interview but didn't have to physically get off the ship and go through security.  I'm just glad we won't have to do this for every port in Australia.

Here's the latest gossip.

• There was free wine at the Captain's Gala Dinner the other night.  I heard that three passengers had to be taken back to their cabins in wheelchairs because they were too drunk to walk.  No, I was not one!
• The same ladies who told me about the wine drinkers also told me about when the dessert was served at the Gala.  Even though I didn't attend the dinner, I got one from the Lido.  It was a Manuka honey custard, covered with a meringue "cloche".  I was happy I was eating it in my cabin because the only way I could figure out to eat the meringue without it going everywhere was to pick it up and bite it.  It was too thick to easily crack it with a fork/knife.  Well, it seems they had that problem in the dining room.  Each guest was given their dessert then the waiter whacked it with a spoon then poured honey over the custard.  But the gentle whack of a spoon didn't shatter the meringue as planned.  Instead, the ladies said it was a hilarious scene of waiters and guests playing a sort of pinata game, trying to break open the meringues.
  
  
  
  
• Met a guy last night who's disembarking this morning.  He was scheduled to disembark in Singapore but since we're not going there, passengers who were just doing part of the world cruise are getting off here.  
• Last night Cruise Specialists (the travel agency I booked through) had a cocktail party for all their customers (over 100, I believe).  Talked with a number of people, including the reps for the travel agency.  It's pretty clear that our itinerary is likely to change again, perhaps repeatedly.  Some folks have my attitude - it's out of my hands and I trust HAL to do everything possible to keep us safe and out of quarantine.  Others are over the cruise and hoping that we just head home now.  Some want to go home because of the virus (not sure of the logic) and others are just over the cruise and want to be home.

Here are some photos.  UPDATE - sorry, folks.  For whatever reason I"m unable to post photos.  Will keep trying.

Friday, March 6 - Day 62 - Cruising on the Tasman Sea Toward Sydney

After stops in Auckland and Bay of Islands this is our second sea day as we head to Australia.

In Auckland I only got off the ship to bring visitors on board.  One was Kyle Kincaid, who was in the Peace Corps in Samoa a year ahead of me.  He flew from Chicago just to see me then headed off to Samoa for a quick visit.  He's a flight attendant so the flight was free but that's a couple of very long flights.  I appreciated the effort and the hugs.

Ally Miller was in the Peace Corps in Samoa the year after me.  She married a Samoan guy named Rob and they now live just outside Auckland.  They left their two little girls at home and came onboard for dinner after work.  So grateful they came out on a week night to visit.

None of them had been on a cruise ship before and it was fun to see their reactions.  Helps me realize how very lucky I am to be having this experience.

We tendered in Bay of Islands.  It's a beautiful place but it was raining hard in the morning and since I've been there twice I stayed on the ship.

The big news is about the corona virus.  They'd previously announced we were changing our itinerary because of the virus and other security issues.  Singapore, Indonesia, Maldives and Kenya are out and instead the plan was to add another port in Sri Lanka and spend three days in Mumbai, India.  That didn't sit well with many passengers.  Lots of grumbling and yelling at the staff in Guest Services, who have no control over any of this.

Yesterday the Captain announced that because of both the changing dynamics of the spread of the virus and input from passengers they'd changed the itinerary again.  Now we're skipping Sri Lanka and India and instead will spend two weeks in Australia then head to Africa.  He warned that as the situation changes, the itinerary may change again.

I can't imagine the overtime HAL staff is putting in both on the ship and at headquarters in Seattle.  There are a lot of moving parts that need to be considered for any changes.

Last night was the Captain's Gala Dinner.  It used to be held for small groups in a private dining room.  Now, because there are so many passengers doing the entire world cruise they just had two seatings in the dining room, as on any gala night.  I opted not to go for a variety of reasons, including not wanting to get dressed up, the roughness of the seas and not being excited about the menu.  I ended up skipping dinner and just having the dessert which was available in the in the Lido.

I talked to a couple this morning who went to the dinner and they said it was lovely.  Large floral center pieces, crew in formal attire, and lots of free wine.  They also said the food was great.  Sorry I missed it but at 7:30 when I was scheduled to dine, I was in my jammies in my cabin with an ice bag on my knee.  It doesn't hurt much but is still swollen and bruised from the fall in Tahiti.  I walked about five miles while showing guests around the ship the other day and it was really sore the following day so I'm trying to take it a bit easier.

Sadly, there was another announcement this morning calling for medical staff to respond to an emergency on deck seven, which is the deck with the most expensive cabins.   There have been several announcements like this.  Not surprising when the average passenger age is late 70's.  One of my guests commented that I looked like a youngster compared to my fellow passengers.

I'm still loving being on the ship.  I miss friends, driving and even am starting to miss cooking.  Please remind me of that when I get home and start bitching about not having people serve me a huge variety of food.

And now, some photos.  Been trying to load photos but the internet is too slow.  Will try again later or worst case, will post them in Sydney.