Another day at sea, and another day closer to Darwin. Or are we? That was the question of the day at breakfast this morning. At that time, we happened to talk to a couple who had recently booked a 4 day 3 night overland from Darwin to Broome, in order to tour Kakadu National Park, cruise a billabong, and tour the area of Broome. It was not cheap with a price of $2300 per person, but this couple figured it would be a good way to see some part of the country they had never toured. However, the rumors that there was a possibility that once they left the ship, perhaps something would develop to prevent them from re-boarding. With that in mind, they went to the shore excursion folks only to learn that the tour was totally non-refundable, and if they cancelled, they would lose all of that money. By the way, this is their normal policy, but right now, nothing is normal. So now they are in a quandary as to what to do, and would have to weigh the pros and cons of going or not going.
Well, later in the day, another curve ball was swung our way. Captain Mercer came on with his PM talk and said there were talks happening with the corporate offices in Seattle as well as in Australia, and we may have an answer to our dilemma. We would have to wait until later in the day, or even longer, since it is the weekend here and in Seattle. And now that New Zealand closed their ports to all cruise ships, can the same thing happen in Australia? Well, guess what? That is exactly what happened.
Barb came back to visit with us for a while, before heading off to trivia. After that, she joined the regular group that likes to attend the Sunday Brunch, which may be the last chance to do that. She said later that it was well-attended today. Nice to have a brief period to talk about something else.
After spending a pleasant day at the Seaview Pool, we came inside to be told that Australia had just issued a statement saying they also closed their ports to all cruise ships beginning at midnight. We think there is going to be a "Mutiny on the Amsterdam", as many groups formed everywhere we went the rest of the day, discussing the various possibilities of what they thought HAL should do. More folks are printing letters to plead with the company to at least get us back closer to the United States, even if it is the west coast. The flights home from there would be a lot more convenient for the physically challenged and older guests, and there are a whole lot of these folks on this cruise.
Then at 4:20pm, Captain Mercer came on the speakers once again, but pretty much said the same thing we already knew. Now we will not be stopping in Darwin. And maybe none of the ports of Exmouth, Broome, Geraldton, or Freemantle. Secretly, we think that HAL is still planning on debarking us in Freemantle (Perth) on March 24th. Several other ships are there as we write, and are sending their guests home from there. But we may have missed that window already.
The only other communication we all got was a message explaining that some of the ship's activities and events may change at the last minute. Frankly, many people we know feel that this cruise is virtually over, and are more concerned about staying healthy and getting home, than being worried about trivia or any other activity. Speaking for us, we do not need to be entertained constantly. And that is obvious when we see so many folks relaxing on the lounges all day long on the promenade deck. And there is nothing wrong with getting that fresh sea air, is there?
Dinnertime had some nice choices on the menu. Starters were a cheese soufflé, tortellini soup, and steak tartare. Mains were prime rib and sweet and sour breaded shrimp. We ordered one of each, and shared with each other. Bread and butter is now being served by our waiter, although we still pass a large platter of fresh veggies every night. We also have the crispy bread sticks as well as lavage, the thin triangles of cracker-like bread. Dessert for us were one panna cotta and a fresh fruit plate, always a winner.
The entertainer this evening was the harpist/singer Alana Conway, the Aussie with much talent. Her performance was stellar once again. Now we wonder what news will come tomorrow? We do have to add that the president of our travel agency issued a letter via the hosts onboard, encouraging all of us with their continued support from their end. They will work with each and every one of us to help us through this dilemma. Tonight we all agreed that someday we will all talk about what an experience this has turned out to be. Hopefully, never to be repeated.
Bill & Mary Ann
PS Thanks for the explanation of "going troppo" in Australia. Makes perfect sense to us as the heat and humidity would make one crazy.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Report #129 Day at Sea March 15, 2020 Sunday Sunny & 83 degrees
