Another day brought more changes. More than we wanted actually. First of all, many of our friends found out today that their flights had been cancelled. Again, back to the drawing board. However, it was not that easy to re-book, since the internet problems continued to plague us all. At least being able to use the telephones at the front desk has been helpful for some, as not everyone onboard has computers or cell phones.
We needed to get some smaller denominations for US cash, so we went to the front desk to find a constant line had formed with folks trying to figure out the new letter we had all received concerning the future cruise credit options that have been presented to us. The letter outlined some of the conditions that apply to the 125% cruise credit. Everyone we knew assumed that the 100% of the future cruise fare (less the port charges and taxes) would cover the entire trip. Now what about the extra 25%? The details were that it will not apply to shipboard credits that we could have used for tours, overland excursions, or even tipping. Now we are not sure what it can be used for. Some of our friends have decided to take the 50% cash back, with a 50% future cruise credit. In their hearts, they feel they will not be back on another grand voyage anytime too soon, if ever. This is a decision many of us will eventually make due to advanced age, declining health, or simply fear of a repeat of this fiasco. Unfortunately, this incident has pushed many passengers to the point of making that final decision to quit. Perhaps they will still go on shorter trips closer to home. By the way, it took over half an hour just to do the money exchange.
While we were there, we picked up the form to fill out for the bus transfer to Perth, about an hour's drive away from the port of Freemantle. This was offered by shore excursions for the price of $59 per person. Even though this will be better than trying to find a taxi, everyone we talked to were not happy that we are being charged for it. We have to keep reminding ourselves that this is not an "all-inclusive" cruise experience, and we can expect to be nickeled and dimed, as the old saying goes. At least, we will be closer to the airport where we are trying to book a hotel, and if it works, the hotel has a complimentary shuttle to the airport.
As for us, we have continued to pursue booking a hotel in Perth for two days. Our email to our travel agency went out late last night, but we have yet to hear from them. While waiting and watching the computer spin and spin, we continued with some packing and re-arranging to accommodate the new crystal bowls. As much as we love presents, we sincerely hope these gifts were the final ones. If for some crazy reason they come up with the rolled suitcases, we will have to say no thanks.
Sometime this morning, all of us got a notice that Orlando Ashford, the President of HAL, was giving a speech on channel 34 in our staterooms. Turning it on, we listened to Orlando give an explanation of exactly what is happening and the reasons they have to stop the cruise right now. Not only the Amsterdam, but all of the 14 HAL ships. In fact, every ship in the industry worldwide is being affected. He really did not add anything new, and neither did Dr. Grant Tarling, the Chief Medical Officer, who also had a follow-up talk concerning the coronavirus. There was some talk this morning among the guests that there may be a select few that will be staying on the ship due to advanced age or medical difficulties. Nothing can be confirmed at this point, so it is not worth repeating.
Captain Mercer came on the speakers at 12:20pm, ship wide as well as in the rooms. He gave his normal nautical info, but then added reasons why we have picked up the speed since this morning. Doing 20 knots, we expected that something had changed. We are now trying to get into Freemantle a day earlier, on March 21st. If the local authorities allow it, we will be able to stay on the ship overnight. If we will be required to debark, we will be forced to spend the night in Freemantle…..something none of us are prepared for. Within minutes of ending his dialogue, the Captain came on and pleaded with the guests not to go to either the front desk or the guest relations manager with their questions. He asked for everyone to please wait until the formal letter came, outlining what he had said. As much as he tried to hide it, we could detect the dissatisfaction in his voice. It has been a trying time for every single one of us, and it is not over yet.
At least the weather had cooled slightly from the past few days of extreme temps and humidity. It made for much more pleasant walking, although, the seas have become rolling once again. Not really deep swells, but enough to know we are on a ship. We have been very careful with stacking the packed suitcases and duffels, as they tend to slip off in rough seas.
At 6pm this evening, all of the President's Club members, new and current, were invited to an inauguration reception in the Explorer's Lounge. Captain Mercer, Henk, and Hamish did the honors of "pinning" the newbies, about 20 of them, with the coveted President's Club gold pins. Normally, once this ceremony is done, we would have been escorted to the Pinnacle Grill for a truly specially-prepared meal with every table hosted by the top officers, including the Captain. Because of this ridiculous situation and the lack of time, there was no Pinnacle Grill dinner for the group. We were also sad that our good friends, Leta and Bill, were not here to get their long-awaited pins. We pray that they made it home safely from Sydney, and are bunkering down in their Washington state home. Since they had left all of their belongings, including their computer, on the ship, they have not been able to communicate with anyone.
At 7:30pm, we all met for a farewell dinner in the Pinnace Grill, invited by Susie and Woody in celebration of his birthday. Karleen, a friend to all of us, joined us as well. Most all of us ordered the savory grilled lamb chops for our mains. Of course, we started with the wedge salads with one slice of that excellent clothesline bacon on the side. Dessert was a chocolate mousse birthday cake, smooth as silk, and sinfully sweet. A wonderful time was had by all. By 9:30pm, Greg and Heo departed to watch the final show of the cruise…..Dance, featuring Amsterdam's entertainers. We went for a few minutes, but then decided it was more important to check our emails.
And guess what we had waiting for us? Several messages that our flight had been cancelled….something we had feared all day. If it was not for a phone call from our host at 11pm that they were trying to get ahold of us, we never would have seen the emails. They had not downloaded on our end. At least, our travel agency is working on this as we write. Will this madness ever stop??? Now we are getting really nervous that Australia may not even allow us into their country, and all the plans will be for nothing. Keeping our fingers crossed.
And we did have two more gifts…. blue velvet-lined silver jewelry boxes engraved for the President's Club members only. They are quite nice, but will have to be packed deeply in the suitcase.
Bill & Mary Ann
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Report #133 Day at Sea March 19, 2020 Thursday Partly cloudy & 84 degrees
