Today was one of events, planned and unplanned, as well as a day of details. The first event for us was securing new flight plans, which we figured the third time is a charm. It took most of the night to complete, but it was all there hiding in spam on the computer, which we found at 4am.
Then the next thing we learned with an email from our buddy Barb, was that Australia was closing their country to all foreigners. Now that can be a huge problem with us docking in Freemantle tomorrow. One detail revealed to us from the Captain today was that we had cleared customs in Sydney, and we are considered in transit. Now that might not be the exact lingo, but it means that we are already within the country's borders, and should not be turned away. Fingers crossed…..
Other events included sales of all kinds, because the shops, casino, and some other services will be closed once we arrive to Freemantle. Final trivia took place, which must have been sad, because the folks that play really love the competition. But the biggest event had to be the combination Indonesia and Philippines Crew Show held in the Mainstage. As one might expect, it was standing room only with lots of tears. The crew has been stoic and professional, as well as friendly and even comforting to the guests. Most of them will be staying on the ship, while many will be sent home.
During his PM talk, the Captain delivered his final position and weather conditions, as well as some details on what we can expect tomorrow and the two days to follow. The luggage tags for Fed Ex and the usual colored tags for luggage to be taken off would be delivered by 6pm. Finally, we have some directions towards the debarkation process. A small group will be leaving tomorrow, but not until they are seen by Australian Customs Authorities. The remainder of us will leave on March 22nd, and perhaps some on the 23rd. The ship is scheduled to depart Freemantle on March 23rd. Which direction they will go is still not clear. The Captain did mention for folks not to flood the front desk reps. Wonder how that went?
Also during the afternoon, we had deliveries of two sets of face masks and rubber gloves, the same type the medical folks use here. Now this is getting scary, because everything we have witnessed by watching the news, is starting to happen here as far as precautions go. In addition, we both got a bottle of water, and the current Mariner tile. And this all came with the message: How blessed are we to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
Then in the late afternoon, the most unexpected incident happened, when the Captain announced that a guest was going to be air-lifted to Geraldton. Earlier we had heard the call for the medical staff to go to deck six, and we were certain this was not a drill. Expecting a helicopter and an escort plane to arrive by 6:15pm, we were told to come inside from the outside decks and the verandas. Every outside deck was going to be closed down. The Crow's Nest, Mainstage, and the spa were cleared of people, and we were told not to take any photos using a flash, even though it was still light outside. We were able to see the helicopter from our room window, and also the action happening on the bow as seen from our TV. Before the chopper got close, we spotted a group of workers taking down half of the flag post on the very front of the bow. The hanging lights had to be dropped too.
The patient was lifted into the chopper without it landing. The ship also barely slowed down during this transfer. Lucky for the patient we were so close to shore to be able to make this rescue attempt. What a way to leave the ship. We certainly hope the guest, possibly a lady, will be OK.
When we got our luggage package, there were only 2 labels for Fed Ex, even though we had asked for seven of them. We intend to ship every piece of luggage, and not be bothered with dragging anything to the airport. Knowing that there might be at least 500 people in line at the front desk, we made a phone call instead. Later this evening, the extra labels arrived. And yes, there was a continuous line at the front desk, because we watched from our special chairs on deck five. It was more relaxing watching the dancers in the Ocean Bar, who insist on staying positive. It helps. At 7:30pm, we ducked into the show lounge to listen to the first part of the variety show featuring the Shamrock Tenors. They were outstanding.
Time for dinner. With a quick change, we realized this would be our final dinner together with the seven of us. Greg and Heo will be leaving tomorrow, eventually heading back to Sydney. So tonight was special. Renee, the manager from the spa and friend to all, also joined us. And Barb had invited one of the assistant cruise directors, Thomas. We were pretty jammed at the table, but it worked out OK. At 8:15pm, there was a Captain's Farewell Toast, with a parade of the staff and crew through the dining room. Remember the times when this would have included the flaming Baked Alaskas? Those were the days……
We said farewell to our two buddies, but they will be back on next year's world cruise, which is only 10 months away, God-willing. We will have one more dinner together tomorrow…sad, but inevitable that we all have to go home. This cruise is not going out without a whimper, that is for sure.
Bill & Mary Ann
Friday, March 20, 2020
Report # 134 Day at Sea March 20, 2020 Friday Partly cloudy & 84 degrees
