Since we will need to get up early for a busy day tomorrow, we will try to keep this report short and sweet. The Amsterdam slipped into the port of Fremantle this morning between 7 and 8am. The Seabourn Sojourn and Pacific Princess were already docked in the harbor. Watching the activity on the dock, we think that Seabourn was here perhaps yesterday, and had already debarked their guests. There was little activity near their berth, except for a barge that was fueling them.
All of the shore side services were dealing with the Princess ship, which was also interrupted on their world cruise, like us. Being that they arrived first, we assumed that customs would deal with them first. But we did want to have breakfast, then came back because we were curious as to what would happen with their passengers. The distance from the cruise terminal and the lower promenade deck was short, so we were able to talk to many people on their way to see the customs officials. What they told many of us was quite disturbing, since they informed us that some of the Princess passengers were allowed to stay onboard and sail back to Los Angeles. Many chose to fly back to their homes from here, but for those who were checked by the ship's medical staff and were approved to be compromised by flying, had to sign waivers, and could remain onboard. This news spread like wildfire, and now all here are wondering why them, and not some of us? Not sure if we were hearing this correctly, we went online and actually found the official letter that the Princess guests had received outlining their details. It was plain as the noses on our faces that what they reported was totally true.
As the Princess custom's clearance was taking more time than expected, the debarking process for the 200 ( a good guess) or so guests that were leaving today was delayed until 3:30pm. But right before the guests were leaving, Captain Mercer announced that the Australian government had said no guests would be allowed to stay in any hotel in Fremantle or Perth. We would be required to debark the ship and taken directly to the airport, even of our flights were many hours later. Shocked by this news, all of us were stroking out. Then, shortly after this was said, the Captain came back and stated that the government had changed their minds, and the hotel stays would be allowed.
You know, we are pretty patient, but this is really pushing us to the edge. In addition, a strong message was printed on the front of the When & Where flyer today. It said that staying in Australia for a long period is not recommended. We are being urged to fly home as soon as possible, since restrictions are unpredictable and constantly changing. No kidding. Captain Mercer could not have emphasized this message more in his speeches. We are listening, and so are many of our friends.
Later in the afternoon, after polishing off a nice bottle of Chandon champagne, we relaxed (really relaxed) outside the Ocean Bar, while watching the guests dance the fox trot, waltz, quick step, and even the Texas two-step. Why not? It is a good way to lift the spirits. Then down below on deck four, we witnessed the line of guests going to the front desk. We also had to make a visit there, since the preliminary statements that were sent out this morning were incorrect. The returned port charges were not entered correctly, but our accounts on the Navigator site was the right number, which was just under $1000 per person. A new statement was printed for us, and tomorrow we will get the final one. The remaining credit will be put on our credit card, since it was not spend-it-or-lose-it money. This made a whole lot of passengers happy.
Our Aussie friends, Greg and Heo, had left the ship today, so we had Ron, a friend from past cruises, and Ellen, also a good friend to all, shared our table tonight. We tried not to get sentimental, because one of us, Barbie, does not like long and teary goodbyes. After we ate our dessert, she said "bye" and was off and running like she always does. Like all of us, she is really not happy with being "put off the ship" without thought of our real safety in this extreme situation. We truly feel that we will be OK, but Barb says her age is against her. No way……she is the youngest 80 plus year old that we know.
We all said goodbye to our excellent waiters, who do not know how long it will take to get them back to Ft. Lauderdale. The crew has been stellar, and helped many of us that really needed the kindness to get through this. On our way out, we wished the several waiters we know the best of luck as they sail back to the USA. They in turn, wished us all a safe trip home. God-willing, all will go well.
Will try to continue the blog with follow-up reports when our journey is complete. Please wish us luck! You have been a wonderful audience!
Bill & Mary Ann
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Report #135 Fremantle, Western Territory, Australia March 21, 2020 Saturday Partly sunny & 83 degrees
