In a rough Indian Ocean, still making our way towards the Malacca Straits, making 15 knots, except now our first port will be Singapore on the 24th. This to take fuel. To be able to so, we have to be at sea for 14 days, so had we gone to Batam first, the ‘clock starts over’ again and we would have to wait another 14 days……
We are still healthy, (fingers, as always) crossed. I write a journal, so thought some excerpts would be suitable.
12th April. Easter day and only a year ago, my grandchildren, Violet and Lois, had their Easter bunny hats on and were playing ‘hunt the easter eggs’ with Geoffrey in the Lido, how the World has changed. Managed to WhatsApp them though, Lois doing her spelling lessons, perfect. An Easter service in the Main Lounge, the ship’s whistle blown at 10 a.m. to mark 2 minutes silence, in remembrance of a Housekeeping Petty officer from the Zaandam, who passed away in a Miami hospital, from that***** virus, lots of tears. 4100 miles to Batam, still blowing and not making speed. No rush, not going to use more fuel.
13th April. Well, at least it isn’t a Friday. Reading that Batam may be shutting down and closing for 3 months. This is becoming impossible and frustrating. Ironically this is the 100th day of our Grand World voyage, seems like an age away. We will start moving crew into staterooms today, a morale booster. I am splitting my time between my cabin and 7001.
14th April Passing Madagascar, oddly enough we should have been there, had the World not collapsed.
15th April Work on Lodo pool completed, tiles repaired ect. Going to fill and then start on aft Lido pool. Major work ongoing by Technical and Deck departments, we could never have done this with guests on board.
16th April. All change, heading for Singapore now, there for the 24th and after that?? Not sure, most of our crew come from Manila, Jakarta, Semarang and Bali, maybe I’ll be doing a ‘drop off’ at each one? Who knows, time will tell.
We are trying to keep the crew motivated, an event every evening, table tennis tournaments and ‘fussball’ in the lido area. Taking into account Social Distancing as well, (we’ve quite good at lip-reading and shouting).
Due to the time difference between the ship and West coast, my evenings and mornings are the busiest times and then a lull, when the West coast is dark. Weekends of course are quieter.
Hoping you are all well and safe, take care.
If you’re going through Hell
Keep on going, don’t slow down
If you’re scared, don’t show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you’re there
Song by Rodney Atkins
Captain, there are hundreds of us on this journey with you. We were on the first half. Thanks for taking us along on the second half.
Keep the faith.
Dear Captain,
Wow oh wow. What a story you continue to tell and your readers do appreciate all your news the good news and the very sad news. I could feel my own emotions in reading about the passing of the office on the Zaandam. Along, with the ms Amsterdam I am following the QE (we know a musician on there we met on WC 2015). Prayers and best wishes for all on board continued good health and safe sailing.
On a brighter note glad so many our getting cabin upgrades you and Karen too! There should be empty cabins a plenty to accommodate most everyone. Like you, technology is bringing families together some more than ever. Me unlike Kenneth Stein, you may pass this on to Karen, while I have many fond memories of our time together aboard ship this however would not include spin class – she talked me into signing up for 10 classes in 2015! I did them all tough stuff for sure – the end for me.
You have many following this part of your journey we all have concern – you remain on my “watch list” until I read about your safe and final port and the final sound of the Amsterdam’s horn.
Dear Captain Mercer,
Thanks for keeping us up to date. Good to hear that you crew is safe and morale is boosted by ‘upgrades’. Never had foreseen that following the captains blog would bring us this close to our son as maritime cadet in the crew:) While he is working below deck to keep the engines going, we pray you all have a safe journey and ports will open up to disembark the crew to see their families! #HALStrong
I love reading your updates, Jonathan. Thank you so much for keeping us informed! You and Karen are surely having an adventure for your retirement cruise! But you are the best to be on the Amsterdam and taking care of the ship and all the crew!! We love you and miss being there with you all! Thanks for everything!! Hugs to you guys, Jan and Dick
Love and Aloha from the Big Island. The Amsterdam and her crew are so fortunate to have you and Karen to shepherd them to safety whenever and where ever that will be. We think of all of you every day and look forward to the day when the Madness ends and the ‘New Normal’ is better than what the world has now❤️
Hi Capt. Jonathan, Thanks so much for your updates here! You are the best! You didn’t sign up for this crazy Grand World Voyage, but of course you are handling it superbly! Hope you are able to deliver crew to their homes and then get yourselves and ship back to FLL in a timely fashion! Keep in touch and love and hugs to you and Karen!! ❤️❤️🛳🛳🤗🤗🙏🙏
Thanks for the update, Captain! So sad about the crew member from the Zaandam; I’m sure that was a difficult time with the memorial you had for him. All of the crew, whether we know them or not, are our family.
Looks like you are in a “beam to” sea today and will be for the next couple days at least.
Glad the crew is getting to move “up” in the world; I’m sure that will help out with morale. Hope you can get them home without too much trouble, although, I’m sure that is asking for a bit too much in the current scheme of things.
We miss being on the ship, we miss the crew, we just miss everything and hope that you continue to stay healthy and get home (relatively) soon.
#HALstrong
Thank you Captain Mercer for continuing to keep us abreast of your position and activities. It is almost like dramatic movie reading about your situation! As you said no one could have imagined or predicted the state of the world or how we would all be existing. I’m so saddened to hear of the passing of your friend and colleague… that has to be difficult and scary too. I’m so hoping you are able to disembark your crew close to their home ports. Their families surely are concerned for them and want them home. We are sending all of you and yours our love and respect as you work tirelessly and patiently to get all your crew and the Amsterdam home. We look forward to your next blog. Beth Davis, Arizona
Thank you for keeping us informed on what is happening. I was just on the Amsterdam on the Tales of the South Pacific cruise and hope all the crew that I met is safe and healthy. Stay safe and healthy and hope and pray this all ends soon.
Thanks for keeping us posted. I hope the next captain of the WC will also post. Such a treat for the crew to be in cabins. They will be spoiled. Say hello to Henk from us. Sorry your last cruise ended like this. Stay healthy.
So glad the comment section is open again, most times it fills up the first day or so. Question: is Presty (assistant head waiter from Bali area) still with you? He was always so excellent. If so please tell him hello from the Doctors Keegan. And Gene, the cruise director if he’s still with you too. All such fine people! Want you and Karen to know that we got out our large, round globe and sat it on the coffee table in the middle of the living room and currently look at the section in the South Indian Ocean where you drift slowly along and think of all of you and what you must be doing. Thanks so much for keeping so many of your fans up to date. Just think what a fine book you can/will create out of this “last voyage.”
Noreen & I have you and the crew in our thoughts every day as we watch your progress. Please tell Karen I miss our spin times together. We wish you smooth seas and a set itinerary that gets all home soon and safe.
Continued prayers for all of you onboard. We have sailed on Amsterdam several times most recently South Pacific, but never had the pleasure of sailing with you. What would ever had led any of us to imagine the world as it is today? I keep a spreadsheet for the upcoming Grand Africa which includes many World Voyage Veterans. We hope against hope to be sailing on your beautiful ship in October. Be well and stay safe.
Captain Mercer, Staff, and Crew of the regal ms Amsterdam,
Prayers and warm thoughts continue to be with you as your journey takes you through rough water, undetermined ports, and sorrow.
May whatever God, Higher Power, Spiritual Entity, or Supreme Being you and your colleagues believe in provide you with guidance, courage, and wisdom to stay the course. You are all loved and respected more than you realize.
#HALStrong
So sad to hear of the Loss of a crew member from the Zaandam.
I think you and The QM2 are the only CCL ships that seem to be sailing. I have been looking at the live feed from Miami & FLL shoeing all the ships at either dock or outside the harbour.
What happens when most of the crew disembark at their home ports ( pray that this happens) do you take on more crew to run the ship?
Hoping that all goes well for your turn around
We will keep tracking you every few days.
Keep safe & well all.