It has been a peaceful Indian Ocean these past few days, light winds and just enough swell to have us gently rolling. We are still making for Singapore on the 24th and thence to Indonesia and the Philippines to disembark our crew.
I start my day by dealing with incoming emails, not only from our destinations, but from our Corporate offices, which of course have the time lag, we are now GMT +7 hours and the East coast is a long way behind us. The afternoons leave time for relaxing, I’ve done a great deal more reading than normal. The library is locked, however the paperback section, which many of you donated to, has plenty of books. (No offence, but I sanitise them first!) 😆
Thank you all for your messages in the ‘comments’ section. I pass on many of them where you have asked to mention a particular crew member. It is heartening to know you are still thinking of us, despite your own challenges.
The evenings usually have an event of some sort or another, for instance a “Spelling Bee” or karaoke, keeping Social Distancing in mind, of course.
Yesterday we had a “crew appreciation day”, decorations and a special menu. Members of the ship’s company were asked to volunteer their services behind the Lido counter and, after my spell with the Garlic rice, I took the liberty of a few photos and a video, I know how much you like to see some of the crew.
Karen and Christel doing their ‘bit’
The “chicken” is back! Except in the Dolphin bar!
Not a great deal more to report, we are not alone in our quest, dozens of Cruise ships are either in Asia, or making their way there, all for the sole purpose of disembarking their crews. There is no mention yet of when officers will be relieved, however when one considers just how complicated the procedures are for disembarking hundreds of crew, we are, understandably, not priority just yet.
I leave you with a couple more photos.
A beautiful sunset astern
Evening on the aft sdeck
Thank you Captain for keeping us informed because we do care about you and the entire crew.
The video of the Crew Celebration was fantastic because we can see how the crew is being treated and that everyone on board is part of a family.
We were part of the group that disembarked in Cairns for a land tour and never could rejoin the ship.
We’re very sorry that we could not properly say goodbye to our fellow passengers and the crew.
If you could pass along our best wishes to Presty and Marjune, we would be most grateful.
Safe travels to all of you as your adventure over the next weeks unfolds…
Captain,
It is so wonderful seeing you all well! My prayers have been with the HAL crew throughout the world. For their health and for their future employment in these difficult times.
Send our best to Eddie, Made, Zaki, Angel, Sun and Gito. Wishing you all a safe and relaxing journey.
Cathy and Jim
Room 3337 and Table 128
Hi Jonathan and Karen,
Thanks so much for your update here! The Crew Appreciation Night dinner looks great! What an awesome idea! It is so much fun to see the Amsterdam and all the people we know and love! We are all home, safe, and healthy but missing the Amsterdam because we would all still be onboard!! So thanks for including us!! Everyone looks happy and I am sure, making the best of it! At home here, we are all staying home and everything is shut down, except for grocery stores, and even then you can get delivery if necessary!! We send you, Karen, and all lots of hugs!! Jan and Dick
Wonderful video. The food in the Lido looks much more appetizing than what goes on in my kitchen. As always, your crew has the widest smiles .
Thank you for keeping us up to date on the Amsterdam and its crew. We really appreciate it. We’re glad that everyone is happy & well and that the chicken is still around and was not needed for soup. 😉
Stay well and give our regards to the crew.
#HALstrong
Hi Captain and crewIt is great seeing everyone and that you all look happy.
Quite the ordeal for you all.
Hi to Kurtuk from Elaine & Steve.
Again, that you for the blog and for the outstanding job you’ve done and are continuing to do.
Stay safe and healthy
Thank goodness everyone is well, safe and in good spirits. Love, love, love the photos from Crew Appreciation Night. Saw so many of the people we love. At first I thought it might be you that Papu was holding. You were thin when we got off, and I figured the facial expression was one you might be wearing by now. Then I realized it was our beloved Crow’s Nest chicken. What a relief! I did see a really good picture of you and Karen behind the serving line on Philip’s blog and you’re both looking really good. Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated on the Amsterdam. Hope everything goes smoothly taking our guys home and getting yourselves home as well.
Hugs (air hugs right now) to everyone, from leslie & handler
It is great to see so many smiling faces, keeping good cheer at a time of great uncertainty. Stay well and strong — you lead a marvelous crew!
Continued prayers as you approach land for continued good health and smooth procedures for disembarkation. We disembarked Amsterdam after 68 days on Jan4 before the world changed. Please give love and well wishes to Ferry, and Kaye, dining and wine stewards, Angela and High, our darling servers in the lounges. We are following Philip S as well, our Facebook friend. God speed. 🚢😷❤ Tallulah and OK
I am so glad that you continued your blog! We enjoy hearing where you are and that all of you are healthy. I was delighted to hear that you allowed the crew to move into the cabins – such a great morale booster in what is a difficult time for them and worrying about their families. The crew is what makes the Amsterdam so special and we hope to be on the 2021 WC. Let’s pray that a vaccine will be developed quickly. Judy & Marty Husted
Hi Captain Mercer. thank you for the update on your voyage to Singapore. Always look forward your your blogs as they give us a real sense of travelling with you and also an understanding of what goes on behind the scenes. It is also with great appreciation that you continue with the blogs during this time of stress and probably frustration due to the current siruation. So enjoyed seeing this video of the Lido,brought back memories of my 2013 voyage with you, Super to see all the national flags incuding the South African flag despite it being upside down. I hope it is not an omen for our lockdown to be extended beyond 30 April. Sorry you were not able to make it to Cape Town on this your last voyage.
Kind regards and keep well,
Ted Dixon
Cape Town
So glad to see everyone smiling and to see Roland behind the bar. It is pretty here in Merritt Island but much like a ghost town. May you all have safe travels and eventually be home.
Good to hear that all is well on the Amsterdam.
You may find this article on the BBC interesting!
Coronavirus journey: The ‘last cruise ship on Earth’ finally comes home https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-52350262
Stay safe
As always, so good to hear from you and that all is progressing well across the ocean. Wonderful photos & video. We had the Maasdam for lunch but no Amsterdam to be had ( cheese that is) NZ has dropped its level to Stage 3 so I am sure Au will do the same soon. We look forward to pics of your approach to Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines.
Keep safe & well
Hello Captain,
Thank you so much for the nice video, great!
Stay well and healthy, all of you!
Looking forward to my ( already booked) next cruise on board HAL!