I write from Port Klang, Malaysia, tied up, (I use the term loosely) to a berth which is 50m shorter than we are; our bow is sticking out in the river. On the ‘outer; berth is the “Golden Princess”, also doing a Service call. We have come in for fuel, our waste disposal and a few provisions and I expect us to leave around 10 p.m. tonight after a 10-hour call.
What happened to Singapore you may ask? Short answer, they refused us entry. We will never know why, however they had an enormous spike in C-19 cases prior to our intended arrival, which may have some bearing on the matter, Anyway, all change, (where have I heard that before 😯 ). Re-wind, where to next? ah yes, Malaysia might be good, let’s go there. So, on the 23rd we were able to alter our course in the Malacca Straits and head there without any radical alterations. Then we had to start the task of clearance documentation all over again, different port, different papers. Arriving at Port Klang roads on the 24th, we were told to anchor while our paperwork was processed.
Small trawlers surrounded us while at anchor
Heavy rain, lightning, thunderstorms every evening in the area
So, at 7 this morning, we weighed at anchor.
My first coffee of the morning, I couldn’t resist this sunrise
We proceeded inwards, in the north channel, towards the Boustead Cruise terminal. We unfortunately, had to take a pilot, which we embarked at buoy #1. Pleasingly, he wore a mask, (no gloves though), however we were clad for war.
Prior to the pilot boarding and prepping up.
The Golden Princess had already got the outer berth, so we had to make do with the inner; much shorter than our length and with poor tie-up arrangements. It was, however, suitable for our needs for a short call, I wouldn’t have dreamed of staying here for a long one.
Radar of the river transit, the berth is at the 7 o’clock position
Optimistic fishermen
Approaching the berth, going to tuck in the other side of the GP
Stopped, now to work her sideways into the other side
Success
Our next call? Jakarta and hopefully disembarking some of our Indonesian Crew. We should be there on the morning tof the 28th, however, I have learned by now, I’ll believe it when I see it. 🙂
Keep those lovely comments coming, some of them were published (anonymously) in our “In this together” daily HAL Group publication!
Before I go, some ‘retro’ photos.
Penthouse
Starboard side deck 7, looking aft
Stay well, stay healthy!
Happy Birthday Captain! I’m sure this will a most memorable one. Enjoy this unique day with Karen and the crew, who I’m sure will take wonderful care of you as they always have done for us. Stay safe and smooth sailing. 🙂
Happy Birthday – your local time (I will celebrate mine “tomorrow” Eastern Time). Probably not the best of times on the ship to celebrate but then again neither is in the States. At least you have access to food, wine and friends on board (and toilet paper and hair cuts). Safe travels and enjoy if you can.
Happy Birthday, have a nice day!
Thanks for updating us on your challenging repositioning for retirement. For those of us who cannot be up with you at the helm, can you describe the teamwork of your various officers and spotters to bring in the ship to a short pier such as you did on April 24?
What is the minimum crew size and duties required to reposition once much of the crew departs Amsterdam?
Thanks for such an interesting update periodically. Your mix of words and photos is so appreciated.
Captain, I have sailed with you only once but had a number of friends on the World Cruise. Thank you for taking such good care of them and now your own crew. While I hope at some time you will have another encounter with Holland America either as a guest or a short contract and get a proper retirement sendoff I wish you a great retirement and hopefully some nice golf outings with Rick Spath during his vacations.
Hello Captain Jonathan. Hope you got a few calm days till you
reach Jakarta on you Birthday. I wish you all the Best and good health for you Birthday, a smooth sailing with no sickness on
board all the way back home. I miss all of you. You are doing a great job and you deserve you Retirement at the End.
Big hug to You , Karin , Christel and Hank
Stay well Irmgard
We are still with you, in spirit and send our heartfelt admiration to all those on board, as you wend your way to wherever.
Stay safe – keep smiling – keep in touch…..We look forward to your blogs. Hugs from Jean & George in BC – and a hug for Bruce, too!
Captain, thank you for sharing with us the adventures of the Amsterdam. I know I have enjoyed immensely the years cruising with HAL. I hope that everything works out well and that you, Karen, and all aboard the Amsterdam get home safely and healthy. I, especially want to thank Mr. Shiv for the manner in which he supports the crew and how well Aris, Day and everyone assisted us with last minute details. And Philip and the dining room staff including Waja and Gema, keeping all of us savoring Chef Peter’s wonderful cuisine to the very end. And Ron at the Lido. I am back in State College in my home under “Stay at Home” orders from the Governor for the entire state of Pennsylvania. We have had more Americans die in the U.S. from COVID-19 in four months than from the Korean War (1950-53) and from the Vietnam War (1955-75). Our beloved Penn State has gone on line and everything is closed except for services deemed essential. I anticipate a hiatus from cruising for a year. My very best wishes on your retirement. Hopefully, we might cross paths on a future cruise, with you and Karen as guests, of course. You are and have been a splendid captain. Maria A. Sweet 🌺👏