I write from the South China Sea as we make our way towards Hong Kong.
We departed Manila yesterday evening, after 2 days of being alongside. No arrival video for you as it was pitch dark on our arrival. Manila Port Authority had 4 cruise ships berthing on the 5th and they were, how do I put it politely?……..Panicking? All of us were expected to arrive at the pilot boarding ground at around 7 a.m. and, as the Port quaintly put it, “first come, first served”. That I could live with and so at 5 a.m. 😆 we sneaked in and approached the pilotage area, weaving through the anchored cargo vessels and warships off the port.
As with many port approaches at night, many of the navigational marks are difficult to discern because of the lights from the city itself. Nevertheless, the Bridge team, knowing what should be expected and where it should be, made the operation look easy. The pilot boarded, niceties exchanged and he, obviously having no intention of partaking in the procedure, stood quietly while we took her in. Once alongside the berth, the usual theatrics ensued, making sure all our shell doors were clear of obstructions and we could get gangways in, stores on and off without hindrance. Eventually both we and the port were happy and the ship made fast.
I had to take Karen ashore as she had a plane to catch; her Mum had just passed away and she was flying back to Rochester, NY to be with family. Now, my companion and roving reporter is in snow and ice, a far cry from the 95F, 33C temperatures she left. Despite ideas to the contrary, sailors don’t go ashore too often; I have done so for the blog photos or to accompany Karen, (or both). I’m afraid there seemed little point in me going into a very hot, humid city where there were few opportunities for photography without her and so I stayed on board.
We did however have hundreds of visitors about to embark, the wives, husbands and children of our Crew members, their excitement was infectious!
3 days before our arrival, I received notice that the Port, because of the 4 cruise ships, had taken the incomprehensible decision that there were to be no visitors whatsoever. After weeks, if not months of them knowing about this situation, this was a bombshell. Families had made arrangements, travel plans made and excitement building. To cut a (very) long story short, after much fist-banging, emails and phone calls by myself, Hotel Director and Human Resource Officer, they condescended to allow our families to come at 7 p.m. on the 5th and all day on the 6th. We heaved a sigh of relief and what fun was had. Our guests joined in, anticipating the gathering they brought sweets, (candies) and gifts for the children and spent time with them, as did I. I went to take some photos for you, however ended-up having scores taken with me and their relatives and children instead. 🙂
A special party for the families was arranged around the Lido pool. Food and ice cream were in high demand!
So, after 2 days in port, it was time to depart, I’m sure there were a few tears as the crew said goodbye to their loved ones.
A band to send us off
While guests listened from the decks and balconies
Manila skyline from Manila Bay
USS Bonhomme Richard, LHD-6, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, anchored in the bay.
As we made our west, across Manila Bay the island of Corregidor and, to the north, the province of Bataan, both synonymous with battles long past, but still remembered.
The island of Corregidor
The sun’s rays providing a sunset over Bataan
So sorry to read of the loss of Karen’s mum; my condolences to you both.
My hat is off to you, and the H.D. and H.R.O., for speaking-up for your crew and getting their families on board. Having gotten to know some of the Philipine crew members on our HAL cruises, I know how much a chance to see their families and have them come on board would mean to them.
As always, I am enjoying reading your blog and “sailing along” on the World Voyage. Looking forward to more to come!
One of your most heart felt blogs Capt. So well written.
Sorry for your wife’s loss and her having to leave you.
Happy for the families’ reunion which would have been a serious morale downer for the crew if you had not stood up for them…
For you the Captain and your officers to fight for your crew to be able to see their families was commendable. Bravo !!!
May God bless Karen and her family for the loss of her mother.
Barbara
Thank you again for the fascinating post. Please give my condolences to Karen on the profound loss of her mother. How terribly sad…
Jonathan – Barry and I are so sorry to hear about Karen’s Mom. This is always such a loss and we want her to know that she is in our thoughts and prayers. I hope she is able to rejoin you. Strong hugs xx Jane and Barry
Please give Karen our condolences that her mother passed away.
The Andrijeski’s
Please tell Hazel I am sorry for the death of her mom.
Please accept my condolences.
My deepest sympathy to you, Jonathan, Karen and her family on the passing of her Mom. 😥
Passing on my sympathy to Karen and family.
You comment about the pilots many times when arriving at ports, sometimes I take it that this job is in name only,would you say now days,compared to what it started out to be. Yes,they do need to know a lot but you and your bridge do an awful lot to get the baby in there.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Karen’s mother. Always tough, even if expected. Thanks, once again, for taking the time to post and blog. Oh, yes, and also vlog. I’m sure the crew appreciated the fact that you and others fought to have their families come aboard.
My sympathies on the loss of Karen’s Mom.
My deepest condolences for Karen and you Captain.
Very sorry to hear about the loss of Karen’s Mum, Captain! 🙁 Thoughts and prayers
So sorry about your wife’s mother. My mother and mother in law both passed this week within five days of each other. Am very glad that you were able to have the delightful party with crew and family!! What a wonderful reunion and morale booster. On the Grand Asia we were able to meet families and see some of the festivities. You are all to be commended. Soon my good friend Kate Ross, a guest speaker will board. Please warmly welcome her and give her a hug for me. She is a fantastic lady and amazing lecturer. We met her on the Grand Asia also. And once again thank you for the ride. Deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother in law.