(I started this post on the 6th, however did not quite complete it as I was waiting for photos from ashore. These arrived, so I am completing it on the 7th).
Well, after 55 days since any of our feet touched dry land, I now have 172 ladies and Gentlemen from our Indonesian crew, ashore. What a palaver it has been too. In and out of anchorages, endless paperwork and more officialdom, the day eventually arrived. 6:30 in the morning and tender platform was prepared, tenders swung out so they were ready to ‘splash’ and then, of course, we waited. Indonesian boats began to cluster around us; Coast Guard, Navy and Harbour authority an armada, fussing around us like mother hens.
The first tender was loaded, 43 disembarking crew and their luggage and it left the platform, waiting for the 2nd tender to embark.
When that was complete, the Navy escorted them the on their 4½ mile journey from the ship to a disused Container dock, where there were facilities to test them. If they were ‘clear’, (they should be), they will have 7 days in an hotel before being transported to their abodes. (I didn’t go ashore to take these photos, they were sent by the agent, have no fear) 😯
All-in-all, after waiting for so long for this day, it all went surprisingly well. Here are a few photos of our ‘armada’, taken from the ship.
We will now wait here a while longer, we have some ‘fresh’ provisions to get on board and we need to offload our sludge, which is a mixture of water, solid material and high viscosity oil. This will be pumped into a dedicated tanker from Jakarta.
Once this is all completed, off to Manila for round 2, it should take us 5 days to get there and we will join the ‘queue’, there are literally ‘scores’ of cruise ships making their way there. Depending when we get away, late 11th or early 12th of May.
Now photos of our men and women, going through the process.
Dock reception
Loading provisions onto the tender
And into an hotel for 7 days
More later, stay well……………………………
YES! We’re so excited for you, the Indonesian crew, and all of us who have been following the journey. You’re amazing, even if you are a year older than when we got off the ship. Actually I thought you looked younger in your birthday picture than you did he last few days before we got off the ship in Fremantle. Looks like there will be a pretty good wait before disembarkation when you get to Manila. Thanks for doing all you have to keep our crew entertained and healthy on their journey home. Hugs to Karen and hope you all get home soon.
leslie & handler
I am so delighted to know that you were able to safely disembark the Indonesian crew. Now, hopefully, they will all get home safely. It was a real blessing to us to be on a ship that did not get sick, and I’m sure it will be the same for the crew. I hope everything goes well getting to Manila and disembarking the Filipino crew. Stay safe, and thank you for all you are doing to take care of the crew, and did to take care of us guests.
So glad to see your post this morning. I had been wondering how you were doing. So happy that the crew is finally on their way home to their families. One more stop and hopefully you will be on your way home too. You will really enjoy your retirement once you can actually retire. Stay safe.
Dot
I’m so happy you were able to get a number of crew members off the ship and on their way to their loved ones. You are to be commended for your patience and persistence. Hopefully your stop in Manila will go smoothly and you can continue on your way. Godspeed to you and everyone on board.
We were on the 2020 world cruise and had an absolutely wonderful time. We were so happy to have you as our captain. Then it all changed. We had to get off. We areso glad you are able to get some of the crew off. Please take care and prayers are continuing for your safe return home.
We are so happy that the Indonesian crew was allowed to disembark. Thank you for keeping all of us posted on your travels.
You are a wonderful, WONDERFUL captain, who has dealt with a difficult situation in the most professional of ways. We look forward to hearing that the next set of crew can disembark, and that you and Karen can finally get home and begin retirement.
That being said, how many crew will remain on the ship once you leave Manila?
Thanks, Jonathan. It made me happy. It made me cry. Emotions running high, all over. Safe home.
Well Done! We were so happy for our Indonesian crew. We know this has been a real trail for you, but you seem to be holding up pretty well. You looked younger in your birthday pictures than you did the last few days before we got off the ship. Hope your voyage to Manila goes smoothly. It looks like you will be in a long line there. Did you say the crew will have to quarantine onboard for 14 days before disembarkation? I guess patience and perseverance are the name of the game. I’m pretty short in that department, but I really admire yours. Hang in there. You’ve done a wonderful job. Hugs to you and Karen.
leslie & handler
Thank you captain for all your updates. I personally was happy you were my captain on the 2020 WC. You did a Great job keeping all of the guests and crew safe and healthy. It was a difficult job that we know often changed by the second.
It is my prayer that the remainder of our crew will be able it return home safely. Once that happens it is my hope that you and Karen are able to return home to your family and friends. ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT!!!! You have more than earned it 😄👍👍.
This is excellent news. We so glad that the crew from this area has begun the final leg of their journey home. You and your officers, staff and crew deserve a well-earned good job.
This Grand World continues to be a challenge and the 2021 Grand World will probably still have confusions and changes. I’ll sure this isn’t the way you planned for your retirement cruise to go. How about coming back for a “do over” in 2022? Things should be settled down by then. We’ll be there and would love to give you a proper send off.
Merritt Island is slowly opening up under the Phase 1 plan for Florida. I had breakfast at the Causeway Dinner on Monday. Planning on going to the Island Gecko next. Noreen is getting ready for the Bonefish Grill.
Smooth seas and faire winds. We are with you in our thoughts every day. Thanks for the updates. Hello to Karen.
I am sure you must know that this day was as special to all of us mariners as it was for you and for the crew. GOOD JOB and GOD SPEED!
So pleased the first disembarkation has gone well, what a long journey for you and now to Manila. I have been watching all the crusie ships anchored off Manila, they seem to grow by the day.
Do like the ‘white’ tenders, I havent seen those on the other HAL ships I have cruised on!
Best wishes for a continual successful disembarkation and smooth sailing to the Phillipines.
Stay safe, well & sane!
What an incredible ordeal for all of you! The crew is very fortunate that you’re their captain and have done such an amazing (and I’m sure very stressful) job of keeping them safe and doing your utmost to get them home safe and healthy.
Our hearts go out to all of you. Most importantly, we wish you safe and healthy travels. Secondly, we wish you and Karen safe and healthy travels to your delayed retirement. And, thirdly, we wish all the best for the amazing HAL crew. This is such an uncertain time for them and we care and want the best for them.
Let us know when your book is ready! We’ll buy one!
Stay well, Captain!
Thanks, Jonathan, so much for this report and photos! Happy for the crew go got to get off! How many have you kept onboard to run things?
Anxious to hear about the Manila stop!
Also, interesting that HAL just canceled the 2020 Grand Africa cruise! Yikes!!
Take care and stay safe, you and Karen!!
Jan and Dick
Fantastic news for your disembarked crew!!
Stay safe and sane!