2 ports to write about and a late post. My days have been filled with not only port arrivals and departures but alternative itineraries. We were, as you know, avoiding Asia including Singapore. Then this was changed to going to Sri Lanka and India, however Sri lanka has closed its ports and India had an insurmountable issue with visas…All change In this dynamic and ever-changing world and now we are staying in Australia for a while longer. After Darwin we are now planned for Broome, Exmouth, Geraldton and Fremantle before we head west to Reunion Island; at least that’s the plan thus far…
I did not go ashore in Auckland and therefore no photos this time, however I have some from last call.
The lights of Auckland beckon us.
Queens Pier ahead
Onwards then to Waitangi, Bay of Islands. A beautiful area and an anchorage port for us and tendering. I have been here before, however I took a jaunt in a tender and some photos for you…
Inbound and we pass a tender returning to the ship
On top of the hill Waitangi Treaty grounds
And a video, which is better than photos…..
Some of you have asked for a view of the interior of the Amsterdam and I took a break from my desk to video this (and get a cup of excellent coffee while I was at it. 🙂
Apologies for the brevity of this post, it took ages, (days in fact), to download these photos and videos to the ‘back-end’ of WordPress. It is our Friday evening and tomorrow morning Sydney beckons and alongside for two whole days,,,Can’t wait!
I was lucky enough to dock at Circular Quay with the Maasdam last year.
Without a doubt, very busy days, as well as extra work, for you, your Dept. heads and your crew Captain! Luckily for all involved, you are the best man for the job ahead, no doubt! All the best in your remain stops in Oz and your eventual route westwards
Welcome to Sydney! Enjoy your stay in our wonderful city! The Bay of Islands is a beautiful area to visit & one of my favorite in NZ!
HAL is very lucky to have a captain with your experience at the helm as you plan and effectuate the voyage to nowhere.
I do hope you have some down time to rest , reflect and enjoy your last great voyage ’round the world.
A lot of extra stress that you are absorbing for the passengers. Knowing that the bulk of them have spent a great deal of time
annually aboard, the surprise of the new experiences of unexpected ports of call will be look at as an adventure not with foreboding, having confidence that you have matters in hand.
I await all your posts and appreciate them very much.
Love the videos. Are you using a gimbal?
Thanks for taking the time to share with us!
Lovely video, those of the bridge. 👍 nice there are many on these ships that know how to push buttons and move levers, just unbelievable.
Oh dear Jonathan, I feel for you on your final cruise and do hope that all goes wonderfully well for the remainder of the trip.
We have had to get minimum 5 day health clearances for our arrival into Papeete to hopefully join the Maasdam next Sunday as the Government there have implemented this.
You will have a great time in WA & NT which I think you remember from your freight days.
Have a safe journey … onward & upward!
Should be a great cruise across the top of Australia to Fremantle. However, you may need plan B for Reunion Island which recently met Sun Princess with violent protests. They had no luck with other Indian Ocean islands, so eight sea days back to Fremantle.