We have been alongside here, in Fremantle for 3 days. In my last post I told you that we were ‘keeping’ our Australian ports, however this was not to be. Due to the ‘fluid’ circumstances in Australia, with impending shut-down, we cancelled Darwin, Broome, Exmouth and Geraldton and made best speed for Fremantle, Western Australia. The days between were hectic, we were to disembark our guests while we still had the opportunity to do so, (while air travel was still available). Our future ports were shut down to cruise ships, our ‘World’ cruise was not to be. Having been pre-cleared for Australian ports while in Sydney, the opportunity was there to disembark guests without a 14-day ‘isolation’ period and with a nearby International airport.
It has been an emotional time for all of us; we have sailed with the majority of guests for years and saying farewell was a challenge for them and ourselves. A great deal of tears and sadness.
On a more lighter note, while steaming towards Fremantle we passed-by the North Australian LNG fields and, above the reserves was the world’s largest ‘ship’, the “Prelude”.
She is an FLNG, or Floating Liquid Natural Gas production platform. 488m (1601ft) long, 74m (243ft) wide, she is 5 times larger than the “Nimitz” and, with full load, 600,000 tonnes. Cost? Somewhere between $10.8 and $12.6 billion. She is moored by a ‘turret’ to 16 sea-bed driven piles.
Taken by telephoto as there is a large ‘no-go’ area around the ‘Browse’ LNG field
The day after passing the “Prelude” yet another departure from the norm, a medevac (medical evacuation). A guest, seriously ill after a stroke, needed urgent care beyond our capabilities. The Australian JRCC, (equivalent to a Coast guard) were contacted and we were asked to make best speed towards Geraldton, the nearest city with the necessary medical facilities. A 45° turn to port and speed increased. Almost 2 hours later and we were in range of helicopter capabilities and, with light fading fast, it arrived overhead. Photos and video are better than words in this situation……..
We are are now loading some fresh provisions and will depart Fremantle in 4 hours. Destination? Durban, South Africa for fuel and thence to Fort Lauderdale, a 35-day voyage.
A strange way to finish, after 50+ years at sea, during which time I have experienced many challenges and incidents and one thing is for sure, I will never forget this one.
Departing guests have asked me to continue this blog during our voyage and intend to do so.
Thank you so much for blogging this trip and the many trips before that. I feel like I know you and I have definitely been introduced to places in the world I didn’t know about. My life is better for having read your blog.
Yes, please please continue your blog back to the USA. I sure hope you have told the next World Cruise captain that he has to continue this tradition!!!!
Blessings on your upcoming retirement. You have certainly earned it and you’ve left a legacy on the open seas.
All the best for a safe journey home. I have recovered from my World Cruise wish I was there’s. I live in Montreal now. Look me up should you come this way. I’m a great city guide. Stay well and wash your hands.
Looking forward to reading your reports on the remainder of this abbreviated world cruise. Fair winds.
Dear Captain Jonathan,
So good to hear from you again. Thank you for continuing to post your blog. I have a “watch list” of friends on the Volendam and the Amsterdam I am following until all are safely home. This includes you and Karen as well. This faithful reader has not been without tears myself particularly regarding what I am calling the “travel warriors”. These are unique and watchful time for us all. Take care kindly, Rosie
Thank you for an interesting and safe voyage as far as Fremantle. We’re sitting in the airport waiting for our flight to Brisbane and onward to the US. There are so many Amsterdam people around awaiting flights we could actually be sitting in the Lido.
At 1:00 PM they closed all the airport lounges, restaurants, and bars. I think you got us here just in time.
We wish smooth seas, welcoming ports and continued health for you and the crew. You have all certainly earned it.
Give us a call when you get settled into retirement on our lovely island for a quiet dinner.
Can’t thank you enough for taking the time to update us. What an adventure you are on and clearly you’re doing a great job! Looking forward to reading lots more when you get a chance.
Thank you for keeping us updated, Captain Jonathan. We’ve thought of you and our friends onboard many times since the world changed. We will continue to keep you and the crew surrounded with prayers and positive energy on your journey.
We hope the Maasdam will arrive and be able to disembark in San Diego soon, so we can all get home.
Save travels. I am happy you are continuing the blog. I want to know how the ship gets home. Thank you for everything on the cruise, your hard work on our behalf. If you ever visit Sitka you have friends there.
Rich McClear
God speed Captain!
Safe crossing .
From the 2019 World Cruse
Oh boy Jonathan … you all were indeed in our prayers during this very difficult time , but I recon you & your crew would have been the best in these circumstances. Well done as you continue onward to your final destination ( retirement for you!!)
I have filmed a lot of the Contractor & heli inductions on those huge ships in that area and inland from Exmouth at the BHP facilities. A very remote place.
Hope Karen got away ok.
We both look forward to hearing from you and your adventures en route.
Many thanks for the great joy you have given all of us ( readers) over the years
Captain
Bet you never would believe you would sail the Amsterdam halfway around the World without guests.
The helicopter transfer of the guest to hospital is a demonstration of one of the reasons to debark guests in Fremantle before this long trip away from shoreside support.
Who knows what the situation will be in 35 days, maybe you are allowed into Ft Lauderdale, maybe not.
Certainly the most interesting 300+ days I ever spent at sea Grand World Voyages 2012, 2014, and 2018. Thank you.
oh Captain, you deserve a medal and a raise in retirement pay. They got their money’s worth out of you this voyage!
will be so happy to read of your continuing voyage back to safe harbor….
but who knows where that may be as someone sequestered .
would be nice to look forward to some reflections on your other memories of sea life when you have the time on “ sea days” we have enjoyed with you so much
oh Captain, you deserve a medal and a raise in retirement pay. They got their money’s worth out of you this voyage!
will be so happy to read of your continuing voyage back to safe harbor….
but who knows where that may be as someone sequestered .
would be nice to look forward to some reflections on your other memories of sea life when you have the time on “ sea days” we haveenjoyed with you so much
Dear Captain Jonathan,
WONDERFUL to hear from you..we were wondering just HOW you were getting along. Good to hear passengers were disembarked and now you (just!) have to get home.
Safe journey and we would be so thrilled to have you continue your posts after such a time as you all have had.
Wishing you all the best, safe travels and hope all on board keep well!