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.
Hi Captain Mercer
I have been wanting to contact you for some time now but thought it best to wait the dust has settled somewhat. It must have been very frustrating for you as port after port was closed to you. Your last blog about the medivac was first class and hopefully many people now appreciate the compexity of being the Master of a vessel especially cruise vessels entails. I was so looking forward to seeing Amsterdam in Cape Town but that is not to be. I do hope you get clearance for call at Durban for bunkering etc. May the days ahead be peaceful for you, Look forward to further blogs of the rest of your voyage.
Kind regards
Ted Dixon
Cape Town
Captain Jonathan- You always go beyond what is called for, but this time you have outdone yourself! Your skill and thoughtfulness for both passenger and crew was what got all of us through this horrendous event without disaster. I want to thank you and the entire crew for the efficient and continuous hard work everyone did in assuring that over 1200 passengers and crew were able to return home before the world completely shut down. Walking through an almost empty Dallas airport was an eye opener. I also want to thank Australia and Fremantle for helping us return home. My thoughts are with you and the remaining crew as you venture towards Ft Lauderdale. I hope you will look back on this final cruise and see the amazing “firsts” you experienced and perhaps smile. Thanks for your 50+ years of sailing.
Hello Captain Jonathan,
You did a fabulous job of taking care of us all on this 2020 Grand World Mystery Cruise (as it turned out)!!
It certainly was not easy! It is too bad that it was your last cruise but you will not forget it for sure!!
We were all safe and healthy on your ship, Amsterdam! So be proud! We all love you and will miss you as Captain on the Amsterdam, our world cruise ship! We wish you a safe journey and healthy journey back to the US! And, you still do have a part of all of us on board- our Fedex luggage! Please do keep this blog going so we can know about your ongoing adventure! Good wishes, prayers , hugs and love to you and Karen! Jan and Dick 🛳🛳❤️❤️🙏🙏🤗🤗 PS: tru to get some rest now on the way home!
Dear Jan and Dick, so pleased you’re back safely. Thank you for your kind words, I have been wondering about you all. I will post soon, it’s just weird on here, surreal in fact. We’re keeping busy, however in ‘fuel-saving’ mode, lights dimmed, air conditioning decreased….all we can do to save every cent. We are 900 miles west of Fremantle ‘only’ 3,600 to go to Durban. What luggage? We’ve sold it all 🙂 ha ha!
I think everything I would want to say has a bit in many of these special notes to you.
I have given thoughts to you before,but again it has been so much fun reading and trying to understand,but a real lesson from the other side of being just a paying cruiser to enjoy places, food and entertainment,
I hope our Lord gives you and those still with you safe travels to your final destination.
You and your AMDM crew are to be commended Captain! Incredible work under extremely trying circumstances; the ultimate roller coaster ride. My hat is off to all of you! Best wishes on your journey west and northbound!