You are, no doubt, wondering where I’ve been. Actually it’s been rather busy here and another factor being that my internet connection has been ‘sporadic’. It would seem that matters have improved on the latter, so here we go………..
We first called in Townsville way back, I believe it was 2012 when, having had to cancel or call at Brisbane due to weather, an alternative had to be found and Townsville was it. They had never had a Cruise ship call until then, so it was quite a thrill for them. Now, it’s a regular call for many ships during the season.
We came up the coast from Sydney in gale-force winds and high swell, around 4m or 13 feet; fortunately it was all from the south, so we were ‘surfing’ the swell and the wind gave us a nice push along. The city is just inside the Great Barrier Reef, (GBR) and consequently we have a compulsory Reef pilot, ours coincidentally had been with us on previous transits of the GBR. Well ahead of our transit (weeks), we are in communication with him about our intended tracks through the length of the Reef, he in turn gives his ‘take’ on it and offers minor adjustments if necessary. The GBR is also an environmental area, no waste streams allowed and we have to plan for that too.
Townsville, like many Australian ports is accessed through a long, (7 mile), dredged channel, about 90 m of useable width and ‘wind’ is a big factor in the decision-making process as to whether to commit to the entrance. We are a big ‘sail’ and wind has a tremendous effect in such circumstances, basically the width of the ship increases as the course steered compensates for the its effect, one ‘crabs’ sideways. The stronger the wind, the wider the path becomes. So, once our pilot boarded, there’s a 10-minute discussion as to intentions, speeds, path width and many other factors to be taken into account and then of course, the final question, “are we going to commit”? In this case, the wind was between 20-25 kts, (22-30 mph, 32-48 kph) and speed in the channel vital, Long story short, we docked 🙂
The port and our dock, at the 3 o’clock position
I did not go ashore unfortunately, too much going on, so some photos of the environs will have to suffice.
approaching the breakwaters
and the dock ahead
Looking across to the town, ferries run from here to Magnetic Island
On our port side, cargo ships, waiting for the rain to stop before they can resume cargo-handling,
The gales that we encountered coming north were contributing to a weather system off the coast of Queensland, a tropical depression was forming. Weather maps were pored over, forecasts perused. The coastal belt, which we were going to navigate, seemed to miss the worst of it and the system was moving south-east, away from us, it was working nicely for us to continue.
More wind and rain as we moved north through the GBR, more forecast predictions. However, one can look as hard as one likes. the decision can only be made when one can see the actual weather on arrival off the channel entrance. Unfortunately my GoPro packed it in for the arrival, although one couldn’t see much anyway, the wipers on the Bridge windows don’t go low enough! The same procedure with the pilot for arrival Cairns; another long, narrow channel to negotiate and again, we made it in.
The city of Cairns from the Bridge wing
looking forward, the Naval base ahead and the cargo berths
Our departure.
While I was writing this, correspondence came in, HAL is ‘ceasing’ cruising for 30 days, we are keeping our Australian portion, Darwin, Broome, Exmouth and Fremantle and that’s as far as we go, Guests disembarking. Not sure what we (crew) will be doing yet. Hell of a Final voyage isn’t it? 🙄
Dear Jonathan, we have been watching this voyage closely especially the last several weeks. Sorry to hear now what seems to be the rest and the end of the story. You are a professional with great skills and experience. And, a fun Captain to sail with as well! Any passenger lucky to have sailed under your command will miss you. And for your faithful readers your blog has been a treasure – for me your nautical notes and descriptions were always impressive as you steer the Amsterdam through tricky passages. Kind regards to you and to Karen. Rosie & Randy
Dear Jonathan and Karen,
After four worlds with you, I was bummed that I wasn’t on this Magical Mystery Cruise, but no more. Now I just hope you all get home safely. I have followed your blogs faithfully and like them a lot. I hope they live in cyberspace forever, as they are very useful as well as entertaining and fun. I send prospective clients here to see what to expect. THANK YOU. ..and I do hope we meet again. I am planning to bid for next year’s world, where I will miss you even more. Long life and happy retirement. Stay well.
Purrs,
Thank you Captain Jonathan for safely leading us on circumnavigations in 2012, 2014, and 2017. (You will notice that that includes TWO successful landings on Easter Island!) Our “cruise of a lifetime” turned into two and then three, and we always felt safe under your command. Also, thank you for allowing us to travel vicariously via your blog. For the remainder of this cruise and in your retirement, we echo the above sentiments: Fair winds and following seas!
Mike & Diane Gadell
Captain Jonathan,
What a way to go into retirement. I have enjoyed reading your posts as you cruised around the world 🌎. Good luck in your retirement and safe travel to you and all the passengers as everyone makes their way home.
Hello Captain,
we have so enjoyed your updates throughout the years & eagerly looked forward to every one–except this one! We were thinking something would have to happen after so many ships were turned away from ports–so sad it has to end this way, but that’s life sometimes. Enjoy every precious minute of your retirement and thank you so much for taking us along too..Best wishes to Karen and all your family..they will be glad you are safe at home.
Wendy & Al
Captain Jonathan
We sincerely appreciate the way you lead your crew to provide guests the best possible experience.
We have three World Cruises to savor. A bashing good time at Easter Island, scary entrance between rocks at Yap. Also at Yap, elderly men in bermuda shorts, socks, and sandals crowding around topless native girls at the welcome tent. 25 knots through the pirate zone with concertina wire on the promenade. Coming through a gale in the Southern Ocean from Antarctica to beat the gale into Ushuaia. Taping the drawers shut. Another gale in the Bass Strait where you hove to overnight. Seamanship. The best party ever in 2012 with the paddle wheel steamer in the Lido Pool for Mardi Gras. Captain Paul at Pitcairn Island finally selling his staff to a well heeled gent that really wanted it. Barbara’s destination talks. Rita Rudner, Doc Severinsen, Gatlin Brothers Nephew, great entertainment. Leaving Mumbai at 11 pm, my wife went on deck to be sure we were leaving.
Glad you aren’t wandering the seven seas with quarantined passengers looking for a welcoming port. Elbow bump.
Captain, this will certainly be a cruise to remember for a long time. We wish you and K 1 all the best as you come to the end of your long carrier on the seas. We have been but two of the many, many fortunate passengers and crew who have had the pleasure of sailing with you on one of the HAL ships that you have captained.
Yes,what a way to go into retirement.I have no idea how I connected to your postings,but I have so much enjoyed reading them and learning a lot about the behind scenes and not just as what a cruisers sees.
My only regret I never got to actually shake your hand and introduce myself.
Like a lot of us ,may you enjoy a long,happy,healthy,retirement now do some road trips😛👍
Dear Captain Jonathan,
Thank you for keeping all of us in your hearts and with your poignant words. Certainly all of us who have come to know you over one or several cruises will never forget you or K1. Then there are the special few who literally jumped from the tender onto your shoulders as you first saved then guided us down and thru the surf to the shore in the South Pacific now so many years ago. Cruising is made up of many memories, both ecstatic and challenging. Most of us, and you most of all, with many cruises will forever keep these memories alive as long as we live. So sending you the best of regards as you complete what’s left of this final voyage. We’ve enjoyed it every berth of the way so thank you!
Captain, we are sad that you and all aboard were not able to complete the voyage as planned, but of course, maintaining good health is paramount. Please continue to post as you finish the Australia itinerary and make your way home. Please also leave your WordPress blog active or let us know a way to download it or obtain it on disk. It is a wonderful resource for planning further HAL adventures when happier times return. We send best wishes and congratulations on your well-earned retirement and hope to see you aboard a big blue ship as a fellow guest in the future!
Captain thank you yet again. It has been a very eventful cruise. I believe I speak for the majority of the passengers in wanting to let you know how much we appreciate the swift and clear updates you have made.
As you say Hell of a Final voyage isn’t it? 🙄
I wish you Karen and all your family a long and happy retirement. Just let me know if you go to sea again.😃👍
Dear Captain, I have so enjoyed your posts as well as enjoying you in person on a couple cruises. One, the World 2018 and that same year, a week cruise to Alaska. The crew and we passengers all agree that you are the very best person to have at the helm and commanding “Dolly’s ship” . You will be greatly missed. Thank you for all you gave of yourself and the kind patience you’ve shown us all. We will never forget it. Best of times to you and Karen in your retirement. I hope somehow we cross paths again. Thank you again for telling me when we passed Wendy’s place near Ucluelet in the fog. Aloha always,
We’ve thought of you many times since we’re missing your cruise while we’ve been on the Maasdam. We especially thought of you while we made it to Rarotonga, which we hope brings a smile. We’ve commented to each other many times that this voyage will certainly be memorable for you. The most important thing is that you, K1, K2, and all the others return home healthy and safe. We’ll always have fond memories of our 2016 WC and you.
Safe travels . . . fair winds and following seas!
Dear Captain, you said it, what a hell of a final cruise. All the very best for the future for you and Karen and your lovely family. Many thanks for all the nice memories you made possible. Keep enjoying life.
What a voyage Jonathan,
We have cancelled our Tahiti to SAN Diego as the ports were closed … well you know the rest.
We both certainly feel for you & Karen, the crew & Pax. Especially your last cruise in command.
It is a real adventure and you are making history rather that simply retiring!
Safe travels dear Captain. We do hope & pray that all will go as best it can with your professionalism .
Kindest regards