Racing to Fremantle

I am racing to get this update to you as I feel a sense of urgency to bring you up to speed while we race to Fremantle.

I hope that by this time tomorrow, we will be safely ensconced in a hotel room near the Perth airport. Until then, everyone on the ship is in packing mode. At 8:30 am our captain announced another change of plan. Instead of docking after a two day anchor position outside Fremantle, we will only anchor one night. Early in the morning, the pilot will guide our ship to the dock. By 10 am tomorrow, all guests will be required to leave the ship. We'll undergo a face-to-face inspection by the Australian authorities and then Regent will whisk all of us off to a hotel where we will be able to stay until our flights leave Perth.

Like many of you, we read that Australia had closed its ports to cruise ships. We felt a great deal of anxiety over the possibility that we would not be able to dock as planned. When today's news came over the intercom, I cried tears of relief. I know that “it's not over till it's over,” but, I am feeling increasingly hopeful.

We considered trying to move our flight up a day, but thought better of that idea. We want to avoid any possible confusion or error, so we'll fly home to Chicago, as planned, on March 18.

Yesterday, we finished 90% of our packing, so when this announcement came, we were relaxed because the hard work had already been done. I like being a day or two ahead of this “adventure.” 

What is really perplexing is this...we bought two gifts for our grandsons. Both are flat and both are lightweight. What is so darn puzzling is, our suitcases are more full and heavier than when we packed them for the trip! Go figure?!?!?!? It's as if the bags are mirroring the pounds we packed on eating so well for the past 52 days. We need to eat less once we get home. That may be easy to do....I understand grocery store shelves are bare.

Regent's reputation for luxury and excellence is well-earned and well-deserved. It's “easy” to earn high marks when everything goes as planned, however, maintaining the praise in times of crisis is really the true measure of a company. So, I say to you, without any reservation, Regent is a stellar cruise line, not for the obvious reasons, but for all the ways they are protecting us and their crew. In every way, they demonstrate that we will be as well cared for off the ship as we have been on the ship. A hospitality desk will be set up, exclusively for Regent guests, in our hotel to insure that each guest has the assistance they need to get home safely. We will have their ongoing support until each of us flies out of Perth. Regent has done an extraordinary job in a very difficult crisis. We are forever grateful to this cruise line and their outstanding team.

Taking deep breaths...sending good energy out into the Universe...praying for safety, good health and safe travel, not just for us, but for the thousands of people on cruise ships around the world who can not find a port to welcome them.  Godspeed to all.

Slippery and his pals, are packed and ready to go home! Two young boys will be very eager to welcome them home!