Capt Mercer came over the public address system and gave us a preview of what we can expect in near future. He said everything will be in a letter delivered to our rooms, but wanted to give us what he knew ASAP so we could start planning.
Here are the highlights
ARRIVAL PERTH
Arrive Fremantle/Perth 7 AM on March 22, 2020. The ship has been cleared to dock in Fremantle. The ship will depart on the 23rd. We can stay in Australia up to 14 days.
MEDICAL WAIVER FOR NON FLYERS POSSIBLE
All passengers must get off. Those who can’t fly for medical reasons will be evaluated and waivers are possible, but waivers will not be easy to get. It sounds like your home Doctor must talk to HAL medical in Seattle. The details of the waiver process have not been described.
17 March Update – We received a new letter stating that medical waivers are no longer possible under any circumstances.
BOOK YOUR OWN AIR
Passengers must find their own way back home unless they had booked with HAL Air. HAL will reimburse air fare up to $1250 pp.
Free internet vouchers are available for those without unlimited internet. Free use of the Ship to Shore Phone is available – but you must stand at guest services while you talk.
I found economy flights to the west coast of the USA for around $700-$1000.
HAL will consider reimbursement of other travel expense – but the Capt advised – keep them reasonable.
OPTION TO LEAVE OUR LUGGAGE IN OUR CABIN
If we leave our luggage in our cabin, HAL will FEDEX them to our home upon arrival in FLL. This will be at our expense unless we have the free luggage perk – then those benefits will be applicable.
COMPENSATION
Option of 50% refund to our form of payment and 50% Future Cruise Credit.
OR
125% Future Cruise Credit. Some people thought this will be prorated – meaning we arrive in Perth on Day 78 or 60% of the cruise complete meaning we would get 50% of 60%. I didn’t interpret it this way, but we will see once we get the specifics in writing.
March 17 Update – Refund for full world cruise passengers is not prorated, but based on your base fare. Segment passengers are only being refunded for missed days.
I am so sorry to see your trip coming to an end as a result of this virus. I really enjoyed following your posts along SA as our big trip in 2021 is to circumnavigate South America on the Volendam. For now that does seem a bit iffy. The world is really in a frenzy over this virus. It is all people can talk about.
I wish you safe travels back to your home and extraordinary adventures in the future.
We are still planning on going from Singapore to Tokyo next January. I am confident things will be back to normal by then.
A wonderful blog coming to and end much too soon.
Thank you for all your work on this.: it has been a delight to see the [photos and read the commentary.
Also, thanks for the wrap-up info about the logistics of the end, compensation, air, etc. Always good to know how HAL handles this.
Awaiting your next cruise!
I have a feeling we are not done yet! We are still 5 days away from Fremantle
Safe travels. Hope your next cruise ends better.
Thanks. We are doing great here.
Pete, Thanks for taking us on this abbreviated world cruise. Your descriptions are great as are all the tips about each port. Fair winds and following seas as you return home.
Thanks Bob,
I was stationed in Barbers Point back in 1980 -1983. I was in AIMD but worked with all the squadron.
HAL is keeping its “family” apprised of what’s happening with all its ships.
https://www.hollandamerica.com/blog/topics/news/holland-america-line-ship-disembarkation-update/?linkId=84518552
Thanks for the link