Ding…(the chime you hear when they are going to make an announcement) – everyone looked at each other and we held our breath.  

“Good evening.  This is your Captain speaking from the bridge”.  You could tell by his tone, it was not good news.  We certainly understand the seriousness of the situation and expected him to say, we’re heading back to Ft Lauderdale (only stopping to refuel).  

Our hearts felt heavy for the Captain, knowing none of this has been the fault of our cruise line.  None of these decisions were made from anyone onboard, but he is the Master Of The Vessel that must deliver the message.  In summary, Princess Cruises is taking a 60-day ‘pause’.  All ships have been ordered to a safe port where arrangements will be made for passengers to return home.  We are scheduled to arrive in Fremantle (Perth), Australia on March 21st.  

Our ship has now sailed across the Indian Ocean as far west as Maldives and we’re turning around to sail across the Indian Ocean to Australia.  A-U-S-T-R-A-L-I-A!  Have I mentioned how much we love those Aussie’s.  They have agreed to let us enter their port.  So many ports and borders have been closed, we are unable to travel any further west.

I had been in contact with our travel agent at home.  She informed me she had clients on other World Cruises and they also were heading to Perth.  

…hmmm…we’ve been use to changing our clocks back 1 hour every few nights.  Gaining all those hours and feeling like we’re getting younger as we sail along (you know, crossing the date line and all).  Now we’re switching direction, o no!  We’ve been use to staying out late and gaining 1 hour.  Guess it’s time to grow-up!

The good news is, we still have more than 1 week to stay onboard this lovely ship and enjoy our time together with all of our new friends.  Carmen & Pedro (Florida), Sam & Carol (Maryland), Carolyn & Michael (New Zealand), Denise & Al (Michigan), Peggy & Jim (North Carolina), Bev & Mike (North Carolina), Kathy & John (PA) and Jean & Alan (Wales).

There is no bad news!  We are more than thankful to have been on this journey for almost 3 months.  Everyday better than the next.  The Pacific Princess is one of our favorite ships.  Bob and I were on this very ship 21 years ago in Tahiti.  At that time it was new and was part of the Renaissance fleet (R3).  I knew someday I’d find this ship again and hoped we would be lucky enough to sail with her again.  It’s such an elegant, small ship.  At full capacity, I believe 670 passengers.  I was told we only have 580 onboard for this leg (Sydney to Capetown).  

On a fun note, I had so many people calling this the “Mystery” cruise or the “Half” World Cruise.  The shop onboard immediately sold all their “World Cruise” items for 50% off, so, of course we took advantage of that.  

Our last 10 days, sailing across the Indian Ocean, was a very memorable one.  We celebrated Carolyn and Michael’s 10th Wedding Anniversary on March 14th.  Bob and I had a special invitation to a private party on March 15th (invitation from our friends Jean and Alan.  Alan is a senior officer) with some officers, including the Captain. We had entertainers onboard from Ireland that were not scheduled to be with us, but stuck with us.  Lucky for us, it was the week of St Patrick’s Day!  We had a special celebration for Bob’s birthday on March 19th and then the 20th was the grand finale – our final evening. 

We left Exmouth, Australia on March 3rd and will return to Fremantle, Australia on March 21st (without stepping onto land).  Our ship has been safe at sea.  Princess was very diligent about screening those boarding in the past few months and denying access when necessary.  All passengers and crew have been healthy.  We are thankful and grateful for all of the crew that worked so hard under these difficult circumstances.  So many of the crew were working way beyond their contracts, without a break and without seeing their family.  Every minute of every day, we would see crew disinfecting all public spaces.  Reminding passengers over and over (seriously, you’d think people would not need to be reminded) to wash their hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer.  There were hand sanitizer stations everywhere throughout the ship, so no excuses.  

We spent 18 fabulous days at sea….

I’ve never slept better in my whole life and will miss the rolling motion of the ocean.  We look forward to completing this journey – someday.

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We celebrate Bob’s birthday in the steakhouse restaurant (with friends – Carmen, Pedro, Carol, Sam, Michael and Carolyn). Silvio and Claudio surprised him with a special decorated key lime pie.

One morning we saw this mysterious rainbow. It was actually below us. We stood on the top deck and looked out over it. Beautiful!

The Indian Ocean was very calm. Some days it was as smooth as glass and you could see the reflection of clouds.

Memories I will treasure forever…