Coronavirus fears are seeing Pacific Islands turn back cruise ships. Here’s what you need to know – ABC News

Coronavirus fears are seeing Pacific Islands turn back cruise ships. Here’s what you need to know – ABC News
— Read on www.google.com/amp/amp.abc.net.au/article/12019916

Sad but true we are coming home!

We are packed and waiting to disembark our Viking Sun ship this morning. Not many of us are saying goodbyes because almost all of us will spend the day at a beach resort (with rooms) until time to go to our flights out of Bali and to our homes from there. We were caught up in a political battle with 3 Ambassadors, a top Viking official from Norway who flew in, and mayors and the governor from Indonesia all negotiating whether or not to let our healthy ship port in Benoa, Bali. Over 6 days our temperatures were checked and rechecked and no one was sick. But 2 ports had refused to let us dock so it was important for all to feel good about the decision. So we spent a wonderful day in Benoa yesterday and did some panic shopping, packed yesterday afternoon, and had a cultural dinner experience last night. I can’t say enough good things about how responsive Viking has been through this experience.

Semarang Indonesia

We have arrived at Semarang however we are not being allowed to come into port. They are afraid of all cruise ships because of the virus outbreaks on others. We have all pasted health checks but they are still not allowing us to disembark We have two passengers that need medical care one with a possible broken ankle and one with a possible heart attack They first were not going to allow these two medical care then decide to allow them to the hospital but meet them with hazmat suits It is so sad that people are so afraid of the

so sad that they were so afraid of us. Many ports are closing and we are now have been given an option to return home. We will think and pray about it then let you know if we are heading home soon

I guess we made the news. https://en.antaranews.com/ To bad it had to be this way!

Komodo Dragons

We visited Komodo Island Indonesia. The authorities are very worried about us because we are on a ship. So we had to have our temp taken and wear masks to be allowed to enter the island. This new port we have to have everyone including crew’s temp taken and a medical clearance document before we are allowed to dock Masks are not my best look 🤣🤣 we are still having a great time. Meet some wonderful people and have enjoyed the knitting group and painting with friends!!!

Day 13

We are on day 13 of our wonderful Viking cruise to newly announced ports as we avoid Asia, the Coronavirus, and basically big cities!
But we are on a ship of happy cruisers as we have seen beautiful New Caledonia and will spend more time in Cains, Bali, the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, etc. Viking announced yesterday that they will give us a 40% voucher from this cruise for another cruise to compensate for the disappointment of missing Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Singapore, etc. We feel that is very generous, and we knew when we left we would have changes to our itinerary.

Darwin

We had a lovely day and a half at sea then at 2pm we ported in Darwin. We visited the Darwin History and Art Museum. It was very diverse!!!! Everything from crocodiles to political art!

After our tour the girls all got into a Uber and went to the local craft and yarn store. It felt more like Micheals but we had a great time looking at stuff and just having fun. We finished with a late night dinner and visit.

Early we went out to the WWII aviation museum. Paul looked like me in a yarn store. He had a blast !!!! Then we went to the WWII Military Museum and loved it even more. Then back to the boat to head toward Indonesia. Tomorrow is a day at sea and I have enjoyed them as much as the tours.

Townsville Australia and Charter town Mining

We ported in Townsville Australia and took a bus to Charter Town Gold Mine. It was the start of the gold rush in Australia in the 1700’s. Viking feeds you all the time so we took a bus 1 1/2 hours out to the town and then had to have tea. We toured the mine a bit then had to have lunch! I think I already gained 5 lbs. no more desserts for me until my Birthday or I will never be able to wear the clothes I brought with me!

We are enjoying everything and even sea days have fun activities and more food! Viking has really tried to make up for the changes. They are giving us 40% back to spender one another trip and the option to return home. Some are taking the trip home but an adventure is an adventure and we are going to have a great time!

Great Barrier Reef

We got up and out early this morning to go to the Great Barrier Reef. We took a boat about a hour and half out to a floating diving area. It was a bit choppy and rain a bit. But we were getting wet anyway so no big deal. Water was warm and salty with big waves but we really enjoy the adventure.

Coming into Cairns Australia

Today after 2 1/2 days at sea we have arrived in Queensland’s seaside resort town, Cairns. We will be touring the town and later tonite having candlelit dinner in a forest. Tomorrow we go out to the Great Barrier Reef. We will enjoy the water and snorkel with a guide.

I really enjoy our days at sea. Lots of knitting great dinners and new friends.

The Ladies at sea