We have been prepared for the possibility that the Coronavirus epidemic might result in a change to our itinerary. It has happened. The captain made an announcement this afternoon and followed it with a detailed letter this evening.
We will not be going to Singapore or Indonesia. Although we are fine with the change, it’s sad for the crew, the majority of whom are from Indonesia and have been looking forward to our scheduled visit to Bali, Indonesia to meet up with family.
We also will not go to Male, Maldives, which is now turning away all cruise ships due to Coronavirus fears. Neither will we be going to Mombasa, Kenya because of Holland America’s security concerns related to some current unrest there.
Instead, we will head for the Indian Ocean as we leave Australia and spend an extra day in several countries and three days in a new port – Mumbai (Bombay), India.
We are okay with the omissions, excited about the new plans and, most of all, thankful that Holland America is concerned enough for our welfare to have made these changes.
It won’t surprise us if further itinerary changes are made.
But, Mumbai!! Excited about that, but we’ve always wanted to go to the Maldives! I guess we’ll have to go there with you on a separate trip!
I’m Sorry that you have been affected by the virus and had to miss a few cool places but it still sounds like a great trip. We are having some issues with our transatlantic cruise from Bayonne to Southampton leaving on Easter Sunday. We are travelling with Brad and Colleen (since you and Mary weren’t available!) From Southampton we are scheduled to spend a couple of days at Mill Hay Farm in the Cotswalds. My parents stayed there years ago and we have always wanted to visit. We have been to the Cotswalds but never to Mill Hay in Broadway. From there we head to Scotland for time in Edinburgh before we go on a week long tour of the Highlands. We won’t be home until May 5. Almost away for a month!!! Can you imagine that! Today the State Department issued an advisory that no one should cruise until this mess is over, not just the olds and infirm. We only qualify for half of that advisory, so far. We can cancel up to 48 hours of our departure so that buys us some time. We will be crushed if we can’t go. We are enjoying travelling vicariously with you.
Love to you both,
Marcia
But, Mumbai!! Excited about that, but we’ve always wanted to go to the Maldives! I guess we’ll have to go there with you on a separate trip!