dillpickle48

Always great to get good news.

The Australian Government paid a one-off $750 to any australian receiving any form of government pension or family payment.  This was done to assist them and help the economy because it was considered that they would most likely spend it and thus boost the economy.  No forms to fill out, it just arrived in my account.

This is just the best news..No virus and coming home.  Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

The $750 arrived in my account today.  Boy was I surprised.

United will now fly Aussies and Kiwis home on a charter flight.  Looks like Holland will pick up the bill.

Australian and New Zealanders from Zaandam refused boarding from San Fran to Sydney by United.  Staying over night in San Fran awaiting news.

Australian and New Zealanders onboard have left by air for San Francisco already.  Hope they have a safe trip home.

Going to Indonesia may be better for a large number of crew members.

Gut please look after yourself.  You have enough problems without adding to them.  Good idea staying away from hospital.

New canal was cleared for a faster transit.  Set a new record, 3.5 hrs for the transit.  I guess they wanted them out of there.

Latest count: 26 houses with bears displayed in Greenwell Point.

I am downunder and never been to South America.  Thank you for keeping me up-to-date and giving me an education at the same time. This is fascinating?

And Zaandam now doing 15 knots under the pilot's control.  Must be in a hurry to get them through.

Comments on the Holland forum state it is the new canal and are watching on the new canal cams.

You are right.  Holland will be paying plenty.  Priority through the new canal - unheard of before.

Rotterdam looks like she is about to follow the Zaandam through the new canal.

Latest news from Holland America is that the Zaandam and the Amsterdam have now been given permission to transit the Panama Canal.  Fingers crossed.

No such thing as takeaways anymore in our little village as the club is closed.  Luckily our butcher is still open.  And the pub bottle shop is open for 3 hrs each day.  At least we can still get wine in.

I believe they are trying to negotiate with Durban where the empty Ms Amsterdam is heading.  The Amsterdam has permission to provision and refuel there before they continue their journey.

Our local cafe is now closed.  The owner messaged me to be there at 9.30 to pick up my coffee.  I was special.  No other customers and free coffee.  No more coffee for a while now.

Thank you for such wonderful news.  Now get some sleep. And thanks for the video.

Comments from onboard suggest that some had 15 or 16 pieces of luggage.

Anyone who booked flights through HAL definitely but I did not see a final decision for the rest.

NSW and Victoria to go into lock down in the next 48 hrs.  Supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations, convenience stores to stay open.  Schools open Monday.  Victoria school will start holidays on Tuesday.

Passengers were asked to take limited luggage off the ship.  The remainder of their luggage will be returned by FedEx to their homes.