Fire on Quest

[mister exec]

Marc,

Thanks so much for posting - very reassuring to those who love you and Diane! I am going to copy your post to our other thread if it's OK with you. So happy to know you are OK and that Azamara has responded in the way that those of us who love AZAMARA would expecct. Love to both of you.

 

Sheila - Please do. we are fine, but I simply cannot sleep just too hot - it is now around 2AM. Among everything else that Azamara has done for us, they have given everyone free internet access so we can keep family updated. They also made two telephones available for calls home at no charge and I really appreciate both of these considerations. I spoke to my daughter and she was very glad to hear from us. The Captain announced that the Miami team would be calling our emergency contacts to let them know that we are OK, but my daughter was never contacted. The call I made was as clear as calling my next door neighbor - very impressive.

 

One thing I didn't include in my last update was that we had some very rough weather on the first night of our cruise. During the muster drill help on our first afternoon before we departed the Captain announced that we were going to go through a monsoon in about six hours and "if you brought sick pills with you, I recommend that you start taking them now. He was right. Many people were very seasick while we had about a day and a half of very rough seas. Some said the swells were as high as 20 feet or more. We do not get seasick. It was no problem finding a place to sit at dinner when the boat was getting bounced around. The waiters also had impressive balancing skills.

 

All in all, a very memorable cruise. Over and out from the Quest, Marc

[SheilaNC]

Posted both, Mark. Get some rest and, if it's easier, just email me and I'll post for you. whatever works. Love to both of you...dream of the cool air-conditioned room awaiting you in Singapore and take care of each other. Give Diane another hug from me :)

[tgg]

Thank you Marc for taking the time to post the details of the experience. I now have a real sense of what you've been through so far. Those of us who know and love the Journey and the Quest are beyond sad for you all.

 

I'm not at all surprised that the crew has performed admirably. They are the best, and everyone who sails with Azamara finds this out quickly. The percent of repeat passengers really tells the story.

 

Loved the chef's comment about the smoked fish, etc.

[boquer]

Marc and Diane.....I'm so glad that you are fine (if hot and exhausted). You've both been in my prayers and thoughts all day. I see a new book in your future:

Only Diane...and Marc. I'm more than half serious. What an anniversary story!

Phyllis

[NYC-gal]

Hang in there. That also goes for everyone aboard.

[tommui987]

My thoughts and prayers are for the crewmen of the Quest.

 

We had Captain Karl on our voyage from Shanghai to Hong Kong and was impressed by his professionalism and the way he conducted himself -making himself available to one and all, asking people if he could join them at lunch, greeting the passengers that were coming and going at the different ports.

 

He is typical of all the Azamara crew - officers and crew - and I wish them all well.

[travelberlin]

I am so sorry to hear bad news in relation to a cruise again! It worries me how vulnerable actually ships are in case of an emergencency. I feel sorry for the crew members who were exposed to smoke. I feel also sorry for all others who instead of a nice vacation had to stop their cruise. Main think however now you are safe.

[Andy]

Hello Marc,

 

I wanted to share a very Special Thank You for taking the time to share your experiences with us. While Im certain it's been a difficult time for all onboard, it is heartwarming to hear that Quest's Officers & Crew have gone above and beyond, during this emergency. While I totally expected nothing less from Captain Karlsson, Philip Herbert and the rest of Quest's Officers and Crew, it's wonderful to hear it directly from you.

 

If there's anyone you would like me to call, please feel free to email me, by clicking on the link below.

 

If at all possible, please keep us updated. I wish everyone onboard Safe Travels.

[world~citizen]

My thoughts and prayers are for the crewmen of the Quest.

 

We had Captain Karl on our voyage from Shanghai to Hong Kong and was impressed by his professionalism and the way he conducted himself -making himself available to one and all, asking people if he could join them at lunch, greeting the passengers that were coming and going at the different ports.

 

He is typical of all the Azamara crew - officers and crew - and I wish them all well.

 

As are all of ours.

 

Quest has a great crew and Captain. They did a wonderful job.

[Pushka]

I am on board and wish to add that everything was handled very professionally. It really was a serious situation. Our muster station in the restaurant was full of smoke so we assembled in the casino where there was a little confusion and lack of space but things improved when we were allowed on deck. We returned to our cabins (in the dark) at about midnight and lights and toilets functioned at 3.45 a.m.

 

The crew member is seriously injured and as of a couple of hours ago we are proceeding to Sandakan for his further medical attention. Passengers will also disembark there and be flown to Singapore. We have the choice of staying on there till the 12 April.

 

Everyone has handled this well, despite suffering the heat without airconditioning. Officers and especially crew have worked so very hard and should be commended.

 

Vera, goodness, I hope you are ok! (I met West Aussie on the recent Queen Mary 2 cruise in Australia and she was very much looking forward to this cruise!)

 

My best wishes for the crew who have been injured and for a speedy recovery. All the best to everyone onboard.

[CHUCKIE50]

Just heard about this and I thank god all passengers are well and hope all the injured crew recover quickly

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/stricken-cruise-ship-repaired-heading-140008272.html

[TSmith48]

My thoughts and prayers are for the crewmen of the Quest.

 

We had Captain Karl on our voyage from Shanghai to Hong Kong and was impressed by his professionalism and the way he conducted himself -making himself available to one and all, asking people if he could join them at lunch, greeting the passengers that were coming and going at the different ports.

 

He is typical of all the Azamara crew - officers and crew - and I wish them all well.

 

We were on the Singapore to Shanghai cruise at the end of February, and totally agree about the professionalism of Captain Karlsson and his crew - if one has to be stuck in an emergency situation on a cruise, he would be one's Captain of choice! Most of the crew who looked after us so wonderfully in March would still be on board on this cruise, and our thoughts go out to them all.

[geocruiser]

This is so very sad. I pray that the injured crew members heal fast. I wish that the very sick crew member could be air lifted off the ship.

 

To everyone on board stay safe.

 

God be with you.

[Bill Leiber]

Hello Azamara Followers -

 

I'm pleased to share the latest Update issued by Miami headquarters at 6:30 PM E.D.T.

 

The "Statement" advised guests on the forthcoming Azamara Quest April 12, 2012 voyage to monitor our website and Facebook page on Monday, April 2 for an update. Of course, I will be immediately adding that information to this thread.

 

I believe that these series of Updates convey Larry Pimentel's commitment "to do everything we can to assist [our guests]." It seems somewhat ironic to me, that Larry will be actually meeting with the guests and the crew on this planned President's Cruise, although in an entirely unexpected circumstance which to me, demonstrates his determination to delivering exceptional quality service, no matter what "life" may bring.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Leiber

_____________________

Chief Blogging Officer*

Azamara Club Cruises

(*CBO is an authorized and compensated representative of ACC)

 

 

Azamara Club Cruises Statement[/b

]March 31, 2012, 6:30 p.m. E.S.T.

 

Azamara Quest is currently located 100 nautical miles from Sandakan (Sabah), Malaysia, and is traveling at a speed of approximately six knots. Based on this speed, the ship is expected to arrive in Sandakan at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, local time. Larry Pimentel, president and chief executive officer of Azamara Club Cruises, is in route to Sandakan in order to meet with Azamara Quest guests and crew personally.

 

Unfortunately, the ship has not been able to restore power to the air conditioning compressors. While this is a very difficult undertaking, the onboard team is diligently working to resolve this issue. The guest sentiment onboard continues to be calm and upbeat.

 

The damage caused by the fire will require us to cancel the rest of Azamara Quest’s voyage once the ship arrives in Sandakan. We encourage guests on the April 12, 2012, sailing of Azamara Quest to monitor this website on Monday, April 2 for an update on your voyage.

 

If you have specific questions regarding Azamara Quest, you may call toll free 1.888.829.4050 from the United States and Canada. Guest outside the United States may call direct or collect to 1.408.916.9001.

XXX

[Westaussie]

Marc has covered with more detail but this morning the good news is that the injured crewman is improving but still needs hospitalization. We are progressing at 6 knots with Coastguard and naval ship accompanying us.

 

Latest, which could change, is that we should reach Sandakan tonight around 10 p.m. and taken to hotels, it is far too hot to stay on board though we had a lovely bbq on deck in a cool breeze. The airconditioning won't be repaired. We have no hot water but I don't think anyone is complaining about that - some people are having several cold showers during the day - best place to be!

 

As mentioned before, the crew are magnificent. They are still not able to get to their own quarters and are sleeping on deck.

 

Pushka thanks for your good wishes - I did rave on to you about Azamara and this wonderful itinerary - many of us are hoping it will be repeated in the future.

 

Vera

[Pushka]

Marc has covered with more detail but this morning the good news is that the injured crewman is improving but still needs hospitalization. We are progressing at 6 knots with Coastguard and naval ship accompanying us.

 

Latest, which could change, is that we should reach Sandakan tonight around 10 p.m. and taken to hotels, it is far too hot to stay on board though we had a lovely bbq on deck in a cool breeze. The airconditioning won't be repaired. We have no hot water but I don't think anyone is complaining about that - some people are having several cold showers during the day - best place to be!

 

As mentioned before, the crew are magnificent. They are still not able to get to their own quarters and are sleeping on deck.

 

Pushka thanks for your good wishes - I did rave on to you about Azamara and this wonderful itinerary - many of us are hoping it will be repeated in the future.

 

Vera

 

Thankyou for the update Westaussie, I guess one good thing is that this didn't happen in waters 'more notorious' although the area probably isn't the best. You are all being very stoic about it and making the best of an unfortunate situation. Must be a little like when QM passed the Endeavour with the two companion boats you have!

[Iluvcruising2]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1192438/1/.html

 

MANILA: A fire-damaged luxury cruise ship carrying hundreds of American, European and Australian passengers was Sunday sailing slowly into Malaysian waters after engine repairs, the Philippine coast guard said.

 

The US-based Azamara Quest, which had been adrift after an engine room blaze on Friday, was under escort from Philippine naval vessels and was expected to arrive in the port of Sandakan in Sabah, Borneo, late in the day.

 

The fire injured five crew members and paralysed the 1809-metre (592 foor) vessel in the Sulu Sea about 200 miles (320 kms) off the coast of Balikpapan, on the Indonesian section of Borneo.

 

There were 590 mostly American and European passengers on board as well as a crew of 411, the Philippine coast guard said. The Australian foreign ministry said 89 of the holidaymakers were Australian citizens.

 

"Philippine coast guard and navy vessels are currently escorting MV Azamara Quest bound to the border," coast guard spokesman Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente told AFP.

 

"Coordination has been made with Malaysian authorities to provide escort after the ship enters their area of responsibility."

 

The cruise ship was moving "at a slow speed of five to seven knots and is expected to reach the border tonight", he said.

 

The Azamara Quest captain had opted not to airlift the five crew members who suffered smoke inhalation in the fire, who were being treated by doctors aboard, the spokesman added.

 

In a statement on its website Saturday, Azamara Club Cruises said engineers had been able to restore propulsion to the ship which was expected to arrive in Sandankan within 24 to 48 hours.

 

The engine room blaze late Friday was the latest in a string of accidents to have hit the luxury cruise industry in the past two months.

 

In January, the Italian cruise liner Costa Concordia ran aground off Tuscany, killing 32 people after it keeled over.

 

A month later a fire struck the Costa Concordia's sister ship Costa Allegra in the Indian Ocean. The vessel, which was carrying more than 1,000 people, had to be towed to shore by a French fishing boat.

 

The Malta-flagged Azamara, described on its website as a 30,277-tonne vessel, left Hong Kong on Monday for a 17-night voyage. It left Manila, its first stop, on Wednesday, and had been on its way to Borneo.

 

The Malta transport authority said in a statement it had launched an investigation into the incident, to be conducted by Transport Malta's Marine Safety Investigation Unit.

 

- AFP/de/ck

[Andy]

Marc has covered with more detail but this morning the good news is that the injured crewman is improving but still needs hospitalization. We are progressing at 6 knots with Coastguard and naval ship accompanying us.

 

Latest, which could change, is that we should reach Sandakan tonight around 10 p.m. and taken to hotels, it is far too hot to stay on board though we had a lovely bbq on deck in a cool breeze. The airconditioning won't be repaired. We have no hot water but I don't think anyone is complaining about that - some people are having several cold showers during the day - best place to be!

 

As mentioned before, the crew are magnificent. They are still not able to get to their own quarters and are sleeping on deck.

 

Pushka thanks for your good wishes - I did rave on to you about Azamara and this wonderful itinerary - many of us are hoping it will be repeated in the future.

 

Vera

 

Hello Vera,

 

Thanks again for your updates. I'm pleased to hear the weather is cooperating, and the Officers and Crew continue to take great care of the Guests. I hope they will get some rest, after the passengers debark.

 

I wish you, and everyone onboard safe travels home.

[Davyjonesrugrat]

BBC reporting the following coast guard update:

 

A coast guard spokesman, Lt Cdr Algier Ricafrente, said the Azamara Quest was carrying 590 passengers and 411 crew.

Azamara Club Cruises said the blaze - in one of the ship's engine rooms - had been immediately extinguished.

The injured crew members suffered smoke inhalation and one of them needed hospital care.

Azamara Club Cruises said engineers had restored power to one of the ship's engines to restart air conditioning, running water, refrigeration and food preparation and the vessel was in "calm seas".

 

 

"While the ship does not have propulsion capabilities at this time, it is in the process of being repaired," it said.

Lt Cdr Ricafrente said a Manila-based ferry and towage company had alerted the coastguard to the fire but there had been no direct contact with the ship's crew.

He said the coastguard would investigate why the Azamara Quest's crew had not issued a distress call.

The boat had been 139km (75 nautical miles) south-west of the Philippines' Tubbataha Reef when the coastguard heard of the incident.

Lt Cdr Ricafrente said two coastguard vessels and a patrol boat were expected to reach the ship later on Saturday.

As far as i am aware the territorial waters of the Philippines do not extend 75 nm, it is also up to the Captain of the ship to gauge the situation and respond accordingly, it is apparent that in his view it did not warrent a distress situation and hence no Mayday. Think Lt Cdr Ricafrente has heights of grandeur !!!

 

:D

[koalapanda]

We were on the Singapore to Shanghai cruise at the end of February, and totally agree about the professionalism of Captain Karlsson and his crew - if one has to be stuck in an emergency situation on a cruise, he would be one's Captain of choice! Most of the crew who looked after us so wonderfully in March would still be on board on this cruise, and our thoughts go out to them all.

 

You are absolutely correct Captain Karlsson, Staff Captain Michaele and their crew are amazing seafarers. We have been through The Gulf Aden, the Taiwan Straits and been totally at ease and safe with the wonderful "Quest" crew. I am sure Philip, Ryzard, Russ and Helen are doing wonderful things to keep the passenger comfortable and happy.

Leif, we are thinking of you and nothing can dim our fever of sailing with you on the beautiful Azamara Quest. We look forward to meeting and cruising with you later this year.

We send wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured crew members.

Jenny & Philip

[Lottie A]

Koalapanda said:-

"You are absolutely correct Captain Karlsson, Staff Captain Michaele and their crew are amazing seafarers. We have been through The Gulf Aden, the Taiwan Straits and been totally at ease and safe with the wonderful "Quest" crew. I am sure Philip, Ryzard, Russ and Helen are doing wonderful things to keep the passenger comfortable and happy.

Leif, we are thinking of you and nothing can dim our fever of sailing with you on the beautiful Azamara Quest. We look forward to meeting and cruising with you later this year.

We send wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured crew members.

Jenny & Philip"

 

Well said Koalapanda - couldn't agree more. They are all just the best crew at sea....and I so hope to be still seeing them in 11 days but I have to say that sadly my head is telling me that the Spice Route cruise for April 11th will be cancelled, although my heart is so wishing it won't be.

 

If any passenger currently on Quest is reading this could you please tell Helene that Lottie says to get her feather boa and fishnets on and consider re-starting the "Love Classes" in Mosaic......instead of the Trivia!

That should keep some of the guests entertained!!

 

Helene will understand the joke! It was a misprint in the Daily Pursuits last October. :D

[spw1947]

It rather sounds as if we have new members of the Captain Karlsson Fan Club, but can I remind you, we started it and that was before his recent, excellent performance.

 

Cheers,

 

Sue and Susan

[excitedofharpenden]

Think Lt Cdr Ricafrente has heights of grandeur !!!

 

:D

LOL. I heard him on the BBC yesterday and didn't understand a word he was saying, but this must have been the gist of it. I think it is Concordia paranoia setting in;)

 

Marc, thanks for the updates you have been giving. I wish you and everyone on the ship well.

 

Phil

[little britain]

Exactly a year ago we were on board with the amazing team of Capt Leif, Ryszard and Russ....it is good to know that the current passengers and crew are in such safe hands and Azamara seems to be handling everything as well as possible given the circumstances. I'm sure there will be moaners but I think their compensation offer excellent.

Thanks to those on board for taking the time to post and giving us the inside story...I hope they are able to keep the beers cold at least...;)

[Tonka's Skipper]

LOL. I heard him on the BBC yesterday and didn't understand a word he was saying, but this must have been the gist of it. I think it is Concordia paranoia setting in;)

 

Marc, thanks for the updates you have been giving. I wish you and everyone on the ship well.

 

Phil

 

'

 

It is amazing how a TV camera and media spot light will give folks the idea they need to act important.

 

 

AKK