Bit of a Blog : Solstice : Auckland – Fremantle – Sydney : February 14th 2016

[NorbertsNiece]

I've been made aware that this blog has very senior officer attention here. Your support and encouragement is so welcome. You can feed me as much mis/information as you like ;) I was asked to clarify the Darwin dates and I've already done that..... you've been otherwise engaged.

 

I've had sight of tomorrow's 'Daily'. There's a talk tomorrow at 11am called 'Deviation Explained' being given by the Staff Captain. Yeah. That's what I thought too.

 

To clarify : we have a technical stop at Willis Island which will take place the day before we arrive at Cairns. More about Willis Island here. Really looking forward to seeing the ship route map when they return it to Deck 3.

 

 

Two medevacs and a technical stop..... that's quite enough unplanned excitement thank you very much.

 

Thoughts go out to the Indonesian crew who regrettably will not be able to go ashore tomorrow and visit with their loved ones.

 

Clocks go forward an hour and half tonight.....

[Beanb41]

Whilst being a passenger and missing Bali is a bummer I agree wholeheartedly that for the members of the crew from Bali this must be devastating for them. This is or was a once in a year opportunity to visit home

[Blondie008]

Argh! I don't think we get those special offers from here in the UK. It is interesting that you are in Melbourne and you get them.

Perhaps, if I am wrong about not getting special offers, someone in the UK can put me right. :rolleyes:

 

We get very similar in 1-2-3

We got drinks package, free grats - and I think it was free OBC for our forthcoming Alaska cruise -

Upgraded our drinks to premium for a mere £113 for us both.

I booked a while back - the promos are always rotating around - just need to keep an eye out for the offer that works for you.

[NorbertsNiece]

You are lucky to have avoided Port Hedland. We visited there on the cruise last year. There is nothing there but red dust. Even all the shops were shut the day we visited. Bummer about missing Bali.

How does that affect duty free allowances as the cruise is now a domestic cruise and not an international one. Should make immigration and customs very quick on arrival back in Sydney.

As you guys are getting off we shall be waiting to get on

 

I think the Technical Stop will cover that..... though I don't really understand as Willis Island is Australian Territory from what I've read...... the Deviation talk will explain all that.... must remember to take a notebook.

[mtn_couple]

Loving reading your commentary. Can't wait until we're back on Solstice in October. Honestly, I hope we miss Bali too, pretty sure we won't be going ashore even if we do stop there.

[I'm from Oz]

I think the Technical Stop will cover that..... though I don't really understand as Willis Island is Australian Territory from what I've read...... the Deviation talk will explain all that.... must remember to take a notebook.

 

East coast cruises usually go out to Willis Island to satisfy the international component. It is in international waters and satisfies duty free requirements.

 

Don't mind comment about Port Hedland being all red dust. I don't believe I said it needs a bit of research to find the true gems of a quintessential outback town. Surrounding countryside is stunning. But you can get your fix in The Alice :)

[NorbertsNiece]

Think I'd better start catching up with the sea day pictures thing.

 

Here's Ben, our inimitable Cruise Director. He pops up everywhere. I don't think he sleeps. Ever. The Connections Party.

 

 

Many of the officers have attended, albeit briefly, someone has to drive / navigate / steer..... that's Brenda on the right..... she is the Groups Coordinator, never without a smile and a sparkle.

 

 

Captain Yannis. Super Master. I've met his wife and 4 year old daughter..... lovely family.

 

 

John-Paul, Hotel Director. He sleeps less than Ben. His phone never stops ringing.

 

 

Gift exchange, This turned out to be great fun

 

 

I remembered afterwards that I'd not pictured the screens for today. Here they are

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

These are the drinks available in the Oceanview and included in the Premium Non Alcohol Package

 

 

These aren't included in the Premium Non Alcohol package

 

 

This is a Virgin Mudslide and IS included in the Premium Non Alcohol package

 

 

Me, on one of those beds with a canopy in the Solarium

 

 

I had lunch in the Oceanview. Pictures, even blurred ones, serve as a reminder. Tandoori chicken. Yum. This is the mint drink described above..... it's VERY minty.

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Pictures, even blurred ones, serve as a reminder. This took me a while to remember why I took and kept this...... miso soup from Oceanview.

 

 

Edwin, my wonderful room steward, handed me these from the Captain's Club I presume.

 

 

The next sea day

 

 

 

Many tables set up promoting specialty dining

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

I've spent time in the solarium today...... love the controlled environment that is benefited by a roof

 

 

GF dining in Bistro on 5

 

 

This first bowl of soup was cold..... not meant to be a 'chilled' cream of chicken soup....

 

[NorbertsNiece]

This second bowl is hot.... and also more substantial

 

 

Caesar salad without the croutons.....

 

 

They had to send out to Murano's for the lamb chops as the ones on the menu had been marinating in something not GF...... they needed a heads up that I was coming. Lesson learnt. These were perfect.

 

 

There's a sunset

 

 

 

And then there's GF pancakes..... be still my beating heart but I could eat a pile of these.... Grand Marnier these.

 

[NorbertsNiece]

And another sea day. You've seen the pics of the deviation from the TV earlier.

 

I've been loaned an iPad and the only book detailing the magnificent pieces of art there are on board. You need to know, or have probably figured already, I may be a tad accident prone or forgetful...... the value of both items is not lost on me

 

 

I do hope you can squint to read the foreword....

 

 

 

Did you get that bit about 'Old Masters'? It's impossible for me to get pics that are not tainted by light pollution in the environs. Wish I knew how to do that. I am grateful for the Concierge at Michael's Club for allowing us access (a roll call friend accompanied me)

 

There's a Picasso etching, one of an edition of 300.

There's a Matisse. Seriously. A Matisse lithograph 112 / 150.

Then a Braque, where would Cubism have been without him? This lithograph one of an edition of 400

 

 

This amazing Frank Stöckel digital print is the Concierge's background. A herd of rare white deer at Eekholt Wildlife Park

 

 

Now, all the above and more are hidden away in Michael's Club. I acknowledge their awesomeness..... this hand thrown vase is outside the club but set into an alcove. Yes you read this right, it's hand thrown. More about Felicity Aylieff, the Ceramicist here

 

Joanne kindly standing alongside so you get an idea of perspective.....

 

Edited March 6, 2016 by NorbertsNiece
I lost an 's'

[NorbertsNiece]

Please.

If you've never heard of Damien Hirst read this. He is so controversial. A bit like Marmite, or Vegemite, really. You either like or loath. I've been to a few of his exhibits in London. They are something else altogether..... These 'Superstition' Butterfly Plates are hanging in the corridor on Deck 5. And I've walked by them numerous times. I am ashamed for not having recognised them. If my dear friend Siobhan is following this please forgive me. They are an edition of 250. Please note these are not suitable for use in a dishwasher or microwave.

 

 

 

Did you know the stairways are themed?

 

Aft stairs

 

 

Forward stairs

 

 

And some walls and ceilings are hand painted by the artist : Nancy Friedmann's 'Night Solstice'

 

 

 

I have so many photos..... and so grateful for having my eyes opened to the wonderful art that makes this ship so special. So much thought has gone in to each piece, into the value it makes to the space it fills and its contribution to the overall ambiance on board. I suppose the fact that it all blends in so well is a tribute to the artist and to the person who placed it there in the first place. I will be looking far more closely now.

[NorbertsNiece]

Am aware of the clocks going forward so will finish today's pics tomorrow as I don't want to sleep through the Deviation talk.

 

But I had to post. Had to.

 

They gave each cruiser $5 casino credit to spend on slots between 10pm and midnight today. So I just popped out. 14 minutes later I'm back. With $100. That'll go towards the Unlimited Internet Package. Thank you very much Celebrity :p ;) :D :) :cool:

Edited March 6, 2016 by NorbertsNiece

[FunCruiser56]

Thankyou for posting the Bistro on 5 menu, we will be making several stops there to enjoy the daily specials.

We too have enjoyed the fabulous art collections on the Solstice class ships, I didn't know about the loan of the iPad to tour them with. With 5 sea days I need to remember to check it out.

Bev

[susie Q]

I have so enjoyed your blog and the pictures...thanks for taking the time to share your experiences and get others excited about their upcoming ones! I have signed up for a gift exchange next month and would love to hear about what types of things you remember seeing. I am from California and am struggling trying to think of something to take! Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[I'm from Oz]

 

 

Did you know the stairways are themed?

 

 

 

 

I have so many photos..... and so grateful for having my eyes opened to the wonderful art that makes this ship so special. So much thought has gone in to each piece, into the value it makes to the space it fills and its contribution to the overall ambiance on board. I suppose the fact that it all blends in so well is a tribute to the artist and to the person who placed it there in the first place. I will be looking far more closely now.

No I did not notice that the stairways were themed. Should have paid more attention obviously :rolleyes:

 

I loved the artwork on the Solstice. But I'm not an art 'fan' so pay scant attention to the provenance. However I did take photographs of some of the pieces on the stairs both forward and aft. I think the artwork on this ship has been my most enjoyable. I'm a look and like (or not) person :D

 

I particularly loved that hallway down to the specialty restaurants - the ants on the floor almost look like they are moving as you walk through - fascinating.

 

In our cabin hallway we had beautiful pictures of the sea and surf which is right up my street - just gorgeous.

[Disco Duck]

Thank you for the wonderful pictures of the GF Food. You have eased my mind about eating so much. I really do appreciate it.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[NorbertsNiece]

Thank you for the wonderful pictures of the GF Food. You have eased my mind about eating so much. I really do appreciate it.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

Here's the GF muffins they offered yesterday. You need to ask very specifically for them. They are not on display.

 

 

Lunch in Oceanview (not necessarily GF pics) Plenty of seating on the outer deck at the aft.

 

 

 

 

The new route map has appeared on Deck 3

 

 

Bistro on 5 tonight

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

The Bridge cam has been updated

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

I'm given a little GF surprise in the Cafe

 

 

Chelsea Behymer is giving a talk about sharks and rays. I'm brought to mind of a quote from 'Finding Nemo' : Sharks are friends not food. Still not about to pet them. She is a really enthusiastic and emotive speaker. More about her here

 

 

Then the Deviation Explained talk.

 

Ben never stands still.

 

 

[TeaBag]

The fish looks really good. I love Eton Mess.

[NorbertsNiece]

 

I made notes. And the talk is on a loop on channel 20 on the TV. The Staff Captain Ilias (he's second in command to the Captain and is a certified Master in his own right), JP and Ben talk with humour and authority about where we are, why we deviated from our route and some of the myriad of finer points to bring us up to as much speed as they can. There was a Q&A after so these notes that follow include those......

 

There was the threat of imminent attacks in Indonesia and more specifically Bali was targeted. This information had been obtained following the recent arrests of suspected terrorists in Indonesia. Much consultation between Miami, world agencies and Executive Committee on board. Level of concern significantly raised. Latest intel from Australia and UK informed the decision to divert and skip Bali.

 

Safety primary concern. So many factors beyond their control and that informed the decision.

 

Then so many logistical factors come in to play :

 

Availability of a berth in Darwin

Fuel

Logistics

Stores

 

Then there's the issue of a pilot for the Port of Darwin. There are two. Or were two. One passed away yesterday.

 

Local agents / corporate office support. It was Sunday yesterday in Australia....and the middle of the night when the decision was made. It's a New Year holiday in Bali and the airport is closed. Trucks are on their way to Darwin with the supplies.... can't go into a 7/11 for eggs.

 

Passports have already been stamped in and out of Indonesia. And out of Australia. When and how we get these back is anyone's guess right now...

 

In order to not violate International Shipping Regulations we have to leave Australia waters. So we will circle this "God forsaken island". Three or four people man a weather station. It's the only inhabited island in the Coral Sea.

500m long 200m wide. 432 nautical miles out to sea which is why we have to take a day to get there and why it's called a technical call as it's out of Australia's economic zone.

 

Apparently HAL do 4 day voyages to the island and back..... thanks Ben.

 

We'll be circling.

 

A reef pilot will board in Darwin and stay on board to Cairns and Airlie Beach. There will a podium enrichment talk from this pilot. On a previous cruise they were allowed to touch anchor to sea bed to comply with regs..... not so this one.

 

When JP asked to comment from a hotel perspective he says he crosses his fingers and hopes for the best. :D

 

Open, transparent and frequent communication is his remit. The decision was made around 1am Sunday morning. The Crew had to be advised as well. Australia was also asleep and berthing needed to be confirmed.

 

Crew leaving / joining from Bali...... visas need to be arranged as well as transportation and the airport in Bali is closed for the Indonesian New Year

 

Guest entertainers similarly. They're in Bali.

 

6 Indonesian immigration officials are on board...... currently poolside.....

 

Australian immigration are in Bali (we've left Australia remember but not actually gone anywhere abroad now) and we have to be theoretically checked back in to Australia. Hoping for a seamless process in Darwin. Key word 'hoping'.

 

1,062 ship shore excursions have already been refunded; planning options for Darwin and again it's the weekend.

 

Celebrity is bearing the cost of the Indonesian visas already applied and charges will not be showing on guest's folio.

 

Indonesian nationals are in the top 3 nationalities on board. 230. At this point JP is visibly moved. He is inordinately proud of them; having to spend 7/8/9 months away from their families and then be denied personal contact at the last minute has to have been awful; they have been eagerly awaiting their vacation and have coped with this so well. Kudos to them..... so much respect for them.

 

Joke about Tax Free & Duty Free shopping on board whilst we are at Willis Island. We'll be driving through the duty free shop ashore ;)

 

Shore excursions on Willis Island? Ben says there'll be a photographer available!

 

It's a disappointment for all on board that Bali is being missed as a port of call.

 

Other ships may decide to visit Bali if the situation changes over the next hours and days. Our safety is tantamount. It other cruise lines want to go and have other information it's up to them how they use it. RCL (Celebrity umbrella) have an exceptional and model security team superior to other lines.

 

We are in Darwin 2 days early. Staying overnight and leaving a day early to make the technical stop and make Cairns as scheduled.

 

------

 

I hope I've described the effort that has gone into this unexpected deviation. Most of the above is verbatim.

 

My head is spinning now. Let me know if you still have questions.

[Beanb41]

The Reef pilot will probably hold a number of seminars in the Theatre and give broadcasts over the main system of interesting places and facts as you pass them. I assume it will be the same pilot or one of his colleagues that we had last year. He wont sleep until you get to Cairns / Airlie Beach or outside of the reef area. Our pilot said he had been doing this route so long he could do it in his sleep. Pun intended. Sometimes S@#t happens and one just has to trust the judgement of those further up the pecking order.

 

I am finding the array of GF foods being put up absolutely amazing. Not being Gluten intolerant I have come to the conclusion that this crew are going the extra mile to make your trip as pleasant as possible. Sure mistakes are and will be in the future made but I get the idea that they are trying very hard to ensure you don't suffer any medical issues because of your Gluten Intolerance. It is amazing what treats can now be turned out.

[Bagwhan]

 

I made notes. And the talk is on a loop on channel 20 on the TV. The Staff Captain Ilias (he's second in command to the Captain and is a certified Master in his own right), JP and Ben talk with humour and authority about where we are, why we deviated from our route and some of the myriad of finer points to bring us up to as much speed as they can. There was a Q&A after so these notes that follow include those......

 

There was the threat of imminent attacks in Indonesia and more specifically Bali was targeted. This information had been obtained following the recent arrests of suspected terrorists in Indonesia. Much consultation between Miami, world agencies and Executive Committee on board. Level of concern significantly raised. Latest intel from Australia and UK informed the decision to divert and skip Bali.

 

Safety primary concern. So many factors beyond their control and that informed the decision.

 

Then so many logistical factors come in to play :

 

Availability of a berth in Darwin

Fuel

Logistics

Stores

 

Then there's the issue of a pilot for the Port of Darwin. There are two. Or were two. One passed away yesterday.

 

Local agents / corporate office support. It was Sunday yesterday in Australia....and the middle of the night when the decision was made. It's a New Year holiday in Bali and the airport is closed. Trucks are on their way to Darwin with the supplies.... can't go into a 7/11 for eggs.

 

Passports have already been stamped in and out of Indonesia. And out of Australia. When and how we get these back is anyone's guess right now...

 

In order to not violate International Shipping Regulations we have to leave Australia waters. So we will circle this "God forsaken island". Three or four people man a weather station. It's the only inhabited island in the Coral Sea.

500m long 200m wide. 432 nautical miles out to sea which is why we have to take a day to get there and why it's called a technical call as it's out of Australia's economic zone.

 

Apparently HAL do 4 day voyages to the island and back..... thanks Ben.

 

We'll be circling.

 

A reef pilot will board in Darwin and stay on board to Cairns and Airlie Beach. There will a podium enrichment talk from this pilot. On a previous cruise they were allowed to touch anchor to sea bed to comply with regs..... not so this one.

 

When JP asked to comment from a hotel perspective he says he crosses his fingers and hopes for the best. :D

 

Open, transparent and frequent communication is his remit. The decision was made around 1am Sunday morning. The Crew had to be advised as well. Australia was also asleep and berthing needed to be confirmed.

 

Crew leaving / joining from Bali...... visas need to be arranged as well as transportation and the airport in Bali is closed for the Indonesian New Year

 

Guest entertainers similarly. They're in Bali.

 

6 Indonesian immigration officials are on board...... currently poolside.....

 

Australian immigration are in Bali (we've left Australia remember but not actually gone anywhere abroad now) and we have to be theoretically checked back in to Australia. Hoping for a seamless process in Darwin. Key word 'hoping'.

 

1,062 ship shore excursions have already been refunded; planning options for Darwin and again it's the weekend.

 

Celebrity is bearing the cost of the Indonesian visas already applied and charges will not be showing on guest's folio.

 

Indonesian nationals are in the top 3 nationalities on board. 230. At this point JP is visibly moved. He is inordinately proud of them; having to spend 7/8/9 months away from their families and then be denied personal contact at the last minute has to have been awful; they have been eagerly awaiting their vacation and have coped with this so well. Kudos to them..... so much respect for them.

 

Joke about Tax Free & Duty Free shopping on board whilst we are at Willis Island. We'll be driving through the duty free shop ashore ;)

 

Shore excursions on Willis Island? Ben says there'll be a photographer available!

 

It's a disappointment for all on board that Bali is being missed as a port of call.

 

Other ships may decide to visit Bali if the situation changes over the next hours and days. Our safety is tantamount. It other cruise lines want to go and have other information it's up to them how they use it. RCL (Celebrity umbrella) have an exceptional and model security team superior to other lines.

 

We are in Darwin 2 days early. Staying overnight and leaving a day early to make the technical stop and make Cairns as scheduled.

 

------

 

I hope I've described the effort that has gone into this unexpected deviation. Most of the above is verbatim.

 

My head is spinning now. Let me know if you still have questions.

Thanks for the update Linda....very interesting. As a former military logistician I fully understand (and empathise with CC/CS staff & crew).... all the paddling of those duck's feet under the water..... brought about the late change in itinerary. The impact on ship's company expecting leave and to catch up with their family in Bali would be devastating on their morale. However that's life in the service (military, naval or merchant)! Enjoy the spin around Willis Island....the weather radar station is extremely important to us here in North & Far North QLD for the tracking of the cyclones. Willis Island Radar Station got 'cleaned up/taken out' literally during Cyclone YASI in 2011 (TC Cat 5) so therefore it is a new radar station there so well worth the picture next to it if the ship slows enough! With regard to your victualling out of Darwin....I am busying packing up a few cartons of Yamagishi Eggs (local North QLD eggs) to send to you in Darwin!