Oosterdam - Mackay Mon 12 Nov

[Australian family]

The Oosterdam is visiting Mackay tomorrow.

 

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/cruise-ships-often-called-in-mackay-region/1617080/

[Australian family]

How disappointing that the passengers can't go ashore today in Mackay due to rough seas.

 

The Mackay economy has already had a big blow with the fire at Toys R US, Autobarn & Clark Rubber on Saturday.

 

DESPITE much anticipation, welcomers of the Holland America cruise ship MS Oosterdam were left disappointed this morning when passengers were unable to make it ashore.

 

Earlier this morning MS Oosterdam officials deemed the windy conditions and rough seas too risky to transport the passengers to Mackay and decided to continue onto their next destination.

 

Mackay Tourism general manager David Phillips said he was disappointed with the outcome but hopes for future cruises to include Mackay on their itineraries.

 

Cruise ship enthusiasts caught a glimpse of the vessel from Harbour Beach while it was docked near Slade Island.

 

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/ms-oosterdam-passengers-unable-make-it-ashore/1618124/

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Great minds must think alike:D

I just checked the AIS map to see where Oosterdam was and noticed she had moved away , so just about to post the following.

 

Thank you for the update. What a shame they could not make it ashore.

 

 

 

Wonder if they made it to Mackay..?

This AIS would have been at 9.30am local time.

They did have a long way to tender ashore , but it looks like the Captain may have cancelled the call?

[Australian family]

They were close, but had to tender. It is very windy in Mackay today (spoke to a friend there today) and the rough seas.

 

The wind mustn't be going to ease that they have left the port.

[cjm66]

The Marina and port area was closed due to the strong winds and choppy conditions. We are heading back towards the Whitsundays - rumoured that if weather permits there may be some narrated scenic cruising or perhaps two trivia sessions. The ship is taking the conditions well, no hint of the azipod problems, but then we have not had to make a fast run to a port as in Alaskan waters. A pity for the tour operators. We were booked for the Sarina Sugar Shed (independant) tour. At least it was a fine day for Hamilton Island and those who did the reef trip reported clear water and good visibility. BUT the trip back in the smaller Fantasea boats was a bit hairy! Visiting Hamilton was a bit like swapping one cruise ship for another. Many places wanted key cards for payment but would accept cash!

[Australian family]

The Marina and port area was closed due to the strong winds and choppy conditions. We are heading back towards the Whitsundays - rumoured that if weather permits there may be some narrated scenic cruising or perhaps two trivia sessions. The ship is taking the conditions well, no hint of the azipod problems, but then we have not had to make a fast run to a port as in Alaskan waters. A pity for the tour operators. We were booked for the Sarina Sugar Shed (independant) tour. At least it was a fine day for Hamilton Island and those who did the reef trip reported clear water and good visibility. BUT the trip back in the smaller Fantasea boats was a bit hairy! Visiting Hamilton was a bit like swapping one cruise ship for another. Many places wanted key cards for payment but would accept cash!

 

Thank you Colleen for the update. My friend was at the Sugar Shed only the other day, and said how good it was. You will have to do another trip up North at another date.

 

How is the cruise going?

[cjm66]

Thank you Colleen for the update. My friend was at the Sugar Shed only the other day, and said how good it was. You will have to do another trip up North at another date.

 

How is the cruise going?

 

Very well. HAL did provide free shuttles from the dreaded Grain Terminal in the CBD. it IS a long way. We went to Lone Pine, but squibbed on cuddling a koala. Excellent weather in Hamilton. I had heard there was another ship in port, but not anchored where we were, some distance off Hamilton. Everything works - the pools are heated to about 30 degrees and little problem finding chairs. The Lido restaurant can get crowded at peak lunch time. The system for open dining is working well - we drift in at about 7pm and have not needed to wait more than 10 minutes. You can book if you want a specific table. There are lots of people on board who have just done the same NZ cruise you are doing and they were OTM about the ports and the organisation in each one. The Internet is slow and their system is not very compatible with iPad but it works if you seek out a strong wifi signal. Off to a lecture.