Esperance

Kathie and I did not choose to take any of the shore excursions offered by our cruise line in Esperance, AU, although we understand there is a beautiful national park nearby, pristine beaches where even kangaroos choose to visit, and a replica of stonehenge to see. We simply wanted to relax and stroll through the community, visit the local shops, and enjoy the sunshine. The real adventure for the day, though, had more to do with leaving and returning to the ship.

There were lots of swells in the morning, and so boarding the tenders which took everyone to shore was interesting. The big ship sits pretty steady in the water, but the tenders bob up and down. So you had to be careful and mind your step from the ship’s platform to the tender’s deck, since the latter tended to drop or rise quite a lot at times. Kathie and I had been ashore for awhile, along with many, many other people but decided to return to the ship about 1:30PM. The tender ride back was really something, more like a wild theme park ride than anything else. The wind had unexpectedly begun to increase significantly during the day, and so the swells were much stronger. I want to say they were as much as five or six feet from trough to the top of waves, but that is only a guess—they may have been even stronger. Anyway, the tender rose and fell and tipped from side to side and water crashed against the bow and over the vessel (which is fully enclosed). Most passengers laughed and seemed thrilled, but some were truly frightened and others got seasick. Nevertheless, we got along side the ship and got back aboard with no problems.

I guess we were one of the last two or so to make it, because we eventually learned that there were as many as 800 passengers and 300 crew members (enjoying a day off) still ashore when the captain chose to suspend tender operations for reasons of safety. Rumors were flying around the ship about what was going to be done to get everyone back aboard. Kathie and I, of course, were glad we had returned when we did. I suppose there was some thought that the seas might calm (the harbor is not well isolated or protected as many are), but that never happened. Eventually, the captain announced that one or more large catamarans were being chartered to bring everyone back a few at a time. I think the combination of these larger, heavier vessels and the ship’s ability to turn to block the wind allowed for some control over the reboarding. This was all eventually successful, though much of the process occurred after dark, and the catamarans brought fewer persons back each trip. Then there was also the challenge of getting the tenders, which also serve as lifeboats, back up into their racks aboard the ship.

Our departure was delayed by something like seven hours but as I write this the next morning, we have been underway for some time. The captain said that our arrival in Perth would not be affected, though I wonder if we might arrive a few hours late. We shall see. At no time did I ever feel concern. The ship’s professional personnel have always been impressive, and as they announced, safety of passengers and crew was paramount, so they clearly did what was necessary to protect everyone. We are glad we elected none of the guided tours, since any one of them would surely have delayed our return to the ship and put us in the large group who were inconvenienced.

The cruise portion of our vacation is nearly over. We are going to miss the ship and staff, all of whom have been delightful. It has always been a little sad for me to say goodbye to the cruises we have taken, but more are out there to be had. On to Perth, central AU, and our friends Margaret and Murray!