March 5, Semarang, Indonesia

Last night we were informed that Indonesian officials would be boarding the ship beginning at 6:30 am. to take the temperature of the approximately 900 passengers and 400 crew. They were an hour late to begin with, but all 1200+ aboard passed. Even though we have absolutely NO ILLNESS ABOARD, we were still denied permission to disembark. Fortunately, Viking is allowed to dock in order to load waiting provisions. We were scheduled to be here 2 full days and now, at 3:00 p.m., we learn it’s a total no go. We are, of course, very disappointed to be denied entry to yet another location.

We are heading to Bali where we hope to be able to dock. If not, it will be a total nightmare. Passengers who were scheduled to disembark at Hong Kong (where we are not going) have been re-scheduled to leave the ship in Bali. Also, some Ultimate World Travelers, including our good friends Randy and Barb, have decided to cut their trip short and return home from Bali. If not allowed to disembark, hotel and airline arrangements will have to be changed again. Thus far we have lost 12 ultimate world travelers with more to leave in a few days IF we can dock. In addition, many crew members are scheduled to return home from Bali and their replacements are to board in Bali.

None of this is the fault of Viking who is doing it’s best to give us alternate ports with activities and has offered compensation for those of us who choose to return home early. Right now, I want to go home, but David wants to stay, so I have agreed to stick it out. I’ll continue to keep you updated regarding changes. Later.

Mar. 2, Komodo, Indonesia

We were only here for a few hours due to schedule changes because of coronovirus and had to wear masks while on the island.

We took a short hike and observed 3 Komodo dragons in their natural environment. These lizards dominate the island. Komodo dragons hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals. It has been claimed that they have a venomous bite; there are two glands in the lower jaw which secrete several toxic proteins. The biological significance of these proteins is disputed, but the glands have been shown to secrete an anticoagulant. Komodo dragons’ group behavior in hunting is exceptional in the reptile world. The diet of big Komodo dragons mainly consists of deer, water buffalo, and wild pigs, though they also eat considerable amounts of carrion.Komodo dragons have been known to occasionally attack humans. Our guides carried large forked sticks to ward off attacks, but I don’t know how effective they would have been. Fortunately, the dragons only eat once a month or so and apparently weren’t hungry today. Two of the dragons did not change position at all and the third moved very slowly even though they can run up to 13 mph. They are also very good swimmers.

Feb. 28 & 29, Darwin, Australia

Darwin was founded in 1869, but didn’t really begin to thrive until gold was found in 1871. Darwin is also home to Paspaley Pearls, the oldest and largest pearling company in Australia, producing some of the most luxurious south sea pearls in the world.

Darwin also has an interesting and extensive WWII history and was bombed by the Japanese in early 1942, killing hundreds of people with extensive devastation. Darwin recovered and thrived for many years before disaster struck again in the form of Cyclone Tracey on Christmas day, 1974. Once again, Darwin recovered. Today, Darwin is a flourishing and fast growing city with a population of 142,000.

While in Darwin, we took a scenic cruise of the bays (I think there are 3). These bays are used by yacht owners during cyclone season for protection, though some have been there many year without being moved. There are over 90 ship wrecks in the harbors. The harbor is home to mangrove trees that clean the air provide much needed resources for marine life including salt-water crocodiles. Because the crocodiles are such a nuisance, they are trapped and relocated. I tasted smoked crocodile meat and it was very tasty. David declined.

There are quite a few of these ship lifts where ships are docked on land for maintenance.

Luxury apartments and homes on the sea.

Some yachts are full time homes, others have been ship wrecked either due to weather or neglect. The picture of the mast sticking out of the water was a very large yacht belonging to a drug dealer who is currently incarcerated. It came loose from it’s mooring due to neglect and sunk in the mangroves.

Feb. 25, Thursday Island, AU

Thursday Island was another added stop due to coronavirus cancellations. It’s a very small island and we only spent a few hours here. Apparently it is a popular winter vacation spot with Australians. We took a few scenic pics and, of course, David with Cannon pics at Green Hill Fort. Not much else to write about.

Feb. 24, Townsville, AU

We had a fairly good time in Townsville. This was one of the added ports due to coronavirus cancellations. I love Australia, so any time spent here is good. David thinks it’s too hot, but what does he know! LOL

Because we love museums, we visited the local museum featuring wildlife and history of Mutiny of the Bounty and shipwrecks. Following the Bounty mutiny, the HMS Pandora was dispatched to the South Pacific to round up the mutineers and return them to Britain for trial. Unfortunately, a storm sent the Pandora into the Great Barrier Reef resulting in it’s total loss. Mutineers were shackled below decks, but some were released and survived only to later be court martialed and sentenced. The Pandora remained undiscovered for almost 200 years. Lots of amazing artifacts, some partial, but many whole and in good condition. Unfortunately photographs of artifacts was not allowed. It’s a fascinating story. For more information this site is well worth visiting https://mtq.qm.qld.gov.au/Find+out+about/Histories+of+Queensland/Transport+Maritime+History/HMS+Pandora#.XlnerKhKg2x.

David with replica cannon from the HMS Pandora

After touring the museum, we walked over to the aquarium where pictures were allowed in all areas. Exhibits of sea life indigenous to the area were featured.

This guy swam over and lay down to take a nap.

Ugly fish contest. Vote for your favorite ugly fish in the comments.

Feb. 21-22, Cairns (canz), Australia

Once again, the first European to this area was Captain James Cook in 1770, but, following the discovery of gold in 1876, a settlement was established. Cairns has a lower cost of living than Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane and has easy access to The Great Barrier Reef.

During our first day, we visited a wildlife sanctuary that was very nice. They have a variety of rescued animals living there such as a koala who had an encounter with a crocodile, and kookaburra bird that was hit by a car and can no longer fly and another one rejected by his flock because he is white. They also have a parrot who is gradually being exposed to larger and larger living areas. When he was first acquired from an individual, large spaces caused him great stress because he was used to living in a small cage.

Our guide and Jungo.
Cockatoo
Tawny Frogmouth Owl
Friendly Lorakeets
Rescued Koala
David and Turtles
Dancing Cockatoo

On day 2, we snorkeled at the Great Barrier Reef. Water was choppy so many photos were blurred, but I managed to get a few good ones. The clam pictured is as big as a coffee table and weighs over 500 pounds. We only stayed in the water for about 45 minutes because even though our mouthpieces close when we go under water, it doesn’t protect from from small waves. I got tired of getting a mouthful of sea water and David followed me in.

Feb. 17, Noumea, New Caledonia

New Caledonia is a Polynesian island and commonly known as the “French Florida” due to it’s beautiful beaches, mild climate, and sunny days. When 17,000 American soldiers landed in Noumea during WWII, the population was only 7,000. Of course, today, like other recent places we have visited, it is an expensive place to live with a current population of approximately 270,000.

The only indigenous mammal is the flying fox. There are 20 indigenous birds. The New Caledonia crow is said to be the smartest bird in the world because it actually builds tools and uses them to roust out insects for dinner. Another unique indigenous bird is the Cagou, a flightless bird whose call sounds like a barking dog. Of the 3,000 different plants, 70% are indigenous including the mangrove. The mangroves are an important component of the environment. They provide protection for young marine life, absorb carbon, and protect the coastline.

The first people here were Malaysian and the first European to land here was the infamous Captain Cook. Like much of Australia and New Zealand, Noumea was originally established by Europeans as a French, rather than British, penal colony for 44 years.

New Caledonia has 8 bays with beautiful beaches bordered by walking/biking/running paths that include exercise stations along the way. With 25 different languages, diverse population, and rich nickle mining operations, this is definitely a unique and desirable place to visit.

David and canon picture. I’m going to create a David and Canon Around the World photo book when I get home!

I know these pictures don’t do the views justice, but still amazing. Azure waters, blue skies, and white clouds–who could ask for more?

We visited a WWII museum. Fortunately, the Japanese were stopped before they reached New Caledonia thanks to American forces. New Caledonia served as a medical and rehabilitation center for wounded troops.

We took a hike through the Mangroves. This amazing root system sends branches into the ground to grow into new trees and expand the existing trees.

Beach exercise trails along the coast line.

Next port, Cairns (canz), Australia.

Feb. 14, Brisbane (briz-bin), Australia

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and situated on its namesake river. It is one of the oldest cities in Australia and its first European settlers were the secondary offenders from the Sydney penal colony. During WWII, it served as one of Douglas McArthur’s Pacific headquarters. It, like other large cities in Australia, is an expensive place to live and has some magnificent houses. We should have visited Steve Irwin’s zoo, but since it was a long bus ride, we chose to tour the city instead. We only spent one day here, so not many pics to share.

Sea-front apartments starting at $550,000 for a l-bed, 1-bath. Pics taken from our balcony.

Next up, Nounea, New Caledonia.

Feb. 10, 11, 12, Sydney, Australia

Sydney, established in 1788, is another place that began as a British penal colony. In addition to the original 759 convicts were marines to guard them and sailors who also populated the colony. Along with the prisoners, they took seeds, farm implements, livestock such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses and chickens and 2 years supply of food with them. The penal colony was a brutal place. Flogging for minor offenses was common and hanging was saved for more serious offenses such as stealing food. Food was scarce and subject to rationing, thus the harsh punishment.

Today, Sydney is a thriving metropolis and home to the magnificent architectural wonder, The Sydney Opera House. For more information about the opera house history, check out this site: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/our-story/sydney-opera-house-history.html. It is well worth the read. The Ultimate World Cruisers were invited to a private tour and dinner at the opera house (paid for by Viking) which we thoroughly enjoyed. Here are a few pics from the water views. Pictures of the interior were not allowed.

Pictures of the city and the bridge.

We also visited a wildlife reserve where we petted kangaroos, wallabys, and a koala.

I was told this little guy liked his chest rubbed, but he had other ideas and moved my hand down to his tummy with his little paw.

This bird is the largest non-flying bird and has vicious claws. That horn on its head is nothing to mess around with either.

We have some visitors following us and a flying fish was spotted and photographed by a quick witted passenger (not me!).

Next up–Brisbane (briz-bin).

Feb. 7, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Hobart is the capital of the Australian island of Tasmania. Hobart was initially founded as a British penal colony in 1804, but today is home to mineral mining including zinc, lead, gold, copper, silver, and nickel. The weather was mild and sunny when we visited with some haziness in the mountains. Hobart is also an expensive place to live much like New Zealand. It’s not hard to see why so many want to move here.

We visited the Botanical Gardens where we saw some gigantic trees and a gorgeous flower clock. We took a lot of pictures, but these were the most dramatic.

We were only in this port for a day, so were not able to book additional tours. We would love to return and explore more of Tasmania.