For you who have not been following my WC blog...here is my post re: the Star Ferry incident on departing Hong Kong. I also have posted 4 photos taken from Deck 12:


Mar 12 – Day 58 – Hong Kong (Part 2; Disaster Averted))

We pulled back from the Ocean Terminal on time; right about 5:00 p.m. Capt. Dag gave a few long blasts on our deep horn. He started forward, passing the busy Star Ferry terminal on our port (or left side). What happened next could have been disastrous.

A ferry was pulling out of the terminal going towards HK Island and apparently thought he could pass in front of us. When he saw he could not, he did a U-turn. In spinning around he almost passed from sight under our bow (as my photos show). Capt. Dag threw us into reverse and used our bow thrusters for a starboard turn.

I was quite sure that we were going to hit the ferry very hard. Luckily he missed the large bulb that protrudes under water at our bow. Once we separated, you could see that the closest signals mast of the ferry was canted to the side. It apparently scraped our bow.

We continued on for a bit out of the main harbor and then stopped out where some of the old gambling cruise ships anchor. We stayed there for about 2-1/2 hours with two harbor boats from the marine authorities close by. Some of those folks visited the Voyager and the boats circled to see if there was any damage and ensure we were seaworthy.

Capt .Dag told us the next day during two comments on the incident, that Voyager did in fact have a small 4” scrape on the bow, about 4-5 meters above the water line. He referred to it as no more than a lady scraping her nail polish.

He said that our Chinese harbor pilot had cleared us for our direction and slow speed. He also said that pilots of small vessels sometimes try to see how close they can come in front of larger ships. He didn’t know if that is what the ferry captain was doing or if for some unknown reason was he not paying attention and didn’t see us?

Capt. Dag was emphatic that the international rules are very clear: That when ship paths merge the ship to the starboard (the Voyager in this case) has the right of way. Later he said that if the ferry pilot had continued to cross our path he probably would have been fine. But halfway across our bow he panicked and did a U-turn to starboard. Dag threw us into reverse and used full starboard thrusters. Thus we ended up basically parallel to each other.

He maintains that it looked more precarious than it actually was, primarily due to our slow, 4-knot speed.

We are so thankful that apparently everything turned out OK and no one was hurt.

Larry is the voice of FACT and REASON.

Although it has been less then a week since I have been on the ship, it is great to be back here. There have been a lot of changes as far as the crew is concerned, but they are wonderful. No complaints from me. Since I have been in this area before, I am not taking the popular shore excursions but have enjoyed the ones I have done. I did the Halong Bay by Junk in Hong Gai and it was worth climbing the 100 steps to see the limestone and dolomite formations. In Nha Trang I did the Rural Life that was most enjoyable. I am sure that the people who went to Hanoi will have more to say about that excursion.We are in saigon now and I opted to do shopping here but there is certainly lots to see if one has not been here before. Can't say enough good things about this ship and I hope that someday, you will be able to enjoy it for yourself. It is so nice to come back to see so many familiar faces.IMO Regent continues to do a great job.

Glad to hear you're having a good time Elaine and the ship is in tip-top shape. I know you must know most EVERYONE on board....you've been on so many WC's, it's like family! Keep enjoying every moment.

Elaine:

Penny and I were just thinking how nice it would be to once again break bread with you on a ship.

So happy to read all is going well.

Cheers! Ray & Penny

Elaine, it sounds as if you are really enjoying yourself. I am so happy for you. Hope to hear more.
Lynn

Glad to finally meet Elaine (sealover)...
Just finished sailing out the Saigon River. Had a great two days...one sea day and then Bangkok. Hope things quiet down by the time we arrive. Understand the Red Shirts are losing steam in their demonstrations and are starting to leave town, since they are farmers and are low on money. I've not really been concerned, but during our departure I heard that some passengers have. We shall see....

I also was happy to meet Larry and Karen and to be able to put the faces ( nice ones) with the blog. I have decided not to go to Bangkok for the over night and instead take the shuttle to Pattaya with Peggy. We always enjoy going there. I understand about of 100 of us have elected to stay on the ship and 1 restaraunt will remain open for us. It's been a week and I still have only glowing comments to make. Do want to mention that I got a great pedicure and manicure in Saigon and the price was definately right.

Elaine and larry
Thanks for keeping us up to date. Elaine, I think of you everyday. I am so happy for you.
Lynn

We have just returned from a fun overnight trip to Bangkok, including a terric WC event on the river last night with wonderful fireworks. It will take me a day (or two) to do the blog write-up and sort through the photos. The last bus has just returned. The crew and band have been out in force welcoming everyone back...always fun.

Dag has just blasted the horn to get the stragglers off the dock with the vendors.

Capt. Dag is leaving the Voyager World Cruise in Cape Town. What a bummer.

This information started as a rumor about 10 days ago and has been confirmed in individual conversations with various officers and staff. I had hoped (and advised so) that there would be some public confirmation, but as of yet there has not been.

The reason given in those private conversations is simply that Capt. Dag’s current contract is up. However, the situation has not been well received by a large number of the passengers. It was fully expected by many that he would be our captain for the entire four-month voyage. And in my conversations that view was also held by of some of the senior crew.

I believe Regent has a PR problem brewing. President Mark Conroy is scheduled to get on the ship in Mombasa, Kenya. I expect he will be getting an earful from disappointed (angry) passengers.

Personally, I think it is an unwise move by RSSC or Prestige/Apollo and is one that could have been avoided through better crew management (scheduling) or advance communications.

I am sure there will be more to report on this situation on my blog in the days ahead.

In the meantime, Capt. Dag pulled off one of his trademark "surprises and delights" with a "sundowner" out on the bow last evening (Palm Sunday) to enjoy a beautiful sunset in the Indian Ocean. Now that is cruising!

And that is why we will be so sad to see him leave us.

Wow Larry, that is some interesting news! Thanks for filling us in.

I'll leave it to Larry or Rick's blogs but I think that everyone was very happy with the stop in Mauritius. I went on a 71/2 tour which was wonderful. I must say that as far as the shore excursions I have done, they have been terrific. So far, no complaints from this cruiser.

Mark Conroy is aboard now and is planning to have a town hall meeting tomorrow. I am sure someone will post the details.

Do keep us posted on the meeting discussions.

Town hall meeting with Mark Conroy isn't until Saturday, the 10th.

We are all waiting......for the meeting results
Lynn

There is a link to Larry's blog, in his post up there ^. He's keeping it current.

thanks Pam. nothing there yet

Lynn, there is an account of the meeting in Larry's blog.

Don't know how many of you have been keeping up with Jamie's Blog from the world cruise, but his latest entry describes the Crew Welfare Fund fundraiser.

Same Ship Different Day

I think it's awesome that they were able to raise $32,000! I thought the new idea of auctioning off out of the ordinary activities for guests to experience was great - I would have loved to have bid on a couple of them!

Cindy, you are right, that is awesome!!! Some of the prizes were pretty unique, dinner in the galley while it was in full swing would be fascinating!

We've participated in 3 of these and they are so fun. It's great Jamie added more creative auction gifts this year. Last year they made about $27,000 as I remember...all for such a great cause! Jamie does a fantastic job as auctioneer, he's a stand up comic.

Very unique ideas...I bet it was a lot of fun!

It was a great morning. Jamie was at the top of his game. Many of the "passenger opportunities" had some much active bidding that once the bids got high enough, Jamie quickly added a second item. He was at the top of his game!