3/17/2020
Stuck! Why isn’t this ship docking?
My family has been receiving updates for the last two days from my sister who is stuck on the Celebrity Eclipse in the waters off San Antonio, Chile. This evening, the passengers were officially denied access, and the ship will now move on to refuel, restock, and sail to San Diego to fly home from there. As this was the end of a 2 week cruise, adding 2 days of negotiations and 10 days of additional sail time will turn this into a nearly month-long adventure. Guess she’s getting her money’s worth.
3/18/2020
Incoming
Allie is our littlest sister. She's the one stuck on the cruise ship. The rest of us are stuck at home. Not sure who has it worse, lol.
Apparently, after being denied access to Chile Monday evening, the ship headed to Valparaiso about 4 hours away to refuel and get provisions. This was expected to take about 24 hours.
Yesterday, around noon, they were in Valparaiso, and we all joked that her overpacking had paid off. She was in good spirits, working from the ship, despite a slow internet connection.
Just before 7 pm EST (Tuesday evening), Allie reported that the supplies were back in San Antonio (the original port) clearing customs. Good grief! Another night anchored.
Then, this morning, Allie sent the above picture with the caption, "Incoming". Since the Eclipse wasn't able to dock to get them, all of the supplies were being brought in one boatload at a time. Anticipated departure is tomorrow morning. Dad calls it #AlliesBigAdventure.
Stay tuned!
Apparently, after being denied access to Chile Monday evening, the ship headed to Valparaiso about 4 hours away to refuel and get provisions. This was expected to take about 24 hours.
Yesterday, around noon, they were in Valparaiso, and we all joked that her overpacking had paid off. She was in good spirits, working from the ship, despite a slow internet connection.
Just before 7 pm EST (Tuesday evening), Allie reported that the supplies were back in San Antonio (the original port) clearing customs. Good grief! Another night anchored.
Then, this morning, Allie sent the above picture with the caption, "Incoming". Since the Eclipse wasn't able to dock to get them, all of the supplies were being brought in one boatload at a time. Anticipated departure is tomorrow morning. Dad calls it #AlliesBigAdventure.
Stay tuned!
3/20/20
Finally On Their Way
 |
| Valparaiso |
Allie’s been working a lot so her coworkers don’t get left with all her assignments. She’d probably be working remotely anyway, so I guess she might as well enjoy the fresh air!
The general mood on the cruise is positive, and passengers report being treated very well by the ship’s crew. Activities, entertainment, food, and drink are being provided, and even crew that were supposed to be ending a contract and returning home are working tirelessly to maintain a quality guest experience. A few are keeping to their rooms, and of course, at least one or two are very frustrated with not being able to be home to run their business and take care of their responsibilities. Captain Leo is especially well-liked and has been consistently communicating with guests and crew alike
The final items to the be loaded at Valparaiso were requested medications, such as insulin, to support the additional days at sea. Even, contact lens solution has reportedly been restocked in the onboard shop. After 5 long days of deliberations, refueling, and replenishing of supplies, the voyage to San Diego was underway late Thursday night. Estimated arrival is March 30.
 |
| Captain Leo |
 |
| Having Fun On Deck 3/21/2020 Recognition of Healthcare Workers    |
Allie's hasn't reported in yet today, but fellow passengers shared that the Eclipse saluted healthcare workers with one minute of applause this afternoon on deck. Another photo shows the journey they are undertaking from Chile to San Diego, California.
3/23/2020
Still working, enjoying nature
Week 2 of working from the ship. Food is still as good as ever, but Allie says she has been eating too much and is cutting back. Apparently, there were pods of dolphins swimming alongside the Eclipse and the sunsets are gorgeous!
3/27/2020
Preparing for home
The Celebrity Eclipse is scheduled to dock in San Diego the morning of March 30th! The staff and crew are still giving their passengers the royal treatment whether that be in the spa, dining room, or theater. Also, they are busy arranging flights home for all passengers and will be transporting them directly to the airport in buses. Passengers that do not have clearance to disembark in the United States will be taken to Puerto Vallarta afterwards. Life onboard hasn’t been boring. No one is sequestered although some, like Allie, are spending most of their time in their room. Allie normally works 50+ hours a week, so she has been busy.
3/31/2020
They finally made it! The ship docked early morning in San Diego, and passengers were allowed to disembark based on their flight time. Allie and all of her crew have arrived home safely, and are thrilled to be back, safe and sound.
Many thanks to Celebrity Cruises for taking a tough and unplanned situation and turning it into a positive journey. You did not stop advocating for your passengers and continued to provide top-notch service even when your crew was exhausted and your company was taking a major financial hit. Your communication and commitment have set a great example for others to follow.
#celebrity #cruise #coronavirus #sandiego #celebrityeclipse #chile #deniedaccess #extralongvacation #workingfromtheship #negotiations #thevulnerablemom #thevulnerablemomblog #justkeepsailing #southamerica #californiabound #travel #vacation#AlliesBigAdventure
