I traveled to Perth, Australia to join Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage for two weeks.
Most of the guests have been on board for 51 days, boarding in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 5th,2013 to sail around the world on a 115-day journey.
Today I joined the ship in Fremantle – the port located near Perth – to surprise some client friends who have been aboard for the complete journey.
Thanks for following along on my adventure.
Getting From Perth to Fremantle
I arrived in Perth a day before the Amsterdam’s arrival. Now, I’m anxious to get to the port. Since I have one very heavy bag plus a computer bag, I opt for a cab to Fremantle rather than the train.
I’m told the cab fare will be $30 to $40 Australian dollars, but with traffic getting out of Perth it ends up being $51 before tip.
Finally, the ship is in sight. The Freemantle train station is very close to the port, but it would not have been an easy walk with luggage.
First, we pass by a different kind of “cruise” ship: one that is used to export live sheep to Muslim countries. It’s empty today.
A little closer. Can you tell I’m anxious to get on the ship?
I’ve arrived at Victoria Quay, the location of the Fremantle Passenger Terminal.
This is not a “regular” embark port for the Grand World Voyage, so I have to drag my luggage through the terminal, up the ship’s ramp, and to the security as you enter the ship. Since my suitcase will not fit in the x-ray machine, it needs to be inspected. Then I head to the front desk to check-in, along with a few others such as entertainers joining the ship for a short stay.
Most exciting, of the more than 1,100 people on board, I run into Tom and Steve, my clients and friends, as I’m heading up to the ship;s entry ramp. They are SURPRISED to see me, but thrilled.
Once checked in and unpacked, I explore around the ship and go back outside.
The ship is staying in Fremantle overnight.
An Evening View of the Amsterdam
The pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks makes for a great evening view of the ship.
Cruising is a terrific way to see the world as your “hotel” moves you from place to place.
I decide the Amsterdam will be a nice place to call home for the next 14 days.
Have you sailed on a World Cruise? Would you like to? Please share your thoughts in comments below.
You also may be interested in these other posts on my Grand World Adventure”;
- Getting from Kansas City to Perth, Australia
- A Peek Inside the Parmelia Perth Hilton Hotel, Australia
- A Walk Around Downtown Perth, Australia
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