MUMBAI, INDIA

DAY 73 — March 18, 2017 – Mumbai, INDIA

I was really dreading our visit to India because of the expected heat.  But weather-wise, we had a surprisingly pleasant day.

We were late getting started because we were late coming into the port because of a last-minute change of cruise terminals.  This world cruise seems to get bumped out of the good terminal locations by other cruise lines.  This has happened enough now for us all to begin to think Holland America is cutting costs on this GRAND voyage by docking us at the older, not so nice sections of the port.

But then the real problem began when the port authority could not supply the gangway we needed to let the immigration people get on to clear the ship before any of us could get off.  First they thought they needed a forklift.  Then they realized they needed a crane which was on the way to the port but was delayed by heavy traffic.

In India, one problem just leads to another and this goes on and on before any solution can be found.  Apparently, it’s expected and you must learn to live with it – even if you are only there for two days.

Mumbai Highlights

The Gateway to India.  Built in 1911 to commemorate the English King George V and Queen Mary, this archway was originally conceived to welcome passengers arriving on steamships from England.  Today it is remembered mostly as the place from which the British staged their final departure from India.  Our ship docked at something called the Green Gate which is not quite as impressive.

The Slums, where hundreds of thousands of people live, work, and create their own intricate social hierarchy.  Yes, they are a main tourist attraction.  Photography is not allowed.  I took this photo as we passed by one that borders the highway.

The Dhobi Ghat Laundry.  This is famous because it is outdoors in the center of Mumbai, the laundry is brought from all over the city to be done here, AND men do it.  No women are allowed.  My kind of place.

The lobby of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, one of the 12 locations across Mumbai where 10 Islamic terrorists killed 164 people and wounded 308 in November, 2008.      

Chowpatty Beach, along Mumbai’s Marine Drive, where everyone gathers for the sunset.

Victoria Terminus railway station built during Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee year.  It is an incredible combination of spires, domes, Corinthian columns, and minarets.  Some have called the style Victorian-Gothic-Saracenic-Italianate-Oriental-St. Pancras-Baroque.  Whatever you call it, when lit up at night it is one amazing sight.  Disney couldn’t do it better.

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DAY 74 — March 19, 2017 – Mumbai, INDIA

The crew has started to prepare the ship for our voyage over the next 7 days through the Pirate zone. 

 

Razor wire has been wrapped around the freeboard deck – Deck 3, our deck.  If boarding were attempted this is the lowest open deck that could be accessed.

What do Cruise lines do when their ships travel through this part of the world?  According to our captain, on past voyages the High-Risk area covered the entire Indian Ocean from the west coast of India to the Persian Gulf.  In 2017 this area has actually shrunk and it now encompasses the approach to the Straits of Hormuz, between Iran and Oman and later, as we sail around the Arabian Peninsula into the red sea on our way to Jordan and the Suez Canal.

So here are what other precautions they take:

Staying in touch with UKMTO in Dubai.  The UK Maritime Trade Organization coordinates all of the coalition warships in the area assigned to anti-piracy operations.  Our ship is being tracked during out entire transit and although we may never see them, warships and AWACS (reconnaissance planes) will be monitoring us.

The officers on the Bridge of this ship keep a constant radar watch.

Extra security guards have been added to the ship and they will keep a 24-hour anti-piracy watch.  Watching these guards at work reminds me of what we see at the University of Michigan football stadium.

Four LRADs (long Range Acoustic Devices) are rigged, manned, and ready for immediate use.

Charged water hoses are ready for use on both sides of the Lower Promenade Deck.  (Deck 3, our deck)

A special alarm will be used to alert us in the event of an attempted boarding or even if a suspicious vessel is present.

We were, of course, assured that such an event is unlikely but our ship’s crew needs to be confident it can handle any situation.

The captain reminded the passengers that they play a part too. If an incident should occur, it would be best if we all restrained ourselves from taking photos and posting them on Facebook.  That might have been funny if he didn’t know us all so well.

DAY 75 — March 20, 2017 – Sailing the Arabian Sea

Piracy Drill for crew and passengers.  Basically, we move out of our cabins and to the interior of the ship away from windows.  I never expected my world cruise to include a Piracy Drill.