February 28 - At Sea
When we boarded, Regent collected our passports. This is very common on cruises that visit many ports in the world. We did the same thing when we sailed around South America. We had to collect our passports this morning and complete the immigration form to present to the Australian authorities in person tomorrow, which seems unusual since we already have a visa. And it was announced that anyone experiencing cough or cold sympoms should report to be seen by the doctor (at no charge), again for the Aussie authorities. Jan and Tom, who have had a cough for a while, dutifully presented themselves along with many others. Jan and Tom were determined to have a bacterial infection of the throat; Jan had her nose swabbed; and they are confined to their cabin until cleared by the Aussies. Apparently, there are quite a few others who are in the same situation. I'm guessing that anyone who presented was told the same thing in an abundance of caution....