richwmn

March 12 – Port Elizabeth, South Africa Just a quick note before going ashore. Menus will follow later. After dinner last night was Music Trivia with our new host, Simon. He did a pretty good job and was entertaining. He is English and will take a bit of getting used to. After trivia I chatted with some friends then went upstairs. At 9:30pm I went to the World Stage to see the comic – Mark Palmer. The show was ok, he got a few laughs from a good sized audience. He is leaving the ship today, so we will see what type of entertainment comes up next.

Tonight the Pinnacle Grill became Tamarind for the evening (and I believe tomorrow). I had dinner there with a friend so here is the food porn. Dinner was the Wasabe Beef Dessert was a Cheese Cake

March 11 – at sea part 2 Tonight the Pinnacle Grill became Tamarind for the evening (and I believe tomorrow). I had dinner there with a friend so here is the food porn. Dinner was the Wasabe Beef Dessert was a Cheese Cake

We (WC2023) were there not too long ago. Here are the pictures I posted.

I did change Zuiderdam within a few minutes of the Captain's announcement this morning. As far as NADM & RTDM, if they are different than the original itinerary it is because someone notified me or posted a change. I do try to keep it up to date.

Today's revised schedule

March 11 – Now at sea, headed for Port Elizabeth, South Africa It is now a little after 10:00am on Saturday. We were supposed to be in East London, South Africa today, but about an hour ago we were advised that the stop would not be happening. This was not a surprise as the Captain has been hinting this at his daily announcements for the last couple of days. He did mention that if we had made it, Zuiderdam would have been the largest ship to ever call on East London. Last night not much happened after I returned from the Durban excursion. Trivia at 6:30pm, followed by an evening in. The current Rolling Stone Lounge Band is leaving in Cape Town, and they had a World Stage show last night. The cruise staff is currently working to set up things to do today. A new comic is scheduled for this evening. Should be a good day at sea today.

March 10 – Durban (pt 2) This morning we had to go thru South African Immigration. It was to start at 7:15am and continue, first with groups, then with decks, until everyone passed. When I was about to be next, I went ahead and moved to the Ocean Bar to await my turn. One of the Front Desk Representatives came up to me and told me to go ahead and get in line, which I did. Passing thru Immigration turned out to be easy and I was finished by 9:00am. The next order of business was to show up back at the Ocean Bar to meet Kelley and the group for the excursion she set up and invited me to join. The tour operator had initially indicated that he could pick us up at the ship, but when we didn’t dock where he expected he asked us to ride the shuttle into town and he would pick us up there. Kelly was in contact with him and let him know we were ready. A little bit later he comes up and tells us that his transportation can’t enter the area we are in so we have to walk a long block to get into the van. So after a bit of a rocky start we are off! After loading into the van we take a short ride to an elevation overlooking Durban. Everyone takes in the view, and generally takes a few pictures. Then we get together about a short (?) talk about South Africa, its ethnic makeup, and how the people interact. We then walk thru an area with some pretty nice houses and other buildings. While we are walking we are told about the history of the areas we are in, and how the different ethnic groups interact. After a while we get to a taxi stand where we all get into another vehicle and head toward the market. We also get a short talk about the status and history of the taxi system in Durban. After another short ride, we arrive at the next stop, a large market area with many different markets. We then spent about an hour and a half (seemed like more) walking thru several different markets, most of which are selling the same goods. Local fruits and vegetables dominate the markets, along with general merchandise. Each market is crowded, but with vendors and visitors. For the most part, there is only a small walkway between vendors. We also went into an herb market, and an area with healers. For a while it was interesting, but it got long. After another short ride we arrived at a beautiful beach, and a building that contained several restaurants. We went to one with a view of the beach and ate ‘bunny chow’, a local favorite. It was very good, but was a large serving. After we finished eating we got into another taxi van and were taken back to where the shuttle would take us back to the ship. Again, the taxi was unable to enter the area where the shuttle stop was, so we took another walk up the hill to the shuttle. Fortunately, the bus was sitting there almost ready to leave. We got seated and a few minutes later we were on the way back to the ship. We arrived back a bit before 4:00pm. During the day we walked about 3.5 miles and learned a lot about Durban and South Africa. The weather was very nice for walking and the company was good. Tonight's menus ( a little late )

Not really sure, Kelly set it up and asked me along.

March 10 – Durban, South Africa Just a quick note early. Breakfast is done and we are now waiting for an ‘in person’ immigration check. After that I have an excursion at 9:30am and sail away is 4:00pm. Should be a nice day

March 9, – at sea, heading for Durban It is a bit later today than I normally post. Yesterday was a nice day in Maputo, Mozambique. As has been the case so far for this cruise we had good weather. For those, like me, that chose to stay on the ship plenty of activities were scheduled. We had to delay leaving because the channel we needed to use to leave was occupied by a ship coming in. We left after dark. I posted a short video on FB but it is a bit much to load here. It was a nice evening. Most of the activities last night were pointed toward International Day of the Woman. At lunch, the Lido had a big cake, all of the trivia had to do with Women, and several other things. Music was limited, but good. Last night I slept well and woke up refreshed and at a reasonable time. The big thing so far today was ‘Sea Day Brunch’. We were scheduled for 11:30am. We showed up on time and were seated promptly. It was advertised as a sampler, so we had several items at each course. The serving sizes were smaller than usual, but added up to more than enough. The menu: I didn’t take a picture of the cold sampler, but here is the hot sampler: And here are the desserts: Tomorrow morning we arrive in Durban and I have an excursion planned. It should be a lot of fun. In his noon announcement today, the Captain indicated that we might have a problem with Port Elizabeth and might have to miss it. After that is Cape Town where we have to go thru immigration as it is the end of a segment. We are also changing Captains in Cape Town, along with the Rolling Stone Band.

Today we had a new, at least for me, event. It was called 'Sea Day Brunch' in the MDR. We had a reservation for 11:30am and were seated immediately. It was advertised as a sampler, but everything seemed to be just a bit smaller than a normal serving. The Menu I didn't take a picture of the cold sampler, but here is the hot sampler. And now the desserts. Edit -- I got the food pictures backwards to start with. I have corrected them.

March 8 – Maputo, Mozambique Last night was an enjoyable evening on the good ship Zuiderdam. The crew had recovered from the party of the night before. Trivia sessions were good, as was a game of Corn Hole on the Sports Deck. I managed to get a couple of points and won a game out of three played. It was something a little different. Dinner last night was with my partners in crime in the Main Dining Room. It was a very nice, casual dinner. Everyone enjoyed the meal they ordered and the conversation was great. I constantly see threads on Cruise Critic about the Main Dining Room. Most of them have two comments, small portions and long meals. I find that the portions are ample and tasty. The portions probably represent what we should eat rather than what we want to eat. As far as the length of the meal, it doesn’t seem long if you are enjoying your company and conversation. This morning I manage to sleep in longer than the past couple of weeks. After checking online, I went directly to breakfast with my two main trivia partners. I made the choice about ten days ago to stay aboard today by not purchasing the visa for today, so I am staying aboard. The ship has been very nice today, with trivia at 10:30am (we did fine), a nice lunch, then more trivia later.

In truth, I don't think so. Several years ago I purchased one and I have mostly kept it charged, but I think I only used it once and that was to try it out not because I needed to. Many people will find it useful.

Today's menus:

External battery / charger for small electronics

March 07 – at sea destination Maputo I must say that one thing this cruise has going for it is nice weather. It is again a beautiful day on Zuiderdam. The temperature is comfortable, sky is slightly overcast but is very pretty. The seas are relatively calm and the ship is progressing nicely. Yesterday was a nice day at sea. We had three trivia sessions. The early session is always held in the Crow’s Nest on sea days and generally has a good turnout. It has always been general knowledge and is fun. Like most days we did well, but not good enough to win. The middle session is held in Billboard and the participation varies widely. Yesterday was a small crowd and the topic was Africa. All the questions were related to Africa somehow. One asked where on the continent a particular country was, another asked what two countries had names starting with the letter Z, and another listed lyrics from the song ‘Africa’ and asked who the artist was. The final session yesterday was to name tunes by Billy Joel. From 9:00pm to 11:00pm we had the Surprise Party. I got there right after 9 and the Lido pool area was already packed. A stage was set up and a DJ was playing tunes. Many staff members were there, but not in uniform and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Several of the bar staff were pouring sparkling wine and dancing. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. The Captain and his lady were at the party talking to all the guests. It was a very nice evening and lasted past 11:00. The time changed again last night so we are now matched to Maputo. By this time tomorrow we should be there and those who wish to will be able to go ashore.

I thought I saw a post that Koningsdam had crossed the international date line so I set her to be in the Eastern Hemisphere. I will put her back in the Western.

March 06 – at sea destination Maputo Another beautiful day at sea aboard Zuiderdam. One thing we have had for this entire cruise has been good weather. Sometimes it has been a bit hot, but really mostly comfortable and not raining. That has been a real plus for this cruise. Last night of course was trivia. That continues to be a good activity two to four times a day. Yesterday afternoon was also a round of golf putting. This is done in the mid ships elevator lobby, as is most ‘sport’ activity. Yesterday more people played than any other similar activity and it was fun even though I didn’t do well. Last evening’s World Stage entertainment was Mark Palmer, a comedian. I managed to get a seat for the early show (7:00pm) a few minutes early. Ian came on with his normal enthusiastic introduction and the act started. He started by introducing himself as a South African, living in London, and performing for American audiences. He played to a full crowd, but I’d guess that about 1/3 of the audience laughed at each joke. After I left the World Stage I walked around the ship a bit, then stopped at the Ocean Bar and listened to the Jazz Band for a bit. Tonight is scheduled to be a surprise night. No sweeter surprise that to share our surprise to you – a party with the Crew! While tonight is a Formal night, we are told to show up casual, formal, or to surprise. Sounds like it might be fun.

Nancy, if I said what you asked it would be a double negative. My preface to the sentence was 'I can't say'.

Musings --- The other day Sharon ( @Sharon in AZ), asked me if I would do another WC. I’ll use that to update my feelings, as a first time World Cruiser, on the concept and execution of the World Cruise. I am now two months into the World Cruise. In total I have completed 73 days on Zuiderdam. In truth, I had set my expectations pretty low. At a minimum I am on a cruise with a total length of 140 days. This includes being on a ship, with the meals, housekeeping, and entertainment that goes along with any cruise. These expectations have been met, and to some degree have been exceeded. As far as what I can see, the ship is in good condition. The deck crew is constantly cleaning the ship and the housekeeping staff is constantly cleaning the Guest areas. The food is as good and possibly better than food I have had on other ships. The food has also had enough variation to keep it interesting. The entertainment has also been equal to or better than other regular cruises. The number and spacing of ports has been good even with several instances of extended sea days. I must add here that many of the ports so far have not been new to me as I have already visited Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand. The ports over the next month or so will all be new. Now that I have talked about minimum expectations, it is time to talk about what I will call ‘hopes.’ Over the years I have read posts on Cruise Critic and talked to people who have been on World (and other Grand) Cruises. All were glowing reports about how much better the overall experiences were. They also mentioned ‘pillow gifts.’ I can’t honestly say that the experience has been better than my average cruise thus far. There have been a couple of things that were better, but overall no. As far as ‘pillow gifts’, we have had two. A diary and a box of chocolates. I guess you could also include the rose on Valentine’s Day. Nothing extraordinary. Would I do a World Cruise again? I don’t know the answer to that. I know that this cruise isn’t what HAL has done in the past for a Grand Cruise. Part of the reason is that over 400 of the passengers are from the ill fated 2020 cruise and were given credit to cover the cost of this one. From what I have heard, a majority of the rest of the guests paid partially, or maybe mostly with credits from canceled cruises. Next year’s World will have a number of 2020 cruises with credit, but all other future cruise credits have expired so there will be more ‘new’ money to cover the cost of that cruise. Hopefully it will be closer to the pre-Covid experience.

March 05 – at sea destination Maputo Today is day two at sea out of four for this leg. We were supposed to be in Madagascar, but due to weather and other problems we are not. A bit of a disappointment, but the safety of the ship and souls is the priority. So yesterday was at sea and we had a good amount of activity. We had three sessions of trivia and each was fun. The first was in the Crow’s Nest and was not as well attended as it has been in the past. We did well but didn’t win. The second was in Billboard and was also General Knowledge. We did very well and tied with two other teams. We lost in the tie breaker. The final session was identify the song / artist for Disco Music. We didn’t do well on that one at all. We got a lot of the songs right but were terrible on the artists. The Zuiderdam Singers and Dancers had a show last night called ‘Avalon’. I stayed in for the night but the previous shows they did were pretty good. The Casino seemed full at 7pm after trivia and all four venues had music last night. The musicians they have on board are all very good and have consistently had good turnouts. So this morning, despite being near the storm, we have had good weather. The sea was a little rough earlier, but is settled right now and we seem to be going along just fine. The temperature outside is very nice for a stroll around the promenade deck, particularly in the morning, and many are taking advantage of that fact. I thought we were close enough to the storm that we might get some weather from it, but so far we haven’t. Thanks to the Captain for staying clear of it.

March 04 – at sea destination Maputo We are at sea and it is raining. Last night at 6:30pm during sail away the Captain announced that we will miss Madagascar. During announcements for the last few days he has been mentioning some of the problems Holland has been having making arrangements for that port and about the weather so this was not unexpected. It is a bit of a disappointment. Last night the only trivia session was at 6:30pm and was about astronomy. The questions were fair and we did well. As usual we came in second. We missed a question that we actually had a discussion about. The question was “How many planets can you see without a telescope?” We discussed whether it was a bit of a trick question, and decided that it was. We were counted wrong. The answer he counted right was 5, the number you can see in the sky. However, you can see the Earth without a telescope which is the trick part of the question, so we answered 6. We had to turn in our passports again this morning in order for the ship to prepare for several stops in Africa. We are scheduled to have them returned on March 9th.

I already did

Mostly weather, there have also been continuing discussions with the port authorities about docking vs tendering and where. So this was expected.