HeinBloed

We are celebrating our 25th Anniversary aboard the OOSTERDAM while in Praia da Vitoria, Terceira, Azores, Portugal. Our first excursion takes us through lava caves. https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/tagday-08-auf-deron-oosterdam-in-praia.html We continue to the 2nd attempt on the Azores in Ponta Delgada.

Sea Days = Days 2-7 = Six sea days are lovely. https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-021-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-022-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-03-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-04-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-05-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-06-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-07-auf-deron-oosterdam.html Following is our 25th Anniversary and first Landing in Terceira, Azores, Portugal!

Sea Days = Days 2-7 = Six sea days are lovely. https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-021-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-022-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-03-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-04-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-05-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-06-auf-deron-oosterdam.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/seetagday-at-sea-07-auf-deron-oosterdam.html Following is our 25th Anniversary and first Landing in Terceira, Azores, Portugal!

The OOSTERDAM blog is ready. In the beginning, comes the end: the last words of the blog: We owe it to many great crew members that we met that it was still a memorable cruise. In their way, they gave their very best to make it a unique, unforgettable cruise for me. I've met a lot of new fellow travelers who have contributed to making this trip memorable. And many excellent guides on land who have broadened our horizons in their particular way. It was a lesser product but still an extraordinary journey because many people were exceptional and made something special out of it. A cruise is more than just a ship. It's the people who make everything unforgettable! But first, back to the beginning: Arrival and stay in Miami and Fort Lauderdale until embarkation on OOSTERDAM: https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/05/tagday-0a-auf-dem-weg-zuron-way-to.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/tagday-0b-auf-dem-weg-zuron-way-to.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/tagday-0c-auf-dem-weg-zuron-way-to.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/tagday-01-auf-deron-oosterdam-in-fort.html It will soon be on toward Europe.

The OOSTERDAM blog is ready. In the beginning, comes the end: the last words of the blog: We owe it to many great crew members that we met that it was still a memorable cruise. In their way, they gave their very best to make it a unique, unforgettable cruise for me. I've met a lot of new fellow travelers who have contributed to making this trip memorable. And many excellent guides on land who have broadened our horizons in their particular way. It was a lesser product but still an extraordinary journey because many people were exceptional and made something special out of it. A cruise is more than just a ship. It's the people who make everything unforgettable! But first, back to the beginning: Arrival and stay in Miami and Fort Lauderdale until embarkation on OOSTERDAM: https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/05/tagday-0a-auf-dem-weg-zuron-way-to.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/tagday-0b-auf-dem-weg-zuron-way-to.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/tagday-0c-auf-dem-weg-zuron-way-to.html https://heinbloed-hal.blogspot.com/2023/04/tagday-01-auf-deron-oosterdam-in-fort.html It will soon be on toward Europe.

sorry - I wanted to add a new topic for MSC EURIBIA but the link takes me to MSC SEASHORE… and I made the search ahead dear admin: please check the links

Sorry - mistake

What is worth waiting for - FINALLY. I got one! A private tour guide at a reasonable price - not the price level of the "cruise mafia" for overseas cruisers. Someone who understood what I wanted: a walking tour, incl. a transfer from Cobh to Cork by train (3.45 EUR - 50 m/yards away from the cruise ship pier). He promised to make me fall in love with Ireland. So Ireland will not stay a white (or better, green) gap on my travel map. I will keep it as I did on my last cruises: inviting fellow cruisers who treat us friendly and have no arrangements made. Depending on the time we have ashore: I let close fellow guests join us for free or share 50:50, or they pay for the lunch instead — an excellent way to make new friends worldwide. On our last cruise on OOSTERDAM, we invited gay fellow cruisers only...

DEFINITELY NOT ON OOSTERDAM EB TA 2023. On a 14 nights cruise (incl. 9 days at sea), we had the best PRIDE Meetup ever. They also hosted one lunch for all of us. We made a lot of new friends. Spontaneously, we invited them to join our private tours, sometimes for free to celebrate our 25th anniversary, sometimes 50:50, and sometimes lunch against the tour. And the crew delivered an unforgettable Renewal of Vow for us.

dam ship or non-dam ship???

This voyage on the OOSTERDAM was chosen because the journey marks our 25th anniversary, calls at two ports in the Azores, and because it is Holland America: always a safe bet for extraordinary voyages. I was referring to the renewal of our connection because the price already included two meals at the Pinnacle Grill, a photo, etc. Then when I asked on the forum, it sounded like a Korean mass wedding event. I was very skeptical, but my curiosity and anticipation won out. Roxy got on board quickly and explained that the captain didn't want to do that. Was it because we're a same-sex couple now? However, she then explained that he had yet to do it with any of the three couples who had previously booked the event in South America, and it would have nothing to do with it. Our anniversary now falls on a port day; this event is only available on sea days. However, we arrived very late, and somehow Roxy managed to get on board on the morning of our anniversary. Then came the next blow: in a conference room? In the old furniture collection, where there is no other space for all sorts of furniture? When we entered the room, we almost fell backward. They turned the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. Roxy, Valerie, Milky, Mark, and Leon gave us an unforgettable event. That was all great. Only our cake "disappeared" from the Board Room to Canaletto, and they probably ended up in the Pinnacle Grill. But they were more welcoming at Canaletto, so we preferred celebrating there. Gladly again in five years... it was very nice! Thank you for everything!!!

This voyage on the OOSTERDAM was chosen because the journey marks our 25th anniversary, calls at two ports in the Azores, and because it is Holland America: always a safe bet for extraordinary voyages. I was referring to the renewal of our connection because the price already included two meals at the Pinnacle Grill, a photo, etc. Then when I asked on the forum, it sounded like a Korean mass wedding event. I was very skeptical, but my curiosity and anticipation won out. Roxy got on board quickly and explained that the captain didn't want to do that. Was it because we're a same-sex couple now? However, she then explained that he had yet to do it with any of the three couples who had previously booked the event in South America, and it would have nothing to do with it. Our anniversary now falls on a port day; this event is only available on sea days. However, we arrived very late, and somehow Roxy managed to get on board on the morning of our anniversary. Then came the next blow: in a conference room? In the old furniture collection, where there is no other space for all sorts of furniture? When we entered the room, we almost fell backward. They turned the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. Roxy, Valerie, Milky, Mark, and Leon gave us an unforgettable event. That was all great. Only our cake "disappeared" from the Board Room to Canaletto, and they probably ended up in the Pinnacle Grill. But they were more welcoming at Canaletto, so we preferred celebrating there. Gladly again in five years... it was very nice! Thank you for everything!!!

Any other gays onboard? Would be nice to meet you for a chat, drink, meal, tour. Regards HeinBloed (aka Tien)

After midnight there is again a buffet. I can't anymore: I can't get anywhere, but taking pictures is excellent. I want to thank Carmelo and Marinela for all the effort they and their teams put in tonight. The following day, as a ship spotter, I was happy about the MSC BELLISSIMA and COSTA SMERALDA. We have an excellent breakfast on the balcony. Asmadi was kind enough not to send us out of the cabin, so we had to have breakfast in a lounge. So far, it has been one of the most amazing cruises of all 112 trips we have done. Then comes the last five minutes... Someone can't get the word "sorry" out of their mouths and tells us that we're probably too stupid to register the credit card correctly. Since we have plenty of time and Chantal has retired: we are testing the public buses to get to Marseille St-Charles train station. From there, take the TGV to Paris Gare de Lyon. With the metro to the Gare de l'Est and directly back with the ICE to Germany. It was stress: positive stress. https://heinbloed-msc.blogspot.com/2023/01/tagday-2-auf-deron-msc-poesia-in.html

After midnight there is again a buffet. I can't anymore: I can't get anywhere, but taking pictures is excellent. I want to thank Carmelo and Marinela for all the effort they and their teams put in tonight. The following day, as a ship spotter, I was happy about the MSC BELLISSIMA and COSTA SMERALDA. We have an excellent breakfast on the balcony. Asmadi was kind enough not to send us out of the cabin, so we had to have breakfast in a lounge. So far, it has been one of the most amazing cruises of all 112 trips we have done. Then comes the last five minutes... Someone can't get the word "sorry" out of their mouths and tells us that we're probably too stupid to register the credit card correctly. Since we have plenty of time and Chantal has retired: we are testing the public buses to get to Marseille St-Charles train station. From there, take the TGV to Paris Gare de Lyon. With the metro to the Gare de l'Est and directly back with the ICE to Germany. It was stress: positive stress. https://heinbloed-msc.blogspot.com/2023/01/tagday-2-auf-deron-msc-poesia-in.html

No - I must not go on the newest ship...

After a great buffet, we continued to Genoa: Piazza Principe train station the following day. From here, it is only a few steps down to Stazione Marittama: MSC POESIA is waiting for us here. As we are Diamond members, embarkation takes only a few minutes. Thanks for the great Status Match program, and to NCL, Cunard, and Princess for making it possible for us to go straight to Diamond. On board, we go straight to the self-service restaurant because, unfortunately, we need to find out that the main restaurant is open. We managed to visit and test half the buffet: we were pleasantly surprised: the quality and the selection were excellent. We can neither see nor try the rest: blood and thunder. We catch the right crew members: lactose-free milk and green apple juice are immediately fetched for me, and I won't be sent to the next bar. Later we look forward to seeing Bruno from CELEBRITY REFLECTION and Rima from MSC SEASIDE again. Everything in the cabin is prepared the way we like it: thanks to Neruda, who we know from the MSC MAGNIFICA, her colleague Asmadi knows everything was perfectly organized. Unfortunately, the weather could be more pleasant to go out again to photograph the ship. We dress up and enjoy a great dinner in the main restaurant: they even have lobster! Thanks to a great team of Giovanni, Domenico, Abidin, and Bambang. We met Captain Lorenzo and hotel manager Andreas - I had previously handed my Douglas Ward to Jean at reception for him to sign. It's a pity that no joint action was planned for the New Year: we meet MSC GRANDIOSA at 23:45 hrs. Happy New Year! https://heinbloed-msc.blogspot.com/2022/12/tagday-1-auf-deron-msc-poesia-in.html

After a great buffet, we continued to Genoa: Piazza Principe train station the following day. From here, it is only a few steps down to Stazione Marittama: MSC POESIA is waiting for us here. As we are Diamond members, embarkation takes only a few minutes. Thanks for the great Status Match program, and to NCL, Cunard, and Princess for making it possible for us to go straight to Diamond. On board, we go straight to the self-service restaurant because, unfortunately, we need to find out that the main restaurant is open. We managed to visit and test half the buffet: we were pleasantly surprised: the quality and the selection were excellent. We can neither see nor try the rest: blood and thunder. We catch the right crew members: lactose-free milk and green apple juice are immediately fetched for me, and I won't be sent to the next bar. Later we look forward to seeing Bruno from CELEBRITY REFLECTION and Rima from MSC SEASIDE again. Everything in the cabin is prepared the way we like it: thanks to Neruda, who we know from the MSC MAGNIFICA, her colleague Asmadi knows everything was perfectly organized. Unfortunately, the weather could be more pleasant to go out again to photograph the ship. We dress up and enjoy a great dinner in the main restaurant: they even have lobster! Thanks to a great team of Giovanni, Domenico, Abidin, and Bambang. We met Captain Lorenzo and hotel manager Andreas - I had previously handed my Douglas Ward to Jean at reception for him to sign. It's a pity that no joint action was planned for the New Year: we meet MSC GRANDIOSA at 23:45 hrs. Happy New Year! https://heinbloed-msc.blogspot.com/2022/12/tagday-1-auf-deron-msc-poesia-in.html

I feel like a junkie running dry: from QUEEN VICTORIA in October 2022 to OOSTERDAM 2023 in April 2023: that's not possible. Added to this was the question: what do you want to do special New Year's Eve? Without thinking twice: MSC offers MSC POESIA from Genoa, Italy, to Marseille, France, and I book immediately. But I have to work on 30/12/2022 and 02/01/2023. So I'm moving the last day of job of the old year to the German border after a friend warns us to rely on something other than German Railways Deutsche Bahn if we want to catch the last long-distance connection to Milan, Italy. The friend was right: because we were almost at the border, we could take an earlier train to catch the last connection to Milan and have a nice dinner in Lugano, Switzerland. We make it to Milan. A great hotel directly opposite the Centrale train station: Starhotel Anderson. https://heinbloed-msc.blogspot.com/2022/12/tagday-0-auf-dem-weg-zuron-way-to-msc.html

I feel like a junkie running dry: from QUEEN VICTORIA in October 2022 to OOSTERDAM 2023 in April 2023: that's not possible. Added to this was the question: what do you want to do special New Year's Eve? Without thinking twice: MSC offers MSC POESIA from Genoa, Italy, to Marseille, France, and I book immediately. But I have to work on 30/12/2022 and 02/01/2023. So I'm moving the last day of job of the old year to the German border after a friend warns us to rely on something other than German Railways Deutsche Bahn if we want to catch the last long-distance connection to Milan, Italy. The friend was right: because we were almost at the border, we could take an earlier train to catch the last connection to Milan and have a nice dinner in Lugano, Switzerland. We make it to Milan. A great hotel directly opposite the Centrale train station: Starhotel Anderson. https://heinbloed-msc.blogspot.com/2022/12/tagday-0-auf-dem-weg-zuron-way-to-msc.html

Then it's on to home. I smuggled something out of England: it's no longer an internal market: Big Tom - tastes delicious. And the biggest surprise: I weigh less at home than before the trip. Hardly any journey can end better. On New Year's Eve, we go on MSC POESIA. We made the next deposit for Cunard. We now need the right journey for it. We met a lot of great people - on board and ashore. We were lucky with the weather, and we had a great trip. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this! https://heinbloed-cunard.blogspot.com/2022/10/tagday-14-nach-derafter-queen-victoria.html

Then it's on to home. I smuggled something out of England: it's no longer an internal market: Big Tom - tastes delicious. And the biggest surprise: I weigh less at home than before the trip. Hardly any journey can end better. On New Year's Eve, we go on MSC POESIA. We made the next deposit for Cunard. We now need the right journey for it. We met a lot of great people - on board and ashore. We were lucky with the weather, and we had a great trip. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this! https://heinbloed-cunard.blogspot.com/2022/10/tagday-14-nach-derafter-queen-victoria.html

Back in Southampton, England: a real ship encounter: MSC VIRTUOSA. We quickly drive back via Dover, England, and Calais, France, to Belgium. In Dover, we still see AIDAmar, and our tour guide Ulla from London, England, informed us that she had sought protection in Dover. Our stage ends in Bruges instead of at the gates of Bruges: Jan and Bart would have cooked for us again in their B&B het boerderietje, but due to Bruno's Covid-19 infection, Jan and Bart are not the last chapter of our QUEEN VICTORIA 2022 journey, but the first chapter of our CARNIVAL PRIDE 2023 journey. We are responsible for our fellow humans, even if there are no longer any rules in Belgium. This is how I get to a beautiful evening in illuminated Bruges. https://heinbloed-cunard.blogspot.com/2022/10/tagday-13-auf-deron-queen-victoria-in.html

Back in Southampton, England: a real ship encounter: MSC VIRTUOSA. We quickly drive back via Dover, England, and Calais, France, to Belgium. In Dover, we still see AIDAmar, and our tour guide Ulla from London, England, informed us that she had sought protection in Dover. Our stage ends in Bruges instead of at the gates of Bruges: Jan and Bart would have cooked for us again in their B&B het boerderietje, but due to Bruno's Covid-19 infection, Jan and Bart are not the last chapter of our QUEEN VICTORIA 2022 journey, but the first chapter of our CARNIVAL PRIDE 2023 journey. We are responsible for our fellow humans, even if there are no longer any rules in Belgium. This is how I get to a beautiful evening in illuminated Bruges. https://heinbloed-cunard.blogspot.com/2022/10/tagday-13-auf-deron-queen-victoria-in.html

Back in Southampton, England: a real ship encounter: MSC VIRTUOSA. We quickly drive back via Dover, England, and Calais, France, to Belgium. In Dover, we still see AIDAmar, and our tour guide Ulla from London, England, informed us that she had sought protection in Dover. Our stage ends in Bruges instead of at the gates of Bruges: Jan and Bart would have cooked for us again in their B&B het boerderietje, but due to Bruno's Covid-19 infection, Jan and Bart are not the last chapter of our QUEEN VICTORIA 2022 journey, but the first chapter of our CARNIVAL PRIDE 2023 journey. We are responsible for our fellow humans, even if there are no longer any rules in Belgium. This is how I get to a beautiful evening in illuminated Bruges. https://heinbloed-cunard.blogspot.com/2022/10/tagday-13-auf-deron-queen-victoria-in.html