Meet HAL's senior staff

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Thought maybe some of you would find this info interesting. Most, if not all, of the data was/is taken straight from the Daily Program that we all get on our cruise as a passenger. Some of it is not up to date for obvious reasons (i.e. it's been a while since we cruised with that particular person). Feel free to join in and do your own write-ups with or without photos. It would be very cool if we could a nice list going! I will personally limit the info to captains, hotel managers and cruise directors. Feel free to add other staff! Have fun reading:)

Captain Hale Thon Gunderson

Even though there were no seafarers in his family, Captain Gundersen knew by the age of six that he wanted to work at sea. With single-minded determination, he set his sights on Norway's Royal Naval Academy. Before he could enter naval officer's school, he fulfilled his regular service obligation by becoming a diver/frogman above the Arctic Circle. After earning his captain's license, as well as four more years of naval service, Captain Gundersen thoughts began to turn to warmer climates. When an offer came to join Royal Viking Line in the Greek Isles, he was ready to accept.

He worked for Royal Viking Line and Norwegian Cruise Line before moving to Finland to join the site team for the Royal Viking Sun, now HAL's very own Prinsendam. He was part of the team supervising the daily building operations of the vessel and upon completion, he sailed her around the world as Captain. He has served as one of this ship's permanent Masters ever since and came over to Holland America when the line purchased the vessel and named her Prinsendam.

During his time off, Captain Gundersen enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, skiing or fishing in his boat, even in the winter. He lives in Bergen, Norway with his wife and daughter and while he loves his job and meeting people, he says, "there's really nothing like coming home to a warm fireplace and a good book"

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Hotel Manager Frits Gehner

Hotel Manager Frits Gehner, a native of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, began his 35-year career in the hospitality industry at the American Hotel in his home town after graduating from the prestigious Hotel School in Den Haag (the Hague). Through the years, he has worked as a dishwasher, silver polisher, bus boy, food server, front desk agent, night auditor, wine steward, food and beverage controller, restaurant manager and food and beverage manager. In addition to Amsterdan, his career has taken him to such places as London, Copenhagen, Oslo, Johannesburg, Winnipeg, Denver, Atlanta, Kansas City, Seattle and Los Angeles.

Approximately six years ago, he decided on another career direction and joined Holland America Line. His goals are to deliver the highest quality of products and service, to make every passenger the most important person and to make every employee the proudest memeber of Holland America line. His motto: "Treat every person as your best friend".

When ashore, Frits returns home to the Palm Desert area of California, where he and his wife Froukje, who also is from the Netherlands, spend time with their daughters, Marian and Monique, and enjoy the relaxed desert style.

lougee1043 · December 13, 2006

do you have a bio on james deering

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Cruise Director Pieter Daems

Cruise Director Pieter Daems still calls Gouda (pronounced Howda) in the Netherlands, home. Born and raised in the famous cheese town, and before being lured to sea, Peter worked as a travel agent in Holland for approximately ten years. This gave him the ability to venture to many great places all over the world. Nine years ago, Peter cruised as a passenger on the Statendam in the Caribbean and thoroughly enjoyed his cruising experience. It was the genuine friendliness of the ship's officers, staff and crew as well as the great entertainment that enticed him to more of the ...dam ships. After this voyage he was simply hooked on the idea of having a life upon the sea, a dream for a ten-year travel professional.

Peter quickly worked his way on to Holland America in only six months after that initial pleasure cruise and was first employed as International Cruise Staff, a job that aforded him the chance to use his talents as a linguist (he speaks five languages fluently). Of course, when working and cruising with people from so many nationalities, this talent is invaluable.

When not at sea, Peter likes to spend as much time as possible with his fiancee Lauren. His greatest hobbies are scuba diving and playing a mean game of tennis.

Atomica · December 13, 2006

John! Fantastic idea - I always love the information they give in the daily programs. I keep all of mine from all my cruises, all the way back to 1998 :)

Here's my contribution (at least for tonight) from our Zuiderdam cruise in September:

Captain Hans van Biljouw

Captain Hans van Biljouw recieved his captain's appointment in January 1990. He joined Holland America in 1962 upon graduation from the nautical academy Kweekschool voor de Zeevart in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. His first assignment was as an apprentice deck officer on board the ss Andjik, a freighter with accomodations for 12 passengers. Born on June 28, 1942, in Zwollerkerspel, the Netherlands, Captain van Biljouw currently lives in Vorden, the Netherlands - a picturesque village surrounded by eight castles dating to the Middle Ages

He is Married and has three daughters. He is an avid tennis player, but above all his greatest interest is horseback riding. He has his own 17-hand black gelding hunter, and the highlight of the year comes in November when he pretends to hunt the fox. "Sailing for Holland America is a priviledge and a pleasure. We have beautiful ships, an excellent crew and an enormous variety of itineraries," says Captain van Biljouw. "The job of captain is divine; it is a world without boundaries, a world of power, challenge, romance and elegance. It is a personal adventure and a way of life."

Atomica · December 13, 2006

Hotel Manager James Deering

James originally operated and managed several high profile restaraunts in his hometown of San Francisco, California. His first cruise line experience was onboard Holland America Line's original Prinsendam, in 1974. He was hooked immediately and since that time, he has worked for a number of major cruise lines on as many as 20 different vessels. He recently returned to his first love, HAL. As Hotel Manager he is responsible for the entire hotel department, encompassing duties much the same as a general manager overseeing a land-based resort. Furthermore on cruise ships the supervision of the living quarters and meal service of all personnel is added to that responsibility, which culminates in the heartwarming duty of human resource management.

He aspires to contribute sincere and outstanding service whether to guests, fellow staff and crewmembers, or to suppliers, wishing to reflect a positive "can-do" and "at your service" attitude. On top of cruising, his hobbies and passions are fine wines and Japanese Sake. He makes both when at home, and writes a monthly Sake column for the Japan Times newspaper. James has lived most of his life in Asia, currently residing in Tokyo together with his wife, Aileen, a professional harpist. As often happens, they met ten years ago while working together...of all places, on a cruise ship! James is proud to represent the Oosterdam here in Mexico, and will do his utmost to ensure each and every guest enjoys the "Signature of Excellence" that Holland America Line is known for.

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Hotel Manager James Deering

James originally operated and managed several high profile restaurants in his hometown of San Francisco, California. His first cruise line experience was onboard Holland America Line's original Prinsendam in 1974. He was hooked immediately and since that time, he has worked for a number of major cruise lines on as many as 20 different vessels.

He recently returned to his first love, HAL. As Hotel Manager he is responsible for the entire hotel department, encompassing duties much the same as a general manager overseeing a land-based resort. Furthermore on cruise ships the supervision of the living quarters and meal service of all personnel is added to that responsibility, which culminates in the heartwarming duty of human resources management. He aspires to contribute sincere and outstanding service, whether to guests, fellow staff and crewmembers, or to suppliers, wishing to reflect a "can do" and "at your service" attitude.

On top of cruising, his hobbies and passions are fine wines and Japanese Sake. He makes both when at home, and writes a monthly Sake column for the Japan Times newspaper. James has lived most of his life in Asia, currently residing in Tokyo together with his wife Aileen, a professional harpist. As often happens, they met ten years ago while working together........of all places, on a cruise ship.

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Thanks for contributing Aaron! ;) If there's anyone who deserves to be mentioned twice, it's James Deering! - There you go, Lou!

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Captain Olav van der Waard

Olav van der Waard was born and raised in Den Haag (the Hague), in the Netherlands. With a background in sailing and travelling, as well as being intrigued by the technology of the modern merchant marine, Olav decided to study at the Maritime Academy in Rotterdam. As part of the program, he sailed as a cadet on cargo ships between Japan and East Africa for about one year. After graduating from the Maritime Academy in 1984, he signed on as Third Officer on a cargo ship running between South and North America, and later on to destinations in Africa and Europe. Although Olav enjoyed his job as an officer on cargo ships, he discovered new hobbies.

He joined an aviation school to work on his private pilot's license. During the same period, while on a voyage to Los Angeles, he became fascinated by a large cruise ship that appeared on the horizon. He contacted the vessel by VHF radio and it appeared to be the M/S Noordam. Instantly realizing that his trade was by far not as fascinating as cruising. Olav made the switch to Holland America during his next vacation. He has worked for Holland America for 14 years now, working his way up the ranks to Chief Officer, and was promoted to captain in 2002.

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Cruise Director Jimmy Lynett

Jimmy was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, After graduating the University of Scranton with a B.A. in Communications, he started working in radio. Though his mother always told him he had a face for radio, Jimmy decided to try his hand at teaching. He spent a year in a volunteer program in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi teaching and tutoring seventh graders. Though he gained an enormous respect for those in the teaching profession, Jimmy decided this was not for him (though he LOVED the vacation time!)

With a passion for travel and a general love of people, Jimmy began his permanent vacation.....or so he thought. He started his life at sea in 1998 working for Disney Cruise Line. He worked in all aspects of their entertainment department, including children's programming, cruise staff, shore excursions, assistant cruise director and cruise director. After several years of serving "the mouse", Jimmy decided to turn in his ears and sail broader waters as a member of the Holland America Line family.

Jimmy is married to his beautiful Aussie wife Zoe and they have two children, Jamie and Mia.

Atomica · December 13, 2006

Thanks for contributing Aaron! ;) If there's anyone who deserves to be mentioned twice, it's James Deering! - There you go, Lou!

Couldn't agree more - he's an outstanding guy. Everyone should cruise on the Oosterdam just to have the privilege of meeting him. Here's one last one for this evening:

Cruise Director Que Hundermark

Que comes all the way from the beautiful lands of East London, South Africa. He plays cricket, enjoys body boarding, and represented South Africa in the U21 Rugby World Cup as a Junior Springbok. Que furthered his studies at Rhodes University achieving his degree in Agricultural Desiging and Engineering. Working a 9-5 job he decided to take a cruise vacation and while on board he loved what he saw. Two week later he was working aboard that very ship and the idea of exploration, meeting new people, adventures and learning more about other diversities sparked the twinkle in his eye.

His ocean going career started 8 years ago with Starlight Cruises, Mediterranean Shipping Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Lines and now very proud to be part of the Holland America line family. When not working on the high seas, Que is a volunteer Fireman and spends most of his time travelling around the world learning about other cultures, and going to new and exotic places.

SDHALFAN · December 13, 2006

Great thread John:) . Here are a couple more:

CAPTAIN SYBE DE BOER

Captain Sybe de Boer has the overall command aboard the mz Zaandam. The Captain decided on a career at sea when he was sixteen years of age. An interest in anything to do with navigation and the opportunity to see the world while working were amongst the reasons why he decided to go to the Nautical College, in his case a four year program at the Hogeere Zeevart school "Willem Barentsz" on the Dutch island of Terschelling.

After graduating he started sailing on so-called coasters, smaller vessels mainly trading in the North Sea and into Scandinavia. This was a good learning experience but after having served on these ships for twelve months he had seen enough ice and stormy weather and found that it was time to head south for the tropics. He started sailing on ships designed to carry refrigerated cargo such as fruits, vegetables and meats. These ships sailed mostly between Central/South America and Europe/USA.

He decided after nine years that it was time for a break from sailing to pursue other interests. During this period he went to flight school in the USA and later worked as a Commercial Pilot. After four years of flying he returned to The Netherlands and joined Holland America Line in 1994 as a Second Officer aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam. Since then he has sailed on most of the "Dam" ships. He and his girlfriend reside in The Netherlands in the Dutch city of The Hague. When on leave he enjoys sailing and kite surfing, bicycling and flying light aircraft. He is currently working on a law degree.

SDHALFAN · December 13, 2006

AND:

HOTEL MANAGER, CEES TESSELAAR:

Hotel Manager Cees was born in Beverwijk in The Netherlands near the major seaway to Amsterdam. When Cees was young he always wanted to travel and finally got his chance when he joined Holland America Line in 1975 as a clerk. He worked his way through the ranks on board the Rotterdam V; Veendam; Volendam and Statendam. During this time Cees met his wife Kathie on board the Statendam and they were married in 1985. In 1986 they moved to Australia where Cees worked for the Hyatt hotel chain. However, Cees and Kathie missed life at sea and in 1991 he returned to Holland America moving quickly up the ranks.

As Purser, in 1993 he traveled to Italy to help set up the Maasdam in the shipyard and subsequently sailed on her for the first 2 years. In 1996 he moved to the Food and Beverage Department and became Food and Beverage Manager in 1997. In 2000 he was appointed Hotel Manager on board Wind Star cruises (a Holland America Line company), where he sailed until 2003. Since then he has been again sailing Holland America Line with his wife and vacationing at their home in the beautiful city of Perth, Western Australia. His goal is to ensure that every guest has a vacation of a lifetime.

billsrobb · December 13, 2006

I would appreciate bio's on senior personnel on the Volendam.

Thanks,

Robb

Old As Dirt Mom · December 13, 2006

Great idea for a thread, Sir Copper John!:)

Here's my contribution. It's for Captain Werner Timmers, who alternates command of Zaandam with Captain Sybe de Boer.

Captain Werner Timmers

"Born and raised in the town of Roosendaal in the southern part of the Netherlands, Captain Werner Timmers decided on a career at sea in his last year at Norbertus Lyceum. After entering the Nautical Academy in Vlissingen, he spent his apprentice year in 1984 aboard Holland America Line's Noordam. After graduating in 1986 with a degree in navigation, he obtained a second degree in engineering six months later. Captain Timmers began working with Holland America Line in 1987 as a Fourth Officer. Since that time, he has served on most of the "dam" ships, working his way up through the ranks to his present position. His foremost responsibility is the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew on board. Our Captain now resides in Mount Dora, Florida, with his wife Sherron and cat, Sassie. He enjoys boating, golf and woodworking, and often combines two at one while hunting for his golf ball in the trees or the water."

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Thanks Val and Karin - Here's a pic of Captain Sybe de Boer

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

And one of Captain Werner Timmers

kakalina · December 13, 2006

John, what a great idea. Thanks. You got one of my all time favorites with Frits he and his lovely wife are so nice. I wish someone would also do the wonderful Frans Consen with his rrrrrrrrolling rrrrrr's.

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Cruise Director Dottie Kulasa

Born and raised in McKeesport, Pennsylvania (15 miles from Pitsburgh), Dottie is celebrating 17 years in the cruise industry. She took her first cruise while studying at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and was hooked. After completing her degree in Journalism, Dottie was employed as Director of Public Relations at McKeesport Hospital for seven years.

In 1988 she began her career at sea as a Hostess and then was promoted to Assistant Cruise Director after her first year. For the last 13 years she has been a Cruise Director on ships sailing Europe, South America, the Mediterranean, Alaska and of course the Caribbean. Dottie says "What's not to like? I have travelled the world, made many friends, enjoyed some very special times, and got paid for it!!" Seriously, she says "You don't spend seventeen years at sea if you don't love it."

When not cruising, she enjoys spending time in Pittsburgh, Orlando and Atlanta with her family. Her hobbies include making pierogies for her family from her Mom's special recipe. Married in 1999 after an extensive search for "Mr. Right", Dottie and her husband, have a home in Kissimmee, Florida.

Krazy Kruizers · December 13, 2006

Great reading here John.

Krazy Kruizers · December 13, 2006

Dottie Kulasa was born and raised in my area. Met up with her on several NCL ships.

Knew her brother quite well when he owned a restaurant here.

She has since retired.

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Captain Frans Consen

Captain Frans Consen comes from a long line of sailing traditions which started at his place of birth in Jakarta, Indonesia. His mother is from the island of Java and his father was born in Dutch Guyana. His father, an adventurer, left Dutch Guyana at the age of sixteen to explore the world. He became a Captain's steward on Dutch freighters, joined the Dutch Army, and was sent to Indonesia, where her met his future wife. After the birth of their two sons, they left Indonesia to live in Holland. The Consen family stayed in Holland for two years while the father was a Captain in the Army. The family later moved back to Dutch Guyana, where at the age of ten, Frans became interested in ships. At the age of sixteen, Frans left Dutch Guyana for Holland where he attended Nautical College.

After sailing for eight years, he joined Holland America Line in 1978 as a navigator on the fourth Statendam. In 1980, he received his Master's license and sailed on the Rotterdam, Statendam, Volendam, Veendam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam and the Maasdam. He became the Captain of the Nieuw Amsterdam in 1992 and left the ship after "riding out" the storm of the century in the Gulf of New Mexico on March 13, 1993.

Captain Consen lives with his wife, Karen (whom he met on board), his 11-year old son Oliver, 8-year old daughter Naomi, and the newest adition to the Consen fleet, 5-year old Charlott; Captain Consen also has a 19-year old son Christian who is studying to follow in his father's footsteps. While at home, he loves cooking, bicycling, swimming, driving his car fast and just being lazy, looking forward to his nerxt assignment on one of the "Dam" ships.

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Dottie Kulasa was born and raised in my area. Met up with her on several NCL ships.

Knew her brother quite well when he owned a restaurant here.

She has since retired.

Thanks Yonnie! I thought I remembered that she had retired early this year but wasn't sure

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Cruise Director Dane Butcher

Dane has always had a love of the Entertainment Industry. He first started working on the Australian television program "Heartbreak High" before many varied roles in drama shows such as "Water rats", "Police Rescue", "G.P." to name a few, with many television commercials as well.

His cruising experience began with P & O Princess then, after twelve months, onto Norwegian Star in Hawaii for the South Pacific season with Norwegian Capricorn Line, where he was Assistant Cruise Director for two years. After a short return to P & O Princess, a land based position was next as the Entertainment Manager on Brampton Island Resort in the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef.

He decided to pursue his love of cruising with Holland America Line and embarked the Volendam in the Summer of of 2003 where he cruised the Alaska season and then the Asia Pacific Explorer cruise, followed by the World Voyage 2003.

Copper10-8 · December 13, 2006

Captain Fred Eversen

As a youngster, Captain Eversen sailed with his father, who was a Captain on cargo ships. It was at this time, when excitement flowed through his veins, that he knew he was destined for the sea. His dream came true when he entered the nautical academy in Rotterdam. He has been with Holland America since 1980. Starting as a an apprentice officer onboard the SS Rotterdam V, he worked his way through the ranks to his present position as Captain.

The Captain carries the full responsibility for all aspects of the ship's operations. Captain Fred Eversen considers his support to the managers onboard a top priority. In addition, he strives to maintain the professional conduct for which Holland America Line is world-renowned, and gives passengers and crew alike the utmost in safety and comfort.

Although this does keep him quite busy, he manages to find time for his favorite pastimes, which include riding through the countryside on one of his motorcycles, computers, playing golf and last but certainly not least, spending time at his house in Delray Beach, Florida.

Meet HAL's senior staff

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