Live – Rotterdam, Prinsendam, Queen Mary II

[rgaudet]

I reported in my last post that the Captain did not appear at the Meet and Greet. I stand corrected. I found out that Captain Rik did appear after the introductions were made but did not recognize him. It’s understandable he was a bit late after the events of the previous evening.

 

rgaudet asked on the Cunard forum about alternatives and asked about announcements on HAL and may be following this thread. I’d say there are more announcements than on Cunard but do not find them excessive and generally not commercial in nature. I sense a pattern of announcements at 10am, 12:55 (just before the Captain’s 1PM briefing) and 5PM with reminders of the morning, afternoon, and evening events to come. These are generally open and free events of a program nature but may include a brief reference to something semi-commercial such as a wine tasting or event in the casino.

 

I am following...thanks for following up! enjoying your posts while jealous at the same time! Enjoy!

[RuthC]

Thanks for the info on some of the lecture topics. I would be there, and totally enjoying them.

And to know that the seas are acting like seas, too! Oh, how the envy rises within me!

[buckirj1]

Loved today's (R3) parting shot. Some of the very best music doesn't receive mass commercial exposure. I can overlook deficiencies in techincal delivery so long as the conviction is there. Please enjoy the rest of your journey.

[IRL_Joanie]

 

Two of the HAL Cats, Oliver Townsend and David Brady gave an afternoon performance in the showroom at sea. Normally pianists, Oliver spent most of his time singing favorite tunes from Broadway shows that were less well known. As a singer Oliver was an excellent pianist. He joked about doing one duet with David but in fact CD Dan became his partner in the song and Dan proved to be an excellent singer.

Roy

 

This post comes to you live from the MS Rotterdam VI

 

Hey Roy!! I've silently been following your Live review right from the start. AWESOME REVIEWS BTW:)

 

Just wanted to chime in with a favor please??

 

Can you give a BIG HELLO to David from Joanie from Cruise Critic to David Brady for me please?? I interviewed him in February 2010 when he was aboard the Westerdam in the Caribbean. He sat and talked with me and was very candid about his music and life:) Also ask him, please, if his lovely wife is with him on this cruise also?

 

Joanie

[kazu]

Love your parting comment on the music. enjoying cruising with you very much:):)

[rafinmd]

A quick note on menus and by programs on my blog. I think with ship’s internet it will be best for me to put up the code to call access the files in batches several days at a time and upload the files as available, rather than add a link separately to each file as I insert it. By today there should be references to each days programs and menus but only the first 5 programs and 3 menus are really available.

 

So far we have been blessed with quite warm weather. Wednesday, our first day was a bit foggy but otherwise perfect. Thursday started out beautifully but wind came up mid-morning and by mid-afternoon the ride became rather rough. Things were still very rough and windy Friday morning but the seas calmed down with beautiful sunshine by noon (it's still windy) and the temperatures are around 70F (19C), pretty much perfect weather.

 

Fighting the strong winds this morning added about 10 minutes to my morning walk. On recent cruises part of my routine has been watching a daily morning show with the cruise director and other staff on the cabin TV. On this cruise that has been replaced by a live coffee chat in the Showroom at sea with Cruise Director Dan and selected guests, this morning with the culinary manager and head chef. I miss being able to watch on my own schedule but enjoy the opportunity for interaction between the staff and passengers.

 

The coffee chat was followed quickly by a 10AM lecture by Bill Miller on "Going Dutch: The Great Holland America Line". One tidbit I learned is that HAL had a number of mixed cargo-passenger ships in it's fleet over the years. While the passenger ships always ended in dam, the mixed use vessels always ended in dyke. Lunch was at the Terrace Grill, a nook near the forward section of the Lido Pool area. Ben Bor provided nice music on his guitar, but my chicken sandwich seemed a bit soggy. There are many better venues on the ship for future lunches.

 

In the afternoon Bill Miller presented 2 films at 2, first a short one on the SS Rotterdam on it's 30th anniversary, and then a longer documentary on it's restoration as a hotel and museum. Members of the Pasadena Roof Orchestra held a 3PM Q&A session. I learned they got the name from the tune "Back Home in Pasadena", part of a collection of music they were given shortly after the group was formed, and hotel rooftop gardens were a popular jazz venue in the 20's and 30's. Unfortunately, team trivia is at 3PM on this cruise and I've always been otherwise occupied with either a presentation or tea time.

 

When these classic transatlantic cruises were announced, HAL held a writing contest for stories of memorable HAL crossings. Some of the best of these stories have been published in a booklet each of us was given. Since I have no desire to carry this book around on Prinsendam, QM2, and many intermediate steps, I am trying to finish the book by the end of the crossing. My secret reading spot is becoming the aft of deck 2. The space is quiet, sheltered, non-smoking, and very uncrowded with nice loungers.

 

The evening show was It Takes Two, a combination of duets and love songs. It features the HAL Cats band, the 2 dancers, and 3 of the six singers from the troupe.

 

With a break from the clock changes I took a stroll around the ships to various venues. The Neptunes in the Ocean Bar were doing dance music for a relatively small group. The Adagio Strings were doing very nice classical music in the Explorers Lounge. Ben Bor was on the guitar in Mix to be followed later by Piano Man Rens. When I stopped by the Crow's Nest it was quiet but Dutch Cruise Director Glenn would be doing "Name that Tune" later in the evening.

 

As my parting shot today the last venue I stopped at was the Retreat at the aft of deck 8. Since this is my first time on the Rotterdam I cannot do a before-after comparison but found the existing retreat a bit strange. Most of the deck is a shallow pool perhaps 6 inches deep with lounge chairs scattered about in the middle (yes, you do need bare feet to get to the chairs). There are also large speakers and a large screen where concerts are held each evening (Sheryl Crow tonight). I assume the screen carries video of the concerts but it was not working for me this cruise. The concert starts at 7:30 and sunset is after 9 so at least I saw absolutely nothing on the screen. It is also one of the few smoking areas on the ship so I haven't spent a lot of time there. To me, however, the place does seem a bit strange.

 

Roy

 

This post comes to you live from the MS Rotterdam VI

[kazu]

Roy, enjoying your travels and your blog:) very nice job:D

 

Love hearing about all the music onboard. We usually enjoy the Adagio strings.

 

Sounds like you are having fun - enjoy:)

[LostwithoutPockets]

I'm loving your review of your trip! We'll be on the Rotterdam in August/September, and I love hearing about the ship and onboard activities. I really appreciate you posting the Daily Explorer (and eventually the menus!) I'm guessing that a lot will change on a port intensive cruise rather than a TA, but I hope our sea days will have as much going on as yours do!

 

How's Piano Man Rens? And do you know if one can use a beverage card for Happy Hours and/or drink specials? I know that tends to vary from ship to ship.

 

Thanks for posting!

[rafinmd]

The day started in a dense fog. In my morning walk when coming around the stern I was unable to see the white front wall of the Promenade deck. Otherwise, the weather started beautifully but by about noon the fog had lifted but the temperature had dropped to around 60F (15C). The seas continue to be calm.

 

Today is “Officers Day” and we had 2 sessions where senior officers on the ship were available to answer questions.

 

The 9:30am coffee chat had the 2 senior deck officers and 2 cadets in a panel. The cadets had only been on board 11 days and described their training and first impressions of shipboard life. The senior officers reported they are able to bring their families on board and talked about their jobs. They reported their biggest worry is having something happen at home and being unable to do anything to help.

 

My first-ever Mariner Society Brunch was at 11:15 in the dining room lower level. Actually more a luncheon than a brunch, we got welcomes from the Cruise Director, Mariner Society Director, Captain, and Cruise Consultants, and a presentation of our tiles. My table of eight was mostly from my area and we had a wonderful time. The one drawback was actually the lunch service at our table. I didn’t get water, several of our orders (including mine) were wrong, and several of us (again including me) got espresso instead of coffee. I had nearly the same table at the embarkation luncheon and the service was excellent, as it has been at my dinner table. It’s rather ironic that this is the time where I’d expect the best of service, and I got either the wrong waiter or one having a bad day.

 

Officers Day continued with an afternoon panel of the Captain, Environmental officer, Hotel Manager, First Officer, and Chief Engineer. They fielded a variety of questions from life onboard the ship, how various departments work, to a few questions about how to apply for a job.

 

This was the second of 3 formal nights on the voyage. Since our Iowa couple has not been joining us for dinner and the ladies from Texas had Pinnacle Grill reservations I decided to try Canaleto, especially since Prinsendam does not have one. I did go up to the dining room at 5:45 to let Dawa know not to expect me, and the couple from Iowa was there this evening. I do hope to see them again one of the remaining nights. With my reservation at 6:30, I dropped down to Mix to watch the Pub trivia. I figured there was no point in participating since I might need to leave before the end, and would not be available to return at 6 other nights, but did find the questions interesting and relatively easy. It would have been an enjoyable daily activity if I’d been on late seating.

 

Canaletto is actually a section of the Lido Café divided off from the rest of the room. Dining at the Italian specialty restaurant (dinner only) is included in the base fare. It was an excellent choice for a dinner (I had Insalata Canaletto, Baked Lasagne Pomodore, and Trio of Tiramisu. I have found towel animals on my bed most evenings but they have mostly been fairly simple. This evening’s bear was quite elaborate and nice.

 

The Black and White Ball came at 10:30. The evening entertainment was a familiar touch. I’ll report on it and my parting shot in a separate post.

 

Roy

 

This post comes to you live from the MS Rotterdam VI

[rafinmd]

I am currently on the Rotterdam transatlantic enroute to an Arctic cruise on the Prinsendam, and dual posting this on the HAL and Crystal forums. Our headline entertainment this evening was the dance team of Adam and Patricia Kent. With their very busy schedule I don’t know for sure if they are still sailing with Crystal but I believe they are.

 

I sailed with Adam and Patricia on the Crystal Symphony in March 2010 on a 17-day crossing from Los Angeles to Sydney. On that cruise they were primarily dance instructors with one or two lessons each sea day (about 13 sea days) and gave short performances combined with other artists in several shows. I attended several of their lessons and they were superb instructors and were incredibly patient and gracious in with my total lack of dance skills. They are truely gems.

 

Tonight’s performance was a superb full length show They danced a wide variety of styles from Latin to ballroom to jive and even some numbers associated with Broadway shows. A highlight for me was a slide and video presentation they inserted 2 interludes showing pictures and home movies of them from very yong ages up to probably age 10 or 12 in dance competitions. Even at those ages they were truly amazing.

 

Today’s parting shot is an observation that doing new things is wonderful, revisiting old ones is wonderful as well, but putting familiar events and faces into a new light is truly an experience to be savored..

[luvcruisn']

Love the way you are explaining everything in your posts. I will happily follow along all the way.

[Keith1010]

Roy, I very much enjoyed your parting shot from last evening. It is so very true.

 

I still see that Adam and Patricia are listed on the Crystal Cruises web site on some of the future cruises so it looks like they are doing double duty on both cruise lines.

 

Keith

[rafinmd]

Sorry I've been so slow with today's post. I was late getting it written and then internet service was very poor most of the day.

 

Piano Man Rens was playing mostly songs from the late 40's and early 50's like Red Roses for A Blue Lady, Makin Whoopee, and Side by Side. He had a good singing voice but the volume was quite subdued. You would probably want to get a seat close to him. I don’t drink but asked a bartender about happy hour. Her response was that alcoholic beverage cards are accepted but not soft drink cards. I’m not sure why she would say something that sounds so obvious so I’m not sure it was much help.

 

Also, FWIW, in 2592 I get a weak wifi signal. It’s ok for quick business but for heavy duty computing it works better to go to a lounge.

 

natashamichelle and Joanie, I haven’t really encountered situations where I’ve had a chance to talk with David or Nadia but I will keep looking.

 

It has remained foggy and a bit on the chilly side but reasonably pleasant. Most people on the outer decks seem to be comfortable in a light sweatshirt. I was up pretty early and finished my walk around 7.

 

We took Sunday off from the usual coffee chat, but had an interdenominational religious service with Rev Mike Croc (I think). The service was fairly well attended with perhaps 30 people. This was actually the first time I had been in the Wajang theater. It was followed at to by Bill Miller's penultimate talk, "Getting there was Half the Fun: The Last Atlantic Liners". I had failed to mention that his talk Saturday was on the history of HAL cousin Cunard. Today he covered some of the less frequently discussed names in ocean travel, including the US, Italy, and France. His final talk Monday will be on "Cruising", before he leaves us in Cobh to return on QM2. I rounded out the morning with a Digital Workshop talk on PC Buying. Some of the information was useful but the program also seems a bit too closely related to Microsoft.

 

Lunchtime was a bit compressed as we lost another hour at 2PM. As we rushed from 2PM to 3, Maritime Painter Steven Card showed a slide show of ships representing his actual maritime career and also a selection of his paintings, the originals of which are displayed on the Rotterdam and other HAL ships. Back at the Wajang theater at 4, the cruise consultants provided a look at future plans. The 2 biggest news items were the changes in plans for the Zaandam in April as it shifts away from some Japanese ports (the consultants believe they know the new schedule but did not disclose it publically) and the redeployment of the Rotterdam permanently to Rotterdam, including some long voyages (Caribbean and Indonesia) out of Rotterdam. I may meet up with this couple again as I believe they are moving to the Zaandam this winter.

 

 

At dinner this evening (I had lamb) the 2 ladies from Dallas were present and the couple from Iowa seem to be showing up only on formal nights. I had received an invitation to a party in the Crows Nest between dinner and the evening show. It appeared to be a Mariner Society party but was never listed as such. It was just cocktails and a chance to meet the Captain, Cruise Director and other senior officers but I did not se any evidence of an actual program (I assume all the program was covered at the Brunches).Between dinner and the party I did get out on the Retreat briefly and did see evidence of action on the outdoor screen. The evening’s concert had not yet started and it wasn’t really dark but the light was subdued enough with the fog that I could see dolphins swimming around on the screen.

 

The HAL Cats seem to have a dual personality. Their main function seems to be the music where they work with a troupe of 6 singers and two dancers. They also play at things like pool parties and at those functions include a lead singer Nadia in the group. This evening's entertainment was a bit of a cross between the two. Dinner Belles was mostly singing with a bit of dialogue connecting the songs. The dancers had a very limited role with the cast consisting of one of the male singers and 3 singing ladies, the usual 2 from the cast along with Nadia.

 

I stayed up a bit late as we had the desert extravaganza around the Lido pool at 10:30. It was so beautiful it was a shame to start consuming it.

 

As today’s parting shot, the Explorer today had a history of the Rotterdams. The first 3 had fairly brief service, Rotterdam I 11 years ended by a ship, and the next 2 sailing for just 13 and 9 years. The next 2 had longer service, 32 years for Rotterdam IV and 38 for the Grande Dame. The current ship is just approaching 14 years of service. We seem to have a culture of disposability but this ship is a nice size and I hope her service will match that of her 2 predecessors.

 

Roy

 

This post comes to you live from the MS Rotterdam VI.

[Rotterdam]

One thing is that if you have never been on the Rotterdam V(of which I chose my cc name) you are in for an eye opener...SHE IS SPECTACULAR......I sailed in her in the 1970's & 1980's.....The FRANCE, QE2 & ROTTERDAM V are/ were the best.....just ask Captain Card( you are so lucky to be sailing with him.....

 

Full moon, smooth seas to you!

 

 

 

Sorry I've been so slow with today's post. I was late getting it written and then internet service was very poor most of the day.

 

Piano Man Rens was playing mostly songs from the late 40's and early 50's like Red Roses for A Blue Lady, Makin Whoopee, and Side by Side. He had a good singing voice but the volume was quite subdued. You would probably want to get a seat close to him. I don’t drink but asked a bartender about happy hour. Her response was that alcoholic beverage cards are accepted but not soft drink cards. I’m not sure why she would say something that sounds so obvious so I’m not sure it was much help.

 

Also, FWIW, in 2592 I get a weak wifi signal. It’s ok for quick business but for heavy duty computing it works better to go to a lounge.

 

natashamichelle and Joanie, I haven’t really encountered situations where I’ve had a chance to talk with David or Nadia but I will keep looking.

 

It has remained foggy and a bit on the chilly side but reasonably pleasant. Most people on the outer decks seem to be comfortable in a light sweatshirt. I was up pretty early and finished my walk around 7.

 

We took Sunday off from the usual coffee chat, but had an interdenominational religious service with Rev Mike Croc (I think). The service was fairly well attended with perhaps 30 people. This was actually the first time I had been in the Wajang theater. It was followed at to by Bill Miller's penultimate talk, "Getting there was Half the Fun: The Last Atlantic Liners". I had failed to mention that his talk Saturday was on the history of HAL cousin Cunard. Today he covered some of the less frequently discussed names in ocean travel, including the US, Italy, and France. His final talk Monday will be on "Cruising", before he leaves us in Cobh to return on QM2. I rounded out the morning with a Digital Workshop talk on PC Buying. Some of the information was useful but the program also seems a bit too closely related to Microsoft.

 

Lunchtime was a bit compressed as we lost another hour at 2PM. As we rushed from 2PM to 3, Maritime Painter Steven Card showed a slide show of ships representing his actual maritime career and also a selection of his paintings, the originals of which are displayed on the Rotterdam and other HAL ships. Back at the Wajang theater at 4, the cruise consultants provided a look at future plans. The 2 biggest news items were the changes in plans for the Zaandam in April as it shifts away from some Japanese ports (the consultants believe they know the new schedule but did not disclose it publically) and the redeployment of the Rotterdam permanently to Rotterdam, including some long voyages (Caribbean and Indonesia) out of Rotterdam. I may meet up with this couple again as I believe they are moving to the Zaandam this winter.

 

 

At dinner this evening (I had lamb) the 2 ladies from Dallas were present and the couple from Iowa seem to be showing up only on formal nights. I had received an invitation to a party in the Crows Nest between dinner and the evening show. It appeared to be a Mariner Society party but was never listed as such. It was just cocktails and a chance to meet the Captain, Cruise Director and other senior officers but I did not se any evidence of an actual program (I assume all the program was covered at the Brunches).Between dinner and the party I did get out on the Retreat briefly and did see evidence of action on the outdoor screen. The evening’s concert had not yet started and it wasn’t really dark but the light was subdued enough with the fog that I could see dolphins swimming around on the screen.

 

The HAL Cats seem to have a dual personality. Their main function seems to be the music where they work with a troupe of 6 singers and two dancers. They also play at things like pool parties and at those functions include a lead singer Nadia in the group. This evening's entertainment was a bit of a cross between the two. Dinner Belles was mostly singing with a bit of dialogue connecting the songs. The dancers had a very limited role with the cast consisting of one of the male singers and 3 singing ladies, the usual 2 from the cast along with Nadia.

 

I stayed up a bit late as we had the desert extravaganza around the Lido pool at 10:30. It was so beautiful it was a shame to start consuming it.

 

As today’s parting shot, the Explorer today had a history of the Rotterdams. The first 3 had fairly brief service, Rotterdam I 11 years ended by a ship, and the next 2 sailing for just 13 and 9 years. The next 2 had longer service, 32 years for Rotterdam IV and 38 for the Grande Dame. The current ship is just approaching 14 years of service. We seem to have a culture of disposability but this ship is a nice size and I hope her service will match that of her 2 predecessors.

 

Roy

 

This post comes to you live from the MS Rotterdam VI.

[rafinmd]

After staying up for the desert extravaganza I slept a bit late but walked only 3 miles in the morning (along with interspersed visits to the laundry room), knowing there would be more walking after lunch. It started out fogbound but by 6:30 it started to lift for a chilly but otherwise nice morning.

 

At our morning coffee chat Dan met with the Chief Engineer who showed pictures of the engine and control rooms and the underwater parts of the ship. The Rotterdam is a conventional drive ship with twin propellers driven by electric motors and a bank of 5 diesel generators along with bow and aft thrusters. The ship was originally nicknamed the "Fastdam" with a design speed of 25 knots but is no longer sailed at that speed due to the fuel consumption.

 

Bill Miller's final presentation was "Sailing into the Sun:Cruising History and Folklore". He ended showing a potential design for a high-speed cruise ship; that struck me as a bit of a pipe dream with both Rotterdam and QM2 both sailing well below design speed due to fuel and cost consideration.

 

When "On Deck For the Cure" began at 1, the seas had turned choppy and the weather windy. When I registered the front desk clerk was very apologetic that they only had XXL t-shirts in stock which really fit me like a circus tent. Perhaps I'll get a better fit on Prinsendam but I can always wear the current one over as many extra layers as I need in the far north. In his opening remarks Dan mentioned that the program had recently passed $2 Million in funds for the Komen Foundation. Despite reports of ear splitting music for the event on other ships, we walked in blissful silence except for the howling of the wind. Between my 3-mile morning walk and the 5k walk for the cure I completed about 6 miles today. It was a long 5k, starting about 1:10 and ending just after 3 as we lost another hour to reach Ireland time.

 

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra performed again in the Showroom at Sea this afternoon after the walk.

 

This was the 3rd and final formal night of the crossing. It turned out this evening that none of my tablemates showed up for dinner and ended up joining a very nice family from Rotterdam for the Captain's Farewell Dinner.

 

This evening's entertainment was a show by Lorna Luft, the daughter of Judy Garland and sister of Liza Minelli. Ms. Luft seemed to be a bit wordy at times and not really prepared with what to say but her music was very good.

 

Signs of the end of this voyage are starting to appear. The Captain's Farewell dinner. Information on some doors for people continuing on to the Baltics. As today's parting shot, this is a time when the blues would normally start to hit but not this time. I have combined multiple cruises in the past, but on previous occasions the best ship has always been the first one. This time any loss I feel for leaving the Rotterdam will be more than offset by the knowledge that the Elegant Explorer is less than a week away. One chapter closes and an even brighter one begins.

 

Roy

 

This post comes to you live from the MS Rotterdam VI

[IRL_Joanie]

Hey Roy, You do know, don't you that Stephen Card is a member of Creuise Critic??

 

I cannot remember his CC name, but do remember several threads that he has posted on and others talking about he and his paintings.

 

Say Hi to him from all the CC members, Please??

 

Joanie

[rafinmd]

Rotterdam, have been on the SS. I'll comment on it when I get back there. Joanie, Stephen is topsham. I haven't seen much of him but know he was invited to the M&G.

 

It was still pretty windy and chilly when I emerged from my cabin about With walking expected in port, I ended my morning walk at the 3-mile point. We picked up the pilot about 6:20 and docked at 7:30. We were one of 3 ships in port along with the Spirit of adventure (450 passenger) and the huge Artemis (3100). The other 2 ships docked in Cork proper while we were in Cobh, about 10 miles away. My first ever European port of call was in Ireland (Crystal Symphony at nearby Waterford in 1996) but this is my first time back since then.

 

My tour today was "Kiss the Blarney Stone". We drove around Cork a bit then continued on to the Blarney Castle. The stone is at the top of the castle up 120 steps. To kiss it, you must sit next to an open space and lean all the way back while an attendant holds you in place. To kiss the stone supposedly passes on the gift of gab. The castle itself is badly deteriorated (the sturdy walls are sound but some of the floors and roof are gone) but a few of the rooms remain identifiable. After the castle I took a stroll on the "Lake Walk". It was a nice quiet country walk but the lake view was mostly obstructed by trees.

 

Cobh (formerly known as Georgetown) has a tragic maritime history. It was the last port of call for goth Titanic and Lusitania. When we returned to the port before 1 I got lunch and walked around the town for a while. There were memorials to both the lost ships, protestant and Catholic Cathedrals and John F Kennedy park on the waterfront. A railway station with hourly service to Cork sits next to the dock. Cobh sits on Great Island and the land rises sharply from the sea with the nearby streets taking on a nearly terraced character.

 

When I returned to the ship I went to the lido for coffee and immediately regretted not taking my camera. There was a troupe of about 8 tap dancers aged about 8-14 in colorful costumes performing around the lido pool.

 

Several tours were late getting back to the ship. The dining room was sparsely populated. I was the only one at my table and Dawa moved me to another of his tables with a couple from Illinois celebrating their 50th anniversary.

 

The evening show pulled out most of the stops. "Amore" combined the usual showroom cast with Nadia, guitarist Ben Bor and the Adagio strings for a production of a variety of many great songs ranging from rock to classical and opera.

 

As today's parting shot, when I last visited Ireland in 1996 it (or at least North Ireland) was in the midst of strife. While things are not yet perfect, there has been a lot of healing in Ireland the last 15 years. May the rest of the world follow their example.

 

Roy

 

Bon voyage to those going on to the Baltic and those boarding Thursday for the Batic.

 

This post comes to you live from the MS Rotterdam VI.

[ironin]

It is hard to believe that the first of your trifecta of cruises is almost over, Roy. Sure sounds like this was an amazing Atlantic crossing. Looking forward to your future installments here and on your blog. Again, thanks so much for taking to keep us updated.

[rafinmd]

Although we lost our final hour to get to Rotterdam time overnight, I was up early and finish my five miles on deck 3 this morning before breakfast or even coffee. It was overcast with a bit of drizzle at 57F and while the sun "rose" while walking I totally missed it.

 

At 9 our port guide Lisa gave a talk on Rotterdam and Amsterdam. For both cities a boat tour seems to be an attractive option. At 10 Dan gave his disembarkation talk followed by a crew farewell and immediately after that by a tour of the galley (both MDR and Pinnacle). The tour was interesting although the following Q&A descended to a bit of a personal gripe session.

 

We had a Cruise Critic luncheon in the LaFontaine Dining room, mostly for those going on to the Baltics but extended to cover one other dam ship. The one o'clock hour today turned very busy. There was a cast chat with backstage tour and a life raft/ lifesaving demonstration on the lido pool. Most of us, however were kept busy visiting with Dutch immigration authorities in the Crows Nest. I emerged just in time to catch the last few seconds of the lifesaving demonstration.

 

Later in the afternoon we had Q&A sessions with Lorna Luft and with Captain Krombeen, followed by packing.

 

Tonight is the much-maligned Master Chef's dinner. I don't remember this from my HAL cruises 9 and 15 years ago so it was essentially a new experience. There were several interesting production parts but overall I found it more tacky than fun.

 

My evening closed with a performance by the Pasadena Roof Orchestra.

 

This is my final evening on the MS Rotterdam, so my final parting shot of this segment will be a hearty Bon Voyage to my shipmates continuing on to the Baltic.

 

Roy

 

This post comes to you live from the MS Rotterdam VI.

[Keith1010]

Roy, I have thoroughly enjoyed your daily posts and look forward to your next voyage. Enjoy!

 

Keith

[MightyQuinn]

... As today's parting shot, this is a time when the blues would normally start to hit but not this time. I have combined multiple cruises in the past, but on previous occasions the best ship has always been the first one. This time any loss I feel for leaving the Rotterdam will be more than offset by the knowledge that the Elegant Explorer is less than a week away. One chapter closes and an even brighter one begins.

Roy, I'm happy that your anticipation of the Grande Dame and the Elegant Explorer will dull any sadness as you end your first segment. I very much enjoyed your Rotterdam adventure and look forward to the next installments.

[kazu]

Roy, so enjoying your posts.

 

Most people would say it's say it's sad the cruise is over, but since you are heading off on the next one :p I think it should be great. Can't wait to hear about it. Thanks so much for sharing :)

[rgaudet]

Enjoyed your posts Roy, thanks for sharing.

 

Just a quick question: I tried to access the menus from your blog but to no avail, they all gave me 404 errors. I was surprised you were trying to upload them from the ship. What sort of internet rates does HAL charge?

[rafinmd]

Thank you, all. I disembarked the Rotterdam about 8:25 (smooth, no surprises involved), and the water taxi had me at the SS Rotterdam at 8:55. No surprise, my room was not ready so I walked into town and took a 2.5 hour harbor tour and have now stopped for lunch. I plan to be checked in and on deck of the SS to watch the MS sailaway at 5.

 

Rob, I'm mot sure what's happening with the menus but I copied the code for accessing the files from the programs page and I must have one little type which affects each of the files. I'll check on it hopefully soon. Looks like the capital letters I used in naming the menus got changed by wordpress to lower case and that seems to have been the problem. I paid $103.95 for 270 minutes and had about 70 left at the start of the day 8.

Roy

[aquilegia]

Re Prinsendam. Don't know whether I'm supposed to post on this thread as I'm not actually on the ship, but I watched the Prinsendam from my house around 8am this morning going up the Bristol Channel to dock at Portbury (Bristol). She was looking good, the sea was calm and the weather dry. I'm sure the folks on her will have a great day out in Bath, Stonehenge etc.