RetiredMustang Posted February 17, 2012 Author #126 Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) Hi Dave,Thanks very much for this good blog. That was not a Thompson but a TUI cruise ship; Mein Schiff 2 , ex-Celebrity Mercury. Looking forward to your daily interesting narratives. Chees I knew it didn't look like the other Thomson ships I've seen, and I did note the TUI on the hull, but it was using the same logo as the Thomson ship I saw in Barbados -- what looks to me like a stylized smile and an eye. Attached are the Thomson logo and a photo of Mein Schiff 2 which has the same logo on the stack. Is there a parent company that owns them both, kind of like Carnival Corp. owns several lines? At any rate, it is an interesting ship, with the German words on her hull. Dave Edited February 17, 2012 by RetiredMustang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 17, 2012 Author #127 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Thanks for checking. Have a safe trip home. Rush hour traffic on I95 can be very slow. I would take the Florida Turnpike to Fort Pierce and switch over to I95 there (about a mile). Thanks! We always take the jog from I-95 to the Turnpike at Fort Pierce going, and reverse coming back; we learned the hard way a few years ago about I-95 in south Florida! Today was heavy traffic even on the Turnpike, but we had never tried to leave on a weekday rush hour, so it may have been light compared to normal for all we know. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 18, 2012 Author #128 Share Posted February 18, 2012 (edited) All, As Carol pointed out, we were a bit delayed coming into port this morning. And, we encountered heavy traffic on I-595 and the Florida Turnpike, and then several construction-caused congestion points. The upshot was that we made it only to Savannah today instead of our usual stop at Florence, SC. However, I did see the weather and the storm that is due to hit the Appalachians tomorrow night, so we definitely intend to make it home to northern Virginia tomorrow. I;ve been taking photos of the ship spaces, but did not have time/minutes to post any. I will post some tonight, and more after I get home. Joanie, grab what you want and what I don't post, I will email. Attached are links to higher-resolution files: B180: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23273&cat=520 B180 desk: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23274&cat=520 B180 balcony 1: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23275&cat=520 B180 bath 1: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23336&cat=520 B180 bath 2: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23337&cat=520 More later, Dave Edited February 18, 2012 by RetiredMustang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 18, 2012 Author #129 Share Posted February 18, 2012 (edited) I hit "submit" too soon, and had to edit the previous post, and had not attached thumbnails. Here they are. Our stateroom was B180, a verandah cabin on the 9th deck, port side. It was very comfortable, and actually pretty spacious for 2 people, with plenty of storage. Dave Edited February 18, 2012 by RetiredMustang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 18, 2012 Author #130 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Trying again with the thumbnails. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 18, 2012 Author #131 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Some photos of the Crow's Nest: Crows Nest 1: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23279&cat=520 Crows Nest 2: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23280&cat=520 Crows Nest 3: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23281&cat=520 Crows Nest 4: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23282&cat=520 Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted February 18, 2012 #132 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Dave, your pictures are great - I have to learn how to do this. I also noticed you got a wonderful pic of the Prinsendam - you might be able to sell it to HAL for their brochures:D:D Really shows the gorgeous verandahs on this ship:D Looking forward to the Maasdam - thanks for letting us come along one more time:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 18, 2012 Author #133 Share Posted February 18, 2012 One more batch for tonight; I'll post more when I get home. Explorations Café: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23284&cat=520 Explorations Café treats: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23283&cat=520 Maasdam Atrium: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23287&cat=520 Maasdam casino: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23288&cat=520 Maasdam Gymnasium: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23289&cat=520 Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare erewhon Posted February 18, 2012 #134 Share Posted February 18, 2012 (edited) Dave, Thank you for sharing your photos. Is that hanging ornament in the Maasdam Atrium made of glass? Edited February 18, 2012 by erewhon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 18, 2012 Author #135 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Dave, Thank you for sharing your photos. Is that hanging ornament in the Maasdam Atrium made of glass? It looked like pieces of glass mounted to a central spire/base to me -- I did not test the theory by banging on one or anything :D. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare erewhon Posted February 18, 2012 #136 Share Posted February 18, 2012 It looked like pieces of glass mounted to a central spire/base to me -- I did not test the theory by banging on one or anything :D. Dave Thank you for your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c-legs Posted February 18, 2012 #137 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I knew it didn't look like the other Thomson ships I've seen, and I did note the TUI on the hull, but it was using the same logo as the Thomson ship I saw in Barbados -- what looks to me like a stylized smile and an eye. Attached are the Thomson logo and a photo of Mein Schiff 2 which has the same logo on the stack. Is there a parent company that owns them both, kind of like Carnival Corp. owns several lines? At any rate, it is an interesting ship, with the German words on her hull. Dave Hi, TUI is a large size travel products operator based in Germany. Their TUI cruise subsidiary is a joint venture with RCL , thus their first two ships being ex-GALAXY ( MeinSchiff) & ex-MERCURY ( MeinSchiff II ) ,both transferred from the Celebrity Cruises fleet. Thompson Cruise is...Thompson cruise !! I'm not aware they're partly owned by or associated with one of the ''Big Boys'', but I could be wrong. They're a British vacation/tour operator. Yes, the logos bear a striking resemblence...you're right on that !! Thanks again for your great ''live from'' blog. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portofrome Posted February 18, 2012 #138 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Thanks for sharing your photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monina01 Posted February 18, 2012 #139 Share Posted February 18, 2012 thank you so much Dave, for both the live blog and for the photo's.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English_in_Spain Posted February 18, 2012 #140 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Hi,TUI is a large size travel products operator based in Germany. Their TUI cruise subsidiary is a joint venture with RCL , thus their first two ships being ex-GALAXY ( MeinSchiff) & ex-MERCURY ( MeinSchiff II ) ,both transferred from the Celebrity Cruises fleet. Thompson Cruise is...Thompson cruise !! I'm not aware they're partly owned by or associated with one of the ''Big Boys'', but I could be wrong. They're a British vacation/tour operator. Yes, the logos bear a striking resemblence...you're right on that !! Thanks again for your great ''live from'' blog. Cheers TUI UK & Ireland (TUI UK) is the parent company of Thomson and First Choice Holidays. Thomson and First Choice are 2 very large travel companies in the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaofami Posted February 18, 2012 #141 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Dave, thank you so much for the wonderful comments and pictures of the beautiful Maasdam. Hope your cruise was wonderful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sws49 Posted February 18, 2012 #142 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Dave, Thank you so much for sharing your cruise with everyone and for the great pictures. My sister and I will be sailing on April 16th and we are really getting excited. It was so nice of you to do this. Sheila S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c-legs Posted February 19, 2012 #143 Share Posted February 19, 2012 TUI UK & Ireland (TUI UK) is the parent company of Thomson and First Choice Holidays. Thomson and First Choice are 2 very large travel companies in the UK. Hi, Thank you so much for clarifying the relevent scenario. That explains perfectly the ''similar'' ( == identical ? ) funnel logo for both ships as witnessed by Dave. Is the German operation of '' TUI" also an '' offspring'' of TUI UK ? Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 19, 2012 Author #144 Share Posted February 19, 2012 (edited) Well, we made it home yesterday afternoon and are clearing up all the things that need doing after a cruise (laundry, bills, etc. that we went on cruise to get away from). I've spent some time organizing my photo files, and have uploaded more to the CC photo gallery. I will do a few posts with thumbnails and links to higher-res photos in the photo gallery. First, I realize that I had typed out the list of the current wine packages on Maasdam and never posted it. Here are the wines in the packages: NAVIGATOR'S CHOICE 3 bottles - $89 5 bottles - $149 7 bottles - $199 White wines Robert Mondavi Private Selection Riesling - California Danzante Pinot Grigio - Italy Caliterra Chardonnay - Chile Toasted Head Chardonnay - California Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand Red wines Ravenswood Zinfandel - California Fescobaldi Remole - Tuscany Three Blind Moose Cabernet Sauvignon - California Alice White Shiraz - Australia Errazuriz Merlot - Chile Diseno Malbec - Argentina Laboure'-Roi Pinot Noir - France ADMIRAL'S CHOICE 3 bottles - $118 5 bottles - $199 7 bottles - $269 White wines Clos du Bois Chardonnay - California Hogue Gewurztraminer - Washington Estancia Pinot Grigion - California Simi Sauvignon Blanc - California Franciscan Chardonnay - Napa, California Laboure'-Roi Macon Villages - France Red wines Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon - California Blackstone Merlot - California Mark West Pinot Noir - California Fresdobaldi Castiglioni Chianti - Italy Wild Horse Cabernet Sauvignon - California Red Guitar Tempranillo Garanacha - Spain Dave Edited February 19, 2012 by RetiredMustang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 19, 2012 Author #145 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Here are some photo thumbnails and links: Maasdam Ocean Bar 1: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23340&cat=520 Maasdam Ocean Bar 2: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23341&cat=520 Maasdam Ocean bar 3: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23342&cat=520 Onboard shops: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23343&cat=520 Onboard shops 2: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23344&cat=520 Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 19, 2012 Author #146 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Another bunch of photos: MIX beer bar area: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23345&cat=520 Mix beer bar: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23346&cat=520 Mix Champagne bar: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23347&cat=520 MIX martini bar: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23348&cat=520 MIX piano bar: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23349&cat=520 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 19, 2012 Author #147 Share Posted February 19, 2012 A third set of photos: Dining Room 1: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23350&cat=520 Dining Room 2: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23351&cat=520 Pinnacle 1: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23352&cat=520 Pinnacle 2: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23353&cat=520 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 19, 2012 Author #148 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Fourth and final set of photos. These are from the Explorations Cafe. I took a lot of photos many of which I did not post -- if there is something you like to see, I'll see if I have a photo of it. Books area 1: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23354&cat=520 Books area 2: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23355&cat=520 Computer area: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showphoto.php?photo=23356&cat=520 Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetiredMustang Posted February 19, 2012 Author #149 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Well, that series of posts pretty much wraps up our cruise. We took expedited disembarkation and the process was as painless as always. The ship was a bit delayed arriving, and there were traffic issues heading north that day, but the disembarkation process worked like a charm for us. We had a wonderful, relaxing time on the beautiful Maasdam, on a very interesting itinerary. Thanks for coming along. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted February 19, 2012 #150 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Well, that series of posts pretty much wraps up our cruise. We took expedited disembarkation and the process was as painless as always. The ship was a bit delayed arriving, and there were traffic issues heading north that day, but the disembarkation process worked like a charm for us. We had a wonderful, relaxing time on the beautiful Maasdam, on a very interesting itinerary. Thanks for coming along. Dave Dave I think you have it wrong:eek: It's us who should be thanking YOU for taking us along:) and such wonderful pics:):) Thank you for taking us along. It's been a great thread as always:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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