Live from the Prinsendam as the wizard & witches cruise May 17 - June 17, 2013

[kazu]

Thank you, Thank You, Thank You!

 

And sorry your cruise is ending.

 

Roy

 

 

I just hope they were right:D

 

The cruise is actually over - I am catching up and trying to finish the now nearly live thread at Heathrow airport;)

[gigianne]

Congratulations to Jeanette on another win and thank JG for your explanation about the sound meter. If the "jiver" was the same one as was in the previous competition - he is good - and he is a dancer. Jeanette certainly did not deserve to be booed!

[gigianne]

Jacqui - glad you made it to Heathrow with EA!! I was woken up at about 3 this morning to a ringing phone. It was EA trying to find a way to contact Tom. Apparently the car they were sending broke down and they had to send a replacement (too funny that is the same story we got 2 weeks ago). The only thing I could think of was that you had a cell - I told her to try your number - you and the others in the van had already left the port!!! I hope Tom and the others made it to London!!!

[kazu]

Hamburg - OMG if it is Hamburg the cruise is nearly over!

 

Many of our roll call went to the Minature Wonderland and everyone I talked to was totally blown away by it. For whatever reason, it simply did not appeal to Jose and since he is so kind to put up with so much of my planning, I tend to give in when he is of firm mind.

 

So we headed into town early in the morning and did a walking tour, drank in some of the scenery and atmosphere. Stopped in a great little outside cafe where we saw a lot of locals and had a wonderful beer and lunch.

 

One neat thing in Hamburg is that they have all these outside cafes in the middle of the pedestrian streets. The waiter then electronically sends in the order and your food (and sometimes drink) comes from a restaurant where you could have gone in and sat down. Even more wonderful, if you are eating in the outside cafe, you are entitled to use the facilities in the restaurant. Most are free (hurrah!) and the toilet paper is the best in Europe (the ladies will appreciate this and understand I am sure).

 

Hamburg is a very pretty city, the people friendly and easy to get around. The ship docked at Hafen City, the new cruise port. You could walk into town but if you wanted to save a few steps a cab was only around 8 euros - so, not too painful. No shuttles that I could see at this port. The buildings at Hafen City look kind of strange up close, but once we were on the ship and starting to leave the strange appearance made sense - they look like ships! It was quite cool. We didn't notice when we arrived as it was raining so hard and so dark that you could barely make out anything.

 

The ship left Hamburg at 8 am the next morning and we set out for our journey down the Elbe River. It too is very pretty and although I was looking forward to our 'river cruise', we were much closer to shore on the Kiel Canal. The Elbe was pretty though, the scenery incredible. I don't think I have ever seen so many sheep before in my life.

 

Today, Jose discovered my deep, dark secret. The casino sent me a bottle of wine as a gift. While it was appreciated, Jose is now suspicious of how much I have really spent there. Fortunately I use cash not my onboard account so he will never know the truth (unless I confess on my deathbed).

 

Highly recommend Hamburg for a great spot to visit. We'd happily go back

[kazu]

Finishing our Sea days...

 

After the Elbe River we headed out to the North Sea to make our way back to Tilbury. This is not good. Last time we went to Tilbury we weren't getting off. This time we were.

 

We had our final meet and greet on our last sea day. Georgina (giganne) many were so grateful for your wonderful name tags and poppies. Everyone misses you and those that didn't have the pleasure to meet you wish you and Gerry would have stayed on. (Of course, we did too - remember, we tried to talk you into it). We had a great meet and greet (aren't they all?). Emails, cards and stuff were exchanged and we got a chance to say good bye to many new found friends.

 

I do believe that JG is getting a thread started so that we can 'connect' and possible some can go on the same cruise together again.

 

Although I have viewed some nice itineraries and some 'unpublished' ones I still hadn't been able to find the right combination yet. So, unlike many, we don't yet have a cruise booked. But, I did purchase my trusty Future Cruise Deposit so I have all of our bases covered. We really like one but it is only 14 days and there is nothing before or after that we cannot hook on to.

 

Unfortunately the Prinsendam will not be doing a Transatlantic in the Spring next year (which would have worked out just fine). Her crossing will be for the Grand Voyage and she will not be returning them to Fort Lauderdale. Instead she will proceed on with Europe. Wondering how the Grand passengers will feel about this with a one way flight not tacked on?

 

Well, after the Meet and Greet and a smidge of packing it was time for that infamous $100,000 jackpot Bingo. No one won of course (including me) but Michelle (Missshellly) did win 1/2 of the final jackpot. So, if it couldn't be me, I'm glad it was her.

 

 

We did go to the MDR for dinner on the last night and they offered that International Menu. Actually, as much as I turned up my nose, it was quite decent and Jose's was really good. there was just a small Baked Alaska parade and it was actually good - you could tell the staff were having fun. Some joking going on that had many of us laughing. Short and sweet so it was ok. Regular desert was available as well so we bypassed the baked Alaska.

 

Dancing with the stars was that night and you have all heard the story on that one. It was nice to see so many of our roll call members in the finale and of course, marvelous that Jeanette won. She is the epitome of grace dancing.

 

Oh my, oh my, although I had gotten some packing done in between my busy day on the ship, it was soon time to face the music. So, I bit the bullet and quickly finished the packing, visited a few friends in the Crow's Nest and prepared to put the bags out. No sooner had we opened the door than our stewards were there to come and get them and whisk them away. One thing I noticed again on this ship. The bags don't sit in the hall ways. They are scooped quickly and gently put away.

[gigianne]

The Elegant Explorer is just that - we would love to be able to cruise on her again! You are certainly right about the luggage J - our stewards were waiting until our luggage was put out before they finished their work for the day.

[kazu]

Oh my, it's the 17th of June and it's time to say farewell.

 

I can't believe that 31 days has gone by this fast! It seemed like we had all the time in the world and now it's our turn to get off.

 

We woke up early and headed down to the Pinnacle for a final breakfast and to extend our thanks to the marvelous people there. We had such wonderful service here whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner and we really enjoyed all of the gentlemen who quickly learned our likes and saw that we were well taken care of every day.

 

Down to bid adieu to the concierge and thank them for their help on our cruise.

 

I had booked a private transfer with Exclusive Airports for 5 couples. We had two vans that hold 8 people (needed for the luggage - and more than I knew when we booked). I had linked them with us so that we could all depart at the same time and catch our ride and bless the concierge and front desk. They gave them all the pink1 slips so they could get off as soon as they wanted.

 

How good is that???

 

This was the quickest disembarkation I have ever done or seen (echoed by everyone in our group). We got off at 7:45 in the hopes that we would be through immigration and in time for our 8:30 pick up. I guess I could have ordered the vans earlier! We were through immigration so quickly that Fort Lauderdale could learn a few tricks. They had 5 customs people on for our tiny little ship and, with being off early, our wait was minimal. We were all outside of the terminal before 8 am. Absolutely incredible. Smooth as silk. We all sighed as we gazed upon the Elegant Explorer who would be sailing without us.

 

On universal thought seemed to be - where did the 31 days go? Could you have stayed for another leg? A resounding yes from everyone. No one was chaming at the bit to get off the ship!

 

Our vans arrived prompty. 6 went in one (and some of their luggage in ours) and the 4 of us (the wizard and the witch) - Rich, Deb, Jose & myself in the second one. Everyone but us was headed to terminal 4 so we stopped there first to turn over the luggage for the other van and to give everyone big hugs.

 

Jose and I were delivered to terminal 3. We have now checked in and sitting in the lounge preparing for that long flight over the Atlantic.

 

I have another comment page that I have worked up that I will post as well if you don't mind?

 

Thank you everyone for putting up with what I am sure has been a somewhat boring thread. I'm not as good nor as witty as others who I enjoy reading and wish I was.

 

Thanks as well for your kind words of encouragement.

 

I asked Jose if he could do another long cruise and he said that 14 days was his limit. 14 I said? But this one has been 31 days - have you been wanting to get off and not said anything? He smiled at me with that cryptic smile he likes to use and said - no - those rules and no rules apply to this ship. I think he did a nice summary of the Elegant Explorer. He still loves this ship (a big plus for me) and will happily sail her again.

 

this cruise gets a full thumb's up from Kazu

[kazu]

Some of the Prinsendam Differences and My comments:

 

I started this a few days ago on my verandah and am finishing it in the airplane lounge. Just some thoughts I thought I would share...

 

 

 

Yes, we have interesting lectures - not just where to shop.

 

 

Yes, our destination expert Lisa is available on a regular basis to discuss the ports and help - whether you are taking a ship's excursion or not.

 

 

And Yes, every night in the Crow's Nest primarily - there is a sail a way. What you are seeing is described. The Crow's Nest is absolutely packed for these occasions and the sail a ways have been very beautiful.

 

 

Unless forbidden, the Prinsendam toots good bye at each port and to each pilot three toots of thanks and farewell go out.

 

 

Service in the dining room has been very good. If things appear back logged the Assistant Dining room manager steps in and lends a hand - he actually really does it every night - bringing a dish, clearing a plate, whatever. Service is basically seamless 99% of the time (heck, nothing is perfect).

 

 

The crew is as warm and inviting as I remembered. I had my favourites in a few days and just continued to know more. At breakfast the coffee and oj just arrive now. NO asking. They know. When I had my sore throat and it was really bad they asked me if I would like a second glass - somehow they sensed I was craving it. Incredible.

 

 

Yes, yes, it is fresh squeezed orange juice on this ship absolutely everywhere and for those who it means a lot to - maple syrup is alive and well on this ship.

 

 

We have been blessed with the attendance of numerous officers at our meet and greets and they have added to all of the fun.

 

 

Kym Purling in the Crow's Nest has deservedly won awards for his piano playing. He is there before Buddy and in the late afternoon. He is truly fantastic and if any of you have the privilege to sail with him when he is entertaining - don't miss a moment. What a talent and a joy.

 

 

We did Le Cirque last night and although my throat wouldn't let me swallow everything I like - it was absolutely delicious. The Pinnacle staff on this ship are wonderful I missed David who was our old Pinnacle Grill manager but the new one and the new staff quickly won my heart.

 

 

For those worried about the AB cabins (and yes, the worries are founded IMO) this captain is smart. Rather than pull into port at 3 am he waits until the appointed time so those cabins aren't affected as easily from the vibration. One cc member told me that a cabin next to his old one in AB has only had one night when it woke them up. I'm not sure if it's because of port regulations or not but while there are still vibrations there, the people are able to have a decent night's sleep I would think. On the last sea day, I delivered meet and greet invites early in the morning as the ship was preparing to leave Hamburg, and I could feel the vibrations in the hall way.

 

 

Like can happen on any cruise, we hit a couple of snags but we simply addressed them and from then on it was smooth sailing.

 

 

Our concierge Nylo who is actually the back up concierge is the best I have seen in the business and I plan to say so in my survey. He literally anticipates and makes sure that there are no questions. A real joy to deal with.

 

 

I have dealt with the front office staff on the odd occasion and I have found them to be quite caring as well. After all, that's why this is the Elegant Explorer.

 

 

The bartenders on this ship abound and are a plenty so there is no problem getting a drink whether it be soda, water or wine (LOL).

 

 

I haven't heard anyone on the roll call yet sail they won't get on this ship again - and since this is either a ship you love or you hate - that's quite good. I have heard a number say they would sail her again happily.

 

 

The Cellar Master is congenial and mingles around the guests every night at dinner, topping up their wine, talking, etc. He is a joy. I'm sure the fact that he is Canadian has nothing to do with it.

 

 

Our Assistant Dining Room manager was very prevalent. Sometimes clearing away dishes, sometimes serving and sometimes taking orders.

 

 

Ok, I confess, we did get the PS on an upsell (negotiated several times). Was it worth it? Perhaps to many not. To us it was - a once in a lifetime experience for a once in a lifetime cruise. We put it to good use with hosting a dinner, the wine tasting, having friends over, etc. It was nice to come back to this respite after busy days. Many thanks to our TA who took such good care of us and helped me with all of my planning.

 

 

As I look at our schedule I realize that my cruise will be coming quickly to an end. It was a dream cruise with a dream itinerary. So far all has come true. I have had little to complain about and much to be thankful for.

 

 

Oh yes, and the Prinsendam still rings the chimes for dinner! And has two happy hours in the Crow's Nest!

 

Questions? fire away....she's still the best ship in the fleet for me with the Maasdam now my second choice (for the time being).

 

 

One thing that I had heard from many of our roll call - "the ship grows on you - I can see why she has a following".

 

 

As we sail through this lovely archipelago I count my blessings to be fortunate enough to be on this lovely ship seeing all these beautiful ports and meeting so many wonderful people.

 

 

I do hope more on the roll call come to voice their opinions which is why I am posting this early. After all, I am but one person sitting here on my balcony with the sun in my face and 1,000's of islands to look at.

 

 

a marvelous ship with a marvelous crew and a marvelous itinerary. How could anyone not have a good time? We certainly did!

 

 

Composed on the truly Elegant Explorer but unfortunately posting at Heathrow.

[1of4]

You did a lovely job describing your cruise Jacqui and I could imagine being along with you. Not boring at all!

 

Safe flights and "Bienvenue au Canada"!:rolleyes:

[jgw321]

Just to add to JG's story, last night was a sad night for Jeanette as well as she was booed by some of the competition's supporters when she won.

 

I took it that they were booing the decision, not Jeanette herself. At least I give them the benefit of the doubt. I did notice that the one who lost out although he appeared to have taken it well was obviously hurt too. It was an unfortunate incident and perhaps one that had not been foreseen but lets hope that they can fix it for future competitions.

 

For those of you not able to have been there here is a picture.

 

[gigianne]

Jeanette is a beautiful and gracious lady - win or lose! Jeanette congratulations on another win! We will be rooting for you to represent the Prinsendam in the DWTS finale! You are truly an elegant dancer on the Elegant Explorer!!

[Traveller1]

Thank you Jacqui, for all the updates and the musings..they really added to the story of the cruise...those 31 days went SO FAST...but you described everything so well and here you are even at Heathrow, continuing. We'll miss the thoughts and ideas and hope you'll be on a another cruise very soon so we can enjoy it vicariously too!

Hope a good & peaceful flight is ahead of you.

Thanks for it all.

Wendy & Al XXX

[rafinmd]

He smiled at me with that cryptic smile he likes to use and said - no - those rules and no rules apply to this ship. I think he did a nice summary of the Elegant Explorer. He still loves this ship (a big plus for me) and will happily sail her again.

 

AMAZING! Perfect!

 

Roy

[LuckyJ]

Jacqui

 

Thank you so much! I looked so forward everyday reading about the trip, and I will miss that.

Save trip home!

 

Hugs

Janet

[sapper1]

Congratulations to Jeanette on another win and thank JG for your explanation about the sound meter. If the "jiver" was the same one as was in the previous competition - he is good - and he is a dancer. Jeanette certainly did not deserve to be booed!

 

Same jiver and he was undeniably good.

 

I was sitting with the group behind the judges and I screamed myself hoarse for Jeanette. First time in my life I have ever done anything other than clap politely. Well, second time as I also cheered for Jeanette on her first win.

 

I was shocked by the booing. It was uncalled for and very hurtful. I honestly could not believe my ears. Aside from that it was all great fun and a lovely lady who danced a beautiful waltz was the winner.

[Scrapnana]

Enjoyed tagging along right from the start when watching you sail away from Fort Lauderdale. None of it was boring!

 

Hope you had a good flight home.

 

You mentioned that people either love or hate the Prinsendam. Most everything I have read is the "love" side. Why do people hate her?

 

Thanks for sharing your amazing voyage,

 

Kathi

[monina01]

thanks for your thread. Sounds like you all had a marvelous time! :)

[kazu]

Enjoyed tagging along right from the start when watching you sail away from Fort Lauderdale. None of it was boring!

 

Hope you had a good flight home.

 

You mentioned that people either love or hate the Prinsendam. Most everything I have read is the "love" side. Why do people hate her?

 

Thanks for sharing your amazing voyage,

 

Kathi

 

Still in transit to get home:rolleyes:

Now in Montreal but we will be on the puddle hopper soon:eek:

 

People who prefer new ships with tons of amenities may not be a fan of this ship. She only just got a Canaletto

Which was surprisingly good (at least for us and our friends)

 

small shops, small casino, wajang theatres used for some activities due to space,

Small java bar (aka explorations), no covered pool...just some reasons I have heard. It's a small ship so you have to put it in perspective.

 

For some of us, it's a Ship and a nice one at that. So we love it. Those that prefer newer and bigger don't care for her as much.

 

That's just what I have observed though and it doesn't mean it's right, heaven knows I have been wrong before;)

[gigianne]

It's right with me Jacqui and a lot of others - we loved the P and everything about her!!

[hpf]

Welcome Home Jacqui & Jose. I'm sure going to miss your Prinsendam posts. At least our weather has warmed up since you left our part of this big round world. Rest up and start planning another trip which we can sail along with you via your posts. Thank you so much for taking the time and funds for doing that for us.

 

I hope you enjoyed your bottle from the "Casino", especially since you earned it.

 

Helen

[jgw321]

You mentioned that people either love or hate the Prinsendam. Most everything I have read is the "love" side. Why do people hate her?

 

I think there are some people that are never satisfied. Of course there are some who do not do proper research (inexcusable with Cruise Critics available) and book the wrong ship. It is no good choosing the Prisendam if you want a big ship with rock climbing, sky diving, water skiing and the like. The Prinsendam is also not the ship if you have a large teenage family that are bored out of their minds after 5 minutes aboard. Although the Prinsendam is not aimed at people with young families they can and do cater for youngsters in an unobtrusive way.

 

I have seen coments about the paintwork being rusty and the deserts bland but have never been able to reconcile my experience with these comments. Of course she is an old ship now and in pretty constant use so the touch up crews are around. There are not many ships that have a proper walk round promenade deck and plenty of good observation points; these score highly in our book.

 

Our only problem is that she rarely does UK/UK cruises which is one reason we booked the Baltic one, we would have tacked on the Celtic if it had come back to Tilbury or Dover rather than Amsterdam.

[maygrovecruisers]

I took it that they were booing the decision, not Jeanette herself. At least I give them the benefit of the doubt. I did notice that the one who lost out although he appeared to have taken it well was obviously hurt too. It was an unfortunate incident and perhaps one that had not been foreseen but lets hope that they can fix it for future competitions.

 

For those of you not able to have been there here is a picture.

 

 

Thanks JG for your very thoughtful review of the final result for the Dancing. I was just as shocked as everyone else at the booing. I have never had to go through anything like that before and I hope it never happens again. I know they were not booing me personally but it sure felt like it up on the stage. I am still feeling rather demoralised by it all and feel very sorry for Richard, the jiver, as he did a wonderful dance and yes he was very angry with the result. I have to abide by the judges decision so that has to be the end of the conflict as far as I am concerned.

 

Apart from the final voting, I enjoyed the experience immensely and have many, many wonderful CC friends to thank for your support through both cruises. This has been an amazing 2 cruises for us, making so many wonderful friends, visiting so many great places and travelling on the splendid Elegant Explorer. IF (big IF) I do get to win through to the final cruise on the Niew Amsterdam I will be very proud to represent the Prinsendam and all her very faithful cruisers.

 

We have now settled into our home in Northampton, England for the next 6 weeks and caught up on much needed sleep. I do look forward to meeting up with many of you on another cruise somewhere in this wonderful world of ours.

 

Jeanette.

[DrTee]

Go, Go Jeanette! We knew you when...

 

Jacqui, I hope you are feeling better. I've been worried about you!

 

Funny story about the Prinsendam. When I booked my cruise (through Costco), the agent said, "You know you have 9 sea days," and I told him that of course I did. He then suggested that I might be happier on a larger ship with more activities! I assured him that I had been on the P before, that I preferred it because of its size, and the only activities I cared about were reading and staring at the ocean. As it turned out, though, I was overwhelmed by the number of activities a person had to choose from. You couldn't possibly do even half of them.

[kazu]

Go, Go Jeanette! We knew you when...

 

Jacqui, I hope you are feeling better. I've been worried about you!

 

Funny story about the Prinsendam. When I booked my cruise (through Costco), the agent said, "You know you have 9 sea days," and I told him that of course I did. He then suggested that I might be happier on a larger ship with more activities! I assured him that I had been on the P before, that I preferred it because of its size, and the only activities I cared about were reading and staring at the ocean. As it turned out, though, I was overwhelmed by the number of activities a person had to choose from. You couldn't possibly do even half of them.

 

Thanks Lou - the antibiotics should do the trick. Got through the flights which was my biggest fear. I couldn't let a sore throat or code or bronchitis stop me from having a good time with our wonderful roll call on this fabulous ship:D

[Vict0riann]

Thanks Lou - the antibiotics should do the trick. Got through the flights which was my biggest fear. I couldn't let a sore throat or code or bronchitis stop me from having a good time with our wonderful roll call on this fabulous ship:D

 

Welcome home, Kazu - did your hanging baskets survive without you? I enjoyed all your posts, too bad it's over - for now! It always seems to take an age for the cruise to arrive, and then it's all over in a flash.