Join Pete and Judy on their FIRST World Cruise on the Amsterdam

[shrimp56]

save me!!! I'm drowning!!! :D lol

I'm fanning myself.. HOT!

[erewhon]

Thanks for the updates.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Just announced we are going to to Townsville on the 15th

 

Suggestions appreciated

 

Is there a Tommy Bahama store nearby? Car rentals near pier?

[teamflames]

Haven't been reading for a few days. Glad you had a good time in Sydney. Just wondering, is uber paying you for the mentions. Lots of people have monetized their travel. Wondering if that was the case. Especially with a business that operate somewhat illegally.

 

 

What an offensive thing to suggest. Did you not read the op tried to take a taxi with typically disastrous results, did not know how to get to the rocks! The no.1 tourist spot in Sydney. The buses are difficult due to all the recent changes in timetables. Uber is perfectly legal if the driver follows the rules and clearly it worked much more efficiently from the op posts.

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Forums mobile app

[MMDown Under]

If you have time, you might consider catching the ferry to Magnetic Island.

You might see one of the koalas in the wild there (I did).

 

http://www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/destinations/magnetic-island/

[The-Inside-Cabin]

If you have time, you might consider catching the ferry to Magnetic Island.

 

You might see one of the koalas in the wild there (I did).

 

 

 

http://www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/destinations/magnetic-island/

 

 

Thanks for the tip! Sounds interesting!

Edited February 13, 2016 by The-Inside-Cabin

[Stratheden]

Magnetic Island is the place to go when in Townsville

[ozcruizer]

No, I am not being compensated by uber or by anyone else I mention.

 

Uber has lately been legalised in Sydney.

 

Ozcruizer

[jig]

Wasn't meant to be. I read lots of travel logs and there are mentions of businesses and they get paid for them. I've never had a problem in Sydney getting somewhere. If the law was changed then that's new. Hopefully they will pay all the fees and road taxes and insurance costs.

I guess when I visit somewhere I prefer that all the money stays there.

Just a thought from someone that's been traveling for over 40 years.

[teamflames]

Fair enough, apologies if I miss read you. As someone from Sydney I have no sympathy for the taxi industry, the service has been poor for years. That being said I agree that those in the same industries should be on a level playing field and there will have to be adjustments one way or the other. Unfortunately Sydney has also borne the brunt of poor road and public transport infrastructure for DECADES and is well behind where it should be for a city of its size.

I can't blame the op for using uber to get around, there is no point paying more for an inferior product.

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Forums mobile app

[teamflames]

Btw my most recent taxi ride in Sydney the driver admits he sends most of the money to Ghana where he plans to return to, so good intentions could be wasted [emoji4]

 

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Forums mobile app

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Day 39, Sailing towards Townsville

 

 

Overcast skies greeted us this morning, but there were a few blue spots peeking thru holes here and there. Water temperature is quite warm at 82 degrees F and with the humidity increasing you can tell we are starting to approach the tropics. The sea was churning and as I walked around deck 3 early in the morning, the occasional salt water spray reached above the railings on the promenade and misted along the railing. The stabilizers were doing their jobs quite well as there wasn’t any roll, only the steady rise and fall of the bow and stern. As you came around the stern on the starboard side, the promenade deck narrows and there was a significant venturi effect creating quite a breeze for about 30 yards until the deck widened again. There were a couple people walked clockwise, counter to the arrows directing counter clockwise flow during “High Traffic” periods, but the traffic was very light . I don’t think you could call this “High Traffic” but I did wonder what the point was of going counter flow as you could always bump into someone going around the corners.

 

The Australian Life Guards, Anthony and Sam, were the guests on Good Morning Amsterdam which has been standing room only – and almost running out of that – since we left Sydney. They elaborated on life on Bondi beach and cleared up the pronunciations of various place names: Mooloolaba – MOO-LOO-LA-BAH, Cairns – CANS, Bondi – BOND-EYE. A question from the crowd inquired if they were wearing their Budgy Smugglers, which is apparently an Australian brand of a Speedo style swimsuit. Life Saver Sam said that any true life saver will always be wearing their Budgy Smugglers.

 

 

Today’s cooking demonstration was hosted by – who else: The Australian Lifeguards Anthony and Sam. Apparently Anthony’s younger brother, Giora, wasn’t feeling well and was in his cabin. They prepared some crocodile and kangaroo meat along with other Australian delicacies. In-between their banter about the cooking, they answered more questions about their background and experiences on Bondi Beach.

 

During the Captain’s noon update he announced we would be visiting Townsville, Australia instead of Mooloolaba. Townsville is a pretty good sized city, about 180000 people or so and we will not have to tender. It looks like we will need a shuttle bus to town as it may be too far to walk. We should be getting more details on Townsville tomorrow as we saw Barbara at her desk pouring over literature researching the port. I spoke with her briefly and she said that she had never been there before and would probably tape a port lecture since the Queens lounge is booked up for all of the Executive visits and presentations.

 

We decided to get a burger and hot dog from the Dive-In for lunch. This is a walk up grill next to the Lido pool. In addition to the hot dogs, burgers and fries they have a Mexican food bar where you can make your own tacos, burritos or nachos. The food is cooked to order and there is always a wait – today was about 10 minutes. They give you a pager so you don’t have wait by the Dive-In but can hang out pretty much anywhere in the pool area. The food was quite tasty and cooked just right and very convenient for when you want to hang out by the pool or if you are too late for lunch in the Lido.

 

The oven roasted beef tenderloin available for dinner was outstanding. Very tender and cooked just right. Night after the night, the food as been truly exceptional. Judy brought some Tim Tams – the Australian Cookies – to dinner tonight to augment the desert offerings. These treats were new to many people at our table and were a big hit.

 

Ventriloquist Patrick Murray with his sidekick Matilda (Jamaica’s #1 Comedienne) performed at 10:15 instead of 10:00 (always pays to read the On Location as there are changes occasionally). He put on a great show, funny jokes with outstanding technique. He ended the show singing a song where for the final bars he and Matilda were singing simultaneously. It was a nice effect and we weren’t sure if he pulled this off live or used some sort of stage magic.

 

 

Tomorrow is Valentine’s day with a big Gala in the Queens lounge at 9:30PM – a little late for the early seating crowd so we will see who shows up. Orlando and the other execs are hosting many Mariner events tomorrow as this is their last day before Townsville and Cairns and their departure from the ship. If you look at the On Location guide for tomorrow (posted on the blog) you will discover that many of the regular events – Tai Chi and Good Morning Amsterdam have been cancelled to support all the special events.

 

Please note: I have added photo’s of all the Grand Voyage “Pillow Gifts” under World Cruise Reference – Reference Items

 

http://www.theinsidecabin.com

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Good Morning! Looks like we are headed for a beautiful day! Nice temps and low humidity.

 

 

Here is where we are......

 

 

[1of4]

Another vote for Magnetic Island. It has been quite a few years but we had a great time, rented scooters and did manage to see wild koalas sleeping in the trees. It was a full day.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Executive presentation in progress. They announced CAPT Jonathan, Henk and Gene will be back for 2017....

 

First question on Internet. Expectations rising faster than technology and price can cope. Working it Hard. Top priority.

 

Edited February 14, 2016 by The-Inside-Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

2016 World cruise passengers will get to visit the new ship Koningsdam in Rome this April! Yeah!

 

All questions were on the spot....non of the pre submitted questions were used

 

Just wrapping up.....very nice presentation

[alsas]

Thank you for posting enjoy the valentines ball tonight

[LunaTan]

Thank you for your amazing blog, I look forward to catching up with your travels each day.

I love Townsville and lived there many years ago. We visited in October last year, and I would highly recommend walking along the strand, it is a relaxing max 2.5k walk , great views, cafes, gelato etc. Take a refreshing swim at the rock pool to cool off and enjoy great NQ fish and chips at Seagulls café at the rock pool. Most people don’t swim in the ocean even between the flags due to the stingers which can be lethal and also there has been a massive crocodile sighted in recent times.

Continue on to the Jezzine Barracks, there are boardwalks, military museum, old forts, local arts and crafts, celebrating the military presence and history in Townsville and the natural landscapes, and other displays in regard to natural disasters that have affected the region. Views towards Magnetic Island and the Whitsundays, you may spot dugongs and other marine life and birds.

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your day in Townsville.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Thank you for your amazing blog, I look forward to catching up with your travels each day.

 

I love Townsville and lived there many years ago. We visited in October last year, and I would highly recommend walking along the strand, it is a relaxing max 2.5k walk , great views, cafes, gelato etc. Take a refreshing swim at the rock pool to cool off and enjoy great NQ fish and chips at Seagulls café at the rock pool. Most people don’t swim in the ocean even between the flags due to the stingers which can be lethal and also there has been a massive crocodile sighted in recent times.

 

Continue on to the Jezzine Barracks, there are boardwalks, military museum, old forts, local arts and crafts, celebrating the military presence and history in Townsville and the natural landscapes, and other displays in regard to natural disasters that have affected the region. Views towards Magnetic Island and the Whitsundays, you may spot dugongs and other marine life and birds.

 

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your day in Townsville.

 

 

Thanks for the tip....do I have time to walk the strand AND go to Magnetic Island? Or should I pick one or the other?

[LunaTan]

I think it would be a bit of rush to try and go to the both the Island and the local walk. In my opinion it would be more enjoyable to choose one.

 

The passenger ferry leaves every hour to hour and a half, and is about $32 per person return, it takes about 30mins to the island, and there is car hire when you arrive. The island is relatively large and is not suitable for walking all the way round if you only have limited time. The island has some fabulous walking trails and is well known for its unique diving sites and in particular the wreck of the SS Yongala. Dives can probably be organized at the ferry terminal and there will brochures with the various trails.

I think the ship docks at about 7.00am, so if you could make the ferry before 9.00 am, you would need to return on the 3.00pm ferry at the latest, this would give you about 5hrs on the island.

 

Townsville is about a five hour drive from Cairns.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Day 40, Sailing towards Townsville

 

 

The Great Barrier Reef lies about 150 feet below our keel and is not visible from the surface at the moment, but per the Captain there is some interaction with the surface waves off in the distance. Walking on the promenade deck around 7AM this morning was pleasant, but by the time I finished around 8am it was starting to heat up and you could tell this was going to be a hot one – and considering where we are – to be expected. As I write this at 4pm it is now 88 degrees with 64% humidity – and that is 88 degrees in the shade – under the sun it feels much hotter.

 

A steady stream of ships passes by throughout the day as we remain close to the coast and in the middle of major shipping lanes. The ships air-conditioning is handling the situation well and we could still cool our cabin to meat locker status if we so chose. You hear passengers complaining that the common areas are too cold – a nice problem when you are in the tropics. Hopefully this will hold up as we will be in high heat areas for a while – probably until we pass thru the Suez Canal.

 

The main event today was the 90 minute briefing by Orlando Ashford, President of HAL and Gerald Bernholf – Director of the Mariner Society. Stein Kruse, CEO of Holland America Group spoke for a minute or two, but was not part of the main presentation Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Group was introduced and waved, but did not speak. Justin Poulsen, Director of Pricing and Demand was introduced, and waved from his seat.

 

The briefing was held in the Queens lounge with 10 AM time with the doors opening at 9:30. I arrived a little after 9:30 and the line was already stretching into the Atrium. Once the doors opened the lines moved quickly and after the initial surge the theatre was about ¾ full. At 10 minutes to 10 AM the Queens lounge was SRO.

 

Gene, wearing a coat and tie, opened by welcoming everyone and then introduced Orlando. Orlando, wearing a sport jacket without a tie, took the stage and introduced everyone else:

 

Arnold Donald – CEO of Carnival Corp

Stein Kruse CEO Holland America Group – Princess, HAL and Seabourn + Alaska Land

Gerald Bernholf – Director Mariner Society

Justin Poulsen – Director of Pricing and Demand

 

 

Orlando started the slide show with an overview of the main points he would cover: Review of 2016 Cruise, what’s new with Music & Entertainment, Culinary & the Fleet and finally a discussion of the 2018 World Cruise.

 

He showed a new 30 second commercial about HAL followed by a short video about the Koningsdam. He didn’t make any major news as everything he discussed has been previously released, but it was a nice recap and summary. Copies of most of his slides are on the blog and are generally self-explanatory. There is a new area they are rolling out on the Koningsdam called the Blend – where you can create your own wine by blending different varieties onboard and to top it off, you can design and personalize a wine label for your creation. I think it will be a big hit – no word on the pricing.

 

He also covered the evolution of the brand logo and slogan, but again nothing new.

 

Orlando spoke for about 30 minutes and then was followed by Gerald Bernholf for another 30 minutes. Gerald gave an interesting overview of HAL first world cruise back in 1958 that went eastbound. He remarked that future eastbound world cruises are very unlikely.

 

He also discussed a university at sea world cruise that took place in 1926 in cooperation with the University of New York. There was book written about the experience that has been ordered and will be one of our future pillow gifts. (Note – I created special links to all the pillow gifts so far which are available on the blog under the World Cruise Reference Tab)

 

There was a bit of news regarding the Koningsdam, currently under construction in Italy. It will be almost done when we arrive in Italy in April and we will be given an opportunity to tour this magnificent vessel! What a treat!

 

Gerald announced that the key triad – Captain, Hotel Director and Cruise Director – would remain unchanged for the 2017 World Cruise.

 

Q and A was next and Orlando opened by discussing the number one question – the internet. He said that peoples’ expectations for speed and pricing far outpace was is available today in the maritime environment at affordable pricing. This is a major issue across all Carnival ships and they are working the problem hard because – aside from the frustrating experienced at sea with the internet, they hate so see people wasting precious port time searching for WiFi hot spots.

 

A few weeks back, they passed out forms for people to fill out with questions they would like to ask Orlando, but they didn’t use a single one, nor did anyone explain why they went to the bother of distributing and collecting these advance questions only to ignore them without explanation.

 

Here are the highlights of the questions asked by passengers. They were remarkably on point, appropriate for the panel present, no whiney and no speeches.

 

Q: What about smoking on Verandahs? Don’t like it.

A: We are experimenting replacing Verandah smoking with smoking is a special room, like you see in airports. Nothing will happen too soon, but we think about it a lot.

 

Q: Keep the dance hosts! I will only sail on ships with Dance Hosts.

A: Noted

 

Q: Will single supplement remain at 25%?

A: Single supplement will be priced according to demand. (Pete’s explanation – no – they will only reduce single supplement once they realize they won’t sell out and they prefer reduced price singles to empty cabins.)

 

Q: Love the idea of dedicated single rooms, but why are they all in undesirable locations.

A: We will get back to you. (Pete’s explanation – they have a hard time selling these bad locations, so if they make them singles, people might complain less after they book them.)

 

Q: Big gap in loyalty program between 5 star and Presidents Club.

A: Looking at a new level that kicks in after 1000 days.

 

Q: Why not newer ships for World Cruise

A: Captain answered by stating the Amsterdam is more suited for world cruising than newer ships from a sea keeping perspective. (Pete’s explanation: If they can’t even sell out the Amsterdam on a world cruise, why would they use an even bigger ship and not sell out?…They won’t)

 

Q: Do you share best practices among all Carnival lines – specifically why do you do muster drills differently across your brands?

A: They share best practices during periodic meetings. They are looking into using electronic muster process in the future, l(ike they do today on Princess Lines.)

 

Q: Why doesn’t $$ spent in the casino count for onboard spending credit that increases count for accumulating mariner days?

A: Mumbo Jumbo. (Pete’s explanation – I play the casino frequently and received discounts on cruise fare above everything else based on casino play – real savings. Surprised they didn’t make this point.)

 

The meeting ended on time. The executives mingled with the audience afterwards and were available for individual questions.

 

Judy and I grabbed some lunch in the Lido and then relaxed in our cabin until 2:30 when Judy goes to Arts & Crafts and I head to the Texas Hold’em table. Judy made a fabric necklace with wooden beads knotted inside to make an interesting pattern. I was lucky and won again at the Texas Hold’em tournament.

 

After lunch we discovered 2 roses and chocolates in our cabin! Gifts from the Captain. I tried to pretend that they were from me, but the Captains accompanying greeting card was a giveaway.

 

 

 

They had two Mariner Appreciation Cocktail parties in the Queen’s lounge – one for early seating at 4:15 and the other for main seating at 6:45. They formed a line on deck 4, starboard side if you wanted to get your picture taken with Arnold Donald, Orlando Ashford and wives and then a second picture with the Captain. We avoided the line at first and then jumped in around 7:15 pm when it was much shorter. Show Host Erin was working the door and she asked your name followed by a formal introduction to Arnold and Orlando. Very nice touch. After about 30 seconds of chit chat they lined you up for the picture and then you moved on. Unlike other Mariner events, everyone was shaking hands without a bottle of Purell in sight.

 

Once inside the Queens lounge we found an empty table and joined our dinner companions for chit chat, cocktails and very tasty appetizers that were be passed around by waiters. Champagne and wine were being served from trays, but you could order anything and they brought it to you in a few minutes. I ordered a martini.

 

About 7:30 or so, Orlando took the stage and thanked everyone for their support and then they recognized employees for exceptional service and then length of service. Once that was over, the band played on until time for dinner at 8:00Pm when everyone filed out and headed to the MDR for dinner.

 

The menu was beautiful and everyone at the table saved theirs. A copy is posted on the blog under World Cruise reference and then look to February 14th. The food was outstanding, really a couple notches above previous cruises. Everyone at our table ordered something different and everyone reported that their dish was magnificent. Appetizers included Caviar and Foie Gras. The dining room was decked out with red hearts and red, heart shaped, Mylar balloons. The waiters were dressed in colorful Valentine themed costumes.

 

 

After dessert, it was time for the Valentine’s Day Ball in the Queens Lounge, which started at 9:30 and went on till Midnight. The Queens lounge was transformed into its dance floor configuration which was packed at 9:30 and stayed packed, song after song. When we left at 11PM, the joint was still rocking and the dance floor crowded.

 

Around 10PM, Orlando took the stage and made some more gracious remarks and surprised everyone by announcing that his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer a while back but successfully completed treatment and was recently certified cancer free. To celebrate he took to the dance floor with his wife (He’s not winning any dance contests) and swayed for a few minutes until his oldest son cut it to dance with his Mom for a bit, followed but their youngest boy who completed the Ashford family dance. The dance floor was reopened and filled instantly – the music being provided by the HAL band, with Australian singers Liam John and Darcy Jones alternating with the vocals throughout the evening.

 

Complementary beverages flowed freely and Gene kept things moving with the occasional raffle for a bottle of champagne. The Queens Lounge was filled with high energy fun the entire evening.

 

Everyone was dressed to the nines, with most of the men wearing tuxedos. For this evening, the grand spirit of classic cruising was in full force!

 

Back in our rooms we discovered the 4th pillow gift of the cruise. A very nice heart shape Valentino Votive (candle holder) made of glass by Orrefors. Very nice!

 

 

Lots more on the blog at http://www.theinsidecabin.com

[cruz chic]

Loved your explanation of the q and a answers :D.

[SilvertoGold]

Outstanding, informative reporting of a big Mariner Day!! The photos on the blog make it all the more real for us at home! Hugely fun to read!!!

 

Too bad the flowers and chocolate gambit didn't work!

[cccole]

You mentioned that there was discussion of the 2018 WC. Did they talk about ports of call? And have you heard anyone wonder why HMC is not the first or last stop out of Ft. Lauderdale? I have thought that this would be a perfect relaxing way to start or end the cruise with good friends and HAL could do something special. Just curious.

 

Really enjoying your reports and photos. Attending a performance in the Sydney Opera House must have been spectacular. Thanks again for letting us cruise with you. Cherie

[retiredkid]

thanks so much for a fabulous update and photos! I'm loving every minute!