Live from the Westerdam-Join the "Pearls of the Pacific" gang's South Pacific Cruise

[Krazy Kruizers]

There was some discussion on the boards on the coffee machine in the Neptune Suites. Here is the machine. I found it easy to identify which coffee was which.

 

 

And here is the Bose speaker. It works great!

 

 

 

I have to report....there be snorkelers in the Lido Pool.;) ;). Second day they have been snorkelling in the Pool.

 

 

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We had the same coffee machine and Bose in the PS.

Never used either one.

[kazu]

A couple of interesting things.

 

Since it's Friday again, there is a second Sabbath for those of the Jewish persuasion. There is a rabbi on board. Very nice to see. Today he is offering a sermon for which all religions are invited. DH is going to go as it sounds very interesting.

 

Ran into Captain Van Eerten (literally, not figuratively) and he asked if I knew that he was not allowed to toot more than once now leaving FLL. I said yes, I had heard the report. He confirmed it was from one person writing to Seattle. I said one person isn't fair. There are a lot that enjoy it. I could tell he was disappointed in the order but orders are orders. It might be possible for Seattle to see the light if enough people who sail HAL and enjoy the horns write in to Seattle (hint, hint, hint).

 

 

There are showers here and there but the ship is changing course to make sure that we avoid them and have sunny skies for our sea day. Beautiful day. Smooth seas. The water is so blue - I'm afraid a pic won't do it justice, but here goes (from the balcony).

 

 

 

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[Lizzie68]

If one horn hater can make that much difference writing to Seattle then maybe all of the Sail away Gang and regular sail away addicts can do the same.

[kazu]

I got my hands on DH's memory card at long last. His pics are always better than mine. So I will try to do a bit of backtracking and share a few with you all.

 

He does a much better job at showing how blue the water is.

 

 

 

Sunsets are beautiful every night!!

 

 

Honolulu from the ship...

 

 

Sea View Park where the Chief's Luau was in Honolulu

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Oops, it's called Sea View Park.

 

Here was our greeter at the Chief's Luau

 

The Chief calling the Luau to order

 

 

 

And explaining how the pig is cooked...

 

 

The pig all prepared...

 

 

Picking up the pig...

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Chief's Luau continued...

 

The presentation of the pig...

 

 

Some of the dancing demonstrations from DH's camera...

 

 

 

 

[kazu]

If one horn hater can make that much difference writing to Seattle then maybe all of the Sail away Gang and regular sail away addicts can do the same.

 

EXACTLY!!!! ;):p;)

[POA1]

 

Ran into Captain Van Eerten (literally, not figuratively) and he asked if I knew that he was not allowed to toot more than once now leaving FLL. I said yes, I had heard the report. He confirmed it was from one person writing to Seattle. I said one person isn't fair. There are a lot that enjoy it. I could tell he was disappointed in the order but orders are orders. It might be possible for Seattle to see the light if enough people who sail HAL and enjoy the horns write in to Seattle (hint, hint, hint).

 

 

 

Royal Princess blew the Love Boat theme at least 5x on the way out this week. Aren't HAL and Princess co-headquarted now? If they're serious about the rules, we better only hear "Love," not the exciting and new part of the song. ;)

[Lizzie68]

EXACTLY!!!! ;):p;)

 

Given the thread some time ago in which a certain member got really upset about the horn blowing, it doesn't take an Einstein to figure out just who it is, and who has just enough pull for one letter to ruin it for everyone who watches the sailaways - a significant number if you check the webcam tally. I feel a letter-writing campaign coming on......

[kazu]

Royal Princess blew the Love Boat theme at least 5x on the way out this week. Aren't HAL and Princess co-headquarted now? If they're serious about the rules, we better only hear "Love," not the exciting and new part of the song. ;)

 

Given the thread some time ago in which a certain member got really upset about the horn blowing, it doesn't take an Einstein to figure out just who it is, and who has just enough pull for one letter to ruin it for everyone who watches the sailaways - a significant number if you check the webcam tally. I feel a letter-writing campaign coming on......

 

POA1 I agree completely ;)

 

LIzzie68 - a letter writing campaign is certainly due. If they can change the rules for one person, then change them back for 100's that enjoy the Queen of Horns. And, if the Love Boat can toot her song, why can't our Captain toot away?

 

I missed about the member being upset so I am in the dark here...but if anyone wants to start a thread for a letter writing campaign or post on the sail a way threads, I'm certainly on side. Fair is fair!!!

[innlady1]

Given the thread some time ago in which a certain member got really upset about the horn blowing, it doesn't take an Einstein to figure out just who it is, and who has just enough pull for one letter to ruin it for everyone who watches the sailaways - a significant number if you check the webcam tally. I feel a letter-writing campaign coming on......

 

Sounds like a plan, Lizzie! To whom do we write?

[kazu]

Sounds like a plan, Lizzie! To whom do we write?

 

 

Not LIzzie, but my first choice would be office of the president.

 

Let me do a subtle inquiry tomorrow night to see the most effective place to write. ;).

 

 

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[kazu]

I will be seeing the right person tomorrow and will ask where it is most effective to write.

 

In the meantime, here's a couple of pics from our first meet and greet. We had a HUGE turnout. The Culinary Arts/Queens Lounge was packed.

 

 

In fact, we had so many people that I needed help handing out name tags to keep the meeting on time.

 

Here are the meet and greet workers.

 

 

Plotting prior to the Meet and Greet to make sure we could pull this off - LOL

 

 

The Queen's Lounge holds 170 people maximum. We only had a few name tags unclaimed and the room was packed. I am guessing we had about 160 + in attendance. Not too shabby.

 

On to today. I was at bingo with Traveling Dot and although I was one number away from the last jackpots and Jorge just wouldn't call it, I was delighted to see Dot win the second jackpot (I think it was the second). It was the flying kite and she did it in record time.

 

Here she is with Jack who is holding her winning bingo ticket. She won just over $195! YAY Dot!!!!

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Deleted. Yikes, sorry. Tapatalk was playing games on me and did it twice!

Edited April 16, 2016 by kazu

[kazu]

This cruise just keeps handing us delightful little surprises.

 

On our way out of the dining room, we were greeted by Cellar Master Csaba who was delighted to tell us that he had found a special spot on the islands with rare French wines. So he ordered some and is having a special Cellar Master night which will be based on French history - Louis 13th to Louis 18th. He was really excited that he had found these and plans a Cellar Master dinner to truly match this 35 day cruise. It will on the 25th - Nuka Hiva day.

 

I wish I had had taxmantoo at my side as I don't have enough knowledge of wines. But, since they are rare and he was so excited, they should be very good. Just hope there is a white or two in the mix.

 

So, roll call members that did the Master Chef or Cellar Master, watch your mail boxes for the invites ;)

 

I confess, I put on my "let us know card" the question if there would be another dinner since the Cellar Master came one day after the Master Chef's (with us losing a day) it was too much for us to do both. You can only do and appreciate seven course meals so often. LOL.

 

It sounds exciting, different and Csaba has already talked to the Chef to make sure he can do what he has planned.

 

Then, when we got back to our cabin, we found this....

 

 

I have never received anything before for the "let us know what you think card" other than thank you'd from staff who I had acknowledged.

 

And inside the boxes....

 

 

 

 

 

 

The chocolates were already showing signs of sweating so I put them in the fridge. Chocoholic experts out there some advice - should they be in the fridge? Or should they be exposed to the humidity?

 

After tonight's dessert, I couldn't even contemplate more chocolate. It was delicious but oh so rich that DH and I could only handle a couple of bites. I did take some food porn pics of it and the lovely origami penguin we got tonight at dinner but the downloads will have to wait until tomorrow as it doesn't appear the network is too co-operative downloading tonight (or tapatalk isn't).

 

Dinner was delicious again!!!! Talking to roll call members pre-dinner and we are all commenting on the wonderful selection each night.

 

Our Assistant Dining Room Manager is around every night (usually twice) checking on things and making sure all is good. Stephanie is a gem and runs a great dining room. I originally regretted being on the lower level as I am used to the third floor,but I have definitely changed my tune. Our waiters are great, our wine steward never misses a beat and Stephanie makes everyone feel special. What more can you ask for?

 

DH is craving BB Kings.....so signing off from the Elegant, Beautiful Westerdam for now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

We keep our chocolate -- at home and on the ships -- in the refrigerator.

I buy lots of dark chocolate and freeze most of it until we are ready to use it.

There was very little dark chocolate on our recent cruise on the Westerdam. In the Neptune Lounge there was mostly white chocolate.

That is why I bring my own dark chocolate on cruises.

[RuthC]

The chocolates were already showing signs of sweating so I put them in the fridge. Chocoholic experts out there some advice - should they be in the fridge? Or should they be exposed to the humidity?

Never put chocolate in the refrigerator, or even worse, the freezer. :eek: No good can come of it.

First, chocolate doesn't go bad, so there is no need. Second, putting it in the refrigerator makes it hard, so more difficult to chew down on. Last, being cold when taken out of the fridge reduces the flavor, which is a great deal of the point in eating it at all! :D

 

Or, you can take the chocolate out of the fridge and leave it to warm back up to room temperature. Wait? Yeah, right. Like THAT's gonna happen. :rolleyes:

[terkatz56]

Never put chocolate in the refrigerator, or even worse, the freezer. :eek: No good can come of it.

First, chocolate doesn't go bad, so there is no need. Second, putting it in the refrigerator makes it hard, so more difficult to chew down on. Last, being cold when taken out of the fridge reduces the flavor, which is a great deal of the point in eating it at all! :D

 

Or, you can take the chocolate out of the fridge and leave it to warm back up to room temperature. Wait? Yeah, right. Like THAT's gonna happen. :rolleyes:

 

I like the way you think Ruth...for me there is seldom any left to worry about storage:D

 

Really appreciate this thread Kazu and friends...taking this cruise next March and love the reviews.

[kazu]

We keep our chocolate -- at home and on the ships -- in the refrigerator.

I buy lots of dark chocolate and freeze most of it until we are ready to use it.

There was very little dark chocolate on our recent cruise on the Westerdam. In the Neptune Lounge there was mostly white chocolate.

That is why I bring my own dark chocolate on cruises.

 

 

You would be happy here then KK. Lots of dark chocolate (too much for me - LOL). The dessert last night was very dark and many of the pillow chocolates have been dark too. Most of the chocolates in the gift packs are dark.

 

Never put chocolate in the refrigerator, or even worse, the freezer. :eek: No good can come of it.

First, chocolate doesn't go bad, so there is no need. Second, putting it in the refrigerator makes it hard, so more difficult to chew down on. Last, being cold when taken out of the fridge reduces the flavor, which is a great deal of the point in eating it at all! :D

 

Or, you can take the chocolate out of the fridge and leave it to warm back up to room temperature. Wait? Yeah, right. Like THAT's gonna happen. :rolleyes:

 

 

Thanks Ruth. It is really humid right now so I think I will leave them in the fridge and let them warm up before eating them.

 

I'm thinking they would be good to share at a sail a way. Chocolate and wine - yum!!! :) :)

[kazu]

I like the way you think Ruth...for me there is seldom any left to worry about storage:D

 

Really appreciate this thread Kazu and friends...taking this cruise next March and love the reviews.

 

Thanks :). Glad it is helpful :)

 

You will enjoy this cruise next year I'm sure if it is anything like this one.

 

Well, it is actually Saturday here on board the Westerdam. Yes, the Friday's are over with and this is our last sea day before we finally hit land. I think DH and Gigianne are anxious to set foot on land. (As are a number of others on the cruise). Missing Fanning made for more uninterrupted sea days than I think they were ready for. Me? I've been fine with the sea days. BUT I do hope we can tender tomorrow at Rarotonga.

 

The other tender ports are in bays that are protected so I think we should be o.k. For Bora Bora, Papeete & Nuka Hiva.

 

Fortunately we dock in Raiatea. I have 24 people booked privately with Bruno so it makes it a lot easier when there is no tender to deal with and all we have to do is walk to the Shell Station to meet him.

 

 

Busy day on board ship today. Kainoa will be talking on Papeete at 10 a.m. The room will be packed and he's good. So I don't want to miss that. DH has the Hawaiian beer tasting at 1 pm. Indonesian tea is at 3 & Bingo at 4. There's some other good stuff happening too and someplace in there, I have to fit in the hydrotherapy pool. It's a rough life on board, isn't it?

Edited April 16, 2016 by kazu

[Lizzie68]

Never put chocolate in the refrigerator, or even worse, the freezer. :eek: No good can come of it.

First, chocolate doesn't go bad, so there is no need. Second, putting it in the refrigerator makes it hard, so more difficult to chew down on. Last, being cold when taken out of the fridge reduces the flavor, which is a great deal of the point in eating it at all! :D

 

Or, you can take the chocolate out of the fridge and leave it to warm back up to room temperature. Wait? Yeah, right. Like THAT's gonna happen. :rolleyes:

 

I freeze lots of my favourite chocolate - especially my Frys Chocolate Cream bars - dark chocolate with peppermint filling. Yum, so good straight out of the freezer or fridge.:D

[kazu]

Here are the On Location and menus for today - Saturday the 16th.

 

 

 

 

The menu for tonight

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Another little surprise in our mail box this morning.

 

I've never seen this offer before. Just in time as we have to replenish our wine package too!!!!

 

I thought it was a very nice touch!!

 

 

 

 

Let the little surprises just keep coming on the beautiful, elegant Westerdam!!!

 

 

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[Vict0riann]

We had a thank you note today for buying a wine package (actually, two - a 7 Navigators and 5 Admirals) and telling us we would receive an extra bottle of wine on our next package. But no thank you for the comment card, and no mention of it from the stewards. I'll wait another day and then ask them if they heard about it, as their supervisor should be calling them in to commend them.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Never put chocolate in the refrigerator, or even worse, the freezer. :eek: No good can come of it.

First, chocolate doesn't go bad, so there is no need. Second, putting it in the refrigerator makes it hard, so more difficult to chew down on. Last, being cold when taken out of the fridge reduces the flavor, which is a great deal of the point in eating it at all! :D

 

Or, you can take the chocolate out of the fridge and leave it to warm back up to room temperature. Wait? Yeah, right. Like THAT's gonna happen. :rolleyes:

 

 

 

Never a problem in this house about chocolate in the freezer -- I buy 20 pounds at a time of 2 different types we like. Defrost 1/2 pound of each type at a time. That lasts quite a while.