We're Here!!! On VOLENDAM awnd Loving It!!

[sail7seas]

As soon as HAL announced Volendam would embark all of us in Canaveral, everything got easy. We had an uneventful, non-stop flight; DH had arranged for a car and driver to meet us. We were whisked off to the ship and boarded immediately at about 6:00 P.M.

 

The crew was amazing. They thought of andprovided for everyone's individual needs and had the dining room serving dinner; Lido had a wonderful selection and they remained open for very extended hours. It was absolutely perfect.

 

We found everyone aboard so welcoming and and interested in what pressures we may have encountered getting to the ship and they genuinely seemed so happy for us that we made it here. Surprisingly to me, well over `1,200 passengers were able to make alternate arrangements and were able to get to Canaveral in time for an 11: or 11:30 sailing.

 

It doesn't seem to us that it was something HAL had to do but they had an open bar for Happy Hour yesterday. Not just a free glass of champagne or whatever.....an open bar. NEVER have we seen so many people out and about as we saw yesterday afternoon when free drinks for all were being poured at every bar. Between 4:30 and 5:30, they placed wonderful trays of hors d'ouerves and they set up extra tables with bars and bartenders to enable everyone the chance to have their beverage of choice. This was their very generous (IMO) way of saying thank you for the inconveniences some suffered trying to reach the ship. Certainly it was not HAL's fault Port Everglades was closed....certainly not their fault Hurricane Wilmas chose to strike southern Florida.

 

Our luggage was delivered promptly. We found a bag had ripped someplace along the way and the Concierge efficiently and pleasantly dealt with it for us. Yesterday it was delivered to our cabin repaired and ready for us to use to get home with.

 

 

We had forgotten what a beautiful ship Volendam is and we are so enjoying seeing all of her beautiful art. The floral arrangements are always very appreciated by me and the displays here are gorgeous.

 

We have been enjoying truly excellent and attentive service. We've met up with lots of friendly faces from previous cruises and it is always a joy to see HAL friends. It never ceases to amaze me how they recognize so many of us from cruise to cruise.

 

Sheila is the Concierge in Neptune Lounge and is a delight. So very pleasant and happy to try to accomodate us in every possible way.

 

Yesterday we enjoyed a beautiful sea day and today a glorious day in St. Thomas. We fully expected rough seas but that has not been the case. Volendam rides so beautifully and it's a joy being aboard.

 

Dining Hours here are wonderful. Slightly different than other ships but we think most people are happier with these hours than the other ones we have come to expect. It's 5:30 for Upper Levewl; 6: for Lower; 7:45 for pper and 8:15 for Lower. Great IMO

 

Pinnacle offers lunce from 12:30 - 1:30 and dinner from 6:00 to 9:30.

 

There's no question we had some stress prior to arriving at Volendam but this crew and her officers have so extended themselves to soothe 'weary travelers'. DH has visibly shed the knots in his back and neck from the tension he was dealing with. Volendam is working magic on him.

 

Most here on this board know we love the 'dam' ships of HAL and Volendam is no exception. WE LOVE THIS SHIP; WE ARE LOVING OUR TIME HERE; WE ARE THRILLED WITH EVERY Minute aboard.

 

I don't expect to come to the Internet Cafe too much while aboard but will check back at least once to see if anyone has any questions they want me to try to answer.

 

I will say, there is a new Chef aboard and we are very much enjoying (way toooo much) his 'creations'. Our Room Service breakfasts are arriving exactly on time and hot and they are very much enjoyed on our veranda.

 

As the to the Big Band Cruise...we had forgotten that was going on here until we went to Crows Nest last night. IT WAS INCREDIBLE MUSIC. The place was packed; hundreds were dancing, the bar was hopping and the music GREAT.

 

This ship is spotless and so well cared for. I'm carefully noticing as much as possible as I'm eager to compare the changes we'll see when we return here in January after her drydock.

 

Off to rest a bit before dinner........

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Sail, Thanks so much for taking time out of your wonderful cruise to report all is wonderful. I am so glad you are enjoying yourself.The Big Band part sound like it was be totally enjoyable. I have no questions just hope everything continues to be wonderful. See you back on line next weekend:)

[rkacruiser]

Thanks for posting sail7seas! I know that alot of us have been thinking about you.

 

Be sure to check out the interesting plaques and pictures that the Volendam received in 2002 when she made maiden port arrivals during her Asia Pacific cruise.

 

After spending 84 days aboard her, I totally agree: the Volendam is a lovely, wonderful ship!

 

Enjoy your cruise!!

[sail7seas]

Thank you for your nice messages.

 

I meant to add that I really enjoyed meeting 'thetwo ofus' for coffee yesterday morning. We had a nice visit and it was great meeting her.

[KAKcruiser]

Glad everything is working out so well for you. We will be boarding when you return. Could you do me a favor and find out if suite breakfast is served in the Pinnacle or Kings Room? Thanks.

[bellebaby]

KAK

 

We were on the Volendam in May of this year. I had breakfast in the King's Room almost everyday.

 

My husband likes to sleep later than I do. It's a great treat for me to enjoy breakfast with SUPERB service.

 

B

[RuthC]

sail, since you weren't posting I knew you were sailing, but it's good to hear from you that all is well. I'm happy that it all worked out for you, the2ofus, and for so many others.

No need to answer while you're still enjoying yourself, but I will want to know which Big Band is playing, and how you find them. Oh, and just how much they play! When I had a Big Band cruise they played a great deal in many venues.

Thanks for checking in.

[jhannah]

I've sailed Zaandam, so I can imagine the layout of your ship and almost sail along with you! Thanks for letting us hear from you that you made it onboard and that all is well.

[Southbound]

Sail, So glad to hear your unplanned "adventure" turned out fine for you and the other pax. We so enjoyed our prior cruise on the Volendam that we are anxiously awaiting our b2b on her for the holidays. Understand that will be her first voyage after dry dock. Whoopeee!

May your time on board be filled with blue skies and calm seas.

[Sage]

Sail,

 

I'm so glad that you are having a wonderful time. Now do you see why Volendam is my favorite ship? I hope the rest of the cruise is a happy one.

[KAKcruiser]

Bellebaby,

Thanks for the info about the suite breakfast. We were on the Volendam in April and they didn't have it then. This was something we really used to enjoy in past years and were pleased to see that it has been continued on some of the ships, maybe all of them.

[AlexandNessa]

Thank you for posting while aboard! Unfortunately, our next cruise insn't till March, but it is on the Volendam, and we're excited to hear about your trip! Happy travels. :)

[SANDY BEACH]

Glad you made it safely to the ship. Enjoy and report back upon your return. I just booked the Volendam today for next year. So excited that you think it is so nice. Can't wait to hear your review. Smooth Sailing!!!!!

[RevNeal]

SAIL .... Take care of MY Volendam! Oh, how I love that ship! :)

I must find a way to get back aboard her soon. :D

She IS lovely.

[Atomica]

Sail - Glad to hear everything worked out for you & that you're loving the Volendam! I miss seeing her at Canada Place here in Vancouver. Enjoy every minute of your time aboard her!!

[Aussie Gal]

Sail,

 

So glad that you are having a wonderful cruise after all the stress of the past week.

 

Enjoy your time on the Volendam. We have yet to sail on her and look forward to one day enjoying this experience.

 

Jennie

[ekerr19]

S7S - Should you happen to pass #7016, please give a small thought to Sonny & I - we so enjoyed that cabin on our last sailing...

 

I am SO glad all has turned out well - you have been in my thoughts, though I've been out of touch - I'll fill you in when you return. :)

 

I sincerely hope you ENJOY your cruise :) - the Volendam is a beauty, isn't she?

 

Laura

[Krazy Kruizers]

sail7seas

So glad you made it to the ship.

We loved the Volendam for the 20 days that we were on her last winter.

[arzz]

sail7seas

 

I am so glad that you were able to make it on board -- those of us on the Oct 16-26 cruise tried to take special care of the ship even though we left her in Port Canaveral instead of Port Everglades.

 

I hope that your cruise is as wonderful as ours was.

[m steve]

We are on the 11/15 cruise. Will it leave from Lauderdale as scheduled or Canaveral and are the dining times back to 8 and 8:15 for late dining?

[babyher]

Hi Sail,

 

Glad that everything ended up going so smoothly and that you are enjoying yourself so much. :)

 

Have a great time and a safe trip

 

Enjoy:)

[KAKcruiser]

m steve,

I think everything is pretty much back to normal and the Volendam should leave from Fort Lauderdale for your Nov. 15 departure.

[LoveLifeAtSea]

Sail ... It sounds like you are really having a fabulous time!! I'm so glad to read about it! Your post has me getting even more excited about my cruise onboard the Volendam in January!!

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise! I'll be anxious to talk to you when you get back!

 

(Please say hello to our friend for me!)

[sail7seas]

Hi All....

 

Everything is wonderful aboard and we're having a great cruise.

 

Weather has been far better than we expected and seas have been smooth.

 

We had an amazing evening in the dining room tonight. They have instituted a Master Chef's Dinner and we soo enjoyed it. It is first being presented on VODM and everyone really enjoyed the 'dinner theatre' experience. It was wonderful fun and I'll explain in depth when we get home but we felt very lucky to have the treat of 'seeing it first' before it reaches other ships.

 

Our cruise has flown by and we will hate to see it end.... We still have the highlight of HMC to look forward to. Fingers crossed conditions enable us to stop there.

 

In response to the question.....Suite passengers are invited to have breakfast in King's Room if they wish.

 

More when we return home.

[sail7seas]

Hi All....

 

Everything is wonderful aboard and we're having a great cruise.

 

Weather has been far better than we expected and seas have been smooth.

 

We had an amazing evening in the dining room tonight. They have instituted a Master Chef's Dinner and we soo enjoyed it. It is first being presented on VODM and everyone really enjoyed the 'dinner theatre' experience. It was wonderful fun and I'll explain in depth when we get home but we felt very lucky to have the treat of 'seeing it first' before it reaches other ships.

 

Our cruise has flown by and we will hate to see it end.... We still have the highlight of HMC to look forward to. Fingers crossed conditions enable us to stop there.

 

In response to the question.....Suite passengers are invited to have breakfast in King's Room if they wish.

 

More when we return home.