MS Nieuw Statendam inaugural Eastbound Transatlantic

[Krazy Kruizers]

That is a tiny room.  How many days do you have to stay there?

 

Amsterdam has a lot of places to see and do things there.  Enjoy your time there.  Looking forward to your reports.

[rafinmd]

5 hours ago, ski ww said:

Enjoy your stay in Amsterdam, lots to see & do there. How long are you staying in that tiny little room?

My time here is drawing to a close.  (It's going on 5PM here and my full day is nearly complete).  I have an 11AM train to Kiel in the morning and then a full day there before boarding Queen Victoria (A near twin of Nieuw Amsterdam without the damaged railings). 

 

Roy

[Copper10-8]

40 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

My time here is drawing to a close.  (It's going on 5PM here and my full day is nearly complete).  I have an 11AM train to Kiel in the morning and then a full day there before boarding Queen Victoria (A near twin of Nieuw Amsterdam without the damaged railings). 

 

Roy

 

We might get a good look at her (Nieuw A) on the Juneau cam to see the status of repairs on those four balconies. How long is your choo choo ride from A'dam to Kiel in the Bundesrepublik Deutschland? Dutch train or German train?

[rafinmd]

29 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

 

We might get a good look at her (Nieuw A) on the Juneau cam to see the status of repairs on those four balconies. How long is your choo choo ride from A'dam to Kiel in the Bundesrepublik Deutschland? Dutch train or German train?

German train.  I'm actually surprised at how long it is.  3 hours to Osnabruck and then 2 more to Kiel.

 

Roy

[rafinmd]

Day NS+1, Monday, May 6, Amsterdam

The Nieuw Statendam is at sea from Amsterdam to Flam, Norway.  Queen Victoria is in St. Petersburg.  QM2 is at sea from New York to Southampton.

I slept late this morning getting up at 6:30.  Breakfast at the hotel is pretty decent (but I didn't take my camera).  I left the hotel about 9:30 and spent much of the day trying to find the places I had missed Sunday (stubborn streak, you say?).  First up was the Anglican Church and I had placed the location from google maps onto my GPS.  Even then it was a bit of a challenge to hone in.  I took the Metro to Waterlooplein and then circled around until I finally found the church.  Did I mention this is a city of canals?  If the starting point of the cruise, Ft. Lauderdale is the "Venice of North America" then the end point must be "The Venice of Northern Europe"  When the GPS first said I was close to the church it was across the canal and I first had to find a crossing before continuing the search.  Once I found the church ( Groenburgwal 42 ) I returned to Waterlooplein and took the metro back to the hotel for a little while.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/canal.jpg

I decided I wanted another ham and cheese toastie for lunch.  When I found a spot where the menu looked right and the restaurant wasn't busy I went in and was told "We're all booked up but we can serve you in the bar".  I got a little back of the house tour on the way and was soon seated.  The sandwich was great as well as the pistachio ice cream followup.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/lunch06.jpg

The afternoon was largely spent at the maritime museum, a 10 minute bus ride from Central Station.  It's quite a large building with a multi-story exhibit space surrounding a large open courtyard.  There were many nice exhibits but some of my highlights started with a section on whaling including some relatively new whaling tools (mid 20th century), a huge saw for cutting bones and a powerful harpoon gun.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/whaletools.jpg

Next was a display of navigation including some of the early chronometers that made it possible to determine longitude at sea.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/cronometer.jpg

I started on the final wing by going outside to some historic and replica ships.  In a covered shed we had the first Royal Barge, ordered for the first Dutch King in 1814.  It has been restored several times and goes out to the water on special occasions.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/barge.jpg

The Christiana Brining served several roles including as an ice breaker.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/brunings.jpg

The most magnificent ship (a replica) was the Amsterdam.  Since Holland America reuses ship names starting with one I'm going to call this Amsterdam 0.  It was glorious as seen from inside the museum where I could take it all in.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/adamfull.jpg

 

 

We could tour all the areas of the ship from the hold to the top decks.  I put together a little collage of the ship.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/amsterdam.jpg

The master's cabin was quite nice--if the master either was short or knew how to duck.  I think the ceiling was under 5 feet.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/adammaster.jpg

After leaving the ships I went upstairs in that wing for the MS Oranje, originally an ocean liner until WW2, a hospital ship during the war, a ship for repatriation of Dutch from Indonesia after they became independent, and finally as a cruise ship until 1979.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/oranje.jpg

I spent about 2 hours in the museum and then walked to the cruise terminal.  One of the ships in port was the MV Columbus, one of the few cruise ships able to enter the Great Lakes, and then past the river cruise area (I board the Crystal Bach in October) and finally back to the hotel.

Dinner was at the hotel restaurant, a grilled chicken entree.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/dinner06.jpg

As my parting shot today, congratulations to Harry and Megan.

Roy

 

[Copper10-8]

I should have reminded you of the English Reformed Church on "het Begijnhof" 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Reformed_Church,_Amsterdam

[Krazy Kruizers]

Enjoyed reading your Amsterdam report and looking at the pictures.  Brought back many memories of the times we spent in Amsterdam.

[rafinmd]

5 hours ago, Copper10-8 said:

I should have reminded you of the English Reformed Church on "het Begijnhof" 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Reformed_Church,_Amsterdam

Ah, the Church of Scotland.  I visited once when the Crystal Symphony was in Invergorden.  Quite an Experience.

 

Roy

[DeeniEncinitas]

Hi Roy!!!!

getting caught up today long flight back from Paris! Looking forward to more of

your adventures!

Denise😊

[rafinmd]

Welcome home Denise.

 

Greetings from Kiel.  It was not an easy day but I'm now in my hotel (a big step up from Amsterdam).  A bit tired so I may not report until morning but I might almost be able to watch QV dock from my window.

 

Roy

[DeeniEncinitas]

1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

Welcome home Denise.

 

Greetings from Kiel.  It was not an easy day but I'm now in my hotel (a big step up from Amsterdam).  A bit tired so I may not report until morning but I might almost be able to watch QV dock from my window.

 

Roy

Glad your hotel is a BIG step up from Amsterdam!!! Get your rest Roy and thanks for the welcome home.

As always it’s fun to travel along with you😊

Denise😊

[rafinmd]

Day NSplus2, Tuesday, May 7, Amsterdam to Kiel

Nieuw Statendam is in Flam.  QM2 is at sea from New York to Southampton.  QV is in St. Petersburg (leaving for Kiel as I arrive there).

My morning started with a short morning walk over to the bus departure area of the train station where the sun was just coming up over the harbor.  It is very close to the area where river cruises embark the Crystal Bach 27 October after the 18 October QM2 crossing and a couple days in London.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/dawn0507.jpg

I got my final breakfast in the Ibis about 8:30.  While the environment in Kiel is nicer I think I liked the food at the Ibis a bit better.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/ibisbkfst.jpg

I left my cell in Amsterdam just before 10 for the walk to Central Station.  It's a busy place in the morning but I found a small place to sit while waiting for the platform to open up.  Once I got to the platform a number of sleek Dutch trains came and went.  From what I could see I was a bit surprised that there didn't appear to be any car numbers visible.  I'm thought most European trains were reserved seating which would be difficult without a visible car number.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/dutchtrain.jpg

My train was due to leave at 11 and pulled onto the platform about 10:50.  I needed to walk pretty close to the length of the train to get to car 11 and find seat 22 (I had the same assignment on both trains).  The car was organized into little compartments each holding 4 people and I was surprised that there was very little space for luggage.  It would have been very difficult to deal with the big bag if I had kept it.  (The photo was taken at Kiel after all the other occupants had left my compartment).

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/compartment.jpg

The equipment was German but I believe the operating crew while traveling in the Netherlands was Dutch.  There was a small café in my car (A slight step up from the café on Amtrak's Washington-Boston corridor).  I got lunch (fries) just about the time we crossed into Germany.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/cafecar.jpg

The initial journey was about 3 hours to Osnabruck.  The departing train to Kiel was on a cross track at a high level.  I saw a sign for my platform but it was only stairs; I did not see any signs pointing to an escalator or lift.  It was the equivalent of about 3 decks on a ship, something I would normally take in stride, but not with 60 pounds (45 main pack, 15 day pack) and the climb took most of the wind out of my sails.  It turned out I had plenty of time as the train to Kiel was 30 minutes late.  This is not high speed rail.  It was about 160 miles Osnabruck to Kiel and 3 hours.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/ice.jpg

I am in the Atlantic Kiel hotel, directly across the plaza from the train station.  I was checked into the hotel about 6:15 and what a difference from Amsterdam.  I think my bathroom here is about the size of the room in the Ibis.  I have a view overlooking the harbor, a fridge, and what's especially nice is several outlets (but I only have 2 Euro adapters).  While the Ibis filled the need, this is a treat.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/atlkeil417.jpg

I do hope it doesn't get too cold in Kiel.  My Travelsmith black blazer (the only jacket I have for either casual or gala nights until reunited with the shipped bag) was getting a little ratty and the hotel dry cleaning service looks promising, so I will go a day without it.  It was one layer on call for chilly temperatures but it was pretty decent in the evening when the sun was out so I'm hopeful I'll be ok.

When I went out for dinner and a walk around town (not much open in the evening) I took a photo of the station from the hotel door.  It is that close!  I spent much of the evening in the hotel recovering from the day's travel.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/kielhbf.jpg

My parting shot--from here to New York things should be easy and stress free.  I'm ready for that.

Roy

 

[rafinmd]

A couple of extra comments here.  When I first started looking at this trip I was looking at the transatlantic on Oasis of the Seas so I was really interested in their drydock incident.  I started following their roll call, and a number of their people ended up on HAL ships, I know Veendam, Volendam, Nieuw Statendam, and I think Nieuw Amsterdam.  With just one exception (Nieuw Statendam) they raved about HAL and several of my other ship mates chimed in with very differing opinions.  You can't please everybody I guess.  I think HAL came out well as a result of the accident.

 

With the much more spacious room in Kiel I pulled out my scanner and have posted the Voyage Log on the extra's page of my blog.  Here's a direct link:

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/nsvoyagelog.pdf

 

Roy

[Krazy Kruizers]

The Cafe on the train looks nicer for sitting than the compartment you were assigned to.

 

Much better looking hotel room!!

 

Enjoying your reports and pictures.

[rafinmd]

Actually, the seats in the compartment were a lot more comfortable than the ones in the cafe but the cafe sure had a cheerful look.

 

Roy

Edited May 8, 2019 by rafinmd

[DeeniEncinitas]

Hi Roy!!

Great sunrise pic😊 The train station looked nice but no numbers on train🙄 that would freak me out! Your right! That pic of your compartment has very little room for luggage! The cafe reminded me of a place called Jonny Rockets for burgers👍 Your hotel room looks nice and I hope the dry cleaning at hotel works out for you.

Denise😊

[rafinmd]

On 4/22/2019 at 7:53 AM, *Miss G* said:

 

What did you think of the book?  I happen to have it in my Amazon cart, along with “The Day the World Came to Town.”  I don’t know when/if it will be available in the US but try to see “You Are Here:  A Come From Away Story” when you get the chance.  It is very moving.  I don’t know why but there are two versions.  One of them focuses on the more technical side.  It is the other one you want to see.

Somehow while I was on the internet today I ran across a place in the site where there was a streaming version of the video.  When I clicked on it it said "Only available in Canada".  I will be visiting family outside Montreal in August but their internet is not very good.  I have booked Come From Away in Toronto the day before my visit so I'll try to catch You Are Here from my Toronto hotel.

 

Roy

Edited May 8, 2019 by rafinmd

[rafinmd]

1 hour ago, DeeniEncinitas said:

Hi Roy!!

Great sunrise pic😊 The train station looked nice but no numbers on train🙄 that would freak me out! Your right! That pic of your compartment has very little room for luggage! The cafe reminded me of a place called Jonny Rockets for burgers👍 Your hotel room looks nice and I hope the dry cleaning at hotel works out for you.

Denise😊

Thanks.  I've seen Johnny Rockets on Royal Caribbean's biggest ships but I know there are none in my area.  Do they have a presence in yours.

 

Jacket came back ready for a week of service.  I was  a bit concerned; I'm used to ships laundry but the hotel did not deliver--I had to go down to the front desk to pick it up.

 

Roy

[DeeniEncinitas]

9 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

Thanks.  I've seen Johnny Rockets on Royal Caribbean's biggest ships but I know there are none in my area.  Do they have a presence in yours.

 

Jacket came back ready for a week of service.  I was  a bit concerned; I'm used to ships laundry but the hotel did not deliver--I had to go down to the front desk to pick it up.

 

Roy

Roy we had one in La Jolla but didn’t do well so it is closed. Glad your blazer came back in good dry clean condition! I would of thought they would deliver to your room? Also thanks for your link to your Voyage log!

Denise😊

[rafinmd]

Day NSplus3, Wednesday, May 8, Kiel, Germany

Nieuw Statendam is at sea from Flam to Kristiansand.  QM2 is at sea from New York to Southampton.  QV is at sea from St. Petersburg to Kiel.

I slept a bit late getting up just after 6.  The sun had just risen over the harbor outside my window.  

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/dawn0508.jpg

 

Breakfast is at the hotel's restaurant.  It's a buffet with service for coffee and juice.  It's a pretty nice spread but you get checked off as you enter, not very compatible with my habit of snacking my way through breakfast.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/kielbkfst.jpg

I guess I will not see Queen Victoria's arrival from my room.  There are 2 ferry terminals I can see and we had ships docking at both of them in the morning.  The first to arrive was the Color Magic which Wikipedia calls the "largest cruise ferry in the world".  It is big, 75,100 GRT, or about 5/6 the size of Queen Victoria.  It can carry 2600 passengers and 550 cars, and provides regular service to Oslo, a run of 20 hours one way.  I was quite impressed.  The second was about 40 minutes later, Stena Scandinavica, still big at 57,639GRT carrying 1300 passengers and 300 cars.  It's crossing is about 14 hours to Gothenburg, Sweden.  I have sailed a sister about 8 years ago, Stena Britannica from Holland to the UK, a very pleasant evening cruise.  Later in the day I watched as they left town, Color Magic at 2 and Stena Scandinavica at 6:30.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/ferries.jpg

It was overall a pretty quiet day but I did scout out the cruise terminal a bit.  Ostseekai cruise terminal is about a mile from the hotel.  It's a pleasant walk but not carrying 60 pounds of stuff.  Cunard documents only said "terminal to be confirmed" but the schedule in the window had us there and not at the remote dock.  There's a city bus that will get me close enough.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/ostseekai.jpg

The walk to Ostseekai was along the waterfront but I veered a couple of blocks inland on the return trip.  There were some nice wide pedestrian streets.  Along the way I found a little shop with pizza by the slice which became my choice for lunch.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/kielcentral.jpg

When I was growing up one of the stalwarts of the shopping world was Woolworths.  They've long been gone from at least most of the US but I found it in Kiel and it looks like vestigial remains of the same company.  I found some sodas and snacks there.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/woolworths.jpg

The Color Magic sailed at 2 and I went over to watch the departure.  Near their terminal there's an obscure relic of history.  One of the propellers from the iconic QE2 found it's way to Kiel.  This propeller served the ship up to 1986 until the ship went to Bremerhaven for conversion to diesel power.  There is no plaque or other indication of what it is but it is noted on google maps.

https://getawaysfrom21044.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/qe2prop.jpg

By the time I went out to dinner it was stating to drizzle a bit.  I tried to time my departure from the food court to work with Stena Scandinavica's 6:45 departure but it got away a bit early and was already backing away from the dock when I arrived.

I am used to ship's laundry services and was surprised that my jacket hadn't been returned by the time I returned from dinner.  It appears to be more like a regular laundry where you need to go down to pick it up, in this case at the front desk.  In any case, it's ready for my time on QV and QM2.

As I move from the Holland America phase of the journey into the Cunard phase, my final parting shot for the HAL phase is a sad one.  Passengers on the Amsterdam World Cruise report that one of their own has disappeared from the ship.  I wish peace and healing to the family of this soul.

Roy

 

[rafinmd]

My ship has arrived.

 

 

This will conclude my routine posting on this thread.  The journey continues on the Cunard forum:

 

 

Roy

[erewhon]

Thank you for your interesting reports.

Enjoy you time on Cunard.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Wonderful report and pictures.

 

Our favorite store when we grew up was GC Murphy's -- now it is gone as well. 

 

We sailed on the QEII many years ago. 

 

Time to move over to the Cunard board.

[ski ww]

Looking forward to reading about your continuing adventure on Cunard.

[DeeniEncinitas]

Wait for me KK!! I’m coming with you to Cunard board! I’m running 🏃‍♀️ to catch up!

Thanks Roy for a wonderful journey!

not over yet 

Denise😊