Pete and Judy's 2020 World Cruise on the ms Amsterdam, Holland America Line

[ski ww]

Bon Voyage, looking forward to your posts, looks like a great itinerary. 

[whogo]

17 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

More on the piano bar entertainer:

 

Diane Slagle

 

https://www.facebook.com/diane.fast.9

 

Diane is my favorite, I hung out more in her piano bar than any other. See if she still has the music for "Gimme a Pig Foot and a Bottle of Beer".

 

Wish I was as tech savvy and good at planning as you. I like the way you uber around and visit yarn stores and all. I'm jealous.  https://www.theinsidecabin.com/ is top notch and now you're on Twitter, too, not to mention on a world cruise. 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Day 2

 

5 January 2020

 

The Endless Cruise

 

Today is day two of our 128 day cruise.  I remember our first Alaska cruise in 1998 which was only seven days, but that seemed like a very long cruise at the time.  Later in 2006 I took a 28 day cruise which seemed absolutely endless.  Now starting out on a 128 day cruise the end date is so far in the future that the cruise seems endless.  

 

Room service breakfast is how we typically start our day and it was delivered promptly as usual.  Breakfast was exactly as ordered, tasty and hot.

 

TEXAS HOLD’EM CANCELED

 

The Casino cage opens at 9 AM and I was down there a few minutes before to sign up for the Texas Hold’em tournament which would start at 11 AM.  On previous cruises people would line up an hour before opening to ensure their spot as the tournaments filled up quickly.  Today I was the only person to sign up once the casino opened.  I would find out later that only three people signed up which is not enough to have a game.  

 

The games require a $60 buy for the 11 o’clock game and $100 for the game at 1:00 PM.  While this price point may work on the Caribbean cruise circuits, I don’t think the World Cruise passengers will be participating in too many $100 Texas Hold‘em tournaments.  I could be proven wrong, time will tell.  

 

Live dealers for Texas Hold‘em are a thing of the past on Holland America ships, including the Amsterdam.  They do have a new automatic poker table which we had a chance to see demonstrated.  It has a better presentation than ones I’ve seen in the past so I remain cautiously optimistic that things will work with the poker tournaments as the cruise goes on.

 

CRUISE CRITIC MEET AND GREET

 

A massive crowd assembled at 10 AM in the Crow’s Nest for the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet.  There was easily over 150 people.  There were no representatives from the ship’s officers or crew which is the norm on all ships nowadays.  

 

Kathi, aka Scrapnana, opened the meeting with a few announcements and discussed a potential slot pull and cabin crawl.  She also provided a big thank you to Mary Anne, aka MamSam, who did a fantastic job putting together the pre-cruise photo book.  

 

Another passenger arranged to have pens delivered to everyone’s cabin that were labeled 2020 Grand World Voyage which was very nice.  

 

The meeting was over in 20 minutes but people lingered for another half an hour as old friends caught up with people they knew from earlier cruises. 

 

OCEANS - THE REAL LUNGS OF THE WORLD

 

As there was no Texas Hold ‘em tournament at 11 o’clock I wandered up to the main stage to catch the lecture by botanist Ginny Stibolt who was speaking on the topic “Oceans the Real Lungs of the World”.  It was very well presented and interesting for those with an interest in the subject matter at hand.  I only stayed for a few minutes before moving on.. Judy stayed for the entire lecture and enjoyed it very much. 

 

LUNCH IN THE LIDO MARKET

 

For lunch in the Lido Market the custom sandwich bar replaces the pasta bar.  It is only available on the World Cruise.  It may be on other Grand Voyages as well, but I don’t have any firsthand knowledge of that.  If others know if the sandwich bar is available on other Grand Voyages please leave me a comment below.  We have come to enjoy the custom salad bar where the staff will prepare a very nice fresh salad per our requests from the available ingredients. 

 

MICRSOFT STUDIO

 

All Holland America ships offer “Microsoft Studio” which is an instructor led collection of classes on various Microsoft products.  Today’s topic was on the program “OneNote” and taught by Microsoft Studio instructor Claudia.  

 

While I have been using “OneNote” for years I always enjoy these classes as I inevitably learn something new.  I arrived exactly at the scheduled starting time and there were still two seats available.  The classes last about 45 minutes and each student has a laptop at their station.  Claudia also offers what they referred to as Studio Time which is an open session where you can come and use the classroom laptops and she will be available for consultation and one on one tutoring.  They don’t officially support Apple products but they are usually able to offer some help nevertheless.  

 

OneNote

 

I use OneNote to plan my trips and I have established a OneNote notebook for this World Cruise.  Each port is a different section which contains all of my emails, travel notes, tour confirmations, etc.  I used to print all this information out and put it into a large binder but now I’m totally paperless except for a few copies of items where it’s required to have a hard copy of the tour ticket.  Another benefit is that my entire cruise OneNote notebook is now synchronized between our cell phones which means I have access to all the data wherever we may be as internet access isn’t needed once the notebook is synchronized. 

 

GUEST SERVICES aka INTERNET CAFÉ

 

The lines for guest services have been fairly long over the last day and a half and I think they might want to rename Guest Services – ‘Internet Services’.  It seems that many of the queries have revolved around people struggling to get logged into the ships Internet system.  One of the changes from my earlier Holland America cruises is that you no longer establish a separate username and password for this ship and voyage.  You must log into the Holland America App using your land based account username and password.  This probably caused some confusion as people may have had old usernames and passwords still populating their login fields.  Also if you did not have a Holland America land-based account or if your travel agent ran it for you, then you needed to establish an account or refresh yourself with how to log in. 

 

We were able to log into our accounts easily and so far the internet service and speed has been fabulous.  Much of the quality of the internet is location dependent and being in the Caribbean typically gives us faster connection speeds since we are sailing below a large number of satellites that service all of the ships in the area.  Once we venture off the beaten path near Antarctica and in the Southern Pacific we may get slower service since the number of satellites in our area will be less. 

 

Judy and I have both signed up for their Premium Package which allows us to stay logged on for most of the day since the Internet is no longer allocated by connection time but by the amount of data used.  Being able to stay connected allows us to use messaging apps like WhatsApp or IMessage to communicate. 

 

SECURITY CONFISCATED ITEMS

 

Next to the front desk some luggage was located in the “penalty box” labeled as SECURITY CONFISCATED ITEM.  As you can see from the picture below, there was a handful of suitcases tied together awaiting passengers to claim them and explain what probably appeared to be contraband on the x-ray machine.  I’ve never noticed luggage that would normally be held in what some call the “naughty room” displayed so publicly.  

 

PHOTO SERVICES

 

The ships photographers, four of them, have offered several packages.  There is one called “All-Inclusive” where you get a copy of every picture that you are in, including digital files on a USB stick, for $549.  They also offer a taste of candid moments for $80 which gives you five candid photographs with the digital versions for an extra $10.  A 5 photo formal set is $160 with an extra $10 required to get digital copies.  Black Label photography is not offered on the World Cruise. 

 

They plan to run two photo contests which will be judged by selected officers.  In the past some photo contests have been selected through passenger voting.  We preferer the winner being decided by a panel of the officers as this avoids people establishing lobbying campaigns to vote for their favorite.

 

CRAFTS

 

Nancy Grace is once again leading the Craft Class held at 2:30 in the Lido Market.  We stopped by to check out the crowd.  About 100 people were ready to go.  This class has proven to be so popular on previous cruises that they contemplated giving out tickets to avoid long lines and people queuing up hours in advance.  Here is a copy of the projects for the entire cruise and this will also be a permanent link on my World Cruise reference page section which you can find from a drop-down menu on the front page of this blog.  

 

MAIN DINING ROOM

 

Attendance at late seating continues to be very light.  We had a chance to speak with one of the managers and he told us that main seating is roughly half full but that every table on Early Seating, and those on Open Seating, are filled by 7 PM.  

 

In an effort to increase attendance at the late shows they moved up the starting time to 9:30 PM instead of 10 PM.  This requires those at Main Seating to be prompt with their dinners to arrive at the theater on time.  So far this hasn’t been a problem and we finished our dinner this evening by 9:10 PM.  

 

ON THE MAIN STAGE

 

Tonight’s show, “On Tour” was performed by the Holland America singers and dancers.  It was a collection of pop hits performed by two female vocalists and two male vocalists, accompanied by three female dancers and three male dancers.  They were joined by the always outstanding Holland America Orchestra consisting of musical director Michael on piano, Connor on keyboards, Grahame on drums, Emilio on the guitar, Tyler on bass guitar.

 

The show was wonderful and the quality of the dancing and singing continues to be outstanding.  The Amsterdam is the last of the Holland America ships to have a traditional cast crew and we’re looking forward to seeing their performances over the next four months.  

 

THE CROWS NEST

 

After the show we stopped by the Crow’s Nest where the Station Band was playing a variety of pop tunes.  There was probably a half dozen people on the dance floor with another dozen or so in attendance sitting around the bar or in the lounge chairs 

 

While chatting with the bartender we learned that plastic straws are no longer available on the Amsterdam.  They will be using paper straws now and straws made from pasta later on.

 

PILLOW GIFTS

 

Back in the room we were greeted by the first of many pillow gifts.  This consisted of two messenger bags, two moleskin pocket planners, and a pocket-sized key cardholder.  There were not any towel animals this evening.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Great report.

 

But I don't see any pictures.

[Seasick Sailor]

2 minutes ago, Krazy Kruizers said:

Great report.

 

But I don't see any pictures.

 

It is on their blog..

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Great report.
 
But I don't see any pictures.

I usually put one picture here, the rest at www.theinsidecabin.com


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[mkcurran]

Thanks for taking us along!

[sandiego1]

I followed your 2018 blog in preparation for our 2019 WC. It was very helpful. Reading this one since we're going again in 2020.

 

Few questions if you don't mind:

- what is the cost of the internet? We paid $799 for the premium package in 2019 (for 1 device at a time).

- Is there still a custom pasta station in the Lido in the evening?

 

We purchased the full photo package in 2019. The price was $380. I can't believe they raised it to $549. That's an insane increase!

[Seasick Sailor]

12 minutes ago, sandiego1 said:

 

We purchased the full photo package in 2019. The price was $380. I can't believe they raised it to $549. That's an insane increase!

 

Especially since photos are digital til printed. I should have been in photography rather than aerospace!

[DeeniEncinitas]

Enjoying the reading! Went to your blog site nice pictures. Paper straws are fine Oceania is now replacing plastic with paper. PASTA STRAWS LOL! Now that’s one thing not for me😉 IMO 

Looking forward to more of your adventures.

Denise😊

[The-Inside-Cabin]

I followed your 2018 blog in preparation for our 2019 WC. It was very helpful. Reading this one since we're going again in 2020.
 
Few questions if you don't mind:
- what is the cost of the internet? We paid $799 for the premium package in 2019 (for 1 device at a time).
- Is there still a custom pasta station in the Lido in the evening?
 
We purchased the full photo package in 2019. The price was $380. I can't believe they raised it to $549. That's an insane increase!

The precruise premium internet price was $799 at first. They offered a 20 percent discount ($640) about 3 weeks before sailing. Onboard price was $669

No pasta bar during the late LIDO buffet. They had one during lunch. Not sure about dinner. I'll check


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[The-Inside-Cabin]

DAY 3

6 Jan 2020

COFFEE CHAT

 

On most sea days, the cruise director, Hamish, hosts a member of the crew or a guest entertainer in the Explorer’s Lounge at 9:30 AM.  People start to arrive about 30 minutes early to get their favorite seats, but there is always room in the back regardless of when you arrive.  These interviews are not taped or broadcast live.  Hamish does a great job and the interviews are always interesting.  I try to attend them all. 

 

Today’s guest was the Shore Excursion Manager, Deimante.  She is from Lithuanian where she lives today with her Australian husband. 

GUEST LECTURER

 

Guest Lecturer, Charles McClelland, gave a wonderful presentation on the history and culture on the Caribbean.  It was well attended, probably 80% full, and very good.  

 

We had our first Texas Hold’em tournament of the cruise today with 5 players.  The buy in is $60 but you start with $5000 in tournament chips instead of $1500 and the blinds start at $25/50, increase every 15 minutes.  The games will last almost 2 hours with these rules and so far once the game got down to 2 remaining players, they chopped the pot.  Otherwise the game could last much  longer. 

CASINO UPDATE

 

No one has shown any interest in the $100 tournament scheduled for 1 PM.  

The automatic poker table is much improved over earlier versions, and is working fine. 

CAPTAIN’S RECEPTION

 

Tonight was the Captain’s Welcome Reception in the Main Stage, and our first Gala evening.  They held one reception at 4:30 for early seating and a second reception at 6:30.  Complimentary beverages and snacks were served by waiters circulating with trays of food and others with Champagne, red or white wine and Martini’s.  The Martini’s had an olive in the glass, but they no longer use toothpicks in the olives.  I will have to check if they still use toothpicks for some of the tropical drinks.  

 

There was a short receiving line at the entrance to the Main Stage on Deck 4 Starboard.  Then we were directed to empty seats to wait for the Captain’s remarks and his introduction of the ship’s senior officers. 

 

The theme for the Gala Night was the “Black and Gold” Ball.  Everyone was dressed nicely with far less tuxedos than earlier years, but were still worn by many.  We have observed that the main seating crowd tends to dress up more than earlier, but this is very unscientific and based on a very small sample.

 

Dinner was wonderful (surf and turf offered among many other entrees) and the waiters were dressed in Black and Gold.  All the menus are posted on the blog.

 

John Bressler was the featured entertainer on the Main Stage.  He sings and plays piano and put on a wonderful, highly entertaining show.  We spoke with him after the show and he accepted our dinner invitation for tomorrow evening.  

[Krazy Kruizers]

Wonderful report.

 

I will have to look up the link to your blog.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Okay -- I see the link and was able to see all the pictures.

 

They are great.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Arriving Roseau, Dominica!



Looks like a great day!


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[The-Inside-Cabin]

Day 4

7 Jan 2020

 

The weather is perfect as we head south toward our first port in Dominica.  We have sun shine, smooth seas, light winds and low humidity. 

 

EARTHQUAKE AT SEA

 

Early this morning about 7AM our time, the ship shuddered as if we hit a large wave.  I was up and felt this, but didn’t think anything of it.  During the Captain’s noon announcement he announced that this morning we were sailing near Puerto Rico, very close to the epicenter of a magnitude 6.0 earthquake and that is what caused the ship to shudder.  He said this was only the second time in his career when he was able to feel an earthquake while at sea.

 

GUEST LECTURE

 

Guest Lecturer, Charles McClelland, gave another interesting lecture on the history of US intervention in the Caribbean and Central America since 1900.  His lectures continue to be excellent. 

 

CASINO UPDATE

 

We had another 5 person Texas Hold’em tournament at 11 AM.  Still no interest in the 1 PM $100 tournament, but 7 of the regular players assembled at 2 PM for a Cash Game.  We played for two hours and had a wonderful time. 

 

It was so nice outside that we had our lunch out by the aft pool.  

 

MAIN DINING ROOM

 

The guest entertainer from last night, John Bressler, joined us for dinner this evening.  He was a wonderful guest and we enjoyed hearing about his travels around the world over his long career of entertaining on cruise ships.  He has 51 nieces and nephews.  We challenged him to name them all.  He came close. 

ON THE MAIN STAGE

 

Comedian Tim Kaminski was the featured entertainer this evening.  His show revolved around his hilarious interaction with various guests he brought up on stage.  They acted out a skit of the Wizard of Oz which was very funny due to the great attitude and talent of the random passengers he brought to the stage.  Audience participation comedians can be hit or miss, but this was definitely a hit!

 

Tomorrow is our first port of call in Roseau, Dominica.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

In Dominica on tour.

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[forwardho]

Thank you for reporting and sharing your adventures. I can’t imagine that many days at sea. We are testing the waters with a 30 day cruise in October. Loved your video of the falls.

[ski ww]

Just got caught up with your blog, great job, love the map.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Wonderful report.  Had a feeling that your ship might feel that "bump" around Puerto Rico.

 

We did the Trafalgar Falls tours -- loved your video.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

We are in St Lucia now. Heading out on our "Cook like a Lucian" tour


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[*Miss G*]

19 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

In Dominica on tour.
 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

 

 

Thanks for posting this!  I had no idea those falls were there and so close to the port... even with all of my research!  We chatted with others coming back and they said there was nothing to see so we got back onboard.  Definitely asked the wrong people.

 

I sincerely need to know if pasta straws are a thing or if that was just an autocorrect fail!?!

 

Earthquake at sea!  That’s a scary thought.  I recall sailing by Haiti at Christmas-time 2009 and wondering if we would be hit by a wave if there was an earthquake.  Sadly, Haiti was devastatingly hit just two weeks later.  ☹️

 

I am really enjoying your blog and pics.  Thank you!

[cuccumella]

Definitely following along! Thank you for taking the time to share!!

[ChaCr]

Hi,

 

I've enjoyed reading your blogs here and on your inside cabin.  

 

I have a question: From my reading over the years,  I know you served in the US Navy.  But I don't recognize the medals you wear on your tux on "gala" nights.  You are not wearing a uniform.  So, what are the medals you proudly wear on your tux jacket?  (As you can guess, I have no military background.)

 

Thanks in advance for your response.

 

Charles

[Seasick Sailor]

57 minutes ago, ChaCr said:

Hi,

 

I've enjoyed reading your blogs here and on your inside cabin.  

 

I have a question: From my reading over the years,  I know you served in the US Navy.  But I don't recognize the medals you wear on your tux on "gala" nights.  You are not wearing a uniform.  So, what are the medals you proudly wear on your tux jacket?  (As you can guess, I have no military background.)

 

Thanks in advance for your response.

 

Charles

 

My father was retired Navy. I believe Navy retirees can wear their medals on civilian attire at most venues (weddings and formal affairs)

 

We are retired Army and we have a different criteria:

 

Army Regulation 670-1, paragraph 30-6, says that former members of the Army (including active duty, reserves, or Army National Guard), may wear medals on "appropriate" civilian clothing on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Armed Forces Day, as well as at "formal occasions of ceremony and social functions of a military nature." Appropriate civilian clothes include clothes designed for veteran and patriotic organizations, such as VFW or American Legion uniforms. You can wear either the full-size or miniature-size medals.