Live From Nieuw Amsterdam Through the Panama Canal Followed by One Week in the Caribbean

[Ken the cruiser]

31 minutes ago, Crew News said:

 

There is some interesting weather ahead of us.

 

More later.

 

If you haven’t heard of the Windy website yet, I really enjoy using it when we were in different parts of the world. Once you click on the below link, enter a city or area description in the upper left hand corner, then select the specific location you are interested in. For example based on where the Nieuw Amsterdam is currently located, enter Cabo San Lucas.

https://www.windy.com/

 

Edited October 8, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[aliaschief]

Always enjoy your informative live cruise blogs. Thanks

[oaktreerb]

Roger, Congrats on the Meet and Greet attendance.  You are obviously known and respected by HAL staff!

 

There has again been a lot of discussion about Club Orange recently and how it is handled on different ships.   On the Signature ships the Club Orange sales would be limited by the size of the dedicated dining room.  How does HAL determine how many Club Orange memberships are offered for ships like the Nieuw Amsterdam where CO is seated in the MDR?  on the NA does CO have a dedicated seating area?

 

I look forward to your reports.  Have a wonderful cruise.

[Crew News]

26 minutes ago, oaktreerb said:

Roger, Congrats on the Meet and Greet attendance.  You are obviously known and respected by HAL staff!

 

There has again been a lot of discussion about Club Orange recently and how it is handled on different ships.   On the Signature ships the Club Orange sales would be limited by the size of the dedicated dining room.  How does HAL determine how many Club Orange memberships are offered for ships like the Nieuw Amsterdam where CO is seated in the MDR?  on the NA does CO have a dedicated seating area?

 

I look forward to your reports.  Have a wonderful cruise.

There is a designated check-in line for CO at the Deck 2 MDR.  Although I suspect they would gladly expand it for the extra CO $$, I will inquire tonight.

 

Tonight will be my first MDR meal since boarding so I will probably have more to say tonight about it.  It is also dressy night.

Edited October 8, 2023 by Crew News

[POA1]

As always, thanks for taking us along!

[SUESEABE]

Thanks for the live thread. Looking forward to follow along.

 

[CruisingGrandmaW]

Hello @Crew News

Hopefully you're ahead of the rain coming in.

We board the Eurodam on Oct 12th out of San Diego.

Weather forecast - only Sun in Puerto Vallarta.

Otherwise rain every day all the way thru & including Aruba.

Ugh

[Crew News]

4 hours ago, Crew News said:

There is a designated check-in line for CO at the Deck 2 MDR.  Although I suspect they would gladly expand it for the extra CO $$, I will inquire tonight.

 

Tonight will be my first MDR meal since boarding so I will probably have more to say tonight about it.  It is also dressy night.

There are a many CO tables as needed in the Deck 2 MDR.  There is no designated CO seating area rather "best" tables sprinkled throughout the MDR.  That translates to whatever table you wish after you stand in a very short waiting line to approach the CO podium

 

The CO Host was aboard with me in May and it was a chance to reminisce for a few moments our shared 13% ship listing in the Gulf of Alaska.  We were also together on the Rotterdam last December.

 

Thanks for the question as it provided me the chance to relive some memories with a crew member I might not have encountered under normal circumstances.

[Crew News]

Day 03 began under cloudy skies and afloat on bumpy seas.

 

This was a sea day that offered time for me to gather information as well as the first Dressy night.  This was also a Sunday Brunch Day, served only on longer cruises.  The menu included Mexican lunch dishes as well as breakfast specialties.  I was surprised to see a full MDR.

 

Based on a MDR invitation from the Hotel Assistant General Manager, I cancelled my PG lunch at 12:30 PM looked forward to the 5:30 PM MDR dinner and the chance to gather more information.  As a first time “officer’s table” guest, I was surprised that my host was the Human Resources officer who was unable to answer any of my little notebook’s written questions.  I did learn that each category of employees has different contract lengths.  Two of the guests were travel agent reps promoting their private tours and the Seaborne line.  Other than talking with the other two couples, the value of the event was the free Diet Coke.

 

As I spoke with several crew members, it was a chance to relive our shared 13-degree listing of the ship in the Gulf of Alaska last May. 

Tidbits:

 

Drydock for the Nieuw Amsterdam will be from December 1 to 15^th.  I will try to get a summary of what will be done.

 

As posted earlier in this thread, rain is projected every day of this cruise.  My aft balcony is 2/3d covered so will be fine as the ship goes through the canal locks.

 

On the first cruise evening, I asked if the Late Snack had potato chips.  The Lido Market offered, and I accepted, a large bowl of potato chips at the start of the Late Snack meal for the rest of time aboard.

 

HAL has decided to start rotating senior staff to other ships rather than let them homestead.  This includes Captains and Hotel General Managers who will no longer be synonymous with a single ship.

Despite my phone being in airplane mode, a spam call still rang on my phone this morning. 

 

When the room lights are turned off (not the main power), so are the electrical outlets above the desk leaving my phone at 80% before a needed fast charging.

 

More later.

Edited October 9, 2023 by Crew News

[oaktreerb]

Interesting about the rotations of Captains and Hotel Managers.  I suppose it’s like “cross training” in a business environment.  I wish everybody who did a cruise commentary or review would include the name of the Captain, Cruise Director, and Hotel Director.  We won’t be able to get the Captains information from Capt Albert’s Blog in the future.

 

Do they limit the Club Orange upsells on non-Signature ships?   I’m even more curious now since there is no separate section for CO.

[Crew News]

31 minutes ago, oaktreerb said:

Interesting about the rotations of Captains and Hotel Managers.  I suppose it’s like “cross training” in a business environment.  I wish everybody who did a cruise commentary or review would include the name of the Captain, Cruise Director, and Hotel Director.  We won’t be able to get the Captains information from Capt Albert’s Blog in the future.

 

Do they limit the Club Orange upsells on non-Signature ships?   I’m even more curious now since there is no separate section for CO.

I will post the senior staff aboard in my daily post.

 

Prior to this new change, Captains and Hotel General Managers could be predicted, but now posting the names will probably be relevant for only a few months.  The Human Resources tried to explain each of the categories of HAL employees and wide variation of their contracts.

 

There is no limit on other than Pinnacle-class ships where there is separate seating.  On the latter class, CO turns out to be similar to the Disney VIP pass to get you to the head of the regular Embarkation Day check-in, Front Desk, and MDR waiting lines. 

[billbunger]

ODDS AND ENDS ON THE CRUISE.

 

Regarding the power outlets Roger mentioned. In our cabin when you turn off the power using your key card it is just the USB ports that go dead the AC outlets stay on. We couldn’t figure out why our devices where not fully charged in the morning thinking the USB ports where just slow charging, once we plugged our chargers into the AC wall sockets instead of the USB plugins all was well. 

 

The iteration of BB KIng’s All Stars on the ship is the best we have heard. They have moments where you shake your head and think what are you doing here. They are that good. 

 

The Ocean Bar has a three piece (piano, guitar, upright bass) group called Third Avenue West who play some good tunes. Jazz standards and jazz styles pop songs. 

 

The slots in the casino are stingier than ever. 

 

HOW ENTITLED ARE YOU?

 

My wife went up to the stern on the Lido deck for some sun a drink and lunch, I met her about 30 minutes later. A couple showed up before I got there and set up shop on two loungers with towels and a beach bag. They then proceeded to commandeer a table with an umbrella right beside the loungers. Between my wife and I we where there for at least two hours and they never once used the loungers, their entire time was spent at the table and yes people where walking around looking for loungers. Ya gotta love some people!💩

 

 

[Crew News]

5 minutes ago, billbunger said:

ODDS AND ENDS ON THE CRUISE.

 

Regarding the power outlets Roger mentioned. In our cabin when you turn off the power using your key card it is just the USB ports that go dead the AC outlets stay on. We couldn’t figure out why our devices where not fully charged in the morning thinking the USB ports where just slow charging, once we plugged our chargers into the AC wall sockets instead of the USB plugins all was well. 

 

The iteration of BB KIng’s All Stars on the ship is the best we have heard. They have moments where you shake your head and think what are you doing here. They are that good. 

 

The Ocean Bar has a three piece (piano, guitar, upright bass) group called Third Avenue West who play some good tunes. Jazz standards and jazz styles pop songs. 

 

The slots in the casino are stingier than ever. 

 

HOW ENTITLED ARE YOU?

 

My wife went up to the stern on the Lido deck for some sun a drink and lunch, I met her about 30 minutes later. A couple showed up before I got there and set up shop on two loungers with towels and a beach bag. They then proceeded to commandeer a table with an umbrella right beside the loungers. Between my wife and I we where there for at least two hours and they never once used the loungers, their entire time was spent at the table and yes people where walking around looking for loungers. Ya gotta love some people!💩

 

That is one of the better "chair hog" stories I have heard.  And they were probably there all day!!  Wonder if they were just opportunists or if that was their daily ritual.

[Crew News]

With so many sea days, I will not be posting a daily report rather posting as I gather information and respond to questions.  The MDR menus I have collected and will soon post will be applicable to the Eurodam soon to follow in the same path.

I cancelled my Puerta Vallarta open catamaran excursion due to the threat of rain and now today. The next day, hurricane Lidia hit the town with 140 mph winds as we escaped to the south.  Today, the port of Puerta Haultuco closed its harbor due to pending high winds so we again are again escaping to the south.  The excursion charges were credited back to our accounts within minutes of the captain making the announcement to all staterooms.  The new daily program featured a talk on surfboarding in the showroom.  It is certain that it will be well-attended by all of the surfers aboard.

My future excursion boat for the Costa Rica canals is covered and the rain will not stop my search for great egret photos.  My aft stateroom balcony is mostly covered so I will disregard the rain as the ship passes through the canal.

Note to self:  Do not book mid-October excursions through the hurricane zone.

Over the last few days sailing south, I saw several large, green, patches of seaweed in addition to a whale and some dolphins.

As promised, here is a list of senior ship officers:

Staff Captain – Jereon de Winter

Cruise Director – Gage Griffin

Hotel General Manager – Ruben Koolman

Assistant Hotel General Manager – Johnathon Scheumann

Executive Chef – Sivasanker Natarajan

 

Tidbits:

I posted the following on another thread for the new Canaletto Menu Specials:

Specials of the Day with fixed sides (fish varies based on availability):

• Grilled fish sides - Days 1-3:  sedana rapa puree, fried artichokes, tomato fennel confit, and extra virgin olive oil.

• Grilled tenderloin - Days 4-5:  red onion jam, roasted leek, herb crusted portabella

• Seared scallops - Days 6-7:  Maracona lemon herb crust, corn custard, crispy prosciutto

• Roasted rack of lamb - Days 8, 9, or 10 (chef’s choice):  smoked eggplant, Brussel sprout-pancetta-pecorino, Olive crumble, minted yogurt

• Grilled veal chop - Days 8, 9, or 10 (chef’s choice):  caponata, fried artichokes

 

Whatsapp phone calls remain clear and easy to make.  Several calls were dropped but turning Android “WiFi calling” OFF and then back to ON resolves the issue.

 

I will soon begin posting the MDR menus for this repositioning cruise to benefit the Eurodam passengers following a few days behind us.

One of changes I have noticed since my sailing this ship in May is the emergence of salt and pepper shakers on all dining tables.

I had an interesting discussion with several crew members when I noted the number of crew named “Potu.”  My room steward reported that “Potu” is one of five names in Bali and if someone shouts, “Potu,” many shouts of “Here,” will be the response.

Since we skipped our port today, the ship is sailing at only 8 knots for an on-time arrival at our next port.

More later.

[canadarocks]

Roger, love your Note to Self. 👍

 

Please know that as much as we all depend on you here (and we do!) for your amazing updates, it’s doubly important that you enjoy yourself! 😘

Edited October 11, 2023 by canadarocks

[whogo]

51 minutes ago, Crew News said:

One of changes I have noticed since my sailing this ship in May is the emergence of salt and pepper shakers on all dining tables.

I would welcome salt shakers. The Zaandam only had salt grinders last year.

 

Great thread once again, Crew News. I appreciate your digging up the facts.

[Crew News]

Just notified by the Captain that due to political unrest from the recent election, including rioting, violence, and road barriers in Guatemala ,that we will not be stopping there on Friday.  Instead, El Salvador will be substituted.  Excursions will be posted soon. I was not planning to leave the ship in Guatemala and definitely will not in El Salvador.  YMMV. 

 

So far, this cruise has crossed the path of a Cat 4 Hurricane (Lidia) with 140 mph winds in Puerta Vallarta, outraced gale force winds in Puerta Hualtuco, and now skipping rioting in Guatemala.  With this luck, I should buy a Casino raffle ticket.

[canadianbear]

19 minutes ago, Crew News said:

Just notified by the Captain that due to political unrest from the recent election, including rioting, violence, and road barriers in Guatemala ,that we will not be stopping there on Friday.  Instead, El Salvador will be substituted.  Excursions will be posted soon. I was not planning to leave the ship in Guatemala and definitely will not in El Salvador.  YMMV. 

 

So far, this cruise has crossed the path of a Cat 4 Hurricane (Lidia) with 140 mph winds in Puerta Vallarta, outraced gale force winds in Puerta Hualtuco, and now skipping rioting in Guatemala.  With this luck, I should buy a Casino raffle ticket.

Oh boy, quite the cruise for all.  

[SUESEABE]

1 hour ago, Crew News said:

With this luck, I should buy a Casino raffle ticket

And win a free cruise on Titanic!

[billbunger]

My wife and I feel the same way, in Guatemala we will get off the ship if there are shops in the dock area as we had no plans for an excursion. The El Salvador Port of Acajutla is an industrial port only and has no tourist facilities so we will stay aboard too. There is still a lot of MS-13 gang activity there and we think that in this case for us, discretion is the better part of valour.   

[Crew News]

34 minutes ago, billbunger said:

My wife and I feel the same way, in Guatemala we will get off the ship if there are shops in the dock area as we had no plans for an excursion. The El Salvador Port of Acajutla is an industrial port only and has no tourist facilities so we will stay aboard too. There is still a lot of MS-13 gang activity there and we think that in this case for us, discretion is the better part of valour.   

I just read the govt travel advisory and confirmed that I am staying aboard.

 

Hope your cruise is going well.  The Canaletto Ossobucu is fabulous and a huge portion.

[oakridger]

51 minutes ago, Crew News said:

The Canaletto Ossobucu is fabulous and a huge portion.

 

It's my favorite, but as you said it's huge so come hungry, very hungry!!!  🙂

 

~Nancy

[seagarsmoker]

Thanks for the wonderful daily updates. When your cruise ends, we will waive to you at the port as our 11-day cruise begins on the Eurodam. 

[CruisingGrandmaW]

13 hours ago, Crew News said:

Just notified by the Captain that due to political unrest from the recent election, including rioting, violence, and road barriers in Guatemala ,that we will not be stopping there on Friday.  Instead, El Salvador will be substituted.  Excursions will be posted soon. I was not planning to leave the ship in Guatemala and definitely will not in El Salvador.  YMMV. 

 

So far, this cruise has crossed the path of a Cat 4 Hurricane (Lidia) with 140 mph winds in Puerta Vallarta, outraced gale force winds in Puerta Hualtuco, and now skipping rioting in Guatemala.  With this luck, I should buy a Casino raffle ticket.

Oh Gosh - So Sorry for those passengers who've not done a Panama cruise before.

While we've done several & were taking this cruise under a low "fill up the ship" offer & planned on just relaxing on the ship; we were looking forward to seeing Antigua & the Coffee Plantation that serves a wonderful luncheon.

According to projected weather - even Aruba will be a "rained out" day for us on the Eurodam leaving today Oct 12th.

Definitely a "Sea Day" cruise.....like you are experiencing

 

[Crew News]

2 hours ago, seagarsmoker said:

Thanks for the wonderful daily updates. When your cruise ends, we will waive to you at the port as our 11-day cruise begins on the Eurodam. 

I will be aboard the same cruise in Feb and look forward to all of your posts.