"For the rich," Chicago Tribune

[INSIDERS CABIN]

Any comments from passengers on the Amsterdam world cruise about today's Chicago Trib article "For the rich, there are no limits even when at sea?" The article talks about a passenger in the penthouse suite on the world cruise who took off with the crew member who escorted her and her million dollar jewel collection to the airport....or, was anyone onboard with the couple with the briefcase of cash, hosting parties for 80 or more on board? Sounds like a lot of fun!

[sail7seas]

Can you link the article here? Sounds like a 'good read'. :D

 

The woman with the jewels ran off with her crew escort?? :)

 

 

 

 

[jtl513]

Here you go s7s: Tribune

[INSIDERS CABIN]

Thanks jtl513....i was sitting here registering to get into the online Chicago tribune and thinking it would be faster to just start copying from my newspaper!

[Grumpy1]

The Amsterdam World Cruise that was referenced would have had to be one from before 2003. It wasn't the one currently underway, and the Prinsendam did all of them from 2003 through 2006.

 

We've met a few people on the world cruise that were wealthy enough to behave in the manner described, but none that actually behaved that way.

[sail7seas]

Thank you for the link. Going there now to read it.

 

[SDHALFAN]

I have to say that that was indeed an interesting article since it mentioned one passenger's request to Oceania for an enormous chocolate chip cookie dough Cheesecake and a pot of hot chocolate to be delivered at 2:00 a.m. and Holland America Line complied with the request - quite an interesting cruise, huh? - or did I read it wrong? (wouldn't be the first time!!!)

 

As for Grumpy 1's reference to the current ms Amsterdam's GWV - no, it is definitely not that one. I just got back from the mini-version (Fort Lauderdale to Hong Kong) and we were seated at the table next to the table occupied by the couple in the Penthouse Suite. They kept very much to themselves, although they did have another couple join them once or twice, but they were very quiet and unassuming and never ostentatious in either their dress or demeanor, and certainly not dripping with jewels. They also treated our Dining Room Steward (who is my "Indonesian Son" by virtue of the fact that we have known each other for sooooo many years and have the utmost love and respect for each other) and his assistant with the utmost respect, unlike a "jerk" who was seated at the table behind them. Class will definitely will tell.

 

There is no doubt about it that a Grand World Voyage (GWV) is a different experience from any other cruise but you would be amazed at how many "ordinary folks" take these cruises every year. I was thrilled and amazed to visit Pitcairn Island on our cruise and then I heard so many "ordinary folks" saying "oh, the last time we were here?" - color me stupified: I thought that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience:o.

 

There are a couple of sisters who "do" the GWV every year who always host extravagant parties but that's about as fancy as I've heard it gets. Needless to say I was not invited to their party although a friend of mine was but she declined since she has been to so many of them before. Obviously I'm, not on the A-List;) .

 

Valerie:)

[bepsf]

What great stories!

 

Now I won't feel bad about requesting my Gummi Bears...

;)

[bepsf]

I have to say that that was indeed an interesting article since it mentioned one passenger's request to Oceania for an enormous chocolate chip cookie dough Cheesecake and a pot of hot chocolate to be delivered at 2:00 a.m. and Holland America Line complied with the request - quite an interesting cruise, huh? - or did I read it wrong? (wouldn't be the first time!!!)

 

Val--

 

You missed the punctuation mark that separated the two stories.

;)

 

 

As for Grumpy 1's reference to the current ms Amsterdam's GWV - no, it is definitely not that one. I just got back from the mini-version (Fort Lauderdale to Hong Kong) and we were seated at the table next to the table occupied by the couple in the Penthouse Suite. They kept very much to themselves, although they did have another couple join them once or twice, but they were very quiet and unassuming and never ostentatious in either their dress or demeanor, and certainly not dripping with jewels...

 

Then again, there are two PH's aboard Amsterdam...

:D

[SDHALFAN]

Val--

 

Then again, there are two PH's aboard Amsterdam...

:D

 

 

I didn't know that - but then again, as I said, I'm obviously not on the A-List (gee, what a surprise:D ).

 

Valerie:)

[INSIDERS CABIN]

Thanks, Sdhalfan for the update. Thank you, grumpy1, for responding...your adventures onboard the Prinsendam world cruise kept me entertained all winter. And having someone of your cruising stature weighing in on this Trib story makes me wonder what the facts are.

 

Was the Amsterdam doing the world cruises after its 2000 launch? Didn't the Rotterdam do some early ones?

[Grumpy1]

There is no doubt about it that a Grand World Voyage (GWV) is a different experience from any other cruise but you would be amazed at how many "ordinary folks" take these cruises every year. I was thrilled and amazed to visit Pitcairn Island on our cruise and then I heard so many "ordinary folks" saying "oh, the last time we were here?" - color me stupified: I thought that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience:o.

Valerie:)

Just think, Val, the next time you visit Pitcairn, you too can say "the last time we were here":) As far as "ordinary folks" sailing the world cruise... Hey, we're HAL cruisers. That automatically makes us all "extraordinary folks" whether we're on a seven day or hundred day cruise.:D

 

All kidding aside, I agree that the vast majotity of the passengers on the world cruise are pretty much like your friends and neighbors. Mostly nice people, but always one or two that you wish would go away.... and a very few that "put on airs" and try to impress everyone with how important they are.

[hammybee]

I didn't know that - but then again, as I said, I'm obviously not on the A-List (gee, what a surprise:D ).

 

Valerie:)

 

Well you are on the 'A' List on this board. Welcome home and when you catch your breath, tell us all about your lengthly segment.

[tomko2]

Boy, the story of the crew member and the rich woman has all the makings of a great romance novel. Ahh to breath such stratified air.....

On second thought, I like things just as they are now but do enjoy reading about the rich actually enjoying their money.

[Boohbah]

"I have to say that that was indeed an interesting article since it mentioned one passenger's request to Oceania for an enormous chocolate chip cookie dough Cheesecake and a pot of hot chocolate to be delivered at 2:00 a.m. and Holland America Line complied with the request - quite an interesting cruise, huh? - or did I read it wrong? (wouldn't be the first time!!!)"

 

Hahahahhah!:D :D