REVIEW MS Statendam cruise Dec 6 - 20, Southern Caribbean (LONG)

[JimVrhovac]

CRUISE REVIEW:

M S Statendam 14 Day Southern Caribbean Cruise December 6 thru 20, 2008

 

Ships Master: Captain Harm-Jan Arnold

Hotel Manager: Simon De Boer

Cruise Director: James Brady Lynett

 

 

CRUISE CRUITIC GROUP:

The type of people you cruise with can have a large influence on the outcome of the cruise. Ruth and I discussed this particular group on several occasions and we both feel that this is one of the better groups that we have sailed with and would sail with any of them again. Several of them had problems but they addressed them in the correct manner and most of the problems were resoled.

 

Several of the ships senior staff commented to us that this was one of the best groups that they have had on the ship and they asked us to relay their thanks to each and every member of the group.

 

Ruth and I would like to thank each of you for making this a truly memorable cruise.

 

EMBARKMENT:

Generally it was well organized and flowed very smoothly. We arrived at the dock at approximately 12:15 pm, unloaded the luggage, went through security, checked in, and then went directly onto the ship. We were met at the entrance and escorted to the Neptune lounge. The rooms were ready so we went directly to our room (018) and had fresh coffee and finger food snacks. We took a quick nap and the luggage got to the room around 3:20 pm. We started unpacking and hanging up the slippers until Life Boat drill at 4:15 pm. Afterward we finished packing, showered and got ready for the night.

 

Sailing was delayed for about 30 minutes as we had a medical emergency and that person was stabilized and transported to the hospital via ambulance. Found out later that they broke their ankle. What a way to start a vacation. We wish them luck in their recovery.

 

SUITE PERKS:

The Neptune Lounge was everything that we have come to love from this facility. Great snacks, hot coffee and tea and assistance on any problems we may have. They made arrangements for us at As You Wish dining at 7:00 pm each night. Tiffany and Celeste are the concierge at the lounge.

 

The suite reception was held the first night at 7:30 pm in the Piano Bar and it was well attended by the passengers and the senior and mid level staff of the ship. It was almost old home week as we met Peter Lindquister, Beverage Manager, who we sailed with in April on the Veendam and Deborah Jean Buthaman, Cruise Consultant, who we have sailed with previously. Several of the suite passengers mentioned that they have sailed with us over the years.

 

The suite luncheon was held on Day 12 in the Pinnacle Grill at 12 nn. The menu was cold Melon and Artichoke soup, Flower of Smoked Duck Breast or Dungeness Crab Cakes, Grilled Tuna or Fillet Mignon, and Chocolate Mouse for dessert. The presentation and the meal met all the standards that we have become accustomed to in the Pinnacle Grill.

 

The unlimited laundry and dry cleaning is one of those perks that we take for granted but is one of the best perks there is. It is nice not to have to wait in line for a washer and dryer and spend the better part of a day getting it done. We just set it outside the door and it magically appears the next day clean and neat.

 

CABIN 018:

This ship was built in 1993 so it one of the older ships in the fleet. It has been well maintained and has undergone an upgrade since we sailed on her several years ago. The room was neat and clean, everything was operational. We found no major deficiencies in the suite cabins. The cabin stewards work on the team concept here as on the Veendam. Sumarjo and Ahmad (Jo Jo and Dani) were our cabin stewards and they came by to introduce themselves and see if we needed anything. We asked for a couple things and they were delivered to the room within and hour of our request.

 

There was a plumbing problem (a defective valve) at 3:15 am on Day 14 of the cruise they pushed a lot of clean water into the sewage system and caused some overflows. They started working on it immediately and the maintenance people were finishing us around 3:00 pm when they were checking out the commodes on the Navigation deck.

 

FRONT DESK:

We had multiple dealings with the front desk and the behind the scenes staff there and were very satisfied with the service we received from all of them. They were always polite and courteous and smiled and the called us by name after our first visit. On several occasions I observed them dealing with irate and unrealistic passengers and the always held their composure a lot better than I could.

 

SHOPS:

When they upgraded the Statendam they did a lot of work in the shops. The shop that normally carries the jewelry has been reworked and it really looks nice. Holland America needs to be complimented on the way they refitted this ship.

 

There was a nice variety of cruise wear that was reasonably priced as is typical of most of Holland America Lines ships.

 

We have said with the Shops Manager, Charlene Armstrong, previously and we chatted several times during the cruise.

 

A question came up last night about the “Lowest Price Guarantees” last night and it should be resolved today. The clerk told me that it only applied to liquor and I think it should apply to cigarettes as it has in the past. The problem was resolved today and they matched the prices I received on the islands.

 

DINING FACILITIES:

Over the course of the cruise we dinned in all the facilities on the ship. It was old home weak again as we sailed on the Eurodam in September with Fernando Santos, 2nd Matri De, of the Rotterdam dining room. He stopped by our table when we were eating to say hello and welcome aboard.

 

We used “As You Wish Dining” in the Rotterdam Dining Room. We have become accustomed to dining at 7:00 pm as it is the perfect time for us. We told the Dining Room that it did not matter what size table they put us at so it made it a lot easier for their scheduling. When we dined in the Lido we were very satisfied with the service. The Lido now serves the same menu as the Rotterdam dining room.

 

On Day 07 we had dinner on the verandah with some friends (Doreen and Glen) and it was truly a memorable experience. Our steward was Supriyono and he did a superb job. He showed up on time, set the table (with flowers and candle) served everything up to the main course just as if we were in the Rembrabt Dining Room. After serving the main course we set up a time for him to return with hot coffee and cold ice cream Sundays. After these were served he asked us to call him for cleanup at our convenience. His attention to detail and his at tentativeness made this meal a truly memorable experience.

 

On Day 08 we had dinner in the Pinnacle Grill with two other couples from Canada. It was my birthday. I am 39 and holding and do not plan on aging mentally as I am having too much fun in my second childhood. The service, presentation, and food were everything that we have come to expect from the Pinnacle Grill. We were there about three hours and the best part of the night was the three deserts: The menu desert, the birthday cake, and then the ice cream Sunday.

 

On Day 12 we again had dinner on the balcony with Shelly and Derek. We had a great meal and the steward did a fantastic job of serving the meal and then bringing up the deserts and hot coffee at just the right time. We would highly recommend you do this is you have a balcony on your next cruise.

 

CRUISE CONSULTANT:

We booked a 28 day cruise from Ft Lauderdale to San Diego and back to Ft Lauderdale. It goes through the Panama Canal two times. We received some good pricing along with shipboard credits. She did us good and if we want to move it around our TA can do that and still not loose the shipboard credits. This is the best of both worlds.

 

SECURITY:

Norman Doerksen was the security officer for the ship. He was present at the ramp every time we left or reentered the ship. His people were always polite and courteous and very efficient when performing their tasks. Whenever the scanning machine detected a bottle of alcohol it was detained and the owner was given a receipt for the bottle. The bottles were delivered to the cabins the last day of the cruise.

 

FORMAL NIGHTS (4):

First was held on Day 2 of the cruise when we were in Half Moon Cay. The majority of the men had suits or tuxes on and most of the women were dressed appropriately. The photographers were out in force but they were not pushy. We received quite a few comments on Peppy Le Pew.

 

Second formal night was held on day 05 of the cruise. Ruth got her Lobster that night and proceeded to win $350.00 from the slot machines. Most of the passengers were well dressed in tuxes, suits, or sports coats. The vast majority of the ladies looked very nice.

 

Third formal night was held on day 09. I looked at my tux and decided that it needed a rest and Ruth agreed with me so we dressed in smart casual. We promise to get dressed for the final formal night so the HAL Purists on the boards as not upset!!!!!!! There is a lovely family from Canada that we always see in the Ocean Bar and they have a very well behaved six (?) year old daughter. She has been fascinated with our slippers all cruise so we took her a pair of BLUE COOKIE MONSTER slippers and she was ecstatic. Wouldn’t it be nice if all of us could be pleased so easily?

 

Fourth Formal night was a Black and White ball hosted by the ships Master and the senior officers of the ship. It was held in the Crows Nest at 10 pm. From what we have been told it was well attended and everyone had a good time.

 

MEET AND GREET:

The Meet and Great was held in the Crows Nest from 1:00 pm the 3:00 pm on Monday, the third day of the cruise. The Beverage manager had invitations printed up and delivered to everyone. This is service with a capital “ S “.

 

It was well attended by most everyone on the cruise critic boards. Peter, the Beverage Manager did a nice job of setting everything up. There was coffee, tee, ice tea, cookies, and snacks and everyone seemed well satisfied. Captain Arnold and the Hotel Manager, Simon De Boer came and stayed for over two hours answering a wide range of questions for everyone. It has been my experience that it is very unusual for these two senior officers to come and stay as long as they did. It was appreciated by everyone. Deborah, the Cruise Consultant, also showed up to answer questions for everyone.

 

It has been a long time since we have attended a Meet and greet that was this well attended by board members and the ship’s senior staff.

 

A post cruise meet and greet was held in the Crows Nest on Day 14 of the cruise so we could talk about the cruise and see what everyone thought of it. The Captain and Hotel Manager both showed up to talk with us and answer a lot of questions. They explained how Holland America trains its crew in schools in Jakarta and the Philippines prior to they being assigned to the ships for the first time.

 

In all our cruising with Holland America (514 Days) we have never had a Captain and Hotel Manager spend so much time with us and they are to be commended for their actions. Peter (Bar Manager) set up a nice spread for both of the meetings and we really appreciate his efforts.

 

DOOR DECORATIONS:

As most of you know Ruth and I always decorate of cabin door with a seasonal appropriate reef and a lot of pictures and cartoon to make passer by’s laugh a little. We received a couple comments back that I am going to comment on.

 

--COMMMENT #1:

Dear fellow suite mates

Your fellow passengers find your display offensive and request you remove certain pictures and the one using foul language – please use good taste -.

 

Unsigned

 

--My Reply:

We do not respond to unsigned anonymous letters from people who do not have the courtesy to talk to us face to face.

 

Ruth & Jim

 

--COMMENT #2:

 

Jim and Ruth

I think your door is funny and am glad you took the time to do it.

 

WeLoveCruisin

 

--NOTE:

Ruth and I are not prudes but we are both firm believers in addressing a problem with the person causing it and do not have fond feelings for people who hide in the shadows and criticize and cause problems anonymously.

 

VIP RECEPTION:

The reception was held in the Crows Nest and was well attended by both passengers and ship’s officers. Invitations were sent to everyone in the Cruise Critic Group and we felt that this was a nice touch. It started at 7:30 pm and we stayed for about an hour and then Ruth satisfied her addiction and love affair with the Slot machines.

 

MEDALLION RECEPTION:

The medallion reception was held at 7:30 pm on day 10 of the cruise in the Van Gough show lounge. It was well attended and quite a few new medallions were given out including a few for 700 days. The Caption and the Hotel Manager received their slippers at this ceremony (Whiney the Pooh and Eor).

 

Immediately after this ceremony the Guest Relations Manager received her slippers. We gave her TASMANAIAN DEVIL Slippers as everyone says that she is mean because she will not give them the compensation they want when there is a problem. She loved them.

 

MARINER BRUNCH:

This was held in the Dining Room on Day 14 of the cruise. It was lightly attended but everyone there had a good time. The Captain and the Hotel Manager both addressed to group and talked about upcoming things with Holland America Lines.

 

LIDO POOL PARTY:

This is the party that is replacing the dessert extravaganza fleet wide. This was held at 9:00 pm on day 10 of the cruise and it was very well attended by the passengers. When we went up there was standing room only and a lot of people were dancing and enjoying the HAL Cats band. The desserts were primarily finger foods but they were well presented and there was a good selection along with several white and dark chocolate falls.

 

HALF MOON CAY: (Day 02)

The weather was beautiful and quite a few passengers went on to the island. We were there with the MS Eurodam. The Eurodam had to leave early as they had a medical emergency on board and needed to get that person to a port with a hospital. Half Moon Cay is too far from the states for a helicopter to come and transport the passenger. We wish them luck in their recovery.

 

Some of our friends did the Parasailing and the Horse Back Ride along the beach and they said it was fantastic and they would do it again in a minute.

 

SEA DAY: (Day 03)

Ruth lay out in the sun and I wandered around the ship, napped, or played computer games on my laptop. It was the ideal day at sea.

 

ST THOMAS, USVI: (Day 04)

Ruth loves this port and I dread coming here. If we get out of Celebration Jewelers and she has spent less than $10,000.00 I consider myself very fortunate. The weather was partly cloudy with occasional light to heavy showers. We made the typical schedule. We docked in Crown Bay so we took a cab to Havensight Mall and went to Celebrity Jewelers where Ruth inspected every case in the store and I had several Budweiser’s. After she ordered everything and I said “YES DEAR< YES DEAR< YES DEAR” we went to A H Rise cosmetic store and she tried to order one of everything in the store and I again said (YES DEAR<YES DEAR<YES DEAR” we proceeded to A H Rise Liquor store and I purchased some Gentleman Jack and Single barrel Jack Daniels I had to find a credit card that Ruth had not maxed out and it is only day 04 of a 15 day cruise. I did find a pharmacy and purchased some Tums and Aspirin.

 

ST JOHNS, ANTIGUA: (Day 05)

We did not take any excursions in this port but we did receive some feedback from some of the Cruise Critic group who took the Catamaran Sail and Snorkel excursion. They had a lot of rain while on the boat but they realized that it was not the crews fault. They felt that the boat was overbooked and very crowded. They were under power the full time and never used the sails. They said they were supposed to get lunch but all they got was cheese and crackers and cut up fruit.

 

Ruth and I just walked the town for a couple hours. There were the typical variety of jewelry stores, street venders, and cosmetic shops. We did not notice anything extraordinary or anything that caught our eyes. We rate this port a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10.

 

CASTRIES, ST LUCIA: (Day 06)

We had pre scheduled and island tour with Cosol-Tours (http://www.Cosol-Tours.com). There were 18 of us and we were divided between two Toyota tour vans. They were relatively new and in excellent condition. They were very roomy and we were not crowded at any time. Yellowbird was our driver and he explained the island and the scenery and answered a variety of questions for us. There were refreshments and snacks provided several times during the day and the fresh baked bread with cheese was delicious. The tour had to be shortened as the ship was scheduled to leave at 2:30 pm. The water taxi ride around the Twin Sisters Peaks was deleted from the tour and he was very apologetic about doing this and explained it several times.

 

We had a great day and it was well worth the $55.00 pp charge for the tour. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone that visits the island.

 

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: (Day 07)

The weather was perfect. It was sunny with a mild breeze and a tolerable temperature all day. Ruth lay around the pool and read her book. I walked into the shops and looked around and found a teddy bear for Ruth and was back on the ship by 11:00 am. It was a great day to be alive and on vacation.

 

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: (Day 08)

The weather was perfect today. We have been here many times so we did not take a tour. We just went into town and walked around and browsed the shops. The make silver necklaces and bracelets here of silver wire that are peculiar to this island. We have a friend who is having a birthday so we picked a set (necklace, bracelet, ear rings) up for her otherwise nothing significant.

 

We returned to the ship and lay around and enjoyed the Caribbean weather and vacation time.

 

Some of our friends went on the Maracas Bay Beach excursion and they were very unhappy. The tour is described as 4 hours long with 2 ½ hours at the beach and that was not what they got. They left at 9:15 am and were back at the ship by 12:15 pm. When the asked the driver why it was shortened they were told that the ship was wrong and had misinformed them about the tour times and parameters. This problem was discussed with the Shore Excursions Manager and resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.

 

EL GUAMACHE, ISLE DE MARGARITA, VENEZUELA: (Day 09)

The weather was perfect. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and it was not stifling hot. We just went into the port shops to get a few things that are specific to this port. Milano Glass has an outlet here and has some gorgeous hand blown glass. We picked up several pieces as we do each time we come here. Visited to Black Coral shop and got some bracelets and ear rings for Christmas presents. We also got some cigars and Local made chocolate (strong but good).

 

WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO: (Day 10)

The weather was fantastic and the temperature was moderately hot but tolerable. We had previously arranged with the Dolphin Academy to swim with the Dolphins and then an all day tour with Henry “Lee” Plaate, an independent tour guide (email: Leo@interneeds.net). Leo did a fantastic job for us. He picked us up at the ship and toured the local area prior to our swim with the dolphins. He dropped us off at the Dolphin Academy and picked us up afterwards and then gave us a very detailed tour of the island. We went to the western tip to see the caves and the heavy surf on the eastern side of the island and then returned with a tour of the beautiful beaches on the western side of the island. We did the tour in a relatively new Toyota van that was neat and clean and he explained the areas and agriculture of the island and answered a lot of questions for us about the island. We would highly recommend this independent tour operator.

 

At the Dolphin Academy our swim was stopped after about 15 minutes as one of the female dolphins was going into labor and they wanted to give the main pool to her, in our opinion this was a valid reason for stopping the swim. They offered to rebook the swim or give a full refund to everyone and this was a class act, in our opinion.

 

All in all it was a long day but it was one of the best days that we have had on this island and we have been here several times.

 

NOTE: HAL NEEDS TO CONSIDER ADDING THE “SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS” TO ITS EXCURSION LIST. This is one of the premier ones in the Caribbean and they have only 6 people in the water with 2 Dolphins for 45 minutes.

 

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA: (Day 11)

We did nothing but lie around and nap all day. It was a great day to be alive and on vacation.

 

Some of the group went Scuba Diving and they said that they had a great time.

 

SEA DAY: (Day 12)

The weather is perfect today. The sun is shining and there is no hint of rain. It is warm but the breeze from the moving ship keeps it tolerable. The seas are a little rough, 7.5 to 12 feet.

 

TURKS & CAICOS: (Day 13)

Ruth baked on the ship to try and get her suntan and I walked into the dock to see what changes have been made since the hurricane tore up this island. It is in good shape but reconstruction has not been completed in the dock shops yet. Many of them have the underlayment on the roofs but do not have the tin roofs on yet.

 

One of the groups did the horseback riding and spoke very highly about it and would recommend it to future visitors.

 

SEA DAY: (Day 14)

We sat dawn with Hana, Guest Relations Manager, and gave her a draft copy of this review and went over it with her to get her opinions and respond to any of her questions.

We reviewed it and discussed several areas in detail and I told her I would email her a copy when I finished it at home. It was a productive meeting.

 

DEBARKMENT: (Day 15)

Debarkment was started around 8:30 am and it was started with an announcement and then it was to continue per assigned times without another announcement. It had to be stopped for about 30 minutes as there was a problem shore side with the moving of luggage other wise it went smoothly. We left the ship about 9:45 am and arrived back at the hotel around 10:15 am to pick up our vehicle. We had a nice relaxing drive home and got there about 4:25 pm.

 

GENERAL COMMENTS:

This had been one of the better cruises that we have taken over the years. It was a combination of the people we were sailing with, the itinerary, the ship, and the crew of the MS Statendam. We will return to this ship again for another cruise on her.

 

SLIPPERS GIVEN OUT:

--Captain Arnold (Master) - Whiney the Pooh

--Simon De Boer (Hotel Manager) – Eor slippers as he does all the work

--Hana Kielczewska (Guest Relations Manager) – Tasmanian devil slippers because she is mean to passengers with complaints and never gives them everything the want in compensation.

--Deborah Jean Buchanan (Cruise Consultant) – Fluffy dog slippers as she was homesick and missed her pets.

--Fernando Santos (2nd Metridi) – St Bernard slippers as they ware always the lifesavers with fluids and substance.

--Celeste (Neptune Lounge Concierge) – Pink Piggy’s

--Tiffany (Neptune Lounge Concierge) – Brown Puppy Dogs

--Niels (Neptune Lounge Staff) – Brown Dogs

--Jo Jo (Cabin Steward) – Dog slippers

--Dani (Cabin Steward) – Monkey sippers

--Guruh (Waiter) – Puppy Dogs

--Satoto (Assistant Waiter) – Pink Piggy’s

--(8 year old girl) – Blue Cookie Monster Slippers to match her dress on formal night.

 

The above comments represent the opinions of Ruth and Jim only.

 

We plan on posting a copy of this review on the Cruise Critic Boards and emailing a copy to Hana, The Guest Relations manager when we return home and put the finishing touches on it.

 

Ruth & Jim Vrhovac

JVrhovac@aol.com

[fireman845]

Fantastic Review Jim... Sorry to hear about all the Yes Dears though it can put a dent in the check book!:eek:

[WeLoveCruising]

Great review

We enjoyed meeting you and Ruth, and having the chance to witness the door and slipper collection in person!

 

I'm sorry to say we didnt make it to either Meet and Greet, and it sounds like it was really our loss.

 

I plan on writing my own review over the next day or two as well.

 

It was one of our all time favorite cruises, too. What a fantastic crew!

 

Joanne

[magictam]

Jim,

 

Thank you for the wonderful review. I was very pleased to hear all the positives (since there's been a number of negatives lately). We are scheduled for October 30, 2009, San Diago to Ft. Lauderdale cruise and was getting a little worried.

 

It's also nice to hear that you and Ruth are doing great!

 

Have fun and Merry Christmas!!!!

 

Tammie