ms. Noordam - Captain Hans Mateboer, book signing

[bobalink]

On our recent cruise on ms. Noordam, Captain Hans Mateboer hosted a Q&A session in the Crow's Nest.

It was a real pleasure to meet the Captain. He really seemed to enjoy answering everyone’s questions. He described in detail some of the inner workings of the ship, how they make water, what it’s like to oversee the diverse staff, etc. He even explained the plumbing problem that we experienced on the first night. He said a hand towel had been flushed down a stateroom toilet.

He asked if anyone had another question, and a little boy about 4years old, with a very British accent asked, “If the boat turns over, will it pop up?” Which got a laugh from all in attendance. The captain explained to the young boy that it was very unlikely that the “boat would turn over” and took the opportunity to explain “listing” and how they could correct that problem.

Later that afternoon Captain Mateboer was available to sign his books in the gift shop. He was warm and friendly and very personable. A friend that I met on our CC Roll Call was there and took my picture (attached).

[Krazy Kruizers]

He always has a book signing event on the ship.

He also have a signed copy of his "The Captain's Log" which we got a couple of years ago. Loved that book!!

He has also written a couple of children's books -- we didn't buy any as we have no children or grandchildren.

[bobalink]

He always has a book signing event on the ship.

He also have a signed copy of his "The Captain's Log" which we got a couple of years ago. Loved that book!!

He has also written a couple of children's books -- we didn't buy any as we have no children or grandchildren.

We don't have any grandkids yet, either. But I was really tempted to purchase the children's books and give them to our daughter, because they are named, "Peter" - that is her husband, my son-in-law's name. I didn't want them to think I was hinting at anything. ha ha:D

[Harry1954]

We had three grandchildren (now 4) and bought his books for them .. and he was kind enough to autograph them personally for each one. I want you to know that they read and re-read those books and were absolutely ecstatic that they had his signature with their name ... it was a wonderful gesture to make children happy, and for that we appreciated his kindness.
harry

[RetiredMustang]

We have sailed with Capt. Matebor a couple of times, and we enjoy his talks and interacting with him at other times around the ship. An interesting, personable and at times very funny man. Always a pleasure.

Dave

[KirkNC]

We also enjoyed his talk on our recent Noordam cruise. We later ran into him as we were going to dinner and chatted with him for a few minutes. He is very personable.

Kirk

[catl331]

I found both Captain's on the Noordam quite personable.:)

[serendipity1499]

We had three grandchildren (now 4) and bought his books for them .. and he was kind enough to autograph them personally for each one. I want you to know that they read and re-read those books and were absolutely ecstatic that they had his signature with their name ... it was a wonderful gesture to make children happy, and for that we appreciated his kindness.
harry

We'll be on the Noordam in Nov. & I had hoped to bring my copy of "The Capt.'s Log" with me, to have Capt. Mateboer autograph it..However, understand that he will be on Shore Leave & Capt. Scott will be the Master..

As you did, I purchased his three "Peter,The Cruise ship" books for our Great Grand-son who is not quite a year old..Capt. Mateboer was also very gracious & autographed them for me..I too appreciated his kindness..

Hopefully, our Great Grand-son will be just as ecstatic as your Grand-children were to see his name in the books along with the Capt's signature..:).

Now, I have to look for some books for our Great Grand-daughter's Birthday..:) She will soon be two & loves having her Mommy read to her..

I can remember as a little girl that one of my favorite Christmas presents was always a book from my Mother's Friend who worked for "Doubleday's"..

Cheers....:)Betty

[bepsf]

It's been a couple years since I've been aboard Noordam - but yes, his book signings are a common occurrence.

Very nice fellow - He was the captain on my first ever HAL cruise aboard Oosterdam.

[Copper10-8]

Very nice and outgoing guy! What you might not (or might;)) know about Captain Mateboer is that, after joining Holland America Line in 1980 and becoming captain in 1993, he left HAL in 1998 to join Disney Cruise Line as one of their captains. He returned to HAL in 2003 and, after a stint as chief officer, was promoted to captain on the dam ships a second time

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51g7csLaEvL._SS500_.jpg


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Y%2BLwsgNpL._SS500_.jpg

http://images.jacketflap.com/gallerylargepics/matefarmer-Peter_Cover[1]_low_resolution.jpg

http://www.captainspublishing.com/images/peterpirates-sm.jpg

[bobalink]

Hi Copper10-8,

Yes, Captain Mateboer actually did mention that he was with Disney for a time, and that he really liked children.

One of the questions during the Q&A was, "what has been one of the most rewarding things you have done as a cruise ship captain?"

His response, "when the crew of the ms. Noordam was able to rescue 22 passengers from a capsized boat in 2006."

I had to look it up on Google to get all the details. Very interesting.

[MERIDIAN]

Very nice and outgoing guy! What you might not (or might;)) know about Captain Mateboer is that, after joining Holland America Line in 1980 and becoming captain in 1993, he left HAL in 1998 to join Disney Cruise Line as one of their captains. He returned to HAL in 2003 and, after a stint as chief officer, was promoted to captain on the dam ships a second time

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51g7csLaEvL._SS500_.jpg


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Y%2BLwsgNpL._SS500_.jpg

http://images.jacketflap.com/gallerylargepics/matefarmer-Peter_Cover[1]_low_resolution.jpg

http://www.captainspublishing.com/images/peterpirates-sm.jpg


Wow, Peter the cruise ship looks an awful lot like Thomas the tank engine.