HAL Ships in Jacksonville for the Super Bowl!

[shipcafe]

Hi Everyone,

Below is an interesting photos showing the Holland America Line ships all ready for the weekend Super Bowl events!

I think it's so neat to see the Zaandam and Volendam together! Also note the new addition of the Oasis on the upper decks of the Zaandam!

Enjoy and Have a Great Day!

http://www.geocities.com/shipcafe/superbowl.jpg

[bepsf]

Great Pic Steve - where did you find it?


Is Zaandam the one in the middle?

[cruznon]

neat photo. Thanks for sharing!

[JaniceB]

That is a great photo, to bad the weather is not the greatest.

[jhannah]

Interesting shot. Thanks for posting it, Steve.

[sail7seas]

What a great picture. Thanks so much for sharing it.

[sail7seas]

Brian....


I think Zaandam is the first (the largest) in the photo. If you look around the smokestack, you can kind of make out the new children's area, Oasis, which was just added to her. Volendam does not yet have it. Zuiderdam is the furthest (smallest) in the photo.......I think. Please, anyone, correct me if I am wrong.

[jhannah]

You are correct, Sail. The Zuiderdam has twin funnels. The closer two ships don't.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for the photos - I was able to make out the Zuiderdam in the distance not just because of the twin funnels but because of the glass elevators. As I looked closer to the other 2 ships you knew which one had just come out of dry dock with the new Oasis at the rear - Zaandam looks so much different than her sister ship Volendam in the center.

The Zaandam was docked right where we were this past May on the Maasdam - brings back memories.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Just as I ended my other post, our local CBS channel talked about the superbowl in Jacksonville and how they have cruise ships there to help out people needing hotel rooms.

They then switched to an affilate in Jacksonville and all they talked about is the Navigator of the Seas and showing some parts of their ship and the suites.

Not one word was mentioned about HAL having 3 ships there either from our local station or from the Jacksonville station.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Last night while watching the late local FOX news they had a fairly long segment about the ships in Jacksonville and about the security. They showed divers going under the hull of the Zuirderdam to check it out. They state they would be doing this frequnetly for the protection of everyone. I had to laugh when the News annoucer was pronouncing the names of the ship he had a little bit of difficulty:D They did show all three ships but mostly showed the Zuirderdam. I had the proud Mama feel when whe they were showing the Zuirderdam.:) I guess just becuase I have sailed on her and I am proud that I like to sail on HAL.

[sail7seas]

Our local news station also broadcast about the ships being used as hotels. They showed the three HAL ships and named them but the pics were not in Jacksonville but from being in their home ports.

The reporter stumbled so badly over the pronounciation of Zuiderdam that it was painful to listen to. She managed Volendam okay but but called 'Zaandam'.....Zanedam with a long -A-.

It sure did give me a warm feeling to see those pretty ships in the broadcast.

[spcl4cs_gal]

Here's CNN's take on these floating hotels....

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/02/03/superbowl.cruise.ap/index.html

[RuthC]

What a neat picture!

Thanks, Steve. :)


KK, that clip from the Navigator must have been sent to a lot of stations; we had it on our local station last night.
I was disappointed that there were no views of the HAL ships at all. Several times the local sports announcer gave his schpiel in from of the Carnival ship.

[shipcafe]

I think just about the only reason I'd have the Super Bowl on this weekend would be to spot the HAL ships! ;)

[sail7seas]

You're breaking my heart, ShipCafe.


GO PATRIOTS!!!

[Cruising Jake]

Thanks for taking the time to post the fantastic pic.

[Pudgesmom]

I would love to hear from someone on one of these ships. What an interesting experience. Anyone out there with an Internet package?

Beth

[sail7seas]

We have crew friends on those ships and I hope we hear about their experience/impression of how it all goes.

[heyabbott]

I'd love to take a tour of the Raddison ship

[sail7seas]

Me, too.


I had lunch and a tour of the Silversea ship a while ago and found it very elegant but not for us...... at present. Maybe someday, but not now.

[Peggy Sue]

TV tonight .. had segment on the cruise ships. the cheer leaders for the eagles were staying on one of the HAL ships...I think it was the Zaandam .. they show them practicing in the show lounge. One of the girls was making a comment that when they opened their cabin door they found one small queen size bed..and they used their brut strength to pull them apart... Anyway, they were all adorable and appeared to be enjoying their time aboard.

They didn't say if most of the people staying on the ships were associated with the game same way (other than fans) anyone know how once made reservations to say onboard one of the ships? Does the cabin come with all meals, or are they charging extra for meals?

Go Pats!!

Peggy Sue

[coachk34]

I was wondering also how things were working on board. Do you pay for each meal individually? I would assume all the bars would be open. Anyone know how much it cost to stay there? Would not exactly be the same as renting a hotel room, but a unique experience none the less.

[sail7seas]

I don't think the average person can simply pick up the phone and book a cabin on any of the ships.


I do not know for sure but think the ships are chartered by companies such as the major advertisers, the league, etc and they 'invite' those they wish to stay aboard.

In this day of high security everywhere (particularly a major sporting event), I would imagine they need to turn in a roster of the people who will be coming aboard for the event and there may be some security check done on those folks....almost similar to what is done with ship's rosters when we sail.

I read somewhere, that HAL is offering people who are in the area but not staying aboard the ship to purchase 'an evening package'. They can dine in either Lido or the dining room and pay for that dinner. (dining room price was higher). They can go to the show and I imagine the bars....wonder how they charge for drinks? How can they be doing a security check on those folks?

[Sage]

From what I understand, the current guests on the Volendam are not the best behaved.

[Esme]

From what I understand, the current guests on the Volendam are not the best behaved.

I heard exactly the same thing from a crew member, Sage and also that the volunteers manning the "Welcome to Jacksonville" tents were less than friendly. :(

[adamsmark]

From what I understand, the current guests on the Volendam are not the best behaved.
That is not at all surprising. People who are on the ship during SB week are nothing at all like the typical HAL cruise pax and their reason for being on the ships is entirely different than on a cruise. SB guests are in Jacksonville to party hearty. :eek:

Everything I know about Jacksonville and have read and heard this week in all kinds of media is that no one is very happy with the whole scene in Jville and I believe that the ships are filling the void in places to go to party.

[tomc]

I read somewhere that it's costing $300 - $400 per night to stay on a ship. That probably covers the cost of repairing drunk damage.

[sail7seas]

tomc........

Do you remember reading how these people are booking these cabins?
Are they booked directly from HAL or from the advertiser etc who chartered?

[tomc]

The article did not specify. It merely said the cabins were $$$ per night. I had the impression they were being used as supplementary hotel rooms, as Jax does not have enough housing for the expected number of guests. Again, it did not specify and I really do not know who is in charge of selecting the pax list. The Super Bowl or the City chartered the ships for a total cost of $11.5 million.

[shipcafe]

Would you believe that the rap group "Ludacris" is staying aboard the Zuiderdam!? Just how did all of these people manage to get aboard? lol ...

[HeatherInFlorida]

I caught just a bit of a newscast last night saying that the cabins aboard the cruiseships were not proving very popular for the rate being charged. I have to see if I can find the story online. Unfortunately, I didn't get most of it as I was sort of "passing through" the room.

[tomc]

All three ships will be in drydock the week following to repair damage caused by the pax.

(joke) (well, maybe not a joke)

[adamsmark]

I heard on ESPN radio that a lot of SB visitors had left Jacksonville for warmer and more fun cities in south FL and wouldn't be back until game time. LOL.

[cruzingqueen]

I read somewhere that it's costing $300 - $400 per night to stay on a ship. That probably covers the cost of repairing drunk damage.

I leave on the Zuiderdam 2/26....and no cabin assigned yet. Maybe they're waiting to see which rooms are repaired by then?

Just kidding. I just booked this last week so I know no cabin assigned at this point can be a good thing. I have heard though the "passengers" currently on the ship are a bit "ill-behaved".

Anyone else booked for Eastern Caribbean on Zuiderdam 2/26?

[Time2sail]

:) We were on the ship from 11:30am until 2:30pm.

[bookworm0911]

:) We were on the ship from 11:30am until 2:30pm.
AND? How was it? Was the ship crowded? Were there a lot of people on the ship for lunch? Were you allowed to walk anywhere around the ship or did you have to stay in the Lido or Dining Room? How was the food? How was the service? Was there a problem parking, going through security, getting on the ship? :confused:

[Time2sail]

AND? How was it? Was the ship crowded? Were there a lot of people on the ship for lunch? Were you allowed to walk anywhere around the ship or did you have to stay in the Lido or Dining Room? How was the food? How was the service? Was there a problem parking, going through security, getting on the ship? :confused:


The lunch in the Lido was excellent. No, the ship was not crowded but there were people at every table. The lines at the buffet were constant but not long. We could not eat in the dining room but there was an option to order by menu in the restaurant ($10 more per person). These tickets had to be purchased online ahead of time. We talked to the Lido Manager when he came to our table--he was very nice and wanted to personally greet us. He said there are usually 43 staff waiting the tables but only 8 today. He said on a cruise that nothing is self-serve but all of it was today except for a few stations.

There were shuttles that took us from the parking lot to the security check area. The security check was the same as if we were going through airport security. Everyone was very professional and all greeted and welcomed us to the terminal. Then, another shuttle took us to the ship.They were all beautiful--first was the Zuiderdam, then the Zaandam, then the Volendam.

We could (and did) tour all of the ship. We stayed on until the last minute when the announcement said "It's time to get off." The crew was smiling and welcoming us and the people on board looked pretty happy to us. Didn't see anyone misbehaving or any ship damage--we went on all of the decks and saw everything.

One of our friends celebrated her birthday today so I asked the manager if we could have the birthday song for her. He gathered the staff and they sang in English and Indonesian--everyone in the Lido clapped and cheered. It was very special and they loved doing it.

It was awesome--thanks for asking. Wish you were here!:)

[bookworm0911]

It was awesome--thanks for asking. Wish you were here!:)

ME, TOO!! Thanks for telling us all about it. :D

[jemingway]

I'm going on the Zuiderdam on Tuesday, so I'll let you know if it has been trashed.:confused:

[rag top man]

I am with JV on the Zuiderdam on Tuesday......wow, I wonder if the ships will be in Jville through Monday mid-day? That would make for a big adventure to get to FLL for Tuesday....is the floating hotel duty a brand new thing for the Z? I am wondering how it will impact the crew and the facilities on board?

[Sage]

From what I understand, the ships will be leaving Jacksonville on Monday and will begin boarding passengers on Tuesday. I sure wish that I was one of the ones boarding on Tuesday.

[cruzingqueen]

I am with JV on the Zuiderdam on Tuesday......wow, I wonder if the ships will be in Jville through Monday mid-day? That would make for a big adventure to get to FLL for Tuesday....is the floating hotel duty a brand new thing for the Z? I am wondering how it will impact the crew and the facilities on board?

Zuiderdam leaves J'ville at 9AM Monday morning and will be sailing empty I think. I know for a fact there were no passengers when it sailed from Lauderdale last week to Jacksonville and the crew was off for the whole day. They got to actually relax the whole time. I spoke to someone yesterday who works on the ship and there has been alot of down time for him. He got off work about 10:00 PM last night and did not have to return to work until 11:00 tonight. It is rare that he ever even has off 8 hours straight! It sounds like the crew should be well rested for you guys arriving Tuesday! Enjoy!

If you have a room steward named "Rudi", please be extra nice. He was working Deck 1 when I was there last, but his family was drastically affected by the tsunami (they did survive but lost alot) and his girlfriend was missing. The girlfriend's family were all killed as well. He wanted to go home but there was nothing to go home too. Anyway, he was trying his best to keep a smile on his face.

[Lois R]

Sorry the people who are staying on the 3 ships are not having a good time.....

Sage, I didn't hear that.....I do know we were bashed to death earlier in the week by the National Media......but since Thursday...when the sun came out and the weather became nicer It seems people's attitudes have changed. Everyone has said how wonderful our hospitality has been.....and so all those writers who did nothing but bash us.....you know what you can do with your mean words!!!

I had not heard people left town and are coming back for the game....too bad. Everyone I had spoken to was having a wonderful time...they have repeatedly stated how good the hospitality has been.....

I went downtown on Friday to SUPERFEST....it is a GIANT BLOCK PARTY..sponsored by the NFL......it was fabulous. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time.....the sun was shining and the fans were out in force......both Pats fans, Eagle fans and our own local people.

Again, sorry if those people on the HAL ships are not enjoying themselves.

I hope we have a good game today.:)

Oh we also had 3 nights of FANTASTIC FIREWORKS....3 nights in a row....free concerts every evening too:D

[Sage]

Lois,

I didn't say the guest were not having a good time on the HAL ships. I said that I heard that the guests on board were not well behaved. I think Jacksonville is doing a great job of host city.

[T739]

Enjoyed lunch aboard the Zuiderdam yesterday as a "day" guest.
Drinks (open bar) are included with the evening dinner and entertainment packages, but at lunch or other times you purchase drink coupons @ 4 for $30.
The Zuiderdam is hosting FEDEX, IBM, Visa, and other corporations, as well as players' families and various others as assigned by the NFL. Fox has almost all of the Seven Seas Navagator.

[sail7seas]

Hi Lois.....good to hear from you. I've missed you 'over here'. Hope you'll drop in from time to time.

Thanks for the Jacksonville/ship comments.

[sail7seas]

T739 ....

Thanks for posting about which companies are on some of the ships. I like to hear 'stuff like that'. :)

Good for Fox......they just about took over a whole ship!

[Lois R]

Hi 7:) thanks...

Sage, sorry, I must have mis-read it....I got the impression someone said the hosting committee wasn't friendly...
Guess I have just gotten tired of hearing people bash us....took the post the wrong way.....I apologize.

I saw the Navigator....and I have a customer who was invited to the PARTY on her Wed night...he and his wife got to stay overnight on the ship......I have to call him this week to find out all about it.
I told him he was going to be spoiled now;)

[cruznon]

Hi Lois,

We've had the Super Bowl here a three times. The last two we went to the downtown celebrations---they are great! So many visitors--locals do take great pride in hosting this event and are anxious to show great hospitality to all.

Sorry the media is bashing your town. The media LOVES San Diego, BUT the NFL comissioner seems to HATE San Diego! He opened his Super Bowl news conference here last time with something like, "I have no idea why we're here!" and it went down hill from there....:( So we probably won't have another here.

Lois, enjoy the experience. I'm sure that your town won't forget this time.

[augie]

I had the good fortune to be onboard the Zuiderdam from Thursday through Sunday (Monday morning debarkation).

The ship was beautiful, and compared to "regular" cruises, very quiet and uncrowded.

We drove from home to the "B" parking area at the Talleyrand Terminal area, where we took a shuttle bus to the main tent which was several hundred yards from the ships, adjacent to a Toyota facility. We were greeted by a bevy of red jacketed volunteers, all of who welcomed us to Jacksonville - this army of volunteers were always abundant in nature and always pleasant and helpful.

We went through the normal cruise terminal/airport security screening then waited for our boarding group to be called to check in. We arrived around 3:30 and were told that had the ship's arrival not been delayed due to heavy fog there would likely have been no wait to check in. As it was we only had to wait about 30 minutes. At check in we were issued a room key/charge card linked to a credit card,much like any other cruise.

After that we boarded another bus which took us to the ship. At the gangway we had our card scanned, which happened every time you either boarded or got off. A room steward asked us our cabin number and took us to an elevator and escorted us to to cabin 8112, a port side aft balcony cabin.

The cabins were very much like similar ones we'd had on Carnival ships, the one glaring execption being the shower was a combo tub/shower which meant that a normal size person could actually use it with minimum, if any discomfort. :)

The group I was with did not purchase the meal or entertainment packages, so we had no meals in the dining rooms nor shows in the lounge to report on.

The folks on board were categorized as residents (those staying on the ship) and visitors. I'm not sure what procedures the visitors had to go through to get access to the ships, but I'm sure there was one because they did check for your room card as I said before.

The breakfast and lunch buffets on the lido deck were open as usual to residents, although I never was there for lunch.

Most of the bars and lounges operated normally except for when they were booked for private parties. IBM, VISA, CBS Westwood 1, and NFL Management Council were among the groups I noted having these functions.

I did see Boomer Esiason having a beer in the atrium bar, and Franco Harris signing autographs in the Crow's Nest during an IBM function, and heard of other celebrity sightings on board.

Security was very much in evidence everywhere. Boat traffic on the St. Johns River must have been heavily restricted, and the Coast Guard had many small patrol boats, with .50 caliber machine guns fore and aft, up and down the waterway.

We had a beautiful view of the stadium from the aft Lido and Observation decks, and the city was decked out in style.

Our group did get to enjoy some of the host city's best including dinners at Morton's Steak House and The Wine Cellar and golf at Windsor Parke Country Club.

The only real traffic jam we experienced was getting out of the bus parking lot after the game - we didn't get back to the ship until 12:30 - we barely had time to make the 11:00-1:00 buffet! :D

They requested that the ship be cleared by 9:30 Monday morning, so we disembarked about 8:30, although I wanted to stowaway and head for the Caribbean!

[dakrewser]

Goor report, augie, thanks! We were wondering what life aboard was like!

[sail7seas]

Augie....


Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Sounds wonderful. Seeing as the PATRIOTS were the victors, I'm sure a great time was had by all. :)

[JaniceB]

Thanks for filling us in on how the cruise ships were used during the Superbowl. It sounds like you had a great time.