From Onboard Statendam

[garydm]

We departed Saturday from San Diego to Hawaii, RT. HAL has embarkation down pat. From cab drop off at 11:30 am, we were seated having drinks by the Lido pool by 11:45. It was painless. Compare that to our long, long, process on Silver Shadow in December and we were impressed.

Weather has been bad until today. The bridge instructor said he has been on 33 cruises and this one has been the roughest. Very bad weather with warnings to stay off open decks due to gale force winds. But, much nicer today. We have been taking one Bonine a day and have had no symptoms of sea sickness. Our SIL has been taking dramamine and has had some sea sickness. There are bags placed outside each elevator and I have not seen that before.

Our cabin steward and dining room steward and assistant are exceptional. The Statendam is immaculate and the service great. Nino, by the pool, is also wonderful. One area of improvement would be Pinnacle where our waiter was non existent for about 50 minutes Saturday night. Food was ok, but I am not a big Pinnacle fan. Dining room has been great.

There is a new hotel director on board as I understand Frits Gehener has retired. Hans Dernison is the new man and very visible around ship. I found the need to contact him today as our toilet had been inoperative for about 7 hours despite repeated calls to the front desk. I dropped a note off with him and it was taken care of immediately.

One more sea day and then Hilo. We will be delayed in arrival as they had to take a longer route due to the rough seas. More later.

Gary

[dakrewser]

Sorry about the weather, Gary. Of course, back in Sacramento, folks were having tornadoes! :)

Thanks for taking us along with you....

[garydm]

From one day out of Hilo-Our arrival has been delayed due to weather but front desk is unable to tell you if the stay in Hilo will be extended, so I have cancelled the car we had reserved there as we might just be in port for 6 hours. A couple of observations:

1. Dress code is not being enforced at all. On formal night, men in short sleave shirts and on informal night, jeans and tennis shoes. Would prefer they just make it resort casual if that is the result and we could all pack alot lighter. Weekly schedule said last night was formal, but daily sheet said casual so most folks were casual. Observed at lunch in the Lido yesterday-a man with no shirt, and a couple in their bathrobes-oblivious to stares from others.

2. I am semi-old, but this cruise raises the median for most HAL cruises by about 10 years I think. We did the 16 day Panama Canal on this ship last year and for some reason it seems Hawaii attracts a much more senior clientele.

3. They are working on the ship it appears in preparation for drydock. Outwardly it seems in great condition so it should be pristine after drydock in Victoria.

4. Seems to be adequately staffed and service is outstanding.

5. Front desk folks seem fairly uninformed and not very helpful. I think the line folks are trying but the supervisors just don't get them the information to pass on to passengers. An attitude of "if we want you to know, we will tell you."

6. Seems we always have one guy within 20 feet of our dinner table on every cruise, who is very loud and the world's authority on about everything. This one is from Lincoln, Nebraska, knows all about Subway Sandwich Shops, early retirement at 80%, etc. and unfortunately, so does everyone within a 20 foot radius.

Having a very nice time on a very nice ship. Weather is much nicer today and plan to head to the pool.

Gary

[Himself]

Gary:

Sorry to hear the bad weather has been with you. I hope the rest of the voyage is smoooooooth!
Himself

[jhannah]

Seems we always have one guy within 20 feet of our dinner table on every cruise, who is very loud and the world's authority on about everything. They're everywhere! At least he's not at your table. :) I can only remember one cruise with this sort of fellow. Guess we've been lucky. I can understand the weather you've been having. That onery low pressure system sitting out there in the Pacific has caused excessive rain in California and here in Las Vegas. Let's hope it moves on and it's smooth sailing for you from here on out.

[Esme]

We've sailed with Hans Dernison many times over the years - one of the best HM's that HAL has in our opinion. You are very lucky to have him on board.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Aloha Gary, Glad to hear over all the cruise is nice. I am sure once you in the Islands the weather and seas will be very nice. Are you stopping in Kona? Kona is my favorite spot in the Islands.

[RuthC]

1. Dress code is not being enforced at all. On formal night, men in short sleave shirts and on informal night, jeans and tennis shoes. Would prefer they just make it resort casual if that is the result and we could all pack alot lighter. Weekly schedule said last night was formal, but daily sheet said casual so most folks were casual. Observed at lunch in the Lido yesterday-a man with no shirt, and a couple in their bathrobes-oblivious to stares from others.

E-e-e-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w!
I don't believe this is what HAL had in mind when they put robes in the cabins.
If people don't know how to dress when they go out in public the officers should enlighten them. People shouldn't have to look at a shirtless man when they are eating. Or anyplace beyond the pool, for that matter!

On my cruise last summer there was a couple dressed in robes at an afternoon activity in the Piano Lounge. :rolleyes:
There was also a man in his underwear rinsing out his shorts in the hot tub!:eek: Was never going to make the cover of Stud Muffin Monthly, either. ;)

[garydm]

Ruth-maybe that is why the hot tubs had such a high germ count on the Today Show!

Captain came on at 1300 today and announced we are having some kind of mechanical problem and he has no idea when we will arrive in Hilo. Said he really wished he did but he did not.

Skies are clear, weather warm, and still lots of wine on board, so not complaining.

Gary

[Vic The Parrot]

On Oosterdam, seen MANY in those robes about in the public areas. It was a 'whiteout' in the spa confines.
On waiting for a haircut in the reception room, I thought I'd go blind with the bright snowbank effect.

[Vic The Parrot]

By the way, Gary, thanks for your thoughts.

It's good to know the Statendam is in very good condition.
She did have a nice sheen to her as I watched her sail from San Diego 2 weeks ago!

[garydm]

Greetings from the Stat(putt-putt)endam. We were scheduled to arrive in Hilo at 10 am today. It is now 3:30 and no land in sight. The storm we went through coupled with a problem in the #3 (not to be confused with the # 1 or #2) diesel generator has caused us to be behind schedule. The Captain advised that Seattle had made the decision to cancel the call in Hilo and we hope to arrive in Honolulu tomorrow. We are going quite slow now and do not know if it is the engine problem or they are just taking it easy so as not to arrive to early in Honolulu-suppose that would entail more dock charges. In return for missing Hilo, the Captain provided one glass of very cheap wine per passenger last night at dinner. At least some gesture was made-but we were all expecting a $1,000 credit on our next cruise-not!

Weather in the mid 70s and life is good even with engine problems.

Gary

[Bucky3]

Have enjoyed reading your posts onboard Statendam. Surely hope its problems are solved soon. We love Hawaii and we're looking forward to our cruise there in September. Thanks for posting while onboard. Continue to enjoy!

[Vic The Parrot]

Hi Gary

When you get to Lahaina, look for the 'Parrot Man' around the main drag of the town. And please let me know if he's still in business.

:-D


When I was there last many years ago, it made my visit to that
port! He places his parrots anywhere on your person that allows for room.
Makes for an excellent souvenier photo!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Hi Gary

When you get to Lahaina, look for the 'Parrot Man' around the main drag of the town. And please let me know if he's still in business.

:-D


When I was there last many years ago, it made my visit to that
port! He places his parrots anywhere on your person that allows for room.
Makes for an excellent souvenier photo!

Vic, is this guy from Alaksa? There was a guy like that in Kailua Kona he had a Scarlet Macaw and a I think an African Grey. He would of been there in Oct. and Dec 2001 and Oct. and Dec 2002 but we did not see him in 2003 maybe he was in Lahaina. But then again there could be several with this idea to make money. I always stop to see the parrots because we have 3 at home. An Umbrella and Lessor Sulfur Crest Cocokatoo and a Green Cheek Conure.

[scopewest]

Just want to throw in my bathrobe comment. We were at the Phoenician resort in Phoenix several years ago, a rather upscale resort, enjoying their very formal and elegant Sunday brunch, and there was a woman dressed in her bathrobe at the brunch. I realize it is a hotel, but still...!!

[Vic The Parrot]

Hi Lisa


Not sure where he's from. It's impossible to miss him, no matter
which island he's on!



:-)

[garydm]

We have discovered land. In Honolulu today and parked in the grade B facilities. A large warehouse is the terminal with absolutely nothing in it. The Island Princess came in about an hour after us this morning and they are at Aloha Tower. Weather is in the 70s with some mist now and then. My brother and I walked to Waikiki and back so have been replinishing body fluids at the Lido bar. Wives shopping somewhere.

Pleased that a few of the crew had a chance to get off and roam around a bit. It felt good for us too after 5 days at sea.

Gary

[stanford's girl]

garydm,

Enjoying your posts as I'm thinking about this cruise next year. Hope the weather improves. If not, hope they don't run out of wine!!!!!:D

[Ziggy7]

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us, we are getting your bad weather after you go throught it so we know your having quite a ride, the news here said its the worst weather California has had ever recorded in history, we even had 3 tornado's for the first time ever in Calif. Hope the ship gets fixed soon and your cruise has seen the worst of weather :) Aloha!

[Vic The Parrot]

Hawaii, here I come!!!


Hang loose, my buddy!

[Himself]

Did they get the Generator repaired?????

Himself

[garydm]

We think the generator must be repaired. We are in Maui today and the Island Princess tender came over first thing this am (maybe bringing parts or more wine). We were in Kauai yesterday and some friends picked us up and showed us a bit of the island. They recently retired there. Had lunch at Dukes at the Marriot and it was very good and right on the beach. Today we had a tour by Virtuoso and lunch at the Ritz Carlton Kapaulua-very, very nice.

Loudmouth (adjoining table person) missed dinner in Honolulu and it was great. Had none of his banter and a dinner of dim sum, Hawaiian butter lettuce salad, and roast duck. Outstanding. But he was back last night and tonight-going on and on about John Ashcroft and what a terrible person he is. I had always been somewhat ambivalent about Ashcroft but after listening to this guy I am warming up to Ashcroft.

Heading up to play dominos with brother and SIL and DW. On to Kona tomorrow.

Gary

[Ziggy7]

Great to hear your ship is back in the running and your cruise will continue without missing ports due to that reason :)

[garydm]

Two days out of Kona enroute San Diego. The weather is sunny and nice but quite windy. Food and service continue to be exceptional. A few engineering issues on the ship lead one to think there might be a bit of duct tape and baling wire behind the scenes, but this is not a new ship by any means.

Gary

[dakrewser]

Two days out of Kona enroute San Diego. The weather is sunny and nice but quite windy. Food and service continue to be exceptional. A few engineering issues on the ship lead one to think there might be a bit of duct tape and baling wire behind the scenes, but this is not a new ship by any means.

Gary

AS long as they haven't asked for volunteers to get out and push, you should be OK :)

[RuthC]

I can feel your cruise winding down right along with you.

For me, those last few days heading back were always the best ones of that cruise. I was relaxed and at peace with the world.
Enjoy your time. :)

[garydm]

Corrected information: Frits Gehner has not retired as one of the crew told me. I spoke to Hans Dernison last night and he said Frits was coming back, just on vacation.

Mostly uncorroborated stuff: Apparently one death between San Diego and Honolulu-surprised not more with our demographics. A bunch of folks went to a hospital in Honolulu we are told for assorted maladies. Rumor is a group on board from Florida has had some kind of illness. Salt and pepper shakers missing from tables today. We did have to return after departing Kona to put a sick or injured person ashore.

I can't imagine the crew doing anything more to avoid contagious stuff. They are constantly wiping everything down with disinfectant. We wash our hands every chance we get and use the convenient disinfectant devices when we pass one.

Weather is nice again today and looks pretty calm out there. Off to the Lido.

Gary

[dakrewser]

Rumor is a group on board from Florida has had some kind of illness.

Considering the outbreaks of norovirus on Caribbean cruises, that's not news! :rolleyes:

[debrajanders]

Thank you Gary for taking the time to write such an informative review. My husband and I were on the Statendam prior to your cruise, returning on February 19. We had a wonderful time, and though there was plenty of motion on the ocean, we were able to make all of our scheduled stops. We did, however, both leave the ship with a terrible cold/flu type of virus. I'll bet I heard half of the other passengers coughing, sneezing etc. Is this the type of illness you're seeing on the ship now? I wondered if they could possibly clean well enough to get all of the germs that were floating around there. It was really a miserable, kick-butt kind of a thing that hangs on for a long time.

Deb A.

[garydm]

Adding to the excitement of the cruise, the fire alarm went off at 8:15 last evening and the first officer came on and said there was in fact a fire but no need to do anything at this time. About 15 minutes later the captain came on and said there was a fire in the port boiler room and they expected to have in under control soon. About 15 minutes after that they said the fire was out.

Re the URI, I have not seen much other than a woman hacking around the pool. My wife has been a bit ill but I attribute that to chocolate overdose.

Gary

[RuthC]

...chocolate overdose.Gary
:confused: I'm sorry. I don't understand. :confused:
:confused: What is this "chocolate overdose" of which you speak?:confused:

[garydm]

Ruth-My wife ate too much chocolate I fear at the chocolate dessert extravaganza on Thursday night.

We are back home-made the 10:15 am flight out of San Diego with an hour to spare. Will report more later.

Gary

[stanford's girl]

I didn't know that you could eat tooooooo much chocolate!:rolleyes:
Maybe I just have an iron stomache.;)