HELLO FROM THE 'O'

[hammybee]

One girl's opinion: The Vista class ships do not compare favorably in terms of appearance to the other dam ships. They do however, have their merits, especially in terms of people flow.
I love the new staggard dining times. We are seated at 7:45 which is perfect for us. There was however, a waitlist of over 500 passengers for earlier seating so I guess not everyone is happy.

We have had an event -filled cruise thus far. Days1-2 we had high seas. The outside Lido was closed due to flooding from the pool and hot tubs. Many, many people were sick in the most public of places. Eventually the captain changed course and our rockin n rollin subsided.

An abulance met us in Juneau and took a passenger off the ship. We also had several embarkations due to missed connections.
The sun was shining at the Hubbard Glacier and the calving was tremendous. The cooks burnt the lunch chicken and the Lido had to be evacuated due to smoke. I do not think anyone noticed because we were all up on top in awe of the glacier. Today we were in Stitka with the Statendam. We had a terrific horn blow fest with her as she departed.

Food has been good. Service is competent but the warmth of yore is simply gone. Movie choices have been excellent and the popcorn hot.
Tomorrow is Ketchican and we are popping for the float and boat excursion in Misty Fjords. Tonight we are dining at the Pinnacle. Full report to follow.

Average age is about 42. We have about 200 well behaved kids on board. We are cabin 6062 so no free laundry but at $12 a bag I am not complaining.

[RevNeal]

Thanks for the report hammy! Eat some appetizers for me!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> We have about 200 well behaved kids on board. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What drugs are they putting in the water to achieve this miracle? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I'm old fashioned when it comes to kids: I prefer them seen but not heard ... and preferably not seen. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Greg+
Maasdam: Western Caribbean Cruise Pictures (http://www.revneal.org/wcaribbcruise.html)
Volendam: Wayfarer Cruise Pictures and Video (http://www.revneal.org/volcruise1.html)
Statendam: Hawaii Cruise Pictures and Video (http://www.revneal.org/hawaiicruise/hawaii.html)
Volendam: Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Pictures (http://www.revneal.org/alaska03embark.html)


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Until Departure on the MS Zaandam, Panama Canal
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[Cauvet]

Cruising next week on the O. Glad to see the average age has dropped from 76. And kids! What are they? We were on the Hawaii cruise with the Rev and we offput many a passenger on that cruise, even had to turn back to SD going out. Was hoping that wouldn't happen again!

[melzateach]

We, too, will be on the O this upcoming Saturday - I will keep my fingers crossed that the seas settle a bit. Looks like I may be investing in some Bonine! Curious to know what the average temp has been. We are currently experiencing 100 degree weather, and thus, it is difficult to think sweaters and jackets!! Looking forward to your Pinnacle "review", we would like to dine there once during our excursion.

This is our first cruise, so we are very excited. Thanks for the onboard review!

Mel

[valeriequeenofthesea]

Hi, Mel,
I've been watching the forecast at cnn.com and thus far it looks like excellent weather. So far predictions are in the 70's for Saturday & Sunday. That's as far out as it goes today. Check it out. They have a 5 day for Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau, as well as Victoria. It will be 80 in Seattle Saturday.
I'm busy packing this evening. Its a bonus night, since I was supposed to work late this evening and didn't have to. Hopefully I'll be able to leave at a reasonable time tomorrow, too. So much to do. So little time. Bye for now. See you on board.
Valerie

[Krazy Kruizers]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Oosterdam

We were on the Oosterdam in Feb/Mar and were impressed with her.

At that time the crew was still the old, friendly group. Many of them we knew from other ships. Some of them were leaving for the Westerdam.

Ate several times in the Pinnacle. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Could the new tipping policy be responsible for the crew's aloofness?

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Amazing the difference in just a few weeks. We were on the same cruise just a month ago and had such calm seals that we missed not having our sea legs after we got off the ship. We also had lots of snow in the mountains and hills which was nice about going early in the year. Also I would say our average age was 65 to 70 with hardly any kids, but then middle of May school was not really out yet.
If any one is interested I have a full album of pictures on our AOL picture album of our Alaska Oosterdam Cruise I can email to anyone. There is no down loading it just take a few minutes to obtain if you have dial up other wise cable or T-1 comes up quick. I have gone thru and described most of the pictures. If you are interested in seeing them just email me and I will gladly email them to you. I have been told by others on CC that have reviewed them that they are amazed how much snow was had on our pictures. My email is laffnvegas@aol.com

Lisa L

Monarch of the Seas-March 2002 West. Carib.
MS Zuiderdam-April 2003 East.Carib.
Monarch of the Seas-December 2003 Baja Mexico
MS Oosterdam-May 2004 Alaska

Till we set sail on the MS Ryndam-Sea of Cortez-November 2004
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Till We set sail on the MS Westerdam-Western Caribbean March 2005
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[melzateach]

Hi Valerie! I have been watching weather too, looks like we might "catch" some rain in Ketchikan, but that is on the long range forecast, and we all know how reliable that can be. We too are BUSY packing, didn't get very far tonight, but lots done yesterday, and thank goodness I have tomorrow. Look forward to meeting you! See you in warm Seattle on Saturday!

Mel

[streetlife]

We sailed the Big O 5/29. You first timers are going to enjoy the cruise and the scenic wonders of Alaska with a highlight of the Hubbard Glacier. We were told by the crew that there were some 450 kids aboard. Holland seems to try to bringing down the average age on their sailings. That was evident in the Disco which is located off the Casino. Plus if you enjoy lamb try the lamb shank on the menu one evening quite good.
Enjoy! We did.
Robert

[Cauvet]

Lamb shanks sound great. We leave 6/26 and I see in the paper today it is supposed to be 78 in Juneau and 87 in Seattle! I need to repack I think! I think I will leave the coat home this time.

[valeriequeenofthesea]

We leave tomorrow from Sunny Seattle. I guess I won't be wearing that heavy coat so I don't have to pack it. I'm wearing shorts instead, and have decided to leave the heavy coat at home. It doesn't hurt my feelings at all. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather in Alaska. Either way, it will be great.