Good Morning Maasdam! Wecome to New London

[Navy_Chief]

Just watched Maasdam make way up river to her mooring at the State Pier in New London. I hope all enjoy our town and the visit here!:D I was going to snap a pic and post it, but, I forgot to charge the camera battery :(

[Krazy Kruizers]

New London

We were there in May 2004 on the Maasdam. Went over to Mystic Seaport.

Loved the place. Wish HAL would include that port on more itineraries.

[Navy_Chief]

Ok Here's the picture of Maasdam in port in New London
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/n1mhv/Picture.jpg

[Navy_Chief]

Our local news crew takes Maasdam (http://www.wfsb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4865720&nav=menu120_2) in. (scroll down to see the video under "Video Headlines":Cruise Ship Docks in New London) HAL is planning on 2 visits per year next year.

[cruisequeen10]

Where is New London?

[Spender Nui]

Where is New London?


In Connecticut, right next to Groton.

[SDHALFAN]

[quote=Krazy Kruizers]New London

We were there in May 2004 on the Maasdam.


I was on this same cruise with Vonnie and her DH. It was not only the Maasdam's maiden visit to New London, it was in fact the first time a cruise ship had ever visited New London and the town treated us as visiting royalty!

We were escorted into the harbor by fire boats and were given a 7 gun salute. The Governor of Connecticut, the Mayor of New London, several other dignitaries, and a Fife & Drum band greeted us at the pier, and there was a beautiful sign made from red, white and blue carnations saying "Thanks for visiting New London."

It was a lot of fun and the people of New London could not have been nicer nor more welcoming.

Instead of going over to Mystic I went to Groton and paid a visit to my late husband's old school - The Submarine School.

As we were sailing out of the harbor we were able to see the the mast (formerly known as the conning tower) of the USS Jimmie Carter which was still under construction and which was launched a few months later.

It was great and I would love to go back and visit there again. Maybe next year?

Valerie:)

[SDHALFAN]

Our local news crew takes Maasdam (http://www.wfsb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4865720&nav=menu120_2) in. (scroll down to see the video under "Video Headlines":Cruise Ship Docks in New London) HAL is planning on 2 visits per year next year.


Thanks so much Bob for the video link. It brought back memories of a lovely, although overcast, day in New London and I have decided that I am definitely coming back.

Valerie:D

[kaleighsgram]

Navy Chief, Headed to the sub base PX today, and while going over the Gold Star Bridge, the first words out of my mouth were "We forgot the camera!" Glad you had yours. According to all three networks covering the ship's arrival and departure, everybody enjoyed themselves. Some passengers went to the Seaport, some to the two casinos, and some just walked the downtown New London area. Somebody should set up a tour to the Nautilus Museum. I bet there would be people interested in seeing the interior of a submarine. I remember going down the stairs once and then coming right back up. Don't know how you guys do it.

[Navy_Chief]

Well Kaleighsgram, I was from the Surface Navy (targets to the submariners) so I enjoy seeing the suface fleet make visits to New London (mostly Frigates and destroyers) but it's always good to see HAL making headway up the river. I'm sure your right about the Nautilus though, who wouldn't want to take in a bit of history. It was a beutiful day here for a visit and I'm glad to hear the cruisers had a wonderful time and a good bit of New England hospitality.

[ocngypz]

I had a lovely lunch onboard Maasdam today. She looks terrific with all her new SOE enhancements!!

Lunch, in the dining room was excellent, too!

[aaerobear]

We loved your hometown, what a great area. Had a nice day and the weather was flawless. Today we are in Newport and it is sooooo much more touristy.

The only thing I do not like about the redo is the fact that now you have to look at a pretty ugly roof of the spa while sitting in the Crow's nest.

There have been a number of "seattle suits" onboard and making some of the crew jumpy. Lots of new people as well.


Ed

[SDHALFAN]

Navy Chief, Headed to the sub base PX today, and while going over the Gold Star Bridge, the first words out of my mouth were "We forgot the camera!" Glad you had yours. According to all three networks covering the ship's arrival and departure, everybody enjoyed themselves. Some passengers went to the Seaport, some to the two casinos, and some just walked the downtown New London area. Somebody should set up a tour to the Nautilus Museum. I bet there would be people interested in seeing the interior of a submarine. I remember going down the stairs once and then coming right back up. Don't know how you guys do it.


On the cruise we were on (May, 2004) there was a tour offered to the Submarine Force Library and Museum. I took that tour and did enjoy the Nautilus, although how my 6'4" husband survived 14 years in submarines is beyond me.

Valerie:D

[kaleighsgram]

I'm really glad people enjoyed their visit to New London. Newspapers and television stations interviewed shop keepers before the ship arrived and afterwards. Large pictures were splayed across the front pages of the local paper. They are already talking about next year's visits and are hoping for more stops the following year. ocngypz, my husband was interested in finding out what it takes to be allowed to go onboard Maasdam when she's in port. Any suggestions?

[VABeach]

Thank you for posting. It brings back lovely memories of such an elegant ship! I can't wait to board her again in December. :)

If I get to take a company trip to EB, I'll be sure and visit the museum.