I finally boarded a HAL ship!!!

[middle-aged mom]

OK, I've been hanging around these boards for almost a year now, and I have yet to depart on my first cruise:(. But for a few hours today, at last, I got a taste of the HAL experience!!:) O Frabjous Day! Callooh! Callay!

Just like the travellers on the old TV show "Gilligan's Island", I set out for a three hour tour today at Seattle's Terminal 30. The occasion was a special event put on by HAL for the Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau, and also for area travel agents. This event took place on Zaandam, which is leaving Seattle every Friday this summer for the week-long Alaskan Explorer cruise. Our TA invited me to attend with her, and also encouraged me to bring some guests. How could I turn her down?;) We're sailing on Zaandam this August for our first cruise ever! So I brought my mom and sister-in-law along, and we had a great time! In fact, we had a fabulous time!

We boarded Zaandam around 10:30 am, with several hundred other guests. HAL had a separate security and boarding area set up for us, so that we wouldn't interfere with the regular passenger boarding process. I was trying frantically to get some camera shots as we approached the ship (my first HAL ship!), but the only thing I succeeded in doing was separating myself temporarily from the rest of our group:rolleyes:.

Boy, HAL was really organized; they had a whole pre-arranged stateroom tour set up, plus a full sit-down lunch in the Rotterdam dining room. So, my mother and I had the opportunity to view the staterooms we will be occupying in just three more months! There were many HAL employees in the halls helping to direct all the guests. Many of the HAl folks onboard were from HAL headquarters in Seattle, and were "pitching in" to help with the special event. There were also some execs from the HAL corporate sales office attending the luncheon.

We were treated to a three-course lunch, with an abbreviated version of their regular menu, plus wine. The choices for appetizer were the Smoked Salmon Mousse, and the Fresh Fruit Medley. The main course was a choice between Oven Roasted Grouper Fillet or Herb Crusted Strip Loin of Beef. Both entrees came with a deliciously grilled fresh vegetable medley, and chive mashed potatoes. Dessert was Dark and White Chocolate Mousse. Everything was hot, fresh, excellently prepared, and beautifully presented.

Here's something that really needs to be mentioned: every single employee helping to serve in the Rotterdam dining room today sacrificed his/her shore leave in Seattle in order to help out with the program. Their service was gracious and professional. They made us feel as welcome as if we were paying passengers embarking for a full cruise. Remember, while several hundred people were attending this PR event, the normal loading of new passengers and supplies, as well as the routine departure preparation, was going on simultaneously. I was impressed!

We had a lovely tour of the ship with all the new SOE highlights, from the Oasis to the Explorations Cafe to the Culinary Center. The sun came out, and we had a magnificent view of the Seattle skyline. I managed to get a copy of the Daily Program, brochures from the Club Hal Kids Program, and a copy of our lunch menu to take with me. My mother was in her element, practising her Indonesian with many of the staff, and by all appearances, they enjoyed the exchange as much as she did. Before our tour today, I was very psyched at the thought of our cruise, now I am totally psyched:)! I'm still so happy I could say a lot more, but I've already rambled on here long enough. It was a wonderful day!

[kakalina]

Now you know why we all love HAL so much. Isn't it wonderful you were able to get this "quick glimpse" into seaboard life.

I know you will have a wonderful time.

Thanks for the report on Seattle . We plan to be there this summer and you have made it sound great.

Thanks for sharing your fun day with us.

[jhannah]

How cool! Glad you got a taste of the Zaandam. We sailed her last year and she is one fine ship. Of course, now waiting for YOUR cruise will be even harder! ;)

[saltydog28]

Hi, I'm glad you got to see the ship before your cruise. Pictures don't do the ships justice. I hope you and your mom have a wonderful time on the 'real cruise'
Take care,
Pat.

[arzz]

What a delightful treat to tour and lunch on the Zaandam, one of our favorite ships in the HAL fleet. I have no question that you will have an incredible cruise in August -- just try to keep the excitement down to a dull roar until then.

[Himself]

When you sail may you enjoy this fine ship even more. May your upcoming cruise be the first of many. I am glad you liked the ship so much

[localady]

MAM-
So glad you had a lovely tour and lunch on the Zaandam!! It pays to have a local TA and to live near HAL headquarters! Makes the upcoming trip so much more exciting. :D :D

Did you leave the Zaandam peacefully or did they have to take you off the Ship kicking and screaming???:p (It's like one potato chip so don't worry we've all done it! Okay so those of us with bags on our heads have done it......;) )

[middle-aged mom]

Thanks all, for your kind thoughts and wishes. It was a glorious day!!:) We saw it all: the ugly organ (sorry, it is an eyeful!), the wonderful paintings by Capt. Card (Prinsendam), and the guitars signed by the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and others. I even saw Captain Sybe de Boer (I only knew who he was because of his name tag!)

No, Sher, they didn't quite have to drag me off the ship; I went reluctantly but secure in the knowledge that I would return!!!:)

Father Himself, when we were touring the new Culinary Arts Center in the Wajang Theatre, I glanced at one of the smaller rooms opening out from the stage area, and lo and behold! I saw a fully equipped sacristy, with everything in it necessary for Mass (and I assume interdenominational services as well). It's good to know Mass is said daily on HAL cruises.

Seattle is truly a beautiful city; it was a thrill to see the harbor and skyline from the decks of Zaandam. I found the Terminal 30 area to be very easy to navigate. Only 15 minutes from my house to the parking lot!:) How can you beat that? Well, it helped that traffic was light today, for some reason. I've lived here 20 years, and only today did I actually visit the industrial port area, where Terminal 30 is located. Nothing like being a tourist in your home town:rolleyes:!

[Copper10-8]

Hi MAM, glad to hear you got a little taste of what you're going to be exposed to in August! A good feeling, isn't it?:) Just start counting down those days; It'll be here before you know it! Have fun and enjoy yourself on Zaandam!

[Aussie Gal]

middle-aged mom,

I am thrilled that you had such a wonderful day on board the Zaandam. Now you know why we all prefer HAL over the other cruise lines.

You will be counting down the days until you leave which is at least a good month before our cruise on her sister ship.

Did you notice many cabs at the dock? I am interested because as you know we will have a day in Seattle and I want to get to the city centre without too much hassle.

Jennie

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have sailed several times on the Zaandam. Love the ship.

Glad you had a chance to see the ship before you actually take your first cruise on her.

[CCCM]

MAM,
Thanks for the description of your wonderful day. Glad you were able to go and that you had a TA that invited you. That was probably very smart of her, since you will be raving about this to every person you see.
Happy Saturday!

[caribbean girl]

MAM...this is what we rave about and love!! The wonderful attention to every little detail! Have fun planning your upcoming cruise and anticipating the grand times you will have!!:)

[middle-aged mom]

"Did you notice many cabs at the dock? I am interested because as you know we will have a day in Seattle and I want to get to the city centre without too much hassle."


Jennie:

Mostly I noticed a number of busses. We embarked ahead of the regular passengers, and we disembarked around 1:30, so we avoided the big rush at each end. Therefore, it seemed pretty quiet to me, and no, I didn't notice too many cabs. That's not to say they weren't there at the peak times. Here are a couple of cab companies in Seattle: Yellow Cab (206) 622-6500, and their sister company, Red Top Cabs (206) 789-4949. They are the largest cab companies in the area, so if you need to, you could give them a call from the ship.

I also have a mini-van that seats six passengers and one driver (me), so if you wish to avail yourself of "Middle-Aged Mom's Taxi Service", I would be happy to meet you at the pier.:)

Karin

[RuthC]

m-a m, if a few mere hours at the dock left you so excited, imagine what seven days of actual cruising will do to you! :D
I'm so glad you had the opportunity for that little preview.

[Copper10-8]

[quote=middle-aged momI also have a mini-van that seats six passengers and one driver (me), so if you wish to avail yourself of "Middle-Aged Mom's Taxi Service", I would be happy to meet you at the pier.:)

Karin[/quote]

Hey Karin; you can make good money with that van if just paint it yellow!;)

[middle-aged mom]

Hey Karin; you can make good money with that van if just paint it yellow!;)

Oh yeah, GREAT idea, Copper!! I can make enough money for lots more cruises!!!:D

[localady]

Karin-
I know you are way too much of a lady to be dragged off the ship, but a quick meal and tour like that is kinda like eatting one Lay's potato chip.;)

I think John has something there though, paint the Van Blue and White and call it the "MAMndam,", and give tours of your super beautiful Seattle area!!!:D

[Grumpy1]

Jennie was a most gracious hostess/tour guide/driver when we visited Melbourne last year. It would really be nice if a fellow CC'er could return the favor when she and her DH are in Seattle. A nicer person you will never meet.

[Aussie Gal]

Grumpy,

Thank you for that lovely compliment. I loved taking you and Slinky around and showing off my beautiful city. I am sorry that it wasn't for a longer time. I would have loved to show you how we live here in Melbourne.

Jennie

[Aussie Gal]

Karin,

Thanks for all that information re cabs. I will send an email to you.

Jennie

[bepsf]

MAM--

So glad you had a wonderful experience on Zaandam
Didn't we tell ya you'd like it?
;)


BTW -- If you do decide to christen the MAMDAM, be sure it's not taxicab yellow, but Nieuw Amsterdam Blue below the windows, with a white upper body/roof and MAMDAM in white lettering on the front fenders - and the rear license-plate frame should have "MAMDAM" on the top and "ROTTERDAM" on the bottom.
:D

[Grumpy1]

BTW -- If you do decide to christen the MAMDAM, be sure it's not taxicab yellow, but Nieuw Amsterdam Blue below the windows, with a white upper body/roof and MAMDAM in white lettering on the front fenders - and the rear license-plate frame should have "MAMDAM" on the top and "ROTTERDAM" on the bottom.
:D
And reroute the exhaust pipe up through a funnel toward the back.. er, stern.

[bepsf]

And reroute the exhaust pipe up through a funnel toward the back.. er, stern.


Ahh, Yes - but there would have to be a pair, one going up each side, so that you'd have clear space in the center of the ship - er, minivan (like Rotterdam V)

Paint them white with a blue stripe on top and the big oval logo on each side
(Oh, and you might as well put spotlights up on the roof for night driving too, lighting up the logo)
;)

MAM - Does your minivan by any chance have a Magro-dome?
:D

[SDHALFAN]

Hi MAM,

I'm so happy that you have had a taste of what's to come, and that you had such a wonderful day aboard the Zaandam. You have been posting on the board now for several months, happily anticipating your cruise, and I have enjoyed all of your posts:) .

Have a wonderful cruise. At least you have some idea of what to expect and now you really know why we are such devoted HAL fans.

Fair winds and following seas on your cruise!

Valerie:)

[middle-aged mom]

Ahh, Yes - but there would have to be a pair, one going up each side, so that you'd have clear space in the center of the ship - er, minivan (like Rotterdam V)

Paint them white with a blue stripe on top and the big oval logo on each side
(Oh, and you might as well put spotlights up on the roof for night driving too, lighting up the logo)
;)

MAM - Does your minivan by any chance have a Magro-dome?
:D

Actually, Brian and Grumpy, we do have something already here in Seattle that would probably fit the bill(quack quack); it's called Ride the Ducks (http://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/) of Seattle. These are the amphibious vehicles that do "Surf n Turf" tours:D

I think I might consider getting personalized license plates for my van, though. I like the sound of "Mamdam".:) Thanks, everybody, for your friendly words! Your kindness validates my opinion that the nicest people choose HAL for their cruises;)

[Mary Ellen]

M A M - I so glad you liked your 'taste of HAL'. Your experience sounds QUITE different than what my SILs & I had a few years ago in Vancouver. We went there under similar circumstances to experience 2 ships (owned by a different corporation than Carnival). What an absoulte mess. Somehow it doesn't surprise me that HAL has it act together - and that we've never sailed that 'other' corporation.

[SeaGypsy1]

:) Thank you for such a nice well written report of your tour on the Zaandam in Seattle. I will be looking forward to your review when you sail on the Zaandam in August. :)