Randy H
February 22nd, 2007, 08:24 PM
Aboard the Oosterdam, Thursday, February 22 (Day 6) Somewhere off Baja (I could tell you where exactly, but that would take a trip downstairs to check.)
This is probably the best cruise I have ever been on… Not the most exciting itinerary, or the most beautiful scenery, but the best cruise experience.
Our cruise critic group has been treated like royalty by the ships staff. Simon De Boar, filling in for the famous Mr. Deering has been wonderful. One of our Cruise Critic members has christened our captain, who is easy to approach and talk to, (youngest in the fleet) Olav van der Waard, “Van der Hottie…”
From the Captain, on down, the crew is happy and accommodating… we noted a sign in the Galley while on a private tour, that said “No is not a word we use.” It seems this isn’t just a slogan… they mean it.
The weather and seas have been perfect, warm but not too hot, smooth as glass. Now we are pointed north towards San Diego and it’s a bit overcast and cooler.
The Cruise Critics started off with a “3:00 wave” with the new banner made by Peggy (aka Cruznon) The banner now lives on board in the Hotel Manager’s office and can be checked out by future Cruise Critic groups. There were 6 of us on hand: Peggy and her DH, Fred, along with Bill and Meryil (aka “insiders Cabin”) and Randy and Tina (“Randy H” and “Tina H”).
After the life boat drill we had a disorganized meeting at the Crow’s Nest for a sail away and met several Cruise Critic members including “Sasse” (Sally and Steve, who was suffering from missing luggage, soon found) Adam, one of the assistant cruise directors sat with us for some time.
The official Cruise Critic’s party was Sunday morning, our first day at sea. Holland out did themselves… We had our own room (the Oak Room off the Crow’s Nest”.) When we arrived a bit early (I had set up the meeting CC meeting with Jocelyn in Seattle, so felt some responsibility.) We found the Assistant beverage manager there attending to arraignments. Holland provided wine and champagne along with juice and other beverages. We were soon joined by the beverage manager, who informed me that Mr. de Boer would be joining us. We have attended cruise critic parties on another line cruise line, which allows you to sign up for such on line, but Holland seems to take the process more seriously.
The staff didn’t just visit and leave, they stayed, talked and joked with us, and generally made the cruise critic members feel special and appreciated. Many of the management staff including Mr. de Boer clearly at least occasionally check the boards.
One of our group mentioned the missed the kitchen tour to be there. Simon de Boer offered to set up a private kitchen tour later. We collected the member’s cabin numbers (hint, if someone is setting up a cruise critic gathering in the future, collecting the cabin numbers would be a good idea… possibly via off the board emails to maintain privacy)
Simon also invited all the cruise critic members to the Captains cocktail party the next day (via invitations delivered to our cabins…)
As our cruise continued, the CC members seemed to continue to gather informally all over the ship, to compare notes and experiences. Wednesday we all received invitations to a private kitchen tour. Unlike the regular conga-line tours, these (there were two groups, and we included both CC members, suite guests, and other cruise guests) tours were personally guided, and even included the provision areas and bakery on deck A.
Holland and the Oosterdam (sounds like toaster) staff have done the best possible job of making us (the Cruise Critic members), along with all the guests, feel like honored guests.
Hot news from on board… The ship will be dry-docked twice, one in late April as planned to replace the pod, then again in very late August to put the original, now repaired pod back on. I have heard that the “new” pod will either be returned to a ship under construction, or be kept as a fleet spare. They have introduced wine cards for 10 to 20 glasses, along with similar mixed drink cards. It appears they are discontinuing the wine packages.
Bye for now
This is probably the best cruise I have ever been on… Not the most exciting itinerary, or the most beautiful scenery, but the best cruise experience.
Our cruise critic group has been treated like royalty by the ships staff. Simon De Boar, filling in for the famous Mr. Deering has been wonderful. One of our Cruise Critic members has christened our captain, who is easy to approach and talk to, (youngest in the fleet) Olav van der Waard, “Van der Hottie…”
From the Captain, on down, the crew is happy and accommodating… we noted a sign in the Galley while on a private tour, that said “No is not a word we use.” It seems this isn’t just a slogan… they mean it.
The weather and seas have been perfect, warm but not too hot, smooth as glass. Now we are pointed north towards San Diego and it’s a bit overcast and cooler.
The Cruise Critics started off with a “3:00 wave” with the new banner made by Peggy (aka Cruznon) The banner now lives on board in the Hotel Manager’s office and can be checked out by future Cruise Critic groups. There were 6 of us on hand: Peggy and her DH, Fred, along with Bill and Meryil (aka “insiders Cabin”) and Randy and Tina (“Randy H” and “Tina H”).
After the life boat drill we had a disorganized meeting at the Crow’s Nest for a sail away and met several Cruise Critic members including “Sasse” (Sally and Steve, who was suffering from missing luggage, soon found) Adam, one of the assistant cruise directors sat with us for some time.
The official Cruise Critic’s party was Sunday morning, our first day at sea. Holland out did themselves… We had our own room (the Oak Room off the Crow’s Nest”.) When we arrived a bit early (I had set up the meeting CC meeting with Jocelyn in Seattle, so felt some responsibility.) We found the Assistant beverage manager there attending to arraignments. Holland provided wine and champagne along with juice and other beverages. We were soon joined by the beverage manager, who informed me that Mr. de Boer would be joining us. We have attended cruise critic parties on another line cruise line, which allows you to sign up for such on line, but Holland seems to take the process more seriously.
The staff didn’t just visit and leave, they stayed, talked and joked with us, and generally made the cruise critic members feel special and appreciated. Many of the management staff including Mr. de Boer clearly at least occasionally check the boards.
One of our group mentioned the missed the kitchen tour to be there. Simon de Boer offered to set up a private kitchen tour later. We collected the member’s cabin numbers (hint, if someone is setting up a cruise critic gathering in the future, collecting the cabin numbers would be a good idea… possibly via off the board emails to maintain privacy)
Simon also invited all the cruise critic members to the Captains cocktail party the next day (via invitations delivered to our cabins…)
As our cruise continued, the CC members seemed to continue to gather informally all over the ship, to compare notes and experiences. Wednesday we all received invitations to a private kitchen tour. Unlike the regular conga-line tours, these (there were two groups, and we included both CC members, suite guests, and other cruise guests) tours were personally guided, and even included the provision areas and bakery on deck A.
Holland and the Oosterdam (sounds like toaster) staff have done the best possible job of making us (the Cruise Critic members), along with all the guests, feel like honored guests.
Hot news from on board… The ship will be dry-docked twice, one in late April as planned to replace the pod, then again in very late August to put the original, now repaired pod back on. I have heard that the “new” pod will either be returned to a ship under construction, or be kept as a fleet spare. They have introduced wine cards for 10 to 20 glasses, along with similar mixed drink cards. It appears they are discontinuing the wine packages.
Bye for now