Live from M/S Ryndam - Mexican Riviera cruise 23 MAR - 02 APR 07

[Copper10-8]

THU 22 MAR 07 - Leaving for San Diego

Left home at a little before 12 noon and got on the 405/I-5 southbound. Traffic was surprisingly light for a weekday and before we knew it we were passing Pendleton and stopped in Oceanside for a quick lunch at Chipotle’s. From there we had a little bit of stop and go traffic in the Encinitas and Del Mar area but made it to the Airport/Lindbergh Field off-ramp in San Diego in about 45 minutes. Pulled into the Holiday Inn on the Bay (parking lot, not the hotel itself) and got us a nice room on the 9th floor of the south tower, right smack in front of the cruise terminal. No cruise ships in port today. Weather changed a bit upon arrival with clouds moving in, followed shortly thereafter by thunder and lightning and some rain. News forecasted it to be part of a weather system that was unusually moving from east to west but also predicted that the rain would stop by 8:00 PM. They were right for a change!

Had a 7:30 PM reservation at Ruth Chris located right below and to the north of the south tower. Had a couple of drinks at the bar while our table/booth was getting set up and watched the UCLA Bruins taken on Pitt in the NCAA tournament. Had a nice window table and an as usual excellent Ruth Chris dinner (petite filet mignon and filet mignon with salad, side dishes and crème Brule/chocolate sin cake). Life is good!

FRI 23 MAR 07 – Embarkation Day

Woke up around five, I guess anticipating Ryndam’s arrival and made it out on the balcony without waking Maria up. It was still dark out and no cruise ship(s) in sight yet but those security guards at the cruise terminal had already showed up. At around 6:05 a cruise ship, all lit up, came into view alongside Naval Air Station North Island but as she came closer in the bay, her red funnel stood out. No DAM ship fer sure! Turned out to be a CCL ship, Carnival Spirit also doing the Mexican Riviera run, which docked at the south side pier at 6:35 AM. About half an hour later, the familiar lines of an “S”-class ship became visible next to North Island and, sure enough, Ryndam made her final approach and docked at the north side pier at around 7:25 AM. Got an e-mail from our own Jim Hannah who already had the webcam on One America Plaza all line-up with a shot of the back side of the Holiday Inn. I tell ya, it really pays to keep your drapes closed folks! Grabbed a breakfast at the pub across from the lobby of the HI and noticed several future Ryndam shipmates doing the same. At around 9:30-10:00 AM, there was a steady flow of Ryndam disembarking pax leaving the cruise terminal on foot, in cabs, vans, busses and personal vehicles. Some one once asked if they allow taxi cabs inside the terminal for pick-ups. The answer is yes! They all line up outside but they are let in as needed. Heard the unmistakable sound of a car crash and, sure enough, two cabs had just collided with each other across the street. Fender bender only and no injuries but you haven’t lived until you’ve seen two cabbies argue in ESL about who was at fault.

After a quick stop at Office Depot, we drove into the terminal area and dropped off the luggage with the porters (I wanna be one of those guys in my next live – walk around with a cart, up load some bags, collect a tip, and off-load them inside). Then parked in the large lot across the street and walked back across the street at about 12:30 PM to check in. Be advised that you have to show both your picture I.D. and cruise contract twice, once outside the gate and once upon entering the terminal building. Then it’s through airport-like security machines and to the actual sign-in procedure by the red coats. Here’s a hot tip: If you have a PC at home and/or access to one, fill out your Immigration questionnaire on-line and print it out before you leave. In San Diego they had one line (with absolutely no waiting) for folks who had done that and one much bigger line for those who had not. Stuff they need from you at check-in are your passports, the afore mentioned immigration questionnaires, your one copy of your “tear out” cruise contract, your filled-out credit card form (with or without permission from you to have your wife charge on your card! Think about this very strongly, guys!!) and the designated credit card itself. The red coat will take your electronic picture and will have you fill out a medical questionnaire (five “yes” or “no” questions only). The obligatory stop for the embarkation pic is next and then you are “good to go” to enter the gangway and Ryndam. The entire embarkation process took something like 10 minutes.

All pax were directed to the Lido restaurant since, as expected, the cabins weren’t ready yet (they told us by 1:30). Found a seat next to the Lido Bar and had a light lunch. Exactly at 1:25, Cruise Director Mike Connachan announced that all the cabins were ready so about 75% of the folks on Lido Deck exited stage left and it became a lot less crowded almost immediately. Met our room steward, Tridadi, call me “Tri”, who introduced himself and brought our luggage within the hour. At 3:00 PM, made our way up to the bow via the forward stairwell on Lower Promenade Deck (Deck 6) – There were about six other pax already up there. Thanks for taking the webcam pics, Jim! Did some unpacking and then attended the always interesting muster/lifeboat drill at 4:15. Sail-a-way was at 5:15 so we went to the party of the same name around the Aft/Sea view pool on Navigation Deck. Chips and salsa were pretty good and so were the HAL cats live band. Noticed that there were bar stewards a plenty who were really pushing the sail-a-way drink of the day. Also noticed something new with several of the Steiner girls busy mingling with black clipboards trying to sign up spa and salon treatments. The pilot disembarked at 5:40 and we passed the U.S.-Mexican border at 6:30 PM heading southbound.

Having Main seating in the Rotterdam Dining Room, we had a pre-dinner show at 6:45 PM in the Vermeer Lounge after an introduction of the onboard service managers and cruise activities staff. The show consisted of a welcome aboard number by Ryndam’s cast called “Let us entertain you” followed by ventriloquist/comedian Mike Robinson. We’ve seen Mike before and have always enjoyed his act with his “dummy” (Mannequin-American)
Terrence. Mike is one of those guys who is able to bring a puppet to live and in our humble opinion, was very funny.

Arrived at the Rotterdam Dining Room at about 7:55 and found our table for eight, #47, on the upper level on the starboard side. Met our tablemates, a couple from Clearwater, FL, a couple from Amish Country, PA, and two ladies from Minnesota. No problems breaking the ice. Aloso met our dining staff, Djoko and his assistant (will get you his name manana). Dinner was good with Maria having Mahi Mahi and I had pasta. After the dinner, made our way up to the Crow’s Nest for a Tia Maria and a Cuban Cosmo. Not many folks in there (hey, this is HAL, after all, plus the first night) and “just” a DJ, no band. Did notice that the Crow’s Nest has been totally reworked again and with two sets of white drapes, can be sectioned off in three different areas for semi-private meetings. The bar is bigger and now located on the starboard side of the CN (looks like it and the DJ station have swapped locations). Similar to Rotterdam, there is a fake Greek-looking pillar next to the dance floor that looks out of place and will present itself as an obvious unmovable stationary obstacle after the consumption of one or more Wang Wangs. …….we shall see! Called it a night at little bit after midnight. Rediscovered the awesome Signature of Excellence mattresses.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

John, sounds like a great beginning to a wonderful cruise. Thanks for reporting in.:)

[mjs125]

Hi John! I was wondering if we were going to get lucky enough to get a "live from the Ryndam....thanks for taking all of us on CC along with you. Sounds like you guys are already having a great time! Can't wait to read about all of you and Maria's adventures!

Meg

[AWED23]

Get it warmed up for us who are sailing April 22 !...John, who is your Captain and will he still be there for the April 22 sailing?...Thanks, Rob,

[PoseidonGodoftheSea]

Sounds fun, look forward to hearing more.

[Chivalrygirl]

Exactly at 1:25, Cruise Director Mike Connachan announced that all the cabins were ready so about 75% of the folks on Lido Deck exited stage left and it became a lot less crowded almost immediately

Copper has he got the lovely Leah with him ?

Hope you have a good one, enjoy :D

Cheers
Val

[caribbean girl]

Make sure you start planning for 'Feb/March of '08' asap! :D

Have a wonderful time!!:p

P.S. How's the wine on the Ryndam?;)

[Atomica]

Sounds like you're having a great day - enjoy your first evening onboard the Ryndam!

[capeboy96]

Thanks for the great report. Will be sailing on the next cruise (4/2) and looking forward to the Ryndam now that the norovirus is gone.

Have a great trip and be sure to try a grapefruit cosmo. They are the best.

[ine2]

Nog 1 nachtje slapen...

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for checking in John.

[Copper10-8]

Rob, Ryndam's captain is Pieter Jan van Maurik and the Hotel Manager Paul A.Z. Muller. I'll find out how long he's staying onboard but I have a feeling he'll still be there for your cruise since he just got on last cruise

Ine, wij zien jullie morgen om 11 uur. Wij verheugen ons er op!:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have sailed with Mauirk on the Statendam -- He still loves to have the Indonesian Luncheon for suite passengers.

Wonder if he will still be on board in November when we get on the Ryndam?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Is the Ryndam in Code Red?

[AWED23]

Rob, Ryndam's captain is Pieter Jan van Maurik and the Hotel Manager Paul A.Z. Muller. I'll find out how long he's staying onboard but I have a feeling he'll still be there for your cruise since he just got on last cruise

Ine, wij zien jullie morgen om 11 uur. Wij verheugen ons er op!:)
Thanks John. To be honest I was hoping Frans Cosen[spell?] would be aboard. Are you going to take the Copper Canyon marathon tour?....Enjoy!

[sail7seas]

Nog 1 nachtje slapen...


John.....Please help us out. I am always the one to say HuH??
Translation please. :D

-----------------------



Great to hear from you and so happy all sounds wonderful aboard the beautiful Ryndam. We had a fabulous time on her in April.

Enjoy and we'll look forward to all posts you are good enough to make while aboard. It's generous of you to share with us.

Hope you and Maria have a Wonderful Time!

[middle-aged mom]

Nog 1 nachtje slapen...



Ine, wij zien jullie morgen om 11 uur. Wij verheugen ons er op!:)


Sail, my Dutch is not that fluent, but Ine was telling John that "there was only one night more to sleep" before they meet in PV, and John replied that he and Maria would see her and Ton "tomorrow at 11 o'clock", and that he and Maria "are looking forward to seeing them", or something along those lines......:)

Karin

[mim100]

...... Stuff they need from you at check-in are your passports, the afore mentioned immigration questionnaires, your one copy of your “tear out” cruise contract, your filled-out credit card form (with or without permission from you to have your wife charge on your card! Think about this very strongly, guys!!) and the designated credit card itself.

This is the first I've heard about a "filled-out credit card form" ....can someone tell me where/when these forms are given tous...we already have our docs and there's nothing like that in there...

Oh and Copper....ahem....not all credit cards are owned by the "guys" :D

[Copper10-8]

SAT 25 MAR 07 - Day Two – At Sea

Woke up to pretty smooth seas (just a bit of gentle motion) as we’re making our way southbound in the Pacific down the coast of Baja California (still alongside BC del Norte). Breakfast about 9:30 was in the Lido restaurant. No problems finding a seat. There are still a couple of visible signs out about the Norovirus problem Ryndam experienced on the cruise prior to Rev Neal’s. No salt & pepper shakers on the tables; plastic covers on the audio headsets in the Explorations Café, no handshaking by the staff including at tonight’s Captain’s champagne reception (talked to both H/M Paul Muller and Security Officer Mike Metrokin and they both gave me the forearm which is always better than the finger). Then of course, lots of Purell dispensers at all “eateries”, Explorations Café, Gangway, Vermeer Lounge, etc.

The master for this cruise is Captain Pieter Jan van Maurik and, as stated, the Hotel Manager Paul A.Z. Muller. For those of you who like to keep track f those things and/or recognize the names, the Chief Engineer is Ernst Vos, the Chief Officer Izaak Klok, the Culinary Manager David Wood, and the Guest Relations Manager JoJo Flores. Val, you asked about C/D’s Mike Connachan’s fiancée Leah. If that’s Leah Shlyakhov, the future cruise consultant, then yes, she is on board. Mike himself seems to be an experienced and smooth C/D with a low-key approach and someone who appears very comfortable in front of his audience. Ryndam was built in 1994 and is the third of the four “S” (Statendam) class vessels. She already had her Signature of Excellence improvements installed i.e. the Explorations Café, the Pinnacle Grill, the Loft, etc.. She is looking pretty good for being thirteen years old but must have either had (last cruise) and/or is having a flooding problem on Lower Promenade Deck aft (deck 6). All the lower wall panels in the stateroom corridor aft of the elevators have been removed and were stacked up against the wall. Looks like the crew is working the problem. Also noticed one of those big portable blowers in the corridor on Navigation Deck. As on Rotterdam, the Explorations Café is our favorite place to “chill” with either a cup of java, a book, on the internet and/or listening to music on one of the great audio stations and comfy chairs borrowed from the Spanish Inquisition “Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition!”.

Ryndam passed Islas San Benito on her portside close to noon. Went to the Crow’s Nest at 2:00 PM and met a nice group of Cruise Critic members and lurkers (about eight of them). Great job by “Nutrioso” from, yes you guessed it, Nutrioso, AZ, to set it up. HAL provided coffee, tea and cookies and a ship’s photographer also showed up for a team pic. Had a pretty leisurely afternoon by watching some DVD’s we brought with us (“Wings”) as well as several dolphins swimming alongside of us. The weather is great with lots of sunshine under clear blue skies. Oh yeah, almost forgot: during lunch we saw a guy in the Lido wearing his HAL bathrobe!! I almost fell out of my chair but luckily recovered in time and that young man is now swimming alongside Ryndam keeping those dolphins company. On the way out of the Lido Restaurant saw a set of man boobs getting out of the hot tub so that’s also out of the way and sure didn’t take long!

Tonight was the first of two formal nights (the others being two informals and six casuals) with our captain’s champagne reception scheduled between 7:15 and 8:00 PM (the first one was between 5:00-5:45 PM). Looks like HAL is finally putting the breaks on chronic latecomers at this event as spelled out as follows in the Daily program “The Captain will have his picture taken with you until 15 minutes prior to the end of the Welcome Aboard reception” Haven’t seen that printed before but I think it will be an improvement. Couple of different things became clear when we showed up on Deck 7 for the event. Of course coming out of the elevator, the usual slinky line for formal pics was already present in front of the Front (oxymoron) Office and Shorex. One formal pic was taken with Ryndam’s “waterfall” sculpture in the atrium in the background (we declined) and the second one right upon entering the Vermeer Lounge (we participated). While waiting in line, always a great time for people watching! Interestingly enough, there were no pictures being taken with the captain. Oh, he was there alright but just to greet you and, as reported earlier, no handshaking. The second change from the ‘ordinary” was no hotel manger as part of the “receiving line”, only C/D Mike. The Vermeer Lounge itself was pretty much filled to capacity when we got there at about 7:30 so this was an eager crowd. Once seated, got an O.J. and Maria a glass of champagne. (The O.J. I got was pretty bad, completely thinned down due to the ice, so more like yellow water, no biggie though). Oh yeah, how can I forget, the infamous dress code! Happy to report that probably 90% of Ryndam’s pax (those we saw) were following the “code” in some sort of way. Observed many tuxes, dark suits, sports coats/slacks (some were in dire need of some type of color coordination lessons and, unlike Brian, I am no fashion connoisseur). Ladies were dressed similarly alas without the tuxes and sports coats but with many of those whatyamacallit “glittery” tops and dresses. Did my darndest but ashamed to report that I did not observe any Cayman’s, Crocs, wooden shoe slippers and/or other similar footwear. Yes, we did observe some dress code violators but I’m happy report that those are now swimming alongside the vessel next to the guy with the bathrobe on.

The captain’s speech was a bit of a skit between C/D Mike and him. It showed the captain’s sense of (“Dutch”) humor. He also ‘splained about the no handshake and stated that he actually had two reasons for it; first of all, he was recovering from a cold, “his” cold, not ours and he didn’t feel like sharing it with us. Secondly, he talked about the infamous bout with Norovirus or Norwalk-like virus that struck Ryndam with a vengeance two cruises ago. The speech and staff intro concluded right at about 8:00 PM so off to dinner we went. We both chose the fish which tonight was salmon in a Miso sauce which was actually pretty tasty (and what was even better, not a single fish bone made its presence known so life’s still good!). Looks like we lucked out again with our dinner companions (no idea if they’re saying the same about us) because there is no lack of conversation and no uncomfortable pregnant pauses at the table. The two ladies from Minnesota (ja, sure) have signed up for the eighteen hour Copper Canyon tour (we did not) next week so can’t wait to hear about their experience.

The show tonight was the first full one by the cast and was called “The hits of Broadway, the designs of Mackie”. I was basically a concert of songs made famous by the various Broadway shows, and costumed by Bob Mackie. Main seating was at 10:30 PM. Unlike some on CC (more power to you) we happen to like going to the productions shows because we like Broadway shows/musicals. We fully understand that the cast members are not Michael Crawford and/or Celine Dion clones and the talent always varies. What never changes (for us at least) is the incredible amount of energy, dedication and work that these young folks put into their shows. We thought that this particular cast on Ryndam is excellent and sounded really well, both together and as solo’s. We really enjoyed this show and, apparently weren’t the only ones because the audience gave the cast a standing ovation at the conclusion of the show. Great job guys! Afterwards we made our regular jaunt up to the Crow’s Nest where tonight was 50’s and 60’s Prom Night with the cruise activities staff. Had the normal twisting, hoola-hoop, best Elvis impersonator (complete with toilet paper resembling sashes around the three competitor’s necks) contests with the winners getting bottles of champagne. Did some dancing ourselves and managed not to hit that Greek pillar adjacent the dance floor. Called it a night about 12:30 AM and withdrew for the night. Having a great time – did I mention yet that those SOE mattresses are excellent? Hasta luego!

[Copper10-8]

Couple of quick answers:

Yonnie, No, Ryndam is not in Code Red, she's in Code Happy!:)

Rob, I understand that Captain Consen's new ship is Statendam. He's our favorrrrrrrrrite also! Nope, not taking the Copper Canyon tour this time, probably a huge mistake on our part!:rolleyes:

Karin, very impressed!! Right on with the translation - Sorry S7S, will include it next time;)

MIM100, you'll find the credit card form in your cruise docs pouch. They used to have you fill that out upon check-in with the red coats. Now you can do it ahead of time. And yes, I fully realize and accept that the ladies also have credit cards..............the horror:eek:

[Copper10-8]

Double post Gremlins

[LAFFNVEGAS]

No, Ryndam is not in Code Red, she's in Code Happy!:)


I understand that Captain Consen's new ship is Statendam. He's our favorrrrrrrrrite also!


John so glad to hear that the Ryndam is not in Code Red:)

But I am sad to hear that Frans is as you had heard going to the Statendam:( Somehow the Rrrrrryndam will never be the same and what can his new trade mark be? You just cannot roll in "R's" on the Statendam, and some how I doubt we want to stutter those S's :D Darn and we are returning to the Ryndam in October and was hoping to sail with him again.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Hi, John!:D Sounds like you're out there having a grand old time on the high seas again ... you lucky dog! Feels like you just got back!

I'm with you and we really enjoy the shows. We rarely miss one. I especially love when they do the Broadway type show. And we usually love all the rest of them, too. I have more CD's I've bought onboard and they bring back great memories.

Jackie, as John said, the CC paper should be with your docs. Take another look through.

Love reading your posts, John ... always so entertaining:D .

[duck tune]

DH and I were on the 3/13-3/23 Ryndam and we went off Code Red on Wednesday 3/21 - that's when they opened up the Lido to the old self-serve routine however still no salt and pepper shakers on the tables - except in the dining room at dinner. The crew did an exceptional job keeping the ship clean!

The Ryndam was late docking Friday morning because the Captain had reduced speed Thursday due to rough seas that developed in the afternoon and continued to increase in the evening. It made packing an interesting challenge!

I'm glad you are having a wonderful cruise - am jealous that you get to go to the two ports we missed - Loreto and La Paz! I'm reliving our cruise as I read your posts.

As a fellow UCLA Alumni I am rooting for the Bruins to do well next weekend in the Final Four! :D

[caribbean girl]

JP and Maria...got your e-mail!! :) Very excited!!:p I responded today...it's in the book!!:D


Have a wonderful time!!

[Copper10-8]

SUN 25 MAR 07 – Day Three – At Sea

Another beautiful morning to wake up to! Blue skies, sunshine and the UCLA Bruins in the Final Four, as we’re still heading south-east while paralleling the coast of now Baja California Sur at a distance of about fifteen nautical miles. No signs of wildlife today but we’re still on the lookout for whales and more dolphins. Breakfast at the Lido Restaurant was a bit more of a wait in line today. Hey, it’s a sea day so you’re always going to have that especially, if a lot of the pax show up at the same time. The guys (kitchen staff) all have great attitudes and most handled the larger crowds with a smile and helping comments. HAL has divided both sides of the buffet line in the Lido into “semi stations” along the same line as they have on the Vista’s (but with obvious limitations due to space) i.e. an omelet/eggs/toast station, a “hot” breakfast station, a juice/yogurt station, etc. The kitchen staff guys encourage you to “move on” and “jump line” when you don’t need and/or want an item from “their” particular area. In doing so, however, the folks you pass by at times catch up with you at the next station and now you’re ahead of them. By the look of some of their faces, some don’t really appreciate that but spontaneous riots and garbage can throwing hasn’t materialized yet!

Ryndam, on this cruise, doesn’t seem to have a lot of kiddies and/or juveniles on board. The ones we’ve seen all seem happy to be onboard and we haven’t observed any hallway running, room breakfast menu taking, elevator button pushing, chaise lounge in the ocean throwing and/or cannonball in the pool jumping. The majority of Ryndam’s pax are in their sixties, seventies and eighties so pretty much a typical HAL crowd. However, the two nights we’ve been in the Crow’s Nest, there has been somewhat of a crowd presence even after midnight, especially yesterday during the first formal. Strangely enough, unlike on most of the other Dam ships, there is no live band assigned to the Crow’s Nest, leaving the musical selection(s) up to DJ Julie. One of the friendly bar waitresses in the CN, Abilene, has been taking care of us. Speaking of tunes, there is other live musical entertainment onboard in the form of pianist Alan Christie in the Crow’s Nest (only until 10:45 PM though), the Manila Quartet in the Ocean Bar, the Sorgento Strings in the Explorer’s Lounge (sorry, don’t like chamber music, it tends to put me asleep) and Fritzie in the Piano Bar.

Did some more jelling in the Explorations Café after breakfast. There’s a set of great oversized and framed photographs hanging on the wall there behind the librarian’s desk of Ryndam’s christening in 1994 and of the completion of her SOE improvement in October 2004. On both occasions, Captain “Smiling Jack” van Coevorden was her master and he’s seen in the pics along with CCL CEO Mickey Arison, former HAL CEO Kirk Lanterman (wonder how he’s doing health wise) and Ryndam’s Godmother Madeleine Arison which, I am assuming, is Mickey’s wife. Grabbed a coffee mocha at the coffee bar in the EC which, at $2.95 for a “Grande” size, is a better deal than on land at Starbucks.

At approximately 12:25 PM, Ryndam passed Cabo San Lucas at a very close distance to port and entered the Gulf of California. Right afterwards, we were joined for lunch in the Lido by Ryndam’s Security Officer Mike Metrokin, a former Alaska State Trooper and Seattle Deputy Marshal with a combined service record of thirty years on the job. Did some shop talking and had a very interesting conversation about some of the things his job onboard entails, an eye opener including the fact that the security officer is in charge of picking out the exact point where the gangway will be located in port and, consequently, where and when the ship comes to a full stop. Little bit of a responsibility you would think especially when the guy has to sneeze when that point approaches. Found out that they do that in meters (as opposed to in feet) and that it’s accompanied by a ot of chatter in Dutch. Besides that, the ship’s S/O is responsible for overall security as well as all onboard discipline and lots of paperwork (sounds familiar!). Mike turned out to be another dedicated and open-minded HAL employee and a great ambassador for the cruise line.


Dinner tonight was just the six of us. The two ladies from Minnesota, had plans elsewhere. The Rotterdam dining room did not appear as “full” tonight compared to last night’s formal and had several open tables. Upon entering, two of the area supervisors were busy dispensing Purell in every passenger’s hands so there was a lot of rubbing going on. According to “Captain P.J.” there have not been any outbreaks of Norovirus on this cruise. Let’s keep it that way! Maria chose the grouper which, in her words, tasted good was “very tough” to cut and eat (consequently, she didn’t finish it). I had the pasta, once again, which was good. They had an appetizer called a duck and black bean quesadilla which I can highly recommend, nice and spicy! At the completion of dinner, we had a chance to do some informal talking to our waiter Djoko (he had two less tables to woory about tonight). Found out that he is from Surabaya on Java and that he has been with HAL for six years on different ships. He had a one and a half and a six year old (one boy – one girl) at home. Unlike some of the other dining room stewards, he generally is not assigned to the Lido restaurant in the daytime.

The primary entertainment tonight was British singer Emma Sinclair (born in bonnie Scotland but raised and schooled in London) who apparently, at age 14, was discovered by Sarah Brightman’s vocal coach. Emma turned out to be a very attractive, long-legged (nothing to do with her singing, I know) lady with an outstanding voice. She gave one heck of a performance with songs ranging from the Julie Andrews movie Mary Poppins, to La Boheme and the always outstanding, but difficult to sing, Nessun Dorma (see Placido Domingo) and received not one, but two, standing ovations. She also picked a gentleman, “Siegfried” out of the audience, put him on a chair in the middle of the stage, changed into something a little more “comfortable” (stage right) and proceeded to serenade the guy, while sitting on his lap and throwing one of them feather boa’s around his neck. Poor guy seemed to enjoy it all but needed some fresh air afterwards! In the mean time, Emma performed “Time to say goodbye” from Andrea Bocelli/Sarah Brightman fame. Outstanding concert!

Finished the night at our regular spot in the Crow’s Nest which was pretty much deserted even though they (the cruise activities staff) were supposed to have “Margaritaville” there tonight. There’s this senior couple, look to be in their seventies, who have been there all three nights so far dancing the night away but not to slow stuff but to everything modern under the sun from Jennifer Lopez, to Shakira to “I like big butts” (sorry, don’t know who sings that chart topper). Very enjoyable to watch them and they don’t take any breaks; they were out on the floor from 11:30 ‘till 12:15 dancing the night away! Cool stuff! Well, the drink of the day was a Wang Wang so what’s a mother to do??? Since it was so dead up there, pretty much the entire Filipino bar staff came up to talk to us and one of the bar tenders started to show us his magic tricks right out of “The Illusionist” with Edward Norton. All very nice people! Tomorrow is our first port of call, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and Ryndam is supposed to arrive there around 7:00 AM. As stated before (I think), there is (should be) now no more tendering in PV since the new pier, right across the street from that famous State of Jalisco landmark, the Wal-Mart store, has finally been completed and is in use. Hasta la vista, baby!

[middle-aged mom]

Muchas Gracias, Senor; I do so love your live trip reports........

[kletskop]

John,
Thanks for posting your cruise adventures. I am realy enjoying your reports! Understand you will be hooking up with my old neighbors ,in PV, from Assendelft. Please send them my regards.
Jerry

[caribbean girl]

Glad to hear you are having fun, Copperoozies! How are the Wang Wangs? Have one for us!!:D

[LAFFNVEGAS]

John, I too enjoy your reports and I am really good at understanding some of the things you write about;)

I hope you had a fantastic time in PV today with Ine and Ton, looking forward to hearing all about it. Also hope you have a fantastic lunch in Mazatlan tomorrow. I would say to give give him a hug from me but it might be better to let Maria do it.:D

[Tinknock50]

Hey ! My post disappeared! Did someone mis-interpet my joke and report me?:confused:

[Copper10-8]

Hey ! My post disappeared! Did someone mis-interpet my joke and report me?:confused:

Not me! I copied you loud and clear!;) Think you posted that on another thread! Hate it when that happens! A mind is a terrible thing!:rolleyes:

[Vic The Parrot]

SUN 25 MAR 07 – Day Three – At Sea

... deserted even though they (the cruise activities staff) were supposed to have “Margaritaville” there tonight.



Of course, the cruise staff has that when I'm NOT on board.

(Happens every time .... you're right,dude, I should have joined ya! :D )



Loving your reports ... Have a Wang Wang (and a Dos Equis) for me
Bon voyage!


:)

[Vic The Parrot]

JP and Maria...got your e-mail!! :) Very excited!!:p I responded today...it's in the book!!:D






Uh-oh ....


That means "trouble" on the horizon ;) :cool:

[jhannah]

Sounds like a wonderful adventure, John. Thanks for taking the time to report. (Who knew the S/O decided where the gangway goes???)

[caribbean girl]

Uh-oh ....


That means "trouble" on the horizon ;) :cool:


JP has all the details. Or we can e-mail you!!:D Think 'March of 08'!!!:p I can't wait!!

[mjs125]

Well, the drink of the day was a Wang Wang so what’s a mother to do???

Wait a minute....I thought you said the Wang Wang was no longer on the HAL menu. Good to know that it is!!

Thanks for the great reports....I love cruising vicariously through you and all the others that post the "live from" threads. Hope you and Maria are having as much fun as you seem to be from your posts!

Hope you have/had a great day in PV today!

Meg

[Krazy Kruizers]

Enjoying your daily reports.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad to hear that the Ryndam is not in Code Red anymore.

[caribbean girl]

Wait a minute....I thought you said the Wang Wang was no longer on the HAL menu. Good to know that it is!!

Thanks for the great reports....I love cruising vicariously through you and all the others that post the "live from" threads. Hope you and Maria are having as much fun as you seem to be from your posts!

Hope you have/had a great day in PV today!

Meg


It's not...but they will still make it for you, if you ask for it. Too bad we found this out AFTER we got home! Oh, well...there is always a next time!!:D

[ine2]

We had a great day yesterday with John and Maria in sunny P.Vallarta.
He will certainly give a long report about that.
We are leaving today, so have to start packing and will check again when back home.
John and Maria, I am sure you will have some more great cruise-days and hopefully we will meet again soon.

[mjs125]

It's not...but they will still make it for you, if you ask for it. Too bad we found this out AFTER we got home! Oh, well...there is always a next time!!:D

Ah...so was he joking that it was the drink of the day? It's been a stressful day at work and my mind may just not be getting the jokes! :o (although I'm sad that Tinknock's joke disappeared before I could read it! If someone reported him then it must have been pretty good... :p ) It is a shame you found this out after you get home, but the next time can't be too far away for you...March 08, right? You guys on a ship together....hope they are prepared!! :eek: :D

Meg

[Tinknock50]

Not me! I copied you loud and clear!;) Think you posted that on another thread! Hate it when that happens! A mind is a terrible thing!


No John .....I posted it here too. The wording was different.

I said here........." Enjoying your review.....not at all "lame" like I thought it would be :D :D :D "

I also mentioned that "Time to Say Goodbye" was one of my favorite songs and it is good to hear it sung right.
I couldn't have commented that way on the other thread because you just told us yesterday about that singer.

I hope it just didn't post somehow and not be removed.....the first part was obviously a joke. .......usually what 3 big grins means.

[Tinknock50]

Ah...so was he joking that it was the drink of the day? It's been a stressful day at work and my mind may just not be getting the jokes! :o (although I'm sad that Tinknock's joke disappeared before I could read it! If someone reported him then it must have been pretty good... :p ) It is a shame you found this out after you get home, but the next time can't be too far away for you...March 08, right? You guys on a ship together....hope they are prepared!! :eek: :D Meg

Well it wasn't that great a joke.....more of a gentle rib. It refers to some guy who went balistic with John on his review of his last Oosterdam cruise and caled his review "totally lame".

This guy's post was almost immediately removed so few people saw it.
John and I discussed it via e-mail and wondered what the heck that guy was all about.:rolleyes:

[mjs125]

Well it wasn't that great a joke.....more of a gentle rib. It refers to some guy who went balistic with John on his review of his last Oosterdam cruise and caled his review "totally lame".

This guy's post was almost immediately removed so few people saw it.
John and I discussed it via e-mail and wondered what the heck that guy was all about.:rolleyes:

Thanks for letting me in on the joke/gentle rib....sorry I missed that review. That is too funny! Some people just don't get what opinions actually are. :rolleyes:

Meg

[nobbync]

Hi John,

Thanks for taking us along on your journey. I can't wait to hear more. After RevNeals review and now yours on the same cruise I may have to take it next year. Been wanting to do it for years. Actually a few years ago I was booked for the Sea of Cortez but had to cancel but a couple friends still went and they loved it.

Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

Nobby

[LAFFNVEGAS]

JP has all the details. Or we can e-mail you!!:D Think 'March of 08'!!!:p I can't wait!!

Just what are we thinking about for March 2008? I might be interested;)

[Copper10-8]

MON 26 MAR 07 – Day Four – Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Ryndam pulled into the Terminal Maritima at approximately 6:30 AM. Once inside the basin, Captain P.J., using his side thrusters, turned his ship 180 degrees using available space (which wasn’t much at all, an admirable job) until her bow was facing westbound alongside the brand new cruise ship dock. The new dock is located on the north side of the harbor adjacent to the Navy base. The other two cruise ship docks are on the east side (across the street from the Wal-Mart) and the original one of the south side adjacent the quayside market. Today, apparently, is the very first time that Ryndam has berthed at the new dock. Construction workers are still finishing pedestrian sidewalks, driveways and a parking lot on the north side. With the new dock, the walking distance to the main entrance of the Terminal Maritima has increased by a pretty good distance, about a 20 minute walk at a fairly decent good pace. We did not see any shuttle buses for perhaps the more elderly and/or physically impaired something to maybe keep in mind if you’re not on an organized tour and want to just walk to the flea market on the south side. Taxis were available a short distance from the gangway to take pax to downtown PV.

Puerto Vallarta is a city of approx. 250,000 inhabitants located at the center of the 25-mile wide Banderas Bay (Bay of Flags) and alongside the Sierra Madre mountain range (Think Night of the Iguana: “Baaadges?? I don’t got to chow you no stinkin’ baaadges”). The name honors former governor Ignacio Luis Vallarta. The climate here is tropical (and can be humid) with sunny days most of the year. The rainy season takes place from July to September. The economy is based mainly on tourism and construction (lots of building going on in and outside of the City) with a small percentage derived from agriculture and tropical fruits. PV is divided into three major regions: the northern hotel and resort region (Nueva Vallarta), the Old Town/Rio Cuale region (Viejo Vallarta), and the Playa de Los Muertos region.

Had our customary breakfast in the Lido and ran into the famous Hunky Dory. At least, I think it’s the famous one. He’s usually singing “You are my sunshine” as he’s handing out his serving trays at the beginning of the food line in the Lido. Maybe those here, who have met and/or know him, can confirm. Puerto Vallarta’s local time was one hour ahead of the ship’s time but we were told to stay on the later.

Today was the day we were going to meet Ine and her husband Ton in PV. Ine is a fellow Cruise Critic member from Assendelft in the Netherlands. For those of you who are thinking of traveling to and/or spending some time in Holland, she is a wealth of information regarding things to see and do, hotels, trains, transportation, you name it. I first made contact with her via CC back in SEP 05 and she really helped us out with our stay in Rotterdam that year and with the aforementioned info., just a very nice lady and now, (with Ton) great friends. Ine and Ton were spending a two week vacation in PV with their daughter Astrid and her boyfriend Azael. Astrid is one of the very few non-Mexican tour guides certified by the government. She does eco and historical tours mostly to southern Mexico and Guatemala and also does whale watching tours in PV on a Zodiac appropriately named the Prince of Whales. Azael, born and raised in PV, does canopy zip-line adventures in the hills above Puerto Vallarta. They waited for us outside the terminal and first took us to Astrid’s house in Nueva Vallarta. What was interesting, besides the experience of driving in PV:eek: , was that her house/condominium is located in the adjoining state of Nayarit. As soon as we crossed the state line, we were also back on ship’s time since Nayarit’s time zone is an hour earlier than Jalisco’s.

Got a tour of the condo and then spent about an hour catching up while having a cold Corona under a large Palapa in the courtyard of the complex. Next order of business was a trip to the beach at the ETC. Beach Club. The tropical and beach scenery of PV really resembles the islands of Hawaii. Next stop was lunch at a local seafood restaurant-bar called Titi’s. This is one of those smallish “hole in the wall” (meant in a nice way) type restaurants at the end of basically a dirt road that you would never find as a tourist without local help. Inside the place, basically a good size patio open to one side, were locals (a large family group, several folks on their lunch break, some young adults, etc.) Turned out to be a great experience with delicious food. Maria had a plate of Filette de pescado a la Veracruz and I had a Fillette de pescado a la ajo, basically grilled Dorado made local style. After saying our goodbyes to Azael, Astrid then drove us southbound on Highway 200 back into the State of Jalisco, past the International airport, past the Ryndam, down the malecon (the boardwalk next to the waterfront) and down the cobblestone streets of Viejo Vallarta with whitewashed Spanish homes on both sides. Made a photo stop at a scenic overlook with a view of Mismaloya beach and the famous Los Arcos off shore and had a chat with a couple of officers from the Policia Federal de Caminos in their brand new Dodge Charger (another great photo op!:) )and then started climbing enroute to Tours de Las Veranos canopy zip-line adventure where Azael works. This is located in the hills above a small mountain river. Pretty soon started seeing several zip-liners who were obviously having way too much fun. Note to self: need to reserve two spots on the zip-line on our next visit here. Had some cold soda’s on a patio overlooking the river and talked Ton out of having a gentleman hang an approx. eight foot python around my neck for a photo op (don’t trust snakes, thank you!). Then got back in the car and descended the mountain towards Viejo Vallarta. After another photo op in PV’s “well to do” area, we wound up on Playa de Los Muertos (Beach of the dead – what a great name!) at a beach front restaurant-bar called Langostinos, owned by a German dude who immigrated here a while back, where we had a round of Pina Colladas. (Lisa, this is right smack next to the beach where you guys met Ine and Ton last week!). It was now pretty close to 5:30 PM so time to head back to the port. Said our goodbyes and heartfelt thanks for an awesome day to Astrid, Ine and Ton and wished Ine and Ton a safe flight home. They’re leaving tomorrow (Tuesday) on a long trip back home to Assendelft via Mexico City.

Back on board Ryndam, the Deck BBQ by the Lido pool was in progress along with live entertainment from “Mariachi Popular, a local great sounding mariachi band. Had some tasty Jamaican Jerk chicken, “I want my baby-back” ribs, rice and veggies, topped off with a piece of Flan; live is still good! All aboard time was 8:30 PM (Ryndam shoved off for Mazatlan at 9:00 PM) which was also the start time for a pretty good show by Grand Illusionist Chuck Jones & Co. Chuck turned out to have some pretty amazing magic tricks, “how’d he do that?” :confused: illusions, comedy and audience participation in his show. Both levels of the Vermeer Lounge were packed to the gills with no empty seats available in the early show. He used one of Ryndam’s cast members, Lindsey, as his assistant and she miraculously survived after being sawed in three pieces, squeezed in half and pulled apart. Definitely one of the better shows we’ve seen! Finished off the night having about a one hour conversation with a couple from San Diego with similar backgrounds as ourselves; he’s originally from Hungary and she from Costa Rica. See y’all manana!

[Copper10-8]

Morning Sean! Didn't see that second one here, just the first one and don't know why that second one would be removed. Lame rocks! No worries, mate;)

Vic, you should have!! Remember next year on Eurodam!;)

Lisa, Maria will give him a hug in about one hour. Aileen will be there also (yeah, yeah, I remember........photos):rolleyes:

Hi Jim!

Cira, I've got a price for ya from the on-board cruise consultant - watch your e-mail today

Meg, the Wang Wang is no longer on the drink menu but, strangely enough, it WAS the drink of the day on Sunday. Yes, you can still ask for one - most of the bartenders know how to make one!

Ine, thanks again for yesterday!! (And, of course msnny thanks to Astrid, a darn good driver!) Have a save flight home today and say Hi to Ton! (hope his hip is better!)

Nobby, I can highly recommend the Sea of Cortez!! Those three cities/towns alone make it worthwhile!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lisa, Maria will give him a hug in about one hour. Aileen will be there also (yeah, yeah, I remember........photos):rolleyes:




John last info I had was you will miss Aileen she is now not coming in till tomorrow in PV. It will just be the three of you.

[mjs125]

Meg, the Wang Wang is no longer on the drink menu but, strangely enough, it WAS the drink of the day on Sunday. Yes, you can still ask for one - most of the bartenders know how to make one!




Maybe they did that because knew you were onboard.... :D

I plan on asking for one on my next cruise!

By the way, for those that have been to PV lately on the Oosterdam....John mentioned that the Ryndam docked but had to turn and that space was tight. Was this a problem with the Oosterdam since it is bigger or were you able to dock with no problems? Just curious!

Meg

[bethee]

We were on the cruise with the NLV. One of our group of 6 got sick on the cruise and I got hit on the flight home. My couse and her husband were on the one before us and there were 200 cases on their cruise.

This was our first HAL cruise and if for no other reason than the beds it will not be our last.

[cruisldy]

John, hubby and I will be on the April 22 Ryndam cruise and I noticed with delight that you mentioned Mike Robinson as a ventriloquist entertainer. A few years ago, on either the Statemdam or Ryndam I saw an ventriloquist entertainer who had me in stitches laughing and in awe of his ability. I did a search on the internet and found a picture of Mike Robinson and his side kick (dummy). I think he is the same one I saw and will be so happy if he is, but I just wanted to know if this entertainer put his side kick (dummy) in a box and has him plead to get out? I will then know if this is the same entertainer I saw, as I don't remember his name, but have been anxiously trying to find him again, and I'm thinking that you have.

Oh and I surely hope he will be entertaining on our cruise and won't be taking a vacation.

Thank you for any help on this question.

[mamadot]

Does the stateroom safe require a credit card rather than combination?:cool:

[Copper10-8]

Evening Cruiselady; Yes, that's the one and only Mike Robinson. He starts his act with "Terrence" (his "Mannequin-American;) ) in the box and ends it with Terrence back in that same box. He then has the uncanny ability to project his voice (as Terrence's) inside the box and starts yelling "let me out", "I want out", etc.! Very cool act and, according to Mike, a dying art! Hope he's back onboard during your cruise on Ryndam!

Mamadot, the safes on Ryndam (at least the one in our cabin) are the ones that take a credit card, not the combo ones!

[Atomica]

Evening, John! I hope you're enjoying yourself on the Ryndam right now!

[caribbean girl]

Glad to hear things on the ~ahem~ Love Boat are going just peachy!!:p Raise your glasses often!!:)

[yorkchu]

copper 10-8..i meant to ask earlier..u said go online and print out the immigration questionnaire... is that the signature preferred boarding pass?

[Copper10-8]

TUE 27 MAR 07 – DAY Five – Mazatlan, Sinaloa

Woke up to clear blue skies and sunshine around 7:30 AM as Ryndam sailed slowly by El Faro (the lighthouse) perched on its 515 foot hill at the approach to Mazatlan harbor. We then entered the Canal de Navegacion on our way to the Cruise Ship Pier. Discovered that Oosterdam had beat us and was already berthed. Captain P.J. performed another 180 and placed Ryndam right behind Oosterdam facing west.
No matter how many times you’ve been here, Mazatlan’s harbor is by no means pretty and/or picturesque since it is principally a fishing, shrimping and commercial port, as a matter of fact, it’s Mexico’s primary port for those activities on its Pacific coast. So, once docked, all you see is large warehouses, shipping containers and a whole lot of concrete. The name “Mazatlan” comes from the Nahuati word meaning “place or home of deer” and refers to large herds of deer that migrated along the coast. Once the home of the ancient Totorame civilization, Mazatlan was later frequented by pirates who, according to legend, buried their treasures in the caves and coves near Mazatlan. Spanish settlers established Mazatlan in 1531 to export gold and silver from the Sierra Madre mines. The port did not really grow until the 18th century when a fishing industry was established. The city is divided into three distinct sections: Vieja Mazatlan (Old Mazatlan) which centers on a small square, Plaza Revolucion and its Basilica, an eclectic district of old Spanish-style buildings and colorful new condos. The second is the center of the Malecon (boardwalk) which curves along Bahia del Puerto Viejo and is a lazy stretch of city beach and Pacific recreation area. The third is the northern Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) where Mazatlan’s elegant hotels and condos are found. Dorado is also the tourist neighborhood.

Our plans today centered on having lunch with James Deering, Oosterdam’s hotel manager. We met him at 11:30 outside the gangway and we then picked up the complimentary shuttle that takes pax to the port entrance where a bunch of shops are set up both in and outside. Once off the shuttle, it’s kinda like walking a gauntlet with vendors, private tour guides and cab drivers trying to get you to go with them. The three of us picked up a cab outside the main gate and off we went which is a story in itself. Mazatlan has a whole lot of these open windowed taxi’s, basically glorified golf carts, painted white with Volkswagen engines. Usually the cab comes complete with a local driver who has made “blowing their horns” a self-proclaimed work of art. The horns produce all kinds of sounds including one very familiar and, once heard, would lead me to immediately pull over to the right side of the curb and produce my driver’s license. Other tunes that can be lovingly produced sound like loud whistles, Ludwig von Beethoven fifth symphony (but uncompleted) and the entrance of the gladiators minus the lions. Overall, an experience not to miss! We headed north-east down Avenida del Puerto, through Viejo Mazatlan and down Avenida Las Gaviotas to Seafood Restaurant Los Arcos. Had a great lunch while catching up. James Deering is one of those individuals who you can listen to for hours and hours due to his many years of experience, not only in the hotel industry, but with cruising (both as passenger and staff) and his years of living in the Orient. If he ever decides to write a book of his experiences, it would not only be extremely funny but also a bestseller. If you ever are lucky enough to have him as H/M on Oosterdam, ask him to tell you some of his life experiences like meeting real life headhunters in Indonesia, his personal encounter with the Navy of the People’s Republic of China, and others. After a similarly “entertaining” ride back to port, we said our goodbyes to Mr. Deering and re-boarded Ryndam. All aboard was supposed to be at 3:00 PM as Ryndam was scheduled to sail for Topolobampo, Sinaloa shortly afterwards. As it happened, there were still passengers being dropped off at 3:25 PM and it sure didn’t look like they’ve been on scheduled excursions. Ryndam finally sailed at approx. 3:35 PM and once alongside Oosterdam, we were treated to a concert of ship’s whistles. Ryndam started it off with three blasts which were answered by Oosterdam. Then came two blasts, also answered and then five quick ones by Ryndam. There was a lot of yelling and waiving going on by both passengers and crew ob both ships, pretty cool!

Entertainment was a 6:45 PM pre-dinner show by the Ryndam cast called “Party Gras” described as a jet-setting musical celebration on a journey to parties around the world. Turned out to be a high-energy show with lots of great music and lots of very quick costume changes. Don’t want to sound like a broken record but this is one of the best sounding and dancing acts we’ve ever seen. We had a 7:30 PM Pinnacle Grill reservation so headed there after the show. Ryndam, like her three sisters, was not designed with a Pinnacle Grill so HAL had the alternate restaurant installed by using space on the starboard aft side formally occupied by the Queens Room, kiddie’s very small game room and a little bit of the Explorers Lounge. The PG on Ryndam has several window seats and we were lucky enough to be assigned one by the manager, a Hungarian gent named Goran Koras. The Chef as a Belgian named Luuk and the rest of the staff a combination Hungarian-Indonesian. One of then we had the pleasure of having sailed wit before on a Rotterdam cruise in 2005. Had an excellent dinner consisting of A PG-cut filet mignon, Shrimp Scampi, with side dishes of rice, scalloped potatoes and creamed spinach, finished off with crème brulee and chocolate volcano cake. No complaints from us!

Finished the night in the Crow’s Nest with a couple of Grapefruit Martini’s (thanks for the suggestion! - they were very good). Discovered that, besides the wine cards (thanks Cira!) HAL also has “cocktail cards” which run $54 for ten cocktails, not a bad deal. The Crow’s Nest tonight low and behold had a live band, Maria (not mine) and the Hellcats and, consequently, a pretty good crowd even though a lot of our fellow pax, I’m sure, had called it an early night due to a 4:00 AM Copper Canyon meeting the next morning. See ya tomorrow!

[Copper10-8]

copper 10-8..i meant to ask earlier..u said go online and print out the immigration questionnaire... is that the signature preferred boarding pass?

Yes Yorkchu, that's exactly what it is! Good luck!

[localady]

John-
Seems like we were there just yesterday......(Okay, last week!;) )
I am glad you had a good lunch with the charming Mr. Deering. :cool: We too love the Plumonias, they are a car like no other. We were a bit concerned on the hills, but it just kept chugging, albeit in a lower speed!:D
Enjoy the rest of your cruise!!

[mim100]

Yes Yorkchu, that's exactly what it is! Good luck!

on the same topic, I printed off the "Express Boarding Pass" a while back, then went in to check some changes and noticed it's changed to "Signature Boarding Pass" ....anyone know why? :confused:

[LAFFNVEGAS]

H John, I figured you had a great time in Mazatlan with having lunch with Mr. Deering. Less than a week ago we were on the Oosterdam yet after returning to work for 3 days I now feel like it has been weeks since we were cruising. I would have loved to hear the Ryndam and Oosterdam conert of ship whistles:) Looking forward to hearing how your tour at Copper Canyon was today. Gee, did they name it after you?:D ;)

[Ine]

Back in sunny (yes really sunny, but not as warm as in PV) Amsterdam.
I will of course read your reports from your cruise John.
We enjoyed the PV meeting with you and Maria, it was a great day, thanks also to Astrid.
Also lunch on Playa Los Muertes with those CC-ers group with Lisa and Tom some days earlier, made this vacation special.

Have some beautiful days on Rijndam.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for the reports John.

[sail7seas]

John, So happy you and Maria are having such a great cruise. Love reading all your posts.

Thanks so much for taking us along with you.

Continue to enjoy. It's such fun reading about all the fun things you are doing.

[yorkchu]

Yes Yorkchu, that's exactly what it is! Good luck!

thanks a bunch!!

[LILynn]

Hi John -

I just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying your cruise (I feel like I am right there with you!) As I live in NY, this was never a cruise that I considered, but after traveling with you it sounds like I might just want to put this on my list!

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us.

Lynn

[RuthC]

Your report, John, along with a few past ones of the same cruise, have made me very interested in taking it one day. Thanks for all the posts.
on the same topic, I printed off the "Express Boarding Pass" a while back, then went in to check some changes and noticed it's changed to "Signature Boarding Pass" ....anyone know why? :confused:
Because calling it "express" is false advertising? In many (if not most) embarkation ports the "express" line is longer than the other. :eek:

[captjohn]

Aloha John
Christina and I are set to take this cruise in Nov. So also looking forward to your report !!
We met Mr Deering when he was with NCL on the Star. As you said a very warm and wonderful man. He treated us very special on that cruise and also to some of our friends on other trips. We had his email address with NCL but wonder if we could contact him now that is with HAL ?
Anyway mahalo for you review and Oh-- Mahimahi is one word ! :)

John & Christina

[Copper10-8]

WED 28 MAR 07 – Day Six – Topolobampo, Jalisco

Through the night Ryndam proceeded on a northerly course through the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) until she pulled into the Port of Topolobampo bright and early (around 4:30 AM) due to this being “Copper Canyon Day” for many. The port itself has the appearance of a lake, is the third deepest natural harbor in the world (after Sydney and San Francisco), and is approached via a six-mile long (dredged) canal. Besides being a commercial, shrimping and charter fishing port, “Topo” is a main ferry terminal which scheduled service to La Paz (Pinchilingue) on Baja’s peninsula and also handles trade for the landlocked State of Chihuahua with which there is a rail link. The town of Topolobampo itself is a small fishing village which specializes in shrimping, primarily for export. It was settled in the late 19th century by an American, Alfred Owens. The town is built on the hillside and its simple homes come right down to the port.

We were on a shorex tour called “Land of Zorro and river float” which left the dock at 9:00 AM. Our bus traveled north-west for 15 miles until we reached the much larger agricultural City of Los Mochis, established through the efforts of Pennsylvania farmer Benjamin Johnston in 1893. We then continued north-east for another 50 miles to the colonial town of El Fuerte (took us approx. two hours to get there from the port). Once there, we took a walk around the nice plaza with gazebo in the center (just about every Spanish and Latin American town/city has one), visited the Palacio Municipal (City Hall) with really nice courtyard and the cathedral (see item #1). Back on the bus, we drove up to the banks of the Rio Fuerte and boarded eight-person rubber rafts/boats for an approx. 45-minute eco-watcher cruise. This was by no means Class-5 white-water rafting but basically a leisurely float down river while encountering some mild rapids while El Capitan was pointing out wildlife such as turkey vultures, cormorants, coots, blue egrets, etc.

After finishing up the boat portion, we walked up the boat ramp and up a bunch of stairs to the Hotel Posada del Hidalgo where we had an excellent Mexican-style buffet lunch. Now, legend has it that Zorro (the real one – not Antonio Banderas) was born in this hotel (a while back when it wasn’t a hotel). So after lunch, we were ushered into a large banquet hall and treated to a Mexican folkloric show by four guys and four beautiful young ladies from the El Fuerte Folkloric Dance School. They performed several traditional Sinaloan dances in those really colorful costumes. After the first several dances, the door burst open and low and behold, in trotted the authentic Zorro. He even spoke English and basically “forced” (OK, when they were to shy to say yes the first time, he came back with a rose in between his teeth – how can a lady refuse that proposal??) to dance with him. I would describe this particular Zorro more as a Mexican Jacques Clousea “Is that yer deug?, does he bite?, here deugie!” but, nevertheless, he was fun. The folkloric dance troupe soon returned and performed some more traditional dances finishing up with the ladies holding the guys’ sombreros in their hands and making a bee-line for the audience. I just about had a feeling that they were out looking for volunteer dance partners so was about to dive under the table but it was already too late. A Mexican beauty dressed in red stopped right in front of me, gave me a big smile and basically hook shanked me to the dance floor (along with three other lucky dogs) where she proceeded to place that sombrero on my head, started to twirl and the rest is history! (Maria took photos but they will never see daylight!!). Rest assured that I gave my best performance of a Dutch march in a long time. Our guide, Adrian, then gave us approx. 25 minutes to do some shopping. Strangely enough, he escorted about three gentlemen “of age” in our group to the closest local Pharmacia where they “allegedly” purchased quantities of little blue pills. (Don’t forget gents…after four hours; proceed straight to your local E.R.). The approx. two-hour drive back through Los Mochis, to “Topo” got us back to Ryndam at 4:15 PM. Besides another folkloric show at the port in front of Ryndam, there were several spirited crew basketball games going on there between the Kitchen Staff versus the Entertainment staff, Housekeeping versus the Technical Dept. etc. Apparently, this is a weekly occurrence on their stop at “Topo”. The baskets were bought by the crew using their crew fund and are put to good us every week! Fun to watch!

Dinner was at our usual time of 8:00 PM and tonight, at least for me, was not great. I had selected the veal but needed a jackhammer to get through it. Just very touch to cut and eat. Maria did much better with her selection of halibut and seemingly enjoyed it. There was no entertainment per se tonight in the Vermeer Lounge but, instead, they were showing the movie “The Illusionist” with Edward Norton on the big screen there. Great movie but we’d already seen it. Instead we proceeded to the Crow’s Nest where from 10:15-11:00 PM there was a smooth jazz and cabaret concert by the HAL Cats and four guest performers in the coolest club in town. The guest performers were three of the Ryndam cast singers and one of the dancers. Turned out to be a great selection of music by some outstanding musicians. Just wished it would go on longer than 45 minutes! Tomorrow is Loreto, BCS. See ya then!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Great report.

[caribbean girl]

:D Very funny description of your dance with the lovely senorita. FYI...I would be willing to pay for those photos, if you're interested in making some extra cash. :)

Enjoy Loreto.;)

[localady]

John- How many onboard (appx) took the Copper Canyon trip?? Hoping it provided a nice quiet day on board for those that didn't take the tour!!

[gizmo]

I am enjoying your updates. Your Land of Zorro excursion sounded like lots of fun. It brings back memories.

Out of the night, when the full moon is bright,
comes the horseman known as Zorro.
This bold renegade carves a "Z" with his blade.
A "Z" that stands for Zorro.
Zorro, the fox so cunning and free.
Zorro, who makes the sign of the "Z."
Zorro...Zorro...Zorro... ........................:D

[earl_m]

Sounds like a great cruise

[Copper10-8]

THU 29 MAR 07 – Day seven – Loreto, Baja California Sur

During the night, Ryndam sailed on a west-northwesterly course across the Sea of Cortez towards the opposite shore and the Baja peninsula. She then changed course to the southwest and anchored off Loreto, BCS around 8:00 AM. Today will be our first tendering operation of this cruise. Personally, I like tendering. I know it can be a hassle at times having to go get tender tickets and there’s some wait time but once on the tender, it gives you a true feeling that you are on a sea journey. Besides, if you have a chance to sit by any of the door openings, you have a great opportunity to take some descent pics of your ship.

The historic town of Loreto, known as “Concho” (“red mangrove”) in the indigenous language, is the oldest of the permanent European settlement in Baja (“lower”) California. Established in 1697 by Jesuits, Loreto, framed by the majestic Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, was the capital of Baja California (Baja was not yet divided into a North and South state then) until 1830 when the administrative center moved to La Paz where it remains today. Loreto’s current population is about 10,000 inhabitants. The main draw in the Loreto region is the water. Lots of sports fishing takes place here mainly for Yellowtail, Sailfish, Sierra, Dorado, Marlin, Wahoo and Roosterfish. The local fishing fleet forms the basis for the economy. Loreto is also famous for another thing: In 1752, the Jesuits built the Mission de Nuestro Senora de Loreto Concho, the oldest known mission in Baja. It has since been repaired many times due to earthquakes and floods but still stands as a symbol of the emerging colonial era in the Californias.

Our excursion today would take us to another mission, the Francisco Xavier de Vigge-Biaundo known locally as El Mission San Javier, located about 23 miles west in the Sierras. After arriving at the central town pier at about 8:30 AM, we met our guide, Judy, originally from Birmingham in the U.K., and our driver, Barnabee. Our group of about 28 persons was divided into three smaller ones and then assigned to three white colored passenger vans. Ours was a Ford Econoline with four bench seats inside. First thing we noticed were seatbelts hanging from the roof and they would come in handy! At about 9:00 AM, off we went down Calle de la Playa and yet another malecon. We briefly entered Mexico’s Highway One which runs from the U.S.-Mexico border at infamous Tijuana “T.J.” to the tip of Baja at Cabo San Lucas, but shortly after made an exit stage right and the adventure began. Mind you, these were not four-wheel drive vehicles but they just as well might have been as the 20 mile, hour and a half journey to San Javier was basically “off road”. I thought it was great but it might not be a real good idea if you’re pregnant, have back problems and/or are a bit squeamish about heights. We first followed a dry river bed for about 40 minutes while making two interesting stops. The first was to inspect an approx. 120-year old living fig tree, the base of which was completely dried up and imbedded in a rock formation. The second stop was to look at some small caves with writings thought to have been carved there by indigenous people a great while back. We then started climbing the Sierra de la Gigante Mountains on basically a narrow dirt road which was an interesting experience, especially during those times when we encountered opposing traffic i.e. with a very large yellow grader doing road improvement work. He was bigger so he won and we wound up backing up for several feet. Looking out the window on my side, the view of a potential 200 feet free-fall into the ravine below was an attention getter. Sitting all the way in the next to last bench seat, I found myself looking for material to use as a parachute and wished I would have paid more attention to the safety brief by Judy (you know, the one about tray tables and seatbacks having to be in the upright position for landing, etc.) Nothing but good things to say about driver Barnabee, however. The man knows how to operate his van (his brother was in the one behind us). The mountain climb part of the trip took about 25 minutes and we then entered a lush valley with lots of palm trees and a somewhat more hardened road which led us to the community of San Javier, population about 120 and set in a deep arroyo. It basically has one cobblestone street that leads from the primary school to the awesome looking mission with adobe homes and fruit orchards in between. The story of the mission is also an interesting one:

Italian Padre Francisco Maria Piccolo established the mission on May 11th 1699 when the inhabitants of the area high lands were “Guaycura” indians. The temple was built between 1744 and 1758 overseen by Father Miguel del Barco. Having just climbed the “new” road from Loreto, I can only imagine how back in the mid-18th century, materials to build the structure had to be hauled up there by mule on an even narrower trail. Among the most striking missions in the region, the façade includes a series of interesting windows and was constructed in three distinct styles: Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-classical. Inside, the gold-painted main and left and right side altars with original paintings, recently restored, are amazing. Unfortunately six of the paintings from the left side altar were stolen in the 1920ties and never found again. Judy took some of us who were interested to the area behind the church which involved some ducking underneath barbed wire, traversing a small stream and climbing some rocks, where we found a great looking very old olive tree closely resembling a banyan tree. We then walked the 80 yards or so down Main Street to the only restaurant in town, Restaurant Palapa San Javier, owned by a husband and wife and had an excellent local lunch consisting of a cheese quesadilla, beef machaca wrapped in a flower tortilla, beans and a slice of cheese, washed away with a coke and/or cerveza. Good stuff which also marked the fourth day that we’ve had a local Mexican lunch without any subsequent visit(s) from Montezuma and his compadres (must be on vacation in Hawaii). Life is still good! Had a small chat using high school Spanish with the only copper in town from the Policia Municipal de Loreto subdelegacion San Javier. Talk about leading a quiet life! The ride back down to Loreto was pretty much uneventful but still very interesting with a photo stop to take a pic of Ryndam waaaaay in the distance.

After being dropped off at the pier around 2:00 PM, we decided to go into town before returning to Ryndam. We did notice that the wind had picked up substantially as we walked down the malecon. Took a right on Avenida Hidalgo and wound up at the Plaza Civica which is just east of the Mision Nuestra Senora de Loreto Concho. At the corner of Hidalgo and Madera is a quaint moderate-size hotel in deep terra cotta colors called Posada de las Flores. We had lunch in its small open air patio on the roof on our first visit to the Sea of Cortez back in 2002. The roof was closed today due to high winds so instead, we had a margarita with some chips and (really hot) salsa outside at the Bar de Tapas and did some people watching. On the way back, bought a ceramic “Mi casa es su casa” wall plate for Maria from a street vendor. Due to the wind, the tender ride back to Ryndam in many ways resembled the earlier van ride except there was water involved and some folks got a little wet in this one. Seeing some dolphins and seals along the way made them soon forget that though!

Ryndam heaved her anchor at 6:00 PM and sailed in a southerly direction for some scenic cruising of the Sierra de la Gigante mountain range. Dinner gave the six of us (the Minnesota ladies were watching the movie “Bobby” in the Wajang) a chance the catch up and compare experiences of the day. Maria chose the Orange Roughy and I tried my luck with Spaghetti in Marinara sauce which was good. The Jamaican Mud Pie for desert was even better! Entertainment tonight was a guitar virtuoso by the name of Justin Miller. We decided to go up to the Crow’s Nest however for 70ties Disco Inferno with the cruise staff to do some dancing to the Hustle, YMCA and other assorted disco hits. Tomorrow is Pinchilingue/La Paz; Buenos Nachos!

[RuthC]

I love Justin Miller! I'm so happy to read he's still around entertaining on HAL ships. It's been a while since I've seen him.
Did you go to his show? If so, how did you like it? Or, did you hear any reviews?

[Copper10-8]

Good to hear you're back home safe and sound, Ine! Say hi to Ton from us!

John- How many onboard (appx) took the Copper Canyon trip?? Hoping it provided a nice quiet day on board for those that didn't take the tour!!

I know it was sold out because we talked to several folks who wanted to go but were placed on the waiting list. The ship definitely appeared "emptier" during their absence!

Capt. John, Aloha and Mahalo for the correct spelling of Mahimahi;) !

Very funny description of your dance with the lovely senorita. FYI...I would be willing to pay for those photos, if you're interested in making some extra cash.

Bet you would - Nice talking to you!

Out of the night, when the full moon is bright,
comes the horseman known as Zorro.
This bold renegade carves a "Z" with his blade.
A "Z" that stands for Zorro.
Zorro, the fox so cunning and free.
Zorro, who makes the sign of the "Z."
Zorro...Zorro...Zorro... ........................


Gizmo, very impressive!! You should have been there!;)

I love Justin Miller! I'm so happy to read he's still around entertaining on HAL ships. It's been a while since I've seen him. Did you go to his show? If so, how did you like it? Or, did you hear any reviews?


Hi Ruth, Nope, didn't go - chose to go to Dutch disco dancing instead, the pure music lovers that we are!:o Saw Justin signing copies of his CD after the first show so I knew he was popular!

[mjs125]

Hi John! Thank you so much for the very detailed reviews....I really love reading of your adventures. I'm going to miss reading all of this as I leave for a few days to go on a mini-vacation, but I will catch up when I get home. Glad you guys are enjoying the cruise!! I think you should share the dancing pictures though! ;)

Meg

[jwitt2]

I love Justin Miller! I'm so happy to read he's still around entertaining on HAL ships. It's been a while since I've seen him.
Did you go to his show? If so, how did you like it? Or, did you hear any reviews?

Ruth,
Justin Miller performed several times on the 30 day Ryndam cruise which ended a little over a month ago. He also lectured during the day 2 or 3 times, pretty much to a full house. He was amazing, could stand up there and talk for an hour or more without any notes about famous American musicians. He was very popular and was well received.

[caribbean girl]

Wow...you're turning into a dancing fool!;)

Sounds like you're having a wonderful time. I'm expecting BIG things out of 3/08!! :p

Have fun!!:)

[mamadot]

Copper, Could you ask how long Justin Miller will be on the Ryndam? I know he usually spends a long time at one gig but do not know how long he might have been on there. We are sailing on the 12th of April and would enjoy having him on board!

[RuthC]

If he's still there when you sail, mamadot, and he gives any of those lectures jwitt2 referred to, and you have an interest in music/music history, do not miss him. I could sit and listen to him for days on end.
Even if he doesn't lecture he will give a lot of info in his performances. It's always a pleasure to listen to him whatever he's doing on the stage. :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Good reading here John.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Curious John, why didn't you go on the Copper Canyon excursion in Tobolopampo?

[mamadot]

RuthC, We were on the Vendam last fall for two weeks and never missed his performances or lectures. He is an outstanding performer and so knowledgeable. Would love to hear him on the Ryndam in April!

[Copper10-8]

FRI 30 MAR 07 – Day Eight – Pichilingue/La Paz, Baja California Sur

After leaving Loreto, Ryndam sailed a south-southeasterly course until reaching and rounding Isla la Partida. She then entered the Bahia de la Paz and docked at her berth in Pinchilingue harbor at approx. 8:00 AM. Pinchilingue is referred to as the entry point to La Paz and is a deep sea harbor with a commercial as well as sports fishing fleet. It is also the start and/or termination point of the Pinchilinque-Topolobampo or Pinchilingue-Mazatlan daily ferry service on one of Baja Ferries’ drive on-drive off vessels. Seems like a favorite route to Mexico’s mainland for many North Americans judging by the amount of (U.S.) California plates on cars waiting to board as well as some with British Columbia plates. What a drive, eh!

La Paz (“peace”) is the industrial and political center of the region and, despite being the capitol and the second largest city of the region, it is still tranquil and traditional. Many shops still close for siesta. Local people are friendly, good-natured and hospitable. It’s a real Mexican town, has an air of timelessness and is a perfect place to relax. The strong presence of commercial fishing and increased tourism are the foundation for the town’s development. La Paz is laid out in the classic grid pattern with streets radiating from the northwest which faces the waterfront.

When we arrived at our cabin last night, we and all other Ryndam guests found a letter on our door signed by Captain “P.J.” in which he announced that despite all efforts (including the infamous two-day total cleaning prior to Rev Neal’s cruise), Noro-virus has once again reared it’s very ugly head. (We learned this morning from our own headwaiter that a total of seven passengers – but zero crew, have presented themselves to sickbay so far on this cruise with symptoms of the virus). Consequently, and in order to not let it get out of hand again, Ryndam has been placed in “Code Red” effective immediately. What that means for us passengers is that the hot tubs and hydro pool will be and will remain closed, self-service at the Lido salad bar and outside Terrace Grill will be discontinued, salt & pepper shakers there removed (they were never present from day one on this cruise), salt & pepper shakers in the Rotterdam dining room (which had been present) will now also be removed and bread and butter will now be served by staff instead of being available in baskets, no more shared snacks in the bars (individual snack bowls will be served instead), magazines and paperbacks taken out of circulation in the library portion of the Explorations Café (the racks that secure them at night remained closed today) and plastic gloves will be made available in the casino.

We went to the Lido for breakfast and observed some of these measures in person. All, up until today, “open” display areas i.e. the entire continental breakfast section (in between the port and starboard side buffet lines), the areas in those lines where one can chose fruit, yogurt, milk, juice, cheese, dry cereal, etc. were now “closed off” with clear wrap. Mind you, one can still get all those products but, you now have to make your choice known to the staffer, and they will now hand those food items to you. Overall, what we’ve seen and/or experienced so far has not had any adverse or negative impact on us. You just adapt and move on. Noro-virus can be fought by vigorously washing one’s hands for at least twenty seconds after using the bathroom One kinda funny suggestion from the captain was that twenty seconds is about the same time as singing the “Happy Birthday” song. So, ladies and gents singing choruses of “Happy Birthday to me” is not unusual on this cruise.

Our two and a half hour shorex tour this morning was called “Artisans of La Paz”. To me, it can probably best be described excitement-wise as three hours of sky-diving, bungee-jumping and rappelling down a steep mountain:rolleyes: . We boarded our bus at 9:30 AM and took the approximate 25 minute ride to reach La Paz. Our first stop there was at the Artesania “Cuauhtemoc” weaver factory where we were given a short demonstration of weaving 101, the old way (meaning by hand and with really old-fashioned machines). The nice folks had a whole assortment of hand-woven rugs, tapestries, placemats, beach hats, clothing, you name it, for sale. I smelled trouble almost immediately so walked outside to observe the local scenery. Sure ‘nough, after 35-45 minutes a whole bunch of the nice ladies in our group were still inside making deals and buying them bargains:eek: . When our guide “Guadalupe, “Just like the Mexican virgin, but just the name” (her words, not mine!) was finally able to forcibly pull the nice ladies from the place (tear gas was going to be introduced next). We then departed for the local market or Mercado Municipal “Francisco Madero”. Inside this fine establishment we found lots of individual vendors selling (business looked very good) anything from fresh fish (you name it, they sold it), to meat, cheese, t-shirts and blankets to First Communion and Quincenera dresses for young girls. My personal favorite were two full-sized hog (pig) heads with both eye balls still in their respective sockets (took a picture of them cabezas, they were – and probably are still – smiling when they met their demise so I think I’m gonna save that pic for my screensaver at work) in the display case of a butcher. Tongues and livers were proudly displayed on either side of said heads. After 20 minutes, back in the bus and off we went to our last stop, Ibarra’s Pottery! We were led inside as a group (no photography allowed due to some rascals actually having had the nerve to steal some of the Ibarra designs/patterns after having photographed same during a visit), the big metal door closed behind us and we were trapped. I swear I thought I could actually hear the horses go wild just like in “Young Frankensteen” after “Eyegor” called “Frau Blugher’s” name “Hump? What hump? We received a demo from the Ibarra family in the finer art of pottery making and painting and afterwards, of course, the co-located gift shop was wide open for purchases! Made it thankfully back to Pinchilingue and Ryndam a little after 12:00 PM. I would rate this particular excursion right up there with a visit to the butterfly farm in Sint Maarten as far as true excitement goes. Maria and many of the other ladies, were happy campers (She got herself a ceramic plate of a hummingbird and two flower pots for hanging on the wall). That’s all that counts since us guys have to sacrifice ourselves at times. Sure hope I don’t get nightmares about them hogs heads tonight, though!:eek:

Had a nice lunch in the Lido and did some reading in a book by Kings announcer Bob Miller that I got for my birthday and then watched as we pulled away from the dock at about 5:30 PM. Captain “P.J.” got on the P.A. system letting all of us know that there had been whale sighting and sure enough, shortly after, we kept seeing whale spouts appear on the horizon on Ryndam’s ports side. That happened to be the side our cabin is one so we watched them from our balcony for about thirty minutes. Fun show!! We, along with other guests, were then invited to a cocktail party with Captain van Maurik and Hotel Manager Paul Muller in the Explorers Lounge at 7:30 PM. It was the usual mingling affair (drinks and hors d’ouvres were served). Had some nice conversation in my mothers language with Mr. Muller (he began his career with HAL in 1964!!!), XO Izaak Klok and a young second (navigation) officer by the name of Ferdi van Beeren. Ferdi is an approx. four-year HAL employee from Beverwijk, the Netherlands who is slowly making his way up the career ladder after starting in cargo ships. He told me his goal has always been to get employed by HAL as a bridge (navigating big ships, not playing cards) officer and so far, he’s doing pretty well. He also told me that there are a total of six navigation officers on Ryndam and that he stands the 12:00-4:00 AM and 12:00-2:00 PM Watch daily. He is already involved in plotting and setting Alaskan courses for when Ryndam reaches the great white north later this spring. He and his colleagues are also responsible for bringing several of Ryndam’s British cadets up to speed in the fine art of ship’s navigation. Some of those cadets were present at the cocktail party, one of which looked to be about fourteen years old but Ferdi insisted he was actually nineteen.

Dinner tonight was billed as “something special” and we wound up canceling our Pinnacle Grill reservation tonight after talking to Nana (also known as “Papa” by his guys in the dining room), the head steward in our section. This was billed as the “Master Chef’s Dinner” and described as “dinner theater” taking on a whole new meaning as dining room stewards, cruise staff and cast sing, dance and juggle tableside as they serve a very special meal created by Hal’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. It was to be capped off by a big finish and an amazing dessert. Sure enough at about 8:15 PM, to the tunes of the “An der schone Blaue Donau” (aka the Blue Danube), in came all the dining room stewards plus cruise staff dressed in white complete with chef’s hats while holding banners and dinner napkins. Once at their dinner stations, they began to dance, twirl and hop skip around their guests while depositing napkins in our laps. Each guest was also given a paper Chef’s hat which had the night’s menu attached to same. This went on again with the presentation of the tossed salad, this time accompanied by Ryndam’s cast. The entrees were served conventional style but the desserts (a white chocolate chef’s hat with chocolate mousse inside and a piece of chocolate cake in raspberry sauce) were once again part of a “production show”. Overall and not having seen it before, we thought it was interesting but also kinda “cheesy” and not worth canceling the PG next time.

Entertainment tonight at 10:45 was the always entertaining Indonesian Crew Show in the Vermeer Lounge. Besides the individual talent (singers and/or musicians), the same numbers such as the Welcome dance from Bali, the Saman (Thousands Hands) dance from Aceh, Sumatra, the Kecak Ramayana (Rangda the Giant vs Hanoman, the white monkey) dance and the Angklung (Bamboo) orchestra from West Java return every cruise but the guys (and since recently, girls) always put their all into it. In addition, these individuals are not professionals, work so very hard, and practice their show frequently at 3:00 AM while the rest of us are asleep. We always enjoy their show and they visibly like putting it on (if you don’t believe it, just yell one of their names when you recognize him as “your” steward and watch them glow). Tomorrow is our last stop at Cabo San Lucas, BCS before heading back to San Diego. See ya then!

[Tinknock50]

John,
I did that San Javier Mission excursion a few years ago and thought it was one of the best excursions I have done. I like that it is not at all touristy and a quiet little town. And the church was beautiful!

I do have to say that bumpy road was something else!

Enjoying your review!

[Copper10-8]

Copper, Could you ask how long Justin Miller will be on the Ryndam? I know he usually spends a long time at one gig but do not know how long he might have been on there. We are sailing on the 12th of April and would enjoy having him on board!

I will try to get you an answer from the cruise director, Mama!

Curious John, why didn't you go on the Copper Canyon excursion in Tobolopampo?

Yonnie, it was the duration of the excursion - a 4:00 AM meeting in the Vermeer Lounge followed by two hours in a bus from "Topo" to El Fuerte, followed by a five-hour train ride to the Canyon. Two-two and a half hours on site but then the same seven-hour return ride back to the ship. We just thought it was too long. Learned from several folks on board that there are alternate ways of getting to Copper Canyon from, for instance, Arizona. More than likely a place we're gonna visit in the future with the luxury of spending some more time down there. (Besides, I would have missed dancing with the beauty;) )

Howdy Sean, agreed 100% - we enjoyed that excursion to San Javier very much!

[RuthC]

What a shame that the noro virus is fighting back again!
You don't suppose the whales are sending it aboard when they shoot off.... Nah.

Let's hope everyone does as they should and it can be kept in check.

[hammybee]

Dinner tonight was billed as “something special” and we wound up canceling our Pinnacle Grill reservation tonight after talking to Nana (also known as “Papa” by his guys in the dining room), the head steward in our section. This was billed as the “Master Chef’s Dinner” and described as “dinner theater” taking on a whole new meaning as dining room stewards, cruise staff and cast sing, dance and juggle tableside as they serve a very special meal created by Hal’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin.

Overall and not having seen it before, we thought it was interesting but also kinda “cheesy” and not worth canceling the PG next time. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Cheesy does not begin to describe this production. Those who agree might consider making a point of telling HAL so, on the comment card at the end of the cruise.

Stay clean and have a safe trip home, Copper.

[Ine]

I hope "noro" will not get you 2... I am not a doctor but always wonder if the warm/humid temps in the covered pool area also helps to spread the virus, not just the "wash your hand after"...

I have sent some photos to Anneke of the PV meeting. Had a reply already, she loved to see them.
Enjoy the last day on board!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Good morning John

So sorry to read that the Ryndam has gone back into Code Red again. Wash your hands often - use the Purell. We have been on 3 out of 4 ships just this past year that were in Code Red.

Joe's cardiologist advised us against that long day for the Copper Canyon.

Agree -- time to do away with the Master Chef dinner.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

John, I hope you and Maria are enjoying your last Sea Day. I know that you are asking yourself "Just where did those 10 days go?" I have enjoyed your reports. Thanks:)

[Ine]

<<<Ferdi is an approx. four-year HAL employee from Beverwijk, the Netherlands who is slowly making his way up the career ladder after starting in cargo ships. He told me his goal has always been to get employed by HAL as a bridge (navigating big ships, not playing cards) officer and so far, he’s doing pretty well. >>>

Tell him Beverwijk is doing fine, was there today, it is just 5 miles from our place.!
With "groeten van de Zaankanter".

[San Bar]

We will be taking the Mexico cruise, San Diego RT, in October and was wondering if someone who went on the Copper Canyon tour would give their opinion of it and if it is worth taking. Thanks

[Copper10-8]

SAT 31 MAR 07 – Day Nine – Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

After leaving Pinchilingue yesterday, Ryndam sailed a southerly course along the east coast of the Baja peninsula until anchoring in the Bahia de Cabo San Lucas around 7:00 AM. Jutting out from the 1,000 mile long Baja peninsula where the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) meets the Pacific Ocean, Cabo San Lucas is separated from the north by Baja’s desert interior. At the tip of the peninsula lies a rock formation known as El Arco (“the arch”). According to geologists, the Baja California peninsula, once connected to the mainland, resulted from violent seismic activity along the San Andreas Fault between 10 and 15 million years ago. Powerful earthquakes caused Mexico’s west coast to split at about the same time and Baja was born. The sea around Cabo is home to a wide array of marine life, including large sea mammals such as grey and humpback whales. The area is frequently referred to as “Los Cabos” (the capes) which identifies the two communities at the end of the peninsula, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas is the main resort area on the western side of the peninsula while San Jose del Cabo, 18 miles to the east, is the more laidback, colonial community. The combined population was once 200 people, but that has grown to more then 50,000 today. The term “Los Cabos” also includes the almost unbroken line of hotels, golf courses and luxury condominiums in between both communities.

After breakfast, our excursion today “Coastal Highlights” would take us to San Jose del Cabo. Tendering, specifically boarding the tender from one of Ryndam’s ramps, was somewhat of a challenge this morning, especially for some of the elderly and mobility impaired passengers, due to continuous large swells. Once onboard did some assisting in helping folks get to their seats. Once away from Ryndam, the 10 minute tender ride itself to Cabo’s Marina and tender dock was uneventful. Like all the prior Mexican ports we visited on this cruise, we were welcomed on the dock by two Mexican Navy sailors, dressed in all black with Kevlar helmets, body armor and slung M-16 rifles. Tedious duty, no doubt for those guys all day long, but we appreciated them being there. Met our guide, Armando Delgado-Lopez and followed him down to our bus. We just visited Cabo SL, less than four months ago but since that time, the visiting/transit center has been completed so that’s where we departed from. After leaving the Marina and traveling on Avenida Lizaro Cardenas, we passed the “famous” Cabo landmarks of Cabo Wabo and Squid Row, our first stop was at the Fabrica de Vidrio (the Glass Factory), where we received a glass blowing demo which led us directly into the……..you guessed it, gift shop! This place was expensive though; $37 U.S. for a small glass statue of a cat. Someone told us that when there are cruise ships in town whatever cost $1.00 yesterday, automatically goes up to $2.00. We then entered the Corridor Highway, “one of the world’s most scenic routes”, that links Cabo San Lucas with San Jose del Cabo. Our second stop was at Giorgio’s Restaurant for a cold soda on the stepped down terrace surrounded by an outdoor pool and a great view of Ryndam across the Bahia de Cabo San Lucas. After about 25 minutes, back on the bus until we reached San Jose del Cabo. Compared to Cabo SL, definitely a more laidback community. We started off at the tiled Plaza complete with a gazebo and/or public stage in the center. Then walked around for about 40 minutes browsing through the many shops that lined the square and surrounding streets until finishing up at the white colored, twin-towered Jesuit mission built in the mid-17th century. Overall a nice experience! The ride back brought us to the Marina at around noon just in time to see a big Marlin getting hauled up a block for weighing and picture taking.

All aboard today was at 1:30 PM, two hours earlier than usual and so was our departure time of 2:00 PM. The reasons given for this in a letter from Captain “P.J.” were the anomaly that Mexico and the U.S. are adjusting clocks due to daylight savings time on different dates in 2007, one of Ryndam’s five diesel-electric generators being off-line for routine overhaul on this cruise and “unusual” ocean conditions between Cabo and San Diego that caused delays on prior cruises and could be encountered again (did notice that airline-type “Say hi to Ralph” bags started appearing at all elevator banks. Had a great cheeseburger from the Terrace Grill and a relaxing afternoon. Dinner was nice also with Maria having Cod and I had the pasta. We were treated to the Baked Alaska parade afterwards. Showtime was at 10:30 PM and tonight was the last of the three production shows by the Ryndam cast called “On Track”. It was a fun show based on a ride down a musical subway car set in the 1950ties ad 1960ties. One hour later, they received a spontaneous standing ovation from the audience for a third time in a row. Afterwards proceeded to the Crow’s Nest for the Black and White party with music provided by Maria and the HAL Cats. Did some dancing and happen to win a bottle of champagne while on the floor. Tomorrow is our last sea day before this cruise comes to a close. Tot ziens!

[Vic The Parrot]

"Gaston ... a bucket for monsieur!"


:D :D

[Copper10-8]

Copper, Could you ask how long Justin Miller will be on the Ryndam? I know he usually spends a long time at one gig but do not know how long he might have been on there. We are sailing on the 12th of April and would enjoy having him on board!

Mamadot, I tink you will be a happy camper. Justin Miller is staying on and performing on Ryndam's next two cruises so on the April 2nd and April 12th (yours). Have a great cruise!

John, I hope you and Maria are enjoying your last Sea Day. I know that you are asking yourself "Just where did those 10 days go?" I have enjoyed your reports. Thanks:)

Hi Lisa, we had a great time but its always over before you know it as you and Tom can attest to! See ya

I hope "noro" will not get you 2... I am not a doctor but always wonder if the warm/humid temps in the covered pool area also helps to spread the virus, not just the "wash your hand after"...

I have sent some photos to Anneke of the PV meeting. Had a reply already, she loved to see them.
Enjoy the last day on board!

Nope, were fine! Thanks for sending those pics to my sister, Ine
Beverwijk is another nice little town in Noord-Holland, See ya!

"Gaston ... a bucket for monsieur!"

I'm a lumberjack but that's Okay, I work all night and I sleep all day!;)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

“unusual” ocean conditions between Cabo and San Diego that caused delays on prior cruises and could be encountered again (did notice that airline-type “Say hi to Ralph” bags started appearing at all elevator banks.

John, sometimes the blonde in me comes out:D It took me a minutes to figure this out:eek: That comment is going to stick with me, and I am sure will use that line some time in the future;)

[Vic The Parrot]

Lisa


And don't forget "to call Ralph on the big white phone" :D

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lisa


And don't forget "to call Ralph on the big white phone" :D

;) Cute Vic :D

[Vic The Parrot]

I'm a lumberjack but that's Okay, I work all night and I sleep all day!;)



"Just because some aquatic bint threw a sword at you, doesn't mean you get to become king!"

[mamadot]

Copper, Thanks for the information about Justin Miller. I really appreciate an answer as I know how much fun you are having and it is kind of you to take time to answer! He is a remarkable entertainer! Hope you got to hear him! Mamadot

[Copper10-8]

"Just because some aquatic bint threw a sword at you, doesn't mean you get to become king!"

"And now for something completely different...........a naked man playing the piano!"

(sorry, just working off the remaining few minutes in the Explorations Cafe - plus Vic started it!;) )

[Copper10-8]

John, sometimes the blonde in me comes out:D It took me a minutes to figure this out:eek: That comment is going to stick with me, and I am sure will use that line some time in the future;)

That's quite OK, blondie - I'll let you!

Copper, Thanks for the information about Justin Miller. I really appreciate an answer as I know how much fun you are having and it is kind of you to take time to answer! He is a remarkable entertainer! Hope you got to hear him! Mamadot

No prob Mamadot! :) We're actually going to see him in 60 minutes. He's part of the last show! Have a great time on Ryndam in two weeks!

[localady]

Have a great trip home John !!!:D
Ghee, I always thought those bags hanging near the elevator were goodies bags!!;) :cool:

[caribbean girl]

Wow...is Maria singing with the Hal Cats now?:eek: Go figure...

Check your e-mail.;)

And welcome home...:)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

:eek: OK John, what did you do with the Ryndam? It is 6:48 am and you are not back in port yet:confused:

http://live6.truelook.com/timages/live6/ecodb/ecodb_sandiego_oneamerica2.1/imgbuf/buf_466/1175418131157919.jpg


Oh but I do remember something about "Ralph":D so maybe you had some rough seas and a slow go getting back in. Hey now wait a minute this same thing happened to you on the Oosterdam the beginning of January. I think I see a pattern here:rolleyes:

[Krazy Kruizers]

Any update on the ship?

[RevNeal]

This happened with us, too. I woke up at 7:30 am expecting to find us docking, only to note that we were still about an hour, or so, from docking. It was strange. And here, it happens again. Hmmmmmm

Oops ... just went back and did a read ... looks like it was reported that the same high seas that slowed us down in our approach also slowed them down this time.

Sure hope they nipped Norwalk in time to keep it from hitting the crew.

[RedmondCruiser]

She arrived at 8:30 -- As of 9:20 no one has debarked from the ship. It would be interesting to find out why its late, but as in most late arrivals we probably will never know.

[RedmondCruiser]

On second thought the departure delay is probably due to Ms. Pinchapenny in cabin 456 who has not cleared her $26 account with the front desk.

[caribbean girl]

Maybe they got sidetracked and got stuck in the Bermuda Triangle!:eek:

(Welcome home JP and Maria...;) )

[RevNeal]

Maybe they got sidetracked and got stuck in the Bermuda Triangle!:eek:

(Welcome home JP and Maria...;) )

If they're lost in the Bermuda Triangle, then they would REALLY be lost ... wrong ocean.

[caribbean girl]

If they're lost in the Bermuda Triangle, then they would REALLY be lost ... wrong ocean.


Anyway...if they ended up there, it sure is time to get on your knees, Rev...:rolleyes:

[Copper10-8]

She arrived at 8:30 -- As of 9:20 no one has debarked from the ship. It would be interesting to find out why its late, but as in most late arrivals we probably will never know.

Pretty close!! We passed New Point Loma lighthouse at about 8:00 AM and docked at about 8:45 AM. Even though the Ralph Cramden bags were out all of yesterday, weather and seas were never rough (just a bit of motion), nothing compared to Oosterdam's return on 06 JAN 07.

The reason for the delay (and our early departure from Cabo yesterday - by two hours) remained kinda vague but IMHO was caused by one of Ryndam's five generators (that supply the two engines) being down for routine maintenance. (Per the captain, when they opened that generator up, they found it in need of more maintenance than they had anticipated so the generator remained down). Captain "P.J." told us yesterday that he had to make an avaerage of 18.6 knots in order to make a 9:00 AM arrival in San Diego. He made 18.7 yesterday morning but then 17.8 at noon so I think speed was definitely a factor.

There were several "Will Mr. and Mrs. from such and such cabin please report to the Front Office to settle your account and/or to the Vermeer Lounge to meet with Immigration" which always holds things up. Disembarkation did not start until about 9:45 AM and we, as independent travellers with "Black #4" were off the ship at 10:45 AM, on the 5 north-bound at 11:15 and home at 12:45.

Had an overall great time - will post the remaining sea day soon! Thanks for "sailing along with us!"

[SDHALFAN]

Welcome home John and Maria. Thanks so much for taking us along on your cruise - I had a great time reading all your posts about the various ports.

I love that Mexican Riviera/Sea of Cortez cruise and hope that maybe I can squeeze enough money out of the savings account to take one next year - no suite life for me though since I'll have to be down in steerage once again:D . I've signed on for the Amsterdam's 65-day Grand Asia Pacific cruise in September of 2008 and that's an awful looooooooong way off to be without a cruise, although I do have one week in Alaska coming up in July (that dam Amsterdam once again:) ).

The Nimitz left this morning, at about 10:30, too bad you didn't get a chance to see her rounding Point Loma. She'll be back in six months (hopefully) so I'll be standing in front of the T.V. set bawling my eyes out once again when the families are reunited.

Thanks again for "taking me along on your cruise" - I had a blast!

Valerie:)

[sail7seas]

Welcome Back, John. Loved reading your posts from aboard and will look forward to any more comments you'll share with us.

As usual, it seems you just left and here you are back home.

[Love Cruises]

Welcome back John and Maria... I so enjoyed reading your posts everyday. You sure have a great way of writing!!

Thanks for taking the time to do these. If us CCs can't be there, people like you make it that much easier to go through our withdrawals from HAL.

[Ine]

Welkom thuis and hasta la vista!

[caribbean girl]

Welkom thuis and hasta la vista!

Ine...I am very impressed that all the Dutch folks around here seem to be bilingual. Muy bien...:)

[Ine]

Ine...I am very impressed that all the Dutch folks around here seem to be bilingual. Muy bien...:)

When in school I had to learn Dutch (yes of course), but also German, English and French. I think John when he was still at school here, had to do the same.
Later I started to study Spanish at night, but have forgotten much. During my stay in P. Vallarta I picked up a lot again.
I love languages, the best way to communicate.

[kletskop]

Same here. Had to learn Dutch, English and German. The school I attended did not offer French.
JW

[caribbean girl]

When in school I had to learn Dutch (yes of course), but also German, English and French. I think John when he was still at school here, had to do the same.
Later I started to study Spanish at night, but have forgotten much. During my stay in P. Vallarta I picked up a lot again.
I love languages, the best way to communicate.

Yo hablo espanol, Ine (soy Cubana). :) Me encanta que usted y JP lo hablan tan bien!! Muy bonito!! Siempre me hace reir cuando exclama, "Ach du lieber!", aunque eso es en Aleman.:rolleyes:

If you can figure that out, you're hired!!

[Ine]

Yo hablo espanol, Ine (soy Cubana). :) Me encanta que usted y JP lo hablan tan bien!! Muy bonito!! Siempre me hace reir cuando exclama, "Ach du lieber!", aunque eso es en Aleman.:rolleyes:

If you can figure that out, you're hired!!

Yes I can figure that out. Understanding it is much better, then talking spanish. Like you mention, it is deutsch, (german) not dutch. I am also very surprised about the "dutchpeople" in a.o. Pensylvania, who are from Germany, should havebeen called Deutsch. So it seems...what's in a name.
As you may have read I have met JP in P. Vallarta when they sailed Ryndam. That was fun.

Kletskop, hoe gaat het?. You are the younger generation that didnot have to learn French. Just changed the topphoto from tulipfields into Molens aan de Zaanse Schans!

[kletskop]

Hoi Ine!
They did not have French op de LTS. Mavo wel
Everything is fine here in sunny so. cal. I l ike the Zaanse Schans picture.
My mom is coming over in June for a couple of weeks and my sisters in July for 4 weeks. Dus heb ik weer een hok vol van de zomer maar wel gezellig!
I'll have a full house this summer, but really "gezellig" (no tranlation for gezellig)
Groetjes.
JW

[caribbean girl]

Yes I can figure that out. Understanding it is much better, then talking spanish. Like you mention, it is deutsch, (german) not dutch. I am also very surprised about the "dutchpeople" in a.o. Pensylvania, who are from Germany, should havebeen called Deutsch. So it seems...what's in a name.
As you may have read I have met JP in P. Vallarta when they sailed Ryndam. That was fun.

Kletskop, hoe gaat het?. You are the younger generation that didnot have to learn French. Just changed the topphoto from tulipfields into Molens aan de Zaanse Schans!


That's great, Ine!!:) The more you practice, the better you'll get. I'll help you with that! ;) I love languages, too. I studied Latin and French in high school and some Green and Hebrew, as well. I think if I spent a couple of months in Japan, I'd be fluent!! :D


The folks from Pa. are called Amish and they speak Pa. Dutch, which I believe is more German that Dutch. The food here is very rich, lots of potatoes, meat and starchy stuff. I'm not sure if that's part of the Dutch heritage or not. Don't think bitter ballen is on the menu here, though. I've heard about them from JP. I'm so glad you met him and Maria. I hope we get that chance in the next year or so. I've been 'talking' to him here and there for about the last two years or so... Unbelievable!:rolleyes:

[kletskop]

From what I understand the Dutch Pennsylvania people are actually German. The "Americans" thought that when the Germans settled in the area that they were Dutch, because when asked they said they were Deutsch. The "Americans" thought that they said Dutch.

True story or am I totally wrong?

JW

[Copper10-8]

I studied Latin and French in high school and some Green and Hebrew, as well. I think if I spent a couple of months in Japan, I'd be fluent!! :D

Semper ubi sub ubi

[Copper10-8]

Semper ubi sub ubi


Always wear underwear!

[kletskop]

What lingo is that?

[Copper10-8]

What lingo is that?

Latin, since Cira says she understands it;)

[Ine]

That's great, Ine!!:) The more you practice, the better you'll get. I'll help you with that! ;) I love languages, too. I studied Latin and French in high school and some Green and Hebrew, as well. I think if I spent a couple of months in Japan, I'd be fluent!! :D


The folks from Pa. are called Amish and they speak Pa. Dutch, which I believe is more German that Dutch. The food here is very rich, lots of potatoes, meat and starchy stuff. I'm not sure if that's part of the Dutch heritage or not. Don't think bitter ballen is on the menu here, though. I've heard about them from JP. I'm so glad you met him and Maria. I hope we get that chance in the next year or so. I've been 'talking' to him here and there for about the last two years or so... Unbelievable!:rolleyes:

We met JP last March when he transferred us from airport to hotel (ask him about that!) and again from hotel to/from ship. Once more when he was in NL last May and we went for original satay (JW in de Krokodil in K'nie) and fish in IJmuiden. This time when we were in P. Vallarta.

Kletskop: spoke to you mum just a few weeks ago and she told me about that. Best way to stay in contact with family is to have have them for vacation. We just did with Astrid.

Caribbean girl, Kletskop used to live in the same village we still live, so close we could see eachothers house. My girls used to play with his sister. By coincidence we met again on this board!

[mjs125]

The folks from Pa. are called Amish and they speak Pa. Dutch, which I believe is more German that Dutch. The food here is very rich, lots of potatoes, meat and starchy stuff. I'm not sure if that's part of the Dutch heritage or not. Don't think bitter ballen is on the menu here, though. I've heard about them from JP. I'm so glad you met him and Maria. I hope we get that chance in the next year or so. I've been 'talking' to him here and there for about the last two years or so... Unbelievable!:rolleyes:

Caribbean girl: I was reading these posts and saw this about the Pennsylvania Dutch and had to jump in. My family is all Pennsylvania Dutch (and no, we're no Amish). Definitely German, not Dutch. I've had a lot of Pennsylvania Dutch food and never heard of bitter ballen, which to me would make me think that it isn't on the menu in that area either, but that could just be my experience! Are you in that area now? Thanks to my mom even though we've moved I still love and often make some pretty traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes....yep, the meat and starch (pork and sauerkraut and potatoes).

From what I understand the Dutch Pennsylvania people are actually German. The "Americans" thought that when the Germans settled in the area that they were Dutch, because when asked they said they were Deutsch. The "Americans" thought that they said Dutch.

True story or am I totally wrong?

JW

I think you're right JW as far as the misunderstanding. The heritage is definitely German.

By the way....welcome home John and Maria!! I'd say it in Spanish but I'm so rusty I'd be afraid I'd type something that isn't allowed on the site :eek: :rolleyes:

[caribbean girl]

Ummm...did I say I studied 'Green'? :eek: Yikes...I meant 'Greek'. Sorry...:o

I bet that story about the Pa. Dutch is true, JW. It makes sense.
The Amish mostly live in their own little enclaves here which are sadly being made smaller by development. They actually are sorrounded by shopping outlets currently, which is an absolute nightmare during tourist season. Everyone who comes here wants to either shop, eat or gawk at the Amish and that makes for crazy driving conditions. Otherwise, there's not much to do in these parts. Always amazes me that anyone would come out here on vacation in the first place. I'm sure most of you heard about the terrible shootings a few months ago in this area. The Amish community has been a great example of compassion and forgiveness to the family of the man who was responsible for the deaths. They are still comforting his wife and helping her and her children. Just remarkable!

Well...I see JP is now rising from the cruising ashes. Just in time to start blabbering in some foreign language, too.;) (talking about 'underwear', no less~holy moly...) Nice to see you back, Copperoozies. Hello to Maria...

Ine, since you've already met JP, you're in a good position to fully warn us. You probably know all his 'tricks'. I'm listening...:)

[Ine]

MJS125. Bitterballen is really dutch (not German). Those are kind of small balls made of thick beefstew, rolled through breadcrumbs and then fried. Eaten as a snack with a drink.
The larger ones look like rolls and can be eaten also as a snack but often wrapped in a breadroll. Then they are called croquettes. (or kroketten).
Bitterballen are often served at HAL too at captain's party etc.

Caribeangirl..what can I tell you about JP.. a lot !!..but since he works in the policeforce I better be careful...:) :) Joking, he and also his wife are a real nice couple. I think we can call them friends by now.
We saw the shooting on TV here too. That was really awful. Never been to Pennsylvania, either Amish or other, maybe one day I will.
In Mexico there are quite some Mennonites, who more or less live like Amish too. By origine they came from Holland, moved over to Germany and then again to Mexico many years ago. All tall and blond. They really live in their own villages, hardly have contact with mexicans. They sell their cookies, cheese etc. to the public.

[mjs125]

MJS125. Bitterballen is really dutch (not German). Those are kind of small balls made of thick beefstew, rolled through breadcrumbs and then fried. Eaten as a snack with a drink.
The larger ones look like rolls and can be eaten also as a snack but often wrapped in a breadroll. Then they are called croquettes. (or kroketten).
Bitterballen are often served at HAL too at captain's party etc.


Thanks Ine....I remember John describing them to me in another "live from" thread on one of his other cruises, but he either didn't mention or I didn't connect them with the captain's party. I wondered what those things were...they were really good! :D I knew they were Dutch, but caribbean girl mentioned she didn't think they were on the menu in Pennsylvania Dutch country so I was just agreeing with her. :o

[caribbean girl]

MJS125. Bitterballen is really dutch (not German). Those are kind of small balls made of thick beefstew, rolled through breadcrumbs and then fried. Eaten as a snack with a drink.
The larger ones look like rolls and can be eaten also as a snack but often wrapped in a breadroll. Then they are called croquettes. (or kroketten).
Bitterballen are often served at HAL too at captain's party etc.

Caribeangirl..what can I tell you about JP.. a lot !!..but since he works in the policeforce I better be careful...:) :) Joking, he and also his wife are a real nice couple. I think we can call them friends by now.
We saw the shooting on TV here too. That was really awful. Never been to Pennsylvania, either Amish or other, maybe one day I will.
In Mexico there are quite some Mennonites, who more or less live like Amish too. By origine they came from Holland, moved over to Germany and then again to Mexico many years ago. All tall and blond. They really live in their own villages, hardly have contact with mexicans. They sell their cookies, cheese etc. to the public.



Next time we're on a HAL ship, I am going to look for the Bitterballen. Have to find out for myself what all the hoopla is all about.:)

Ine, there are loads of Mennonites here, too. Sometimes Amish folks break out of the very restrictive lifestyle and become Mennonites instead. They are a bit more lenient. You know, the true Amish don't use electricity or even drive. They still use horses and buggies. In this area, prior to the murders, there had been quite a few Amish road accidents where 'plain folk' were actually killed. I think things have quited down radically since that horrible occurrence. It's amazing how ignorant people can be.
Come on over and visit us in Pa. anytime, Ine!! Long way from Holland, though...

Well, I guess this is turning out to be the 'JP Thread';) . (Notice how quiet he's been of late)... YOOHOO, where are YOUUUU...:D

[akeka]

Next time we're on a HAL ship, I am going to look for the Bitterballen. Have to find out for myself what all the hoopla is all about.:)

Carribean girl, I love the bitterballen, but am the only one in my extended family that does (leaving more for me:D ).

John, welcome back to you and your esposa. I enjoyed your daily reports. The Ryndam was our first HAL ship and we loved it!

[tucsonnewcomer]

I have enjoyed finding your post since I am scheduled to cruise the Ryndam on April 12th. While I am new to cruise critic this will be my 15th cruise - only 3 with HAL - did they have the norovirus under control when you left? All the info you provided will help us to make some of our excursion choices. The San Javier Mission trip sounds really interesting as did the Cabo trip. I like to shop and it's MY CREDIT CARD. We did book the Copper Canyon trip - it is not easy to get there from anywhere - we live in Tucson. Friends recently took the trip from here and said while it was worth seeing - didn't know if they would make do it again because of the difficulties in getting there. We figured we could do it in just one day and be able to say we "did it". :)

[In Toronto]

First, Hi John and thank you so much for your postings while on the Ryndam. Looked for it every day and really enjoyed your style. Have a couple of questions since we are also sailing on the 12th of April.

1. Do you know anyone who did the 'Bay, Birds and Dolphins Cruise" in Topolobampo? Could you actually see dolphins from the ship itself?

2. What did you think of Los Mochis? We had thought of getting a cab to take us there for a couple of hours.

3. How many formal nights were there? I know the documents say 3.

Thanks.

Second, Tusconnewcomer: Have you seen our roll call for Ryndam April 12? We are hoping to do a 3:00 p.m. Wave. Come join us.

[Fredr]

Hello,

We were on the 3/23 Ryndam cruise to Mexico.

My wife enjoyed the Topolobampo excursion...she saw quite a few dolphins.

There is a free bus to Los Mochis, which is an interesting city. This a "real" Mexican city wth a beautiful square, church, and downtown shopping area. I say "real" because Los Mochis is not a city frequented by many tourists but it is a pleasant city that is beginnig to prosper as Mexico's economy grows. Note the big Home Depot as you leave the city but you will also note that pollution (heavy black smoke) from the sugar cane processing plant is uncontrolled.

There is also a free HAL sponsored bus to a nice beach outside of Topolobampo and you have about 2 hours to visit the beach.

Do not worry about forgetting anything because directly across the street in Puerto Vallarta is a large Walmart.

Hope that this helps.

Fred

[Fredr]

Hello (again)

Re...formal nights, on the 3/23 cruise there were two formal nights. We were prepared for three but there were only two. I took my tux but many men looked great in a suit or sportcoat/slacks/tie combination.

Some ideas to save money...take public transportation from the cruise terminal to downtown Puerto Vallarta for $.50 per person. See the main church and walk around the square close to the church. A cab back to the ship is $3.00 per person. You can walk to a beach near the ship. This isn't the best beach in Puerto Vallarta because the sand is a little rocky but it is nice enough, clean and safe, and you can walk there easily from the ship (from the ship, go towards the hotels and through one of the hotels to the beach).

Mazatlan - a cab from the cruise terminal downtown is $6.00 for up to 4 persons, and you can find someone to share the ride. See the cathedral and the Jose Suarez market.

In Cabo San Lucas you can walk to the Office restaurant and use the beach at this restaurant.

Hope that this helps.

Fred

[Copper10-8]

Hi Tusconnewcomer and in Toronto, if you don't mind, I had my adminitrative assistant, Fred, take care of the answers to your questions and he did an excellent job!;)

That leaves one question unanswered so here that one goes:

did they have the norovirus under control when you left?


Ryndam was still in Code Red when we disembarked and, according to her captain, would continue under Code Red for her 02-12 APR cruise. Having said that, there were seven cases reported by pax on Fri and six on Sat but none as of 12:00 PM Sun. So he was cautiously optomistic that they had the noro bad stuff contained and would be able to lift Code Red early in the new cruise!

Thanks for the heads up on Copper Canyon tours from Tuscon!

Akeka, I'm with you on the bitterballen - only eat them on the ships but they are goooooooood!

[In Toronto]

Thanks, Fredr. That info was very helpful. We will probably take advantage of the bus to Los Mochis and then to the beach in the afternoon if that is the way they are doing it. Also re men's formal attire - Glad to hear my DH will be appropriately dressed in slacks and navy blazer.

John. You did miss one other question - Did you also have only 2 formal nights? Fredr's cruise was the shortened version. Were the rest of the nights informal or casual? Hate to drag along another jacket for DH if not necessary. On the other hand, I have been reading CC and know "the rules".

[Copper10-8]

Thanks, Fredr. That info was very helpful. We will probably take advantage of the bus to Los Mochis and then to the beach in the afternoon if that is the way they are doing it. Also re men's formal attire - Glad to hear my DH will be appropriately dressed in slacks and navy blazer.

John. You did miss one other question - Did you also have only 2 formal nights? Fredr's cruise was the shortened version. Were the rest of the nights informal or casual? Hate to drag along another jacket for DH if not necessary. On the other hand, I have been reading CC and know "the rules".

Morning Toronto; Fred, apparently, was on the same cruise we were on (23 MAR - 02 APR). We had two formals (1st sea day and Cabo), two informals (Mazatlan and Loreto) and the rest casual. I rented a tux through Cruiseline Formalwear (800-551-5091) and brought one gray suit with two sets of shirts/ties for the informals. Lots of sportscoats (with or without ties) seen on both the formals and informals. Two bathrobes seen in the Lido:eek: ;)

[caribbean girl]

How about curlers... Any curlers in the main dining room?:rolleyes:

[In Toronto]

My mistake, John and Fred. Of course, you were on the same cruise. Thanks again both of you for all the info. Looking forward to our cruise. Hope to post an update on the Code Red while in Puerto Vallarta for the cruisers boarding after us.
Adios!:)

[Copper10-8]

How about curlers... Any curlers in the main dining room?:rolleyes:

Nope, but now that you mention it, there was this guy taking in some rays on the Lido deck......

[Love Cruises]

Nope, but now that you mention it, there was this guy taking in some rays on the Lido deck......
WOW!!!! Is this picture for real?

[caribbean girl]

Nope, but now that you mention it, there was this guy taking in some rays on the Lido deck......


It never fails...some want to go topless...some don't. Go figure...:rolleyes:

(Nice list of upcoming cruises... Nor spending much time at home, are 'ya?)

[tucsonnewcomer]

I am newcomer in these message boards - I will check the roll call for April 12th and hope to join you for the 3 pm wave.

Glad to hear the info on the noro virus - was not looking forward to that.

My DH has a Tux and usually just brings a sports jacket and slacks for the semi formals - he looks forward to the informal nights so he would not be disappointed at all if there were only two formals. See y'all on Thursday. We drive out on Wed. and are staying at the BW (recommended by our travel agent. They will get us to the ship. :D