Noordam LIVE: August Adventure in Alaska

[purplenorway]

I always love when others post LIVE threads, so I figured I should give one a try. I hope you will enjoy sailing with me on the Noordam!

Pre-cruise:

I had hoped to go to Alaska for our summer trip, but we went to the Caribbean with another cruise line in May due to the great price. This board really made me long for Alaska and HAL again! Yes, it is your fault, but only in the best possible way. We usually book cruises a year in advance, but over the last month, we checked the HAL website, watching for any openings. It was a bit frustrating to see cabin categories open, close, open again, and close before we could even book one. I will admit to checking almost hourly. Persistence paid off and I found a SS category cabin open on the Noordam. We snatched up this cruise about 25 days ago! Tomorrow morning, we fly to Seattle to board the ship! I’m so excited; I can’t wait to see this new ship and explore Alaska!

Becky

[hammybee]

Looking forward to your "live from the Noordam" posts.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have a great Alaskan cruise.

[LadyFurn]

Becky... I'm so excited I think I will go with you:p (That's because I'm your mom!) Cindy

[middle-aged mom]

Purple Norway (Becky) and Lady Furn (Mom):

I enjoyed following along with you when you went on the Oosteram to the Mexican Riviera. You are going to LOVE the Noordam. Thanks so much for taking us with you on this cruise, too!:)


Karin

[middle-aged mom]

Becky and Cindy:

Just to let you know, there is major road work taking place right now on I-5, just south of downtown Seattle, and it will affect your ride into downtown from the airport. Three lanes will be closed to northbound traffic for the next few weeks. Here is a link from the Washington Department of Transportation. (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2007/08/10_I5ConstructionClosures.htm) So just allow for some extra time getting to the pier from the airport. You arrive on Sunday, so that should help you.

Bon Voyage:)

Karin

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Becky, you are going to love the Noordam, really:) She is right up there with the Oosterdam. I will look forward to hearing what you think and your live reports, I will be following behind you in just 4 more weeks and I can't wait.The knowing exactly how wonderful it is makes the wait that much harder.

[PrincessYoga]

I am looking forward to reading your LIVE thread on the Noordam. I love her. Enjoy your holiday.

[cruznon]

I look forward to your LIVE reports. HAving just gotten back, I could use an Alaskan "fix" Have a wonderful trip--an SS balcony should be wonderful! Lucky for you in nabbing the cabin!

[PrincessYoga]

I am looking forward to reading your LIVE thread on the Noordam. I love her. Enjoy your holiday.

[travelinggmom]

Hi, Becky. I'm so excited about your posts. I'll be looking for them each day. We are following your footsteps...Noordam on aught 26. I'm busy packing and going thru the usual "what to take" stress. If you have any hints, I'll be appreciative. We have scheduled float plane in Juneau and boat ride into Misty Fjords in Ketchikan.
Second trip to Alaska.
First time to cruise on HAL.
Have a great time!
GMom

[spcl4cs_gal]

Hi, Becky. I'm so excited about your posts. I'll be looking for them each day. We are following your footsteps...Noordam on aught 26. I'm busy packing and going thru the usual "what to take" stress. If you have any hints, I'll be appreciative. We have scheduled float plane in Juneau and boat ride into Misty Fjords in Ketchikan.
Second trip to Alaska.
First time to cruise on HAL.
Have a great time!
GMom

Hi GMom,
Just wondering if you would be interested in signing up on our roll call for this cruise. We have about 33 CCers in our group and will be having our Meet & Greet on the first sea day. :)

[purplenorway]

Good morning. Unfortunately, I was unable to sleep last night. I “woke up” before 3 am. Too much excitement I guess. Our flight to Chicago leaves at 6. There are some storms around here with lots of lightning. It has just begun to pour! Hopefully we will get out somewhat on time.

Thanks for the well-wishes and comments!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Enjoy!!

[purplenorway]

I took some lovely naps on the flights. We made it to Seattle only half an hour later than expected. The luggage took a long time to appear but our taxi ride was only around 10 minutes long since we breezed through the construction. Our driver said it will be worse in the coming weeks and the interstate will be closed, so plan accordingly if you will be driving to the port by yourself. Check-in at the cruise terminal took about 5 minutes. It probably took longer to walk the long gangway to the ship! Although cabins were not open yet, we stopped by ours. Our cabin steward introduced himself and said we could leave our carry-on bags inside. As we walked towards the stairwell an officer spotted us and said, “We are not open yet, it is dangerous to go through the doors!” After 5 minutes on board, we were already in trouble.

It was difficult to find a table at lunch. We ended up at the far side of the pool. The dessert man is a mind reader. He knew that I wanted the chocolate cake. I found the bread pudding at the end of the main buffet line, by the desserts. I crowned my bowl of that warm goodness with chocolate shavings from the ice cream topping station. Yum.

Our cabin is nice, but I think that because it has a connecting door to the room next door, we have been shorted a closet. We are having trouble finding places to put our clothing. I love having two sinks; the odd thing is that the hot water faucet turns the opposite way of the cold one. So far, whenever I have it on, I end up turning it on full blast when I really mean to turn it off. If I ever learn to turn it the correct way, it will be a miracle.

I went to the bow and “waved” to the Princess web cam. It was near 3:00. I doubt anyone was watching at that moment.

We sailed nearly an hour late due to a med evac.

Our dinner is at 7:45 on the lower level of the dining room, table 191. The upper level is supposed to be traditional dining, which we requested, so I’m not quite sure what we will be getting.

[cruznon]

Gal to hear you're aboard! Have a Glorious week!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Thanks for reporting in, my guess on your dining they have extended the Traditional Dining to accommodate everyone down to the lower level. Sounds like this will be your table for the rest of the week. Looking forward to hearing more since we will be returning in just 4 weeks.
Thanks:)

[tvo7]

I just got off the shop when you were coming on. Which level are you staying on? You'll have a blast.

[shipcafe]

I always love when others post LIVE threads, so I figured I should give one a try. I hope you will enjoy sailing with me on the Noordam!

Pre-cruise:

I had hoped to go to Alaska for our summer trip, but we went to the Caribbean with another cruise line in May due to the great price. This board really made me long for Alaska and HAL again! Yes, it is your fault, but only in the best possible way. We usually book cruises a year in advance, but over the last month, we checked the HAL website, watching for any openings. It was a bit frustrating to see cabin categories open, close, open again, and close before we could even book one. I will admit to checking almost hourly. Persistence paid off and I found a SS category cabin open on the Noordam. We snatched up this cruise about 25 days ago! Tomorrow morning, we fly to Seattle to board the ship! I’m so excited; I can’t wait to see this new ship and explore Alaska!

Becky

Have a great time! I was on board the Noordam yesterday for the day. Too bad I didn't run into you!

[purplenorway]

At Sea

At dinner last night, there was a line of people waiting for the open sitting, but we went past them to find our traditional dining table. Apparently there were more people than usual who wanted traditional, so they allowed some to be on the lower level. I saw a familiar face from the Oosterdam. He was not in uniform since he just came on, but it is Fabian, I think he is a head waiter. In one of Lisa’s Oosterdam albums, she has a photo of someone named Christian who looks like Fabian, so I would always call him Christian. I had to ask, “What is your real name?” Our waiter from the Zuiderdam is also here.

Our dining room table has three chairs and a couch. It is a great people watching spot and we can look out the windows if we sit on the chair side. Our waiters are Ucho (not sure about spelling) and Andie. The menus are different. They are two pages that open up instead of the usual one-pagers. I had the fantastic Kansas City steak soup and the turkey. So good! No one else joined our table, but we had plenty of head waiters come over to chat. While we ate, a golden mist settled where the water met the mountains. I wanted my camera, but was too tired to run back to the cabin. Then another ship, I think the NCL Pearl, was silhouetted in the sun. That was it; I had to get the camera. Of course it was not on our side, so by the time I made it to the Promenade, it was nearly gone. However, the clouds had changed into gorgeous colors! The pilot was disembarking and then we turned, so I ran over to the other side, took more photos, and went back to dinner. I’ve posted some photos in my Picasa account.

Breakfast was very slow. Some people next to us got quite upset. It sure tasted good though! I had the amazing Muesli and the Belgian Waffle. We then went immediately to the galley tour. Guess what? We saw Mr. Deering there! Actually it is his look-alike, Sam (see photo). He says he is often told that they look similar.

[purplenorway]

tv07, We are on Navigation deck, below the Lido. Heard some kids running and above, but still slept very very well as you can imagine!

shipcafe, yes too bad we didn't run into you!

It is almost lunch time. We'll go to the dining room. I saw the Thai chicken salad in the kitchen. Love that stuff!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

In one of Lisa’s Oosterdam albums, she has a photo of someone named Christian who looks like Fabian, so I would always call him Christian. I had to ask, “What is your real name?”

Is this the gentleman who is on the Noordam with you?

http://thumb6.webshots.net/t/54/154/5/10/2/2372510020028362306XEaWEP_th.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2372510020028362306XEaWEP)
click to enlarge

I later found out from Mr. Deering that I did have his name wrong so I am so sorry but if it is him I am so excited because I hope to see him when we are on the Noordam in 4 weeks. Hopefully he will remember us.:)

[CrystalWater]

tv07, We are on Navigation deck, below the Lido. Heard some kids running and above, but still slept very very well as you can imagine!

shipcafe, yes too bad we didn't run into you!

It is almost lunch time. We'll go to the dining room. I saw the Thai chicken salad in the kitchen. Love that stuff!

You are a wonderful photographer! :o

[purplenorway]

Lisa, that is the photo I was thinking of, but it is not Fabian. I guess there are many look-alikes on board.

CrystalWater, thank you! I am trying again to post more photos, but Picasa is not connecting for some reason.

We just saw some whales!

[purplenorway]

I will try to post some photos, with the help of the internet manager. 1) Seattle 2) Turkey

[purplenorway]

More photos of the sunset.

[purplenorway]

1) Mr. Deering look-alike 2) Our Table

[photodoodle]

That photo of Seattle with the clouds angling out like that is terrific!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Great Pictures, seeing this one just makes me really hungry.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=53992&d=1187050964


Sorry I have to disagree with you on the Mr. Deering Look alike. While this guy looks like a really nice guy he has far less hair than Mr. Deering;) BTW who is this mystery guy?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Also Great Sunset pictures, those a beautiful:)

[middle-aged mom]

Thanks, PurpleNorway (Becky); I really like that photo of the good-looking gentleman in the tall white hat!!:)

Karin

[mamaofami]

Those are beautiful sunset pictures. Oh, how I miss the Noordam. Have a great cruise. Try room service for breakfasat one day. It's great and will come on time and just as you ordered it.

Lisa, you re so lucky to be going back on the Noordam. Which itinerary do you follow this time?

I'm packing for my vacation in the Berkshires. No formal nights. Some country club casual when we go to the theater and the rest pretty informal, although no shorts or t shirts at dinner. At Tanglewood, they come to sit on the great lawn and take in the beautiful music of the Boston Symphony and they dress in all sorts of clothes. Everything and I do mean everything goes! Then they wrap themselves up in blankets and sleeping bags to keep warm. The people who go into the great tent and pay a lot for the seats are still dressed informally. But since it gets cold at night, most wear pants.

And with all that, I wish I were cruising!

[O2B@C]

.... Our dinner is at 7:45 on the lower level of the dining room, table 191. The upper level is supposed to be traditional dining, which we requested, so I’m not quite sure what we will be getting.

... At dinner last night, there was a line of people waiting for the open sitting, but we went past them to find our traditional dining table. Apparently there were more people than usual who wanted traditional, so they allowed some to be on the lower level. ...

Becky: I'm glad you got the dining arrangement you wanted, and are having such a lovely time! If you have a chance, would you be so kind as to see whether you can find out whether what happened on your cruise is likely to be the norm - i.e., that if a lot more people on a particular cruise want traditional than will fit on the upper level, they will add more traditional tables on the lower level? If that's really going to be standard procedure, it would put a lot of minds at ease to know it! ;)

Thanks, and I hope your cruise just keeps getting better - enjoy Alaska!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lisa, you re so lucky to be going back on the Noordam. Which itinerary do you follow this time?


Carol, we are repeating Alaska. Had to return to the Noordam while she was still here on the West Coast. That is why I am so interested in Becky's thread:)

[tvo7]

Is Shane still the cruise director? He was great. Gosh, looking at those pictures reminds me so much of my cruise on the Noordham last week.
Tuesday you should be at Glacier Bay and they stop at a big glacier and watch to see if any calving occurs. That day was cold.

[purplenorway]

Glacier Bay

I woke up early this morning. Who knew I would recover from jet lag and a sleepless night so quickly. I’m in the Crow’s Nest right now. All the front chairs are taken so I am sitting in one of the throne-like seats instead. The naturalist is pointing out the giant snowcapped mountains that are appearing through the haze ahead. He says we are spoiled with this weather today in Glacier Bay. He explained that there is a North wind and a high pressure system which means we will have nice weather for a few days. We have seen many whales and dolphins.

On the elevator yesterday, a server from the Pinnacle Grill, who was on her way to the Neptune Lounge, came on with trays of pastries and chocolates. She let everyone in the elevator sample a chocolate. It’s the little things like that that make you feel special.

There was a low turnout for high tea yesterday. The Hotel Manager, Rene Tuniman, who we met on Westerdam, appeared and we got a chance to say hi. He and a posse of head waiters were pacing the buffet of goodies, deciding what to do with all that extra food.

A couple joined our table for dinner last night. They were very fun and chatty. I had the great Beef Wellington and chocolate soufflé. Most people were dressed up for formal night, but there were a few in hooded sweatshirts and even shorts (brrr!).

We went to the Captain’s Champagne toast at 10pm in the Vista Lounge. I missed having the opportunity to meet him as was done in the past. I spotted a row of handsome officers in the lounge. I thought “Wouldn’t it be fun to have a picture with them?” So I worked up the guts and went over and asked just that. They agreed and I sat in the middle. All attach those pictures. Then I jokingly said, “Can I just stay here?” They said sure. So, we chatted and I asked each one where they were from. The Captain went on stage and introduced his staff. The engineers next to me said that they were going to stand up for the Chief Engineer and employee of the month, so I joined them. It was very cool. What gentlemen they were! The show was “If These Walls Could Rock”. I enjoyed it, but I enjoyed my seat even more!

I'm loving it here and the best part is that it is only the 2nd day! Can’t wait to see those glaciers!

[ekerr19]

Becky! Thanks for keeping us posted. I love your photos and it looks like you ended up with the best seat in the house!!!! All those nice looking guys. ;)

Say Hi to your Mom & Dad from us - looking forward to hearing (and seeing) more.

How was the Galley tour?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Becky, I agree with Laura, you definitely had the Best Seat in the House:) I so enjoyed our day at Glacier Bay and cannot help but be thinking as I work that I will be there again just 4 weeks from right now:D

Thanks so very much for taking your time and money to report in. You know those of us here on land are enjoying this very much.

[hunzabunz]

Becky,

Will be on the 9/23 cruise and can't wait!! It's our 20th wedding anniversary and second time to Alaska so will be partying. Would like to know if you can find out who's in the Piano Bar and who the DJ in the Northern Lights is. Maybe, if we're lucky, someone we've met on the other HAL cruises. Also who the Cruise Director might be.

BTW, your picture with the guys is GREAT!! From what I heard, there isn't your normal Captain reception with photo ops.

PS. I see behind you is a guy in a T-Shirt on formal night. I miss the class of cruising. You of course are CUTE!!

Nan

[cruznon]

Becky,
Nice company you keep!!!:D

Photos are great!

[Mjjpower]

If you have the time, can you tell me what movies are playing in the Theater? I was also wondering if they offer lemonade as a drink choice. We have a child sailing with us who has some allergies which make drinking many fruit juices out of the question. Of course, these are kind of silly questions in the grand scheme of things, but if you happen to have the answers that would be great!
Thank you!:)

[TwinFriend]

No question is a silly question. Everyone here are really helpful. We have not sailed on HAL yet until Sept. They do allow you to bring some items onboard. Lots of people bring water, soda, and wine. Also you can call guest services ahead of time and they may be able to help you, because its a child with allergies. Good Luck, have fun.


WaveSongs

[purplenorway]

As we entered Glacier Bay, I stood on the bow for whale watching. Some whales surfaced very close! It was funny to watch everyone rush from starboard to port and back and forth as whales were spotted all around. We followed the Ryndam.

It was a perfect day and the spectacular views changed by the minute! The glacier was beautiful, but we only saw some minor calving. No big chunks fell off like I’d wished for. We watched on the Promenade deck towards the aft where it was almost deserted and very quiet so we could hear the cracking sounds of the glacier.

Two guests needed medical attention as we left the bay, so a lifeboat was brought down to the Promenade, they were put on, lowered down to the water and taken to a waiting helicopter. Watching this made us late for a cocktail party in the Explorer’s Lounge. We only chatted with the Hotel Manger and then had to go to dinner.

I had macaroni and cheese as an appetizer; this was certainly a step up from the stuff that comes in the box. I also had the brisket of beef, which was kind of bland. Maybe some of you remember having the warm chocolate truffle cake for dessert in the past. It is basically my favorite dessert in the world, but I have not seen it on a HAL ship for a while. I asked two different head waiters if it was on the menu this week. Both said no, but they would talk to the chef and see if it could be made for me. At lunch yesterday, we talked with Second Executive Chef Rob Van Leeuwen, who is the one in the photo from the galley tour you are curious about. The truffle came that night, but it was certainly not warm. In fact, it was not even cooked through. It looked like a blob. Our waiter brought us cheesecake and said he would order it again for tomorrow night. Our head waiter said he would make a note to make sure it was done. I am very impressed that they would try making it for me, twice!

[purplenorway]

Juneau

We took the Best of Juneau tour. First we stopped at Mendenhall Glacier. We walked a trail by the creek to watch bright red salmon. Then a mother black bear and her two cubs appeared! She caught a fish and they ate it in the bushes. One cub walked right below the bridge we were standing on, then went on the trail. We were so close! It was crowded with people, but fantastic! I spent the whole hour there and only took three photos of the glacier.

Next, we went whale watching. The catamaran was very nice. Comfortable seats inside and viewing platforms on the top decks. We saw seals and humpback whales. The Captain took us close to an eagle perched on a tree and its nest nearby where two eaglets were sitting.

Finally we stopped at the Salmon Bake. I am not a fish person, but I had to try the salmon and actually it was my favorite thing because it tasted like chicken. I also liked the cornbread. There was a trail along the creek and a waterfall at the end.

We got back in town and went up the Mt. Roberts Tram to hike the trails where we where attacked by flies. The view was nice. When we were back by the ship an eagle was on top of an archway on a dock. We were able to get close; he was very photogenic.

The Warm Chocolate Truffle came again at dinner! This time, it was perfect; warm with a liquid center and served a la mode. It was heavenly! I could have hugged the chef who made it.

Sitka

It was another sunny day! Some seals or otters surfaced during the long tender ride. We walked around and took photos in an interesting cemetery set in the woods. We are just leaving. Tomorrow, in Ketchican, I will find a place with Internet and answer all of your questions. Talk to you later!

[photodoodle]

Wow! Glacier Bay looks so different in the sunlight. How nice for you. I'm so happy for you that a bear crossed your path so close. I'm envious! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Now that is what I call a close encounter with a bear:D Thanks so much for reporting in and showing us some of your pictures

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=54251&d=1187312169

[CrystalWater]

Absolutely incredible! You are so kind to share all this with us. Thank you.

[JoKen1]

This is such a great thread to read because I'm going on the same trip in two weeks on the 2nd of Sept. I can't wait! Reading all this fun stuff is making me really want to go right now!

I do have a question for you. Since I'm going Solo I was wondering if I should go with the dinner that is assigned to me or go with waiting in line for the table and eat whenever I want. I would hate to be at a table all alone if I did the assigned time eating.

I'm interested in knowing what the movies are too. I think it will be so fun to go to a movie and watch it while feeling the room moving.

What is the weather like? What type of clothes are best for the days you dock and go on trips?

I'm so jealous of your getting so close to the bear! I hope I see something so exciting as that.

Thanks for posting. Sounds like you are having a blast.

Where do you post from? Did you buy Internet time? Do you bring your own computer?

Joanne

[RuthC]

I do have a question for you. Since I'm going Solo I was wondering if I should go with the dinner that is assigned to me or go with waiting in line for the table and eat whenever I want. I would hate to be at a table all alone if I did the assigned time eating.
As someone who cruises solo all the time, let me jump in here.
I suggest you do everything in your power to have a set dinner time/table. When you travel alone the knowledge that someone familiar will be waiting there to talk about your day is very comforting.

So long as you all agree to let each other know if you make plans that preclude being at the table one night you have little fear of being alone. Much less than under AYW, for certain. If the evening comes that everyone else has other plans you can make other plans, too (Lido, Pinnacle, etc.).

[purplenorway]

Ketchikan

It rained this morning and there were low clouds. The sun came out briefly. We walked around Creek Street and did some shopping. I liked Mai’s Gifts where a sweet lady sold me a beautiful shell pendent necklace that she hand painted. We went also went crazy buying t-shirts in the other shops. There is a building directly across from our cabin that says “Internet” in the windows, imagine that. I asked for the price; it is $6. I hoped it would be free. So I checked my wireless signal back in the cabin, it is strong. I bought it online instead for $5 for one hour.

I'm glad you are enjoying this thread! It has been fun reporting in!

[purplenorway]

O2B@C, I asked our head waiter about the dining situation. He said that all of the upper level is traditional seating, the inner ring near the stairs on the lower level is traditional, and the lower level outside ring by the windows is open sitting. I have seen people in the open seating section who sit at the same table every night.

The Captain is Hans Mateboer. Shane is the Cruise Director. Tyler is the DJ. Ian McFarlane is in the Piano Bar.

The movies in the theater seem to be played on TV the next day. So if you miss it or can’t stay to finish, you can catch it later. Some of the movies on board: ********* 3, Shrek the Third, Blades of Glory, Disturbia, Next, and The Hoax. You can also rent movies from the library. I was watching Shrek in the cabin when suddenly; I saw a huge splash from a whale! It was great.

Laura, Mom and Dad say hello! Yes, I enjoyed the galley tour. I love behind the scenes stuff like that.

Rewopjm, I have not seen lemonade yet. I’m sure they have it somewhere though.

Joken1, I would suggest traditional dining. Sometimes, the line looks long for reservations. Wear layers in the ports. If you will be on a boat, wear a windbreaker and maybe take some gloves. For walking around, a zipped sweatshirt is nice. Clothing with lots of pockets is good. I brought my laptop, I type my posts in Word and copy it to a CC reply, it saves a lot of minutes. I like to post from a comfy chair in the Explorations Café. I am so glad I have my laptop to load photos on! It frees up my memory card. I must have over 500 so far!

[JoKen1]

Thanks for answering all my questions and for the weather up date. Sounds like you are having a great time. You are making me more and more excited about going.

Joanne

[ekerr19]

Becky -

Thanks for the update!!! Sonny says "hi" and to tell you he hopes you like the Noordam as much as he does... :)

Your photos are awesome, the weather looks just about perfect... can't wait to see & hear more!!!!

[Mjjpower]

Thank you so much for answering all our questions! I can't believe I am a week (and a day) away from our trip! :)

[purplenorway]

It’s the last day. Sigh. I can hear them singing “Love in Any Language” while I am sitting in the Explorations Café. However, I am looking forward to going home and sorting out all of my photos! I certainly have had some adventures.

After our short stop in Ketchikan, we sat at a lovely table next to the aft window in the dinning room. We watched the Ryndam come in and practically push us out because we were late and she needed our spot. I had a difficult time getting ready for formal night because there were so many whales out! There were spouts everywhere I looked! I would turn to go back inside, only to see a whale’s reflection in the verandah door. Then, a whale surfaced about 20 feet from the ship! It made the most glorious “snort” sound you have ever heard! That was five times better than the whale watching tour we took! I went to an interesting question and answer session with the Captain; he said they put the stabilizers in whenever they see whales. Good thing.

I’m not sure what we will do in Victoria tonight. Tomorrow, we will take a tour of Seattle before our flight leaves in the afternoon. Got to go, it is almost time for the Mariner’s reception.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Becky, I feel your pain and know exactly how you feel. Thanks so much for bringing us along on your week on the Noordam. Enjoy your last night.:)

[Copper10-8]

Becky, enjoyed reading your "live" reports! Thanks for taking the time and effort! Have a safe flight home!

[CruiseBumm]

Becky, I enjoyed reading about your cruise. My DW and I will be on the Noodam in a week. Sounds like we can expect a grat time.

[CrystalWater]

Oh I hate when a cruise is over. It's horrible. I never want to get off the ship.

[CrystalWater]

Becky, can you give us any kind of idea on clothing to bring? Is it that cold? Do we need tons of warm clothing? What do people wear just around on the ship? Please give us some packing tips when you get back.

[purplenorway]

Hey everyone! I'm trying to use up the last of my Internet time. Looks like we will be taking a shuttle to downtown Victoria.

We have had fantastic weather! It almost seemed like we booked a Caribbean cruise instead of Alaska! Most people wear jeans or kakis, sweatshirts, or jackets around the ship in the day. I would suggest packing one warm jacket and a few sweatshirts. If the sun comes out, it is hot! If it is windy and cloudy, it can be freezing! Especially out on the open decks. Just layer and you will be fine.

[purplenorway]

In Victoria, we took a shuttle bus (blue and silver, $6 roundtrip) from the cruise pier to downtown Victoria last night. The city had beautiful lights. Some stores were open there and one shop was open at the cruise terminal. It was really chilly at the pier, but warmer downtown.

When we got back on board, Mom and Dad took a different elevator than I did. I got back to the cabin and had no idea what happened to them. I did some packing and the phone rang. A voice said, “This is the Captain speaking from the bridge.” I thought it was a prank and decided to play along. So I said “Oh, hello!” Then he said, “Is this Becky?” I thought, “Wait, how does he know who I am?” He continued, “Your mother is looking for you. In the Lido deck 9. Please come in one minute.” All sorts of thoughts went through my head after that. Maybe it really was the Captain. Maybe my parents were in some sort of trouble. Maybe they ran into the Captain at the Lido. Why in the world was he calling from the bridge? Maybe they saw northern lights outside. So I grabbed my camera just in case (as if I needed any more photos) and headed to the Lido. Well, I found Mom and Dad, sitting at a table, simply eating ice cream. Turns out, my mom could not figure out how to use the Lido phone, so my head waiter friend Sekon made the call for her, pretending to be the Captain (he really did sound like him). He apologized when he saw me and was willing to bring me any food I wanted. We all had a good laugh out of it, especially the head waiter! What a fun way to finish the cruise.

Disembarkation began at 7:45. We booked the best of Seattle tour and met in the Vista Lounge. Our group was yellow 2 and got off at 8:45. We didn’t need to claim our luggage; it was brought to the airport for us (we never saw if until we were back home). Our bus driver was extremely energetic while we were all sleepy. First, the tour stopped at the Space Needle. It was rainy and cloudy, so we couldn’t see very far. Then, we visited the Pike Market. I loved watching the fish throwing and looking at all the flowers and fruits. We bought a dozen mini assorted donuts. They were hot and the guy literally threw them into a bag. We got to the airport at 12:45 and our flight left after 2:00. The tour was much better than sitting at the airport all day! We made it to Chicago, but our next flight was delayed until after midnight due to rain. I slept until almost noon today.

To anyone going on the Noordam: I think you will love it! I am jealous of you.

[middle-aged mom]

Becky, thank you for a delightful "cruise along" with you:) Welcome home!

Karin

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Becky, Welcome Home:) I too want to thank you for a fun week reading your posts. Sounds like you had a wonderful time with you parents. Isn't it amazing how fast that week on the ship flew by. Now it is back to reality.

Thanks again:)

[May4]

Welcome home, Becky. I read all of your posts in one session just now and enjoyed each one. What a wonderful week you had.

Watch out for those bears. A bear bite will ruin your whole day:eek:

I liked your story about getting your summons to the Lido. Hey, when the captain calls, you've got to check it out.

Thanks for including all of us.

[TwinFriend]

Thanks so much for your review! It sounds great! we are on the ms Noordam on 9/09/07.

[ekerr19]

Becky -

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us. :) It was awesome, can't wait to see all those pics...

Looks like we are going to miss each other on the Westerdam - we are two weeks before you. :(

You might have to talk to M&D and see if all of you can do the Eurodam inaugural!!! That would be a blast - our kids are coming along for that one too. ;)

Thanks again for sharing such a great Alaska experience. :)

[CrystalWater]

Becky, welcome home!!! Thank you so much for all the sharing you did this last week on your cruise. I know it's always hard, but good to come home after a cruise. Just get another one booked real soon so you have something to look forward to and ease your pain of withdrawls. That's what I do! It really helps. Again, thank you for your generosity of sharing your trip with all of us.

[wickedwitch1]

Becky ~ Thanks for all of your posts. My family and I are leaving on the Noordam this coming Sunday! I looked for your play by play each day and now I can't wait for our turn!

[spcl4cs_gal]

Sounds like this was a great cruise and I can't wait until I leave on Sunday for my own. I was a bit disappointed to hear that Drew Murdock is no longer the CD on the Noordam though...he must be on vacation.

[rocks]

It has been great following along on your cruise!

Sounds like this was a great cruise and I can't wait until I leave on Sunday for my own. .

Hey Alison!
Hope you have a GREAT cruise too! We will be on the Noordam in Oct. Trixie & Angelo (remember them?) left the Noordam a few months ago & will be boarding the Ryndam soon. See how many Bartenders names you can remember :D ~ maybe we know a few.
Is this your 1st time to Alaska? Hope you have a GREAT cruise! :)
Pat

[spcl4cs_gal]

Hey Alison!
Hope you have a GREAT cruise too! We will be on the Noordam in Oct. Trixie & Angelo (remember them?) left the Noordam a few months ago & will be boarding the Ryndam soon. See how many Bartenders names you can remember :D ~ maybe we know a few.
Is this your 1st time to Alaska? Hope you have a GREAT cruise! :)
Pat

Hey Pat! Long time no see. :D Hope you have a great cruise on the Noordam as well. This is my first Alaska trip and it will be interesting to see if I return to do a land tour in a couple years. I thought that Angelo and Trixie were still on the Zuiderdam but I guess that isn't the case anymore. Have you heard from Shy lately? The last I heard he was on the Veendam...we docked with the Veendam in March at Costa Maya and I was almost tempted to try and get onboard. LOL Since Dean's direct hit last night I somehow think that Costa Maya will not be one of the stops we make next March. :(

Have a great cruise in October! :)

[purplenorway]

Photos are up at the link below! Hope you enjoy!

[middle-aged mom]

Photos are up at the link below! Hope you enjoy!

Thanks, Becky!:)

[photodoodle]

Your photos are wonderful . You have an excellent eye for composition. Some are really creative, like the sunset reflected in the windows of the door. The night shots and the market shots are really cool - well composed and lively. Brava! I enjoyed that slide show very much.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Becky, all I can say is WOW. These pictures are wonderful. You have quite the eye for a good picture;) I so love it that you captured the Bear Cub:) Tom and I viewed them together and of course just has me even more excited for our return. The one thing Tom and I noticed is how green the landscape was and so much less snow then when we have been to Alaska. This upcoming cruise to Alaska will be very different than what we have done in the past.

Thanks again:)

[fcorey]

Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing them with us, we've got a week to go, it will be our first time to Alaska. Thanks again for taking the time to share

[crusingici]

Becky,
What a wonderful live report! I am looking forward to your "review" you mentioned that you will post -- and can't wait to look at your photos. When we went in May 06 I took well over a thousand and have some posted below that are in a video format........the scenery is absolutely a spiritual experience.

You have a great warm writing style -- thanks for taking me back to "heaven" :))

[rocks]

THANKS for sharing your photos, Becky-they are GREAT!

Hey Pat! Long time no see. :D Hope you have a great cruise on the Noordam as well. This is my first Alaska trip and it will be interesting to see if I return to do a land tour in a couple years.
Although I bet it would be a really good trip, when we went, we did a back 2 back. I just couldn't chose to be on a bus trip over being on a ship. On our turn-around day, the people that got on after being on the land part were EXHAUSTED! We had the ship practically to ourselves the first 2 days as though people were too tired to be up & about. That made me feel like we made the right decision. Although Alaska is way different then a Caribbean cruise, we LOVED Alaska! SOOO pretty!

I thought that Angelo and Trixie were still on the Zuiderdam but I guess that isn't the case anymore. Have you heard from Shy lately?
I haven't heard from Shy for awhile-hope everything is OK for him.:(

The last I heard he was on the Veendam...we docked with the Veendam in March at Costa Maya and I was almost tempted to try and get onboard.
Wouldn't it be KOOL if he were on the Noordam??!:D

LOL Since Dean's direct hit last night I somehow think that Costa Maya will not be one of the stops we make next March. :(
Maybe it will be OK by then.

Have a great cruise in October! :)
THANKS!! You too! I hope you will post a review when you get back. Would LOVE to hear what you thought of the Noordam & Alaska!
Pat

[purplenorway]

Thanks very much for the compliments! I so enjoyed taking photos on the trip. I was amazed at how everything seemed worthy of taking a picture. I ended up with over a thousand and narrowed it down to what is in this album!

[sandythegoodgirl]

I loved reading all your postings and looking at your pictures. What kind of camera do you have? I am one of those people that takes over 1000 pictures on a week long cruise as well. hehe...I think im going to steal some of your picture ideas for Pike Market as well as some other shots you got. I will be on the Noordam in a couple weeks so I am glad to read what someone close to my age had to say about it. It looks and sounds like you had a blast and makes me even more excited about Alaska :D Also some of those guys were pretty cute in the pictures so I'm hoping they will still be on the Noordam when i get there. :p

[sandythegoodgirl]

What is the Indonesian tea thing I see in the pictures? I was nosey and started to look at your other cruise pictures as well, which are wonderful, and saw more of the tea pictures with crew members dressed up.

[TwinFriend]

Great pictures and review!!! Thanks for taking the time to post everything. You are such a pretty girl, sitting in the middle of the cute boys. We are on the 9/09/07 msNoordam too. This is our 1st time on HAL and my sister thought the same thing when we got our doc's pouch, it's pretty enough for an evening bag! And there it is in your pictures.:)

[purplenorway]

Sandy, I use a Canon Power Shot A560. I love it and play around with the settings to get different results. The Indonesian Tea Ceremony gives you the chance to try different Indonesain teas, coffees, and desserts. You will have a blast on your cruise! I bet you could ask to join the officers as well. Tell them I say hi. ;)

TwinFriend, Thank you, I am blushing. I simply added a cheap sparkly pin to the pouch and voila, evening clutch. No one noticed what it really was. Have fun on the Noordam!

[LadyFurn]

What is the Indonesian tea thing I see in the pictures? I was nosey and started to look at your other cruise pictures as well, which are wonderful, and saw more of the tea pictures with crew members dressed up.
We really enjoyed the Indonesian tea. I had the black tea and it was very good. We also thought the coconut crepes were good. I always think the Holland America brand of tea is good but I think this black tea was even better! I also like the fabrics that they use for the shirts they wear. Looks like some kind of batik. Don't miss it!

[codyody]

Spectacular pictures...and they load so FAST:D