St Pete Cruiser

Wow, guess the 150th anniversary is officially over. One of my regrets is we didn't do the special Rotterdam 150th crossing.

Good morning everyone. Just wanted to add one ship to today's fleet report: The Maasdam is in LaHarve along with the Nieuw Statendam today. Friends forwarded this to me. Long live the Maasdam, now the Renaissance of a new French line.

Happy Saturday Sailaway! It is a picture perfect day here in St Petersburg, 75F, sunny with a gentle breeze. Our morning group walk along the waterfront was outstanding. Sadly, life doesn't stand still....another month or two, it will be hot and humid. Also sad for me to see the fleet leaving for the season, as it is so nice in Florida in April. Just checked, Juneau is 42F and cloudy with rain expected. Cork, Ireland is 48F. Too early to leave IMHO. Europe and Alaska are awaiting, so here they go.

Nieuw Amsterdam, the only true "Nieuw " in the fleet, is headed to Cabo Rojo, DR, for what I think is a maiden first call for Holland America. Should be some good farewell toots.

We have friends on the Nieuw Amsterdam tomorrow. Is Cabo Rojo, DR, a new port for Holland America? I have never noticed it before.

Thanks for the pic of the Ryndam in Bergen in 2013. I was there on her in June 2013 on my 14 day cruise to Norway which began in Dover and went to many of the fjords and all the way to Honningsvag. Bergen is a very nice port as is the route in and out to Bergen.

I like the brunch menu. Early risers can have a little something at the Lido and do brunch instead of lunch if they choose.

Hi Roy. Looks like Carnival (and Royal?) will use Norfolk to replace Baltimore until the channel is cleared from the bridge collapse. I had a port call at Norfolk on the Maasdam in 2006. It was the reposition from Ft Lauderdale to Montreal. We enjoyed touring the USS Wisconsin battleship while there.

Thanks for the nice pic of the Maasdam. The S class are my favorite all time Holland America ships for their exterior design appearance. To their credit, they are still in use with other cruise lines. Her current name is Renaissance. Seeing the bow thrusters at work in your pic, I'm guessing this may have been leaving Half Moon Cay taken from another Holland America ship?

Yes, and a great shower it is! Glass door and nice size.

The Ryndam sailed out of Tampa many times. Along with the Veendam, she was well liked by Tampa cruisers. I did a 28 day cruise on the Ryndam in 2013; 14 days out of Dover to the top of Norway and 14 days to the Baltic including St Petersburg. It was one of my favorites!

Yes it is. HIA taxes and gratuities is a big portion of it.

How many days is your cruise?

I hear you! Not that I'm aware of, but maybe the really good reps have access to it.

Good morning early. So, it is Nieuw Amsterdam today and Statendam tomorrow.