Around the World on Amtrak, KLM, and HAL

Just getting caught up on your posts. Enjoy reading them.

Allan

Sorry for not chiming in all!

Roy, sitting on a United flight right now with DH. Last minute needing to be in Germany for business. Will be in a small picturesque town called Trier on the Luxembourg border. Didn’t want us to be apart at Thanksgiving. Happy thanksgiving to all! Doors closing!

Denise:)

Denise enjoy! That area is beautiful with great wine. Try to explore the Mosel. There is a beautiful hike to a viewpoint on The Saar where the river bends. My husband has family in Perl. There is an incredible Roman mosaic that is so well preserved nearby as well.

Enjoying your posts as always, Roy.

Interesting on the delayed soap. I hope the late passengers realize how truly lucky they were ;)

Your pictures are gorgeous as always.

Glad to hear that the fire back in your home area didn't take any lives. Very impressed with the quick action of the young person in the house.

Sorry for not chiming in all!

Roy, sitting on a United flight right now with DH. Last minute needing to be in Germany for business. Will be in a small picturesque town called Trier on the Luxembourg border. Didn’t want us to be apart at Thanksgiving. Happy thanksgiving to all! Doors closing!

Denise:)

Safe travels Denise and enjoy Thanksgiving in Germany :)

Jacqui, they are still operational and in fact it looks like new machines since 2015.

 

 

 

This is the first ever cruise where I've had a choice of free self service or free professional and I haven't actually used the laundries yet but might for some last minute things before leaving the ship.

 

 

 

Roy

Roy, You must bring a lot of luggage if you don’t avail yourself of the laundry... or do you simply hand wash your things? We use the complimentary laundry service but sometimes I hand wash delicate things.

Thanks for the wonderful reports and photos!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great reporting.

We only go to the awards ceremony. The brunch for us has become nothing but a free-for-all with people pushing to get a table. The menu isn't that great anymore.

We have had a lot of fires around here lately -- and a few people died in them. Glad the occupants of the house all got out safely.

Love the pictures.

Thank you Krazy Kruizers, inlady1, kazu, and happy thanksgiving Denise. Shiela, I have been using the professional laundry, just not the self service although yesterday my feet got wet and I dried out my socks in the dryer. Just sent out my final load of laundry.

Day P14, Wednesday, November 15, 2017, At sea, MS Prinsendam

The Oosterdam is at sea from Samana to Half Moon Cay. The Amsterdam is in Darwin.

It was a cloudy morning; I completed about 2/3 of my walk before the time of sunrise but there was just a trace of light through some pretty heavy clouds. After spending some time on line I completed the remainder of my 5-miles just before breakfast.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dawn1115.jpg

My timing turned out to be fortuitous because soon after bible study started at 9AM a squall lashed down on the Crow’s Nest windows. At the session I also found a taker for my Crystal IPAD/document case. It seemed to rain most of the rest of the day.

That was followed at 10 by Tom Anderson on the origins of nautical terms. Most were familiar but a few were surprising.

In his noon update Captain Dag noted the weather was not great but indicated he expects more sunshine on Thursday. I can’t remember his exact words of wisdom but the gist is that your attitude has a big effect on your odds of success; If you go into something expecting to fail your expectations will almost certainly come true.

I skipped Dr. Cooper’s talk about life in the mangroves but was present for Chris Mason’s 3PM talk on Art Deco, again perhaps 50% about the style in general and about 50% relating to ships.

The rain did end late in the day and from the dining room I could see such bright colors in the sky that I just had to step out. Not only was the sky spectacular but some of the red was also reflecting off the water.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dusk1115.jpg

Everybody looked great at table 153 for our last Gala night. We varied a lot in our orders but I chose the steak from surf and turf as well as the papaya, the apple, pear, and cucumber salad, and the almond and orange cake.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dishes1115.jpg

The final show by the Prinsendam Singers and Dancers was Concerto. With a rather simple set and the band in view, the show featured the music a bit more than the dancing at the end the cast got an enthusiastic ovation. We set the clocks back this evening for the final hour to return to East Coast time. I am taking advantage of the change for a bit of extra sleep.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/concerto.jpg

I’ll take my parting shot from somewhere I didn’t go on this trip. The news summary mentioned a pretty major earthquake in “South Korea”. It’s probably impossible to be sure but I suspect it is related to the recent nuclear testing by North Korea. My heart goes out to the people affected. I’m sure earthquakes don’t respect national boundaries and suspect North Korea was affected as well. It isn’t very charitable of me but I can’t help feeling there may be a bit of poetic justice with regard to North Korea.

Roy

Great report.

I love it when you get an unusual picture like the red glowing on the water.

Thank you Krazy Kruizers.

Day P15, Thursday, November 16, 2017, At sea, MS Prinsendam

The Oosterdam is in Half Moon Cay. The Amsterdam is at sea from Darwin to Cairns,

Between lots of caffeine, multiple time changes, and going to bed early Wednesday, I woke up about 3:30 and finally gave up trying to fall asleep again at 4. I walked until about 5; when I first checked my GPS I found that moon rise was 4:07. I tried in vain to get a photo but the camera I was using wouldn’t pick it up. A second camera gave a more satisfactory view of the almost new

moon.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/nearnew.jpg

When On Deck For A Cause is on the schedule I normally cut my initial walk to 3 miles and walk a total of 6 including the event. There was a packed schedule today and I decided to only do half the group walk so I walked an initial 4 ½ miles to get to a total of 6. The sun came up just about the time I finished those 4 ½ miles.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dawn1116.jpg

This was a day for Captain Dag to come on the PA with unwelcome news. It happened quite early (8:30) to announce that there were water problems and they would need to shut off the water for an hour. The water came back on as we were finishing up the final bible session.

My ship’s activities started at 10 with On Deck For A Cause. The Ocean Bar was pretty well filled when we set off on the walk, starting off with the shortest and longest survivors, 2 years and 20 years(me).

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/causemeet.jpg

As we completed each lap we passed a stand with music (fortunately not blaring), and there were refreshments at the end. Heather’s talk on Half Moon Cay and Ft. Lauderdale was going on at the same time.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/causewalk.jpg

By walking only half of the walk with the group I had a little time for the 11AM activity which was a backstage tour. We started with the cast demonstrating a rehearsal and then sitting down to answer questions from the audience. After a while we walked through the backstage area through the dressing rooms for a closer look at some of the set storage and costumes. The cast was spread out across the backstage area to answer questions.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/backstage.jpg

Also at 11 there was an end of voyage Cruise Critic Meet and Greet at the Crows Nest. I only got to the last couple minutes after the backstage tour.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/finalmeet.jpg

In his midday update Captain Dag had more bad news. Our all aboard time for Half Moon Cay has been moved from 2:30 to 1:00. No reason was given but I would guess it to allow time for US Inspections with the Prinsendam’s return to the US after extensive time in Europe. I mentioned while on the Amsterdam having the baked macaroni and cheese for dinner and while I haven’t seen it on other ships it seems to appear on the Prinsendam’s lido lunch menu from time to time. It’s my Prinsendam guilty pleasure.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/lunch1116.jpg

There were 2 lectures, both in the afternoon. At 2 Tom Anderson spoke about the Sargasso Sea, our current calm area surrounded by the Atlantic’s circulating currents, and at 3 Chris Mason had a program on luxury yachts.

The sun went down about 5; it was pretty cloudy but still had some reasonable color.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dusk1116.jpg

Talk at table 153 is beginning to touch on the fact that we will all soon need to return to the real world. For now we enjoy having delicious meals graciously served. Mine included the blueberry soup, oven roasted chicken, and key lime pie.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dishes1116.jpg

The featured entertainment was a repeat performance by the Rave-Ons. I skipped it but went up to the Crows Nest where Lee was doing Beatles songs. My final load of laundry was returned about 8 so packing can begin in earnest.

My parting shot will be a word of thanks to all the people who have participated in On Deck For A Cause, both on the Prinsendam today and all the ships over the years.

Roy

Love your reports.

Sorry to hear about the water problems and the short time you will have in HMC.

Can't believe that your travels coming to an end.

We haven't seen the moon or sun in days -- cloud cover, rain or snow flurries prevent these events.

Love the pictures.

Thank you for your excellent blog. You have stirred my interest in trying another Transpacific or Transatlantic cruise at some point in the future. It was very enjoyable to follow your daily routine.

Quick update, we missed HMC. 44KT winds were dragging the anchor on the bottom. Nieuw Amsterdam apparently made it since they have dynamic positioning. I imagine it would have been an interesting tender ride.

Roy

Quick update, we missed HMC. 44KT winds were dragging the anchor on the bottom. Nieuw Amsterdam apparently made it since they have dynamic positioning. I imagine it would have been an interesting tender ride.

 

Roy

And since you're the smaller ship, NA would have had the big ferries and you the little tenders.

Love the dusk and dawn pics Roy.

Sorry about the shortened stop at HMC. Hopefully you can successfully tender there.

Glad your water problems are short lived.

OMG - talking about packing at dinner and HMC = cruise nearly over. I hope your remaining time is wonderful.

If you happened to notice and if you have time, was the there any special dinner offering like the Cellar Master dinner?

Thanks :)

Thank you Krazy Kruizers, inlady1, kazu, and happy thanksgiving Denise. Shiela, I have been using the professional laundry, just not the self service although yesterday my feet got wet and I dried out my socks in the dryer. Just sent out my final load of laundry.

 

 

 

Day P14, Wednesday, November 15, 2017, At sea, MS Prinsendam

 

 

 

The Oosterdam is at sea from Samana to Half Moon Cay. The Amsterdam is in Darwin.

 

 

 

It was a cloudy morning; I completed about 2/3 of my walk before the time of sunrise but there was just a trace of light through some pretty heavy clouds. After spending some time on line I completed the remainder of my 5-miles just before breakfast.

 

 

 

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dawn1115.jpg

 

 

 

My timing turned out to be fortuitous because soon after bible study started at 9AM a squall lashed down on the Crow’s Nest windows. At the session I also found a taker for my Crystal IPAD/document case. It seemed to rain most of the rest of the day.

 

 

 

That was followed at 10 by Tom Anderson on the origins of nautical terms. Most were familiar but a few were surprising.

 

 

 

In his noon update Captain Dag noted the weather was not great but indicated he expects more sunshine on Thursday. I can’t remember his exact words of wisdom but the gist is that your attitude has a big effect on your odds of success; If you go into something expecting to fail your expectations will almost certainly come true.

 

 

 

I skipped Dr. Cooper’s talk about life in the mangroves but was present for Chris Mason’s 3PM talk on Art Deco, again perhaps 50% about the style in general and about 50% relating to ships.

 

 

 

The rain did end late in the day and from the dining room I could see such bright colors in the sky that I just had to step out. Not only was the sky spectacular but some of the red was also reflecting off the water.

 

 

 

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dusk1115.jpg

 

 

 

Everybody looked great at table 153 for our last Gala night. We varied a lot in our orders but I chose the steak from surf and turf as well as the papaya, the apple, pear, and cucumber salad, and the almond and orange cake.

 

 

 

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dishes1115.jpg

 

 

 

The final show by the Prinsendam Singers and Dancers was Concerto. With a rather simple set and the band in view, the show featured the music a bit more than the dancing at the end the cast got an enthusiastic ovation. We set the clocks back this evening for the final hour to return to East Coast time. I am taking advantage of the change for a bit of extra sleep.

 

 

 

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/concerto.jpg

 

 

 

I’ll take my parting shot from somewhere I didn’t go on this trip. The news summary mentioned a pretty major earthquake in “South Korea”. It’s probably impossible to be sure but I suspect it is related to the recent nuclear testing by North Korea. My heart goes out to the people affected. I’m sure earthquakes don’t respect national boundaries and suspect North Korea was affected as well. It isn’t very charitable of me but I can’t help feeling there may be a bit of poetic justice with regard to North Korea.

 

 

 

Roy

That is a beautiful shot of the sunset, Roy, safe travels back to MD!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Roy, I have thoroughly enjoyed following along with you on your journey.

Our 10 days on the Koningsdam were the longest cruise for us so far. Although we had an excellent cat sitter while we were gone, I don't think our cats have forgiven us yet for being gone for what must have felt like forever to them. I'm afraid that as long as those cats are still with us (which I hope will be a long time) we will be unlikely to plan any longer cruises. Thanks to you, I am getting a look at what life on a longer cruise would be like. For now, at least, that will have to do.

We did very much enjoy our trip on Koningsdam. She was our introduction to HAL ships following multiple prior sailings on Disney, Princess, and RCI, and a good introduction it was. Koningsdam exceeded almost all of our expectations for our sailing. I'm sure at some point we will be sailing on HAL again, but our next two cruises will be on two of the RCI big girls, Oasis and Symphony. I do think I'd like to try one of the smaller ships some day. We have loved all the ships we have sailed on so far, all have their plusses and minuses, and I would love to see how the small ships fit into the mix. So many ships, so little time....... I'm sure many of you can relate!

Sorry you missed HMC

Today you will be making your way home to rest up a few weeks before you go on your World Cruise in Crystal.

Thoroughly enjoyed your reports and pictures.

Quick update, we missed HMC. 44KT winds were dragging the anchor on the bottom. Nieuw Amsterdam apparently made it since they have dynamic positioning. I imagine it would have been an interesting tender ride.

 

Roy

Oh shoot, I must have been typing when you posted this Roy.

Sorry to hear you missed HMC. :(

The tender ride would have been very interesting indeed.

I am sorry to see your fabulous blog coming to an end.

It has been a pleasure following along with you.

Many thanks :D

Thank you all. We are now docked and I'm starting final preparations to leave. I'll have to look at comments and questions from my hotel later.

Day P16, Friday, November 17, 2017, [Half Moon Cay, Bahamas]

The Oosterdam is in Ft. Lauderdale. The Amsterdam is at sea from Darwin to Cairns.

I made little progress on my sleep disruption, sleeping until 4 rather than 3:30 and giving up on going back to sleep about 4:15. By 5 I had done the walking I had planned for the day, about 6 laps or 1 ½ miles.

Sunrise was about 6:20. I went up to the lido then for an omelet and found the day very cloudy with the sun peeking through just a little hole

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dawn1117.jpg

As I finished the omelet we seemed to be slowing down and I went up to the observation deck for a look. That’s 2 decks above the lido and the outdoor staircases are stacked on top of each other. As I went up to the next deck and turned back to go to the second landing there was a rainbow evident behind the ship. Once I was on the observation deck and turned to port at the front of the ship the other end of the rainbow was right in front of me.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/rainbow.jpg

I had booked a “Historic and nature” walk for 9AM. The ticket said to meet on the island at 8:50. Tender tickets were due to be given out at 8. I left my cabin about 7:45 walking down the exterior stairs from my “porch” to the lower promenade deck. An anchor flag showed prominently on the mast. As I walked back along the deck to the atrium I could see one of the island’s tenders alongside. They were supposed to be working for the Nieuw Amsterdam for the day so they may have been there to pick up supplies for the island lunch or they may have been available for the initial rush.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/anchordown.jpg

I got my ticket at 8; at 8:10 Captain Dag announced that the anchor would not hold us in place and we were aborting the call. Since I had been planning on walking on the island and had walked only 7 laps on deck I returned to the lower promenade to complete the rest of my 5 miles. As I walked I could see Nieuw Amsterdam (with azipods and dynamic positioning they apparently were able to complete their call) and the island fading behind us.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/na-at-hmc.jpg

Linda came on the PA about 9:30 and announced a new daily schedule. As Tom Anderson was closing his “final” talk the mentioned that he had one more talk to give but there was no time. His time was 10AM for a talk on “sea power”, not particularly in military terms but the advantages to a nation of having a strong sea presence in ship building, cargo handling, training and humanitarian purposes. He was followed by an 11 talk by Dr. Adrian Cooper on the Bahamas.

The day’s (and voyage’s) final presentation was at 3, Chris Mason on “Luxury Yachts”. Most of the afternoon was spent packing although I did briefly join the webcam sailaway addicts for the departure of Celebrity Reflection from Ft. Lauderdale. The sun was setting behind the clouds as I headed down to dinner.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dusk1117.jpg

Dinner at table 153 was a mix of sad farewells along with Chicken Noodle Soup , Prime Rib, and Baked Alaska. There was a parade of chefs but it was short and sweet.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dishes1117.jpg

The featured entertainment was a combo of Comedian Tony Daro and Juggler Luke Burrage. I passed on it but put my bags out at 8:55 and went up to the Crow’s Nest for a few minutes with Lee at the Piano.

https://solocabinchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/bagsout.jpg

My parting shot will be a look at the last few years. I mentioned while on the Amsterdam that voyage completed for me a cruise ship path around the world. There are several possibilities and the details get a bit messy since Crystal and HAL tend to use different US home ports but here’s one of the possibilities:

Ft. Lauderdale to Key West–Maasdam, 2015

Key West to Cabo - Crystal Symphony, 2012

Cabo to San Diego - Zaandam, 2017

San Diego to Hong Kong - Amsterdam, 2017

Singapore to Hong Kong (reversed) - Zaandam, 2012

Singapore to Cape Town - Crystal Serenity, 2014

Cape Town to Ft. Lauderdale - Amsterdam, 2014

Roy

I really enjoyed reading your posts & looking at your pictures.

Allan

Welcome home, Roy.

I always enjoy travelling vicariously through you Roy.

I hope you have very smooth and safe travels home.

I have really enjoyed following you on this most recent segment of your around the world voyage, Roy. It has been a most interesting voyage. It never occurred to me to travel around the world in segments as you have done. I feel like I have learned so much from you on just this one segment of your overall voyage. I plan to watch for your Crystal Symphony sailing review, and I may even go back to read the rest of your around the world journey. For now, though, welcome home, and thank you once again for sharing your journey with us.

Roy, I have enjoyed following this trip and look forward to the next one.

Keith