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*LIVE* from Aboard the Zuiderdam! 4/22-5/19

ironin

By ironin,
in Holland America Line

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ironin

ironin

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We're planning to post (semi-)regularly while aboard the Zuiderdam after it sails from Fort Lauderdale tomorrow for Vancouver, BC, via the Panama Canal. Along the way, we're visiting at a nice combination of unique and traditional ports-of-call:

 

Veracruz, Mexico

Dos Bocas, Mexico

Progreso, Mexico

Cartagena, Colombia

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Acapulco, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Los Angeles, USA

 

If everything works out as planned (Does it ever?), we'll be simultaneously posting the commentary here and on our blog:

 

Aboard the Zuiderdam!

 

The blog will have photos, too. (Posting them to CC is too cumbersome.)

 

Here's to a great adventure!

 

Please join us, either here or there.

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startwin

startwin

Posted
Posted
We're planning to post (semi-)regularly while aboard the Zuiderdam after it sails from Fort Lauderdale tomorrow bound for Vancouver, BC, via the Panama Canal. Along the way, we're visiting at a nice combination of unique and traditional ports-of-call:

 

Veracruz, Mexico

Dos Bocas, Mexico

Progreso, Mexico

Cartagena, Colombia

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Acapulco, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Los Angeles, USA

 

If everything works out as planned (Does it ever?), we'll be simultaneously posting the commentary here and on our blog:

 

Aboard the Zuiderdam!

 

The blog will have photos, too. (Posting them to CC is too cumbersome.)

 

Here's to a great adventure!

 

Please join us, either here or there.

 

 

I will be following along with you - we are booked for this same cruise next year so I will be checking in every day for your posts. Thank You!!:)

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Himself

Himself

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Have a great cruise. You will find that when you get to Northern Mexico the air is a lot cooler than you will experience south of Acapulco. Between L.A. and Vancouver it will be down right cold on the outer decks.

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ironin

ironin

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Checking in was easy. Boarding delayed due to need for deep cleaning. Apparently, Norovirus cases reached reporting levels on last cruise. All around us taking news in stride, but empty seats in waiting area are reportedly selling for a premium ;-)

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Cruisinetta

Cruisinetta

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Beware of the Noro!!!:mad: I woke up in my cabin this morning having all sorts of problems.:mad: It's been a very rough day for me. Good luck and make sure to wash your hands often. Have a great cruise. We warmed up the ship for you.

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ironin

ironin

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Thank you all for following along and your good wishes! A review of yesterday will hopefully be posted soon. Until then:

 

The daily Explorer (the newsletter of what's happening aboard ship & where) for Day 1 and Day 2 have been posted to our blog.

 

The first night's dinner menu was unavailable, but tonight's menu is now posted there as well.

 

Aboard the Zuiderdam!

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ironin

ironin

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What with doors to the pier terminal opening promptly at 11:00 AM and the friendly and efficient shore staff on the first floor speedily processing check-in documents and issuing boarding cards, expectations of an easy and prompt boarding were not dashed until presentation of a copy of a letter from Captain Christopher Turner once at the top of the escalator on the second floor.

 

Due to a greater-than-normal number of reported Norovirus cases on the previous cruise, in the interests of the health of both passengers and crew, the Zuiderdam was undergoing deep cleaning and embarakation was delayed until 12:30 PM. With only one exception we observed, all arriving passengers took the news with good grace and made the best of it, taking the opportunity to talk with other passengers seated nearby.

 

As there were two engaging wine stewards offering their "wares" amongst us, we made their acquaintance and also secured reservations for the special "Dine with the Chef" evening (limited to 12 guests) to be held in the Queen's Lounge at some point in the cruise.

 

Promptly at 12:30, we began boarding. Rooms were not yet ready, but we were less interested in getting to our cabin than getting to the front desk and securing reservations for the intimate 3-hour Behind-the-Scene Ship's Tour (limit 15 passengers). That mission quickly accomplished, as almost everyone else had gone in search of the Lido Restaurant, we embarked on our own exploration of the ships many venues, nooks and crannies as the Mariner's "Welcome Aboard" lunch in the Vista Dining Room was cancelled, another casualty claimed by the virus.

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ironin

ironin

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Not that long after boarding, our stateroom was officially available. Upon entering, our first surprise was a gracious note from hotel manager Edwin Brunink apologizing for the delay and offering a complimentary champagne with dessert that evening as recompense.

 

Our second surprise was far less welcome: even though the thermostat was set to full "Antarctic experience" mode, the room itself was a tad warmer than outside. Dropping off our carry-ons, we abandoned our position (but neither ship nor hope), retreating in search of cooler climes and libations. As a quick check about an hour later revealed the low level heat wave within continued unabated, we sought relief from a higher authority and were promised a swift response. While conditions have only marginally improved since that time, we're keeping hope alive.

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kazu "Live from...." Rare

kazu

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I hope the ship is well cleaned for you and you do not end up with NORO on your cruise. It's not fun :( Better a couple of delays than to risk it :)

 

have a great cruise:):)

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ironin

ironin

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Have a great day. What day are you going through the Canal? Stay healthy!

 

May 1 is our big day through the canal. We're diligently washing our hands while singing two "Happy Birthdays," adding a Hail, Mary (or two) along with an occasional Glory Be as events inspire. Thus far, however, there's been no perceived need for recitation of the Act of Contrition (although one of us came close after excelling as star pupil at Mixology class yesterday - the rewards, extra martinis, about did him in in and remorse was not far behind ;)).

 

All the best to you, father, on this holy day. Thanks for commenting.

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