Live from the Prinsendam as the wizard & witches cruise May 17 - June 17, 2013

[Krazy Kruizers]

I just want to chime in here and give a bit of praise.*

 

I have never had good results in using any HAL ship's laundry service so I sent a bag of laundry out and really didn't have any expectations.*

 

To my surprise the whites came back sparkling white and the coloureds were the same shade as they were when sent out. Nothing looked beaten up.*

 

The laundry on this ship has got it right and I will be able to use it with confidence. Since it is a long cruise that is a big plus. Since I have complained many times on CC about the laundry services I thought it only fair that I should point it out when I was very pleased.

 

That is wonderful that the laundry is working out for you on this ship.

[Krazy Kruizers]

 

I suspect so too - I think there may have been an error when it was written out for me;). After all it was the suite reception and I am sure Captain Andre was smidge busy.

 

 

 

sitting in the Crow's Nest listening to Buddy just checking .... Another report coming tomorrow.

 

TEASER ....we did the Canaletto tonight..Yummmmmmm!!!!!

 

candy floss lives in the Elegant Explorer:D

 

Glad to know that the Canaletto on this ship is wonderful.

OH -- and cotton candy!!

[jgw321]

This is what I have been dealing with at home

Yipes!! I didn't know tornadoes went all the way up there. Mind you we had the remnants of one once and it blew tiles off my roof on to my car parked down below. This was the famous occasion when Michael Fish one of our weather forecasters said rumours of strong winds were not true, and when we woke up in the morning half the trees were down, roads blocked, complete chaos. And that was just what was left over after it had crossed the Atlantic.

[innlady1]

Jacqui, sounds like you're off to a really great start. We used wi fi in Lemon Tree last June in Bermuda. Enjoy.

 

We did, too. A very cute place.

[1of4]

I didn't know tornadoes went all the way up there.

 

Officially this was a Wall Cloud and it didn't touch down on Tuesday in our neighbourhood (but boy was that close enough). A car was flipped over (or the driver so scared he drove off the highway and into the ditch) and siding ripped off a few houses. It continued travelling East for 80 - 100 km and did touch down as an F2 and blew apart a barn and took the roof off a retired couple's dream home.

 

This is when I absolutely hate working 1.5 hours away from my children.

[innlady1]

Officially this was a Wall Cloud and it didn't touch down on Tuesday in our neighbourhood (but boy was that close enough). A car was flipped over (or the driver so scared he drove off the highway and into the ditch) and siding ripped off a few houses. It continued travelling East for 80 - 100 km and did touch down as an F2 and blew apart a barn and took the roof off a retired couple's dream home.

 

This is when I absolutely hate working 1.5 hours away from my children.

 

That's very scary, Gail.

[startwin]

I just want to chime in here and give a bit of praise.*

 

I have never had good results in using any HAL ship's laundry service so I sent a bag of laundry out and really didn't have any expectations.*

 

To my surprise the whites came back sparkling white and the coloureds were the same shade as they were when sent out. Nothing looked beaten up.*

 

The laundry on this ship has got it right and I will be able to use it with confidence. Since it is a long cruise that is a big plus. Since I have complained many times on CC about the laundry services I thought it only fair that I should point it out when I was very pleased.

 

Good to know Sapper - especially after our laundry disasters on the Zuiderdam:rolleyes:

[kazu]

I just want to chime in here and give a bit of praise.*

 

I have never had good results in using any HAL ship's laundry service so I sent a bag of laundry out and really didn't have any expectations.*

 

To my surprise the whites came back sparkling white and the coloureds were the same shade as they were when sent out. Nothing looked beaten up.*

 

The laundry on this ship has got it right and I will be able to use it with confidence. Since it is a long cruise that is a big plus. Since I have complained many times on CC about the laundry services I thought it only fair that I should point it out when I was very pleased.

 

 

Just to say I agree with Bobbie 100% - I was taking a close look today and couldn't believe how great my whites are!

[kazu]

Day 5 - 1st sea day as we cross the pond

 

 

-Well the real TA portion has begun. our first of many sea days.

 

The Captain has announced that he is taking a more Southernly routed will go faster

Than necessary so that he can bypass the worst of the weather and once he has passes that' he will be taking a more northerly route.

 

we has our cc group Ipad discussion meeting today. It was just so good and so helpful.

Went past our designated hour and even the trivia addicts wanted to stay..so we went for nearly another hour. everyone learned something no matter what their level of experience! In fact we are going to have another meeting on ktheonlu sea day where there isn't an activity planned all ready. Best of all I managed cvO copy and paste my latest reports on cruise critic. Plus my sound is now working!

 

 

Georgina was talking to Firmen in the PG this morning and discovered that the lovely bath items were indeed left over from the Grand Voyage. That's ok - we'll take their left overs!

 

Headed to the Lido for lunch (yes, you heard me - the Lido again) and ran into Georgina and Gerry, aka giginne, so we shared lunch. The next thing we knew John and Jane arrived, then Bobbie and Ken aka sapper1 then Allan and Marlane aka ski ww. Poor Rich aka obnxshs walked by and thought we were we were having a cruise critic meeting without him. LOL. Lots of laughter and fun at that luncheon for sure.

 

The clocks went ahead again today at noon which makes things a smidge confusing temporarily but we are getting the hang of it. I kind of like the clocks moving during the day as we don't lose an hour's sleep. Some people don't care for it. Like everything, time change is subjective!

 

Well, we had enough people for Bingo today (barely). Both Mary Lou of cc and myself seem to be addicts. Our luck changed this time and both Mary Lou and I each won a game. Not much money but enough to cover our cost to play with a small profit and the fun of the yell of Bingo too!

 

MDR service was fabulous and the waiters brough Jose another sambal to try. He opted for the second one and I think they are now bringing two. Turns out our friend Jane is enjoying it as well so Jose is happily sharing with her.

 

The show tonight was Amore (Prinsendam Entertainers). We caught the last 1/2 and it was very good!

 

It's a tough call as the Station Band is playing in the Ocean Bar and they are excellent. A very talented lady there indeed.

 

No HAL cats on this ship (yes, I know you are all heartbroken. I feel your pain!!!) Someone asked the CD and he said they didn't fit in with this ship.

 

The music on board is beautiful indeed and we certainly don't need the HAL cats here.

 

Headed off to the Crow's Nest and stayed up 'past our bedtime" again. I can assure you that the carpets don't roll up at 9 pm on this ship or this cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

,

[kazu]

Some general comments that might be of interest...

 

The captain avoided that storm successfully. Seas have been quite smooth and we are crossing our fingers they stay that way. Jose has not had any mal de mer.

 

Weather has been quite nice, especially by the sea view pool or in sunny areas.

 

The Elegant Explorer is a grand lady but I do see a bit of wear - nothing serious that interferes with my cruise, but for those that are fastidious - I see one tile on my bathroom floor that could use a bit of re-grouting. The HAL logo over the sea view pool could use a touch up. Other than that, I haven't seen anything

 

The wood still glows throughout the ship. The dining room is elegant and the chandeliers shimmer (they are not really chandeliers per se - but I can't think of the right word to describe them). It is probably one of the most elegant dining rooms in the fleet. No acoustic issues, well appointed with very comfy chairs.

 

LIons and tigers and bears oh my! (from the Wizard of Oz). Ok, we haven't seen those but there has been a whale so close to the aft sea view pool it was amazing. We have also spotted porpoises and dolphins. We're all keeping our eyes out now as I can't recall ever seeing this much on a transatlantic before.

 

Oh, and one big comment by many is the force of the showers - how good they are. Many of our roll call friends have been impressed by the showers.

 

Temps in the cabin are just fine and I haven't heard any issues from anyone. I do find the show room cool and one night the MDR was cold (brrrr). They must have heard enough comments because by the next night it was all rectified.

 

Oh yes, and the steward put out that little mat with the slippers by the bed every night. It took us three days to realize that mat said 'good morning' - how cute is that!

 

Going to see if I can get these posted and then it's time to get ready for dinner. It's a rough life on board!

[kazu]

Day 6 - 2nd day at sea as we cross the pond

 

Ah yes, those tranquil sea days with nothing to do. Not today. Busy, busy, busy. This was our cabin crawl day for our roll call. I know some of you are not fans of this but it wasn't mandatory and those that wanted registered and came - no arm twisting on this roll call...

 

We combined it with a poker run (thanks to Rich aka 0bnxshs for this idea). Everyone who wanted to play paid $5 and picked up a card at each cabin. The person with the best hand and second best hand and the worst hand all won the pool of money.

 

So, we started with a shotgun start - different groups started at different cabins so there were not too many people at any one time and everyone could see the cabins.

 

Everyone seemed to enjoy the opportunity to see the different categories. Afterwards we all met at the Crow's Nest and saw who won the poker run.

 

The hosts (those who showed cabins) were all invited back to our cabin along with Rich & Deb (0bnxshs & Missie's Mom) who made the crawl and poker run such a success and we had a few drinks and munchies and we gave the hosts a little souvenir of the Prinsendam to say thanks. Then the hosts did their own cabin crawl. I took my camera to get lots of pics for Joanie's website and the stupid battery died. Can't figure out why as it was just charged - but the best laid plans fall apart at times. Fortunately another cc member was snapping pics and has promised to send them to me. Fingers crossed as we had some great cabins.

 

The inside cabins located where the AB cabins are are just huge. Unbelievable.

 

That ate up the bulk of the afternoon. Thankfully Bingo had been at 11 am in the morning and both MaryLou and I were there. We won the same game and I was happy to split the money with her.

 

So far, we aren't rich, but we are doing oik.

 

Looking at the dinner menu, my friends and I weren't totally thrilled with the choices so we decided to see if the Cannaletto was available. They 'squeezed us in". Well, we were shortly seated and a couple by the window left and the waiter asked if we would mind to be moved to the window seat. how fast can you say yes? What a view first of all. It was very nice.

 

Now, the food - I haven't been a Canaletto fan but decided we would try it on this ship as I often find things different on her. What a meal!!!! Just absolutely fantastic. Most of us had the fish and it was so tender and beautiful I can't describe it. Of course the antipasto was great too.

 

We ended up with linoncello (how can you say no?) which was wonderful and up popped our cotton candy!!! I'm embarrassed to say that the 4 of us nearly cleaned it up. It started innocently enough but it was addictive.

 

We caught Izabella Zebrowska's violin performance in the show room. She was absolutely fantastic. An incredible performer.

 

Then we hit the casino for a bit - but it wasn't being kind so off to the Crow's Nest to prod Buddy to play some songs and when he quit playing we decided we had best go too. But since our room was on the way, our friends came in for a bit. A VERY late night. And a lot of fun. We didn't see anyone rolling up the carpets on the way either. LOL.

[LuckyJ]

Hello Jacqui,

 

I really am loving you live feed. Is she as great as she was when you and Jose were on her? Every time you talk about food it makes me hungry. Great job you are doing.

 

Question for you when you have your next iPad class can you ask how to do. Screen shot?

 

Have fun

Janet

[Krazy Kruizers]

Day 6 - 2nd day at sea as we cross the pond

 

Ah yes, those tranquil sea days with nothing to do. Not today. Busy, busy, busy. This was our cabin crawl day for our roll call. I know some of you are not fans of this but it wasn't mandatory and those that wanted registered and came - no arm twisting on this roll call...

 

We combined it with a poker run (thanks to Rich aka 0bnxshs for this idea). Everyone who wanted to play paid $5 and picked up a card at each cabin. The person with the best hand and second best hand and the worst hand all won the pool of money.

 

So, we started with a shotgun start - different groups started at different cabins so there were not too many people at any one time and everyone could see the cabins.

 

Everyone seemed to enjoy the opportunity to see the different categories. Afterwards we all met at the Crow's Nest and saw who won the poker run.

 

The hosts (those who showed cabins) were all invited back to our cabin along with Rich & Deb (0bnxshs & Missie's Mom) who made the crawl and poker run such a success and we had a few drinks and munchies and we gave the hosts a little souvenir of the Prinsendam to say thanks. Then the hosts did their own cabin crawl. I took my camera to get lots of pics for Joanie's website and the stupid battery died. Can't figure out why as it was just charged - but the best laid plans fall apart at times. Fortunately another cc member was snapping pics and has promised to send them to me. Fingers crossed as we had some great cabins.

 

The inside cabins located where the AB cabins are are just huge. Unbelievable.

 

That ate up the bulk of the afternoon. Thankfully Bingo had been at 11 am in the morning and both MaryLou and I were there. We won the same game and I was happy to split the money with her.

 

So far, we aren't rich, but we are doing oik.

 

Looking at the dinner menu, my friends and I weren't totally thrilled with the choices so we decided to see if the Cannaletto was available. They 'squeezed us in". Well, we were shortly seated and a couple by the window left and the waiter asked if we would mind to be moved to the window seat. how fast can you say yes? What a view first of all. It was very nice.

 

Now, the food - I haven't been a Canaletto fan but decided we would try it on this ship as I often find things different on her. What a meal!!!! Just absolutely fantastic. Most of us had the fish and it was so tender and beautiful I can't describe it. Of course the antipasto was great too.

 

We ended up with linoncello (how can you say no?) which was wonderful and up popped our cotton candy!!! I'm embarrassed to say that the 4 of us nearly cleaned it up. It started innocently enough but it was addictive.

 

We caught Izabella Zebrowska's violin performance in the show room. She was absolutely fantastic. An incredible performer.

 

Then we hit the casino for a bit - but it wasn't being kind so off to the Crow's Nest to prod Buddy to play some songs and when he quit playing we decided we had best go too. But since our room was on the way, our friends came in for a bit. A VERY late night. And a lot of fun. We didn't see anyone rolling up the carpets on the way either. LOL.

 

Great Jacqui

For once I can say that this is one Roll Call I would not have mind joining.

Glad you all are having a great time.

[Lauranne]

Hope that you all don't mind me popping in but here is the answer to the screen shot question.

Hold down the power button and home button at the same time. This also works on an iPhone.

[CoronaCRZR]

Hope that you all don't mind me popping in but here is the answer to the screen shot question.

Hold down the power button and home button at the same time. This also works on an iPhone.

 

Thanks for this great tip. I was wondering how to do that on my iphone!!

 

Ted

[LindaM]

Great Jacqui

For once I can say that this is one Roll Call I would not have mind joining.

Glad you all are having a great time.

 

That is the TRUTH!! I would love to be on that cruise with all of you!! Sounds like you are having so much fun! One of these days we may join you!

[innlady1]

That is the TRUTH!! I would love to be on that cruise with all of you!! Sounds like you are having so much fun! One of these days we may join you!

 

So would I...I'm green with envy! lol! Seriously though, we're on a TA this fall and the roll call is "dead as a door nail." I don't get it. :rolleyes:

[gigianne]

I too echo what Sapper and Kazu said about the laundry - same day service for us yesterday! This roll call group is amazing - the best ever! We are on our 5th Atlantic day and the ocean has been good to us so far - St Malo on Tuesday - I think we had better rest up for our port days!

[kazu]

May 23rd, 2013 - Day 7 - 3rd sea day as we cross the pond

 

 

 

A very light breakfast in the Neptune Lounge this morning as the mariner's reception is set for 10:30 am with the mariner's lunch following. So much fun as we watched numerous roll call members receive their medallions.

 

The appetizers and beverages flowed during the reception and I don't think anyone left thirsty. Cruise Director Gene described the various classes of the HAL ships and has been on them all. The Elegant Explorer is his favourite. He then advised the name of the new ship in the Pinnace class. It is going to be called the Firmendam - (after our hotel director) - otherwise as he explained they would have had to call it the dam Firmen.

 

This is Firmen's last voyage as he retires when we reach Tilbury. He spoke eloquently of his past. He started his career on a Royal Viking ship and found it fitting that he would end it on a former Royal Viking ship. He is indeed excellent at his job and will be sorely missed. Rousing cheers for him from the audience.

 

The day flew by and the next thing we knew it was time of r dinner again! Formal night and many selected the land and sea (filet with prawns). I cheated and asked for no land so they gave me extra sea. All was very good including the dessert AGAIN!! Definitely will have to do more laps tomorrow to make up that dessert.

 

The show didn't appeal to us so we decided to head up to the Crow's Nest. Too late for name that tune but not to late to find the rest of the Canadian contingent (or if you prefer the Crazy Canucks). We have a couple of very good singers so they started in and pretty soon we had the Crow's Nest rocking, rolling and dancing. Yes, people were dancing and carrying on (not us of course). Firmen and Gene came up to the Crow's Nest and I think they were surprised by the activity there. Gene joined in the act and gave a singing performance. WOW what a voice our cruise director has. The next day I discovered that he was a performer for years and has even performed for Presidents. He joked that he was not allowed to do it anymore but since Firmen was there I don't think he got in any real trouble.

 

After we closed the Crow's Nest down, we had company in our room for a smidge and then we went to bed way too late! A great time was had by all.

[kazu]

May 24th - Day 8 - 4th sea day as we cross the pond

 

 

The weather has started to cool but it has still been warm enough for my friend to sun bathe out by the sea view pool. CD Gene announced that Firmen's family had reported frost in Belgium. I hope that weather turns quickly as we are scheduled to be there in a few days!

 

The clocks moved forward again one more time at noon. DH and I had breakfast in the Lido as we felt we were too late for the Pinnacle. The Pinnacle staff are very accomodating and allow people in even if they are late, but we didn't want to impose on their good nature. Breakfast in the Lido was very good. Ran into a number of our roll call friends and they all commented on how nice the ship's Lido was - never crowded - easy to find a table and no long line ups. For these people it is their first time on the Elegant Explorer - and they are noticing how things are 'different' on this ship. To quote one person - I hesitated booking this ship because it was more expensive - now I am sorry I waited so long.

 

After breakfast it was a quick trip to the Showroom at Sea for our Bingo game. No winnings today but you can't win every day of course! After that it was a very quick run back to our cabin as today is our roll call wine tasting. I have wine glasses and cheese and crackers coming for those attending and need to be in the room to receive them. There were 40 people scheduled to come and I think everyone came but two people. Every couple brought a bottle of wine decorated by items on the ship. There was a prize for the best decorated bottle, the best red and the best white. Everyone had fun tasting! I was delightfully surprised to find that my cabin could hold the number of people comfortably (several were on the verandah of course which did help).

 

What fabulous stewards we have. I had told them about the wine tasting in the morning and apologized for the extra work. They just smiled and said no problem Mrs. Jacqui - use the room - that's what it is for. When I got back to the room - there on the bed, stretching the entire width were two beautiful swan towel animals joined together to look like a heart! I've never seen anything like it. They obviously wanted the bedroom to look good for anyone who wanted a peak. It was just beautiful and I have it saved on my ledge. I sacrificed some of the smaller, standard towel animals to make room. Our stewards are just sweethearts. Gede gets off in Tilbury to see his family - he has a one year old child and the last time he saw him he was 2 months old so he is very excited.

 

 

 

All in all, I think everyone had a good time at the wine tasting. I took some laps around the promenade deck after to burn off some energy and calories and it was soon time for dinner one more time. Oh my it was good tonight. They had this Mexican fish cake of some sort and while it was a bit hot - it was absolutely delicious! Prime rib was on the menu along with another item with white asparagus. Spoiled by now, I asked if I could have some o the white asparagus with my prime rib. Of course - what a silly question! Excellent dinner and yes, dessert - banana custard was really good. I have got to stop eating desserts. I've had some pretty good will power but honestly when they have one that sounds good, it usually is! Scary!! Isn't this a HAL ship????

 

After dinner, we hit the casino for a small loss and headed up to the Crow's Nest to participate in Name that Tune. The Canadian Contingent was in full force and we were tied with another team for first place. Then followed question after question as poor Buddy tried to break the tie. I think he was getting worn out! At long last, our team made a mistake and the other team won. Turned out it was ok though as they were Canadian too!! So either way the Canadians would have won. Then we found the other team that was third were also Canadians. Maybe that's why the Crow's Nest is so lively? LOL.

 

We all decided wisely to go to bed before 1 am so that we could prepare for another rough day at sea!

 

TV stations on the ship are basically gone but internet seems to still be working quite well. In fact, Prinsendam must have that new satellite system as I can quite often get good reception in my cabin with the door closed.

 

Signing off from the Elegant Explorer who has now passed the Hortas and is on it's way to France.

[kazu]

Great Jacqui

For once I can say that this is one Roll Call I would not have mind joining.

Glad you all are having a great time.

 

That is the TRUTH!! I would love to be on that cruise with all of you!! Sounds like you are having so much fun! One of these days we may join you!

 

Thanks! We are having a great time and really have a great roll call. So many people that we would love to cruise with again.

 

Just got back from our talk on river cruising! Yes, we had a river cruising meeting. Those that have shared and those that haven't asked!

 

It was really good. Tomorrow is the e-reader group.

 

Someone jokingly said we nearly don't need a cd with all the great activities planned. They are all optional and only those who are interested go. Turns out there is a fair bit of interest for all of them and we are all learning something about something and filling in those sea days.

 

Got 'roped' into the slot tournament today and of course, I lost. OH well, what else is new?

[jgw321]

Someone jokingly said we nearly don't need a cd

 

I thought you were the cd Jacqui. :)

[sail7seas]

Hope that you all don't mind me popping in but here is the answer to the screen shot question.

Hold down the power button and home button at the same time. This also works on an iPhone.

 

Thanks so much for this tip.

I've never known how to do it. :)

 

[sail7seas]

kazu

 

<snipThe appetizers and beverages flowed during the reception and I don't think anyone left thirsty. Cruise Director Gene described the various classes of the HAL ships and has been on them all. The Elegant Explorer is his favourite. He then advised the name of the new ship in the Pinnace class. It is going to be called the Firmendam - (after our hotel director) - otherwise as he explained they would have had to call it the dam Firmen.

 

This is Firmen's last voyage as he retires when we reach Tilbury. He spoke eloquently of his past. He started his career on a Royal Viking ship and found it fitting that he would end it on a former Royal Viking ship. He is indeed excellent at his job and will be sorely missed. Rousing cheers for him from the audience.

 

<snip>

 

 

 

Great reports, Jacqui. Really enjoying them

 

You've been spelling the Hotel Director's name the same throughout the report but lest he is reading it, I am sure you would want him to see the proper spelling..... ;)

 

Firmin van Walle is, indeed, a wonderful Hotel Director and will be greatly missed on the ships.

 

Firmindam, ,,,,,, now there's an idea!! All the more reason to spell his name correctly. :)

 

Continue enjoying your cruise. :)

 

[innlady1]

Great reports, Jacqui. Really enjoying them

 

You've been spelling the Hotel Director's name the same throughout the report but lest he is reading it, I am sure you would want him to see the proper spelling..... ;)

 

Firmin van Walle is, indeed, a wonderful Hotel Director and will be greatly missed on the ships.

 

Firmindam, ,,,,,, now there's an idea!! All the more reason to spell his name correctly. :)

 

Continue enjoying your cruise. :)

 

 

I googled Firmin and there are quite a few nice articles on-line about him...and his wife. Is her name Fernanda?