Bad News or Good for Westerdam Horn Fans....

[POA1]

I'm confused -- don't live in Ft. Lauderdale, haven't sailed on the Westie. Are you saying that the captain has been known to sound the horn 88 or more times in a row (continuously) while departing Port Everglades? And is or was this a regular occurrence? Remarkable!

 

It's not just Holland America ships. There are multi-toot salutes from quite a few different vessels from several cruise lines. (I'll go out on a limb and say that we probably experience more sail aways than even the most avid webcam sail away addict. Also, our audio never fails. ;)) The ships sail by and sound their horns and a fair number of residents respond with their own air horns, whistles, and bells.

 

Sitting on your balcony, watching the ships go by, and having "cruise ship cocktails" is part of the fun for the residents of the high rise condominiums at the mouth of Port Everglades. While it's nice that people are concerned for the poor residents, there are worse things than living right on the beach, looking at the ocean, and listening to ships' horns. :)

[innlady1]

We've sailed with Captain Scott several times when he was Captain on the Noordam. He seems like a very serious, conservative fellow...does not surprise me that he feels that that many toots are too much.

 

Having said that, he's not the only Master on the Westie...nor is the one who has gone to Windstar. Can't remember the name but perhaps Lisa will weigh in...the Captain to who she presented the "Queen of Horns" plaque.

 

No worries. Perhaps Captain Scott will be on vacation by the time she comes back to Fort Lauderdale. And we'll have a good, horn blowing season!

[Lizzie68]

It's not just Holland America ships. There are multi-toot salutes from quite a few different vessels from several cruise lines. (I'll go out on a limb and say that we probably experience more sail aways than even the most avid webcam sail away addict. Also, our audio never fails. ;)) The ships sail by and sound their horns and a fair number of residents respond with their own air horns, whistles, and bells.

 

Sitting on your balcony, watching the ships go by, and having "cruise ship cocktails" is part of the fun for the residents of the high rise condominiums at the mouth of Port Everglades. While it's nice that people are concerned for the poor residents, there are worse things than living right on the beach, looking at the ocean, and listening to ships' horns. :)

 

I love the way that the condo residents get into the spirit of things with the horns and cowbells. Its good to hear from someone who actually lives there and participates. Next time I sail out of Port Everglades I will raise my glass along with you.:D

[PathfinderEss]

We've sailed with Captain Scott several times when he was Captain on the Noordam. He seems like a very serious, conservative fellow...does not surprise me that he feels that that many toots are too much.

 

Having said that, he's not the only Master on the Westie...nor is the one who has gone to Windstar. Can't remember the name but perhaps Lisa will weigh in...the Captain to who she presented the "Queen of Horns" plaque.

 

No worries. Perhaps Captain Scott will be on vacation by the time she comes back to Fort Lauderdale. And we'll have a good, horn blowing season!

 

That was Captain Henk. I don't remember his full name and as far as I know he's still working for Hal. I think he was Captain of the Nieuw Amsterdam but could be wrong. Copper should know where he is at now. Here he is recieving the plaque present by Lisa.

[PathfinderEss]

I have to regress here to be fair to all the Captains that started the 'Queen of Horns' claim to fame. First it started with one of our favorite Captains - Captain Pieter Jan "PJ" van Maurik and then Captain Henk Keijer (I remember his last name) took over and even went furter with the tooting, then Captain PJ did.:D:D:D

[PathfinderEss]

Here's a large picture of Captain Henk Kieger and Lisa, Laffnvegas, I don't know who looks happier.

 

[erewhon]

I'm confused -- don't live in Ft. Lauderdale, haven't sailed on the Westie. Are you saying that the captain has been known to sound the horn 88 or more times in a row (continuously) while departing Port Everglades? And is or was this a regular occurrence? Remarkable!

 

They were not all long toots.

[POA1]

They were not all long toots.

Not at all. It's a pretty staccato affair.

 

For some reason, the Noordam didn't blow its horn at all last year, so I guess it averages out.

 

The only time that the horns get on our nerves is on foggy nights when every ship sounds off as they come in or head out. But since that's a safety thing, you realize that it's necessary. (Does wake you up though.)

[IRL_Joanie]

Sorry, but I find it hard to believe that a ship's captain would make critical remarks about another captain to a passenger. And further, the horns have been going on so long it has become something of a tradition which other cruise ships of other lines have been joining in with.

 

You can disbelieve all you wish. Not only were there many many cruise critic members present on the web cams but also ther ein person as it happened. I also got it on audio and I believe video as it was happening:)

 

Why anyone would disbelieve what a captain or any other officer would say is beyond me, but you are entitled to do so:)

 

Joanie

Edited July 22, 2014 by IRL_Joanie

[sapper1]

You can disbelieve all you wish. Not only were there many many cruise critic members present on the web cams but also ther ein person as it happened. I also got it on audio and I believe video as it was happening:)

 

Why anyone would disbelieve what a captain or any other officer would say is beyond me, but you are entitled to do so:)

 

Joanie

 

I've never been on the Westerdam so I didn't know there were web cams onboard. Do you know how to access them? That might be fun to do.

 

 

Edited to say that upon re reading, it is possible that you may mean that people were there with cameras on their computers. If that is the case then disregard the question.

Edited July 22, 2014 by sapper1

[POA1]

I've never been on the Westerdam so I didn't know there were web cams onboard. Do you know how to access them? That might be fun to do.

 

 

Edited to say that upon re reading, it is possible that you may mean that people were there with cameras on their computers. If that is the case then disregard the question.

 

I think it's just the way the sentence was constructed. I could be wrong.

[Lizzie68]

You can disbelieve all you wish. Not only were there many many cruise critic members present on the web cams but also ther ein person as it happened. I also got it on audio and I believe video as it was happening:)

 

Why anyone would disbelieve what a captain or any other officer would say is beyond me, but you are entitled to do so:)

 

Joanie

 

You seem to be confused. What has webcams got to do with my post about one captain criticising another? Or are you saying the conversation was recorded complete with audio?:confused:

[Murray's Pop]

After sailing with Capt. Scott a number of times on the Noordam, I had the feeling that once he moved to the Westerdam, the "horn salute" would stop. He does not strike me as a very "gregarious" individual, and would probably think that sounding the horn more than 3 times when leaving port was not "proper".

 

I would believe that on his assignment on Westerdamm during the Caribbean season, we will not be hearing any more than 3 toots when leaving port.

[Mytime2014]

After sailing with Capt. Scott a number of times on the Noordam' date=' I had the feeling that once he moved to the Westerdam, the "horn salute" would stop. He does not strike me as a very "gregarious" individual, and would probably think that sounding the horn more than 3 times when leaving port was not "proper".

 

I would believe that on his assignment on Westerdamm during the Caribbean season, we will not be hearing any more than 3 toots when leaving port.[/quote']

 

I really enjoyed his presentation on the Westerdam. He presented as a straight forward, serious, to the point person. I would also guess that "proper" is his method. But then - I'd rather have that person in charge than someone who flaunts rules/regulations at the bidding of the popular. But that's just me. We're not going to be friends anymore than the captain of the airplane I fly to get there. His job is to keep me safe and get me where we're going. The horn blowing reminds me of Maverick in Top Gun buzzing the tower

[kazu]

Sorry, but I find it hard to believe that a ship's captain would make critical remarks about another captain to a passenger

 

I agree. If a captain made critical remarks of another captain in front of a passenger, that would be unprofessional IMO

 

 

Shortened your post as I can't bold with on one finger;) - hope that is ok

 

I really enjoyed his presentation on the Westerdam. He presented as a straight forward, serious, to the point person. I would also guess that "proper" is his method. But then - I'd rather have that person in charge than someone who flaunts rules/regulations at the bidding of the popular. But that's just me. We're not going to be friends anymore than the captain of the airplane I fly to get there. His job is to keep me safe and get me where we're going. The horn blowing reminds me of Maverick in Top Gun buzzing the tower

 

I don't think horn blowing is flaunting the rules in ports where it is permitted. Nor do I think that it means that the captain who authorizes it is a Maverick or less competent than one who doesn't. One of the captains for whom I have a lot of respect is the now retired Captain Gundersen of the Prinsendam. He was extremely skilled, careful and definitely followed rules.

 

When we left Fuerteventura, with the island's permission and a pilot, we circumnavigated the island close up touring it. Rarely visited by a cruise ship, the islanders were ecstatic waving. The Prinsendam tooted over and over to them much to everyone's delight.

 

It was a fabulous day, unforgettable and I can assure you no one questioned our Captain's competence because he did this.:)

Edited July 22, 2014 by kazu

[POA1]

The horn blowing reminds me of Maverick in Top Gun buzzing the tower

 

With all due respect, buzzing the tower is a lot like driving onto the sidewalk and just missing the pedestrians, while blowing the horn is like... well... blowing the horn. :)

[Murray's Pop]

I really enjoyed his presentation on the Westerdam. He presented as a straight forward, serious, to the point person. I would also guess that "proper" is his method. But then - I'd rather have that person in charge than someone who flaunts rules/regulations at the bidding of the popular. But that's just me. We're not going to be friends anymore than the captain of the airplane I fly to get there. His job is to keep me safe and get me where we're going. The horn blowing reminds me of Maverick in Top Gun buzzing the tower

 

Never a question on Capt. Scott's competence, and yes, his demeanor, in my opinion, is quite "proper". Nothing wrong with that; that happens to be his style. Also, I don't necessarily equate a captain having some enjoyment by multiple toots of the ship's horn on departure at Port Everglades as "flaunting rules or regulations".

 

Every captain has their own personality, and some enjoy interacting with passengers more than others. Our favorite captain is Nikolas Christodoulakis, from the Celebrity Century. Very personable and enjoyed interacting with passengers. He and the Hotel Director joined us for coffee on numerous mornings in the Cova Cafe during our last cruise. Two very nice gentlemen.

[Mytime2014]

With all due respect, buzzing the tower is a lot like driving onto the sidewalk and just missing the pedestrians, while blowing the horn is like... well... blowing the horn. :)

 

and with all due respect - that is why it "reminds" me of buzzing the tower - trying to get attention and impress people. But thank you for the clarification.

[CowPrincess]

Originally Posted by Lizzie68

Sorry, but I find it hard to believe that a ship's captain would make critical remarks about another captain to a passenger

 

Kazu said:

 

I agree. If a captain made critical remarks of another captain in front of a passenger, that would be unprofessional IMO

 

I suspect that, like all of us do from time to time, the OP may have just misinterpreted or mis-heard or misunderstood what the Captain said. It is certainly easy enough to do. Just ask my DH :D

[capncarp]

If the ship can't sound its horns, why not the passengers?

As I understand it, International Football (read "Soccer" in 'Merican) fans have for years been producing enormous walls of celebratory sound powered merely by their own puny human lungs.

Enter, the vuvuzula!!!!

Available on the internet or at certain party supply stores for a mere $4.95 plus tax, the plastic straight trumpet-shaped vuvuzula can supplement or replace the embattled, and apparently soon-to-be sorely missed sounding of the ships horns without need for the captain to face retribution for our selfish pleasure.

 

So, what's the judgement? Are we going to suffer in silence, or shall we make the heavens ring???

[USN59-79]

With all due respect, buzzing the tower is a lot like driving onto the sidewalk and just missing the pedestrians, while blowing the horn is like... well... blowing the horn. :)

 

Well, not exactly. The ship's horn, or whistle as it is properly called is a communication device. If you are approaching another ship, one short blast means you are turning right to pass, two short blasts means you are turning to port. Three short blasts means my engines are full speed astern. Five blasts is signaling the other ship that he is doing something to put you in danger. Six blasts means an emergency on my ship. To randomly "blow the horn" is more like crying wolf causing it to no longer have any meaning as a safety or signaling device.

[IRL_Joanie]

Kazu said:

 

 

 

I suspect that, like all of us do from time to time, the OP may have just misinterpreted or mis-heard or misunderstood what the Captain said. It is certainly easy enough to do. Just ask my DH :D

 

You suspect wrong.

 

The captain very clearly stated that he felt it was inappropriate and he would not even contemplate blowing the horn that many times. He was professional in his reply.

 

It seems some here presume to assume that when I say what was said, that I must have misheard/misunderstood or just have no idea of what I say, or worse, that I am lieing:( .....

 

He said it was in his opinion "Unprofessional" Nothing more, nothing less.

 

He never mentioned any captains by name, I DID!!!

 

IRL_Joanie

[POA1]

and with all due respect - that is why it "reminds" me of buzzing the tower - trying to get attention and impress people. But thank you for the clarification.

Thank you for your respect. It was all due. ;)

[POA1]

Well, not exactly. The ship's horn, or whistle as it is properly called is a communication device. If you are approaching another ship, one short blast means you are turning right to pass, two short blasts means you are turning to port. Three short blasts means my engines are full speed astern. Five blasts is signaling the other ship that he is doing something to put you in danger. Six blasts means an emergency on my ship. To randomly "blow the horn" is more like crying wolf causing it to no longer have any meaning as a safety or signaling device.

I'm familiar with the signal rules (32-36.) More often than not the cruise ships leaving this port have an escort, typically USCG. The ships and residents salute one another during daylight hours (or before 9 PM in the winter.) Several ships have multi-tone musical horns which they blow as they transit the 0.2 miles from Lake Mabel to the Atlantic Ocean.

[Lizzie68]

You suspect wrong.

 

The captain very clearly stated that he felt it was inappropriate and he would not even contemplate blowing the horn that many times. He was professional in his reply.

 

It seems some here presume to assume that when I say what was said, that I must have misheard/misunderstood or just have no idea of what I say, or worse, that I am lieing:( .....

 

He said it was in his opinion "Unprofessional" Nothing more, nothing less.

 

He never mentioned any captains by name, I DID!!!

 

IRL_Joanie

 

 

Makes no difference that he did not name the captain in question - the lack of professionalism in criticising a colleague and an officer to a passenger was appalling. And led to the passenger using the other captain's name on a public forum. Hmm, lack of judgement there, too. And I saw no one assert that you were lieing (sic).