Live from the Westerdam-Join the "Pearls of the Pacific" gang's South Pacific Cruise

[rafinmd]

Very good. One request. Will you keep your eyes peeled for anything from the Future Cruise Consultant on the Grand Asia which says something about segments?

 

Enjoy your last few days.

 

Roy

[Happily@Sea]

Jacqui, if your cabin card has the dates of your cruise as ending in Vancouver, you should be fine with no in-transit card.

 

 

Jacqui,

 

That's what they told me at the front desk when I went to inquire about the lack of an in-transit card.

 

As a US citizen, all I need is my key card and I assume a photo ID as usual.

 

Carole

[Vict0riann]

A little while ago, they started calling out the cabin numbers of the non-US people who had not yet presented themselves for clearance. Quite a few. Actually, there are quite a few people on board who don't have a lot of English. Must be a problem.

 

Thanks, Ruth, I checked my room card and it does say 05/05/2016.

 

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

Just finished U.S. Customs. Took about 1/2 hour. They did not call by deck as originally planned. Just the first deck and then they just called for everyone. There were a lot of Customs officers - 8 if I counted correctly which was very good.

 

There was also a lady with Customs checking forms before we saw the officers to make sure that everything was completed properly and avoid delays.

 

We hadn't received an in transit pass and I asked about that on the way out to the person checking off our cabin numbers. Apparently there is no in transit pass being given out?

 

I guess we will just attempt to avoid that snaking embarkation line for those that have to check in?

 

Need to take our passports and our Customs form that has been stamped with us if we are getting off the ship.

 

On our way to Customs, I saw people heading down with luggage to the gangway. Appear to be the self disembark people. I guess they don't realize no one is going anywhere until everyone has cleared Customs?

 

 

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On the cruises where we have continued onto Seattle, we never got In Transit passes for San Diego.

[Lizzie68]

On the cruises where we have continued onto Seattle, we never got In Transit passes for San Diego.

 

That's strange. We always have.

 

Edited to add..... though if you have your government ID and your ship card, really you shouldn't need one - as long as they have a separate check-in for in transit pax. If you have to join the same line as those embarking it will be awful. If I recall correctly, we were directed to a different section when we went to reboard the ship last year.

Edited May 2, 2016 by Lizzie68

[Vict0riann]

Definitely, we'll be looking for a special line when we come to re-board. Evidently the last recalcitrant passenger has presented herself to Immigration, and passengers are beginning to disembark. Not bad, it's just 9 o'clock.

 

 

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[kazu]

Very good. One request. Will you keep your eyes peeled for anything from the Future Cruise Consultant on the Grand Asia which says something about segments?

 

Enjoy your last few days.

 

Roy

 

I'll take a look at the Future Cruise desk Roy to see if there is anything there.

 

I doubt that I will get to see the FCC as she is constantly busy, but one never knows on embarkation day.

[kazu]

Jacqui, if your cabin card has the dates of your cruise as ending in Vancouver, you should be fine with no in-transit card.

 

Thanks RuthC - 1st time we haven't had an in transit card. I'm sure we did here last year.

 

A very confusing disembarkation. They announced we needed in transit cards and then, a few minutes later announced that we did not. Was told we needed passports and now they announced Government issued ID. A big difference.

 

Customs told me we needed them so as much as I hate to carry them, I guess we shall.

 

Ha! Ha! Another new announcement - we need our passports.

 

Sheesh - total confusion.

 

Just hope there is a special line for those re-boarding the ship. All onboard is 2 pm so we won't be able to avoid that zoo if there isn't.

[scluvsrain]

I arranged the tour with Richardnof Temarana tours and he gave me a group price of $65 pp since my group was so large. He had 6 vans/jeeps and we all kept together in a caravan. He did not go all that fast. A good part of the roads were paved and so smooth going. There was a long section near the village where Yvonne's is that was very bumpy however. Richard was a great guide and I highly recommend him. His half day tour was a little over 4 hours and we stopped at some beautiful places.

 

 

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[frankc98376]

Did you by chance hear if there was Luggage Direct offered for those disembarking today? Shows as available on our October cruise but only with AA.

[scluvsrain]

Don't you just love Mario? We were fortunate to have him as our CD on the Niew Amsterdam T/A in 2014; would love to have him on the Eurodam for our next crossing this fall. Will keep my fingers crossed.

 

Thanks again for taking the time ad energy to keep us aprised of your days and nights onboard

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

Gerry

 

 

 

Mario is going to the Eurodam next week. You should have him on your TA.

[Copper10-8]

Pardon getting off topic here and hopefully Copper can chime in again. If I read Victoriann's post right Captain Van Eerten could be making his Zaandam debut early April in Valparaiso. That would be awesome. Having Turner for the first leg would also be wonderful.

 

If I may, a question for Copper. In his thread on the Zaandam StPeteCruiser mentioned that Turner had served on the Prinsendam. I started following HAL about 2011 when Captains Albert and Gundersen were fixtures on the ship and I know the captains since then. Do you have an idea when Captain Turner served on the Prinsendam and was it as Captain or Staff Captain at the time.

 

Vict0riann, wishing you a speedy recovery and stress free day in San Diego.

 

Roy

 

Hi Roy;

 

There will be a lot of "captain switching/rotating" among the fourteen ships (except KODM & AMDM) coming up later this year which is routine. Sched isn't officially out yet, Captain generally work three months on, three months off

 

As to your 2nd question; Captain Chris Turner shared PRDM with Capt. Halle Thon Gundersen (so as captain, not as staff captain/chief officer) from 2007 until January 2009, Capt. Turner then took command of ZUDM and was replaced by Capt. Albert Schoonderbeek on PRDM

[Scrapnana]

The last color was called for disembarkation at about 11:10. About ten minutes later three people were called by name and asked to kindly disembark.

 

I was very glad that those who were continuing on did not have to leave the ship.

 

Welcome back from the World Voyage, Copper! I've missed your insights.

[kazu]

Yesterday was a great day!!!! The performances by those that had been rehearsing their hula, ukulele, sticks, etc. Was quite good indeed.

 

https://vimeo.com/165025342

 

https://vimeo.com/165025828

 

https://vimeo.com/165044268

 

I think Scrapnana's pics are better than mine. I was too far away, but just the same...here are a couple...

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Did you by chance hear if there was Luggage Direct offered for those disembarking today? Shows as available on our October cruise but only with AA.

 

 

I saw a sign for Luggage Direct passengers when I got off the ship Frank.

 

 

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[kazu]

Mario is going to the Eurodam next week. You should have him on your TA.

 

 

Yes, apparently he came on just for this cruise!!!! We were lucky.

 

There was a culinary cook off yesterday between Mario and the Captain. Captain took off his uniform and donned a chef's attire. They literally "feed off" each other and it was very funny by all accounts. I missed it as I was at the luncheon so I hope others report on it and/or share pics.

 

It was one of the fun events yesterday.

 

There were a lot of things on the go including the talk by Mario on life on board for the Crew and their farewell to us. A marvellous day indeed.

 

And there was a farewell suite luncheon yesterday. It was concocted by the Culinary Manager and our Hotel Director (Captain gave them full credit) and it was a very lovely buffet.

 

It was held in the Vista Dining Room (3rd floor). I thought it was strange UNTIL I saw the huge spread they were offering. I don't think it could have ever been pulled off in the Pinnacle Grill!

 

Food porn anyone???

 

WARNING SERIOUS FOOD PORN - POSSIBLY XRATED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

And the food porn continues...

 

I think you can see the labels of each food item pretty well, but let's just say there was something for everyone...crab cakes, quiche, butter chicken, filet, loaded mashed potatoes, grilled shrimp & scallop skewers, all kinds of lovely wonderful cheese, caviar, chocolate fountain for the fruits, all kinds of different smoked salmon and other fish just to name a few. The breads were glorious (as usual) and the displays were absolutely sumptuous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

FOOD PORN ALERT!!! Continuing the food porn !!!!.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

The end of the food porn, so after this, if you don't want to see pics of food, you are safe....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

As Scrapnana reported, we had a great time in the Pinnacle Grill last night. Lots of merriment.

 

But we had a medical emergency. One of our companions had a sliver in her hand. DH thought it was metallic. Not sure if it came off the teapot, silverware, whatever, but it was painful and required immediate emergency medical attention.

 

 

Happy to report that the sliver was removed expertly and quickly in one quick move once the assistant brought the right medical implements.

 

Of course, the roll call member hasn't checked her on board account yet for the medical charges - LOL :)

 

 

 

 

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[ger_77]

Mario is going to the Eurodam next week. You should have him on your TA.

 

Such good news - thank you!

 

Smooth Sailing ! :) :) :)

[kazu]

Disembarkation - well, we took our passports as ordered, presented our customs forms inside the passport. Customs officer took our passports and form, took the form and didn't take one look at our passports. [sigh]

 

One nice thing was that we were called out of the disembarking lineup for Customs clearance - I guess he figured that we were in transit with no carry on luggage.

 

No Mariner luncheon listed in the On Location today by the way. There was when we boarded interesting.

 

I

 

 

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[sherifa]

I arranged the tour with Richardnof Temarana tours and he gave me a group price of $65 pp since my group was so large. He had 6 vans/jeeps and we all kept together in a caravan. He did not go all that fast. A good part of the roads were paved and so smooth going. There was a long section near the village where Yvonne's is that was very bumpy however. Richard was a great guide and I highly recommend him. His half day tour was a little over 4 hours and we stopped at some beautiful places.

 

 

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We'll second that! It was a great tour and guide! I have gorgeous scenery pics. Thanks for arranging it, Sherita

[sherifa]

We are at the San Diego airport, awaiting our flight home. We had a late disembarkation and it was a breeze- no lines and friendly staff. Just wanted to say a big "thank-you," again, to Kazu for the great spreadsheet that was such a wonderful aide to keep us organized and all of the fun gatherings. I couldn't stay for the conclusion of a few because of all the fantastic cultural events onboard. Kudos to the Hawaiian location team for making this cruise fabulous!

We enjoyed meeting all of the friendly Canadians from the RC and those from our homeland as well as others from far and near and sharing a wonderful cruise with you all.

Safe travels to all and Aloha O'e!

[kazu]

We are at the San Diego airport, awaiting our flight home. We had a late disembarkation and it was a breeze- no lines and friendly staff. Just wanted to say a big "thank-you," again, to Kazu for the great spreadsheet that was such a wonderful aide to keep us organized and all of the fun gatherings. I couldn't stay for the conclusion of a few because of all the fantastic cultural events onboard. Kudos to the Hawaiian location team for making this cruise fabulous!

We enjoyed meeting all of the friendly Canadians from the RC and those from our homeland as well as others from far and near and sharing a wonderful cruise with you all.

Safe travels to all and Aloha O'e!

 

 

Safe travels to you Sheri and all of our roll call that left us at San Diego. We will miss you all :)