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

[Krazy Kruizers]

Yes, KK, there were two Exlusive Officers Recpetions that we were invited to on this cruise.

 

both gatherings were small and intimate. And both were very nice. I have no idea why we were invited but we enjoyed them both. Did take a couple of pics and when we have good internet, will try to post them.

 

I don't think our sea days equaled the others but we had a great time. First time we met a couple from Spain so DH was happily chatting in Spanish.

 

Second time roll call members which was very nice as we hadn't seen them before.

 

We were well taken care of. Both receptions were 1/2 hour long.

 

 

Thank you -- there was only 1 Exclusive Officers Reception cocktail party on our cruise. We were invited and have no idea who we got that invitation as there were other cocktail parties and we were not invited. 50 people were invited but only 20 showed up. Ours was also only 1/2 hour long. Only 2 officers out of about a dozen circulated among the passengers. Captain was a no show -- as usual on our cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

WOW -- the days flew by -- can't believe that this cruise is almost over.

Have enjoyed all the reports and pictures.

[kazu]

Thank you -- there was only 1 Exclusive Officers Reception cocktail party on our cruise. We were invited and have no idea who we got that invitation as there were other cocktail parties and we were not invited. 50 people were invited but only 20 showed up. Ours was also only 1/2 hour long. Only 2 officers out of about a dozen circulated among the passengers. Captain was a no show -- as usual on our cruise.

 

 

 

I'm not sure how many people were at ours KK. 50 sounds about right - maybe a few less. Just the Captain's Corner and that side of the Crow's Nest for the get togethers. HD and senior officers were there. The officers were very cordial and as you can see, there was some mingling...

 

 

 

 

And there were some nice munchies of course

 

 

 

The Captain was not at either one as he was on the bridge. I was not surprised at that given the weather we were having the evening of both parties. Captain Van Eerten was often "out and about" and very visible.

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

A little bit of food porn...

 

Two days ago (our second last sea day) a group of us went to the Pinnnacle Grill for lunch. We decided to try some different things.

 

The steak sandwich...

 

 

The cod sandwich ....

 

 

Salad.....

 

 

Dessert anyone????

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

that was the day of our surprise birthday party in the Penthouse (Pinnacle Suite).

 

There was a mass of munchies - but this plate was beautiful....

 

 

We had to take a close look at the centrepiece to figure out what it was....

 

 

Believe it or not....it's a turnip!!!! (We had to turn it upside down to verify).

 

Later, we got to visit our next door neighbour's zoo. Every towel animal we have received on this cruise has been saved! I have their permission to post....

 

 

A couple close ups....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Lizzie68]

Welcome to Vancouver, all of you.:) Don`t be deterred by the clouds this morning, it`s going to be warm and sunny the next few days - which will make for a spectacular sailaway for those of us heading to Alaska. Enjoy this beautiful city.

[innlady1]

Have a good few days in Vancouver, cruisers. And Bon Voyage to those of you going on the Nieuw Amsterdam to Alaska!

[kjw869]

Sorry Ken, I don't think I was clear. It was the couch/love seat that was beigey/brownish. I didn't see a brown chair at all. Should have taken a pic for you. Never thought of it. Apologies.

 

For some reason, the living room area seemed smaller to me than when I was in it on the Zuiderdam. I'm sure that is not the case and it is just my poor memory. LOL.

 

Thanks Jacqui! That couch we had in 7045 on the Zuiderdam was very uncomfortable, not to mention how it looked. We'll find out in two days. We were in the same cabin on four cruises and hoped they would remodel some of their furniture. Nope, all they did was replace the carpet in dry dock last year.

 

I think they are all the same size. We were on the Noordam in 7045 last on an Alaskan cruise and it was the same size.

 

I will forward some pictures for you and your friend's great website! ;)

 

Thanks for taking the time with your posts and wonderful pictures! :) I always enjoy your "adventures".

[scluvsrain]

I love that your neighbor saved all the towel animals! If I'd done that in my little OV cabin there'd be no room for me to sleep!

 

 

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[RuthC]

Welcome back to dry land after a long, but not the best of, cruises.

With the weather and missed ports, I think HAL should give all of you a do-over---gratis! :D

When you do look back on this, I hope the memories are sweet.

 

Safe onward travels.

[scluvsrain]

It's been a great cruise and it is hard to believe that there are only two days left (for those of us continuing on to Seattle). I've really enjoyed meeting new friends. It's always nice to share your day's experiences with others when traveling solo. I'm going to miss so much!!!

 

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

Great pictures of the food -- everywhere.

That was nice that your officers mingled with the passengers.

[gigianne]

It was great meeting you too Sherita. Even though we had never met most of the CCer's before the cruise, I felt we knew them because of all the planning and posting! For us the cruise was a success - yes, lots of hiccups, more sea days and less ports then what was planned - but as a good friend always reminds me - "it is what it is". I got a chance this morning to thank the Captain for bringing us safely to our home and native land! Safe travels everyone!

[murielw35]

My sister's husband who works near the port could not see the Westerdam. Did you arrive in Vancouver?

[Happily@Sea]

We're backing in now. The captain got to use his sticky finger on the horn coming under the bridge. I don't know the name, first visit to Vancouver. I got the whole horn blast on my camera, almost a full minute. I wonder if we'll get a repeat on the way out?

[murielw35]

Carole, thank you for the update. We're boarding the ship today for the 2 night cruise to Seattle.

[scluvsrain]

We're backing in now. The captain got to use his sticky finger on the horn coming under the bridge. I don't know the name, first visit to Vancouver. I got the whole horn blast on my camera, almost a full minute. I wonder if we'll get a repeat on the way out?

 

 

 

I think it's called Lions Gate Bridge.

[Lizzie68]

Captain told us last year he never fails to blast that horn when sailing under the Lions Gate Bridge.

[Happily@Sea]

I think it's called Lions Gate Bridge.

 

Thanks for the name of the bridge. I'll be recording again when we leave.

[Scrapnana]

I was up early (for me) to watch the sail-in to Vancouver. It was a beautiful morning and not too chilly (although the way some people were dressed you would think we were approaching the Arctic Circle). I only saw two of our roll call members - scluvsrain and tamantoo - this morning. Really enjoyed Captain van Eerten's tooting especially since we won't hear it in FLL any more thanks to the "Grinch Who Stole Tooting".

 

The Norwegain Pearl was docked when we arrived and I thought that was kind of fitting since we were the "Pearls of the Pacific".

 

Disembarkation was only slightly delayed because of our being about 20 minutes late docking. My assigned time was 11:10-11:30 and I was called at 11:34. Only hiccup in going through the cruise terminal was that the luggage carts were hidden on the other side of the room where our luggage was. As I went to get one I was hit in the shin by an empty cart that got away from an employee. Didn't break the skin and I don't think I will even have a bruise.

 

Breezed through the terminal until I hit the queue for the taxis. Since I was in the last group to be called, there were lots of people ahead of me and it took 25 minutes before I was in a taxi. Five minute ride and I was at the hotel. I am now enjoying the free (and fast) wi-fi at the Metropolitan.

 

I am off in a few minutes to walk around downtown Vancouver and get lunch.

Edited May 5, 2016 by Scrapnana

[kazu]

The captain did a great job of tooting at the Lion's Gate Bridge. The bridge is very close to the top most part of the ship.

 

As he said last year, his finger gets "stuck".

 

I will post a few pics shortly and try to bring a few other things up to date if you all like.

 

Disembarkation was delayed by off loading of luggage by the longshoremen but not that much. Disembarkation was well done as those that were in transit used the gangway on deck 3 while we leaving used the gangway on 2. Good move as those in transit didn't have to deal with the mess of people and bags. Wish that could have been done in San Diego.

 

Entry back into Canada was smooth and there was the NICEST HAL rep there waiting for people from the Pan Pacific. While DH was looking for the luggage she asked if we needed a cart and went to get me one.

 

They are tucked in the back and I didn't even realize there were carts. We were all set to get a porter.

 

She even held the cart for DH while he loaded luggage. A very pleasant lady who was a delight and a great representative for HAL. Wish I had gotten her name.

 

One thing that surprised me. NO cruise log!!! WHAT???? I was really looking forward to getting the cruise log for this cruise. Those that got off in San Diego got one (we didn't).

[silvercruiser]

Luggage Direct was not available when disembarking in San Diego because it wasn't the final port. I'd been counting on it, having had my large bag shipped at the start of the cruise by LuggageFree, who picked it up at my home a week before the cruise. If I'd been getting off at the last stop I could have had Luggage Direct. Had great service with a porter, though, both inside the terminal and again at the airport, so it was no big deal.

I've been told that Seattle and Fort Lauderdale are the only two ports currently having a Global Entry available for disembarking passengers.

Loved the cruise even with the drawbacks of bad weather. Am almost tempted to do it next year, since it'll be the Maasdam and I love the smaller ships.

Our captain was wonderful, every bit as great as my favorite, Peter Bos, from Voyage of the Vikings three years ago.

[kazu]

My sister's husband who works near the port could not see the Westerdam. Did you arrive in Vancouver?

 

We are in Vancouver and off the ship. It doesn't sail until later tonight. All onboard is 9:30 p.m. I believe.

 

I think the NCL Pearl (I think it was the Pearl) is probably blocking any view right now.

 

DH and I are all settled in at the ShangriLa andI have to say, the wifi here is great :)

[Vict0riann]

We are on the ferry heading home. We made it to the bus with about 5 minutes to spare! We did take advantage of our expedited (4-star) disembarkation to push off early, but then had to wait in the terminal for our bags to be offloaded. We saw Sapper1, Gigianne and SusieKIslandGirl in the terminal, so we're able to say a few more goodbyes. Evidently the Pacific Pearls trivia team won again.

 

We enjoyed our cruise, too, seeing old friends, and making new ones. Kazu is a mastermind of organization, and all in all, except for a few blips, (the blips had nothing to do with Kazu) port-wise, weather-wise and Internet-wise, everything went smoothly. Thanks, everyone.

 

PS. We weren't invited to any parties, just one "Commonwealth Happy Hour", where we paid for our own drinks, but HAL supplied the munchies. Perhaps when/if we make it to 5 stars....

[kazu]

Thanks Jacqui! That couch we had in 7045 on the Zuiderdam was very uncomfortable, not to mention how it looked. We'll find out in two days. We were in the same cabin on four cruises and hoped they would remodel some of their furniture. Nope, all they did was replace the carpet in dry dock last year.

 

I think they are all the same size. We were on the Noordam in 7045 last on an Alaskan cruise and it was the same size.

 

I will forward some pictures for you and your friend's great website! ;)

 

Thanks for taking the time with your posts and wonderful pictures! :) I always enjoy your "adventures".

 

 

Thanks so much Ken. All pics are great fully received :)

 

Welcome back to dry land after a long, but not the best of, cruises.

With the weather and missed ports, I think HAL should give all of you a do-over---gratis! :D

When you do look back on this, I hope the memories are sweet.

 

Safe onward travels.

 

LOL Ruth - I don't think HAL would agree with another free on ;)

 

Memories will be sweet indeed though - nothing nicer than cruising with old friends and making new ones. We had a marvellous roll call. Sad to say good bye to so many wonderful people.