* LIVE from the Rotterdam - 30 day Passage to Spain and Western Europe - Mar. 30th*

[Scrapnana]

Your roll call got great coverage on the PE webcam (thanks Lou and Dave).

 

 

 

 

[Scrapnana]

 

 

 

[Scrapnana]

 

 

[1of4]

I didn't hear any "toots" unfortunately but I grabbed some screen shots that I will email to Kazu. Jacqui is your regular email the best place?

 

Bon voyage. Seeing the sun and palm trees sway was a toughie as the snow is falling hard and freezing rain predicted tonight. That is behind you and sunny skies and smooth sailing await!

[PJLoveToTravel]

Great shots above so I won't add any. Easy to pick out Kazu & Rick!!

[scopewest]

Have a wonderful trip, thanks for taking the time to post!

[DeeniEncinitas]

Late at getting my sail a way in!!! Saw Jacqui on the web cam and all of CCers!!!! Was watching while I was cooking for company tonite!!!!

Have an awesome trip!!!!!

I will be in spirit!

Denise:)

[kazu]

Good morning from the beautiful Rotterdam!!

 

We boarded the ship shortly after my post in the terminal. Unfortunately when we went to our room, we couldn't get the door open. The keys didn't work. A steward saw us and gave us a hand and he was able to get the door open, so we thought all was good. (He said to remove the key card very slowly).

 

When we tried again, though, alas, entry was refused. Off to the concierge where there were a pile of people whose keys weren't working properly. It seems when they were keyed there was some sort of error and the ship was having masses of people with cards they had to redo.

 

Once our cards were done, we had no problem and didn't have to remove then slowly. LOL.

 

Our bags arrived at lightening speed (about 1 pm) so we (which means I) set to the job of unpacking and finding a place for everything and everything in it's place while DH folded the tissue paper, bags, etc placing them in the luggage and stowing the luggage under the bed.

 

The Mariner's reception was from 2 to 2:45 pm but with great progress being made in the unpacking and an early sailing, we opted to finish the job and skip it, so alas, I cannot report on that.

 

Next on the agenda - the infamous muster drill. I was pleased to see them scanning cards and, we were told we would be scanned shortly at our station. Unfortunately, the scanner didn't seem to be working properly so we were back to the long calling of cabin numbers. That certainly draws out the length of time of the muster drill, but, soon enough, it was over with.

 

The captain announced that he was still fuelling and getting a couple of supplies so our sailing would be slightly delayed but he would let us know when it was to happen.

 

It was a good thing it was as the muster drill took us to nearly 4 pm and we had to get our banners and supplies from the room for sail a way.

 

The sail a way party was at the Retreat (can't call it a sea view pool since it is the wading pool with the loungers in it) or "aft lido" but our roll call had opted to meet at the Sports Deck where it would not be as crowded and mostly "just us".

 

DH and I got the toot banner up (thanks you to Jane, shrimpboat123's wife who attached ropes to it so it is now easy to set up) and with the ingenuity of Joyce (rajkr74's wife) we made sure that the HAL banner was firmly attached so that it would not be lost in the wind. (It's safe Scrapnana in my cabin). I had bought clips (useless) and the thick tie stuff for plants at the Dollar Store. The thick tie stuff did the trick for anyone that is trying to do the same thing.

 

A great gathering of our roll call and we were soon introducing each other and laughing. Some of us booked this a long time ago so we have been waiting for it for a while. It was nice to finally meet some people that you had been "talking to" on the roll call and by email. If first impressions count, I think we have a great group of people. :)

 

The captain must have seen the toot banner - LOL - because boy was he tooting. He was tooting before we even left. We all waved away at the webcam and as the land disappeared someone said "if anyone has changed their mind, you better jump off now". LOL.

 

After sail a way, we joined good friends of ours Frances and Jose (Mr. Trotwood) for drinks at the aft pool. They had moved away from our area so it's a nice chance to re-connect with them again.

 

A bit of a walk around the Rotterdam - I had forgotten how truly pretty she is and how impressive the art is on board and it was time to prepare for the Suite Reception. .....to be continued. First let's see if this will post.

[kazu]

I didn't hear any "toots" unfortunately but I grabbed some screen shots that I will email to Kazu. Jacqui is your regular email the best place?

 

 

 

Bon voyage. Seeing the sun and palm trees sway was a toughie as the snow is falling hard and freezing rain predicted tonight. That is behind you and sunny skies and smooth sailing await!

 

 

 

Thanks Gail, Yes, my regular email is the best place.

 

 

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[kazu]

 

 

 

 

 

Wow Kathi! Thanks so much for all of the fabulous screenshots! :)

 

 

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[kazu]

Is Crown and Anchor new, or do you mean Crown Wine & Spirits across from your hotel? If Crown & Anchor is new, it slipped right past me.

 

Have a great trip. Hard to find a nicer day for sail away.

 

 

 

Oops sorry POA1 - Crown Wine. Apologies.

 

 

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[kazu]

The Suite Reception was held in the Neptune Lounge. No officers but the concierge and Guest Relations were there and, to be honest that was just fine by me. The passengers socialized, enjoyed the drinks and the time passed quickly. I met one of our quiet roll call members there as well ;). Normally, I try for upsells, on the Vistas and up, but the Rotterdam has no middle choice and the price at the time, between the Mariner discount, Westerdam discount (from the last cruise), Casino discount & TA made this too good to pass up. So we booked the Neptune on day 1 and glad we did as they were sold out for this collectors' cruise early on.

 

Off to dinner. Now, we know that dinner on embarkation night can be slow and a disaster. Not tonight. First of all, our table - 21, great location. I had phoned to see if we could get a 4 top by the window which could allow us to have guests now and then (with our waiter's permission of course) and they asked if I had a table in mind. I said no, I trust you. I'm glad I did.

 

Our waiters are not using tablets and that seems to make no difference. Very good service for any night, let alone embarkation night. Our wine steward was a tad slow getting to us (not very long, really) and apologized. No need for that - we know that first nights are challenging as people have questions about wines, etc.

 

Dinner was very good. DH had the Caesar Salad & the salmon. He said the salad was smaller but good and the salmon was delicious. I opted for the little salad (the first one) and the carpaccio (always enjoy that) and the snapper. All very good and tasty.

 

We shared a Creme Brulee for dessert which was absolutely perfect!

 

I forgot some food porn, but as you can see from the pic of my snapper they are using some different plates for different meals. DH's was the standard white one. Mine was rectangular for the snapper and the carpaccio which made the presentation quite attractive IMO.

 

 

 

The Salmon:

 

 

 

We seem to have a very happy crew. Everyone is smiling and cheerful and proud of their ship.

 

When we hit the ocean, DH said, it barely feels like we're sailing. Seas were very smooth. A bit cloudy this morning but still very smooth. Fingers crossed that we enjoy smooth seas across the pond for the sake of those who it affects.

 

After dinner we hit the casino for a few minutes to investigate, took a walk around and caught Adagio (which seem very good), The Band which was decent, Stryker (YAY) at the piano and BBKings late performance. The late performance was delayed though so we decided we would catch BBKings the next night ;). Here is the bar menu from the BBKings (which is in the Crows' Nest)

 

 

The show was a movie, so we were confident we could catch it today on the TV if we wanted. The Rotterdam still has the DVD's, etc, so hopefully movies will be replayed as we are used to.

 

We do have the Interactive Navigator available on smart phones or tablets. What was the On Location is now the "Where, What, When". Some of the layout is improved IMO, but I miss the tear off sheet.

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Here is the Where, What, When for our embarkation day.

 

 

 

Our dinner menu for our embarkation night:

 

 

 

 

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[KerriL]

Kazu,

Have a fabulous cruise!! So envious! :D

And yes, please say "hello" to my daughter Jordan. I was hoping to sail with her but it was not meant to be before she leaves ship life.

The last I heard yesterday, she was waiting in the terminal and was waiting for a "ship buddy" to show her around the Rotterdam, as she hasn't sailed that class of ship in over 3 years.(Company policy). I believe she is leaving the ship in Lisbon, as she was just doing a short fill-in contract. I've never seen her as a CAC Host, we've only sailed with her when she was still working as a YPC (Youth Program Coordinator) in Club HAL with the kiddos. Let me know if you catch one of her demos!!

Subscribing to your thread and looking forward to reading about your trip!

 

Kerri

Edited March 31, 2017 by KerriL

[1of4]

Looks like a great start. I will edit the ship pictures I got yesterday and see if my screen shots of the sail away are different than Kathi's. if so I will email them too.

 

School busses cancelled today due to ice. Safe to say I wish was onboard with you and Jose!

[lovetocruisenow]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post all this wonderful info. Have fun!

 

 

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[0bnxshs]

Hi Jacqui! Sounds like a great start to your wonderful time on Rotterdam and in Paris. Glad you are finally on your cruise.

 

If you'd like, I can start transferring your photos on "that website that shan't be named" as you post them here. Let me know!

 

Best to Jose as always. Got me wishing I was there with you both.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you are having a great time so far.

[BeardieMom55]

After dinner we hit the casino for a few minutes to investigate, took a walk around and caught Adagio (which seem very good), The Band which was decent, Stryker (YAY) at the piano and BBKings late performance.

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Hi Kazu, Hope you have a wonderful trip. Do you know how long Stryker will be on the Rotterdam? We will be joining the Rotterdam in July. We studied Taekwondo under Stryker many years ago(he wasn't Stryker yet). Would be great fun if he we were able to say hello again. Lorrie & Craig

[kazu]

Kazu,

Have a fabulous cruise!! So envious!

And yes, please say "hello" to my daughter Jordan. I was hoping to sail with her but it was not meant to be before she leaves ship life.

The last I heard yesterday, she was waiting in the terminal and was waiting for a "ship buddy" to show her around the Rotterdam, as she hasn't sailed that class of ship in over 3 years.(Company policy). I believe she is leaving the ship in Lisbon, as she was just doing a short fill-in contract. I've never seen her as a CAC Host, we've only sailed with her when she was still working as a YPC (Youth Program Coordinator) in Club HAL with the kiddos. Let me know if you catch one of her demos!!

Subscribing to your thread and looking forward to reading about your trip!

 

Kerri

 

I will indeed Kerri - taking a CAC class so I should be able to meet up with her :)

 

Hi Jacqui! Sounds like a great start to your wonderful time on Rotterdam and in Paris. Glad you are finally on your cruise.

 

If you'd like, I can start transferring your photos on "that website that shan't be named" as you post them here. Let me know!

 

Best to Jose as always. Got me wishing I was there with you both.

 

Rich, that would be great if you would transfer. you KNOW you have my permission. If you prefer that the menus are in PDF I can convert them to pdf and email them in when I get some free wifi somewhere/ when I get home.

 

Wish you both were with us. We plan on having fun.

 

 

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[Copper10-8]

.................. Do you know how long Stryker will be on the Rotterdam? We will be joining the Rotterdam in July. We studied Taekwondo under Stryker many years ago(he wasn't Stryker yet). Would be great fun if he we were able to say hello again. Lorrie & Craig

 

Stryker will be on through the end of April

Have a great voyage and cross Kazu!

[kazu]

After dinner we hit the casino for a few minutes to investigate, took a walk around and caught Adagio (which seem very good), The Band which was decent, Stryker (YAY) at the piano and BBKings late performance.

 

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Hi Kazu, Hope you have a wonderful trip. Do you know how long Stryker will be on the Rotterdam? We will be joining the Rotterdam in July. We studied Taekwondo under Stryker many years ago(he wasn't Stryker yet). Would be great fun if he we were able to say hello again. Lorrie & Craig

 

 

 

I don't know but I will see if I can find out for you.

 

I am quite sure there will be a chance to ask him.

 

 

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[kazu]

Here is the Beverage Menu. It isn't in all of the bars all the time but all of this is available anywhere ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Bar Menu continued....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[RetiredMustang]

Jacqui,

 

Have a great time! I'll be following the thread. Thanks for posting the documents, especially the drink menus.

 

Great photos of the sailaway. DW and I think we also recognized someone else, Rick and Joyce. Rick is hard to miss. If they are on board, please say hi for us.

 

Dave