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

[kazu]

Anything with text is more easily zoomed in PDF for readability.

 

Got it :). Your wish is my command and, as usual, you are right ;). I'll try to e some to you at one of the ports where there are no tours so the job isn't so onerous. I predict it may be Malaga ;)

 

We were on the Rotterdam last October. Our breakfast menu (inside cabin) was just like the right side of yours. The left side is probably just for the Suites.

 

Still my favourite ship, although I LOVE the art on the Rotterdam and we have some amazing bar waiters here.

 

Lester just took away my lemonade and gave me a different drink and said "try it". I asked him what it was and he said it was a secret.

 

I suspect I will find out later when he asks me if I want another one and the price. It's very good.

 

Not quite a pink lemonade.

[kazu]

Jacqui, can you do me a favor and see if anyone on your roll call went to the Interdenominational service and if the Priest assisted.

 

Those square menus on Gala nights seem to be fleet wide.

 

Thanks.

 

I will indeed Roy. I had planned to go but I slept in :eek:

 

Our cabin crawl is tomorrow so I will ask.

[kazu]

JUST GOT INTERNET BACK. - don't know how long it will hold so I better get cracking!!!!

 

It's still April 2nd, but we have lost internet. Hit the infamous "dead zone".

 

So, I'm not sure when you will see this but I am going to try to keep up to date.

 

We had our roll call wine tasting today and I think everyone had a good time. We had some "big" prizes for the most popular wine. (Don't take the "big" too literally). Great group of people and a lot of fun.

 

Between what I collected and the hors d'hoeuvres that HAL gave us, we had enough munchies to help absorb the wine.

 

Our munchies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, I even got to bingo.

 

I didn't win but jcw0313 did - YAY.

 

Stryker joined us at our table at the Retreat and it turns out he smokes! He says most piano bar players do. He can't figure out where this rumour that smoking hurts your voice comes from. LOL - he says since he exercises his voice every night he thinks that makes a difference. He even has one if his voice feels wrong on a break and then he says it works great. Go figure.

 

He is getting off with us on April 29th and then taking a couple of months off. After that he is on the Veendam, so anyone on that ship is in for a huge treat.

 

He warned us to get there early tonight and I groaned since we are on Main Seating. He laughed and said the DRM is giving him a hard time as some people want to get served faster to get a seat.

 

 

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[vp1313]

All my bags aren't packed, not ready to go, no taxi wating outside my door, but all that WILL happen.;)

 

We don't sail for a week, but I am hoping some roll call members will join in. So, I am setting this up now so I can give them the link. Some are leaving early.:cool: just as we are. If the weather Gods smile on us, we will be out of here next Monday :D

 

Some of the ports are new for us - highlights are Santiago de Compostela & Huelva to name a few as well as my two favourite tour guides for Monte Carlo & Madeira. While we have been to some of these ports before, there are some very different things planned for those. It should be fun:D

 

Sadly, I don't believe that the Rotterdam has unlimited internet, but as long as the internet co-operates, you can expect regular reports.

 

Ask any questions. If I can get the answers I will.

 

Here is our itinerary:

 

 

After the cruise, we are taking the high speed train to Paris - if there is interest, I will certainly share.

 

Looking forward to escaping the ice and snow and enjoying good weather in Fort Lauderdale.

 

Thanks. I hope I can keep the sea days interesting until we hit land. Our roll call does have some "stuff" planned :)

 

Gail, I am on the Voyage of the Midnight Sun, July 9 cruise board and saw your earlier posts. Would you please contact me at ppoecker at gmail dot com? I know that you are no longer going to be on that cruise, but I would like to ask you about some of your previous planning. Thanks for getting back to me, Vicki

[kazu]

Just a few casual pics of the some of the roll call members enjoying their wine tasting:

 

 

 

 

After Bingo, it was soon time for Gala dinner.

 

The dining room menu was presented very nicely:

 

 

Before dinner we were presented with a watermelon gaspacho.

 

 

It was very good.

 

Both of us had the escargots which seemed very popular along with the shrimp cocktail which others chose. Our escargots was not as hot as I would have liked but they were still decent. Friends said theirs was very hot and delicious.

 

DH had the steak which he said was very good and I had the rack of lamb. Several other people did too and everyone reported it was delicious. Strawberries balsamic for dessert - all very good.

 

Someone was VERY unco-operative with the photographer at the beggining - LOL:

 

 

Our wine steward Rod kept our glasses well attended to.

 

After a delicious meal, we headed to hear Stryker. The crowd was huge - stretched out across the Mix nearly.

 

The show tonight was Derbyshire from Britain's got talent. He placed 2nd and lost to a 90 year old Flamenco performer (or so he says). He is very good and everyone seemed to enjoy his performance.

 

 

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[kazu]

When we got back to our room, we found a delightful surprise.... A little box. In it were very special chocolates. I'm not sure if this is part of the suite "special chocolates" or if they were received by all. I will try to find out discreetly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also received the Coupon booklets. Kind of strange as they normally come the first day. There was no coupon booklet advertised when we booked so I have no idea how we got it, but I will certainly use the bingo card. ;)

 

 

For those interested, I don't see much change and certainly not a lot that would appeal to a 4 or 5* mariner due to the discounts they receive, but, in case some are interested - here's what's in the booklet:

 

exotic lime & ginger soft glow for just $25 (when added to any body treatment while in port)

10% off any acupuncture treatment (while in port)

Receive a complimentary hour in the thermal suite & Hydropool (while in port)

One complimentary fitness class with the purchase of one fitness class

2 entries for the price of one to any slot or blackjack tournament (I would have used this if I had had it in time for the slot tournament - LOL)

$5 Casino Match Play Certificate

$10 off monogrammed HAL bathrobe purchased on board

Free Tanzanite pendant (with purchase from the Tanzanite Collection of $750 or more)

10% off a 7 bottle Navigator Wine Package

Receive a Grande Coffee beverage for the price of a tall

Receive a complimentary second glass (with the purchase of a souvenir glass)

embarkation night special - dinner for 2 in the Pinnacle Grill for $59

Dinner for two at the Pinnacle Grill (with the purchase of a 7 bottle Admiral's pack)

Receive a complimentary bingo card (with the purchase of three cards)

10% off any fresh flower order

10% off regular or express laundry services

50% off Holland America Line Master Chef Cookbooks

50% off on the All Inclusive Photo Package (with any Black Label Photography purchase)

5% off Voyage or Destinations DVD

Receive Food & Wine for just $1 per issue

 

A lovely evening but sadly, the clocks were going forward tonight so we decided it was best to not make the mistake we did the last time and stay up ridiculously late. LOL.

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Well, it's April the 3rd and although I see bars, internet is not working just for basic stuff on the Navigation mobile app for HAL. You can't even get your onboard account, so definitely interactive is not in play.

 

I noticed the When and Where said that we would not have ESPN until April 7th most likely and that is not a good sign for the Internet, but I will keep plugging away and hope I will get the chance to share these posts before we hit our first port.

 

Internet may be intermittent at best now, so please bear with me and I will play catch up as best I can.

 

Clocks went forward again tonight and there are 4 more forward time changes to do, believe it or not.

 

Our day started off very late - as many passengers. I think the only people that were on time this morning was the crew! LOL.

 

First stop was to the Neptune Lounge to thank the concierges for the excellent service for our wine tasting. They were glad to hear we enjoyed ourselves.

 

DH and I grabbed a very light bite there as it was far too late.

 

Barely made the lecture today. LOL.

 

A real lazy day. It was bleak and rainy this morning but the sun has come out and the temperature is very nice. Seas are still very good.

 

A bit of chat with people here and there, a bit of a bite a the Lido (French Dip sandwiches today). I was too late and missed it but the very obliging fellow made me a lovely sandwich on the same bun to order so life was good. I was a good girl and had a salad yesterday, so today I had my yummy made to order sandwich ;).

 

Here is our When & Where for today:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the way, remember the "gentle reminders" that we used to get when the clocks were being set forward or tuned back? This is what we get now:

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Trying to start to do a bit of a tour of the ship.

 

So, here is the Neptune Lounge - the place that houses the coffee maker and fresh squeezed orange juice:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, the Neptune Lounge on the Rotterdam has not only a lot of magazines, but it's own library.

 

 

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[kazu]

Here is the Retreat.

 

I have to laugh at the signage that still remains for the Sea View Pool. I guess the rules still apply but I wouldn't call what is there a pool, now. some people seem to be enjoying it though.

 

 

 

 

 

It's a nice area to sit in and so far, I haven't found it too crowded.

 

 

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[kazu]

Here is the Canaletto Menu (it's under glass so I am going to have to ask for a better one:

 

 

And the Pinnacle Grill lunch menu:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

And here is the Pinnacle Grill Dinner Menu:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are dining there tomorrow night with friends so I will be reporting.

 

Hope they enjoy it. It's their first time on HAL.

 

And hope we enjoy it too!

 

thanks for following along...more later

 

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

Just spent a lazy afternoon reading your review.

I am enjoying it.

Glad to hear that the Rotterdam's Neptune Lounge still has its own library.

[MaxeyMom]

I was in a Neptune Suite on the Eurodam last month and received the little box of candies. They were wonderful and I found they are made in California.

Thank you for the daily posts and fabulous pictures. Such fun reading!

[ansjefitnes]

Hi Jacqui,

 

Sorry to bother you with another question, is your suite internet OBC combined with the normal OBC or is it separate on your account. I hope it is combined and can be used for other things (wines:D).

 

Enjoy your fabulous cruise and the beautifull Rotterdam.

 

Thanks,

 

Maria

[kazu]

Hi Jacqui,

 

Sorry to bother you with another question, is your suite internet OBC combined with the normal OBC or is it separate on your account. I hope it is combined and can be used for other things (wines:D).

 

Enjoy your fabulous cruise and the beautifull Rotterdam.

 

Thanks,

 

Maria

Hi Maria,

 

Happy to answer any questions I can.

 

We don't have an internet freebie on the cruise - we will next year on the P'dam (I think you are talking about the $100 bonus?)

 

I think it can be though because I bought the 1,000 minute package and my 5* discount was still applied.

 

The 5* discount only applies to the 100 minute package ;)

[kazu]

April 3rd continued. Wifi has disappeared again. >sigh<. I guess I lucked out when I got it.

 

After all, we are in the middle of the Atlantic so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. LOL.

 

We are at the 1/2 way point on our voyage to Madeira.

 

Tonight before dinner, we had an invite to an Officers' reception.

 

There were a pile of officers there along with the Captain and our HD.

 

 

We had a lovely chat with several of them and particularly enjoyed our chat with the Nurse on board. A charming lady.

 

Lovely munchies and drinks and always a nice pre-dinner start.

 

Off to the dining room for our dinner. Here is the menu for the evening:

 

 

 

 

DH had the sea bass and I the fried chicken. I didn't eat the fattening skin (will power - LOL), but the meat was very tender and delicious. DH enjoyed his sea bass and, of course his bean and chorizo soup appetizer.

 

 

 

Rod our wine steward (who is absolutely fabulous) helped us choose wines to send over to the Pinnacle for tomorrow night where we will be dining with dear friends. When we told him how much we appreciated his superlative service, he said in the most ingenuous way words to the effect that "he wouldn't be here or able to support his family the way he can if people like us weren't cruising. You paid for your cruise and the least I can do is give you service". I can't say it the way he did but his genuine statements really touched us.

 

We passed on dessert tonight and headed upstairs to the Crow's Nest to catch a show or two of BBKings.

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

When we got to the Crow's Nest, we ran into Joyce (of rajkar74) who introduced us to a lovely couple who had just found out about Cruise Critic and were looking to join in.

 

A lovely couple and I have to admire their fortitude. I don't know if I could be as brave as they. I think I am too much of a planner, LOL.

 

They had sailed on the Westerdam for the Panama Canal, got off the Westerdam and boarded last minute for the 30 day on the Rotterdam with us. They had seen the cruise on board and decided to book. They had originally just planned to stay in FLL for a few days and he head to Oregon to see family and she back home. They changed their plans , got off the Westerdam and 4 hours later were on the Rotterdam. The only clothes she has are for the Panama weather (she is going shopping in Madeira). They need euros, meds and tours so we were doing our best to help them out.

 

There was no announcement in the When & Where about Happy Hour in the Crow's Nest, but, we were happy to hear our server say "Happy Hour". So, of course, we were "obliged" to take advantage of it.

 

Remember the couple I told you about that had just met and were fantastic dancers?

 

Here is what I hope is a better picture of them

 

 

 

 

BBKings are quite popular with a lot of the crew. A group of officers was dancing the night away along with the passengers.

 

 

 

We stayed until the last set - silly us, the clocks are going forward again so we are up way too late. BBKings on this ship is very, very good.

 

There is just too much good music and it makes it hard to decide where to go every night or try to squeeze everything in. Choices, just too many good choices.

 

The Show last night was the Rotterdam show staff. We didn't go, but reports were that it was "ok".

 

 

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[kazu]

Good morning from the lovely Rotterdam. It's April 4th here and surprise! We are still at sea. LOL.

 

Kazu slept in unbelievably late. Until 9:30. Normally an early riser despite time changes this is getting a bit scary. I may have to start ordering a wake up call. LOL. Oh well, we are on vacation, right? And no ports to go to. the days of getting up early to hit ports will be here soon enough.

 

Today is our roll call Cabin Crawl. SailorBill37 (Bill) is heading it up. Technically a joint effort as I helped co-ordinate it on the roll call while he was travelling but it's his baby today. It should be fun and I hope to get some pics for the site that can't be named as well. The more HAL Cruiser Information there is, the better.

 

This evening we are dining at the Pinnacle Grill with friends. Drinks and munchies in our cabin first and then off we go.

 

There is a reception for those from the Commonwealth that we will miss tonight as it coincides with our PG dining time, but we shall have fun with the 4 of us, I am sure.

 

Regret to say I am going to miss both lectures today. The first because I slept in too late and the 2nd because it is cabin crawl time. But, I should be able to get to Bingo (and lose more money - LOL).

 

Here is our When and Where for today:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No internet again this morning. I think I lucked in yesterday when I checked and caught a small window of internet. It disappeared minutes after I did my posts. I'll be checking and will post when it becomes available.

 

 

The origami herd is growing. LOL. Our Yum Yum man Serunting. I have written him, Rod and Lester up in the Let us Know form for superb service.

 

 

 

Here is the dining room menu for tonight. Glad we are doing the PG tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[rotjeknor]

We've been on the Rotterdam 6 times, love the ship. . We had been looking at this TA, but got a great offer on a cruise from Yokohama to Vancouver so in 3 weeks we'll be on the Volendam.

If you run into Rick and Joyce from Oregon, say hi from us !!

Jaap

[albingirl]

Thanks very much for this read along review. I'm enjoying it very much. We love a transatlantic and have another coming this fall. It's fun to read other's thoughts.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Enjoying your reports.

[rkacruiser]

Thoroughly enjoying your reports and I thank you for taking the time for doing them!

 

I enjoy reading the menus. Lots of chatter about HAL changes, but a major positive one, I think, are the menu offerings. I recently have seen, and your posted menus continue to show, new and delicious sounding items. It's good that some of the old stand-by items are still available. On the Nieuw Amsterdam this Winter, my traveling companion ordered the Fried Chicken and I think it was her favorite dinner although she had no complaints (unusual for her) about any of her other dinners.

[kazu]

We've been on the Rotterdam 6 times, love the ship. . We had been looking at this TA, but got a great offer on a cruise from Yokohama to Vancouver so in 3 weeks we'll be on the Volendam.

 

If you run into Rick and Joyce from Oregon, say hi from us !!

 

Jaap

 

 

 

I see them all the time Jaap. A great couple. Will say hi and they will most likely see this too. I think Rick will be posting once he gets to wifi on land.

 

 

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[kazu]

Hello from the lovely Rotterdam on April 5th.

 

A bit of catching up to do.

 

Yesterday, the breeze picked up and I guess the crew thought it was cold. While I was chatting, Lester came by, removed our empty coffee cups and put a new one down in it's place with a "try it". It was hot chocolate and it was good. Then I felt something on my shoulders and he had placed a towel around me to keep me warm. LOL, it wasn't cold for this Canadian but it was a very nice gesture by him.

 

We had some fun on our cabin crawl yesterday. We had a good selection of cabins and it was interesting to see some of the differences there were. The concierge kindly allowed me to bring the groups in to see the Neptune Lounge as well, which was nice.

 

Before I forget - smoked salmon is only available at breakfast now, so if you enjoy your smoked salmon later in the day, follow the example of wise roll call members who are taking a plate back to their cabin to enjoy with drinks later.

 

Once we get to port, I think some roll call members will be joining in on this thread when they can obtain free (or more reasonable) wifi.

 

I forgot to mention that one of the officers commented the other night that the Westerdam was having a rough ride. They left the same day as we did but were taking a more direct route and getting to Europe a day earlier. Seems they got more of the cyclones waves that was off Newfoundland because of their direction. Hopefully, they now have smooth seas.

 

Played Bingo again with roll call members who, like me, never play except on the ships. We were close, but not close enough. Oh well, at least it is happy hour there. LOL.

 

Since we were on a "tight" schedule with the cabin crawl DH and I decided it was an ideal time to try the New York Pizza. It was quite good. DH had one of the salads as well that they offer. He prefers the salad at the salad bar so, if he opts for pizza again, he will get his salad first.

 

 

 

 

 

The day slipped by very quickly and it was soon time for our friends to join us in our cabin for pre-dinner drinks and munchies before we went to the Pinnacle Grill. We had bought some Worcestchire and Habanero sauce in FLL and I am happy to say, that with the right mixture we can make a pretty dam good Caesar with the ship's clamato juice. It passed my friend's taste test. Where there's a will, there's a way. LOL.

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Off to the Pinnacle Grill and I have to say, it was VERY, VERY good.

 

Our friends are new to HAL so we thought they should try it and they are glad that they did.

 

They enjoyed it so much that we are doing lunch there on the 7th (our last sea day).

 

When I got up this morning, we had our invite to the medallion ceremony and the Mariner's brunch on that day. I'd rather eat in the Pinnacle anyways, so we will go to the medallion ceremony but skip the brunch on the 7th and enjoy a lovely lunch on our last sea day before we hit the ports.

 

What's a live thread without a bit of food porn???

 

The dungeness crab cakes (given a DELICIOUS rating)

 

 

 

 

The shrimp cocktail - chosen by two of us and definitely delicious

 

 

 

Lobster Bisque - recommended to us and we fully agree

 

 

Steak tartare - a very generous, too generous portion but very good.

 

 

 

 

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