Around the World on Amtrak, KLM, and HAL

[Happily@Sea]

One comment I haven't responded to (not sure I was supposed to) was about Linda Minnikin. While she seems omnipresent on the Prinsendam, that isn't really true. I've sailed the Prinsendam 4 times and sailed with Linda 3. She was on my first cruise on the Prinsendam and on this one. I had someone on Christina on my 2013 Amazon Explorer and Mark Brignone (now with Viking) in 2015. The other time I had Linda was on the Veendam Boston to Canada in 2013.

 

Roy

 

So it is just weird that anytime I have interactions [sailings or blogs] with Prinsendam, Linda has been there.

 

I wasn't on this site in 2013, I didn't think I'd like the big cruise ships and I still don't - which is why I got hooked on HAL - once I finally made it on board. My vessels of choice were barges and riverboats, and I still like them for touring the countryside.

 

Thanks Roy.

 

Carole

[DeeniEncinitas]

WOW!!! Those passengers were soooo

Lucky. We were on The Oosterdam doing Sea of Cortez Sailaway In Huatulco and saw a car racing to pier as we were already pulled away and those 2 people had to take a boat and race out to meet us. We have pics of them finally getting close to ship and having to board while moving with a ladder from ship!!

Found out later they were crew who worked in the spa!!

Loved the pics Roy.

Denise:)

[Happily@Sea]

WOW!!! Those passengers were soooo

Lucky. We were on The Oosterdam doing Sea of Cortez Sailaway In Huatulco and saw a car racing to pier as we were already pulled away and those 2 people had to take a boat and race out to meet us. We have pics of them finally getting close to ship and having to board while moving with a ladder from ship!!

Found out later they were crew who worked in the spa!!

Loved the pics Roy.

Denise:)

 

And Copper has told us what happens to crew who are late back. No more fun.

[bennybear]

Loved the pictures of the cathedrals, looks like a nice town! Just a question, are their lounge chairs on the promenade? TIA

[innlady1]

Linda Minniken...hmmm...lucky you, Roy. Toddle-oo! 🤣

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rafinmd]

Day P6, Tuesday, November 7, 2017, Lisbon, Portugal

 

The Oosterdam is scheduled for San Juan. The Amsterdam is in Singapore.

 

I had planned on using mostly transit and doing a bit of walking in Lisbon so I started the day with a 2-mile walk on the lower promenade deck. The sun came out beautifully on the starboard aft quarter towards the end of the walk.

 

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Our designated arrival in Lisbon was 10. We were somewhat early but it was almost 8 when Estoril came into view ahead of us.

 

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Heather was in the Crows Nest doing commentary as we came up the Tagus past sights including the Belem Tower, designed to be the first thing ancient mariners saw as they returned to Lisbon.

 

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We passed under the 25 Avril bridge a little before 9. I have been on ships where it was a tight squeeze, the Prinsendam made it through with ample room to spare.

 

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I had thought we would be the only cruise ship in Lisbon today. Not quite As we pulled into our dock we had a very small ship, the Corinthian behind us.

 

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As planned, I left the ship about 10:30 and walked across the street to the Santa Apalonia station and bought a day pass for the subway station. My first trip was to Rossio Square, a rather familiar location to me. My last time here was a year ago when I boarded the Seabourn Odyssey for a transatlantic. My hotel was the Avenida Palace, right at the top of Rossio Square. This was not a day to watch my diet. Soon after arriving at Rossio I indulged in one of Lisbon’s famous Portugese tarts. I found it delicious but probably not an irresistible indulgence. I followed that by a visit to McDonalds for coffee with a side of wifi, staying probably longer than I really should have.

 

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I walked partly back to the ship, as far as the Praca de Commerce, where I took the subway back to the ship. My other indulgence for the day was lunch in the lido. I had mentioned while on the Amsterdam having the baked macaroni and cheese one evening. It is not frequently on the menu but is offered occasionally on the Prinsendam’s lido lunch menu and this was one of those days.

 

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After lunch I returned to the subway, riding 2 stops and then walking to Cais de Sodre where I boarded a tram for Belem. The tram ended at a Monastery. It was originally envisioned as a very simple structure but they collect a tariff from passing ships and became quite wealthy and the complex grew with their increasing riches.

 

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I did not get quite as far as the tower of Belem but did get a close look at the Discoverer’s monument and also my clearest look at the Christ the Redeemer statue, high on a hill at the other end of the 25 Avril bridge.

 

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A rail line runs along the river to Estoril and Cascais creating somewhat of a barrier along the riverfront. There are stairs with a tunnel under the tracks providing access to the monuments. Many of the stairs around Lisbon without elevators have large lifts along the railing. I’ve frequently seen stair chairs but these are much bigger with a platform large enough to carry a wheel chair. As I was returning from the Discoverer’s monument one of these lifts was being used by a couple with a stroller as I was leaving.

 

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The Belem area has become quite a tourist complex and on the way back to the tram line I passed through a very nice Palace garden. Things took an unfortunate turn on my return. I stopped in at McDonalds for coffee and toilet before returning. Things were fine then but as I prepared to board the tram I realized my wallet was missing. There was not a lot in it except for perhaps 25 Euros but what was really missing was my Metro card. I had additional cash and my room key in another location but the Metro card was a significant issue. I decided my best bet was to walk back to the subway station (about 3 miles), and had sufficient coins with me to buy a single subway ticket. It was about 5:15 when I reached the subway station and 5:30 when I left the subway, arriving about 15 minutes late at dinner.

 

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There were just 4 of us at table 153; we had expected the couple to be there but they must have made last minute plans. Everybody got out at least a little bit. I had a nice dinner with the peach soup, prime rib, and strawberry sundae.

 

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A local group of Flamenco dancers performed in the Showroom. I passed on that but went up to the Crows Nest where Lee was doing a request night for Billy Joel and Elton John. All aboard was 10 and we started to move (with full toots) at 10:30. The day had been warm but it cooled off significantly in the evening and I watched most of our sail down the Tagus emerging a little before we passed under the bridge. I had difficulty getting the Christ the Redeemer statue clearly but am including it in my collage anyway.

 

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My parting shot is a bit overdue. Daylight savings time ended over the weekend in North America. Remember when changing clocks to change smoke detector batteries (if applicable) as well.

 

Roy

[winncruiser]

I am so enjoying your travel blog. Since I have just now happened upon your story I don’t know your back story. How many cruises have you actually taken, or have you lost count? It all sounds amazing. And thank you for sharing your adventures.

 

 

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[DeeniEncinitas]

Good morning Roy!

First I am sooo sorry you lost your wallet.

Thank goodness you had money for your one way ticket back to ship!!!!

Do you think when getting coffee at McDonalds maybe you left it on the counter when paying? I hope it was not a pic pocket. Enjoying your pics too!!

Take care Roy.

Glad you indulged in a wonderful tart! We do the same thing🤗

Denise:)

[innlady1]

I’m so sorry about your wallet, Roy. My goodness, that pastry looks delish!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bennybear]

My DH was drooling over your tart! He loves them. Sorry your wallet is gone, but good you carry just the minimum. Pick pockets are so very skilled. Nice to see Lisbon again, it is a magnificent city! Glad the sun was shining!

[JR42]

Those tarts are fantastic especially when they are warm. Last year our guide took us to the original Belem pastry shop down the street from the Monastery where we bought some and went to the park to enjoy them warm. Went back again this year but by the time we got back to the ship

They had cooled off.but still good.

 

Janet

[kazu]

I love Lisbon Roy, sounds like a great day until you lost your wallet. So sorry to hear this. :(

 

Glad you travel wisely with minimal stuff. Hope you were able to get it all attended to quickly and doesn't put a damper on your cruise.

 

LOL on the Flamenco show - you're in Lisbon - it should be a Fado show.

 

It was the same thing on the Rotterdam earlier this year. Haen't figured out why they do Flamenco in Portugal other than the later time?

[ski ww]

Sorry about your wallet but good that you only carry a little money & nothing too valuable. Thanks for the pics brings back memories of our time in Lisbon.

Allan

[summer slope]

It's taken 3 days but I've finally finished the posts. What a fantastic journey you are on. Thank you for the details and photo's. Makes it almost like being there.

[Keith1010]

Roy, I just caught up with your most recent post.

 

I am really enjoying following your trip.

 

Keith

[rafinmd]

Thank you all.

 

Day P7, Wednesday, November 8, 2017, At sea, MS Prinsendam

 

The Oosterdam is scheduled for St. Thomas, USVI. The Amsterdam is in Singapore.

 

After my unplanned walk in Lisbon I had planned on cutting my morning walk from 5 miles to 4 but things went well and I had walked 4 3/4 miles before taking a break around sunrise. Prinsendam’s (lower) Promenade deck is not typical of HAL; it reminds me very much of both the Crystal Symphony and Queen Mary 2. It is more open than most HAL ships, with a full roof only around the stern and at the bow under a “porch” from the decks above. Rounding the bow we can see the ocean in front of us. Where there is no roof partial protection from sun and rain is provided by the overhead lifeboats. As with Queen Mary 2 the passage around the aft is very wide. Like QM2 and most HAL ships there are loungers around the deck, about 50 on each side and 2 rows of about 15 each at the stern. The composite figure tours 3 sides of the deck, starting with the aft section, then the aft and forward sections of the starboard side, and finally the crossing at the bow.

 

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I noticed a few subtle changes in the Prinsendam since my last time on her in 2015, or at least things I didn’t notice the last time. There’s a row of artificial shrubs forward in the lido pool area. I quickly started avoiding that area as it somewhat screened a smoking area. I suspect that addition may be due to the relatively recent prohibition of smoking on balconies. That area along with the shrubs was moved from the port to the starboard side this evening.

 

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The second change also doesn’t mean a lot to me but seems a nice touch. Unlike other HAL ships, the bow is a working area and designated for crew only. It also serves as a relaxation area for the crew. I have noticed a couple of picnic tables and a comfy looking couch in the covered part of that area, a nice touch for the crew.

 

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My favorite spot for sailaway is on the top deck forward (I’ve been calling it Sun Deck but I think the proper name is Observation Deck), looking down on the bridge wing. There are big electrical boxes on the deck that have been painted a bright orange with stripes but still were a nasty obstacle that required attention while out on the deck. They’re still there but are now painted yellow and benches have been welded over them, not only providing a place to sit but also making it impossible to trip over them.

 

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The sun proved a bit elusive. There were not really a lot of clouds but they were in the wrong place. Several times I thought the sun would peek through a hole but it didn’t quite line up. I had just about given up and was ready to head up the stairs to my porch and cabin when it finally found an opening.

 

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While we don’t have a chaplain on this cruise the prison chaplain is privately doing it at 9 in the crows nest. That was the start of a busy sea day with presentations from all 3 of our speakers. Navy retiree Tom Anderson started things off at 10 with a talk on communications at sea. He was followed at 11 by Chris Mason with a talk on the History of Holland America. In between the 2 talks I snuck in the last couple of laps to complete my 5 miles.

 

Lunch today was ice cream and pizza. The afternoon presentation was Dr. Adrian Cooper on the history of The Mediterranean people. A bit of quiet relaxing followed the talk.

 

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Both of the single sea days tucked between port calls have been Gala nights. I would say perhaps 50% if the men were wearing jacket and tie, perhaps 10% more formally than that, and only a few were wearing less than a collared shirt and jacket. The couple that was missing the evening in Lisbon had been late getting back from their tour and were accommodated in anytime dining. My choices were the fruit cup, the filet mignon, and the strawberry tart.

 

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The planned entertainment had been the Prinsendam singers and dancers with “Stage & Screen”. One of the cast was apparently under the weather and the substitute was an act I associate with Crystal. I have seen Naki Ataman perform there several times and almost always on world cruise segments. “Around the World with Naki Ataman” regularly changes somewhat in details but the theme is constant. This time it was 19 countries, 40 minutes of nonstop music featuring in progression music of each country, with the “Around the World in 80 Days” theme announcing each transition to a new country.

 

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After the show I went up to the Crows Nest where Lee had a Broadway Name that Tune in progress. I was feeling pretty good about knowing the tune names but was humbled when Lee added that he was also looking for the show each tune came from. I pretty much drew a blank there.

 

I guess in keeping with my early comments on this post my parting shot might as well be about the ship. Some people really want a new ship with bells and whistles, but at age 23 the Prinsendam was instantly my favorite non-Crystal ship in 2017. The best seem to keep getting better; I found the Prinsendam a bit better this time, and with Canaletto and a useable deck 12 aft vastly improved at age 29 over what she was at 23.

 

Roy

[Krazy Kruizers]

Love reading your posts and looking at your pictures.

[kazu]

Great post and pics Roy.

 

Thanks for posting your impression of dress on Gala night too. A big help for my roll call members who had asked. Appreciated :D

 

Happy to hear that you find the EE improved since your last time on board. That's how I have found it so far too :).

[DeeniEncinitas]

Thanks so much for great pics of her!!!! So hoping we will take her in 2019.

With both you and Jacqui loving her so much even without the pictures we’d book her.

Glad you got the sunrise, and your walk.

Denise:)

[TiogaCruiser]

Good morning Roy!

First I am sooo sorry you lost your wallet.

Thank goodness you had money for your one way ticket back to ship!!!!

Do you think when getting coffee at McDonalds maybe you left it on the counter when paying? I hope it was not a pic pocket. Enjoying your pics too!!

 

I was wondering that too.

Has that happened before?

[innlady1]

Thank you Roy. Your blog with pictures is delightful! ❤️

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bennybear]

Thanks for the pictures of the promenade! It looks great, you are convincing me to try her!

 

What is EE? Is that the cabin?

[RuthC]

What is EE? Is that the cabin?

The Prinsendam is frequently referred to as the "Elegant Explorer"---"EE" for short.

[bennybear]

Thanks Ruth!

[rafinmd]

Day P8, Thursday, November 9, 2017, Funchal, Madeira

 

The Oosterdam at sea enroute to Half Moon Cay. The Amsterdam is at sea from Singapore to Semarang, Indonesia.

 

Sunrise is getting late again and our day in Funchal was an early one. When I went out for coffee a little after 5 Madeira was lit up quite beautifully.

 

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I walked 1 ½ miles on the Lower Promenade deck as we approached Funchal, finishing up just about the time we docked. Soon after our arrival the Marella Celebration could be seen approaching the port and would dock between us and the outer end of the pier. The Costa Magical was also scheduled to be here but was a no show. We were also joined in port by my favorite of all the ships I have never set foot on.

 

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Sunrise was officially 7:30 but it did not rise above low lying clouds until about 7:45 as I enjoyed a waffle on the slightly chilly but very pleasant pool deck.

 

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I left the ship about 8:45 planning to walk into Funchal but my progress was very slow as I was distracted by a form of graffiti on the sea wall. Many of the ships that have visited Funchal have painted logos or other pictures as reminders of their presence. My previous visits to Funchal were on the Wind Surf in 2009 and the Seabourn Odyssey about a year ago. The Wind Surf did not contribute anything to the wall but it’s Club Med twin did, and there was an entry from Seabourn.

 

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Crystal had a very limited presence with just a single panel but I also saw one for Asuka II, on which I sailed across the Pacific in her role as the Crystal Harmony.

 

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In addition to the cruise ships there were also many military emblems. Especially poignant were the USS Cole, and the USS Nashville, with her panel proclaiming “Final Voyage”.

 

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As I passed the stern of the Prinsendam, that “favorite ship I have never set foot on” came into view. 15 months ago I sailed in tandem with the RSS Ernest Shackleton, built to supply British Antarctic bases but also accompanying the Crystal Serenity on her Northwest Passage voyages. From the dock in town I got my closest first hand look ever at the crane which lifted our zodiacs into the water and the landing craft Tula which ferried a mountain of supplies from a beach to our ship.

 

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At the port exit I also passed a large ferry, the Lobo Marinho, which serves one of Madeira’s outlying islands. In town I walked as far as the gondola and back, installed some computer updates, and looked in the main church. It was very simple on the outside but pretty nice. I hadn’t planned on it but passed a stand on the way back with Portugese tarts and indulged in a final one.

 

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After a stop at Dive-in I went back ashore and walked to the far end of the pier. HAL had been practically non-existent on the wall leading into town but they had a lot of entries on the outer half of the wall running from the Ryndam which probably posted on their final call there to the Koningsdam which put up a panel on their maiden Transatlantic.

 

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All aboard was 3PM but Captain Dag was on the PA at 2:55 saying we were ready to leave and we should prepare for a full week in the open Atlantic. By the time I got up to the observation deck we had only a few lines left. The winds had grown to a near gale force and Captain Dag manned the controls as we said goodbye to Europe. There was a pretty vigorous exchange of toots and waving between us and the Celebration as we left. It is, after all, a HAL ship, owned by HAL and on a long term charter to Marella. We dropped off the pilot about 3:15.

 

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The usual 6 were at table 153. I think 4 of us took organized tours and one stayed on the ship. I opted for the salad, lamb chops, and Dutch Apple Pie a la mode.

 

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The featured entertainment was comedian Tony Daro. It was a good night for a comedian as there was quite a bit of movement on the ship. Unlike other HAL ships the showroom is a single level but it is quite comfy. After the show I went up to the Crows Nest where Lee was just starting on the answers to his movie name that tune night. We gained an hour overnight and will gain 4 additional hours over the next 7 nights.

 

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I’ll take my parting shot from the presence of the Shackleton. In addition to bringing back great memories it was a reminder that the Antarctic season is about to start. Here’s a wish for a safe and meaningful season there for all going there, be they researchers, mariners, or tourists.

 

Roy