BTimmer's Almost Live - Zuiderdam 1/2-30/22 -San Diego to Florida RT

[Iris5383]

In a perfect world, DH and I would be on this trip as well. We had to cancel though, circumstances won't let us cruise now. I'm following every word with interest and a bit of sadness. Thanks for your posts!

[Btimmer]

34 minutes ago, Iris5383 said:

In a perfect world, DH and I would be on this trip as well. We had to cancel though, circumstances won't let us cruise now. I'm following every word with interest and a bit of sadness. Thanks for your posts!

If you want more words, check out my daily blog.  Thanks for following along.

[Btimmer]

Tonight I received a reward for all these keystrokes doing these posts.

 

At the last minute we decided to eat in the Main Dining Room for Gala Night as escargot was on the menu.  We showed up shortly after 5:15pm and were seated at a table for two.  A short while later a couple was seated at the next table for two.  We enjoyed a pleasant chat about cruising and a number of topics.  As they were getting ready to leave, she asked if I was Btimmer.  I said yes, and she got very excited and expressed her appreciation for what I've written.  She further exclaimed, "You made my day.  I got to meet you." And as she left she kept explaining to her husband that my posts were the ones she read to prepare for her cruise.

 

Thanks Cindy & Doug.  You made my day as well.

[VMax1700]

On 1/21/2022 at 11:28 PM, JacquiKay said:

Anybody know what happened with our Captain?

 

On 1/22/2022 at 1:01 AM, john the pick said:

As for our captain, that was certainly a surprise.  I have to think there is more to the story than what we are being told.  Our old captain did not bid us farewell which I would think he would if this was a planned change.  Something happened.  we can speculate butis what it is.  Likely will never know

 

On 1/22/2022 at 1:15 AM, Btimmer said:

Our Captain was scheduled to get off in Puntarenas; nave he left early.  I did see him yesterday on the bridge while transiting. The new Captain already onboard.  We were among the very last to reboard so we didn't hear the captain's announcement

 

On 1/22/2022 at 1:54 AM, J&Dhighdesert said:

The new captain introduced himself later in the afternoon.

Jo

Capt Albert updated his blog on January 12th and included details of the change of masters for Zuiderdam.  The change was due to take place on January 13th.

https://www.captainalbert.com/current-captains-and-their-schedules/

 

Zuiderdam:

Captain Frank van der Hoeven: Until 13 January 2022

Captain Friso Kramer: Onwards from 13 January 2022

 

[zelker]

@Btimmer Hi, Tim. We’re booked to board Zuiderdam 5 weeks from today for the 35 day Hawaii/South Pacific sailing.  Can you ask how many passengers are currently booked for that one please?  Thx.  Barb

[Btimmer]

1 hour ago, VMax1700 said:

 

 

 

Capt Albert updated his blog on January 12th and included details of the change of masters for Zuiderdam.  The change was due to take place on January 13th.

https://www.captainalbert.com/current-captains-and-their-schedules/

 

Zuiderdam:

Captain Frank van der Hoeven: Until 13 January 2022

Captain Friso Kramer: Onwards from 13 January 2022

 

When I spoke with the CD and the Captain, the change was to happen in Puntarenas on 1/22.  Then something changed.

 

it's a sunny day in Puntarenas today.  Off to see some sloths.

[Btimmer]

The Viking Star is beside us.

[Btimmer]

Here's a complete set of pics from the Agua Clara locks.  It's been impossible to upload pictures to CC the last few days.

Next ship waiting to use the locks

 

Sliding locks

 

 

View from the Atlantic Bridge

Canal Administration Building

Edited January 23, 2022 by Btimmer

[Btimmer]

Just in case you need some cuteness today.  This is a 5 month old rescue sloth at the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center.
 

[dchip]

12 minutes ago, Btimmer said:

Just in case you need some cuteness today.  This is a 5 month old rescue sloth at the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center.
 

❤️❤️❤️ Thanks, I definitely needed some cuteness. This baby is over the top adorable.❤️❤️❤️

[bcummin]

Delighted to read on your blog that Diane is now enjoying this cruise with you.  Virtual hugs to all.  Personally, I also prefer the good Riesling,

Barbara

[dlopez]

Just now, bcummin said:

Delighted to read on your blog that Diane is now enjoying this cruise with you.  Virtual hugs to all.  Personally, I also prefer the good Riesling,

Barbara

Hi, Barbara, wish you were with us!

Diana

[Btimmer]

We're still at the pier at Puntarenas waiting for a HAL tour bus to return.  It just returned 1:10 late.  It's an hour late so far.  Our bus was ten-fifteen minutes late.

 

 

 

it was another great day touring.

 

Viking star departing

 

When our Captain saluted the Viking Star, he broke the horn button and blew for a couple minutes. He later apologized.

 

Costa Rican Sunset

[Btimmer]

It took 8 minutes from bus arrival to departure from the dock.  The Captain definitely does want to get stuck here for the next slack tide.  A tug is on standby.

[Iris5383]

On 1/22/2022 at 11:49 AM, Btimmer said:

If you want more words, check out my daily blog.  Thanks for following along.

Yep, I've been reading that too. Thanks!

[Iris5383]

13 hours ago, zelker said:

@Btimmer Hi, Tim. We’re booked to board Zuiderdam 5 weeks from today for the 35 day Hawaii/South Pacific sailing.  Can you ask how many passengers are currently booked for that one please?  Thx.  Barb

Hi, Barb! Seems like forever since that trans-Pacific cruise! Is your Zuiderdam a RT from San Diego? I'm hoping we do that in 2023.

Laura

Edited January 24, 2022 by Iris5383

[zelker]

3 minutes ago, Iris5383 said:

Hi, Barb! Seems like forever since that trans-Pacific cruise! Is your Zuiderdam a RT from San Diego? I'm hoping we do that in 2023.

Laura

Hey, Laura!  Happy New Year! Yep, RT San Diego at the end of February to Hawaii and French Polynesia.  It's been pretty touch and go with all the restrictions for both places but the Polynesian gods are finally shining down on us so we "should" be good to go!  We're doing it again in October with a slightly different island mix and 45 days instead of 35, also on Zuiderdam and also RT San Diego.  You should come!!!  Barb

[Iris5383]

8 minutes ago, zelker said:

Hey, Laura!  Happy New Year! Yep, RT San Diego at the end of February to Hawaii and French Polynesia.  It's been pretty touch and go with all the restrictions for both places but the Polynesian gods are finally shining down on us so we "should" be good to go!  We're doing it again in October with a slightly different island mix and 45 days instead of 35, also on Zuiderdam and also RT San Diego.  You should come!!!  Barb

Barb, I wish! I've been looking at the 35-day in Feb 2023. If the virus clears up though, who knows, maybe we'll try for Oct 2022.

Laura

[imescaping]

Looks fabulous! My friend is on this cruise with you. This is the first cruise she has taken that I have not gone with her.  She can often be seen at the Lincoln Center Stage, or Billboard onboard.  Her name is Mac, she is a short, blonde haired woman in her 70's.  She often wears a big flower in her hair.  (She stands out in a crowd) If  you see her,  please introduce yourself and let her know, her friend Kori is thinking about her and hopes she is having a wonderful time.   I wish I were there to sing my heart out at Billboard with her.  

 

I am enjoying your blog, I haven't been on a cruise since January, 2020.  I am living vicariously through your blog.  Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience.  

Edited January 24, 2022 by imescaping
spelling

[Btimmer]

For those who like to see menus, here are the MDR Gala menu from a few days ago.

 

 

 

 

[Btimmer]

Here's some more sloth cuteness.

 

 

 

[Btimmer]

Our Mexican cultural ambassadors performed some dance routines on the Lido aft this afternoon.  Now they are teaching dancing in the BBKing Blues Club.

 

 

[Btimmer]

As we approach the end of this cruise (disembarkation instructions were passed out today (except for us??), I would like to share some observations.

 

First, we've now been on 4 cruises since October, 2021 totaling over 2 months of cruising time.  It's been wonderful cruising again on ships that have generally been half full (even 80% on the Nieuw Amsterdam wasn't bad).

 

Second, I haven't minded the masking policy, social distancing, and the like, but the apprehension about getting Covid on board is real.  For me the real issue is being tested before a turn around port and being kicked off the ship to quarantine away from home.  The ships appear to me to be taking reasonable precautions.

 

Third, if making specific ports is high on one's list for taking a cruise, that expectation is currently in serious jeopardy as governmental rules are tending to be flexible and can change on a dime.

 

Fourth, because of Covid we've exclusively taken HAL excursions.  All have been good and as advertised with a few hidden gems.

 

Fifth, since we are veteran cruisers, the canned EXC presentations and Step One Dance Shows are getting really old.  But we've learned to be comfortable skipping the programming we're not interested in.

 

Sixth, the condition of the Zuiderdam is amazing for a ship over 20 years old.  It will make a good world cruise ship in 2023.

 

Seventh, it's been terrific to reconnect with old friends either on the ship or through this thread or my daily blog.

 

Eighth, having non-smoking casinos has been wonderful.

 

Ninth, our inside staterooms have been comfortable and cozy and our stateroom attendants have taken good care of us.

 

Tenth, we really miss the human interaction with the senior staff but fully understand the need for restricted guest contact during these Covid times. The staff at the Canaletto totally changed our view of this specialty restaurant and we have totally enjoyed it. The Pinnacle Grill continues its excellence.

 

While we're not done yet, thanks to everyone who's followed along. Are we cruising again? Look for a thread this summer when we go north to Alaska for a land and sea tour.  Then in August, we're off to Greenland & Iceland.

[iflyrc5]

Thanks so much for all the reporting.  We hope to board the NS on Feb 2 and float around the Caribbean for 6 weeks of sun and great food - really don't care about the ports.

[zelker]

22 minutes ago, Btimmer said:

As we approach the end of this cruise (disembarkation instructions were passed out today (except for us??) ... While we're not done yet, thanks to everyone who's followed along.

Thanks for your 10 points above!  Very helpful as we contemplate whether to cancel or not for our upcoming 35 days on Zuiderdam.  

 

So are you staying on for another trip to FLL and back?