richwmn Goes around the world in a daze

[richwmn]

Menus are now available so I am posting them here, along with some pictures of Port Louis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

2 hours ago, richwmn said:

Menus are now available so I am posting them here, along with some pictures of Port Louis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excellent photos.  It looks quite interesting.

[Sharon in AZ]

Rich,

So now that you are literally half way around the world and half way through your WC do you think you would do it again?  I mean the entire WC.  I know you are on the Grand Austrailia next year which isn't quite as long.

[grapau27]

12 hours ago, richwmn said:

Menus are now available so I am posting them here, along with some pictures of Port Louis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excellent photos.

I have followed a few Live From cruises but never a World cruise.

Your cruise experience,daily menu's and photos have been a joy to see.

Looking forward to hearing more.

Graham.

Edited March 2, 2023 by grapau27

[richwmn]

March 03 – La Possession, Reunion

 

 

Last night had limited activities. The World Stage showed a movie - ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ at 7pm and 9:30pm in place of a show. We were supposed to have a trivia session with a Billy Joel theme but it was canceled due to lack of participation, only about four people showed up. Music was available in the Explorer’s Lounge and Rolling Stone Lounge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We received a note yesterday that we would need to pick up our passports this morning, so that was the first thing I did after breakfast. Then about 9:20am I headed ashore. We were told that there were two busses, a red one to take us to the port entrance where taxis and other transportation was available, and a white one to take us into town. While the red ones moved constantly to the port entrance, normally empty, it was about 30 minutes before a white bus appeared. By that time enough people were waiting to fill two buses with most of a third. When the first bus opened its doors, everyone tried to get on and ignored the port agent. She finally got control of the situation and a second white bus appeared. I was in line for the second bus when the agent said two seats were still available on the first, so we took them. The ride into town was uneventful, but seemed long.

 

We walked around for over an hour, found a market and bought a few things, then started a leisurely walk back to the bus stop. We got there with no problems and a bus was there almost ready to leave. We took two of the last seats and in a few minutes we were on our way back to the ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[richwmn]

14 hours ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Rich,

So now that you are literally half way around the world and half way through your WC do you think you would do it again?  I mean the entire WC.  I know you are on the Grand Australia next year which isn't quite as long.

This is something I have been thinking about. I'll try and answer it in a couple of days.

 

[richwmn]

March 04 – at sea destination Maputo

 

 

 

 

 

We are at sea and it is raining. Last night at 6:30pm during sail away the Captain announced that we will miss Madagascar. During announcements for the last few days he has been mentioning some of the problems Holland has been having making arrangements for that port and about the weather so this was not unexpected. It is a bit of a disappointment.

 

Last night the only trivia session was at 6:30pm and was about astronomy. The questions were fair and we did well. As usual we came in second. We missed a question that we actually had a discussion about. The question was “How many planets can you see without a telescope?” We discussed whether it was a bit of a trick question, and decided that it was. We were counted wrong. The answer he counted right was 5, the number you can see in the sky. However, you can see the Earth without a telescope which is the trick part of the question, so we answered 6.

 

We had to turn in our passports again this morning in order for the ship to prepare for several stops in Africa. We are scheduled to have them returned on March 9^th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cruising sister]

Thanks Rich for posting the menus. I have food allergies and I get worried there won’t be a lot to choose from. I can see that at times MDR won’t work but  I can find what I like in the Lido. 

[tupper10]

3 minutes ago, cruising sister said:

Thanks Rich for posting the menus. I have food allergies and I get worried there won’t be a lot to choose from. I can see that at times MDR won’t work but  I can find what I like in the Lido. 

I have food allergies as well and since you get the menu the night before if there is nothing on it that you like or can eat the chef will prepare you a special meal. 

[richwmn]

March 05 – at sea destination Maputo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today is day two at sea out of four for this leg. We were supposed to be in Madagascar, but due to weather and other problems we are not. A bit of a disappointment, but the safety of the ship and souls is the priority.

 

So yesterday was at sea and we had a good amount of activity. We had three sessions of trivia and each was fun. The first was in the Crow’s Nest and was not as well attended as it has been in the past. We did well but didn’t win. The second was in Billboard and was also General Knowledge. We did very well and tied with two other teams. We lost in the tie breaker. The final session was identify the song / artist for Disco Music. We didn’t do well on that one at all. We got a lot of the songs right but were terrible on the artists.

 

The Zuiderdam Singers and Dancers had a show last night called ‘Avalon’. I stayed in for the night but the previous shows they did were pretty good. The Casino seemed full at 7pm after trivia and all four venues had music last night. The musicians they have on board are all very good and have consistently had good turnouts.

 

So this morning, despite being near the storm, we have had good weather. The sea was a little rough earlier, but is settled right now and we seem to be going along just fine. The temperature outside is very nice for a stroll around the promenade deck, particularly in the morning, and many are taking advantage of that fact. I thought we were close enough to the storm that we might get some weather from it, but so far we haven’t. Thanks to the Captain for staying clear of it.

 

[richwmn]

Musings ---

 

The other day Sharon ( @Sharon in AZ), asked me if I would do another WC. I’ll use that to update my feelings, as a first time World Cruiser, on the concept and execution of the World Cruise.

 

I am now two months into the World Cruise. In total I have completed 73 days on Zuiderdam. In truth, I had set my expectations pretty low. At a minimum I am on a cruise with a total length of 140 days. This includes being on a ship, with the meals, housekeeping, and entertainment that goes along with any cruise. These expectations have been met, and to some degree have been exceeded. As far as what I can see, the ship is in good condition. The deck crew is constantly cleaning the ship and the housekeeping staff is constantly cleaning the Guest areas. The food is as good and possibly better than food I have had on other ships. The food has also had enough variation to keep it interesting. The entertainment has also been equal to or better than other regular cruises. The number and spacing of ports has been good even with several instances of extended sea days. I must add here that many of the ports so far have not been new to me as I have already visited Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand. The ports over the next month or so will all be new.

 

Now that I have talked about minimum expectations, it is time to talk about what I will call ‘hopes.’ Over the years I have read posts on Cruise Critic and talked to people who have been on World (and other Grand) Cruises. All were glowing reports about how much better the overall experiences were. They also mentioned ‘pillow gifts.’ I can’t honestly say that the experience has been better than my average cruise thus far. There have been a couple of things that were better, but overall no. As far as ‘pillow gifts’, we have had two. A diary and a box of chocolates. I guess you could also include the rose on Valentine’s Day. Nothing extraordinary.

 

Would I do a World Cruise again? I don’t know the answer to that. I know that this cruise isn’t what HAL has done in the past for a Grand Cruise. Part of the reason is that over 400 of the passengers are from the ill fated 2020 cruise and were given credit to cover the cost of this one. From what I have heard, a majority of the rest of the guests paid partially, or maybe mostly with credits from canceled cruises. Next year’s World will have a number of 2020 cruises with credit, but all other future cruise credits have expired so there will be more ‘new’ money to cover the cost of that cruise. Hopefully it will be closer to the pre-Covid experience.

 

[oakridger]

8 minutes ago, richwmn said:

I can’t honestly say that the experience has been better than my average cruise thus far. There have been a couple of things that were better, but overall no.

 

Hi Rich.  Is this comment highlighted in yellow above a typo?  Did you mean "has NOT been better"?

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

~Nancy

[richwmn]

24 minutes ago, oakridger said:

 

Hi Rich.  Is this comment highlighted in yellow above a typo?  Did you mean "has NOT been better"?

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

~Nancy

Nancy, if I said what you asked it would be a double negative. My preface to the sentence was 'I can't say'.

[oakridger]

You are absolutely right, and I read it wrong! I'm sorry Rich!  I'm too tired so should wait longer and reread before commenting.  Have a good day aboard.

 

~Nancy

[richwmn]

March 06 – at sea destination Maputo

 

 

Another beautiful day at sea aboard Zuiderdam. One thing we have had for this entire cruise has been good weather. Sometimes it has been a bit hot, but really mostly comfortable and not raining. That has been a real plus for this cruise.

 

Last night of course was trivia. That continues to be a good activity two to four times a day. Yesterday afternoon was also a round of golf putting. This is done in the mid ships elevator lobby, as is most ‘sport’ activity. Yesterday more people played than any other similar activity and it was fun even though I didn’t do well.

 

Last evening’s World Stage entertainment was Mark Palmer, a comedian. I managed to get a seat for the early show (7:00pm) a few minutes early. Ian came on with his normal enthusiastic introduction and the act started. He started by introducing himself as a South African, living in London, and performing for American audiences. He played to a full crowd, but I’d guess that about 1/3 of the audience laughed at each joke. After I left the World Stage I walked around the ship a bit, then stopped at the Ocean Bar and listened to the Jazz Band for a bit.

 

 

Tonight is scheduled to be a surprise night. No sweeter surprise that to share our surprise to you – a party with the Crew! While tonight is a Formal night, we are told to show up casual, formal, or to surprise. Sounds like it might be fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[aliaschief]

Rich, Again thanks for sharing your cruise with us.

[Rubyfisch]

I've enjoyed following your journey quite a bit. 

 

If you have a chance, would you mind posting some pictures of the salad bar and other lighter options in the Lido at dinner? I'm trying to plan a trip on the Zuiderdam with someone who has never cruised before and has some mild but annoying gastric issues that rich food can make worse. I haven't been on any Holland ships, so I don't have any readily available. I'm sure it's probably somewhat different on shorter sailings, but anything would be helpful.

[Lady Hudson]

Thank you for sharing your voyage.  I probably will never do a world cruise but certainly enjoy reading about others adventures.  Stay safe and enjoy.  Katherine 

[richwmn]

March 07 – at sea destination Maputo

 

 

I must say that one thing this cruise has going for it is nice weather. It is again a beautiful day on Zuiderdam. The temperature is comfortable, sky is slightly overcast but is very pretty. The seas are relatively calm and the ship is progressing nicely.

 

Yesterday was a nice day at sea. We had three trivia sessions. The early session is always held in the Crow’s Nest on sea days and generally has a good turnout. It has always been general knowledge and is fun. Like most days we did well, but not good enough to win. The middle session is held in Billboard and the participation varies widely. Yesterday was a small crowd and the topic was Africa. All the questions were related to Africa somehow. One asked where on the continent a particular country was, another asked what two countries had names starting with the letter Z, and another listed lyrics from the song ‘Africa’ and asked who the artist was. The final session yesterday was to name tunes by Billy Joel.

 

From 9:00pm to 11:00pm we had the Surprise Party. I got there right after 9 and the Lido pool area was already packed. A stage was set up and a DJ was playing tunes. Many staff members were there, but not in uniform and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Several of the bar staff were pouring sparkling wine and dancing. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. The Captain and his lady were at the party talking to all the guests. It was a very nice evening and lasted past 11:00.

 

The time changed again last night so we are now matched to Maputo. By this time tomorrow we should be there and those who wish to will be able to go ashore.

 

 

 

 

 

[erewhon]

@richwmn  Rich, what is the gift?

[richwmn]

12 minutes ago, erewhon said:

@richwmn  Rich, what is the gift?

External battery / charger for small electronics

[richwmn]

Today's menus:

 

 

 

 

[erewhon]

32 minutes ago, richwmn said:

External battery / charger for small electronics

 

@richwmn thanks for your reply.   will it be useful to you?

[richwmn]

4 hours ago, erewhon said:

 

@richwmn thanks for your reply.   will it be useful to you?

In truth, I don't think so. Several years ago I purchased one and I have mostly kept it charged, but I think I only used it once and that was to try it out not because I needed to.

Many people will find it useful.

[Sharon in AZ]

On 3/5/2023 at 9:55 PM, richwmn said:

Musings ---

 

The other day Sharon ( @Sharon in AZ), asked me if I would do another WC. I’ll use that to update my feelings, as a first time World Cruiser, on the concept and execution of the World Cruise.

 

I am now two months into the World Cruise. In total I have completed 73 days on Zuiderdam. In truth, I had set my expectations pretty low. At a minimum I am on a cruise with a total length of 140 days. This includes being on a ship, with the meals, housekeeping, and entertainment that goes along with any cruise. These expectations have been met, and to some degree have been exceeded. As far as what I can see, the ship is in good condition. The deck crew is constantly cleaning the ship and the housekeeping staff is constantly cleaning the Guest areas. The food is as good and possibly better than food I have had on other ships. The food has also had enough variation to keep it interesting. The entertainment has also been equal to or better than other regular cruises. The number and spacing of ports has been good even with several instances of extended sea days. I must add here that many of the ports so far have not been new to me as I have already visited Polynesia, Australia, and New Zealand. The ports over the next month or so will all be new.

 

Now that I have talked about minimum expectations, it is time to talk about what I will call ‘hopes.’ Over the years I have read posts on Cruise Critic and talked to people who have been on World (and other Grand) Cruises. All were glowing reports about how much better the overall experiences were. They also mentioned ‘pillow gifts.’ I can’t honestly say that the experience has been better than my average cruise thus far. There have been a couple of things that were better, but overall no. As far as ‘pillow gifts’, we have had two. A diary and a box of chocolates. I guess you could also include the rose on Valentine’s Day. Nothing extraordinary.

 

Would I do a World Cruise again? I don’t know the answer to that. I know that this cruise isn’t what HAL has done in the past for a Grand Cruise. Part of the reason is that over 400 of the passengers are from the ill fated 2020 cruise and were given credit to cover the cost of this one. From what I have heard, a majority of the rest of the guests paid partially, or maybe mostly with credits from canceled cruises. Next year’s World will have a number of 2020 cruises with credit, but all other future cruise credits have expired so there will be more ‘new’ money to cover the cost of that cruise. Hopefully it will be closer to the pre-Covid experience.

 

Rich, thank you for your reply. I wondered how FCC’s would impact the WC.  It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the next few years.