"LIVE" from the Westerdam / 3-09-08

[Radio]

I think Radio needs to go on another cruise !

 

I love waking up each morning to new pictures !

 

Ha Ha. . . My next cruise will be in May !

 

Ship to be announced soon. . . .

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

 

 

Ready to board Westerdam (March 9, 2008)

 

 

 

 

 

.

[spcl4cs_gal]

Ha Ha. . . My next cruise will be in May !

 

Ship to be announced soon. . . .

 

 

 

Awww Mark, come back to HAL! ;) It is a very nice line to travel on after all.

[Radio]

Radio,

I greatly enjoyed your updates up until the time I boarded the Westerdam on 3/16. We just disembarked yesterday, so now it is back to reality. I read your review, and totally agree with your comments and assessments. Did you see the acrobat show ('power and grace')? We thought it was very good, as well as being unique for a cruise ship.

 

It is interesting that you took the Auto Train home, since we also greatly enjoy rail travel. We are taking the train from Omaha to Salt Lake City in June for our Park City vacation. The scenery between Denver and Salt Lake City is spectacular. Service is unpredictable, but it is much more relaxing than flying.

 

 

Yes. . I saw the show, and it was GREAT ! Sorry, no pics though.

 

Only this one !

 

 

Radio

;) ;)

 

 

 

 

 

.

[Radio]

Awww Mark, come back to HAL! ;) It is a very nice line to travel on after all.

 

 

Ha ha ha. . . It could be ? ;)

 

Radio

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

 

 

 

Mid ship Balconies from Deck 9

 

 

 

 

.

[hylasgirl]

 

My 2 Century Video's are HERE, and I will try to get my pics up soon. . .

 

Radio

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

 

Radio... thanks! I can't wait!!! Tell me... this may be a silly question, but what does the "X" mean with Celebrity?? I don't get it. This will be my first cruise on Celebrity. I am so excited... and to see her parked out infront of Amsterdam... how cool will that be??:D

[TPKeller]

Radio... thanks! I can't wait!!! Tell me... this may be a silly question, but what does the "X" mean with Celebrity?? I don't get it. This will be my first cruise on Celebrity. I am so excited... and to see her parked out infront of Amsterdam... how cool will that be??:D

Oh I know this one! :)

 

From Wikipedia:

 

The signature "X" on Celebrity ship funnels is the Greek letter chi, for "Chandris".

Chandris was the name of the family that started Celebrity.

 

Theron

[SeaYa52]

Okay here is the link to some of my photos that I have posted online. How I wish we were back on the Westerdam today. :(

 

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=17qibuoy.7nayljma&x=0&y=yv7wbg

 

Thanks for posting your photo's. Our BF"s will be in that cabin when we sail on the 6th. We're right next door in 5189 and have friends in the next three aft cabins too - so everyone was excited to see your post.

 

I do have a few questions - was the cooking class onboard or a tour? That looked great. We'll be on the Eastern/aruba Itinerary so if it's a tour I guess we're out of luck on that.

 

Do you know if the same entertainers will be on in April? I thought I read some were leaving soon. Having heard so much about Mason and Joel - sure hope they're still around.

 

Thanks so much for sharing. (Radio too - I love your reports and still tune in daily to read the updates)

Sandy

[spcl4cs_gal]

Thanks for posting your photo's. Our BF"s will be in that cabin when we sail on the 6th. We're right next door in 5189 and have friends in the next three aft cabins too - so everyone was excited to see your post.

 

I do have a few questions - was the cooking class onboard or a tour? That looked great. We'll be on the Eastern/aruba Itinerary so if it's a tour I guess we're out of luck on that.

 

Do you know if the same entertainers will be on in April? I thought I read some were leaving soon. Having heard so much about Mason and Joel - sure hope they're still around.

 

Thanks so much for sharing. (Radio too - I love your reports and still tune in daily to read the updates)

Sandy

 

Hi Sandy,

 

Your BFs will love that cabin and since you are all next door to one another, you can ask the room steward to open the panals in between the balconies and have a very extended area for socializing if you wish.

 

The cooking class in my photos was in Cozumel at the Playa Mia resort so I guess you are out of luck for that one. However, there are two cooking classes on the ship during the week (at least there were when we were on board) but be sure to sign up for these on Day 1 at the front desk because they fill up fast. We made Tunisian Barley Couscous with Swiss Chard, Lamb, Chickpeas and Hrous as well as Baked Eggplant with Tomato and Herbs.

 

Not sure about the entertainment but, just a little hint....Mason and Joel are actually the same person...Joel Mason. I think he said that he was into his 3rd or 4th week on the Westerdam, having been on the Zuiderdam before that. If he's on board be sure to catch his show. He's great!

[SeaYa52]

Thanks for the cooking class information. Glad to know the tip on the entertainer Joel Mason too - hate to appear a dummy.

:-)

[Fruitcake]

I believe I heard Joel Mason leaves the Westerdam on March 30.

Apparently the illusionist was not on Radio's cruise. I did not catch his show on the Feb. 24 Westerdam cruise, but I did see him as a judge for the Westerdam Superstar competition, and I did not like his personality at all. Very snide. I also saw him on the last night, in the farewell show. More snark than talent. I think his name was Leo? :confused:

 

Speaking of snark, was there an assistant CD on the ship named Matt, Radio?

He was the only HAL person we met who was arrogant and insulting. At one of the trivia competitions, someone whispered an answer and he said, "Now the stupid people will get it right." He has the personality of a bully, and I hope HAL realizes he is not a good representative of the cruise line. You can't excel at customer service is you insult the customers. And yes, we complained about him on our survey. :mad:

[Sailorgirlseattle]

Hey Radio! Thanks for such a great travelogue of MY trip! :D Had a blast meeting you and the rest of the CC crew at the get-together, and only wish we'd run into each other more on the ship. I have to agree on most of your assessments of the ship, itinerary, etc., and reading your reports makes me realize now just how much I MISSED on this cruise! Amazing how many different things there are to do in a relatively small space ... so much that two people can have entirely different cruises on the same ship!

 

I do have to repeat what you said about the crew ... from the service staff on up to the CD, HM and captain, all are fantastic! At one point, on the sun deck, I even saw an officer in dress whites hand-carry a pair of flipflips for a tanning guest. THAT is service! And he even smiled. ;)

 

Radio, did you have a good train ride back? I just returned home yesterday from my train trip, which included a few days in Ohio visiting my folks. Your photos freaked me out just a little! Seeing that shot down the corridor of the sleeping car got me rocking again! LOL :D

 

Alison, that cooking class onboard was fun, wasn't it? Our chef was hilarious, and the results were very yummy. I might try making those recipes at home this week, now that I'm thinking about it. The one you took on shore looked nice too!

 

Addrian, glad you signed up for the next Seahawks cruise! We put down our deposit too, so we should be seeing you in Alaska! Check out Seahawks web site and look for Paul's blog about the cruise ... it's fun too.

[marle7]

Avril,

 

Isn't that funny 3 different people on this one thread from our little suburb.....and now that I see your email address we have something else in common...I too went to Assumption...I was in the second graduating class way back when......but my kids went to Notre Dame. Will drop you an email.

 

 

Radio...

 

Sorry for going off topic on your thread...

 

Must say though you are doing a fantastic job. Can hardly wait for the full report when you cruise is over. Thanks for sharing in this most amazing way.

 

 

Rochelle

 

Make that 4 at least. We're from Oakville. :D

 

 

Radio, thank you again for taking us along on your cruise. Your live reports are always enjoyable!

 

I wonder if you could explain a bit more about using your card in the Casino to "bank winnings" what does that mean, and how do you cash it out? Also, did they have non smoking nights in the Casino?

 

Thanks again!

[mp006]

Radio, I am fairly new to the boards and had to tell you how much I enjoyed your review of the Westerdam. Now I can't wait to see her on our Alaskan voyage in May. By far, this was the best post to read. I was up until almost midnight last night reading up to page 21, and just finished the post during my lunch hour (kind of tired-don't know why, should have taken a nap-lol). The pictures of the Caribbean look so inviting; might have to talk dh to go on a southern cruise (all of ours have been north).

Thanks again!

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

Hi Sandy,

 

 

 

However, there are two cooking classes on the ship during the week (at least there were when we were on board) but be sure to sign up for these on Day 1 at the front desk because they fill up fast.

 

how much were they? aNd where do you go to sign up?

[Sailorgirlseattle]

I can answer that one, hope you don't mind, Alison :)

 

The cooking classes are $29 each, and you get a copy of the recipes, notepads and pens for taking notes, and a free apron. You can sign up at the Front Desk when you board the first day.

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

I can answer that one, hope you don't mind, Alison :)

 

The cooking classes are $29 each, and you get a copy of the recipes, notepads and pens for taking notes, and a free apron. You can sign up at the Front Desk when you board the first day.

 

 

Im penning it into my schedule right now!

 

I LOVE to cook!

 

Can someone whose done it, give a bit more detail on it though... I'm still doing it...but... a summary...how long it lasts...that sort of thing? Maybe a pic...

[Sailorgirlseattle]

Ok, me again :rolleyes:

 

Our itinerary offered two cooking classes, and I took the second one which was held on our last day, which was a sea day (I think you could take both, I think they were different dishes being prepared, but I'm not sure about that). It lasted about an hour, and was held on the stage in the Queen's Lounge. There were, what? 6 or 8 or so of us? The chef was the chef from the Pinnacle Grill.

 

Basically, the staff rolls out an entire kitchen onto the stage: Sink area, wall ovens, counter tops, plus a freestanding range and work surface. They had all the foods and supplies we needed for the chef to put together several dishes. Basically, it was much like a cooking show on TV in that he had the dishes already started, or in some cases finished. He called on a couple of people to chop some veggies, etc., and mostly we watched and listened as he cooked and explained the process for each dish. Afterward, he served up the goodies onto plates and we all got to sample it.

 

For me, the real value was in being able to ask questions along the way, and take notes on some professional techniques (chopping onions, blanching and skinning tomatoes). And, like I said earlier, you get the apron, the recipes, and any notes you take along the way. Oh, and they gave us each a bottle of water too, which was nice. Be aware, even if you are not actively participating by chopping veggies or whatever, you are standing the whole time ... if that's an issue for anybody.

[caviargal]

Ok, me again :rolleyes:

 

Our itinerary offered two cooking classes, and I took the second one which was held on our last day, which was a sea day (I think you could take both, I think they were different dishes being prepared, but I'm not sure about that). It lasted about an hour, and was held on the stage in the Queen's Lounge. There were, what? 6 or 8 or so of us? The chef was the chef from the Pinnacle Grill.

 

Basically, the staff rolls out an entire kitchen onto the stage: Sink area, wall ovens, counter tops, plus a freestanding range and work surface. They had all the foods and supplies we needed for the chef to put together several dishes. Basically, it was much like a cooking show on TV in that he had the dishes already started, or in some cases finished. He called on a couple of people to chop some veggies, etc., and mostly we watched and listened as he cooked and explained the process for each dish. Afterward, he served up the goodies onto plates and we all got to sample it.

 

For me, the real value was in being able to ask questions along the way, and take notes on some professional techniques (chopping onions, blanching and skinning tomatoes). And, like I said earlier, you get the apron, the recipes, and any notes you take along the way. Oh, and they gave us each a bottle of water too, which was nice. Be aware, even if you are not actively participating by chopping veggies or whatever, you are standing the whole time ... if that's an issue for anybody.

 

Wow, that is much shorter than the one DH attended on the Zuiderdam. He loved it, they made a full meal, drank wine and sampled the dishes, and it lasted 2 hours.

[Swice]

Last year on Zuiderdam -- Yes to all above... but when finished... they took us to the PG for a full meal of what we just cooked!

 

Whole thing lasted about two hours.

 

We're going on Westerdam in a few weeks and I was planning on a repeat.

[marle7]

Im penning it into my schedule right now!

 

I LOVE to cook!

 

.

 

 

Me too! I'm about to go to NY for a week's bread baking course. This is one of the reasons I wanted to try HAL. I love cooking classes and stuff like this!

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

Last year on Zuiderdam -- Yes to all above... but when finished... they took us to the PG for a full meal of what we just cooked!

 

Whole thing lasted about two hours.

 

We're going on Westerdam in a few weeks and I was planning on a repeat.

 

 

What's it called, so I can look for that too!

[hylasgirl]

Oh I know this one! :)

 

From Wikipedia:

 

 

Chandris was the name of the family that started Celebrity.

 

Theron

 

Hey! Thanks!:D I sure couldn't figure it out.

[Readytogo]

Radio, I have loved reading your posts several times a day. I am so sad that this is over.

Thank you again - especially for the aft photo's. Looking forward to the menu's later this week - and an answer to this question later on - which night was the least favorite of the dinners???? (trying to pick a night for the Pinnacle)

Safe travel home!

Sandy

PS: Loking forward to the Adventures of Mr. & Mrs. Radio in May

My son and I just got off the Westerdam. We booked the Pinnacle on the last night. It was a good decision for several reasons. I asked the maitre'd and he suggested that night. It gave us all week to anticipate. I am glad we did because the food is sooo rich it almost made us sick (in a good way). The crab cakes, asparagus, large filet, creme brulee and chocolate cake were ALL high dollar steakhouse quality. I live near Dallas and the meal would rival the best we have. The only thing they limit you on is the main entree. You may have all you want of the rest. Enjoy, it is worth the extra $$$$.

[SeaYa52]

My son and I just got off the Westerdam. We booked the Pinnacle on the last night. It was a good decision for several reasons. I asked the maitre'd and he suggested that night. It gave us all week to anticipate. I am glad we did because the food is sooo rich it almost made us sick (in a good way). The crab cakes, asparagus, large filet, creme brulee and chocolate cake were ALL high dollar steakhouse quality. I live near Dallas and the meal would rival the best we have. The only thing they limit you on is the main entree. You may have all you want of the rest. Enjoy, it is worth the extra $$$$.

 

Thanks Readytogo - that was just the kind of information I wanted! wow - makes me hungry already!

:-)

[Radio]

>SNIP< Radio, thank you again for taking us along on your cruise. Your live reports are always enjoyable!

 

I wonder if you could explain a bit more about using your card in the Casino to "bank winnings" what does that mean, and how do you cash it out? Also, did they have non smoking nights in the Casino?

 

Thanks again!

 

Thanks for the nice comments ! The Casino card was very nice. First you enter your card in the Players Slot on the Slot Machine. You then set up a PIN number for your card. If you add $20 to the slot machine and win $20. more, you can bank the earnings on your card (If you choose) or just take the winnings. It is nice to bank the winnings first. . .then you can visit another machine, or go to dinner, and come back later.

 

You can also put a card in with NO money , request an amount to be transferred to your card (This comes from your on board account), and will show up on your detailed room bill at the end of the cruise.

 

The Slots were opened 24 hrs a day !

 

It is very nice, and I wish ALL Cruise Ship Casino's would implement this process. . .

 

Non Smoking night was Grand Cayman Night (THURS)

 

Radio

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: