Krazy Kruizers Posted November 9, 2004 #1 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I am going to start posting this evening and will break my review down into days/dates. This way if someone doesn't want to read about a particular day or port than he/she can jump around to find a day / port that interests them. Oct 15 - Embarkation Day - after spending 2 lovely days in San Diego we arrived at the pier at 11:10. We stayed at the Embassy Suites and while waiting for the shuttle to the pier we met Donna and Ed (cc'ers from Anchorage). We had a little excitement before we even got on the ship. Just as the shuttle bus was approaching the gate at the pier, a taxi was backing up in front of us and knocked a man down (he was using a walker). His wife went to his aid and she also fell down. Thank heaven's no one was seriously hurt. Once inside the gated area we turned our luggage over to the stevedores and proceeded to the 'suite' desk. We were checked right in and we're on the ship by 11:30. Credit card information was taken right at the pier. Usually we just give that information to our concierge. After dropping off our carry-on luggage in the Neptune Lounge, we left to explore the ship. We did notice that the PS and S category passengers were given gold shipboard ID's and all others were given blue. No explanation was ever given for the difference in colors. This is not a sold out cruise although all suites were sold out. Everyone was given an information packet at the pier which contained a letter about recent illnesses on ships - Norvo virus. Could the Norvo virus be lurking in the bowels of the ship? Time will tell. Also in our information packet along with our ship ID's were cards listing our names, dining time, and table number. After exploring around the ship - yes - we checked out the Lido - no meatloaf was served, we returned to the Neptune and we're told that our suite was ready - it's only 12:30! Our luggage came right away so once we were unpacked we went exploring again. While walking past the Lido Pool around 3 PM we were approached by a server wanting to sell us a soda card - $73.50 for 21 days. We went to the Crow's Nest at 5 thinking we would watch sail-away while having a cocktail - appetizers were served. We were scheduled to leave at 5 but we didn't get underway until 6:15 - no explanation was made via the PA system at any time. While dining, we noticed that there many empty tables on the upper level as well as the lower level - could be a lot of people opted to eat elsewhere this first evening. After a wonderful meal (I will post separately the entrees offered each evening - not the entire menus - I didn't bring them home) we went back to the cabin for a few minutes before we went to the Casino Bar for a night-cap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthC Posted November 9, 2004 #2 Share Posted November 9, 2004 Welcome home, KK; it's been a while. Enjoyed reading the first installment---looking forward to all the additional chapters, too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dakrewser Posted November 9, 2004 #3 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I was beginning to think you were just going to stay aboard..... Welcome home! :) -dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted November 9, 2004 #4 Share Posted November 9, 2004 Welcome Back, KK. I enjoyed your first installment and am looking forward to reading lots more. Thanks for starting your posts. We missed you. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elmorejj Posted November 9, 2004 #5 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I am also interested in reading about the Statendam and comparing it with the S class ships sailing on the East coast....keep the reports coming.....jean :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincus Posted November 9, 2004 #6 Share Posted November 9, 2004 KK, thank you very much for this report. The Statendam is one of my favorite ships, and we hope to be on her early next year. I have several questions, but will wait until you finish this wonderful report because they may be answered along the way. Thanks again... Pincus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jollycruiser Posted November 9, 2004 #7 Share Posted November 9, 2004 KK, Welcome home and thank you for sharing your experiences. It is so fun to relate to your cruise and picture our next! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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