LIVE From The Eurodam 2WK Holiday Cruise ...Brought To You By LAFFNVEGAS

[docksider21]

the Up Grade Fairy decided to work over time and the cabin assignment changed to a VA of 8160:)

 

Call me cynical, but I would wager that Captain Mercer or H/M Pells were nudging the Fairy in the right direction. Or since this is a Christmas cruise, maybe it was an upgrade elf!

 

I am getting excited just thinking of sailing away for Christmas.

 

"I'm dreaming of a HAL Christmas."

[ugminer]

Lisa, love sailing along with you. Glad you are feeling better and having a great time. BTW I'll bet you have come close to breaking a record if in fact you haven't already. 13,996 views in a week LOL

MERRY CHRISTMAS from your northern Nevada neighbor

[bepsf]

Lisa--

 

I've just read all of your posts from this past week and I just wanted to say how glad I am for you that you received such a good upgrade for your 2nd half - it sounds like many of Eurodam's birthing pains have been outgrown and for that I'm pleased as well.

 

It's been absolutely freezing here in SF too, and when I flew up to Portland Oregon yesterday we got some snow flurries - Looking out the windows on the 18th floor during my meeting it was like peering into a gigantic snowglobe!

[richwmn]

Here are the captures from the 3pm wave

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[LAFFNVEGAS]

Saturday December 20th, 2008

Are you ready for week two?????:D

Good Afternoon from the MS Eurodam in sunny warm Port Everglades. What a different a week makes. With any luck today’s great sunny weather that is NOT windy is a sign for the week ahead.

This morning was a bit different for us and we were doing the Happy Dance because our packing was only to move cabins not completely leave the ship. We did get up at about 7 AM and it was this morning that we actually packed all our items that were not on hangers. At a little after 10 our cabin steward was able to move all our belongings to our new cabin, we then headed down stairs to the Main Desk where they escorted us off the ship to go down thru immigration. Downstairs we met up with some of the other intransit guests. We were the last guests off and they then recorded a zero guest count and was immediately able to allow those of us going on the B2B to reboard. This time was approx. 10:40 we then headed up to the Explorations Café to relax a while before we had lunch.

Lunch in the Lido was strangely quiet, I kept remarking that I could not figure out where everyone was. Most of the tables were empty and it was about 12:15. I am thinking this is really strange. Well it seems that there was some sort of truck fire at the pier near us not pier 26 but because of that they shut all the piers downs and would not let anyone board or be checked in. There were just a few that were already boarding and had already come on board when this happened. At this time I have no idea if the delay will in boarding will cause a delay in our Sail Away or not. It did cause a delay of when they allowed passengers to go to their cabins for some strange reason. That announcement was not made till a little after 1:30.

We had another Web Cam Wave from the Eurodam. I am embarrassed to say that I was so thrilled to have Mark Pells the Hotel Manager there that my camera hung around my neck the whole time and stupid me did not even think to take a picture. Mark brought with his Julie who I did not catch her title but he said she assists him and does all the work. She brought us out a HUGE HAL flag that we were able to wave for the web cam. I am just hoping that you could see us.

We are settled into our new cabin and in many ways it feels like a branch new cruise, well I guess it really is except with all the crew that we love so much.

Oh one of the crew I kept forgetting to mention is in the Lido, we have from the Zuiderdam Burt Reynolds. He is really fun and loves to sign and remember passengers like Hunky Dory. He was having fun with us at lunch since we were returning.

I will report more later because I want to post this before life boat drill.

Signing off from the Beautiful MS Eurodam in Port Everglades:)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Rich, thanks :)It is just too bad that we could not have been at the bow like last week but I can make out the flag. We had a few CCers there so we were waving like crazy :D

[NevadaHiRoller]

call me cynical, but i would wager that captain mercer or h/m pells were nudging the fairy in the right direction. Or since this is a christmas cruise, maybe it was an upgrade elf!

 

I am getting excited just thinking of sailing away for christmas.

 

"i'm dreaming of a hal christmas."

 

bingo!!!!!!!!! :d

[Avril]

Hi Lisa, I hope you have another wonderful week!! :D I'm sorry to make you think about the end of your cruise but if it's possible, could you please ask the Captain which way the ship will be facing when you arrive in Port Everglades next Saturday? Then my roll call and I will know where to stand so we can do a web cam wave as well!! We're boarding the Eurodam on December 27th. Thanks and have a blast!!!! :D

[whenzuc]

Rev neal. Any ideas what I need to run to fix my laptop? It is still screwed up any ideas are very wekcome

[NevadaHiRoller]

Rev neal. Any ideas what I need to run to fix my laptop? It is still screwed up any ideas are very wekcome

 

What happened did it give you a virus? I thought he wrote that he had that fixed?

[RevNeal]

Rev neal. Any ideas what I need to run to fix my laptop? It is still screwed up any ideas are very wekcome

 

I'm sorry ... I'm a Mac not a Windows person. You'll need to take it to an expert who knows how to clean computers.

[RevNeal]

What happened did it give you a virus? I thought he wrote that he had that fixed?

 

Yes, the website has been cleaned and scanned by Google. It's clear.

I don't know what to suggest one do about what may have been downloaded prior. Whoever it was that hacked my site has done a number on several people. I regret that.

[NevadaHiRoller]

That is really twisted Rev, can't they trace the IP?

[RevNeal]

That is really twisted Rev, can't they trace the IP?

 

Yes.

My Server Administrators, who cleaned my site and re-established its security, have a record of the IP of the person who broke into their servers and loaded in the maul-wear onto all the domains hosted on their servers. Since this attack also hit several businesses on the same server as mine, and hundreds of peoples information compromised, I understand that the Feds are now involved with the investigation. Sadly, this kind of thing happens all the time.

[localady]

Lisa-

Thought this might be an appropriate way to start your next week at Sea.......Our thanks to a Yummer friend who posted it!!

'Twas the night before Christmas, and far out at sea

Our vessel was sailing, as smooth as could be

 

The stockings were hung from the balcony chairs

With hope that St. Nicholas would find them out there

 

The children were nestled all snug in their uppers

Having just settled down from a Christmas Eve supper

 

And ma and myself, we were covered in aloe

A bit too much sun, in a pool, warm and shallow

 

When up in the sky, there arose such a clatter

I leapt from my bed to see what was the matter

 

To the sliding glass door, I flew like a flash

Well, more like a saunter, and less like a dash

 

And what to my skeptical eyes should appear

But a great shiny sleigh, and eight flying reindeer

 

They circled our ship, from starboard to port

As the moon lit the driver, a jolly old sort

 

Who called to his team, in a happy retort

"Now Dasher, now Dancer," so on and so forth

 

We raced through our cabin and into the hall

To the very top deck, in time for us all

 

To be awed by the sight of Old Santa's sleigh

As he lightly touched down, by the midnight buffet

 

With a bundle of goodies thrown over his back

He rose in the air and dropped down the smokestack

 

Santa went straight to work, and later we learned

He found every child's cabin, from the bow to the stern

 

Insides and oceanviews, balconies and suites

Santa filled every stocking, with toys and with treats

 

Until all his deliveries had been handled with care

Then he noted he still had a minute to spare

 

So he surfed the wave rider, with nary a fall

While Dasher and Dancer scaled the rock-climbing wall

 

And Prancer, who had always been fond of the cold

Tried the ice-skating rink, a sight to behold

 

And then with a whistle, Santa summoned his team

And he bade us farewell, silent nights and sweet dreams

 

And I heard him exclaim, as he flew out of view

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good cruise.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Saturday Evening December 20th , 2008

This post is in total dedication to the most wonderful Crew Member that HAL has. It almost brings me to tears how wonderful all these crew members are but there is one extremely special one that out of at least 5 HAL Cruises he has gone out of his way to be so very special to us and today he just out did himself. I am talking about Ronald and the exact spelling of his last name I do not know but will tell you later. We have sailed with Ronald on numerous occasions and has always greeted us with a big hug. He has been with Holland America for 15 years he and his wife Romina who is also a Wine Steward work for HAL they have a 9 yr old daughter at home in the Philippines. Words cannot express the true appreciation we have for crew like Ronald, while Ronald was not our Wine Steward last week he was in the section next to us and he helped us to move to his section for this week. Today he took extra time off the ship to do some things for us that he thought we would like. He wanted to make sure we were taken care of for the week. I cannot express how grateful we are to him. Ronald has done so many wonderful things for us. I honestly do not know why he has chosen us to be so wonderful to but we truly love him and have for many sailings. Coming back to do a Back to Back here on the Eurodam is so very special to us. Words cannot express how good we feel about being on here a 2nd week. With getting to know so many crew the first week and to see them again tonight and see how excited they are to see us again.

You know it is not just words but the truth when it comes to why people like Tom and I return over and over and it truly is the Crew of Holland America. There is no way you can be treated like this in a land based resort. I can remember so vividly when we first started to cruise and be a members here on the CC Board. I remember reading so many posts about how many of you spoke of seeing crew members you knew and how it meant so much that they remember you and you them. I can remember still saying to Tom do you think we will ever get to that point where we will know a lot of crew? Well it has now been a few years that we have been at that point and it is amazing. I would have never guessed when we booked this Eurodam and then added on the 2nd weeks that there would be almost all of our favorite crew here on board. Other than not having our son with us I know that this will be a very special Christmas Cruise.

I look forward to giving yet another week of my daily thoughts and comments on the days activities.

Fortunately there is two different ports this week and I am sure some different activities that I will be able to report about.

So here’s wishing everyone a Great Holiday Week.

 

Signing off from the Beautiful MS Eurodam as we head out into the Atlantic for the Caribbean.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Hi Lisa, I hope you have another wonderful week!! :D I'm sorry to make you think about the end of your cruise but if it's possible, could you please ask the Captain which way the ship will be facing when you arrive in Port Everglades next Saturday? Then my roll call and I will know where to stand so we can do a web cam wave as well!! We're boarding the Eurodam on December 27th. Thanks and have a blast!!!! :D

 

Avril, I will try to remember to ask Jonanthan when I see him although because I am not in a Suite this week I am not inivted to as many parties where I have the opportunity to talk with Captain Mercer but I will do my darnest to find out ;)

Lisa-

Thought this might be an appropriate way to start your next week at Sea.......Our thanks to a Yummer friend who posted it!!

 

'Twas the night before Christmas, and far out at sea

Our vessel was sailing, as smooth as could be

 

The stockings were hung from the balcony chairs

With hope that St. Nicholas would find them out there

 

The children were nestled all snug in their uppers

Having just settled down from a Christmas Eve supper

 

And ma and myself, we were covered in aloe

A bit too much sun, in a pool, warm and shallow

 

When up in the sky, there arose such a clatter

I leapt from my bed to see what was the matter

 

To the sliding glass door, I flew like a flash

Well, more like a saunter, and less like a dash

 

And what to my skeptical eyes should appear

But a great shiny sleigh, and eight flying reindeer

 

They circled our ship, from starboard to port

As the moon lit the driver, a jolly old sort

 

Who called to his team, in a happy retort

"Now Dasher, now Dancer," so on and so forth

 

We raced through our cabin and into the hall

To the very top deck, in time for us all

 

To be awed by the sight of Old Santa's sleigh

As he lightly touched down, by the midnight buffet

 

With a bundle of goodies thrown over his back

He rose in the air and dropped down the smokestack

 

Santa went straight to work, and later we learned

He found every child's cabin, from the bow to the stern

 

Insides and oceanviews, balconies and suites

Santa filled every stocking, with toys and with treats

 

Until all his deliveries had been handled with care

Then he noted he still had a minute to spare

 

So he surfed the wave rider, with nary a fall

While Dasher and Dancer scaled the rock-climbing wall

 

And Prancer, who had always been fond of the cold

Tried the ice-skating rink, a sight to behold

 

And then with a whistle, Santa summoned his team

And he bade us farewell, silent nights and sweet dreams

 

And I heard him exclaim, as he flew out of view

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good cruise.

 

 

Sher, thank you so much, that is great!!!!

This will definitely be a wonderful Holiday Week!!!

I hope that all my CC friends have a wonderful week, I juwt wish you could all be here to enjoy it with us.

[bepsf]

Lisa--

 

What a lovely tribute to the staff and crew of the Holland America Line.

 

If it weren't for that group of lovely people, it would be just a bunch of blue ships.

[sail7seas]

Nice speaking with you this morning, Lisa. SO happy you and Tom are having such a great time.

 

We had a struggle getting home but were very hay to walk in our front door tonight.

It was a long day at FLL Airport.....thankfullyt we disembarked Maasdam yesterday and had chosen to stay over one night post cruise. If we had tried to go home yesterday, we would not have made it.

 

More snow expected in Boston tomorrow so we were lucky we got home in the brief "snow free' window.

 

Continue to have a wonderful cruise.

We certainly could not agree more that crew are what makes HAL so special. Yes, the ships are beautiful, the food is good, the ports are varied..but with HAL, IT IS ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE. Ther are NO CREWS IMO like HAL's.

 

[sail7seas]

Quote:

Originally Posted by whenzuc

On previous Holland America cruises I have bought a package of three diff't Lancaster suntan lotions. they are in a tangerine colored orangish box. Can you tell me if they still sell it? It should be about $19. All three pieces retail in Europe Duty free for about $75. Can you please let me know if they still sell it. This way, I can buy it on board, instead of packing it. Thanks!!! Great lotion.

 

 

I noticed packages like that in a small store in St. Maarten last week. What was wonderful is that the product sold there is the European version which is said to be better than that sold in U.S.

 

That little shop only had a few Lancaster products but what they had was very well chosen.

 

[Chivalrygirl]

Kia Ora Lisa, we have a saying down here for ppl like you it goes like this "lucky bugger" But no one deserves an upgrade to a balcony cabin more that you. Those balcony cabins are fine and plenty of room so you won't quite notice that much of a change. Will be interested to see if you get invited to some of the VIP parties :) Me thinks you must of whispered in a certain Captains ear :D Nope probaby not, just a "Tinny Bugger" :D

 

BTW, thanks for talking to Angie had a lovely email from her today, how I love that girl.

 

Love Val and Pals xox

[Avril]

Avril, I will try to remember to ask Jonanthan when I see him although because I am not in a Suite this week I am not inivted to as many parties where I have the opportunity to talk with Captain Mercer but I will do my darnest to find out ;)

 

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it!! :D I hope you and Tom have a blast this week!!!! :D I can't wait to be onboard next Saturday.

By the way, that was a wonderful tribute to the crew and especially to Ronald!! :D I hope I get to meet him as well as all the other crew members you have mentioned over the past week.

[InTheWASide]

Lisa--

 

What a lovely tribute to the staff and crew of the Holland America Line.

 

If it weren't for that group of lovely people, it would be just a bunch of blue ships.

 

Wow... that's a rather cold review of an entire Line...

 

I agree that the crew is fantastic (my Westerdam review is more than proof of that) but to make it come across that the crew is the only good thing about HAL is rather harsh...

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Sunday December 21st, 2008

Good Sunday Morning from the MS Eurodam.

First off I want to say a very Special Happy Birthday to my Best Friend Colleen in Phoenix “Happy Double Nickel” Many of the Yummers know Colleen be cause she cruised with us from our ROV cruise and last years Yummer cruise.

WOW did we ever sleep good last night, the wind is gone and the seas while calm are still giving just a nice sway especially here in the aft. We were a bit concerned being just under the Aft Pool that there would be noise but let me say that it is so quiet. First off I have not said anything but the noise of the creeking of the ship is so very loud on deck 7. The first 5 nights I chalked it up to gale force winds and very rough seas. Finally the last night on Friday we had calmer seas and the sounds did subside but still existed. Tom does not hear a lot of it because after he takes out his hearing aid but even he heard it but we actually like the sounds of the ship. Here on Deck 8 aft it is so very quiet.

I was not going to have breakfast this morning but the Omelet Station looked inviting so had a very small omelet and juice. I am meeting a friend up in the Tamarind for lunch at 11:30 then we have our CC Meet and Greet in the Crow’s Nest at 1:30

Last night after I posted I had the chance to look at yesterday’s daily program and to my surprise we have 3 Formal Nights this week. The first is tonight as usually then the 2nd is normally Sunday but we have yet another Formal Night Wednesday which is Christmas Eve then Thursday Christmas Night it says Formal then (optional) I need to find out if the menus will be different or what is going on. I will say that there were several different items on last nights menu than there was the previous Saturday. I am hoping we did not make a mistake in choosing which nights we would go to the Tamarind and the Pinnacle based on last week’s menus.

There is really so much to see and do and taste ;) here on the Eurodam that I am excited to be able to spend an extra week here. The feel is so different from last week. Those joining in next week will love it.

HAL is definitely a great cruise line over all from every crew member to all those great people working in Seattle. It is no wonder why we continue to return so often :)

Well, I need to get this posted, I will keep you updated on information I find out.

Signing off from the Beautiful MS Eurodam.

[Gatsby LR2]

Just chiming in here instead of starting a new thread. We just returned from the 12/13 sailing. This was our 6th HAL cruise. I am happy to report that 90% of the criticism I have read about the Eurodam is unfounded. The service was as expected. The Lido food and service was excellent. It can handle the crowds just fine. Our cabin steward Andik (we were in SA cabin 7062) was fantastic. Everything we had asked for was delivered (TIP- we give half on the first day and the remaining tip on the last day so that always helps getting good service). Our wait staff (table 54 with Bagl and Yanin) presented our food in a timely manner and at perfect temperatures. They were very entertaining as well.

 

My only negatives are as follow: The public spaces (inside) were a bit closed in. The ship did roll a bit, but the Captain explained that the seas and wind were the strongest that he had encountered on previous cruises aboard the Eurodam. The Hal Cats band was awful. I also did not care for the Tamarind food. So that's my report. I rate this cruise 4 out of 5 stars. Enjoy!!