Semi-live from Westerdam

[Samsmom91]

Samsmom,

 

We went to Tulum years ago, and it is a very nice place, well preserved and reconstructed, and the only Mayan ruins on the sea. The excursion we were on also included a stop at a marine national park, Xel-ha I think, which is beautiful. If you take it, check to see if they include the marine park, and pack a swimsuit or snorkel. We did not do Chichen Itza because it involved a flight. I have heard, and seen photos, that it is the queen of the Mayan ruins.

 

The shows are usually at 8 and repeated at 10 p.m. The Indonesian crew show was at 11:30 last night. The first night was one show only, at I think, 8 p.m.

 

Today is only the matinee at 2 p.m. I missed Joel Mason the first time, and want to see him since everyone, not just on this thread, has said he is great.

 

More later,

Dave

 

Dave, enjoy the show! We all know you deserve it. Thank you so much for the entertainment schedule, I am really excited to know that my habits will continue to be catered to. Question, if the Chichen Itza doesn't require a flight, would you have chosen that one. I won't fly for an excursion either, but can only pick one, and my daughter (Highschool) is really into history so I would like to pick the best one.:confused: Why are certain decisions so difficult?

[RetiredMustang]

O.K., I'm impressed... We just attended the matinee of Joel Mason and Friends, and he is a fabulous entertainer. A great piano player, who does sound like Elton John, he excels at comedy and his timing is superb -- and he plays a really mean axe! I encourage anyone who has the chance to do so to take in this show! We are early risers and don't like production pieces, so we usually miss the evening shows, but were glad to have this afternoon opportunity.

 

I understand that this is the first time they've done this. Apparently, the barbeque on Friday is normally followed by a cast show on the Lido, but they decided to do a matinee today and do the cast show on the Lido tonight. EltonJoelsMomager -- if I see him and get a chance, I'll tell him that his mother said to take in his act, and I'm glad I did. Thanks!

 

Now, we are packing (darn!) and getting ready to leave tomorrow morning. We have arranged for the expedited departure, where we drag our own bags. This is the first time we've done so, and I am interested to see how it goes. Hopefully, it will mean getting on the road about two hours before we normally would.

 

Samsmom - yes, if we could have gone to Chichen Itza without flying, we would have. It's one of the wonders of the new world.

 

I'll try to check in later to night with the menus and anything else that comes to me.

 

More later,

Dave

[hogwildcruzers]

Dave....hate that you have to get off that ship tomorrow, we have really enjoyed reading your post each day, a couple of times each day......want to thank you for taking the time to keep us so informed with what is going on on-board the Westerdam....again thanks Dave and hope your cruise was as good as you made it sound.

[RetiredMustang]

And so we come to the close of another cruise. Where did the time go? I haven't had nearly enough time to spend on the balcony with DW as we wait for dawn. I haven't gone to look for the green flash at sunset. I haven't listened often enough and strained to hear the sound of the sea, the voice that it seems has always been in my background; 28 years in the Navy did not quiet it, for I hear it still, if I take the time to listen, yet I was too busy on this cruise to listen very often.

 

We have had a wonderful time! I have enough Irish background to have what I call my puckish sponaneity, or what DW, my anchor to reality, calls my pain-in-the-a** quotient, to try something new. I was passing the front office, and decided to stand in line. After a few people had done what they came to do, it was my turn. I went up to the quite pretty young lady and said, "I know you get complaint after complaint, problem after problem..." and I could see the look on her face that said "Wait for it." And then I said, "But," and her look changed to "here it comes," and I said, "I have absolutely no problems or complaints. We are having a blast, and everyone on board has been wonderful!" I recommend it if you can say it truthfully, because it absolutely made her day!

 

RuthC, we did not have time to linger over an Irish coffee and listen to the strings in the Explorers Lounge (how is that possible not to have time?), but I was able to see that yes, they do still serve chocolates, although they looked more like fudge squares instead of hand-dipped treats.

 

The answer of course is that seven days is way too short! We have not been on a seven-day cruise this millenium! But, we wanted to get away from D.C. and get warm, and ony had a week, since we are taking three weeks vacation in August to sail on Eurodam. We considered Diseny World, or Tampa, or Miami, and decided we would rather be cruising. Sounds like a bumper sticker -- "I'd rather be cruising". Do any of you disagree?

 

I'll try to check in one last time on the road tomorrow, to let you know how the expedited departure worked.

 

Here are tonight's menus, sadly the last I will post (this time -- it's only 21 weeks until we sail again, yay!):

 

Dinner menu

 

Appetizers

- Fruit Palette - Ripe honeydew melon, pineapple and orange slices topped with honey mint yogurt and sprinkled with cinnamon

- Dailogue of Salmon Tartare with Avocado - Cold-smoked, pickeled and chipotle hot-smoked salmon with lime avocado tomato salsa

- Chilled Green Asparagus with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes - Presented with buffalo mozarella and a drizzle of basil oil

- Golden Baked Brie in Phyllo Dough - Served with a spiced apple-cranberry compote

 

Soups and Salad

- Lobster Bisque - Silky smooth classical shellfish soup heightened with aged French cognac and whipped cream

- Oxtail en Croute - This classical soup is simmered slowly to get the perfect flavors, served baked in a crusty pasty dough

- Chilled Sour Cherry Soup - With a mosaic of creme fraiche and fried ginger

- Master Chef Rudi's Salad in Tomato Shell - Selected baby greens with julienne perppers, enoki mushrooms, bell pepper confetti, and drizzled with a mustard cognac dressing

 

Entrees

- Tagliatelle with Roasted Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes - Tossed in olive oil and lemon cream

- Duck a' l'Orange - The old-time favorite, oven-roasted until crisp and served with a Grand Marinier sauce, braised red cabbage, pea pods julienne and William potato

- Whole Roasted Tenderloin of Beef - On an earthy bed of calvados-spiked mushroom ragout, with baby vegetable medley, braised onion and mashed potato

- Grilled Lamb Chops with Oregano and Apple Chutney - Drizzled with mint oil, butternut squash, and sauteed tomato in pesto

- Sauteed Shrimp Provencal - Scented with Mediterranean herbs, garlic and tomato concassee', served with florets of crips tender broccoli

- Apricot Glazed Salmon with Soy, Garlic and Ginger Splash - Served with baby vegetable medley and saffron-scented new potatoes

- Avocado Citrus Salad - Sliced avocado and Meyer lemon slices on a bed of mixed lettuces, dressed with a cirtus zest and sherry vinaigrette

- Wild Mushroom Strudel - Selected forest mushrooms, pinach and feta cheese rolled in phyllo dough and baked until crispy abd flakey, served with a Thai red curry sauce

 

Desserts

- Master Chef Rudi's 'Premiere' - A white chocolate chef "toque" filled with a sweetly delicate milk chocolate mousse and decorated with macerated berries

- Souffle' au Grand Marinier - Orange liqueur-flavored batter lightened with egg white foam and baked to lofty heights, served with vanilla rum sauce

- Le Alize - Layers of white sponge and passion fruit mousse topped with soft meringue

- Pineapple Dream - A crisp tart filled with vanilla custard and topped with fresh pineapple

- Sliced Fruit Plate

- Assorted Cheese Plate

 

All the best to those who have read my postings, and a specil thanks to those who posted comments.

 

Thanks,

Dave

Edited March 15, 2009 by RetiredMustang

[Samsmom91]

Thank you so much Dave.:):):) This will be my first HAL cruise, and I was really worried about many things. After all of your fantastic posts, I feel so comfortable and extremely excited. Wish I didn't have to wait two more weeks. I'd live on ships if I had it my way.;) I hope you enjoy your next cruise as much.

Debbie

[RuthC]

RuthC, we did not have time to linger over an Irish coffee and listen to the strings in the Explorers Lounge (how is that possible not to have time?), but I was able to see that yes, they do still serve chocolates, although they looked more like fudge squares instead of hand-dipped treats.

Thanks for the info, Dave. I thought I spotted them on the Noordam cruise, but was too full from dinner to check for certain.

And thank you, also, for your excellent posts. It's almost like being on a ship when I can read a "live from ..." thread.

[kickboxrca]

Thanks so much for the posts! We are on the Westerdam next week for an Eastern Caribbean cruise.

 

I found the library in the Explorers lounge (last year) to actually be better stocked than the old one, and it is an absolutely wonderful place to enjoy a fancy latte and a good book!

[jrzebird]

Thank you once again for bringing this semi-live from report. I know it took some time from your days and I am very grateful. For me, in particular, it was very special, because I was supposed to be on this cruise. I even found myself feeling sadness when I realized it was the last night. When I woke up this morning, I looked at my watch and realized that I would be having my last breakfast on the Westerdam before leaving. It so depressed me that I went back to sleep!

 

The menus were wonderful. Thank you for going to all of that trouble. Some evenings I scratched my head and wondered what I would have eaten. However, the last night's menu was spectacular! I probably would have had to stay for 2 seatings in order to get everything I liked. Or, just asked for one of everything at one seating! I did notice that they have kept the dreaded oxtail soup. Gag. (One of my grandmother's favorites, and one I still can't stomach.)

 

Have a safe trip home. And, again, thank you for bringing this cruise to life for me.

 

Maureen

[jbhcw]

Thanks again, really a great live from thread!!! I always have the same thoughts when a cruise is almost over. I didn't do this, I didn't do that, where did the time go?

 

I always say,next time I'll relax more, read more, walk more,eat less:eek: Hope your debarkation is painless and you have a good trip home:)

[Bananas27]

I'm lost, who is John?:confused:

 

 

Sorry! I meant Dave...My only excuse is that I teach high school and I spend the entire day talking to teenagers and then I have 2 of my own at home. Sometimes my brain just goes kafluey...:o

[RetiredMustang]

Hello, CC'ers,

 

Dave here, checking in from rainy South Carolina. DW and I discussed what are some of the most depressing words a person on holiday can hear? "Boy, we really needed this!"

 

Expedited departure is great! If it works for your circumsances, I would say go for it. We got up early (we always do), took in full breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, watermelon, tomato juice, two (or maybe three) of those addicitve rolls with butter and apricot jam. Hey, it was a sad day, and I had a long day of driving ahead of me (and the diet starts when we get home) so yes, I indulged -- DW says that's a polite way of saying I pigged out.

 

The sign-up for expedited said you had to meet all of the following:

- You registered a credit card to pay your bill

- You can drag all your own bags

- You can be ready to disembark by 7:15 a.m., with an anticipated release sometime between then and 8.

 

- And probably a couple I don't remember. I don't think you had to be a U.S. citizen, but you probably could not have bought more than the duty-free allowance for your nationality.

 

In any case, we helped the captain dock the ship (like before, and didn't charge this time either :D), went back to the stateroom and checked all the drawers and closets, went to help them bring the brow to the ship, and went back, and discovered it was only 6:30! So, we got some more coffee and pestered our room stewards until 7:15, and went down to the Ocean Bar.

 

We were not the first, but were near the head of the line that the HAL employee herded us into. They got the word by radio to release us, even before the CD announced it, and we waltzed ashore at 7:30, down the escalator, through the customs guy (who spared two seconds to check out our customs forms and 20 nanoseconds each on our passports), and we were outside, dragging bags toward the garage. We loaded up, paid the ransom for our parking ($15 a day, $105 for the week, cash, credit card or first-born) and were on our way. We hit I-595 at 7:42. Beats the heck out of waiting for "Red, 27"!

 

Thanks to all of you for encouraging me in my postings, and for your questions and general interest. I had a blast on the cruise, and part of that was writing about my experiences for you.

 

Signing off on this thread (but look for me on the HAL board with an unsolicited, unmedicated but definitely biased opinion on one thing or another!

 

Goodbye,

Dave

[jrzebird]

Dave here, checking in from rainy South Carolina. DW and I discussed what are some of the most depressing words a person on holiday can hear? "Boy, we really needed this!"

 

Please wave hi to my son and family as you go by the exit for Columbia!

 

And, hurry back to Washington. They need your help and "unsolicited, unmedicated but definitely biased opinion" on many things!

 

Look forward to seeing you online!

[SAMMYR]

Thank you Dave.

I waited until you were home to reply. Followed your cruise in its entirety and can't thank you enough for the information and insight. We will be on the Westerdam on 1/3/10. Our fifth HAL cruise and enjoyed every one. The last being the Eurodam last January. Thanks again.

[Cruiz'nBaers]

Dave,

 

Thank you so much for you "semi-live"review. I thoroughly enjoyed following along with you. I feel a post cruise sadness, almost as much as if I had been on the cruise myself. My dh and I will be on the Eurodam March 28 and this review was a great way to gear up for our cruise. I am really looking forward to cruising with HAL again.

 

Your review, with your attention to detail, has been enjoyed by many. Thanks again.

 

L.:cool:

[LindyLou2]

Thanks again Dave, for allowing us to vicariously cruise along with you. We're on the Westerdam April 5 and greatly anticipating it. It was a joy reading your "Semi-Live" posts every day, and we're looking forward to seeing you elsewhere on these wonderful Cruise Critic Boards!

 

Linda (and dh Rod) :) :)

[Sanibel*Gal]

Thanks again Dave - you really did a nice job & we can hardly wait for our turn!:D

[cruzkitty]

Thanks, Dave for posting this Live Thread. There's not enough of these for the Westerdam. Can't wait to cruise on her in October!!

[jetwet1]

Thanks, Dave for posting this Live Thread. There's not enough of these for the Westerdam. Can't wait to cruise on her in October!!

 

Hello stranger :D

 

Dave, thank you for taking the time to post.

 

The one thing I really did not like was the food on HAL, from the looks of the menus you posted, I may not starve this time :rolleyes:

[cruisingbyu]

Thanks Dave for the Westerdam report! I am sailing on the Westerdam next month and this will be my first HAL experience so I loved reading what there was to do on the ship, and I LOVED looking through the menus and picking out my dinner for each night:D!

[mominthesun]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post while cruising. I will be on the Westerdam April 5 and really enjoyed reading about your trip. I hope you are home safely now.

[Chatim]

I've read through Dave"s (RetiredMustang) review during the cruise now on the main HAL board-can't disagree with anything he said, but we had an entirely different, though equally great, time on the same cruise! With 2 children along, and my mother who has some mobility issues, our experience covered the Club HAL, Lido restaurant, pool areas and beaches. We had reserved a wheelchair transport at embarkation, asked for it right after the passport clearance, and they got it in motion right away. Brought us directly to the Lido restaurant and found a table by the window (around 12 noon) and we started to sample all the stations had to offer. When the call for the cabins being open went our we waited a little while and had no problem getting an elevator or into the room. We had a VD on Deck 4 (4163), tight for the 4 of us, but great closet space and storage areas, we used the shelf under the bathroom sink for everyone's shoes! And they fit there!

We never made it to the Meet and Greet, too many details for 4 of us to accomplish it-I'm sure we ran into some of the CC members, we were at the coffee Dave mentioned where the hotel manager and food service director spoke, it was interesting to hear about the behind the scenes operation of the ship.

We ate all but one meal in the Lido, and had no complaints about the service or ability to carry the plates withour a tray. We usually made a separate trip for drinks, each night had a variety of main courses and my children's favorite-pasta to order made in front of them. Loved the ice cream, was not impressed with the desserts otherwise-note if you see one you want in the case, take it, because they may change and not be there later in the meal. Of course, they may put out something you like better so it's all up to luck.

My boys loved the Club Hal and wanted to be there the moment it opened. I think for them the fact that it was not constant motion and activity, and had some quiet projects, was good, they would have been too wound up with something more intense. They made crepes in the Culinary Arts Center-saw the illusionist perform-took over the Sports Deck-had mystery night and movie night, had a great time.

We used the Lido pool a lot, that's where the boys wanted to be when not in the Club. Hard to get lounge chairs, they were marked early in the day, but easy to get the tables with chairs surrounding them. The Aft pool was marked for adults so we didn't venture there after the first day when I saw the sign, there were more lounge chairs there, and the Aft Pool was heated, the Lido wasn't.

Complaints-they should post the schedule around the ship, if we didn't carry it we forgot what was happening when-casino was smoky and small, seemed cramped to me-all small things

Compliments-service was so great, every crew member knew my sons by name, everyone was gracious to give my mother, using a walker, space and time to get around, room service was on time and hot, towel animals 5 nights out of 7!

Would be happy to answer specific questions on items, so much to write about and remember!

Tina:)

[SteveinPhilly]

Okay Okay, I didn't write my "review" yet. And I haven't read through all of Dave's posting about the trip BUT, I did put my photos and videos into a slide show and this should bring back some memories.

 

Haven't had time to read DAve's full blog yet but wanted to post there where others might see it.:)

 

I created it on Smilebox in a free account so I couldn't choose the music I prefer but I think it works okay. It has sound videos included so keep your volume up. Should take you about 15 minutes to watch.

 

Twas a lot of work, and I hope to put together a DVD one day with Windows Movie Maker but this will suffice for now.

 

Here's the link: (you don't need to log in or sign up for anything to see it.)

 

http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4f444d7...&blogview=true

 

Enjoy - I hope!:)

 

Steve

[SteveinPhilly]

 

I spend a lot of time on a cruise reading, and was hoping to not have to add to my already overweight luggage by choosing books from HAL's normally well-stocked library. Now your comments on the library have me somewhat concerned. Where is the library now? I recall they had moved the library on the Zuiderdam up to the Crow's Nest area along with the Explorations Cafe. Can you tell me if that is where the library is now, and does it seem to be well stocked?

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Bonnie

 

Bonnie: It's stocked but - "well stocked", I have to say no. MIght want to bring some reading. The relocation is strange as the Crows news is now basically quiet and was NEVER busy. No music up there as it's same room as the Explorations cafe. Noted very few folks using the Internet - prices REALLY high. and though many folks PAYING for coffee (higher than Starbucks!) there, not many buying pasteries ;)

 

BTW, not sure if Dave mentioned but DO attend at least one or two of the Digital Workshop classes. They are great. The two guys are wonderful. It's funded by Microsoft to get you on their Windows Live photo hosting site. (ad supported of course). But you can even send some advance photos to your friends from here and no internet charge. I congratulated HAL on this feature.

 

Steve

[cruiseclues]

Dave, I believe this is one of your first posted reviews and I must say that even though it does not have photos at this time...it is outstanding...thank you very much for the work you put into it. I'm lucky to be finding your reviews. :):):):)