On September 25, 2009, the Oosterdam made its final call of the season in Monte Carlo, Monaco. September 25 was also the day before last of the International Boat Show, featuring yachts of all sizes, in and outside of the harbor. To accommodate all those yachts, many of the regular yachts had been moved outside… read more of “Captain’s…”
[Holland America Line’s Westerdam is in San Diego today.] For families, there is no better cruise port than San Diego. Only a few minutes from the cruise terminal is Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park. Encompassing 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is second only to the Smithsonian in size and is often referred to… read more of “San Diego: Perfect…”
Rotterdam regional TV channel “Rijnmond” joined pilot Frans Jan van den Hoek as he brought ms Rotterdam into the port of Rotterdam for the last time this season. Reporter Renske van der Hoeven of the port related the show “Ik ziet de haven al …” (“I can see the port …”) and followed the discussions… read more of “Dutch TV Profiles a…”
Aboard ms Rotterdam. Tuesday night gave another highlight of the cruise. Peter Kofler, the executive chef, and his staff showed their talents in creating the most fabulous dessert creations. Let the pictures show what is I think was the most photographed event of our cruise. Peter, it was great.
The Canada/New England itinerary can be challenging this time of year. Yesterday in Gaspe, Quebec, the guests unfortunately never saw the port from the ship. They had to be reminded that we were indeed in port and they could board the tenders. Here we are in Bar Harbour, pronounced “Bah Habar” by the locals. The… read more of “Captain’s…”
Aboard ms Rotterdam, at sea. This morning there was a briefing from our cruise director about disembarkation in Athens. A sea day is a perfect time to do this. But we will not leave the ship yet because we have to make two more calls in Greece and one in Turkey. After the briefing the… read more of “Cruise Diary: Sept….”
Rotterdam called at Civitavecchia, Italy, yesterday, and the ship’s stage manager, Aaron, sent us photos from his trip into Rome.
Aboard ms Rotterdam, calling at Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Monday our port of call was Civitavecchia, Italy, which is an hour away from Rome. We decided to visit the city on our own and took the one-hour train ride. Cornelis “Cees” and Yvon Kloppenberg, Rotterdam to Athens on board ms Rotterdam.