Cruise Diary: Sept. 16, Departing Rotterdam
Cornelis “Cees” Kloppenburg and his wife Yvon are reprising their role as cruise diarists on this sailing of Rotterdam, which marks their one-year wedding anniversary. Congratulations, Cees and Yvon! Bon voyage!
Day 1. Leaving ms Rotterdam’s home port
After making this summer season several calls in Rotterdam, today, the 16th of September the ship will leave the home port for who knows how long this time. It must have been pleasant visits for the crew. At all the calls there were enthusiastic crowds along the river waving goodbye.
They were packing on the provisions for our cruise.
Check-in went very smoothly, from arriving at the cruise terminal to lunch on the Lido took us only 25 minutes. Rotterdam cruise terminal knows how to handle Holland America Line ships, and with the Dutch office opposite the mooring spot, many helpful hands are there. I saw Alexander (PR Dutch office) busy showing around journalists. I know Alexander from the christening of Eurodam, and I’m sure all were in good hands with him.
Dutch PR guy Alexander Bakker showing journalists around the ship.
We also met Nico Bleichhold, the sales director, who was busy informing travel agents and tour operators about Holland America Line cruises. Also on board were customers interested in the world cruises of Holland America line.
It was just like being “back home,” and yes it was. Suitcases were brought to our cabin on the lower promenade, time to unpack and use all the spacious wardrobes.
Then the signal sounded for the boat drill. You cannot loose your way to your life boat, everywhere you will find the crew to show you were to go.
Then it’s sail away, and leaving Rotterdam with the former head office of HAL in the back, bridge “the swan” — you cannot get enough of it.
Sail away time with the farewell choir and spectacular view of the former HAL head office.
On deck until the pilot leaves our ship at sea, you do not want to miss any view sailing on Rotterdam New waterway, and even pass your home town and apartment block.
Dinner time or if you want barbecue time the choice is ours.
See you in the next blog,
Cees and Yvon kloppenburg on board m/s Rotterdam
