During its 24-day South Pacific Crossing voyage, the ms Oosterdam experienced April 21 twice, as it passed the international date line through the islands of Western and American Samoa.

For the first April 21, 2013, the Oosterdam invited a local Christian youth group on board during its call at Apia, Western Samoa. Hosted by our Event Manager Aaron Whipple, the youth group enjoyed a tour of the ship as well as lunch on the lido’s pool deck.

From left: Oosterdam Second Executive Chef Norbert Sommerhalter and the ship’s Lido Assistant Steward Indaharini Nenobais serve children food on board.

From left: Oosterdam Youth Staff Representative Pauline Kors poses for a photo with a Samoan child, a local youth group coordinator and Oosterdam Event Manager Aaron Whipple.

During the second April 21, 2013, the Oosterdam made its maiden call to Pago Pago, American Samoa. The Oosterdam was welcomed by Governor Lolo M. Moliga, who is also the honorary chairman of the American Red Cross of American Samoa. The governor accepted donations gathered on board by various crew members, while joined by Samoa Business & Culture Chairman Hans Langkilde in an exchange of gifts with Oosterdam Captain Henk Draper.

From left: America Samoa Governor Lolo M. Moliga, Oosterdam’s Captain Henk Draper and Samoa Business & Culture Chairman Hans Langkilde.

Ship’s agents on behalf of the American Samoa Red Cross stand beside Oosterdam Human Resources Manager Natalie Ansari and members of the ship’s housekeeping staff.

The ship’s port agents mentioned that the donations came at a good time, as Western Samoa had recently experienced some major flooding that required assistance from Western Samoa’s Red Cross.

Natalie Ansari is Oosterdam’s human resources manager.