Special thanks to HAL’s Director Mariner Society Gerald Bernhoft for this post.
Holland America Line’s flagship the ms Amsterdam set sail from Seattle Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, for her 75-day Grand Asia and Australia Voyage. This circle navigation of the Pacific Rim will showcase the people and cultures of Russia, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and Hawaii, before arriving in San Diego Dec. 5, 2012. Seattle’s Smith Cove cruise terminal set the stage for this memorable voyage. Red Chinese lanterns hung from the ceiling and a 20-foot statue of Neptune greeted guests at the entrance with a Bon Voyage sign intertwined with fresh flowers. The check-in desks were lined with tropical floral arrangements including flags of each country the guests would visit in the next 75 days.
Although the skies were gray with a slight drizzle, smiles from the ship’s officers and crew warmed up the terminal as they greeted arriving guests. Holland America Line President & CEO Stein Kruse, Captain Everson, Hotel Manager Henk Mensink, myself, Cruise Director Gene Young and Sr. Director Revenue Management Andrew Sherry greeted several Holland America Line Mariners at embarkation. President’s Club members Ms. Dolly Smith, Mr. Ronald Evans and his wife Mrs. Cheri Smith-Evans have sailed on Holland America Line collectively over 5,800 days. Bon Voyage ms Amsterdam on your 2012 Grand Asia and Australia Voyage!
Gerald Bernhoft
Director Mariner Society
Holland America Line
President’s Club member Mr. Ronald Evans and his wife Mrs. Cheri Smith-Evans.
President’s Club member Ms. Dolly Smith.
Mariners Ralph and Kathie Ponce De Leon.
Mariner George “Jeff” Farschman.
