The crew members of the ms Rotterdam got together and decided to collect donations for the survivors of the recent earthquake in Indonesia. The crew members were able to collect $1,430, which was sent to Indonesia with three crew members: Nurdin, lead cabin steward; Yuse, lead cabin steward, and Donny, cabin steward, who all left… read more of “Rotterdam’s…”
All I could think as the bus pulled away from the ship was, “I’m really here … really in Africa … really on my way to the only remaining wonder of the ancient world.” You guessed it, today we’re in Egypt! Alexandria is a three-hour bus ride from Cairo and I knew that, like Jerusalem,… read more of “Walking Like an…”
I honestly didn’t know what to expect from our call at Jerusalem. Growing up Catholic I am very familiar with the stories and the significance of the place, but I never quite appreciated it fully until I was there. Yesterday, Rotterdam called on Ashdod, Israel, gateway to Jerusalem. Starting over a month ago, I organized… read more of “Exploring…”
This will be my last blog for this cruise written from my home base. We had ended our cruise this weekend in Piraeus. Our last port of call was Kusadasi on Friday, and this port was very special. My youngest daughter, who I (through circumstances) had not seen for seven years, was on holiday there,… read more of “Cruise Diary: Our…”
Yesterday was a busy day in Santorini — nine ships visited at different times during the day. Two of those ships were Holland America Line ships. The Noordam has been following us for the last few days! If you’ve ever seen a picture of Greece, you’ve seen Santorini. Santorini is “the Greek port.” Little white… read more of “It’s All…”
Aboard ms Rotterdam, calling at Santorini, Greece. Today we were in Santorini. First, we took tenders to shore, then we traveled up a hill by cable car. From there, I witnessed one of the most beautiful views I have ever have seen in my life.
Aboard ms Rotterdam. This Wednesday we had the Master Chef’s Dinner. It was so nice to see all of the table stewards and other dining room staff — what a great celebration it was. We even had a speech from Executive Chef Peter Kofler, which resulted in a warm applause for all involved in preparing… read more of “Cruise Diary:…”
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.
