Prinsendam 2005 World Tour... it has begun

[smoosh21]

As someone who has traveled on both sides of the equator, it is one of the oldest myths around that the coriolis effect affects toilet bowls and sinks. The problem is these objects are too small. The captain was just repeating bad myths.

 

Please check out this URL for some truths

 

http://www.ems.psu.edu/~fraser/Bad/BadCoriolis.html

[ekerr19]

Grumpy & Slinkie - thanks again for keeping us updated. I wish I were there, but this is the next best thing!

 

Happy Valentine's Day. :)

[NavigatorBride]

Happy Valentine's Day Grumpy and Slinky!!!!

 

I can't think of a more romantic way to celebrate the day than being on a cruise ship.

[Grumpy1]

Prinsendam 2005, Feb 13, Day 30

 

The Prinsendam sailed into the harbor at Suva around 6a, picked up the local pilot and were at the dock shortly after 7. Slinkie and Grumpy enjoyed their usual breakfast on the aft Lido deck and then departed the ship for their tour. Ahhh, buses with cushioned seats...no air conditioning, but at least the seats were comfortable... well a little narrow for some of the wide bodied cruisers, but Slinkie and Grumpy were just fine... After leaving the port, the bus travelled west along the highway that circles the island. Since it was about time for Sunday morning church services... and there is a church about every half mile... there were many of the local people in their Sunday finest walking along the road. Most of the areas that the bus went through were native houses, as opposed to the homes of the Indian population. The tour guide was quite informative about the history and the agricultural of the island. At one point, the driver stopped the bus and the guide started running back along the road. Seems she had managed to lose a shoe out the open door of the bus... The driver backed up as the other traffic managed to get around him... the road is rather narrow and hilly... and retrieved our guide... now wearing both shoes once again... and then continued on to the Cultural Arts center where the buses were greeted with musicians dressed in native costumes. The description of the tour said there were rainbow trout up to 36" long... There were lots of streams with foot bridges crossing them, but if there were any trout in the streams, Slinkie and Grumpy didn't see any. The water was pretty muddy, so that might have had something to do with it.

 

After being herded past the shops and into the amphitheater, the group was treated to a pagent of native music and dances, simulated tribal warfare, and a firewalking ceremony. Actually the Fijians do not walk on the coals of the fire as is done in some cultures, but on rocks that have been toasted in the fire... No, there weren't any volunteers in the audience that wanted to participate...all-in-all it was a very good program.

 

After the program was over there was about a half hour left for shopping before the bus trip back. Slinkie looked at some of the clothing but didn't buy anything in that department. She did pick up a couple of pairs of cute earrings and then they started looking at the wood carvings... Slinkie finally settled on one that is about two feet tall... looks like a warrior's head with a crocodile sitting on his forehead... Grumpy tried to convince her that it was the fertility god... she said she would take her chances...

 

Trulli, they gave out bottles of water, bottled inFiji, on the tour. According to the label, it has more Sodium than the Evian that is supplied onboard, but it is a very good water. Grumpy wouldn't go looking for it in the store, but probably some people would... Slinkie says the Fijian men are too loud and aggressive for her tastes... of course, the ones she saw were simulating warfare, so that might have something to do with that assessment... but Grumpy is happy that she prefers a lover rather than a fighter... and Indonesian rijsttafel has not been on the menu... yet...

 

There wasn't much that was open in the downtown area as we drove through, so Slinkie decided that it wasn't really worth going back out after returning to the Prinsendam for lunch. They just relaxed until time for sailaway...

 

There was a very small cruise ship, the Captain Cook Cruises's "Escape", that came into the harbor after we docked. They had to anchor out, as the Prinsendam was occupying the only berth for passenger vessels. When the Prinsendam sailed away, they made a beeline for the dock. They were probably staying overnight.

 

helenp2, grumpy said Hi to Johnny from you at sailaway... now as far as that big kiss goes... Grumpy didn't Kiss the Fish, and he sure isn't going to kiss Johnny I... in fact, given a choice between the two... bring on that dayum fish! Slinkie will have to handle that chore for you...

 

Himself, yes Father Bill performed Ash Wednesday services with ashes for the Catholics onboard. There were also Protestant services with ashes for those denominations that observe the custom.

 

And so another day draws to a close as the Prinsendam sailed away from Fiji enroute to Tauranga, NZ.

 

Slinkie and Grumpy

 

 

 

Prinsendam 2005, Feb 14, Day 31

 

Happy Valentines Day! Of course in this part of the world it is almost over... Slinkie and Grumpy still have the Valentines Ball to attend to put the finishing touches on a fabulous day... The highlight of the day was dinner... not just any dinner, but cocktails and dinner with Captain Gundersen and 9 other passengers... in his quarters... with all of the trimmings. It was a very nice experience and quite unexpected. . The Captain is hosting dinner in his quarters for all of the full world cruisers.The Captain is a very entertaining host and had a lot of interesting stories about his early days at sea and the adjustments that he has had to make since he married and started a family.

 

OK, Grumpy tried to post this before the ball, but the internet wasn't cooperating.. So off to the Valentine's Red and White Ball. Great time! Slinkie was kicking up her heels with the Captain... as he escorted her off the floor he turned to Grumpy and said "she's really a quite good dancer"... Slinkie and Grumpy have gotten acquainted with two ladies that are travelling together and Grumpy had the pleasure of dancing with each of them while Slinkie was adding to her list of officers... Of course Grumpy made sure that he got most of the dances with Slinkie...

 

After the ball, quite a few of the revellers decided the evening was still young and headed down to the Ocean Bar. The Station Band that normally plays the Ocean Bar had provided the music for the Ball, so some of the Prinsendam orchestra were playing the Ocean Bar. SandyDownUnder, Grumpy passed along your greetings to Larry... he says he will be in touch when he reaches Sydney. Slinkie and Grumpy really enjoy his music.

 

Dolly also was in the Ocean Bar after the ball and Slinkie and Grumpy were able to spend a little time with her... well actually, very little, as she wasn't sitting out many dances... of course, "Hello Dolly" was one of the tunes. Grumpy passed along greetings from RuthC and Dolly was really pleased that you had asked Grumpy to look her up and say Hi... what an amazing lady.. she even insisted on helping the staff decorate the Queen's lounge for the ball... now RuthC, you know Dolly loves to talk... Grumpy's thinking she may have some information about your sins and transgressions that you don't seem to be sharing with us... you may regret asking Grumpy to look her up... Steve Simao had looked up Dolly while he was onboard and she said that she was really surprised to find out that her travels are being tracked on the internet.

 

Well, if the internet cooperates, time to post.

 

Slinky and Grumpy

 

[jhannah]

Sounds like you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day! And dinner in the Captain's quarters. Mercy! You're really hobknobbing with the elite these days! Will you ever be able to return to the world of we mere mortals? :D

 

Now, come on Grumpy. We simply must hear all about RuthC's former sins and transgressions. Please ... don't hold back!

[RuthC]

Now, come on Grumpy. We simply must hear all about RuthC's former sins and transgressions. Please ... don't hold back!

Former? :confused:

Now you remember, Grumpy---what happened on the Rotterdam stays on the Rotterdam! Dolly and I swore each other to secrecy. ;)

Isn't Dolly something? I want to grow up to be just like her (presuming I ever grow up, of course.) More than one night she toddled on in after I did! And that's saying something! :D

[Sail With Me]

Happy Valentine's Day Grumpy and Slinkie...did Slinkie get something that sparkles?????? The more we read the more excited we get about sailing on the Prinsendam in August and next years W.C. Grumpy, could you please tell TIffany

at the Guest Relations desk hi from Karen and Bob? Is it possible to post your itinerary so we can all follow just where you are and where you wil be next? How about some new picture of the two of you???? Have a great continuation of your voyage. By the way, were you ever able to meet Chef Boyce while he was on board on teh way to Hawaii?

[RuthC]

Is it possible to post your itinerary so we can all follow just where you are and where you wil be next?

Check post #265 on page 11 of this thread for the itinerary.

It's a lo-o-o-n-n-n-n-g-g-g-g-g one!

[JLSchutt]

Check post #265 on page 11 of this thread for the itinerary.

 

If you happen to have your preferences set to display the newest postings first, as I do, then #265 is on page 3.

 

--Jim--

[Grumpy1]

Prinsendam 2005, Feb 15, Day 32

 

The Prinsendam continues her journey south, now less than 400 miles to Tauranga, NZ.. in fairly smooth seas... Slinkie is getting so used to being rocked to sleep by the ocean each night that Grumpy will have to invest in an ocean simulator hydraulic system for their bed when the cruise ends... or sign up for more cruises... still have a couple of months left of this one, though....

 

KathieKata and the others that have passed along Valentine's day greetings, Slinkie and Grumpy thank you. It really was a special day and having so many friends following along made it even more special. There was one thing that Grumpy forgot to mention, though... the Valentine's Day pillow gift! Now this may be more than RuthC's heart can take, but it just has to be described...Picture a five inch heart shaped box two inches tall... picture it filled with pralines... but the box is no ordinary box... this box is made of CHOCOLATE!... brushed with gold to give it an antique appearance... probably about a half pound weight... It's going to be a real shame to destroy such a work of art... hmmm, wonder how much one of those would bring on Ebay... Slinkie doesn't eat much chocolate, so Grumpy could eat his and still have one to barter with... Any offers... RuthC?

 

Dinner in the Captain's Quarters is definitely a memorable experience. After being brought to the Captain's quarters by our Maitre' D, Stephane, greeted at the door by the Captain and ushered into his living room for cocktails, Captain Gundersen pointed out some of the artwork and furnishings. The couch and chairs in his living room are the only pieces of furniture onboard that still have their original upholstery... a very soft, sort of slate blue leather... the ship's wheel and navigation instruments that adorn the vestibule... he say's that's where he practices before going to the bridge... and the round table for twelve so elegantly set for dinner. The china and tableware are new this year... and, no, it is not emblazoned with the HAL logo, except for a small logo on the silver cover over the entree plate. The menu was presented in an envelope to each diner. The only item offering a choice was the appetizer... a fruit cocktail or Caviar... all other courses were described in detail. As each course is served by the wait staff, a gong is struck and the assistant Maitre' D describes the course in detail. After he finishes his description and declares "bon apetite" or it's equivalent in Norwegian, that course is consumed. Only when the last diner has indicated that he is finished are the dishes cleared and the next course is presented.

 

The courses, as best Grumpy can remember, started with a crab meat coctail presented on a silver spoon with a curled handle, followed by the appetizer as described before. The soup was a sweet Tomato cream, followed by a small lobster tail. The above courses were accompanied by a Berringer Chardonnay. A sorbet was served and a red french wine was served. The entree, veal medallions, was served with the plate covered with a silver dome. After all plates were in place, each of the six waiters simultaneously lifted two covers and lightly rang them together. The dessert was a hollow chocolate shell filled with a fruit compote and adorned with a white and dark chocolate heart and a white chocolate straw... cupid's arrow? After the final serving plates were cleared, one more tray was brought around. There were at least four treats on the tray, but only one that Grumpy remembers... can you say "Chocolate Strawberries"? The food was excellent and the pagentry of the presentation was unique.

 

Upon returning to their cabin, Slinkie and Grumpy found that in addition to the Valentine's Chocolate box, there was a small wooden chest. Inside the lid is an oval shaped gold plaque with the logo for the Graqnd World Voyage 2005, and in the chest is a 2" diameter gold coin with the same emblem on the face and raised lettering on the obverse that proclaims "Treasure this commemorative coin as much as you treasured the evening of exclusive fine dining with Captain Halle Thon Gundersen". Very nice, indeed!

 

KathieKata, temperatures have been quite warm... just the way Slinkie likes it... but it is a little cooler approaching NZ because of the currents that sweep up from Antartica. The food onboard has been varied, quite often reflecting the area being visited, and always very good. Slinkie and Grumpy eat a light lunch most of the time, but in the Lido there are usually 4 or 5 entrees available for lunch as well as various salad and pasta dishes, fruit, several cheeses, desserts and Pizza... very good pizza! There are hamburgers and hotdogs, deli sandwiches, soups... today there were iced jumbo shrimp, a couple of days ago there were crab claws... way too much food! Oh, eggs benedict is available on request every morning along with omelettes "your way", eggs fixed any way you want them, and usually two featured breakfast dishes. Add in the fruit, pastries, cereals, juices, bacon, ham, hash browns, bagels with cream cheese, well, no one can say there isn't something they like on the menu.

 

Slinkie and Grumpy have heard from a couple that they met through "that other" message board. They had boarded in FLL with Slinkie and Grumpy but weren't sure they would like to cruise for more than three months, so they had only booked to Honolulu. Oh how they wish they had booked the entire voyage! Slinkie and Grumpy enjoyed the time they spent with Bill and Shiela and wish they were still aboard... Miss you, guys... keep in touch...

 

Here's a picture of the Chocolate Valentine... don't drool on your keyboards...

 

Slinkie and Grumpy

 

[KathieKata]

Grumpy, I won't have to EAT for a week after reading about all the yummy food onboard!! Think of me the next time you have Creme Brule!

I'd have to run around the ships track 5 times a day to keep the weight off.

Keep having fun and tell us all about it. I look forward to reading every night!! Thanks.;)

[bepsf]

Wow! What an incredible Valentine's Dinner!

 

 

Keep up the good work!!!

[mrssbi]

I second that!!! What a great dinner and oh that picture of the Valentine heart - Grumpy just feast away!!!! And what a wonderful experience with dinner with the captain.

 

Helenp2 and crew - Johnny e-mailed from the ship today and asked me to tell you all hello and thanks for the greeting.

 

Grumpy and Slinky....keep up the wonderful travelogues..

[Cuttle]

Your description of your travels so far and your experiences on board are so fascinating. Not only are we sailing along with you, you describe the food so vividly, we can savor it. The Red and White Valentine's Ball sounded great - I wonder if they will have a Green and White St. Pat's Ball. And I wonder if all the ladies take gowns of every color? Black, Red and maybe Green and whatever comes next?

 

Regards and enjoy New Zealand. I understand it is a beautiful country.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

I have been following this thread with great interest.

 

On Thursday when you arrive in Auckland ,

we will be picking up Liz,at 9.30

who we met, on a 30 day sector cruise,

from South America to Sydney on

Amsterdams World Cruise.......

 

and taking her on a personal tour

of our local highlights......

 

Have a fantastic day in Tauranga......

get up on deck for the sail in/out

it is just great.....

 

Thank you both so much for your postings

 

I loved the the description of your Captains Dinner

that is just how it happens.......

 

Enjoy Kiwiland......

 

David.

[Sinbad37]

AND THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS ...

 

OSHS has just topped all expected and unexpected sales records!!!!

(If we go Public??? Just pay me off with the next Around the World Cruise .. AND UNLIMITED CHARGE ACCOUNT !:D )

 

OCEAN SIMULATOR HYDROLIC SYSTEMS, INC.

[DFD1]

INCREDIBLE! What a grand experience for the two of you! Great memories for a lifetime.

I say again, I hope you really understand how much all of us are enjoying these postings from you. They are the very best!

[soccerfootballmom]

Personally, I'm thinking HAL should reimburse Grumpy and Slinkie their cruise fare...I can't wait to go on a WC now, and it's all thanx to reading this thread !!;)

[RuthC]

There was one thing that Grumpy forgot to mention, though... the Valentine's Day pillow gift! Now this may be more than RuthC's heart can take, but it just has to be described...Picture a five inch heart shaped box two inches tall... picture it filled with pralines... but the box is no ordinary box... this box is made of CHOCOLATE!... brushed with gold to give it an antique appearance... probably about a half pound weight... It's going to be a real shame to destroy such a work of art... hmmm, wonder how much one of those would bring on Ebay... Slinkie doesn't eat much chocolate, so Grumpy could eat his and still have one to barter with... Any offers... RuthC?

Be still my heart! I'm ready to offer my heart, soul, first born and kingdom for it!

I well remember the Grand South Pacific Cruise and all the special "pillow gifts" that we received. And that many a night the pillow chocolate was a special truffle. But never was there a pillow gift such as your's. Wow.

[ekerr19]

Wow! What an evening! What a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day. :)

 

I am enjoying this so much - can't wait for the next installment.

[Cruising Jake]

I am a confirmed chocoholic (move over, RuthC). I am absolutely drooling all over the computer keyboard.

[localady]

Grumpy-

 

Thanks for the wonderfully descriptive Valentine's dinner with the Capt. posting. All I can say is wow, it must be hard to be Capt. Gunderson and have to eat like that:eek: ......now there is one demanding job!!!;)

I best not say that though as he (Capt. Gunderson) may use me as shark food during my July Baltic cruise!:eek:

Looking forward to tales from Tauranga!!!

Continued blue skies and safe seas.......:cool:

[NavigatorBride]

Grumpy, I say EAT THE CHOCOLATE! You'll regret in later if you don't and it goes stale. Just take plenty of pictures to remember it by and ENJOY!

I don't know where you get your willpower from...that would be me.

[pmts]

What a great voyage log. I'm so glad we found this post.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Grumpy and Slinkie, All I can say is WOW, the Captains Dinner sounds so impressive. What a way to travel:p I am so glad you are taking us along on your wonderful journey. Thanks so much!!!!!

 

One question, How many empty suit cases did you bring on board? Slinkie sounds like a girl after my own heart.