Dave's Live from Ryndam, Feb. 6-20, 2011

[erewhon]

Carol, Donna, et al,

 

I checked with the most knowledgeable people I know on board (the bar staff at the Ocean Bar), and they assure me that, indeed, Mama Lou is currently on board Ryndam.

 

They told me she does not come to happy hour, but passes through now and then, and promised to introduce me if it occurs that I am there when she comes through. Looks like I'll be spending even more time in the Ocean Bar the next couple of days ....

 

Dave

 

You will know it's her, as she has a horn to toot on her walker.

She often wears a flower in her hair, and sometimes wears a crew uniform with lots of name badges.

When we met her on the Statendam she was usually at early dinner in the lower dining room.

[jimmy2x]

Looks like I'll be spending even more time in the Ocean Bar the next couple of days ....

 

Tough duty, but as the expression goes "Somebody has to do it".;)

[Southbound]

Hi Dave, Thanks so much for all of the info and wonderful photos. We'll soon be sailing the Ryndam for the first time and will put your generosity to good use.

 

One quick question: Was there a Master Chef's dinner and, if so, on what day of the week was it? We've seen it several times and would like to substitute dinner at the Canelletto that evening. :) Lee

[RetiredMustang]

Thursday, Feb. 17, Belize City, Belize

This morning we had about a hour or so of scenic cruising of the Belize bay, as the ship zigged and zagged around islands, reefs and shallows. We followed the Carnival Valor into anhorage, about four miles or so from the city.

Captain Rowden had told us the day before that we would not be using the ship's tenders in Belize, but would use commerical ones from the shore. There were several fast water txis and catamaran-hulled boats that were being used. When it was our turn, we discovered that it really was only about 20 minutes to tender into the town piers. Here is a photo of one of the catamarans, tied up at the piers area:

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Belize_tender_at_Tourist_Village.JPG

The piers area was called the Front Street Tourist Village, and it consisted of a long stretch of waterfront, with four "terminals" packed with shops. The area was entry-controlled, so that only passengers, workers and licensed guides were allowed in. But just outside was the city, with a craft market nearby and the city center about a five minute walk. The tender landing areas for Carnival (terminal 2) and HAL (terminnal 4) were separated and easy to avoid getting on the wrong tender. Later, the AIDAluna pulled into achorage with us but I never saw which terminal/pier she was using to tender

I think the concept of the Tourist Village is similar to the new cruise ports being built around the Caribbean -- to provide a safe, clean and convenient environement. This one was pretty good, and seemed to have some unique character to it. It has lots of very clean restrooms, shops both large like Diamonds Internatioal, and small craft stands, and a few bars and restaurants like the Wet Lizard: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Belize_Tourist_Village.JPG

We had signed up for the city tour and airboat ride ship's excursion. We went ashore early and wandered the Tourist Village, then gathered near terminal 4. We were then walked through the terminal to a bus and van staging area in the back to board our bus. We then did a 30-minute city tour before driving about 5 miles out of town to a national mangrove preserve to board the only licensed airboats in the preserve. THey split us into three groups of about 15 each and had us board three of the four large airboats.

The company's name is Bak-A-Bush, and they use some large airboats: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Belize_airboat.JPG. There are three benches for 4-5 people, and a couple of single seats up front. The two seats elevated at the back are for the pilot and another passenger. I was the last of our group to board the airboat, and they assigned me to the seat next to the captain, which gave a great view!

We went down a canal and out into and across a large lagoon to the mangrove swamp, following channels where necessary or skimming over wider areas of water at high speed. What a thrill! http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Belize_airboat_ride_1.JPG

The pilot would stop the airboat at likely spots and the first mate at the front would point out wildlife or other things to see. We saw a six-foot crocodile, a couple of large turtles, and hundreds of birds, mostly herons and egrets, but also some raptors, a few yellow-billed coots, and many smaller birds that flitted among the mangroves and saw palmettos.

I did not get a photo of the crocodile, and tried to get some of birds as both they and we were flying at speed, but none really came out. Here is a shot when we were going slowly and the first mate was pointing out on photo-style handouts the birds we were seeing: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Belize_airboat_ride_2.JPG

We were provided hearing protection muffs and wore them whenever the boat's engine was running, but could take them off when we stopped so we could hear what the first mate was saying. We returned to the large lagoon, which is a good habitat for manatees, and we went slowly for a bit of the shoreline, but did not spot any. As with any trip to spot wildlife, you sometimes get lucky and sometimes you don't.

We returned to the Tourist Village and walked about some more before catching a tender back to the ship to shower and prepare for dinner.

We were at the Ocean Bar for happy hour when the captain came on the announcement system to tell us that the main steam system had lost a seal at a junture, and he was having the steam drained so no one would be in danger while they replaced the seal. He said it may affect early dinner, as the steam fed the galley, and that we would not get underway until repairs were completed, but he estimated it would only be an hour or 90 minutes. Only about 20 minutes later, he came on and reported that repairs had been completed and we would depart shortly. Since the transit from Belize to Costa Maya, our next port, is only 90 nautical miles, he said we would not be late into Costa Maya.

More later,

Dave

Edited February 18, 2011 by RetiredMustang

[RetiredMustang]

Hi Dave, Thanks so much for all of the info and wonderful photos. We'll soon be sailing the Ryndam for the first time and will put your generosity to good use.

 

One quick question: Was there a Master Chef's dinner and, if so, on what day of the week was it? We've seen it several times and would like to substitute dinner at the Canelletto that evening. :) Lee

 

Lee,

 

The Master Chef Dinner was held on Saturday, the last night, of the previous cruise. We have been told it will be the same this cruise.

 

Dave

[kazu]

Thursday, Feb. 17, Belize City, Belize

 

This morning we had about a hour or so of scenic cruising of the Belize bay, as the ship zigged and zagged around islands, reefs and shallows. We followed the Carnival Valor into anhorage, about four miles or so from the city.

 

Captain Rowden had told us the day before that we would not be using the ship's tenders in Belize, but would use commerical ones from the shore. There were several fast water txis and catamaran-hulled boats that were being used. When it was our turn, we discovered that it really was only about 20 minutes to tender into the town piers. Here is a photo of one of the catamarans, tied up at the piers area:

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Belize_tender_at_Tourist_Village.JPG

 

The piers area was called the Front Street Tourist Village, and it consisted of a long stretch of waterfront, with four "terminals" packed with shops. The area was entry-controlled, so that only passengers, workers and licensed guides were allowed in. But just outside was the city, with a craft market nearby and the city center about a five minute walk. The tender landing areas for Carnival (terminal 2) and HAL (terminnal 4) were separated and easy to avoid getting on the wrong tender. Later, the AIDAluna pulled into achorage with us but I never saw which terminal/pier she was using to tender

 

I think the concept of the Tourist Village is similar to the new cruise ports being built around the Caribbean -- to provide a safe, clean and convenient environement. This one was pretty good, and seemed to have some unique character to it. It has lots of very clean restrooms, shops both large like Diamonds Internatioal, and small craft stands, and a few bars and restaurants like the Wet Lizard: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Belize_Tourist_Village.JPG

 

We had signed up for the city tour and airboat ride ship's excursion. We went ashore early and wandered the Tourist Village, then gathered near terminal 4. We were then walked through the terminal to a bus and van staging area in the back to board our bus. We then did a 30-minute city tour before driving about 5 miles out of town to a national mangrove preserve to board the only licensed airboats in the preserve. THey split us into three groups of about 15 each and had us board three of the four large airboats.

 

The company's name is Bak-A-Bush, and they use some large airboats: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Belize_airboat.JPG. There are three benches for 4-5 people, and a couple of single seats up front. The two seats elevated at the back are for the pilot and another passenger. I was the last of our group to board the airboat, and they assigned me to the seat next to the captain, which gave a great view!

 

We went down a canal and out into and across a large lagoon to the mangrove swamp, following channels where necessary or skimming over wider areas of water at high speed. What a thrill! http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Belize_airboat_ride_1.JPG

 

The pilot would stop the airboat at likely spots and the first mate at the front would point out wildlife or other things to see. We saw a six-foot crocodile, a couple of large turtles, and hundreds of birds, mostly herons and egrets, but also some raptors, a few yellow-billed coots, and many smaller birds that flitted among the mangroves and saw palmettos.

 

I did not get a photo of the crocodile, and tried to get some of birds as both they and we were flying at speed, but none really came out. Here is a shot when we were going slowly and the first mate was pointing out on photo-style handouts the birds we were seeing: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Belize_airboat_ride_2.JPG

 

We were provided hearing protection muffs and wore them whenever the boat's engine was running, but could take them off when we stopped so we could hear what the first mate was saying. We returned to the large lagoon, which is a good habitat for manatees, and we went slowly for a bit of the shoreline, but did not spot any. As with any trip to spot wildlife, you sometimes get lucky and sometimes you don't.

 

We returned to the Tourist Village and walked about some more before catching a tender back to the ship to shower and prepare for dinner.

 

We were at the Ocean Bar for happy hour when the captain came on the announcement system to tell us that the main steam system had lost a seal at a junture, and he was having the steam drained so no one would be in danger while they replaced the seal. He said it may affect early dinner, as the steam fed the galley, and that we would not get underway until repairs were completed, but he estimated it would only be an hour or 90 minutes. Only about 20 minutes later, he came on and reported that repairs had been completed and we would depart shortly. Since the transit from Belize to Costa Maya, our next port, is only 90 nautical miles, he said we would not be late into Costa Maya.

 

More later,

Dave

 

Sounds like a nice tour Dave - thanks for the wonderful report

[Susie51]

Once again, thank you for your information-packed post. You have gone to so many ports I have never been to in the W. Carib. I started my search yesterday for a similar cruise as yours. I have two cruises coming up for 2011, so I will be looking at 2012.

[sapper1]

Carol, Donna, et al,

 

I checked with the most knowledgeable people I know on board (the bar staff at the Ocean Bar), and they assure me that, indeed, Mama Lou is currently on board Ryndam.

 

They told me she does not come to happy hour, but passes through now and then, and promised to introduce me if it occurs that I am there when she comes through. Looks like I'll be spending even more time in the Ocean Bar the next couple of days ....

 

Dave

Ah---a man on a mission.:D

[Krazy Kruizers]

dave

i still say that the concierges can set up a time for you to meet mama lou

[callmedeb]

We then did a 30-minute city tour before driving about 5 miles out of town to a national mangrove preserve to board the only licensed airboats in the preserve. THey split us into three groups of about 15 each and had us board three of the four large airboats.

 

The company's name is Bak-A-Bush

 

My sister and I did this tour too, LOVED it! It certainly made our visit to Belieze!

 

Deb

 

P.S. She got the best seat (up with the driver) too!

[RuthC]

We had signed up for the city tour and airboat ride ship's excursion.

Isn't that the greatest fun! Just about exactly two years ago I was doing that tour with my grandgirl. It gave her a chance to see, just a little bit, what it's like to live in other places, and to give her a grand time on the airboats.

I know I had a blast. I was even ok when the guide started tossing pieces of chicken to attract the crocodile closer and closer. :eek:

Am I the only one who saw a pair of shoes and matching purse gliding toward us? :D

[RetiredMustang]

dave

 

i still say that the concierges can set up a time for you to meet mama lou

 

KK,

 

I've been popping onto CC only in short periods. I did read your earlier post, and have acted on it -- thanks for the tip. I actually saw Mama Lou today at the Lido at lunch, but did not want to intrude while she was getting a sandwich. I spoke with the concierge, and he said he would set up a meeting so I could ask to have my photo taken with her!

 

I've been also just reading about your bad accident; I haven't read the whole thread, but enough to know what happened. Hope you are doing better, and thanks for checking into my blog.

 

Dave

[innlady1]

Dave,

I have so enjoyed your "live from" - so much so that I'm having second thoughts on booking the same itinerary we had this year again on the Maasdam in mid January.

I'm seriously considering switching to the Ryndam. In your opinion, how does the "feeling" compare to the Maasdam? We loved the Maasdam, the crew, everything about her!

We always go over to Naples after the cruise and DH always comments he'd love to go to Key West from there but it's a 4 hour drive! Also, he tried to get together with a good friend from Tampa while we were in Naples but too long a drive. So I'm thinking he'd really enjoy this.

How do the ports compare to the ones in the Caribbean and the ABC's (which, so far, are our favorite)?

[quietfamilycruisers]

Hi, I'm new to CC, hope I post correctly. We will be on the Ryndam the 27th of March, following your same itinerary. I have been researching Belize, and I have become concerned about the safety of the tenders and the port. Do you feel this is an appropriate and safe port for our 11 and 14 year old children. We were considering the city tour and river excursion, but are rethinking due to reports of dangerous tenders. If we don't take the excursion we will be staying onboard and enjoying the pool with less crowds. Which do you think is a better option.

[RetiredMustang]

OK, I finally met up with Mama Lou ... at the casino. We chatted for a long time, and she is a very charming lady. We think we may have met on the old Noordam III in 1996. (In the Piet Hein bar ...;))

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/504/RetiredMustang_with_Mama_Lou.JPG

 

Dave

Edited February 19, 2011 by RetiredMustang

[RetiredMustang]

Hi, I'm new to CC, hope I post correctly. We will be on the Ryndam the 27th of March, following your same itinerary. I have been researching Belize, and I have become concerned about the safety of the tenders and the port. Do you feel this is an appropriate and safe port for our 11 and 14 year old children. We were considering the city tour and river excursion, but are rethinking due to reports of dangerous tenders. If we don't take the excursion we will be staying onboard and enjoying the pool with less crowds. Which do you think is a better option.

 

I think the tenders are very safe, and should be no problem. We booked an excursion through HAL and had no problems. We heard that anyone inside the Tourist Village is licensed and safe to use, whether it is shops, tour guides or whatever; it is only if you go with someone outside that there may be a problem. My best guess -- choose something the ship offers and enjoy your stay in Belize!

 

Dave

[erewhon]

What a super photo of you and Mama Lou.

So pleased to see that she is looking well.

Thank you for posting this and all your photos.

[Susie51]

What a great pic of you and Momma Lou. Thank you for sharing.

 

I have enjoyed your posts so much I'm seriously considering booking March 18, 2012 on Ryndam. I just need to find a cruise partner. DH doesn't like the beach or snorkeling like I do. Is there any golfing at the ports or a golf net on Ryndam. HAL is the only cruise line he wants to sail with.

 

What are the mini-suites like on Ryndam? Is there a table that is chair height instead of coffee table height in a mini-suite?

[mamaofami]

Dave, thanks so much for the pictures of the mix, piano bar, etc. And I loved the picture of you and Mama Lou. Sounds like a wonderful cruise.

[ricki]

OK, I finally met up with Mama Lou ... at the casino. We chatted for a long time, and she is a very charming lady. We think we may have met on the old Noordam III in 1996. (In the Piet Hein bar ...;))

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/504/RetiredMustang_with_Mama_Lou.JPG

 

Dave

 

I love the story of Mama Lou and I hope we get to meet her next week on the Ryndam.

 

Many thanks for all your reports, Dave, and safe journey home!

 

Ricki

[RetiredMustang]

Friday, Feb. 18, Costa Maya, Mexico

We arrived in Costa Maya early in the morning, in a pretty stiff breeze that made it a bit difficult to tie up the ship. We were cleared quickly, though, and shortly after 7 a.m. there were people going ashore.

The pier is pretty long up to the cruise port at Costa Maya: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Costa_Maya_cruise_port.JPG, but there is a trolley to help those who need it: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Costa_Maya_pier_trolley.JPG

The Costa May cruise port is one of those created-from-scratch places designed to cater to cruise ship passengers, but it is a very nice and pretty place. It soon will celebrate its 10th anniversary, and has rebuilt since the damage of Hurricane Dean in 2007. Here are some shots of the port area:

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Costa_Maya_beach.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Costa_Maya_pool_and_bar1.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Costa_Maya_shops.JPG

There was also a small pool near the waterfront that had a sign advertising what we thought was a trip to go see dolphins, but just before pull-away at 2:30, we noticed that trainers were gathering around the small pool, and we could see a pair of dolphins leaping from the water. The pool looks too small to be a permanent home for the dolphins, I think, but they may bring them in now and and then to perform for cruise passengers.

We were in Costa Maya just two years ago, and noticed this time how much has grown up just outside the cruise port boundaries -- shops, restaurants, even a hotel -- and there appears to be plenty of construction going on, so more may be coming soon. Last time, we went to Kohunlich Mayan ruins, which was a wonderful trip, but it was long and tiring, since the ruins were two or more hours away by bus.

So, this time, we chose an excursion to Chacchoben Mayan ruins, which are only one hour away by bus. We went ashore at 7:30 for our 7:50 meet time, thinking to get a few photos of the cruise pier area befoer our trip. But, they had so many people signed up for the tour that they were sending the buses as soon as they filled up -- we got right into line and were able to be among the last for the first of five buses to Chacchoben.

The drive to the ruins was a pleasant one, as the authorities have built some nice new roads and highways over the past few years. The Mayan town has not been completely excavated, and it is smaller than Kohunlich to begin with, so we were able to see and learn about the places excavated at a reasonable pace. The grounds were prette level, and except for the last temple visited did not require climbing.

Here is the first temple we visited: http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Chacchoben_temple_1.JPG. Around the other side, there was an opportunity to climb up some of the pyramid, although ropes kept us from going to the top. http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Chacchoben_temple_2.JPG.

The ruins, as in other Mayan ones we have visited, have been both excavated and restored -- a thin line demarcated the original stonework below, and the restored part above, although the restored part used original stone found at the site.

We went through a section of a central plaza to another temple area, which was on a raised area reachable by climbing a dozen or so steep steps. Here is a photo of that temple. http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/510/Chacchoben_temple_3.JPG

Our guide explained the Mayan calendars, including the very accurate solar calendar they developed. He explained that the Mayan solar calendar was off only by a few seconds a year, so that instead of having to add a leap day every four years, the Mayan one only had to add a leap day every 5,000+ years. He said the calendar started counting from a date in the 3,000's B.C., and would finish its cycle on Dec. 21, 2012, at 4 p.m. -- It is not the forecast of the end of the world, but simply the time to add a leap day to the Mayan calendar.

We returned to the ship and went immediately to late lunch in the Lido, which is when I first spotted Mama Lou. After lunch I did as Krazy Kruisers suggested and asked the concierge for help setting up a meeting.

DW and I dressed for the last formal night in the dining room, and had a greta meal. At the end, we looked over the dessert menu, and DW did not really fancy anything, so she said she would have "the RuthC" -- which is what we had taken to calling the always available chocolate dessert: Chocolate Brownie Stack - Decadent brownie layered with creamy chocolate pudding, piled with chocolate cake chunks and drenched with milk chocolate ganache.

After dinner, I checked with the concierge to see if he had heard from Mama Lou. He had not yet made contact with her, so we went to the casino, and I spotted her -- she was sitting at my favorite slot machine, the penny clot with the lemmings that do silly things. She was chatting with a member of the staff, and I intorduced myself and asked to have a photo taken, which the staff member kindly was able to help me with.

I told her that I belonged to CC, and that I had been told by many CC'ers, including Donna, that she was aboard RYndam now. She was happy to chat, and have her picture taken. In fact, when she heard about CC, she brought up with pleasure that she had been invited to the meet and greet that Donna had set up. She enjoys that memory. We talked for a while, about the state of the world, military service, life on board ship, etc. She said she had started crusing the she does in the 1990s, on the old Noordam and other ships, and said we could very well have met back then. I do remember meeting a woman on Noordam III who was cruising a lot and it may have been Mama Lou.

The concierge had told me that the crew of the Ryndam had gotten together and presented her with a very large teddy bear. He said they had a contest to name the bear, with the winning entry being "Ryndi Roo." Well, Mam Lou presented me her card, which says on one side "Cruising with MaMa Lou & Ryndi Roo" and on the other side a photo of her and the teddy bear.

I then went to the concierge to let him know that I had met MaMa Lou, and to thank him for trying to set something up for me.

More later,

Dave

Edited February 19, 2011 by RetiredMustang

[GmaPajama]

Oh Dave, I'm so glad you got to spend some time with Mama Lou. She can certainly be the highlight of a cruise. Great photo of the two of you!

[innlady1]

Dave, so happy that you finally got to meet and chat with MaMa Lou before the end of your cruise! I've so enjoyed reading along on your wonderful "Live from...."

When I think of you, I think of the lovely pink flamingo flag you and your wife brought to the Meet and Greet on the Voyage of the Pink Flamingos last year! I still have it, of course!

Edited February 19, 2011 by innlady1

[RuthC]

DW and I dressed for the last formal night in the dining room, and had a greta meal. At the end, we looked over the dessert menu, and DW did not really fancy anything, so she said she would have "the RuthC" -- which is what we had taken to calling the always available chocolate dessert: Chocolate Brownie Stack - Decadent brownie layered with creamy chocolate pudding, piled with chocolate cake chunks and drenched with milk chocolate ganache.

Oh, my! That sounds decadent! :eek: I am honored that you named it after me.

 

I liked that tour out to Chacchoben. The ruins were interesting, and not too strenuous. Even the shopping area had a few interesting things.

[RetiredMustang]

Dave,

 

I have so enjoyed your "live from" - so much so that I'm having second thoughts on booking the same itinerary we had this year again on the Maasdam in mid January.

 

I'm seriously considering switching to the Ryndam. In your opinion, how does the "feeling" compare to the Maasdam? We loved the Maasdam, the crew, everything about her!

 

We always go over to Naples after the cruise and DH always comments he'd love to go to Key West from there but it's a 4 hour drive! Also, he tried to get together with a good friend from Tampa while we were in Naples but too long a drive. So I'm thinking he'd really enjoy this.

 

How do the ports compare to the ones in the Caribbean and the ABC's (which, so far, are our favorite)?

 

Sheila,

 

It has been six years since we were on Maasdam, but she was our favorite of the "S" class ships we had been aboard. It's a bit hard to compare the "feel" or Ryndam with six-year-old (or more) memories, but I would say that Ryndam is comparable to our experience on Maasdam. This has been a very comfortable and relaxing cruise, with no obstacles to overcome; the staff from the captain down has been wonderful.

 

Bottom line: I think someone who enjoys Maasdam would feel at home on Ryndam.

 

So far as the ports go, the only one of this 14-day period that matches or exceeds the ABCs is Key West, although we enjoyed our visits. Ocho Rios is what it is, but should soon be replaced on the itinerary with a new port at Falmouth. Cozumel is still a great place, as is Costa Maya, and we enjoyed our first visits to Belize and Mahogany Bay very much. The new inclusive cruise ports are much like the ones we and you visited on Noordam last year --Grand Turk, and to some extent St. Maarten and Crown Bay in St. Thomas; they are very nice, new, safe and convenient, but somewhat anonymous. But, you can get out to see the Mayan history, or the countryside and the people, and be able to come back to a great relaxing oasis by the sea in each case.

 

Hope to see you on another Dam ship one day,

 

Dave

Edited February 19, 2011 by RetiredMustang