Eurodam June 1- June 12 - Nothern Europe

[ksmaxey]

Here are the notes I typed while on the cruise. There was limited internet so though I had hoped to post while on the cruise it is only now that I can post our experiences.

 

Traveling and Arrival.

Our flights and transfers were arranged through Holland. We flew United from Detroit to Chicago where we switched to a Star Alliance Partner SAS. We had not flown internationally through O’Hare before and discovered that we had to leave the terminal a take a train to terminal 5. While a hassle, what was more irritating was that SAS is not a partner with the TSA so we could not use our known traveler status as we went through airport security a second. Part of the advantage of now having to empty your bags and nearly strip was lost in the mass of families with children trying to get to their connections. The SAS flight was out of gate with no seating at the gate and there were 327 people flying out. Boarding for the international flight took less time that the boarding for the United partner flying the regional Embraer jet.

The flight was uneventful with us boarding just before 10 PM and taking off by 10:40. Dinner service began as soon as we were inflight and SAS provides one non-alcoholic drink with your meal. The plan was excessively warm and we both had trouble sleeping in flight. The crew had carefully closed all the window shades because our route north caused the sun to shine in at about 2 am. About 11 AM, Copenhagen time, (6 hours earlier than EST) and 2 hours before landing they served a chilled breakfast. We landed at 1:10 PM and quickly made our way through Customs/Emigration and to baggage claim. We met a Holland representative; and were gathered for what was to be a full bus ride to the ship. I was concerned because it was already 2 PM and they were waiting for flights arriving at 2 PM. We knew that all aboard was at 4PM. Thankfully a sudden change of mind had us head toward the Eurodam at 2:40 and we arrived at 3:20, after all the other passengers had begun the muster drill on the decks. After making the reservation through a PCC I inquired if we would arrive early enough and we were assured we would. I am not sure I would agree to another flight with similar time constraints. We learned that 21 passengers did not make it and had to join the ship at the first port the next day.

We had tagged our luggage to be taken to our room so we only had a camera bag and a computer bag. We quickly made our way through security and past the many slower moving passengers, completed our health forms and began to check in. When the representative pulled our key cards he stopped to speak to another staff person. She immediately got onto the phone and I assumed there was a problem. He took our pictures and scanned our passports and she came over to greet us and welcome us. She was the head of the embarkation at the port and introduced herself and greeted us by name. She then escorted us to the gangway where we were introduced to the head of guest services, the Hotel Service Director and another person who I can’t remember after a night of no sleep and travel. We then met the concierge who escorted us to the elevator to our cabin and explained that we would be able to attend a later muster drill and to relax and settle in.

Our room had; a bottle of champagne, plate of fruit, plate of hors d’oeuvres, and a chocolate feast waiting for us. About five days prior to sailing we had were happily scheduled for an aft wrap suite when an opportunity to upgrade to a Pinnacle suite was received. It was insanely high but I emailed our consultant and suggested that we were quite happy with our room and if by the end of the week the suite hadn’t sold I was willing to pay x more per person. The next day Kayla called and asked if I was sitting down. In 11 years she had never had such a request accepted because the price we offered was so low. Through a series of emails they accepted our offer and we were in the penthouse suite. The suite is almost as big as our first house with a balcony that spans 5 conventional balconies and includes a private hot tub. There are 5 sinks, two bathrooms and includes a living room, Bose speaker system throughout the suite and balcony. Who knew that you need three different sinks in a master bath? We are able to share one sink in Ohio. (For the curious there are two sinks in the main area and 1 in the water closet.) We have a butler’s kitchen, dining space and if the outdoor Jacuzzi wasn’t enough, there is one in the master bathroom. The good thing is that it is so over the top with gold fixtures that I can’t imagine us ever doing it again. We had 3 different fresh flower arrangements waiting in our suite and congratulations from the captain for our 25th anniversary which was what we were celebrating on this cruise. The suite has a huge fridge and microwave as well as coffee and tea makers. It is the first time on a cruise that we actually had enough outlets. There is Waterford crystal in each of the typical bar service glasses, but we were asked to make sure it remains in the suite. We have the option to host an afternoon reception and food will be provided for all we invite. We also have access to a special lounge, a pair of concierges and can eat breakfast in the Pinnacle restaurant which is available at no charge for suite guests. We also get laundry, dry cleaning and pressing at no additional charge.

Within minutes our bags arrived and we settled in. We were invited to a make-up drill at 5 PM and the concierge made dinner reservations for us at 5:45 so that we could attend a reception at 7:30 to meet the captain and senior officers. We ate in the main dining room and the Assistant Manager stopped by throughout the meal to attend to us and ask if the special table for two by the window was acceptable. She then set reservations for the rest of the week and said we could always change them but we would have our table if we wanted it. We are not used to this treatment. All the staff know our names, that we are guest in the PS and wow!

We did a quick tour of the ship and then used the hot tub before collapsing for the night. We had plans to attend the BB King show but alas there was no energy.

[ksmaxey]

Day 2 – June 2 – Kiel

Neither of us slept all through the night but that is expected after travel, a new time zone and the excitement of the cruise of a lifetime.

I set my alarm for 5:30 so I had time for coffee and time to get ready so I could exercise at 6 AM when the fitness center opened. I used the coffee maker in the suite because the Neptune Lounge didn’t open until 7 and the Lido buffet didn’t start serving until 6. I wanted to be in the gym at 6! After an hour of great exercise looking over the bow of the ship as we pulled into the port, I returned to the room to awaken Janice. I then walked a few steps to the Neptune Lounge and picked up two cappuccinos and a cup of fresh berries so that we could prepare for the day. We then showered, set out clothes for laundry and prepared for a day of touring Kiel. While Janice was getting ready I stopped by our concierge Vincent to made dinner reservations, put my name on the list for the behind the scenes tour, and exchanged US dollars for Euros for our day of touring. Again – wow! The service is over the top. The front desk could do so as well but it wouldn’t have been so easy.

We ate breakfast in the Pinnacle restaurant overlooking the water. We have always loved the Lido breakfast buffet, but it was so much nicer sitting and begin waited on in a quiet environment. I had my traditional bagel and lox and Janice had an Italian Frittata. The fresh fruit and squeezed juice were fantastic. Janice admitted that might be the best perk of our suite status.

Kiel was somewhat cool and rainy as we set out on foot. There is not much in Kiel to see but we had no desire to spend 1.5 – 3 hours each way on a bus to spend an hour at a concentration camp or touring Berlin. (We have been to Berlin and Janice knew that I would have wanted hours at any concentration camp not an hour.) We walked through town and watched the locals awaken between 10 & 11. Kiel was a key place for building U-boats in WWII and was heavily bombed by the allies. We toured St. Nickolai which still has damage from the bombing. We had a bratwurst and a local beer before returning to the ship at 1 PM.

Upon our return we visited the Lido buffet for the first time. We grabbed salads and sat by the covered pool for a quick bite before retiring to our room for some nap time. The buffet has salad stations, main entrées, an Asian station as well as drinks and desserts.

We hit a couple of different venues for happy hour and to meet other passengers. Janice met a wonderful couple from Canada and I met a retired naval officer and his wife. They had been delayed by storms in Houston and while they made it, their luggage did not. The Holland staff had gone out of their way to accommodate them not having their checked luggage by providing toiletries as well as free laundry service.

For dinner we had reservations in the Tamarind, which is one of the supplemental restaurants on the Eurodam. It is on the 11th floor with a great view of the water. We had purchased a dining package that provides a meal in each of the specialty restaurants once during the cruise. The Tamarind is an Asian inspired restaurant and may likely end up our favorite. The offer sushi and sashimi but we found the other appetizers and main courses too appealing to opt for simple sushi. Janice had a scallop and prawn dish that was served in a broth with rice. I ordered a duck dish but the server said that the duck they received was not to the normal standards. I could order it and if I didn’t like it I could get a replacement. I had struggled with whether to get the duck or the Vietnamese Lamb so I just got the lamb. It was very spicy and was fantastic. For dessert I ordered the Tamarind Chocolate and Janice ordered ginger bread budding with banana fritters. Both were some of the best and creative desserts we have had.

After dinner we watched a show in the theater that was a mix of magic, illusion and a contortionist. I had trouble staying awake but it was a great show. After we checked out the BB King band but the room was full so we headed back to our suite to use the hot tub. We were awake for the late snack and figured we wouldn’t like make it any other night so we headed up to the Lido at 10:30. There was plenty of food and many of the ship entertainment staff were grabbing something to eat. After just a few bites we headed back to our room for bed. Since we were preparing for our visit to Helsinki we advanced our clocks forward an hour overnight. One nice advantage to our suite is a clock built in, not typical to cruise ships and it advanced on its own overnight.

[ksmaxey]

Wednesday June 3

I had set my alarm for 5:30 so I had time for coffee and so I could be in the gym when it opened at 6. I stopped by the Lido to pick up a ship newspaper and to get a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice to take my vitamins with but discovered that being a sea day they didn’t open until 6:30. I wasn’t going to wait so I headed to the gym. I figured I should use the stairs there and then did 45 minutes of cardio while Janice slept. When I returned after 7 Janice was awake and I stopped by the Neptune Lounge for cappuccinos for each of us and small cup of fresh berries (blackberries, blueberries and raspberries). While enjoying the coffee and fruit we planned some of our meals and activities.

After cleaning up I stopped by to have Vincent, the concierge, make reservations for our dinners and lunch. We enjoyed the Tamarind so much we wanted to try lunch which is free. Vincent discovered that it was fully booked but said he would speak to the manager of the Tamarind and there was likely tables still being held for passengers like us. Late morning he provided that he hadn’t been able to speak to the manager but by 11:30 he called our suite to say we were set at noon. We have a standing reservation for dinner unless we reschedule. One of the days we are touring until 7 so I asked about moving it to 8:00. Vincent said he would call the manager of the dining room because we had a table reserved for us and he couldn’t reserve it at 8 but he assured me we would have it once he called.

Around 8:30 we headed down for breakfast in the Pinnacle. Janice branched out and had the Danish Breakfast (White bread, with ham, gouda cheese with two eggs on top- traditionally it is to be sunny side up but she can’t stomach really runny eggs so the chef graciously obliged her with over medium). I stuck with fruit and my usual lox and bagel. Both of us are coming down with a cold so we each have had mint tea with lemon and honey and it has helped. The staff knew our names upon arrival and we were quickly seated by the windows and asked if we wanted to same juices as yesterday. I am so surprised by how they remember our names!

We have two cabin stewards working a number of rooms on our floor. Amin & Ketut have done a great job caring for our cabin. During breakfast they make the beds and clean and in the evening they turn down the beds, leave chocolates, close the curtains and set the lights low for the evening. We have used the laundry twice and the clothes left when we go to breakfast and are back folded or hung when we return from dinner. The stewards must get notice of our dinner times because they always come while we are gone!

After breakfast Janice attended an orientation for some of our ports and I attended a galley tour to see where they prepare 12,000 meals a day. Both were quite informative. Janice learned about what to see and I watched an Ice carving for dinner tonight and sampled different dishes being prepared. The kitchen is immaculate and I could only hope the kitchens are as clean in my favorite restaurants in Toledo.

After lunch we watched a cooking demonstration on duck and red cabbage before returning for a nap in our suite. I slept two hours while Janice only slept an hour before attending another port lecture. Since this is a sea day and there is only two in 12 days they took advantage of the day to cover a lot. We then spent some time in our suite before a meet and greet with others on our cruise from cruise critic forums at 4PM in the crow’s nest on deck 10 at the bow.

We returned to our cabin and prepared for our first formal dining night. We had reservations at “our table” at 5:45 and in the room we had to corsages to wear. We headed to dinner were promptly seated. We both ordered escargot for an appetizer, Janice and a salad and a Plaice Fillet with smashed potato crab gallete, sauce verge and haricots verts. I ordered the rack of lamb with tomato couscous and garlic pearls. Before the appetizer arrived I began to feel less than ideal and so opted to return to our room to rest. Janice met a couple at the next table who thankfully conversed with her in my absence. When the ship’s photographer insisted on a photo the three staged a photo thinking it would be great to have Janice in the picture with the two guys.

After a couple of hours I felt better. My guess is the hot appetizers at the meet and greet were a little more “greasy” than what I normally eat. We opted to rest in suite for the evening and Janice napped while I enjoyed the hot tub on the deck.

After a soak I was feeling much better and quite hungry so I ordered room service, a great HAL perk, a grilled chicken sandwich. Room service was quite prompt and said the food would arrive in less than 25 minutes. It was already 9:30 ship time but still quite sunny. As I type this I am looking out through the window over the desk as we continue our travel to Helsinki, tomorrow stop.

[cruiznLYNN]

Off to a great start. This cruise is on my bucket list so I'm looking forward to "traveling" along with you. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[ksmaxey]

Thursday, June 4th – Helsinki, Finland

The day started with a night of less than optimal sleep. I caught a cold on the intercontinental flight and sleep was allusive. Thankfully we had a tea pot with wonderful mint tea and honey to sooth my throat. At 6:00 I went to the gym determined to get some exercise in before the day. The spa staff was late opening the doors and the 10 or so die hard passengers called the desk to report that we needed access. A steward quickly came and around 6:15 the spa staff arrived to finish opening the gym.

After breakfast in the Pinnacle we exchanged dollars for Euro and made our way into Helsinki. Unfortunately were cruise ship number 4 in the city and were quite a distance from the city center. A shuttle was being offered but we had already purchased a Helsinki card that included a guided tour of the city and free public transportation. It was a 40 minute walk around the cargo docks and into downtown were we redeemed our tickets for the cards. We toured the Lutheran Cathedral and then listened to a narrated tour of the city including a visit to the rock church.

After our tour we visited a street fair and shared a lunch of reindeer sausage, meatballs and vegetables with lingonberry jam. It was quite tasty. We went in search of the Helsinki Ice Bar but were unable to locate. Becoming tired and realizing we had quite a walk back, we returned to the ship stopping for a local beer and wifi.

After cleaning up we headed to a sip and savor event with the cellar master. We sampled a great shiraz and chardonnay. We had reservations at 6 in the Canaletto, the specialty Italian restaurant. The food was quite good, but the atmosphere is less than ideal. The restaurant is located on the Lido deck, at one end of the buffet. While the staff works hard and the food is well prepared, you can’t escape the environment. While at dinner we left port and made our way toward Stockholm. While leaving we made a sudden turn to starboard, combined with a wind 50% greater than expected and the ship listed and wow! We heard dishes breaking at the Lido buffet and in the dish washing room. There was a first officer dinning with his parents and he flew from the table to check on things before returning. No mention was ever made of it by the captain, but we saw pictures of the dishes being broken and heard that similar things happened in the main dining room and in the Pinnacle as well. The next day I learned that 200 dinner plates were lost as a result. A half hour later we still heard the sound of broken dishes being swept up and dumped in the dish room. We joked that we would run out of dishes for the rest of the cruise. Thankfully that proved wrong.

We retired to our cabin where I fell asleep and actually got 12 hours of sleep. It made a huge difference in how I felt and prepared us for a full day in Stockholm.

[ksmaxey]

Friday, June 5th – Stockholm, Sweden

The day began with me awaking early only to be amazed by the views as we traveled the archipelago as we traveled through the thousands of islands on the way to Stockholm. Some were so close to the ship that I could have tossed something from our balcony ashore. It was absolutely beautiful. I enjoyed coffee on the balcony before heading to the gym at 6:15 for exercise. One of the joys of exercising on the Eurodam is that the cardio equipment is on the bow of the ship with windows that allow you to exercise and watch the ship move into port. The 45 minutes on the treadmill went quite quickly as we made our way toward the port.

After exercise we got cleaned up and prepared for our day. Because it was a later arrival, the restaurants didn’t open until 8:00. We arrived at the Pinnacle and were again greeted by name and ushered to a beautiful table that allowed us to watch our anchoring in the port. The first eight hours in Stockholm were spent anchored with us using tenders to get to shore. Between 6 and 8 pm a number of other cruise ships left the port and we moved to dock for the remainder of our visit. We are due to leave port on Saturday at 4 PM. Breakfast service and food quality were fantastic. I may have created a monster because we have never stayed in a suite before and so have never had the option to dine in the Pinnacle. We have always enjoyed the Lido buffet but have really come to appreciate the peace and quiet of the Pinnacle, paired with being served by the best of the best of ships dining stewards.

After breakfast we returned to our cabin to prepare for the day. We picked up my wallet and our passports, just in case. I stopped by to see our concierge and exchange some US dollars for Sweedish Kroners. The perk of exchanging money so easily is not one that we had anticipated. After we went to the Queens lounge to get tender tickets. Barbara, the culinary host, had a mutiny on her hands as guests were nearly fighting over tender tickets One disadvantage of tendering is that only 80 to 100 passengers can go at a time in each tender. The cruise director, Dave Shea, came to try to calm the guests. We received tickets for tender 10 and were loading in less than 30 minutes. We learned that with the “gold” room key we didn’t need tickets and could have simply gone to tendering location and boarded, something to remember for next time.

Before we left Ohio, we purchased two 24 hour passes for Red Sightseeing Hop on Hop off bus and boat tours. We mistakenly thought that we could only use the pass for 24 hours so we decided to tour Old Town near where we tendered to the city and would then use the boat and bus beginning the afternoon. Old Town was just beginning to awaken and we enjoyed seeing the German Evangelical Lutheran Church and listening to a rehearsal for concert that evening. The catholic cathedral charged an admission so we skipped it. Around noon we headed to the palace to watch the changing of the guard. The crowds were large and not well mannered as they pushed and shoved to get close and then after stopping in front of us would obstruct our view with the phones held high. We enjoyed a lamb sausage served by a street vendor, much like a hot dog and shared a coke before heading to board the boat.

Stockholm is built on a series of Islands and while there are bridges, ferries and boats are much quicker, something we readily discovered later in the day. The boat had wifi and a narrated tour in multiple languages so we learned about the sights and rested our feet from all the walking on cobblestone. After the boat tour we walked to catch the bus. We wanted to go to the ice bar to sample some vodka at – 5 C. Everything is kept at that temperature and parkas and gloves are provided. The first part of the bus tour went well until the bus made an unexpected turn to visit another cruise terminal for a Costa ship. There the driver told us all to get off because there was a problem with the engine. While we waited outside he cleaned the bus like it was the end of his shift, and looking back, we think that he was done for the day and just lied because he feared the passenger reaction. He said another bus would be there in 5 minutes. 20 minutes later another bus arrived, and it was nearly full. We all fit, but barely and some had to stand. The bus did not have wifi as advertised and we quickly got stuck in traffic. Friday was the Friday before a national holiday in Sweden and the combination of truckloads of graduating seniors and regular vehicles had traffic worse that New York City. After an hour of stop and start we got off the bus and walked back to the tenders. It took us less than an hour and was way quicker. We gave up on the ice bar experience for the day as we had reservations for dinner at 5:45.

Upon our return we hit happy hour in the Crow’s nest for some appetizers as we had never really had dinner. We returned to shower and change for dinner. Dinner was great with Stephanie checking on us and conversation with Steve and Casino the couple at the next table. The meals were creative and well prepared but I could only get through half of my tuna steaks before filling up and skipping dessert. After dinner we stopped by the pool deck for a 300th voyage party for the Eurodam. There was food and drinks from every port the Eurodam has ever visited. The staff was grilling fresh salmon from Sweden on deck and it was a great time even if we didn’t eat there.

We returned to our cabin and quickly fell asleep before any of the nightly entertainment could be attended. The good thing is that meant awakening rested and is a sure sign we had a great day in Stockholm.

[POA1]

Great reports! Thanks for sharing them with us.

[Fe504]

Incredible review so far. I feel like I'm there. Looking forward for more. Thanks for sharing.

[ksmaxey]

We are stuck at O'Hare because of storms (booo) and will try to post some more while waiting.

 

Saturday, June 6th – Stockholm Day 2

I was awake at 5 AM well before my alarm today. I spent some time on the deck writing about our time while enjoying some coffee. Sunrise this morning was before 4 AM and Sunset is around 10:30 PM in Stockholm. At 6 AM I headed to the gym after a quick stop in the Lido for a glass of fresh squeezed OJ which is a Holland tradition. There were 15 or so early folks exercising before breakfast.

 

After exercise I hurried back to the suite in case Janice hadn’t awakened. I had an early “excursion” which prevented our dining in the Pinnacle. We ordered room service for breakfast. We selected between 7 & 7:30 and the meal arrived promptly at 7:03. The steward brought a table cloth with flowers and set the table for us to enjoy a breakfast as if we had been able to eat in the Pinnacle. What a treat to enjoy before the day got started. All the food arrived at the proper temperature and just as ordered. Even though the breakfast menu didn’t include lox and cream cheese, I wrote it in and they brought it! While we were getting ready for the day, dining services called to make sure the meal was properly prepared and served.

After breakfast, I had an appointment at 8:15 for the behind the scenes tour. Part 1 was today as we were in port and maritime laws after several incidents preclude passengers on the bridge or in the engine control room when in motion. The tour, which is $150, may well be the best tour I have ever taken on a ship. We spent a long time on the bridge learning how they steer and control the ship including depth an all. We learned how they handle emergencies and how they use flags to note what is happening on the ship and in port. We saw the radios they use to communicate with emergency helicopters for evacuations. While on the bridge we toured the “war room.” The room handles all of the fire alarms and water issues. I learned that they have 10-12 alarms from cabins per watch, typically from steam from showers. The 3rd officer asked my room number, which I didn’t really want to disclose and he in few clicks showed our cabin and all the detectors. They can see temperature and smoke and quickly can determine if there is a real fire from increasing smoke and temperature. Others on the tour commented on how big our suite was and that became a matter of conversation.

We visited the medical center and saw that they have the ability to intubate patients and have a ventilator. They stock clot busters in the event of stroke and have an x-ray machine and a full lab. One doctor is on board for crew and another for the passengers. The most common medical condition treated is injuries from falls both on and off the ship. (The cobblestone streets cause a lot of turned ankles and sprains.) We then headed to the engine control room where the engineers work and we learned that the ship has the ability to generate 64 KW which would power a small town. That ended the tour today and more will come tomorrow while at sea.

While I was getting my tour, Janice walked off the ship to the photography museum though she decided not to pay admission for the short time she had. We met back in our cabin at 10:45 to head off the ship and take our still valid boat tour from the dock to the Vassa Museum.

The Vassa Museum was opened in 1990 and contains the raised Vassa ship which sunk on its maiden voyage on August 10, 1628. The wreck was salvaged in 1961 after 333 years under the sea. Much of ship was in great shape because of the water quality and temperature. It is 98% original and adorned with hundreds of sculptures. It took under 3 years to build and took 16 years to get it ready for display. Much has been done to protect and preserve it including how it is sitting and in terms of temperature, humidity and lighting. We weren’t going to visit the museum but several other passengers convinced us and we are so glad that we spent time there. While there was an inquisition into the sinking, no verdict is reported. Most believe that the captains insistence that a second deck of canons be built combined with the narrow bottom meant insufficient ballast and so a strong wind while turning led to a quick capsize when the water reached the level of the canons and flooded the ship. Many of the skeletons of the crews have been recovered including two females and likely some officer.

After a local beer that we shared we caught the tour boat back to the dock and boarded the Eurodam. We didn’t want to fill ourselves, already it being 2:30 so picked up a few light items in the Neptune lounge and enjoyed them on the balcony. Our sail away was delayed by some late passengers and the bridge sounded the horn alerting everyone we would be leaving soon. After a few passengers came running back, the gangway was quickly pulled and we left port heading out through the Archipelago. Janice decided to nap, still suffering from a head cold and I headed to the Crow’s Nest for cruising commentary as we left port and happy hour. The room was packed to I picked up a Tom Collins and headed back to our balcony. With the great Bose sound system I could listen to the commentary on the balcony while enjoying a cigar and reflecting on the day. We have dinner planned at the Pinnacle Grill at 6 and so we’ll probably use one of the hot tubs to relax before dressing for dinner.

Dinner in the Pinnacle was fantastic as was the service. I had lamb chops which were seared on the outside but a nice medium rare outside, a testament to the 1800 degree “grill” in the Pinnacle Kitchen. I had the lobster bisque and Janice had the Dungeness crab cakes. We splurged for the Caviar with the supplement and really enjoyed the treat. The staff quickly asked if we desired more buckwheat blini which we did take them up on. Janice had chicken and we shared Brussel sprouts as our side. They asked each time if we wanted a potato, but we declined knowing we wouldn’t get through all the good food we wanted. For dessert Janice had an unbaked Baked Alaska made with Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia with a cherry sauce. I had a vanilla soufflé with a vanilla sauce. I couldn’t finish it!

While the normal pace in the Pinnacle is relaxed we wanted to get to special reception we had been invited to by the captain so we quickly finished and arrived 15 minutes after it began. The reception was for guests eating early and later and so appetizers were being served with complimentary wine and champagne. After chatting with some others we had met on the cruise we headed back to our suite where we hosted another couple I met on the behind the scenes tour. We had cigars on the balcony of suite and promptly set off the smoke alarm and received a call from the bridge to confirm all was ok. It was great time and after Janice was exhausted and headed to bed. I was awake and knew the next day would be a lazy day so I headed to the main stage to experience the BB King show. After experiencing the HAL Cats twice, I can say that this is a great improvement and one of the best shows I have seen on a ship. I grabbed cookies on the way back and headed to bed.

[ksmaxey]

Sunday, June 7, At Sea.

I slept in until 7:30 which is unheard of for me. I guess the late night caught up with me. We dressed for the day and headed to the Pinnacle for breakfast. What a delight to have a quiet breakfast with great service. This is one unexpected perk that has really made this cruise a delight. After breakfast Janice read on the deck. It was a little cool in the Baltic sea but they provide deck blankets. I changed and exercised prior to lunch. The day’s lunch was the Mariner’s lunch for those who have cruised before with Holland. There was only one seating and the dining room was packed. The management tried to find Janice and I a table for two by the window, but when they didn’t find one they placed us at a table for 4 and quickly took the extra service away with our asking so we could have a private lunch. When I booked the cruise they asked if we were celebrating a special occasion and I said that it was for our 25th anniversary even though the actual date was in May. The stewards all stopped by to congratulate us. What a great touch! Lunch was simple with just a few choices with so many guests but service was good and included a champagne toast. They captain thanked us for making Holland the cruise line with the most returning passengers. We received our tiles as they announced that they would be clearing outside decks for an emergency evacuation of a seriously ill passenger by Swedish Air & Rescue.

After lunch Janice returned to our cabin to read and I grabbed the camera hoping to get shots of the evacuation, avoiding any shots of the patient. The crew took lines and lights down on the bow and aft as the helicopter pilot would decide which end to use. There is no helipad, so the evacuation would be done using a hoist. A crew was lowered and the helicopter moved off to the side of the ship for safety while they loaded the passenger into a basket. They were then raised up and at a hospital in Sweden within the 15 minutes. The poor spouse continued to Germany with us. We all said a prayer for both.

At 2:45 I had the second part of my behind the scenes tour. We met the director on onboard marketing and began touring behind the main stage and meeting with the singers and dancers for the entertainment. I can’t imagine performing on a stage moving at the front the ship. We toured crew cabins, visited the laundry and met with the environmental officer who detailed how all waste and recycling is handled. We then met with the provision master and toured the different coolers, freezers and liquor supply room. Apparently this cruise has not been buying enough alcohol. One guest asked who buys the most and two staff immediately responded in unison, the Australians. We had witnessed this last cruise, but it was interesting to hear it confirmed. We finished the tour with a complimentary adult beverage and a bag of gifts including coaster, a cookbook and a book authored by the captain’s wife and signed by both. I finished just in time to change for a special dinner, Le Jibre.

When we arrived for dinner we were greeting by name by the Pinnacle staff and ushered to a great table. This was a limited menu inspired by a Northern European chef. It was one of the most unusual and creative meals we have ever eaten on a cruise. Each course was paired with wine based on our menu choices. The knowledgeable wine steward explained each wine and why it was paired with the course. We thoroughly loved the two hour experience and let the manager know how good both service and the meal was. He confessed that he had just joined the Eurodam and that this was his first time for this dinner and asked the chef to say a meal for him after service. The lamb was great and Janice loved the Turbot which she described as the best fish she ever had. For the woman who really didn’t care for fish when I met her, this is quite the compliment! The chocolate stone for dessert that include no chocolate were a surprise. Strawberries marinated in a special curry surprised and delighted us.

After dinner we headed to the main stage for a musical and again were surprised by the quality of the music and dance. It was 50 minutes, but we are surprised by the ability to do so well for a performance that is only produced every 12 days with different shows every night. After the show we headed back to relax in the hot tub on deck before bed. Sunset was at 10:30

[ksmaxey]

Monday, June 8, 2015 - Warnemunde, Germany

I awoke before the alarm at 5 AM and got to watch us come into port. Watching the crew spin the ship with about 50 feet clearance on each end of the ship in port was impressive. We docked around 6 while I was exercising in the gym. Many on the ship had early excursions on a chartered train to Berlin so the Lido opened at 5 AM. We were doing an independent walking tour with SPB that didn’t begin until 8:45 so we again had a quiet breakfast in the Pinnacle. The staff has so learned what we want that they brought us fresh squeezed OJ and chocolate milk for me before we even asked. Janice had eggs benedict and I had a Norwegian version with smoked salmon instead of Canadian bacon. Yes, I cannot get enough smoked salmon on the Eurodam.

After breakfast we headed into the port for free wifi and to meet our tour guide. It was another couple and us with a private guide who led us to the train station into Rostock. There we toured the Lutheran church that survived WWII and has one of the most interested clocks we have ever experienced. After that we went back by street car to the main train station in Rostock to catch a high speed train to Schwerine. There we walked through town or a German lunch before touring a castle begun in 1160. We were supposed to tour inside but an expected closure prevented that. It is used as the location for the local parliament so we couldn’t blame the guide who felt bad. We walked around and had free time in the pedestrian malls. Janice & I enjoyed a local beer and gave thanks that beer equals bier! We then rejoined the group to ride back to Rostock to change trains to return to Warnemunde. Upon our return the guide took us into the tourist area but Janice & I opted to return to the ship. We were beat and we knew there was a German fest happening on the pool deck with a live local band, including German food and a roasted pig. We cancelled our main dining room reservations and headed up. Dinner was tasty but not as relaxing as eating in the main dining room. After we walked the deck and returned to our cabin for rest and for me to spend time updating this blog. Our cabin attendants arrived to turn down our beds and refill ice for us. There is a comedian tonight at 9:30 and the real question is whether we will still be awake to see the show!

[ORCRUISER]

Enjoying your review. Taking a 19 day Baltic/Norwegian cruise on the Eurodam in August.

[sunsetbeachgal]

We enjoyed meeting you and Janice and hope you got home safely, as we did. Yesterday was a very long day! We now are Jet lagged and a few pounds heavier but have priceless memories of a great trip!

 

Carole

[Krazy Kruizers]

Great reports.

[puppycanducruise]

Thank you for taking the time to post.

Very interesting.

[kazu]

Great reporting :) thanks so much for sharing.

 

And congratulations on your upsell to the Pinnacle Suite :)

[erewhon]

Thank you for your thorough reports.

[usedtoski]

Loving this report! Also doing the same cruise in August. So helpful to hear about your experiences....of course we won't have the wonderful upgrade you experienced! But fun to enjoy yours! Thank you