Dave’s Live From Oosterdam 21-day Southern Caribbean, Jan. 29 – Feb. 19, 2016

[Krazy Kruizers]

Wonderful review with great pictures.

[RetiredMustang]

Sunday, January 31, Grand Turk (Cont.)

 

Here are the other two pages of the On Location:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the Grand Turk guide:

 

 

 

 

 

 

More later,

Dave

[RuthC]

I had had the chocolate delight before and enjoyed it very much, so I ordered it again. It is basically a half-inch of chocolate cake with two-three inches of fudge frosting. He is a photo for Ruth, and other chocolate lovers: ...

Oh, my. I want that.

Normally I don't care to look at food porn, but in this case an exception is warranted. If I ever see that on a menu, I am ordering it.

 

Thanks for your continued reports. I find them enjoyable reading.

Edited January 31, 2016 by RuthC

[retiredkid]

What a wonderful way to celebrate your retirement. CONGRATULATIONS!! Enjoy every minute!

[sapper1]

Hi Sapper! I saw Roni this morning. He was working the bread station on the serving line, so we didn't chat long, but I did pass on hello from Roberta and Annette. He recognized the names right away, and seemed very pleased to get your greetings.

 

Dave

 

Thank you so much. Everyone who meets Roni is very impressed by what a fine young man he is.

[Mr and Mrs CIQ]

Here's another congratulations on your retirement . I really like reading your reviews and viewing your pictures.

[cruz chic]

Thx for the updates and the great pictures.

[WeLoveCruising]

Thanks for updating us, and I hope you enjoy your cruise on the Oosterdam as much as we did.

Edited January 31, 2016 by WeLoveCruising

[FloridaTourist]

Love your posts! I wish my cruise was today. What did you have for dinner the night you got the chocolate?

[Lizzie68]

It appears from your wonderful postings of the daily "On Location"s that the MDR is seldom, if ever, open for lunch. Was that true on embarkation day also, Dave? I understand it being closed on port days, however.

Edited January 31, 2016 by Lizzie68

[wdw1972]

What a pleasure reliving my recent Oosterdam cruise by way of your report (I did the 10 day). I thoroughly enjoyed it, except for the crappy internet. The Westerdam's internet is so much better! Sure wish HAL would stop with this silly "pilot" and just roll it out to the other ships.

 

Congratulations on your retirement - can't think of a better way to celebrate that than by cruising!

 

Sue/WDW1972

Koningsdam 12/4/16

Eurodam 3/25/17

[RetiredMustang]

Love your posts! I wish my cruise was today. What did you have for dinner the night you got the chocolate?

 

I had the prosciutto and melon, followed by the lasagna.

 

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

It appears from your wonderful postings of the daily "On Location"s that the MDR is seldom, if ever, open for lunch. Was that true on embarkation day also, Dave? I understand it being closed on port days, however.

 

 

It was closed on embarkation day because the ship was sting a large group from ashore.

 

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

Sunday, January 31, Grand Turk (Cont.)

 

I wen to the CC meet and greet at 10, organized by iflyrc5 and Cinder Again. There were 25 or more of us that attended, and I enjoyed chatting with several fellow cruisers.

 

I had earlier picked up a flyer that included details about the Signature Beverage Package. Note in the fine print that the SBC does not include the 15% service charge:

 

 

 

The other side of the flyer included information about beverage events during the cruise:

 

 

 

More later,

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

Sunday, January 31, Grand Turk (Cont.)

 

We had been to Grand Turk several times before. We have snorkeled Gibbs Cay and Round Cay, had wandered the shops, and had margaritas ar Margaritaville. But, we had not seen the island or town. So, we booked the Best of Grand Turk ship’s excursion which included many sights.

 

One of the first things I learned is that the island is named after the indigenous cactus, which is round with a red top resembling a fez, hence the name Turk’s Head Cactus:

 

 

There were 21 of us on the tour, which was the capacity of the bus. We drove up past the airport and stopped at the Salt House, where there were salts pans and info about the salt industry that used to flourish on the island. Here is a shot of some salt pans in the Town Salinas, including a display of bags of salt at the lower right:

 

 

There was also a shop selling souvenirs and refreshments, and it had restrooms. We re-boarded the bus and drove along road toward the lighthouse at the northern end of the island. Partway up, the muffler fell off the bus. The driver picked it up and put beside him in the cab and continued the tour. But, the exhaust pipe was dragging on the ground, so he radioed for a mechanic to meet us at the lighthouse and we went slowly the half mile or so to the lighthouse parking.

 

The mechanic followed us into the parking, and while we looked at the lighthouse and grounds, he removed the section of exhaust pipe that had been dragging.

 

Here is a shot of the lighthouse:

 

 

 

The grounds cost $3 U.S. to enter, but the ticket was good for a beverage at the drinks stand. I took an ice cold bottle of water, as the day was quite warm. There was also a gift shop and restrooms available.

 

We then got back on the bus, and drove to the main town. But, with the tailpipe removed, the exhaust was coming up around the main cabin, and we could smell the exhaust. The drive was short, however, and we stopped by the Anglican church along the seafront, and there was a nice breeze, which we all enjoyed before touring the church. Here is a photo of the exterior:

 

 

We then took a quick tour of the nearby prison museum, and we all declined the offer to shop the market stalls, and we proceeded back to the port. The entire tour was about 2-1/2 hours long, and included some interesting sights. It also included the unexpected drama of the muffler. And, while the bus had an air conditioner blowing, it could not counter the quite warm day, especially since the driver left the door open when we stopped.

 

We enjoyed the visit, but were glad to return to the ship for some a/c and a shower, which we finished with enough time for pre-dinner drinks.

 

More later,

Dave

Edited February 1, 2016 by RetiredMustang

[Krazy Kruizers]

We did a similar tour a few years ago -- ours was about 4 hours. No shopping stops.

[RetiredMustang]

Sunday, January 31, Grand Turk (Cont.)

 

We went in to dinner and discovered that prime rib was on the menu, so we both ordered a lice each, rare. It was excellent, as usual.

 

 

Here is the dinner and dessert menu:

 

 

Starters – Soups – Salads

 

* Fruit Ceviche – papaya, pineapple, mango, rum, lime-mint dressing

* Parfait of Salmon and Tuna Tartare – crème fraiche, salmon caviar

* Caribbean Island Fritters – white fish, shrimp, chili peppercorn dip, fried plantain

* Cream of Breadfruit with Spinach – island spcies

* Pepper Pot with Dumplings – root vegetables, chunks of beef, ginger, garlic

* Chilled Blueberry Soup – Crème de Cassis, Champagne

* Ensalata de Palmitos de Primavera – iceberg, arugula, hearts of plam, eff, red beet, tomato, red bell pepper, celery

 

 

Holland America Line Signatures

 

* French Onion Soup “Les Halles” – Gruyere cheese crouton

* Classic Caesar Salad – Parmesan cheese, garlic croutons, anchovies

 

 

Mains

 

* Fusilli Primavera – sautéed vegetables, white wine, cream, Asiago cheese

* Tomato and Bread Salad with Tender Chicken Bites – parsley, romaine lettuce, red wine vinegar, olive oil

* Angry Rockfish with Garlicky Clams – wilted spinach, seasoned macaroni

* Prime Rib of Beef au Jus – green bean amandine, sugar-glazed carrots, baked potato

* Islan-Spiced Berkshire Pork – mashed Boniato white sweet potato, carrots, broccoli

* Caribbean ‘Jerk’ Chicken Breast – Jamaican beans and rice, grilled pineapple spears

* Vegetable Lasagna – grilled vegetables, béchamel sauce, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese

 

 

Holland America Line Signatures

 

* Grilled Salmon with Ginger-Cilantro Pesto – basmati rice, Swiss chard, garlic cherry tomatoes

* Broiled New York Strip Loin – cauliflower gratin, green peppercorn sauce

* Oven-Roasted Chicken – quinoa loaf, heb roasted vegetables, jus

 

 

Desserts

 

* Tartufo – dark and white chocolate mousse, dark cherry glaze

* Berry Snow Cap – berry compote, sweet biscuit, meringue

* Crème Brulee – vanilla-scented custard, warm vanilla sauce

* Mango Berry Crisp – French vanilla ice cream

* Cheese and Fruit – Gorgonzola, Port l’Eveque, Old Amsterdam, Edam

* Sliced Fruit Plate – selection of fresh fruit

* Apple Tower – white sponge cake, cinnamon apples, whipped cream

* Mango Sundae – French vanilla ice cream, diced mango, mango sauce, whipped cream

* Ice Cream – Vanilla, Pistachio, Raspberry Sorbet, Chocolate Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla, Chocolate Chip

 

 

After Dinner Drinks

 

* Hazel Eyes Cordial, in souvenir glass – Frangelico, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Tia Maria: $6.95

* Espresso: $1.25

* Cappuccino: $1.75

- ask your serve for additional drink selections

 

 

More later,

Dave

Edited February 1, 2016 by RetiredMustang

[RMLincoln]

Sunday, January 31, Grand Turk (Cont.)

 

I wen to the CC meet and greet at 10, organized by iflyrc5 and Cinder Again. There were 25 or more of us that attended, and I enjoyed chatting with several fellow cruisers.

 

I had earlier picked up a flyer that included details about the Signature Beverage Package. Note in the fine print that the SBC does not include the 15% service charge:

 

More later,

Dave

 

The fine print also states.... "drinks up to $8 including service charge." So the maximum priced drinks are $6.95... plus service charge = $7.99? I didn't know that! Thanks for scanning the flyer. m--

[Lizzie68]

It was closed on embarkation day because the ship was sting a large group from ashore.

 

Dave

 

Thanks, Dave. I have heard mention several times that the MDR is seldom open for lunch on some ships. Which is a shame.

[rajkr74]

Dave,

Boy I missed your "Live From" posting and I am now catching up with all the information you have posted. Your scanner is working real well and, as always, your photos are great. Since we get on board the day you get off, 2-19-16, I am reading every scan with interest. Good for you on your retirement. Joyce says HI to you and Cathy and hope the rest of the cruise go well.

 

Rick

[cruz chic]

Thx for the update and the excellent pictures.

[regnig]

Dave another Congratulations on your retirement!

Enjoying you posting and the scans are wonderful.

 

I have a favor to ask :o. If you are ever in the Lido would you take a look and let me know what brand of Tea Bags on onboard please?

 

Many thanks, Barb

[RetiredMustang]

Monday, February 1, Samana DR

 

Today we visit Samana, Dominican Republic. DW said to me earlier, “how long has it been since were were there? Three years?” I told her it had been six years since we visited, on Noordam, in 2010.

 

Here are the first four pages of the On Location:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RetiredMustang]

Monday, February 1, Samana DR (Cont.)

 

Here are the other two pages of the On Location:

 

 

 

 

 

And the Samana guide pages:

 

 

 

 

 

 

More later,

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

Dave,

Boy I missed your "Live From" posting and I am now catching up with all the information you have posted. Your scanner is working real well and, as always, your photos are great. Since we get on board the day you get off, 2-19-16, I am reading every scan with interest. Good for you on your retirement. Joyce says HI to you and Cathy and hope the rest of the cruise go well.

 

Rick

 

Rick,

 

Sorry our cruises didn't mach. Cathy passes her best to you and Joyce. Looks like I guessed wrong on the first Gala night -- it's tomorrow instead of HMC night. We have reservations in the Pinnacle.

 

Dave

Edited February 1, 2016 by RetiredMustang