Live from the Westerdam-Join the "Pearls of the Pacific" gang's South Pacific Cruise

[kazu]

Susie, where are you? Today is lunch in the Pinnacle Grill!

 

 

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When I got back to my room there was a message from Susie that she had forgotten after the scavenger hunt. She was pretty mad at herself when I saw her at the slot pull. We're all just too busy on this sea days. (What lazy sea days? LOL)

 

The Pinnacle Grill lunch was delicious and I think everyone enjoyed it immensely. Eva, our PG manager preferred to do a set menu as she was concerned about providing good service to the group. So, I discussed it at the meet and greet and we agreed to go with a set menu with a few changes (scrap the tomato broth and give us Dungeness crab cakes;)). And get that dam hamburger on the menu.

 

Eva was very good and flexible and our set menu had really good choices (probably the #1 things on the menu) so I think it worked out really well.

 

I will be doing some backtracking I fear, but our meet and greet was yesterday. Judging by the unclaimed name tags, I would say we had between 150-160 people come. Many thanks to sapper1, SusieKIsandgirl & Gigianne for all of your help during the meet and greet!

 

And thank you Gigianne for your lovely name tags. They are SO appreciated.

 

Today we had our slot pull in the casino. A roll call thing. I'd never done it before and it was quite a bit of fun. We didn't win big money, but we didn't lose much either. Everyone put in $15 and got $10 back, except for Sapper1 who was the BIG winner and got an extra $4. I don't know what she is going to do with all that wealth - LOL!!

 

I will be back later with more, but right now it is time to get ready for dinner. So glad the roll call is filling in with some good tidbits. :)

 

 

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[kazu]

Could people let me know if they can read these or not please? I will gladly post the menus and On Locations, but not sure if I should be choosing the larger sized pic or not. I don't want to widen the screen for reading but I do want them to be legible if people want them posted?

Those on tablets, iPads can expand them but those on computers can't. Not sure the best way to proceed IF people want them posted. IN serious catch up mode. Been a busy two days.!!

/quote]

 

The dessert menu was a little out of focus, but you had me at "Chocolate Caramel Tart". LOL Hope you're having an awesome time!

 

Smooth Sailing ! :) :) :)

 

 

LOL - I have a hard time holding still with the stupid arm. I'll get better at that. Other than that, they could be read o.k.? Keep with the same method or should I make them larger? I can. Thanks Gerry.

 

 

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[erewhon]

Thanks for all the reports, what an excellent attendance at the Meet and Greet.

[chefestelle]

Kazu, I have an iPad and can read them fine. I can't expand them much because they become blurry - or I do - but it's enough!

 

 

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[kazu]

Kazu, I have an iPad and can read them fine. I can't expand them much because they become blurry - or I do - but it's enough!

 

 

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Thanks, I'll see if I can convert easily to PDF WITHOUT using shutterfly or photobucket. If I can, I will upload that way, otherwise I will choose the bigger pic if people don't mind.

 

OMG on dinner tonight. Just an OMG. It was SO good.

 

I have a theory on the "cutbacks". If the cruise has to sell dirt cheap, they have to do something. If it sells at a decent price, very good food.

 

Our server has been so good in the MDR. Jose has his sambol and chiles and I have a steak knife all the time so I can cut my buns and whatever else needs cutting. I explained about my "claim to pain" and he has been wonderful. The knife is there for me and they know I have manners and when I have to use it, it's because I need to.

 

Just wonderful. Service is quick but not rushed. Wine steward is watching the glasses impeccably. Life is good on board the beautiful elegant Westerdam (as Capt. Van Eerten likes to say).

 

 

 

 

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Edited April 5, 2016 by kazu

[kazu]

I am amazed at how large the Pacific Ocean is - taking up nearly 1/3 of the earth.!!!

 

We have been travelling since we left San Diego at "full speed" (20 knots) and still have more than 1/2 the journey to complete.

 

I had read how bumpy the seas can be for the first two days out of San Diego. Happy to report that this has been a very smooth sailing (IMO). Not at all what I was expecting and we are moving along.

 

It is definitely warming up and I suspect by tomorrow morning it will be quite hot. It's been pleasant, but certainly not shirt sleeve weather - at least not for me. I am sitting outside now on my verandah with no bathrobe and very comfortable and it's nearly 11 pm at night.

 

Clocks go back again!!! One more time change to do. No wonder I keep waking up too early - LOL.

 

Finally got to the spa today. Just wish they opened at 7 a.m.

 

IN catch up mode so bear with any back tracking. With the meet and greets, PG lunches and slot pulls and arranging it's been a busy couple of days.

 

Life is clear now - all I have to do tomorrow is deliver the wine tasting reminders, attend a suite luncheon and go to the Pinnacle Grill tomorrow night. It's a rough life, isn't it? ;) ;).

 

Oh, and in case I wasn't clear, it's a great cruise so far. :)

 

 

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[Scrapnana]

Two fabulous meals in one day! Tonight was our first gala night and I was very pleased with how many people looked very nice. In the MDR (at least in the part I could see - deck 2 starboard side) the ladies were dressed nicely (quite a few long dresses) and the gentleman had at least a sports coat and tie. I saw a number of white dinner jackets and tuxedos.

 

We had the ship's doctor and his wife join us for dinner. A very nice couple. We invited them to join us again.

[retiredkid]

This is gonna be gooooooood!!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Just catching up with this thread.

 

San Diego has always been a mess for us -- embarkation and disembarkation.

 

We didn't know anything about the Mariner's cocktail party on Embarkation day until it was over. Never got an invitation and no one told us about it. We were in the library at 2:25 when we learned about the party and it was over.

 

Looking forward to following this thread over the next few weeks.

[Sphynxie]

I truly am enjoying this vicarious thread in anticipation of our own mini cruise when we join you for the 3 days between San Diego & Vancouver on May 2nd. Please keep the menu & food photos coming! I also appreciate your notations of any Westerdam changes. So happy you are enjoying your activities as well as your lovely meals. See you in a month!

[teamflames]

Have a great trip, is it a smooth sail or quite rough?

 

 

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[kazu]

Have a great trip, is it a smooth sail or quite rough?

 

 

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It's a very smooth sail :) :). Very pleasantly surprised :)

 

 

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[kazu]

Just catching up with this thread.

 

 

 

San Diego has always been a mess for us -- embarkation and disembarkation.

 

 

 

We didn't know anything about the Mariner's cocktail party on Embarkation day until it was over. Never got an invitation and no one told us about it. We were in the library at 2:25 when we learned about the party and it was over.

 

 

 

Looking forward to following this thread over the next few weeks.

 

 

We were given our invitation at check in KK. The reception was going long past 2:25. They did a very nice job of it.

 

 

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[kazu]

Internet onboard......

 

The Internet is the unlimited again - YAY.

 

A bit of confusion surrounding it as when you see the prices, it says for the 30 day cruise.

 

When you sign up, it says "until the end of the voyage"

 

I asked our concierge to confirm if we had the package until San Diego or until Vancouver. (I chose NOT to ask the Internet manager for a reason - incorrect information given already - see below). Concierge emailed whomever and confirmed we have it until Vancouver.

 

For all you 5*'s out there - be careful. There were several of us asking the Internet manager how the 5* discount worked. He said as long as you took the premier package (the most expensive one), we would receive a 50% discount which would be applied at the end of the cruise. This sounded a little strange to me since we normally get discounts immediately and 50% seemed too good to be true. So, I repeated it back and he confirmed. Good enough so I signed up for the premier package.

 

Checked my on board account and I had received a $32 discount. Hmmmm??? So, asked the concierge to check. He told me we received the equivalent of the 50% off the 100 minute package (which makes sense). I told him someone better let the Internet manager know as there were going to be some ticked of 5* mariner's at the end of the cruise. AND I wouldn't have taken the top package if it were not for what I was told. He agreed and arranged to refund me the difference between the two packages. Very nice.

 

Here is the Internet package offered on board the beautiful, elegant Westerdam

 

 

I did this pic in best. Let's see if it is better for reading.

 

 

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[1of4]

Internet onboard......

 

The Internet is the unlimited again - YAY.

 

《Snip》

 

I did this pic in best. Let's see if it is better for reading.

 

 

VERY clear. Much more so than yesterday! Thanks!

[SilvertoGold]

kazu

 

I am so sorry the 5 star internet discount got mixed up.

I find that not all crew have knowledge about the 5 star rewards and how they work, so you do need to be on top of it yourself.

 

Personally, I ask the Mariner's Society before departure for anything I think I should know about in respect to the 5 star rewards (internet, Le Cirque, etc)

 

The 50% off the 100 minutes package is what we have received.

 

Another very good start to an enjoyable blog. Thanks to all who are adding to it!!!

[VacationCharlene]

Fun following THIS years adventures but very disappointed to be reading about my home town port of San Diego and that people were very distressed with embarking. Was there something in particular that made the experience so terrible? Any insight to make it a smooth sailing for us NEXT year would be appreciated. Have a blast people!!

[Sphynxie]

Kazu,

 

Your last photo was very clear. Thank you! Sending you my best wishes for your healing elbow. :)

[frankc98376]

I am amazed at how large the Pacific Ocean is - taking up nearly 1/3 of the earth.!!!

 

We have been travelling since we left San Diego at "full speed" (20 knots) and still have more than 1/2 the journey to complete.

 

I had read how bumpy the seas can be for the first two days out of San Diego. Happy to report that this has been a very smooth sailing (IMO). Not at all what I was expecting and we are moving along.

 

It is definitely warming up and I suspect by tomorrow morning it will be quite hot. It's been pleasant, but certainly not shirt sleeve weather - at least not for me. I am sitting outside now on my verandah with no bathrobe and very comfortable and it's nearly 11 pm at night.

 

Clocks go back again!!! One more time change to do. No wonder I keep waking up too early - LOL.

 

Finally got to the spa today. Just wish they opened at 7 a.m.

 

IN catch up mode so bear with any back tracking. With the meet and greets, PG lunches and slot pulls and arranging it's been a busy couple of days.

 

Life is clear now - all I have to do tomorrow is deliver the wine tasting reminders, attend a suite luncheon and go to the Pinnacle Grill tomorrow night. It's a rough life, isn't it? ;) ;).

 

Oh, and in case I wasn't clear, it's a great cruise so far. :)

 

 

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Thanks for the GREAT reports Jacqui- reading every word and green with envy!!

 

Have to say I did get a smile though reading this post. The only time I ever dared to sit on my balcony without a bathrobe was in a deck 5 aft wrap that was completely private :D

 

Who is the PG Manager on Westerdam now? Last September we had Tim- was great. Hoping we have one of our favorite PGM's on Westerdam on October.

[kazu]

Thanks for the GREAT reports Jacqui- reading every word and green with envy!!

 

 

 

Have to say I did get a smile though reading this post. The only time I ever dared to sit on my balcony without a bathrobe was in a deck 5 aft wrap that was completely private :D

 

 

 

Who is the PG Manager on Westerdam now? Last September we had Tim- was great. Hoping we have one of our favorite PGM's on Westerdam on October.

 

 

The PG manager is Eva. She is quite nice and after our first day's burp, the service has been seamless and very good :)

 

Food has been excellent. Had group PG lunch yesterday, suite luncheon this afternoon and PG dinner tonight. Will report back ;)

 

 

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[Vict0riann]

Everything is going well. There is an informal "Sit and Stitch" going at 10 am sea days, and as word gets around, more are joining in. It's nice to just relax and chat. Kainoa is being a wonderful location guide. He is an amazing story teller, and includes family stories in his talks. I don't want to miss any of his presentations, so just hope he doesn't have any at 10! We have a dinner booked in the Pinnacle tonight, I'm beginning to think there is going to be a lot of food talk this cruise. There are crab legs on the menu, so that is what I will be having.[emoji847]

 

We have not been able to order the Pinot Grigio we like, our wine steward told us last night that they will be replenishing stocks in Honolulu. I would think that would be a very expensive way to do it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We didn't get anything at check-in at Ft Lauderdale but our ID cards and a map of the ship. After we discovered that the party was over, we asked our one concierge what time was the party -- 1:30 - 2:30. We had barely finished lunch -- only 1 glass of sparkling wine.

 

We had a woman for the library and Internet. Those prices were the same for our 21 day cruise. She explained that the only discount was the 100 minute plan for 5 star Mariners.

 

We also had Eva as our Pinnacle manager -- great woman. She took care of making certain we got total refunds for 2 free dinners.

[kjw869]

Hi Jacqui and Jose!. Hope you are enjoying your trip.

 

Have you had time to ask the steward for PS7046 if they have the new brown furniture in the living room after drydock? I assume you are in a NS.;)

 

Thanks :)

Edited April 5, 2016 by kjw869
wrong cabin munber

[Krazy Kruizers]

Hi Jacqui and Jose!. Hope you are enjoying your trip.

 

Have you had time to ask the steward for PS7046 if they have the new brown furniture in the living room after drydock? I assume you are in a NS.;)

 

Thanks :)

 

We were just in PS 7046 -- again.

 

My main computer had to go to Geek Doctor this morning so I have not had a chance to down load new pictures -- most of the living room furniture is still the same as when we were in that cabin in 2013.

 

The verandah furniture has been changed -- black -- and not as nice as the original furniture we had.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Jacqui, thanks for posting the internet info, I am so hoping that the Koningsdam will offer one of these unlimited plans, I would even pay the $199.00 for just the 7 days if it was unlimited. :o