Live from the Prinsendam - 28 day Azores and Celtic Explorer - May 5th, 2018

[kazu]

The next day was flying home day.

 

I had a bit of a kerfluffle with KLM as they kept trying to tell me we were only entitled to one bag each despite being in business class.

 

So, to be safe I had to do some repacking. GRRR.

 

When I got to the check in. They hit the same kerfluffle with my booking and the girl reached out for help. I don't speak Dutch but I could certainly get the words "World Business Class" and "override".

 

So, it all worked out and we were about to try KLM.

But it would have been nice if KLM confirmed when I pm'd them the night before instead of telling me one piece only. Caused a bit of angst.

 

Seats were very comfortable - not lie flat seats, but they did go back quite aways and since we were flying in daytime, it was no big issue..

 

 

 

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[kazu]

KLM serves a lot of their things in the delft pottery. A really nice touch.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

And in business class at the end of the cruise you receive the delft houses. We got to choose. There is Bols inside but I don't think we will destroy the chimneys of the houses to get them.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Also, before I forget, the Schipol airport has these cool bags (they are yellow) if you buy anything just ask for them.

 

They have the and additional part so they can slip over the handle of your carry on luggage handle. Very cool.

 

KLM lounge is very nice too. Good selection of food (our lunch ended up being there) and the assortment of drinks.

 

I did take pics of the KLM menu on board. If anyone wants to see them, just let me know and I will happily post them. I just don't want to bore everyone.

 

 

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[kazu]

Oh and one thing before I forget..

 

I had reported that we didn't get credit for the HSC when I looked at the Navigator. (We had prepaid grats on the 2nd leg).

 

As usual, the Navigator is not always accurate but saves space.

 

When I got our final statement the HSC did show as did the credit back so one would get the Mariner day credits for it if that is important to anyone.

 

We tore to get through customs as we had to change terminals.

 

So for anyone coming in to Pearson, A/C had told me we would have to manage our own luggage to the next terminal. NOPE, not true. They collected our luggage on a second belt (don't put it on the West Jet baggage belt ;) ) and someone had to record it all, but we didn't have to manage it to change terminals.

 

Of course after all that tearing, the connecting flight was late. And we ended up getting home at 3 AM in the pouring, teaming rain and VERY cold weather.

 

I grimaced when I said it was warmer in Ireland. And it was!

 

I'll post my impressions overall of the cruise shortly and in the meantime, if anyone has any questions or, if I missed any, ask away.

 

Will I cruise the P'dam again? DAM right if the Gods are willing. The crew to passenger ratio is still pretty much 2 to 1. 411 crew on our sailing as per the logs and absolutely fabulous staff, as usual.

 

 

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[puppycanducruise]

What a wonderful cruise.

Thanks for taking us along. I enjoyed all your wonderful pictures and comments.

Glad you made it home safely.

Now, start planning the next adventure.:)

[kazu]

What a wonderful cruise.

Thanks for taking us along. I enjoyed all your wonderful pictures and comments.

Glad you made it home safely.

Now, start planning the next adventure.:)

 

The next adventure? LOL - I am already working on FF miles for the trip but have to wait until DH is rested to talk.

 

And for my casino discount to kick in - hopefully there is one for this cruise. (yn)(yn) You need every break you can get on this ship. ;)

[bobalink]

I'm sorry Bobbie, but that looks nothing like you ;)

 

You are much slimmer and trimmer even after 14 days. Think of poor me after 28 days ;).

 

and thanks for the correction on the pics. I had the Van Gogh in my head and not enough coffee when I started to post. (That's my line and I'm sticking to it).

 

Jacqui, you are a gem! The effort you go to on this "live" thread and all of the work you put into making the spreadsheet and answering all of my questions... you deserve another cruise! :halo:

 

We purchased a Future Cruise credit, and we are going to take a serious look at the 22 day Antarctic on the Zaandam in 2020.

 

BTW, the next time I go to Amsterdam, I am going to stay at the Banks Mansion! Wow! It sounds amazing and looks great in your photos. I thought Hotel JL No. 76 was good, especially since it's located so close to the museums. Last time we were in Amsterdam, we stayed at Hotel Estherea, which was also very nice!

 

Perhaps our paths will cross again in the future. Maybe on the Prinsendam, your favorite dam ship. You were right, it's a pretty special ship. By far, the crew is the best we have ever had on any cruise. So attentive and polite. I don't know how they all remembered our names. Everywhere we went, we were greeted! And, Captain Dag was so personable. It cracked me up when he would make announcements and say, "this is your driver." :')

 

Bobbie

[kazu]

Jacqui, you are a gem! The effort you go to on this "live" thread and all of the work you put into making the spreadsheet and answering all of my questions... you deserve another cruise! :halo:

 

We purchased a Future Cruise credit, and we are going to take a serious look at the 22 day Antarctic on the Zaandam in 2020.

 

BTW, the next time I go to Amsterdam, I am going to stay at the Banks Mansion! Wow! It sounds amazing and looks great in your photos. I thought Hotel JL No. 76 was good, especially since it's located so close to the museums. Last time we were in Amsterdam, we stayed at Hotel Estherea, which was also very nice!

 

Perhaps our paths will cross again in the future. Maybe on the Prinsendam, your favorite dam ship. You were right, it's a pretty special ship. By far, the crew is the best we have ever had on any cruise. So attentive and polite. I don't know how they all remembered our names. Everywhere we went, we were greeted! And, Captain Dag was so personable. It cracked me up when he would make announcements and say, "this is your driver." :')

 

Bobbie

 

Aww, you are very kind Bobbie.

 

My friends that stayed at JL No 76 were very happy.

 

For Banks, unless you book an Executive Room, the rooms can be very small, especially with luggage. Once couple booked the standard smaller one and another the larger. We did the larger as I hate tripping over suitcases in the middle of the night. all of us thought it was worth it.

 

If you are only interested in Museums then I would stay in the Museum section but Banks was close enough that we could walk to the Museum area, Anne Franks, 9 streets, Red Light. We just walked everywhere :). The only cab we took was from the cruise port to the hotel and a private transfer that gigiane kindly arranged from the hotel to hers and then to the airport. (We were on the same flight).

 

It was our pleasure to cruise with you and I hope we do again in the future. I suspect our next cruise may be on the P'dam again (unless DH objects).

 

I am glad you enjoyed her and the crew. Without a doubt in my experience the service cannot be matched on the other HAL ships.

 

Amsterdam has a lot of great hotels, for sure. And the people there are tremendous - helpful, kind and seem to not mind having visitors. Great city :)

[1of4]

It was so easy for us to get our luggage up the stairs to the Banks Mansion reception. I had never seen this before.

 

It's a little escalator for your luggage - works both to take your luggage up and down the stairs so no lugging and no need for any help. Amazing.

 

 

 

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Woot, woot! How fantastic is that. I knew this hotel sounded great. Now I need one of these at home!

[1of4]

And a piece of the "library" area:

 

 

they actually do have a few books and newspapers, magazines, etc.

 

It's a relaxation area and the spot for drinks, wines and the cheese tray.

 

 

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Our hotel in Reykjavik has a library too. I guess I will see for myself but will take pictures. Maybe it is a European idea. I booked The Canopy by Hilton with, hopefully, adjoining rooms.

 

Thanks for the pictures!!

[kazu]

For those who have not sailed on the P'dam, the ship has several key differences from the other HAL ships.

 

It's Lido deck does not have a roof that opens and closes.

 

But there is a protected area you can walk under to get across if the weather is inclement.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

The salad bar, tacos, cold meats and cheeses are all self serve.

 

While there are those cheese plates that you see on the other ships, there are also several types of cheese to choose from as you wish. You are NOT limited to a cheese plate. One side of the Lido has them cut up and you help yourself.

 

The other side has those nice huge hunks of cheese and you can slice off what you like.

 

Along with the ready made sandwiches, there is also a made to order station right next to it. And a panini maker :D

 

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Unlike other ships, I have never found the LIdo Restaurant crowded or had to struggle to find a table.

 

the Lido Restaurant has the typical two sides:

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Plus the Wintergarten room (I think I have the name correct).

 

It is what used to be a terrace area and has now been closed in. Good idea for inclement weather as the P'dam sees lots of different weather.

 

This is where the Canaletto is at night.

 

It's aft with lovely views, nice and bright and was our favourite spot to eat again this year.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

Another shot of the space and some of the chairs in the Canaletto.

 

Great views can be had here.

 

(This pic was taken during the day - not when the area is "dressed up" for the Canaletto).

 

There are curtains that close at the entry so that those dining in the Canaletto have privacy from the rest of the Lido area. Quite well done IMO.

 

 

 

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[kazu]

There is a lot of woodwork on the ship.

 

Rosewood that just gleams is in the Pinnacle Grill, Ocean Bar and Explorers' Lounge. Such wood would not be allowed in this day and age in the PG and some of the other places but the P'dam's was grandfathered.

 

You will also find some wood work in your rooms - the amount varies depending on the category you have selected.

 

IMO, if you can and there is no price difference, choose your room on this ship and choose wisely. Some of the Ocean View rooms are larger than others. Some are shower only and some not.

 

Some have a much bigger verandah than others.

 

This ship does not have "cookie cutter" cabins. They can be different in the same category.

 

All the cabins (except the newly installed ones) have walk in closets.

 

This is the desk area in our cabin on the second segment (Signature Suite). I'll be getting the pics to the site that can't be named when I get caught up.

 

 

 

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[1ANGELCAT]

Jacqui,did I miss a picture from the Mariner reception?

I’d love to see a picture of you with that expensive silver jewelry.

Now it’s time to go for the gold [emoji3][emoji898]

 

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

Just got caught up again.

Love your reports and pictures.

[rkacruiser]

There is a lot of woodwork on the ship.

 

Rosewood that just gleams is in the Pinnacle Grill, Ocean Bar and Explorers' Lounge. Such wood would not be allowed in this day and age in the PG and some of the other places but the P'dam's was grandfathered.

 

You will also find some wood work in your rooms - the amount varies depending on the category you have selected.

 

IMO, if you can and there is no price difference, choose your room on this ship and choose wisely. Some of the Ocean View rooms are larger than others. Some are shower only and some not.

 

Some have a much bigger verandah than others.

 

This ship does not have "cookie cutter" cabins. They can be different in the same category.

 

All the cabins (except the newly installed ones) have walk in closets.

 

This is the desk area in our cabin on the second segment (Signature Suite). I'll be getting the pics to the site that can't be named when I get caught up.

 

 

 

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That's exactly what our SS looked like with the walk-in closet's 2 doors to the left of the desk area. There was so much storage space in that closet as well as in the desk area and the area near the veranda doors!

[rkacruiser]

Plus the Wintergarten room (I think I have the name correct).

 

It is what used to be a terrace area and has now been closed in. Good idea for inclement weather as the P'dam sees lots of different weather.

 

This is where the Canaletto is at night.

 

It's aft with lovely views, nice and bright and was our favourite spot to eat again this year.

 

 

 

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The Wintergarten Room of the Lido Restaurant was a favorite of mine as well, particularly for Breakfast. All of the sunlight helped me to wake up!

[kazu]

Jacqui,did I miss a picture from the Mariner reception?

I’d love to see a picture of you with that expensive silver jewelry.

Now it’s time to go for the gold [emoji3][emoji898]

 

 

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LOL, no I didn't post a pic of that. enough pics of me on this thread even though I try to avoid it ;)

 

I highly doubt we will ever reach gold. Not unless things change dramatically ;)

[kazu]

The Wintergarten Room of the Lido Restaurant was a favorite of mine as well, particularly for Breakfast. All of the sunlight helped me to wake up!

 

Great minds think alike. I really like that room and never had a problem finding a table.

[*Miss G*]

 

 

 

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Are there normally that many glasses on the desktop or were you hosting a special event?

[kazu]

Are there normally that many glasses on the desktop or were you hosting a special event?

 

sharp eyes Miss G. the wine glasses are normally in the cabinet.

 

I had ordered extra glasses. Yes, I was hosting....

 

I was hosting our cabin crawl hosts which motivated me to take the pics (since the cabin was tidy) to send to the "site that can't be named".