2018 Voyage of the Vikings

[Infi]

Enjoy your cruise. We just disembarked the Rotterdam on Wednesday and had a wonderful time. Due to DD's limits on vacation days from work, we may not get to do the full VOV for awhile, but the Rotterdam-Boston cruise was a great preview with many beautiful places to see.

 

As a heads up, for those concerned about transiting Prince Christian Sund earlier in the thread, we were there earlier this month. Very little ice and no problem at all with the scenic cruising, so VOV should be similar. We only missed one port (Nanortalik in Greenland) due to extreme fog. Enjoy - Prince Christian Sund was a real highlight of the trip.

[Cruising-along]

Great cruise! Fantastic service, loving everything so far. The only problem we’ve had was resolved immediately (our cabin wouldn’t warm up). I’m excited for the next 5 weeks. [emoji846][emoji846]

 

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you had a wonderful Meet & Greet.

Sorry to hear about Sydney.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I’m having a fabulous time so far. The crew is wonderful, food is outstanding, scenery is fantastic. And I get to do this for ** 5 ** more weeks!! This was a good choice for my second-ever cruise. [emoji7]

 

 

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Have a wonderful 5 weeks cruising!!

[Sue from Canada]

Enjoy your cruise. We just disembarked the Rotterdam on Wednesday and had a wonderful time. Due to DD's limits on vacation days from work, we may not get to do the full VOV for awhile, but the Rotterdam-Boston cruise was a great preview with many beautiful places to see.

 

As a heads up, for those concerned about transiting Prince Christian Sund earlier in the thread, we were there earlier this month. Very little ice and no problem at all with the scenic cruising, so VOV should be similar. We only missed one port (Nanortalik in Greenland) due to extreme fog. Enjoy - Prince Christian Sund was a real highlight of the trip.

 

Missed Nanortalik!!! I was there 2 years ago and will be on the Rotterdam July 6th sailing back to Boston. This will be a BIG disappointment for me if we don't get to visit. I'll keep my fingers crossed and for sailing Prince CS.

[tv24]

It was a good crossing, some great weather and some not so good. Lots of unusual ports and places, great views in Greenland. I will be working up my review soon...happy enough to book another HAL crossing for 2019.

[richwmn]

Because of a problem with the hoist on lifeboat 4 we are still on our way to Corner Brook. Because we are late we are getting a great view on each side of the ship. The sunrise over the water on the port side is very nice and the land on each side is very pretty and inviting. We are still about 2 hours out.

[kazu]

Sounds like some great scenic cruising on the way to Cornerbrook, Rich.

 

Newfoundlanders are fantastic people. Enjoy :)

[*Miss G*]

I wanted a visual of your itinerary so I looked it up. I thought maybe others would like to see, also, so I have posted it here.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you are seeing some beautiful scenery.

[richwmn]

Rotterdam in Corner Brook Newfoundland today. It was a beautiful day, temperature moderate and scenery lovely!

Edited July 22, 2018 by richwmn

[Hhagatha]

I wanted a visual of your itinerary so I looked it up. I thought maybe others would like to see, also, so I have posted it here.

 

Hope they offer this itinerary in the future! This one is on my bucket list - no international flights!

[richwmn]

I believe someone asked about the entertainment so here goes:

The first day's programs were only given out in the terminal. I thought there would be one in my cabin so I didn't take one and since I didn't attend the first night's show in the lounge I have no idea what it was.

 

Thursday, July 19th

Fred Bevill

He was introduced as a comic who had been on stage and TV with many big name acts. I was at the early show and it was packed. Along with I would say about 90% of the audience, I thought his show was very funny. Two of the subjects discussed were marriage (of course) and hunting. The jokes were funny and presented well. Most everyone left the show laughing.

 

 

Friday, July 20th

The Midnight Hour - Featuring Rotterdam Entertainers

I didn't attend but many people commented that it was a good show

 

 

Saturday, July 21st

Greg Rodman

Again playing to a packed house for the early show, this gentleman played a very good guitar show telling a few good stories between songs. It appeared that everyone in the audience enjoyed themselves.

 

 

Sunday, July 22nd

The Emperors of Soul

Four gentlemen from London played like they might have grown up in Motown. I attended the 10pm show and while not packed it was pretty full. They had the sound and the moves that went along with the Motown style of music primarily from the '70's. They really put on a good show.

 

 

Monday, July 23rd

Naomi Edemariam

She is billed as a concert pianist, with the notation "An amazing evening of musical talent -- with fingers that dance on thekeys." We'll see what happens tomorrow.

 

 

Gala Night was on Friday the 20th, the first sea day. We have four more according to several people at the M&G

[richwmn]

We were scheduled to be in Red Bay, Labrador but due to extremely heavy fog that was not expected to lift the port was cancelled. Part of the reason is that the tender ride would have been about a mile.

 

 

To continue on my previous post on entertainment.

 

 

We are scheduled to have an Adagio Group playing in the Explorers Lounge each evening. However due to various problems we have not had the full group aboard yet. I'm not sure if the last member made it aboard yesterday, but if not, it wont be complete for another couple of days due to our failure to tender today.

 

 

In the Ocean Bar the Ocean Quartet has played each evening to a nice sized crowd and several couples dancing. I listend to several songs and the group is very talented. Most likely I will continue to stop there each evening for a few minutes.

 

 

In the Mix we have Barry from Boston. I know that on this forum there is a bit of a "Love/Hate" feeling about Barry but put me in the love column. He had a night off last night, but the other nights so far he has had a nice sized crowd that participated in the show.

 

 

Not exactly entertainment but something that Holland America has provided for this cruise is a full complement of religious leaders. We have a Catholic Priest, a Protestant Minister, and a Jewish Rabbi aboard providing services and support. I suppose it is because I met him early and spoke to him but I see the Catholic Priest (Father Roman) out and about constantly.

 

 

We are currently on our way early to our next port of call! I hope everyone, both at home and aboard the ships, has a great week.

 

 

Rich

[Cruising-along]

I believe someone asked about the entertainment so here goes:

 

The first day's programs were only given out in the terminal. I thought there would be one in my cabin so I didn't take one and since I didn't attend the first night's show in the lounge I have no idea what it was.

 

 

 

Thursday, July 19th

 

Fred Bevill

 

He was introduced as a comic who had been on stage and TV with many big name acts. I was at the early show and it was packed. Along with I would say about 90% of the audience, I thought his show was very funny. Two of the subjects discussed were marriage (of course) and hunting. The jokes were funny and presented well. Most everyone left the show laughing.

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, July 20th

 

The Midnight Hour - Featuring Rotterdam Entertainers

 

I didn't attend but many people commented that it was a good show

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, July 21st

 

Greg Rodman

 

Again playing to a packed house for the early show, this gentleman played a very good guitar show telling a few good stories between songs. It appeared that everyone in the audience enjoyed themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, July 22nd

 

The Emperors of Soul

 

Four gentlemen from London played like they might have grown up in Motown. I attended the 10pm show and while not packed it was pretty full. They had the sound and the moves that went along with the Motown style of music primarily from the '70's. They really put on a good show.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, July 23rd

 

Naomi Edemariam

 

She is billed as a concert pianist, with the notation "An amazing evening of musical talent -- with fingers that dance on thekeys." We'll see what happens tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

Gala Night was on Friday the 20th, the first sea day. We have four more according to several people at the M&G

 

 

 

We went to the 8:00 show and it was standing room only just like the night we saw Greg Rodman with you, Rich. I’m taking notes for the post cruise survey—loved both!

 

Had a very nice day in Corner Brook. We walked 5+ miles on the Corner Brook Stream Trail. Even though I had printed out the map, it wasn’t great (nor the signage) but a very friendly local couple helped get us on the way. [emoji846]

 

Due to heavy fog we aren’t able to tender today at Red Bay so we’ll have 2 sea days and then our first port in Greenland.

 

I’m impressed with Linda Minniken our CD. She got up and danced on stage last night with the Emperors of Soul. The whole room was laughing and clapping.

 

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for the reports on the entertainment.

[Hlitner]

We enjoyed Barry from Boston when we did last year's VOV cruise. I think this year might be Barry's 8th VOV cruise. But since HAL is using the Zuiderdam for the 2019, we fear there will no longer be a piano bar entertainer. If the OP gets some time we would appreciate if they ask Barry about 2019?

 

Hank

P.S. Put us in the love Barry group

[richwmn]

We enjoyed Barry from Boston when we did last year's VOV cruise. I think this year might be Barry's 8th VOV cruise. But since HAL is using the Zuiderdam for the 2019, we fear there will no longer be a piano bar entertainer. If the OP gets some time we would appreciate if they ask Barry about 2019?

 

Hank

P.S. Put us in the love Barry group

 

Barry and I have already talked about the future of the VoV and he does not expect to be a part of it.

[kazu]

Barry and I have already talked about the future of the VoV and he does not expect to be a part of it.

 

sorry to hear that. :(

 

thanks for reporting back.

[richwmn]

Day 2 at sea from Red Bay, Labrador toward Greenland.

 

 

Yesterday due to extreme fog we were unable to tender in Red Bay. Once the decision was made we set sail toward Greenland. The staff pulled in extra activities so that there were many things going on. The Casino and Shops opened shortly after getting underway.

 

 

Last night the Captain announced that the instance of Noro had reached the point that additional measures were taking place. I had thought earlier that this might be happening as upon entering the Lido someone was stationed there to remind us to use the sanitizer. All over the ship crew is reminding passengers to "Wash, Wash, Wash".

 

 

Also last night we saw our first iceberg. The Captain announced that it was about 3 kilometers off and that 90% was underwater. It really looked nice sitting out in the distance but the danger is known.

 

 

All is going well, the ship seems to be in good shape. As usual, repairs and maintenance are constantly underway.

[Hlitner]

Barry and I have already talked about the future of the VoV and he does not expect to be a part of it.

 

Bummer.

 

Hank

[richwmn]

The Captain just announced another day at sea. We were supposed to tender at Paamiut, Greenland today but the seas and wind were too high to attempt it. Safety First!

 

 

Update on entertainment.

Last night on the main stage was supposed to be a show by the Rotterdam Singers and Dancers. The seas were too rought and the Magician/Comedian Nick Paul was substituted. He drew a packed audience for the early show. He had a pretty good show, but each bit was a little long so not too many actual tricks.

 

 

Monday night was a concert pianist. I didn't go and haven't heard anyone comment on the show.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Maybe we will tender tomorrow. [emoji3][emoji3]

 

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[Cruise NH]

Are there any bloggers on the voyage? Does anyone have the addresses?

 

Thanks 😁

[Krazy Kruizers]

Just got caught up.

Sorry to hear about the Noro and another missed port.