Goodbye Cruise On Prisendam

[aliaschief]

Sailing on a beautiful day headed for Amber Cove, Dominican Republic tomorrow morning. Being a short six day cruise the demographic of usual Prisendam cruisers is quite different. Quite a few children, young couples aboard along  with old Chief here!

 

Went to Ocean Bar last night for pre dinner libations. The air  was permeated with smoke evidently coming down from the casino. Later at dining it was even stronger in the forward fixed dining area. I brought it up to several but I’m sure nothing will be done. Last night you could see folks wandering around looking for something to do. All there was to do was go to Casino play and smoke!

 

The Quartet who joined the ship yesterday and played in the Ocean Bar sounded like their usual gig was background music in a funeral home! Saw some people trying to dance to their music and most just walked off dance floor shaking their heads. Our piano bar entertainer supposedly starts tonight. Haven’t seen a name yet but heard it was a female performer.

 

The Ship is nicely decorated in Holiday Trim. Dry Dock items were usual hull and technical work. There was no new refurbishing of furniture, rugs etc.

 

There is one issue that they have been working on all day. The center pool is not functioning. Sounds like pump to add or drain water are not working. They said it would be fixed today but it was still down last time I passed by so kids are swimming in hot tub.

 

Having just cruised on Koningsdam the biggest shock upon boarding Elegant Explorer EE is when you realize you just walked the entire length of ship in about a minute!

 

We have a SY cabin and everything is functioning fine.

 

So it’s back to the Verandha with a good book and watching the birds feeding off the flying fish. 

 

We we are enjoying our last Prisendam goodbye cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Copper10-8]

Have a good time Chief! Prinsendam is not really equipped for entertaining kiddies; no Club HAL so they usually use a meeting room for that purpose

[aliaschief]

28 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

Have a good time Chief! Prinsendam is not really equipped for entertaining kiddies; no Club HAL so they usually use a meeting room for that purpose

 

28 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

 

Gotcha on that! Was surprised yesterday when HD stated there were not many 4 or 5 Star Mariners abroad. Six day cruise post a dry dock equals many who would never consider cruising on Prisendam as the “Price Was Right”

 

They are still working on pool. Presently using the fire hose for filling and looks like it may work!

 

Tonight’s our only Gala night. One super positive note. The crew and Service have been outstanding.

 

Though we know we’ll never be able to finish one tonight we are contemplating sharing and splurging the President’s cut 36oz. Bone In  Rib Eye in Pinnacle. I was surprised  that the President’s Cut was offered in MDR last night as extra price item along with the baked lobster. First time I have seen that offered in MDR.

 

 

 

 

Edited December 16, 2018 by aliaschief

[rkacruiser]

This is a 5 Star Mariner who would have considered booking this short cruise if I had known about it!  Not having printed brochures that are up-to-date is a "pain" for me in trying to learn what is available.  Don't like searching HAL's web site for cruises!

 

On my Prinsendam Christmas/New Year's cruise a couple of years ago, the musical groups in the Ocean Bar were excellent!

 

We also dined in the Forward Dining Room and really enjoyed that location!  Also really liked the SY suite with the "his" and "hers" bathrooms.

 

Enjoy your cruise Chief!

 

 

 

 

Edited December 16, 2018 by rkacruiser

[kazu]

Wow, surprised at the smoke in the forward dining room, Chief.

 

I have never noticed it and neither has DH.  Wonder if it's the demographic on board?

 

Surprised at the lack of 4 & 5 star mariners too.

 

I envy you doing the swan song on a holiday cruise.  enjoy and have a great time 🙂 

[kazu]

1 hour ago, Copper10-8 said:

Have a good time Chief! Prinsendam is not really equipped for entertaining kiddies; no Club HAL so they usually use a meeting room for that purpose

 

I think it was the Stuyvesant Room?  (My memory is short).  But, when we had children on board, the staff didn't keep them there. 

 

they were out and about everywhere on the ship.  The counsellors were amazing with them.  

 

Of course, with those children, I'd have them out and about too.  the parents were always by to check and the children were real gems.  they were invited to every VIP party.  It was a riot to watch them wide eyed at the chocolate fountain.

 

Captain handed them a glass and told them to help themselves.  

 

they were the talk of that cruise - so charming - always a joy 😄 

[TiogaCruiser]

Have a great cruise you two!

 

One little question, if you don’t mind: Did the launderette remain after drydock, and is it still open?

 

(DH and I are actually booked on P-Dam’s last voyage! I still cannot believe it! He’s finally gotten the vacation time, and said “yes” to a cruise.🙃😁)

[aliaschief]

The Presidents Cut 32 oz. bone in rib eye was to die for. We shared and ate most of it. We received a small copper token which showed we were the 57th Prisendam Guest to order one!

 

We’re stuffed!

 

We asked if there was service dog on-board who would like the bone. Nope! This Pinnacle staff are outanding along with food.

 

No smell of smoke tonight in Ocean Bar.

 

 

 

[aliaschief]

1 hour ago, TiogaCruiser said:

Have a great cruise you two!

 

One little question, if you don’t mind: Did the launderette remain after drydock, and is it still open?

 

(DH and I are actually booked on P-Dam’s last voyage! I still cannot believe it! He’s finally gotten the vacation time, and said “yes” to a cruise.🙃😁)

There were no indoor renovations or design changes during dry dock. So I presume they still have laundry but I’ll look.

[aliaschief]

Anna the piano bar entertainer is outstanding. Unfortunately she is a school teacher and only does this during school breaks. Sounds like she will be on the next cruise out of Fort Lauderdale. Awesome singer.

 

Goodnight from the EE!🎄

[Copper10-8]

17 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

Anna the piano bar entertainer is outstanding. Unfortunately she is a school teacher and only does this during school breaks. Sounds like she will be on the next cruise out of Fort Lauderdale. Awesome singer.

 

Goodnight from the EE!🎄

 

Chief; who is your captain? and if you happen to see Security Supervisor James working the gangway, please give him my regards, thanks

[aliaschief]

33 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

 

Chief; who is your captain? and if you happen to see Security Supervisor James working the gangway, please give him my regards, thanks

Captain Dvergastein. I will pass your wishes unto James.

[kazu]

1 hour ago, aliaschief said:

The Presidents Cut 32 oz. bone in rib eye was to die for. We shared and ate most of it. We received a small copper token which showed we were the 57th Prisendam Guest to order one!

 

We’re stuffed!

 

We asked if there was service dog on-board who would like the bone. Nope! This Pinnacle staff are outanding along with food.

 

No smell of smoke tonight in Ocean Bar.

 

 

 

 

 

Well done, Chief and DWaliaschief!

 

Glad to hear the PG staff is outstanding.  That's been our experience so far as well 🙂 

 

[Himself]

6 hours ago, aliaschief said:

 I was on the Nieuw Amsterdam five weeks ago and The President cut was offered in theMDR at the extra charge.  Was also on theWesterdam in September abd it was the sme thing.Chief

 

6 hours ago, aliaschief said:

ChiChGotcha on that! Was surprised yesterday when HD stated there were not many 4 or 5 Star Mariners abroad. Six day cruise post a dry dock equals many who would never consider cruising on Prisendam as the “Price Was Right”

 

They are still working on pool. Presently using the fire hose for filling and looks like it may work!

 

Tonight’s our only Gala night. One super positive note. The crew and Service have been outstanding.

 

Though we know we’ll never be able to finish one tonight we are contemplating sharing and splurging the President’s cut 36oz. Bone In  Rib Eye in Pinnacle. I was surprised  that the President’s Cut was offered in MDR last night as extra price item along with the baked lobster. First time I have seen that offered in MDR.

 

 

 

 

 

[aliaschief]

With over 300 hundred days at sea a occasional thought has been. “I wonder if anyone has ever been locked on their Verandha and couldn’t get back in cabin?”

 

HElP

 

This morning as we were enjoying morning coffee and approaching the Dominican Republic we tried to reenter our cabin but the latch on the sliding door had dropped and we were stranded on our balcony!😱

 

There were a few early walkers on the promenade. Hey Buddy! Help to no avail. Finally I saw a ladies arms extended over the rail a few cabins down! Hey Lady! Yeah you! Five minutes later Guest Services to the rescue. Glad we didn’t decide to have a nightcap after coming home from piano bar. Could have been a long night on our Verandha!😀

 

Pilot just boarded arriving Amber Cove!

Edited December 17, 2018 by aliaschief

[kazu]

4 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

With over 300 hundred days at sea a occasional thought has been. “I wonder if anyone has ever been locked on their Verandha and couldn’t get back in cabin?”

 

HElP

 

This morning as we were enjoying morning coffee and approaching the Dominican Republic we tried to reenter our cabin but the latch on the sliding door had dropped and we were stranded on our balcony!😱

 

There were a few early walkers on the promenade. Hey Buddy! Help to no avail. Finally I saw a ladies arms extended over the rail a few cabins down! Hey Lady! Yeah you! Five minutes later Guest Services to the rescue. Glad we didn’t decide to have a nightcap after coming home from piano bar. Could have been a long night on our Verandha!😀

 

Pilot just boarded arriving Amber Cove!

 

WOW!  Glad you got help.

[aliaschief]

12 hours ago, TiogaCruiser said:

Have a great cruise you two!

 

One little question, if you don’t mind: Did the launderette remain after drydock, and is it still open?

 

(DH and I are actually booked on P-Dam’s last voyage! I still cannot believe it! He’s finally gotten the vacation time, and said “yes” to a cruise.🙃😁)

Yes they still have self laundry. Verandha Deck 10.

[TiogaCruiser]

Thanks!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Just saw this thread.

 

Enjoying it very much.

[Copper10-8]

4 hours ago, aliaschief said:

With over 300 hundred days at sea a occasional thought has been. “I wonder if anyone has ever been locked on their Verandha and couldn’t get back in cabin?”

 

HElP

 

This morning as we were enjoying morning coffee and approaching the Dominican Republic we tried to reenter our cabin but the latch on the sliding door had dropped and we were stranded on our balcony!😱

 

There were a few early walkers on the promenade. Hey Buddy! Help to no avail. Finally I saw a ladies arms extended over the rail a few cabins down! Hey Lady! Yeah you! Five minutes later Guest Services to the rescue. Glad we didn’t decide to have a nightcap after coming home from piano bar. Could have been a long night on our Verandha!😀

 

Pilot just boarded arriving Amber Cove!

 

You're not the first ones 

[aliaschief]

14 hours ago, Copper10-8 said:

 

Chief; who is your captain? and if you happen to see Security Supervisor James working the gangway, please give him my regards, thanks

James and the entire Security got really excited when  I passed on your hellos. Had to hold up line for a minute as they got as much of an update that I know! Your famous!

Edited December 17, 2018 by aliaschief

[aliaschief]

Internet Special $50.00 for six days was popular! Happy Hour plus piano entertainer Anna between 9:00 and 10:00 PM was even better. Internet speed has been pretty darn good for a ship.We went the Single Malt Whisky route which really saves some $’s.

 

Not sure what happened to the funeral quartet but haven’t seen since.

 

Swealtering day here last check 93 degrees.

[aliaschief]

Center pool is functioning. Present Quartet band supposedly leaves tomorrow and Argentine Quartet boards tomorrow. Reportably quite good. Sounds like the Argentine replacement Quartet missed boarding in Fort Lauderdale due to connections

 

Anna piano entertainer,  playing in Crows Nest to packed house. Could not find one available seat. She’s very good. Like Piano Bars of Yore!

 

Great MDR dining and service tonight. San Juan in morning plan on staying aboard. 

 

Life is good. Goodnight from The Elegent Explorer.

[Copper10-8]

2 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Center pool is functioning. Present Quartet band supposedly leaves tomorrow and Argentine Quartet boards tomorrow. Reportably quite good. Sounds like the Argentine replacement Quartet missed boarding in Fort Lauderdale due to connections

 

Anna piano entertainer,  playing in Crows Nest to packed house. Could not find one available seat. She’s very good. Like Piano Bars of Yore!

 

Great MDR dining and service tonight. San Juan in morning plan on staying aboard. 

 

Life is good. Goodnight from The Elegent Explorer.

 

Hope you brought your Argentinian tango shoes for tomorrow, Chief 

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you will be getting a better musical quartet today.