Btimmer's Almost Live to the Amazon 2019 & Beyond

[Alphen]

5 hours ago, Btimmer said:

 

I'll try to do better on the dessert photos on the next segment.  It was a fruit plate for me and a scoop of Ben & Jerry's ice cream for my wife.

 

Here's a couple pictures of the Jersey Tenors performance tonight.  They are staying on for the next segment. They are among our favorite groups we've seen performing on ships.

 

 

 

Agree, we enjoyed them on Maasdam and back in 2010 on Noordam, when they were called the Unexpected Boys!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Pinnacle Food really looks good!!

 

DH loves the Seafood Ciopino and I love scallops (still not a fan of HAL's lobster).

[Btimmer]

Looks to be wet day in Key West!

[Btimmer]

We made more lemonade today in a blustery & damp Key West.  FLL tomorrow and the start of a new adventure.

 

 

[colbe]

Btimmer , you were so lucky to get off the ship for the whole day. I am still reeling from what happened to those of us who do not have US or Canadian passports! We waited from 8am until 1pm to spend 30 seconds with the immigration officer. It took so long, that we were feed sandwiches and coffee by the crew as we waited in line at 12pm. 

We were required to have a printed copy of our electronic esta, and also to complete another double sided form that was a repeat of all the questions in the esta. 

[Btimmer]

I am so sorry for what happened to our international guests.  As the Captain indicated, the US CBP came unprepared, and changed the procedures that HAL had set up.  Even I had to wait over 1/2 hour after they announced the 'free for all' for all US passport holders to report at once.  I wish they had kept to the 'by floor' order.

Edited December 20, 2019 by Btimmer

[Btimmer]

We're docked in Ft. Lauderdale about to begin the 'Beyond' part of our voyage.  Today we changed rooms (2 doors down

and an inside cabin).  Then we walked 2.5 miles to Ross and the Dollar Store (many of the crew were there!), ate a nice Mexican lunch and then walked back to the ship where I unpacked.  
 

Here's a view of the Zuiderdam which is docked at 26 while we are at 19.

 

 

Here's the Volendam:

 

 

Finally here's a collection of crushed cans for recycle:

 

 

Christmas decor is in full swing on crew and guest apparel.

[iflyrc5]

Are you staying on for the cruise starting Jan 5?  Take care of the ship as that is when we are boarding

[Krazy Kruizers]

Sorry to hear that immigration was messed up.

[Btimmer]

8 minutes ago, iflyrc5 said:

Are you staying on for the cruise starting Jan 5?  Take care of the ship as that is when we are boarding

Unfortunately not.  Time to spend time at home.

[seeriteR]

Thanks for taking us on this trip with you! Good wishes for Christmas and your next adventure!

 

Jim

[Btimmer]

Tonight it was Christmas Tree lighting time and was accompanied by carol singing.  The Christmas spirit is alive on the Volendam.

 

 

 

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

Great pictures.

[puppycanducruise]

Loving your pictures.  Thank you.

[DeeniEncinitas]

So enjoyed catching up! Your pictures a great!

Denise😊

[bcummin]

Glad to read that you have active church services during the Christmas season.

Barbara

[cruisinteach2]

Tim and Angela -- enjoying catching up on your posts of all the ports we visited! Wish we were still with you esp. as we return to rainy cold Seattle!

Dave and Barbara

[Btimmer]

After a few sea days, we finally reached Cruz Bag in the US Virgin Islands.  Here are a few pictures from today.  The snorkeling was in very murky water due to strong wind and tidal action.  Hopefully it will be better tomorrow in Philipsburg, Sint Martin.  BTW I don't know where the deer came from.  And the lizards continue to interest me!  
 

 

 

 

[Btimmer]

If anybody has a tip on how to prevent the CC site from flipping pictures over, I'm open to suggestions.

[Btimmer]

Billboard on Board is standing room only most nights.  This set is 70's hits.

 

[Btimmer]

Merry Christmas from the Volendam off St. Maarten on our way to Barbados.

 

 

 

 

 

[Btimmer]

Main dining room decorations
 

 

Yule log

 

[erewhon]

Fabulous to see the photos of Christmas decorations on the Volendam.

Thank you.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Just got caught up with your reports.

 

Love the pictures especially the one with the pelicans.

[DeeniEncinitas]

MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄🎁!!

My favorite picture is the sunset👍👍

Those lizards have feet like Geckos! 
Loved your whole review even if pictures were upside down!🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Denise😊