Eurodam 1/16-26 Almost Live Thread.

[ksmaxey]

While I blog to my wordpress site.  I will try copying my posts over here as well.

We are sailing at about 25% capacity.

 

Precruise

 

We have had several requests from those who know we are traveling again to post some of our experiences.  I hope to have enough internet to be able to share pictures along the way.

 

This trip is a 10 day Caribbean cruise on the Holland America MS Eurodam, a ship we have experienced several times and absolutely love for its layout, design and amenities.

 

Friday 1/14 and Saturday 1/15

 

While there is typically much planning and packing prior to the day that we leave I don’t often mention much of that.  This trip, Friday was particularly critical as this cruise is a 100% fully vaccinated and tested cruise.  All passengers must display proof of vaccination and proof of a proctored rapid antigen test or PCR test for the Coronavirus on one of the two days prior to embarkation.  The crew are 100% vaccinated and are also tested regularly.  We are also traveling with friends so all four of us would need to be negative.  All four of us have jobs that expose us to a lot of people, but Janice and one of the friends are NPs.

 

 

 

Friday we each had to log on and be supervised opening the test, tickling our sinuses and then waiting for the 15 minutes for results.  Thankfully we all passed and were negative.

The rest of the day was work and packing.  Janice and I dropped Nela off for sleepover with our trainers, just before they closed on Friday.

 

After a late night and an early morning we headed to DTW for our flight.  A quick trip to TSA screening was wonderful and we are thankful for Global Entry and the ease with which it makes both screening at the airport and re-entry to the US when traveling.

Our flight to Fort Lauderdale was a nonstop on Delta.  We pulled away from the gate on time, just before 11 AM and were in the air in minutes.  The plane was completely full and there was great mask compliance.  Everyone in our group has been wearing KN95 masks more to protect ourselves, but also to protect others.  The flight is a quick 2 ½ hour flight.  We were told that we had to wear masks unless we were actively eating or drinking.  We saw flight attendants remind several passengers to put their masks back on and there everyone complied and there was no ugliness about the mask policy.  Near the end of the flight we were handed this note.  When we flew in July, we were personally thanked for returning to the air with Delta.  It was hard to hear and this worked better.

 

After we arrived we collected our things, called our hotel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites south and took a Shuttle to check in.  Not having had lunch in flight we met at 4PM and walked across US 1 to 3 Son’s Brewing.  What a delight.  They had a huge selection of beer and they were all fantastic.  One highlight was a five minute pour pilsner that actually took closer to 10 minutes to pour.  It has a head that was thick as whipped cream on the top.  I enjoyed the Green Gorilla which is a dry hopped tripel.  We enjoyed great food, well prepared and enjoyed the fact that all the staff wore masks and most customers wore masks. 

After dinner we walked back for an early night.  In the morning we will uber over to pier 26 to board our home for the next 10 days.

[ksmaxey]

Here is a link to my blog which has pictures as well

http://kevinmaxey.wordpress.com

[ksmaxey]

The day began for Kevin a little earlier than anticipated as he was awake and his mind going too early for vacation.  It is the excitement of what’s ahead.  Kevin watched the MS Eurodam pull into port just before 6 AM on the Port web cam and also the marine tracking website.

 

After caffeinating we headed to the gym, cleaned up and then grabbed breakfast.  As a covid precaution all food was being served.  I am not convinced that is a valid Covid precaution but it is a definite Norovirus precaution and we don’t want to catch Covid and we certainly do want Norovirus. 

 

After breakfast we headed back to our room and can see all the ships sitting in port.  It is hazy day and strong storms are expected between Noon- 2 PM.  Hopefully they will pass for a 4 PM sail away.

 

At 11 we met our friends in the lobby to check out and summon an Uber to Pier 26.  The hotel offered a shuttle for 24 per person but that involves a small bus pulling a trailer and people in a small space.  The four of us should be able to get the UBER XL for under $15 before tip.  With the ship reported to be at 25% of capacity, embarkation shall go quickly.  We will have to provide our passport, proof of vaccination, negative covid results and use facial recognition software to board.  We should be on board before 12:30

 

We arrived at the port at 11;45 and by noon we were on the ship and our cabins were ready.  We dropped off our carry ons and headed to the dining room for lunch.  After was a tour of the ship to orient ourselves.  We stopped by our muster station to have our cards scanned and returned to find our luggage waiting so we unpacked.  Our sail away was scheduled for 4 but we needed additional fuel which kept us in port until 6:30.  The sail away party was at 4 and we watched a bartending show and ended being gifted a drink from the demo – a blue Florida.

 

We stopped for wine before dinner and had dinner in the main dining room.  The room was quite empty.   On most voyages, the breakfast crowd was larger than dinner.  Dinner was great.  We had ceviche, salad and for Janice red snapper over saffron risotto.  I had short rib stroganoff.  We shared a tart. 

 

After dinner we went and saw two comedy shows.  Both were quite good but we really loved the first one: Jose Sarduy.  The second comedian was Mike Paramore.

We then headed back and called it a day.

 

Back to the question of passengers.  The Eurodam can carry just over 2100 passengers.  We have between 500 -600 and we think closer to 500.  The comedian joked that it is 1 passenger for every 1.5 crew.  This feels accurate.

Tomorrow is Half Moon Cay.  Since we are all vaccinated and tested we will be allowed to stop.  Saturday the Zuiderdam was not allowed as they had too many positive cases on board.

[Mtn2Sea]

Thanks for taking us along.  Enjoy your cruise!!

[ottahand7]

Cute pup.  We have always been a family with black dogs.  Have a wonderful trip and will be following.  

[bcummin]

Thanks for sharing your Eurodam cruise with us.

Hope all continues to go well.  Enjoy!

Barbara

[ksmaxey]

a couple interesting observations

 

1)  A room attendant says that night time chocolate is only on Gala nights now.

2)  We tried to get a bottle of San Pelegrino with the Elite Beverage package last night and were told no it wasn't allowed any more.  So much for any beverage below $15.  I will try again in another location and speak to the beverage manager to confirm this.

We were in HMC with the Rotterdam today but the locals couldn't get there because of the wind so all excursions were cancelled and all shops were closed.  They did offer the clam shells for free.

 

It didn't feel crowded at any point in the day.

I saw that the 4th floor forward of the midship elevators is closed and must be the quarantine / isolation cabins.

 

Another odd observation is that this morning there were very few people eating in the main dining room yet they sat people at tables less than 3 feet from others when we would be removing masks to eat.  It would seem wiser to spread out people to reduce the risk of any asymptomatic spread of Covid.

we are still loving the cruise and I will post a blog for today later.

[canadianbear]

Will be following along.  We watched the departures from Ft Lauderdale on the webcam.  Was great to see.  Your dog looked very “chilled” in the photo!

 

Have a great cruise! 

[SuzieTrue]

We are scheduled for the Jan 26 cruise. Thanks for the info.

[br111]

We too are scheduled for the Jan. 26 departure, so really appreciate your insights. Fingers crossed everything goes as planned!

[ksmaxey]

Pictures are included on my wordpress site.

 

 
The overnight transit from Port Everglades was quick.  After leaving port over 2 hours late the captain had us arriving on time at HMC.  The high winds overnight meant some gentle rocking and that made for some sound sleep.  We awoke at 7 AM and realized there was little time for exercise before breakfast and tendering began.  Not a problem because we planned to get our steps in exploring HMC.

After some time posting this morning we got ready for the day. We headed to breakfast at 8:30. Breakfast included fruit plates, Dungeness crab Benedict, and Buckwheat pancakes.  One thing we noted was that everyone was seated quite close together which was totally unnecessary given the small number eating in the dining room.  They haven’t asked us about sharing a table with other guests we aren’t traveling with which is no doubt a Covid protocol/precaution.
 

Just after Breakfast they announced that we had been cleared and could begin tendering.  The Rotterdam was also at HMC and while leaving port after us, had arrived before us or the number 1 “anchorage.”  Historically the larger ship would utilize the 2 Island tenders and the other ship would use it’s own smaller tenders.  Our friends had an excursion and were waiting in line and overhead much conversation.  Because of lower numbers the plan was for 1 tender to be used for each ship and no ship’s tenders.  One of the tenders wasn’t working initially which put a wrench in things as they had been preparing the ship’s tenders for use.  The second issue was that the high winds would have made for a rougher ride in a smaller tender.  At the last minute they were able to use the 2 tenders with one for each ship.

When the cruise director announced the tendering she also announced that because of the winds the employees that work many things on the island could not ferry to HMC from their home islands and so all cabanas, excursions and shops were closed and cancelled.  Later the captain shared that both captains had really pushed for this stop to happen with others ports being cancelled or at risk for cancellation.  The ride wasn’t bad and we didn’t visit to shop.  It was a gray day to begin with but 73 degrees.

We walked to where the horses and goats live.

We then walked the beach to end of the cove and got great shots of the ships.
 

We walked back and enjoyed complimentary clam shells while grabbing lunch and beer.  Lunch was grilled short ribs (flanken), ceviche, fish tacos with many more options.
 

We returned to the ship at 2 PM and kept ourselves busy until dinner in the Canaletto at 5:30.  This is an Italian restaurant in a corner of the Lido that pops up for dinner.  It is a shared plate with small plates and large plates.  I forgot pictures of the small plates but they included:  Salads, veal meatballs and carpaccio.  As always the service was great.  During dinner the sommelier stopped by to invite Janice and Kevin to a complimentary wine tasting on Tuesday.  Our waitress presented us with origami butterflies and flowers at the end of our meal.  (several staff shared how glad they were to be working and for HAL getting them vaccinated.)

Main course was osso buco  and short ribs with gnocchi
   

Desserts were fantastic as well
    

We made it to end of the captains toast in the main stage.  The crew toasted and the passengers were given coupons for sparkling wine later as a matter of Covid precautions.

We then enjoyed two sets of the B.B. King All Star Band before turning in.  This band is great and the music was blues and not as much 50’s and 60’s music that we heard on the previous two cruises.
 

A couple of other notes for those that cruise.  On deck 4 from midship forward the fire doors are closed and have large no entry crew only signs.  This is clearly the isolation/quarantine section of the ship.
We were able to confirm that you can no longer get San Pellegrino with any of the beverage packages.  They have added language that drinks must be under 500 ML.  Seems really dumb when a bottle is less than half of the cap but the are hoping you will opt for more smaller bottles of Perrier.  We never drink all of the beverages allotted but it does engender ill feelings.  If I was more passive aggressive I would order all 15 drinks and dump the extras.  As a shareholder I get it but as a passenger it feels like nickel and diming. 

We also heard from a crew member that the New Amsterdam is being used as a ship for those crew testing positive from both HAL and Princess.  (remember they both fall under the same umbrella under the CCL structure.)  The number cited was 400 crew in quarantine or isolation right now.  

[4104ever]

1 hour ago, ksmaxey said:

Pictures are included on my wordpress site.

 

 
The overnight transit from Port Everglades was quick.  After leaving port over 2 hours late the captain had us arriving on time at HMC.  The high winds overnight meant some gentle rocking and that made for some sound sleep.  We awoke at 7 AM and realized there was little time for exercise before breakfast and tendering began.  Not a problem because we planned to get our steps in exploring HMC.

After some time posting this morning we got ready for the day. We headed to breakfast at 8:30. Breakfast included fruit plates, Dungeness crab Benedict, and Buckwheat pancakes.  One thing we noted was that everyone was seated quite close together which was totally unnecessary given the small number eating in the dining room.  They haven’t asked us about sharing a table with other guests we aren’t traveling with which is no doubt a Covid protocol/precaution.
 

Just after Breakfast they announced that we had been cleared and could begin tendering.  The Rotterdam was also at HMC and while leaving port after us, had arrived before us or the number 1 “anchorage.”  Historically the larger ship would utilize the 2 Island tenders and the other ship would use it’s own smaller tenders.  Our friends had an excursion and were waiting in line and overhead much conversation.  Because of lower numbers the plan was for 1 tender to be used for each ship and no ship’s tenders.  One of the tenders wasn’t working initially which put a wrench in things as they had been preparing the ship’s tenders for use.  The second issue was that the high winds would have made for a rougher ride in a smaller tender.  At the last minute they were able to use the 2 tenders with one for each ship.

When the cruise director announced the tendering she also announced that because of the winds the employees that work many things on the island could not ferry to HMC from their home islands and so all cabanas, excursions and shops were closed and cancelled.  Later the captain shared that both captains had really pushed for this stop to happen with others ports being cancelled or at risk for cancellation.  The ride wasn’t bad and we didn’t visit to shop.  It was a gray day to begin with but 73 degrees.

We walked to where the horses and goats live.

We then walked the beach to end of the cove and got great shots of the ships.
 

We walked back and enjoyed complimentary clam shells while grabbing lunch and beer.  Lunch was grilled short ribs (flanken), ceviche, fish tacos with many more options.
 

We returned to the ship at 2 PM and kept ourselves busy until dinner in the Canaletto at 5:30.  This is an Italian restaurant in a corner of the Lido that pops up for dinner.  It is a shared plate with small plates and large plates.  I forgot pictures of the small plates but they included:  Salads, veal meatballs and carpaccio.  As always the service was great.  During dinner the sommelier stopped by to invite Janice and Kevin to a complimentary wine tasting on Tuesday.  Our waitress presented us with origami butterflies and flowers at the end of our meal.  (several staff shared how glad they were to be working and for HAL getting them vaccinated.)

Main course was osso buco  and short ribs with gnocchi
   

Desserts were fantastic as well
    

We made it to end of the captains toast in the main stage.  The crew toasted and the passengers were given coupons for sparkling wine later as a matter of Covid precautions.

We then enjoyed two sets of the B.B. King All Star Band before turning in.  This band is great and the music was blues and not as much 50’s and 60’s music that we heard on the previous two cruises.
 

A couple of other notes for those that cruise.  On deck 4 from midship forward the fire doors are closed and have large no entry crew only signs.  This is clearly the isolation/quarantine section of the ship.
We were able to confirm that you can no longer get San Pellegrino with any of the beverage packages.  They have added language that drinks must be under 500 ML.  Seems really dumb when a bottle is less than half of the cap but the are hoping you will opt for more smaller bottles of Perrier.  We never drink all of the beverages allotted but it does engender ill feelings.  If I was more passive aggressive I would order all 15 drinks and dump the extras.  As a shareholder I get it but as a passenger it feels like nickel and diming. 

We also heard from a crew member that the New Amsterdam is being used as a ship for those crew testing positive from both HAL and Princess.  (remember they both fall under the same umbrella under the CCL structure.)  The number cited was 400 crew in quarantine or isolation right now.  

 

[4104ever]

A silly question but important to me.  Is there real butter onboard?  Not the whipped stuff they call butter but the foil wrapped real thing.
Recently cruised Carnival and they no longer have any.  I know, first world problems!! 

[ksmaxey]

42 minutes ago, 4104ever said:

A silly question but important to me.  Is there real butter onboard?  Not the whipped stuff they call butter but the foil wrapped real thing.
Recently cruised Carnival and they no longer have any.  I know, first world problems!! 

Yes real butter.  Pats cut from a stick.  My wife who grew up on a dairy farm confirmed it is the real stuff

[ksmaxey]

 
The clocks moved forward an hour overnight so we slept a little later and I got up at 6:30 for coffee and to walk around the promenade deck.  I was blessed to watch the sunrise, if even behind the clouds.  

After getting ready for the day we headed to the dining room for a quick breakfast.
 
 

After breakfast was some walking and then attending the port to table cooking show that taught us how to make ceviche.

We gathered with friends for lunch in the Pinnacle.  Service and food was good though the crab cakes are bigger, more breaded and deep fried vs pan fried.  the cioppino was thinner and less spicy though still tasty and fresh
     

In the afternoon we were invited to a wine tasting and spent some time on the veranda.  

Dinner was the first Gala night and the food was quite good.

We had the best beverage service since the return to cruising and the elimination of beverage stewards to replaced by beverage runners with waiters taking orders.  Our waiter used the tablet at our table and we had beverages in 2 minutes vs 20-30 on the last cruise.

We then headed to the main stage for a classical performance by a steel drum band.  They were absolutely amazing and will return later in the cruise.  The bass drum player was under the weather so we don't know if that means quarantine, Covid, or something else.  
 

Then it was Billboard online and the BB King before heading to bed.

I know that the day doesn’t sound exciting – that is exactly how we planned it.  A perfect Sea Day  

 

Mask compliance has been pretty good, though in the main stage last night there were a number of older men wearing their masks below their noses.  The comedian on Monday night joked it was because they had bad breath.  I was tempted to walk up and say that they had their fly open.  When they said no they didn't, I could point out that being in public without wearing a mask properly is like walking around with your fly open.  (I didn't say this, yet)

We did ask to be seated with at least 6 feet between us and other tables and they have honored the request.  I also think a light bulb went off for one hostess.   

 

Also the menus are only posted on the TV and app in terms of the ship.  There is no display menu put out before breakfast.  Yesterday the lunch menu was posted under dinner in the MDR.  Then it was replaced by the Lido dinner menu.  I send a message in the navigator app and received a call from the front desk an hour later and it was corrected.  

 

More to come

 

[SuzieTrue]

Have there been any changes to ports you are stopping at?

[ksmaxey]

17 hours ago, SuzieTrue said:

Have there been any changes to ports you are stopping at?

 

Aruba was cancelled last week before embarkation

[ksmaxey]

 

 

Today’s post will be the least exciting so far, but also the reason we have chosen this cruise – to relax and enjoy warm weather.

 

The day began with exercise, getting ready for the day and breakfast.  The morning was spent reading and relaxing by as the sea went by.

At noon we grabbed a light lunch of a salad for Janice and some delicious Asian cuisine for Kevin.  (Vietnamese Lamb and a seafood stir fry with rice.)  After we went swimming in the Lido pool and related for a while.

 

We met friends for dinner.

After we played some games, listened to the BB Kings All Star Band before attending the BBC “One planet, 7 worlds” movie with live music from ship musicians.  Absolutely amazing.  We then headed for bed as we have an early call at Willemstad, Curacao. 

[mocruzer]

10 hours ago, ksmaxey said:

 

Aruba was cancelled last week before embarkation

Why was Aruba cancelled?

[ksmaxey]

1 hour ago, mocruzer said:

Why was Aruba cancelled?

HAL didn't say but it sounds like COVID rates.  Not sure if on the Island or the ships.  Our ship is CDC rated yellow.

[mocruzer]

16 minutes ago, ksmaxey said:

HAL didn't say but it sounds like COVID rates.  Not sure if on the Island or the ships.  Our ship is CDC rated yellow.

Too bad about Aruba - it is one of our favorite ports.  Will they substitute with another, or do you get another sea day?  

[ksmaxey]

The day began early as we would be docking between 6:30 and 7:00 and our plan was to get off first thing in search of a tour for the day.  We set the alarm for 5:00 AM and room service for 5:45. There are no pictures but it included the now familiar fruit plate, frittata Janice has ordered before and I chose smoked salmon with a bagel and cream cheese.  We of course had a pot of good coffee to wash it all down.

Ready for the day meant Kevin could walk the Promenade deck and watch our arrival and docking.

We had tried in advance to schedule several different boat rides with snorkeling, but all thought we would be cleared too late to make scheduled trips.  It turns out they were wrong.  We were some of the first off before 7:30 and walked to the Odyssey of the Seas and the Rotterdam at the Mega piers.  Most of the tour operators were within the port gates which we could not enter.  We found one tour operator on the way back but settled on one outside the Eurodam.  for $25 each we would get a tour of the city, tasting and tour of the distillery and see the iguanas and the flamingos.

  We were then dropped off at a snorkel beach for 2 hours before being picked and shuttled back to the port. 

 

It was a great day and a value compared to the ship’s offerings.  Included in the tour was crossing the highest bridge in the Caribbean twice. 

Snorkeling at Kokomo beach was amazing.  The sun was extremely strong.  An hour or so was plenty.

 After returning to the ship we returned to the ship to drop of gear and towels.  Janice and our friends then ventured back into town for shopping and to walk the floating bridge.  Kevin grabbed a light lunch and a beer.

 

When everyone returned there was showers to remove the salt and some down time while the ship sailed back out to sea headed to Panama and entry into the canal.  One of the cool aspects of our birth was floating pedestrian bridge that swung open for ships. 

 

We had reservations for dinner at 6 PM in the Pinnacle Grill for Ruddi’s Sol de Mer (salt of the sea) dinner.  It is a pop up restaurant on the ship that focusses on seafood, though there is amazing beef and lamb available as well. 

 

 

After dinner we  headed to the music walk to hear the comedians who performed earlier perform again, though reversing their order.  For those who are HAL fans there was a notice at the entrance warning that it was not a family friendly show and that good comedy might make you uncomfortable like our seats.  (they had folding chairs added to make room for more people).  The shows were better but we again preferred the earlier show.  It might be that we and the audience were more sleepy after 9.  (It had been a long day)  I will say that most of the comics on the HAL ships were so tame that they were boring for me.  We don’t like raunchy but if you have to avoid anything that might offend there is little opportunity for real comedy. 

We were all exhausted and fell into bed and asleep after returning.

We set our clocks back an hour gaining the hour we lost earlier in the week. 

[ksmaxey]

Below you will find the post.  The pictures are on the blog.

The staff to passenger ratio has meant great service.  It seems that there are adjustments as they learn.  They are allowing you to get your own coffee in the morning.  (touch is less and issue for Covid than it is for Noro).  

 

The port to table is quite good though not as frequent as America's test Kitchen.  

 

We love the new approach to comedy with an edge.

 

The clocks were turned back an hour overnight in anticipation of our visit to Panama.  We slept in and had a lazy morning.

 

We grabbed breakfast in the lido.  (something we rarely do)  We joined friends who were already up.  We then headed to the port to table cooking show before the talk on the history of the Panama Canal and the estimated 37K that died constructing it.

After we grabbed a light lunch.  The afternoon consisted of exercise, swimming, reading and relaxing.  The winds were reduced by the waves were a little higher.  The stabilizers did their thing and we hardly noticed it

 

We met friends for dinner at 5:30 in the MDR.

 

Some interesting meals to share.

 

We then headed to the main stage to hear comedy by Mike Paramore which was quite funny.  I really appreciate the edge he has brought.  We then headed back to the cabin and watched a movie before turning in.  Saturday will have us up at 5 AM as we approach the Panama Canal.

 

I know not many pictures but know that this was the refreshing relaxing day that led us to this cruise.

 

 

[Cruise Suzy]

[Cruise Suzy]