Hello from Volendam!

[Sundagger]

I rarely read the "on board" reviews/diaries, but I am very glad I've been reading this. Thank you Brian and Greg for the excellent reporting about my favorite (so far) itinerary.

[RevNeal]

It's been a busy couple of days, but now that I'm back aboard the Volendam -- and, more importantly, dry -- after a wet wet wet shore excursion in Costa Rica, I can take the time to write up a post for the last few days. I know that Brian has already posted (several times!), so please pardon me if I duplicate anything of substance ... I know that I can't duplicate his current flashes of brilliance when it comes to casting events, issues, and observations with humor (he's having way too much fun typing up his posts while dining in the morning and at noon in the Lido!).

 

Firstly, the second formal night. We had a blast, and I must say that the frequency of inappropriately dressed people was somewhat less than it was on the first formal night. Not that this is saying much ... there were still a plethora of people prancing around the ship attired far too casually. Yes, we saw an assortment of items that would have been fine on Smart Casual nights, or during the days ... but the visual and esthetic clash of a man in a Tuxedo standing next to a man in shorts and a knit shirt is just too glaring to ignore. And ... so ... I decided to have some fun with the fashion no-nos by taking my camera and wandering the public rooms, photographing egregious examples of people who were dressed far too casually for public display on a formal night -- and the evening of the Captain's Black & White Ball, no less (which, by the way, was a bust. Someone let all the air out of the ball before the kickoff, it would seem, and the festivities never recovered. Of course, part of it may have to do with the difficulty of being in a "Ball" mood when too many people are wiggling their masses on the dance floor dressed in sweats and t-shirts.)

 

Here is how people SHOULD dress on formal night:

 

 

But, sadly, here is a small sampling of what some people chose to wear on Formal Night:

 

This "gentleman" was seated in the Ocean Bar, before heading to the Main Dining Room for dinner (he had 8 pm dinner, for that was what he told the waiter when he got up to head out ... which, by the way, confirms that he couldn't have been going to dinner in the Lido).

 

Another shot from the Ocean Bar, the people in front were also about to head to 8 pm Dinner in the Main Dining Room. Note the people in the background ... they were dressed according to the code; the people in the foreground would have been fine on Casual Night (though perhaps not "Smart Casual" night).

[RevNeal]

These lovely people ARE dressed according to code ... so nicely, in fact, I decided to snap a picture of them for illustration purposes:

 

In contrast with THIS:

 

 

And THIS shot of the man in shorts (from above) now walking toward the Casino past a line of people waiting to have their pictures taken all dressed up for formal night:

... note, the man in the Tuxedo walking the other direction.

 

Here's a fellow who was enjoying pre-dinner cocktails and dancing in the Ocean Bar on Formal Night ....

... note, the man in the Tuxedo on the right, and the woman in black dress on left.

 

This fellow ...

... was particularly bothersome because a lot of people were trying to do amateur (do it yourself) "formal night photos" just outside the Ocean's Bar in front of the "Warp Core" (The Volendam's Atrium Glass "art" thingy), only this guy wouldn't move. He had parked himself right where it would be the most annoying, for he would show up in the background in all his shorts and sloppy-shirt "finery" from no matter what angle one tried to make a photo. And, he was downright rude about refusing to move out of the way.

[RevNeal]

Panama Canal:

 

We arrived at the Gatun Locks on the East Side of the Panama Canal at about 6 am. I got up at 5:30 am and went to an early breakfast so that I could be outside and on station at the Lido Deck port side forward wing for the passage through the locks. It was a beautiful morning and a glorious day. Unlike past visits to the Canal, it was overcast and kinda rainy. The temperature report was that it was 76.9 degrees and it was 87% humidity ... which is easy to believe. One could literally feel the water condensing onto one's skin from thick air, it was so humid. But ... there was no sun (we had none all day) and there was even a light breeze blowing out from the Lake, which served to cool us as the morning broke and we moved into the Canal. The photos don't need much explanation, so ... here they are!

 

A cloudy, misty, humid morning. Lovely day for passing through the Panama Canal!!!

[RevNeal]

Panama Canal (2)

 

It never looks like the ships is going to fit, does it?

[RevNeal]

Panama Canal (3)

 

The old lock command center. The webcam (or, at least, one of them) is located in this building.

 

At this point, I decided to shift my position to the stern of the ship so that I could get some shots from a different angle ... so, I went to the aft Veranda Deck observation deck (one of those little-known-about places on the ship) and had a glorious view ...

 

Christopher showed up and snapped this photo of me.

 

[RevNeal]

Panama Canal (4)

 

And ... we're in Lake Gatun! While here we ran tender operations to put about half of the ship's passengers ashore for shore excursions, while the rest of us enjoyed the ship for a few hours before exiting back out through the same locks!

[RevNeal]

Panama Canal (5)

 

I returned to my the Lido Deck forward spot for the passage back through the locks.

 

During our stay in the Canal Scotty, Adele, and myself did a little swimming "In the Canal!" Then, when we entered the locks again I got out and went forward to take the above photos. Then, mid-locks, I came back and photographed Scotty and Adele doing laps in the pool!!! I think they're the only ones who "swam the canal" this time!!

 

 

Isn't life grand? The Canal sure is.

[RevNeal]

Well, that's it for photographs for right now. We had a long, wet day in Costa Rica ... with a very early shore excursion to view wild plant and animal life. I have a few photos from that excursion, but the air was so wet (and the rain was so heavy) that it was hard to do much photography. I'll process them tomorrow, along with any photos from our Pinnacle Grill dinner tonight, and upload them during our sea day tomorrow.

 

Just one final piece of EXCELLENT news that came our way during lunch today! It turns out that our own longtimecruiser (Adele) wins the prize, with 560 days, for having the most number of Mariner Days aboard this cruise!!! YEAH! We're having the Mariner Brunch tomorrow and I suppose this means she gets the keys to the ship? Naaaa ... kinda doubt it. But, I DO think it's cool, but not all that surprising, that she's top of the heap! From conversations around the ship I gather that most people aboard are on their first or second cruise with HAL.

 

I bid you adieu from the lovely (though in-need of her drydocking) ms Volendam!

[sail7seas]

Thanks for the photos, Greg. Some of the ones of some of your fellow guests sadden me. :( But the Canal ones are great!

 

Thanks for the laughs, Brian. Hope the laundry came back all gift wrapped and packaged in the straw basket. :) No laughs about a gash in the side of the beautiful Volendam. Captain cannot be happy I am sure!!! Seems the pilot has a little explaining to do.

 

I appreciate both your posts and the points you both are making.

 

As I get ready to pack to bring us to Maasdam, I remember a thread I started in August..... should I bother bringing the tuxedo, formal shirts, gowns and high heels?

 

 

 

[RevNeal]

terrydtx,

 

Thanks for trying to capture us going through the locks, and for posting the images you did actually capture! They're great and will go along well with my photo galleries!

 

There is another webcam source for the canal which has other views. We're going to have to explore that one for the future, because this angle from the Gatun locks will always by poor. It's too far from the ship. There USED to be a camera set up on the control house, because in the past I've been able to make out individuals standing on deck from the webcam!

 

Again, thanks! The Japanese Car Carrier notwithstanding, it was a much-appreciated effort!!!

[RevNeal]

Thanks for the photos, Greg. They sadden me. :(

 

Thanks for the laughs, Brian. Hope the laundry came back all gift wrapped and packaged in the straw basket. :)

 

I appreciate both your posts and the points you both are making.

 

As I get ready to pack to bring us to Maasdam, I remember a thread I started in August..... should I bother bringing the tuxedo, formal shirts, gowns and high heels?

 

Hey, Judy! YES ... bring 'em! As annoying as the minority who don't play along are, they are still only a minority. 75% of the people aboard were dressed according to code. That's still a lot of people. However ... those who don't do generate a visual traffic accident. :( Don't play along with them ... play along with us, the good nuts!!!!! :D

[RevNeal]

I'm sitting here with my usual degree of patience---which is to say none---waiting for the reports on the Black & White Ball. You will be posting about it, won't you guys?

Yeah, yeah, I know. You're out and about enjoying the Canal, and all that. And I hope you really are having a great time today. Honestly. But, you know, it can get too hot out there, and that's not good for you. So, com'on in and post. K? ;)

 

Dear Ruth,

 

You've been with us in spirit every single night. We even contemplated putting an extra chair and setting at the table for you ... and ordering Chocolate desserts for you every night! You are dear to us and we wish you were here in person as well as in spirit!

 

Sadly, the Black and White Ball was, as Brian reported, a total bust. <sigh> But, given that they put it on the night BEFORE transit through the canal (dumb!) I'm not in the least bit surprised. Larry told he he was going to have to be getting up at <shudder> 4:30 am to make sure that security was all ready for the event. Yuck!

 

So, in that sense you should be glad you're not hear. It would have been very disappointing to you, as indeed it was to many of us.

[RevNeal]

It's time to get dressed for cocktails and dinner, tonight, in the Pinnacle Grill. :)

Imagine that ... what a concept ... getting "dressed for cocktails and dinner!" And it's not even a formal night! Wow!

[sail7seas]

Did you give Larry a hug from us??? :D

 

Enjoy your evening and every minute of your wonderful Volendam adventure.

 

The "good nuts"....... :) I like that!!

 

[HeatherInFlorida]

................From conversations around the ship I gather that most people aboard are on their first or second cruise with HAL...............!

 

And judging from their attire alone, I'd say you were right, Greg!!!:D

 

Brian, you've outdone yourself. I always knew you had an amazing sense of humor, but your Volendam Idol story took the cake!:D

 

Great reading, start to finish ... thanks so much for taking us along!

[kakalina]

Thanks so much Brian for your delightful, delicious and divine remarks. Your wit is delovely.

Greg: Great photos. But then yours always are. Wish I was there. The dismal truth of the great dress down is very sad.

 

Does no one care about the poor duckies!!!! :eek: Brian, did you actually say it was delicious ( burp ):D

[mamaofami]

I love reading this thread and looking at the pictures. Greg, the pictures you took of the non to code passengers is really shocking. It's one thing to not dress in tuxes and gowns, but quite another to see these folks.

 

Brian, your writing is fabulous. I laughed my way through your last post.

 

Keep on having fun you guys.

[wingit]

Sounds as though you all are having a great time. Really enjoy the reviews, observations, humor, and pics. Thank you.

[sail7seas]

I'm disappointed the 'duckies' have not been posting here or on the 'other board.' They usually have a live from aboard thread. Guess they're having way too much fun and no time to think of us poor landlubbers. :)

 

[RuthC]

Where was Ruthless with her magic purse of lyrics when I needed her?

Oh, Brian, I am so sorry, but even I couldn't have helped you with this one. The horror of it all! :eek: Next time, dear one. Next time. ;)

But your tale of the tale has given me a much-needed laugh, and I thank you dearly for that. :)

[RuthC]

Here is how people SHOULD dress on formal night:

 

You all look mahvalous! Simply mahvalous! Please tell Adele that she looks beautiful in that outfit---I love it. :)

Thank you (I think) for those other pictures. I can't believe how many people don't realize just how awful they look---or don't care, if they do realize. :rolleyes:

[hammybee]

Brian and/or Rev - what about the "anytime dinning" -- have you tried it.

 

Emily

 

AYWD is scheduled for introduction on the Volendam, on the next cruise.

[Texas Tillie]

EEEWWWW!!! GROSS!!!! There's just NO excuse for dressing like some of those in Greg's pictures from the second formal night. I was on the Volendam in August, but since that was Alaska, the fashion challenged at least wore long pants and shoes and socks! I saw more parts of some people in these pictures than the law should allow!

[RuthC]

EEEWWWW!!! GROSS!!!! There's just NO excuse for dressing like some of those in Greg's pictures from the second formal night. ... I saw more parts of some people in these pictures than the law should allow!

But that's what happens when people decide that they're "on vacation" and "paid their money", so the dress code doesn't apply to them. It's a race to the bottom to see how low they will go.

I dread the day when we'll be glad they put any cloth at all over their naked bodies. :rolleyes: