Hello from Volendam!

[mamaofami]

Sail, what's the difference in posting from a laptop or the internet cafe?

 

I got very spoiled when DH was the dentist on HAL. We could use the crew internet down in the bowels of the ship where it costs lots less per minute.

[RuthC]

I'll only be able to read the first part of your live report In January, Ruth, since unfortunately:D I'll be on the Noordam while you're sailing about in February,

I wouldn't expect you to cancel your cruise just so you could read my musings. But I'm sure you considered it. Right? ;)

I do have one question for those of you who post onboard. Do you write it up first on word and then copy and paste it to CC to save time and of course money?

I don't bring my laptop with me, so I bring a notepad in which to do the write-ups. I scribble by hand then type like mad.

A 250 minute package lasts me about 10 days, so I guess it's about 25 minutes/day to sign on, connect to the HAL board, read, type, and get out. I try to jot a few notes as I read so I can have answers to questions in the next post. That's why there's always a delay before a question is answered; and it's so easy to miss a question as I go through. :o Sorry.

[silvercruiser]

Yles, the movie Out to Sea was filmed partially on the old Westerdam, but even though they had hoped to get about 10 minutes of film from the week's shooting, when I saw the movie it turned out to be more like 3 minutes tops. It was great fun being on the ship and seeing all those stars in person. Making a movie is just an awful lot of work and must get very boring for those involved. There's so much time just sitting around and waiting. I still enjoy watching the movie and love the scenes where I'm just off camera. No one can see me, but I know I was there.:)

[mamaofami]

I wouldn't expect you to cancel your cruise just so you could read my musings. But I'm sure you considered it. Right? ;)

 

I considered it for a nanosecond, then thought of all those pillow chocolates I'd be giving up, so sorry, your musings lost. Maybe I'll do a few minutes of my own live from my February cruise. I always love reading those glimpses into everyone's fun and excitemnt.

[billsrobb]

Greg, Brian, Scotty Et el

It was great meeting you all at the meet and greet and of course before at HMC

We had a great time didn't we.

Robb

[HeatherInFlorida]

Hi there-

 

Just bought a laptop for my cruise in a few weeks. It wasn't loaded with WORD, so I downloaded a nice FREE software program:

 

www.openoffice.org

 

(Although I won't be posting while aboard, I am going to type it out every night on Open Office Writer, then post when I return home)

 

Hope this free program might help a fellow cruiser. :)

 

NNN, I'm planning to do the same and compose a sort of "journal" from which to do a review while on our cruise. My laptop didn't come with Word either and I'm too cheap to buy it. I have it on my Desktop but even that is the 2002 version so I can't transfer it over.

 

My computer came with Works Suite and I can compose documents in that ... very similar to Word, but I've noticed some people with Word can't open a Works doc. Do you think this OpenOffice is better than Works?

[sail7seas]

Sail, what's the difference in posting from a laptop or the internet cafe?

 

I got very spoiled when DH was the dentist on HAL. We could use the crew internet down in the bowels of the ship where it costs lots less per minute.

 

 

Carol,

 

If I have my own laptop with me, I can compose off line without paying internet minutes and then copy and paste the post when I go on line. The way I do it now, I use the ship's computers and all time on them is 'time used up' from the package we buy.

[Copper10-8]

..........I do have one question for those of you who post onboard. Do you write it up first on word and then copy and paste it to CC to save time and of course money?

 

If you decide to bring a laptop/notebook with you, that's really the only way to go, Carol. Depending on your typing skils (and mine aren't great) you can save yourself some on-line HAL time and money by typing up your "story" in Word on your laptop and then, like you say, cutting and pasting it to HAL's pc in the internet center. Have a great time on Noordam!

[NoNoNanette]

NNN, I'm planning to do the same and compose a sort of "journal" from which to do a review while on our cruise. My laptop didn't come with Word either and I'm too cheap to buy it. I have it on my Desktop but even that is the 2002 version so I can't transfer it over.

 

My computer came with Works Suite and I can compose documents in that ... very similar to Word, but I've noticed some people with Word can't open a Works doc. Do you think this OpenOffice is better than Works?

 

Hey, kiddo!

 

YES. Open Office has a setting in which you can automatically SAVE AS "WORD DOCUMENT". Thus, no matter who you send it to, can open it.

 

Does this make sense, Heather?

 

I tried a bunch of different programs, and found this one to do the trick.

 

Going to run off to watch Dirty Sexy Money on ABC. I'll check again later....go ahead and download it.....you can always get rid of it. :)

[NoNoNanette]

Check your email, Heather. I just sent something composed on the freeware, and sent via the freeware. :)

[jtl513]

If you have and use Outlook Express you won't even need to cut-and-paste. Just click "Send Later" at the end of typing each email, and the message will be saved in the Outbox. When everything is ready, make your connection and on the "Send/Receive" pull-down menu choose "Send and Receive all". Everything gets sent, everything waiting gets picked up, and you can disconnect again in an absolute minimum of time used.

[maxout]

John, I think most are using the "cut & paste " for web-based e-mails or to post here.

[mamaofami]

Sail and John, thanks for that info. Now all I have to do is convince DH to take his brand new laptop. Somehow I don't think that's going to fly, or should I say sail. But, I'll see what I can do. We're not flying this time so maybe he'll agree.

 

By the way, I know this reveals how tech unsavy I am, but how do you hook up the laptop to HAL's computers so you can copy and paste?:confused:

[terrydtx]

Greg or Brian,

 

While in Aruba or Curacao did you see any place close to the ship to purchase wine? Last time I was in Martinique I was able to buy French wines duty free and am hoping for the same in the Dutch Islands. Thanks for any information.

 

Terry

[HeatherInFlorida]

If you have and use Outlook Express you won't even need to cut-and-paste. Just click "Send Later" at the end of typing each email, and the message will be saved in the Outbox. When everything is ready, make your connection and on the "Send/Receive" pull-down menu choose "Send and Receive all". Everything gets sent, everything waiting gets picked up, and you can disconnect again in an absolute minimum of time used.

 

That works for email with AOL, too, John .... but here I think they're talking about copying and pasting to this board.

 

Thanks, NNN ... came thru as Word doc. I'm going to check into it and see how it works.

[Copper10-8]

/.......By the way, I know this reveals how tech unsavy I am, but how do you hook up the laptop to HAL's computers so you can copy and paste?:confused:

 

Carol, you open up your word doc ,the one you created, on your laptop. "Highlight" that doc, right-click on your mouse and press "copy" (pushing "control" and "c" on your keyboard - does the same thing).

You then access the internet, also on your laptop, by logging in through HAL using their log on system and password (same way you would do it on their pc's in the internet center).

Access the the Cruise Critic site (still on your laptop)and "reply to thread" or open up a new thread. Right-click your mouse and press "copy" (pushing "control" and "v" does the same thing) to transfer your word doc to CC.

Sounds complicated maybe (and I'm not a computer geek;) ) but after the first time, it all falls into play like riding a bike and other things;)

[RevNeal]

If you have and use Outlook Express you won't even need to cut-and-paste. Just click "Send Later" at the end of typing each email, and the message will be saved in the Outbox. When everything is ready, make your connection and on the "Send/Receive" pull-down menu choose "Send and Receive all". Everything gets sent, everything waiting gets picked up, and you can disconnect again in an absolute minimum of time used.

 

That method works well for writing emails. One can do the same thing with the Mac's Mail application, and that's what I do when I'm aboard ship. I don't read emails online while aboard ship (unless it's just one or two). I execute a box download, then get off and read, write responses, etc., then get back online and send them.

 

The question had to do with POSTS on this board. Does one draft the post in the Cruise Critic post-drafting window of one's browser, while sitting online at .70 a minute? Or, does one do what I do and write one's post off-line, then get on line, sign into CC, open the thread one is posting on, open the post drafting window, copy-paste the text written from the word processor to the post-drafting window, apply any formatting features, and then click "preview," review it, and then click "send." It saves a lot of money.

 

Likewise, I don't usually read CC while burning minutes. I open a thread, copy each new page of that thread to my desk top, then get off line and read it for free. Sometimes I'll read and respond, live, to a few posts if there's not been much activity; but, if there's been a lot of activity -- like there was this time -- I won't waste money reading and responding live. I know, that ruins it for the few who were trying to ruin my cruise and make me spend inordinate amounts of money by reading their flames online, but I'm not that stupid. I will not pay .70 a minute to read about how despicable someone thinks I am.

[RevNeal]

Sail and John, thanks for that info. Now all I have to do is convince DH to take his brand new laptop. Somehow I don't think that's going to fly, or should I say sail. But, I'll see what I can do. We're not flying this time so maybe he'll agree.

 

By the way, I know this reveals how tech unsavy I am, but how do you hook up the laptop to HAL's computers so you can copy and paste?:confused:

 

You don't hook it up to HAL's computers. You use the wireless internet feature and connect to the ship's internet connection, just like one does on land at wireless hotspots. Hotspots exist all over the ship, and one can usually get signal now in one's cabin, too.

 

Your DH's laptop will need to have a wireless card in it, by the way. Most of them come with such these days -- all Mac laptops, at least, come with what's called an "airport" card, so connecting wirelessly to the ship's server and their satellite connection to the internet is easy.

[mamaofami]

Thank you, Greg and John. It doesn't sound complicated at all. OK, all I have to do is work on DH to take the laptop since buying another one for me is out of the question right now. I just got a new computer and he just got the laptop, not to mention my new ipod and the brand new camera.

 

 

He's always making fun of me for not knowing how to do these tech things. Now I can impress him and ask if he has a wireless card.:D

[mamaofami]

Wow! It pays to communicate. DH has a wireless card and was planning to bring his laptop along all the time.

[NoNoNanette]

Thanks, NNN ... came thru as Word doc. I'm going to check into it and see how it works.

 

It will give you options on #1) what format to SAVE AS, and #2) what format to SEND AS. Pretty neat program. :)

[Susie51]

I don't have a laptop or any idea how to do what you are talking about. I know some people type their posts and then go online to post it, but I wasted all those minutes posting while at sea on the Zuiderdam last week. However, I bought a package on the first day so it saved a little money.

 

I appreciate the help you share with us.

[RevNeal]

Review of the Volendam: November 3-13, 2007 Southern Caribbean and Panama Canal Cruise:

 

1. General Remarks:

 

The Holland America Line's ms Volendam is a lovely cruise ship which has been in service for 8 years. Some consider her old, others consider her small ... I consider her "just right." I have cruised board her twice before, once to the Caribbean in 2002 and once to Alaska in 2003, and I enjoyed both cruises. This cruise was no different in that respect -- I had a blast aboard her for this 10-day Southern Caribbean and Panama Canal Cruise. I was aboard with several Cruise-Critic friends this time, and that is always a plus because it's a joy to share one's cruises with others. Some say that the Holland America Line is not for people in their 30s, 40s, or 50s, but I disagree: there are many ways to have fun, and if one enjoys interacting with people and the refined, classic atmosphere of a traditional ocean voyage, one will have a blast on Holland America. There was plenty to do every day aboard ship ... indeed, there were not enough hours in the day to do all the things I would have liked to have done during the course of what turned into a very "fast" 10-day cruise.

 

2. Condition of Ship:

 

Considering her age and the basic realities regarding a ship that is in continuous service for an average of ~355 days a year, the Volendam is in excellent condition. The Holland America Line has long had the moniker of "The Spotless Fleet," and they certainly do earn it with the Volendam. She is a very clean ship, even if there are many signs of wear and usage. She is being constantly cleaned, vacuumed, swept, mopped, polished, and straightened ... the crew does their very best to keep the ship white-glove clean. Even still, she is in need of her scheduled April 2008 extensive dry-docking. There are many indications of hard usage by passengers; damaged tables, chairs, windows, elevator doors, walls, carpet, light fixtures, etc. But, please don't interpret this as meaning that she's in shabby-condition; quite the contrary, she's anything but shabby! Nevertheless, she is "well-used" ... and sometimes even "abused" ... by some passengers. The air-conditioning was sometimes spotty throughout the ship and certainly inconsistent, and the vacuum toilet system was occasionally being taken off-line in some areas for repairs and the clearing of the lines of foreign objects added by unthinking passengers (why would anybody think they could flush a washcloth and it not clog up the line??). Indeed, significant plumbing and vacuum toilet work was being done on this cruise, with engineers being visible on many decks during the port days and late evening hours. This maintenance keeps the ship going, but she is in need of much more extensive work.

 

Wear and tear is normal, and to be expected, on a operational ship-at-sea; however, much of it is not the kind of damage that can be easily repaired by the crew in-transit but, rather, must be taken care of in wet or dry-dockings. Among the many problems observed: one of the coffee makers in the Lido was out of service the entire cruise, but there are 3 others operational and there was never a shortage of hot-coffee. The elevators seemed to be operational most of the time, but the elevator alert tones were not working on any of the midship elevators on deck 2 and the touch-sensor up-call button on the port side on deck 2 didn't work half the time. There is some nasty external damage on the port side amidships, where the vessel has slammed up against something hard (like a dock, perhaps?). The layers of paint on her exterior are showing signs of serious wear. There are cracks in some windows on the starboard side upper-level of the Main Dining room. There is clear evidence of stop-gap repairs of certain AC vents in the Main Dining room -- i.e, black electrician's tape. It was reported that some cabins had inconsistent or just barely acceptable AC throughout the course of the cruise, and that the Penthouse Suite lacked adequate AC as well! There are many bumps and scuffs and signs of damage to walls and corners and carpet in passenger accommodation corridors. From time to time the lock mechanism on my cabin door wouldn't function properly, and would fail to lock the door. I showed this to the cabin steward and, within minutes, a ship's tech was there to service it.

 

Her Signature of Excellence upgrades, completed last year, have really improved her general condition with the addition of the Explorations Cafe/Lounge. This is a major improvement on the old Internet Center and Library, and is a wonderful place to go to "reconnect" to the world through the world-wide-web. Be aware, however, that while they market the service as "high-speed-intenet," it is anything but high-speed. It is a very slow connection, and sometimes it is an inconsistent connection. But, it is better than nothing. And, they now have hotspots throughout passenger quarters country, meaning that one can usually use one's laptop in one's own cabin rather than having to seek out a public hot spot in one of the lounges. This is a very nice addition. Also, each cabin now has flat screen TVs and DVD/CD players; and, there is a DVD collection in the Exploration's Lounge that one can check out.

 

Another very nice upgrade can be found in the Culinary Arts Center, which is a conversion of the Wajang Theater. They still hold Catholic Mass there, and sometimes other lectures, and they still show movies there in the evenings, but it's a very nice place to do cooking demonstrations. I didn't attend any, so I'll let those who did speak to that.

 

3. The Crew/Service:

 

For a while, from late-2001 through mid-2006, it was the general consensus of many on the Cruise Critic HAL board that the service in the Main Dining room and the Pinnacle Grill had been suffering due to severe staffing cuts. Repeatedly, cruise after cruise, it appeared that the ships were simply under-staffed; the crew tried their best, but there were not enough of them to adequately serve the number of tables and passengers assigned. However, beginning with late 2006 I've begun to observe a marked improvement in the quality of service that I have received. This was particularly noticeable on the Noordam this past January, and now on the Volendam in November. Indeed, some of the very best service I have ever experienced on Holland America was found on this cruise. In the main dining room the orders were taken correctly, the service was prompt, there didn't appear to be much of a lag or sluggishness in pace of service, and when a mistake was made it was often due to our inability to clearly express our wishes and, more importantly, it was almost always QUICKLY addressed. I must really commend our waiters, they were exemplary. Likewise, in the Pinnacle Grill the service was both excellent and acceptably paced, unlike prior visits on other ships (the Noordam) when dinner became a 3 hour affair (ugh!). Our cabin steward was also fantastic. He had 14 years experience, and it really showed in the quality of his work. Likewise, the Lido Stewards were always keeping tables cleared and were very helpful with carrying trays for those who needed help, getting refills on water, tea, and coffee, and even taking time to chat. The Beverage staff was usually quite good; there were a few hiccups in the service in the Ocean Bar during the busy hours on a couple of Formal Nights -- to the consternation of several -- but that does sometimes happen.

 

Overall, the Volendam's crew is marvelous ... simply marvelous. However, with a couple of exceptions the officers of the ship left something to be desired. The captain was rarely seen out-and-about among the passengers, and while the Hotel Manager was more evident around the ship and at certain receptions -- and the chief of security was an absolute DELIGHT -- that about sums it up for the officers that were observed "fraternizing with the passengers." None of them made an appearance at the Black and White Ball (the night before an early morning arrival at the Panama Canal), and they were thin around the ship on all formal evenings but the last. The Hotel Manager, Chief Steward, and one or two other officers did make an appearance at the Cruise Critic get-together on our first Sea Day, and the Captain and several more were present at a Captain's VIP reception on the evening after departure from Curacao, but the Captain didn't stay long -- just long enough to greet us -- and even the Hotel manager didn't really mingle during that reception (though a few of the lower-ranked officers and Ship's Cast did). Now, I am not one who really thinks it is important to be able to share cocktails and conversation with the Captain ... however, I do appreciate him at least showing his face, from time time time, in the lounges during the evening hours. He did this only once ... on the last Formal Night ... and, then, only for about half an hour.

 

4. The Food:

 

While opinions about the quality and taste of food are, indeed, highly subjective, in my opinion the food aboard the Volendam this cruise was superb. The lamb, veal, and beef dishes were all excellent, and when I had steak it was cooked perfectly every time. The chicken dishes were, likewise, outstanding: my favorite -- the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast -- was wonderful. The presentation of the food was also excellent, and the variety of dishes, while a bit limited each evening, never left me with wanting something more or else to eat.

 

The Menu has been revised quite a bit since I was last aboard a damnship in March 2007. No longer is it a single-page card; it is now two lovely pages in a classy menu-type folder. VERY NICE. The menu is divided into 4 segments:

 

Starters -- at least three appetizers, two soups, and a salad or two

Entrees -- often a large Entree Salad and at least 5 other dishes

Chef's Suggestions -- none of these were found on the menu elsewhere: a starter, a soup, and an entree

Available Every Night -- French Onion Soup, Caesar Salad, a fish dish, Grilled Chicken, A New York Steak, and a Vegetarian Dish)

 

From these divisions it was easy to put together a very nice and varied 4-course meal. This area of HAL's service had taken a beating over the previous few years, especially as selections became more limited, but it would appear that things are improving again.

 

In my opinion, the two areas where HAL really needs to do some work -- at least aboard the Volendam -- is in the quality and variety of their desserts and the quality and variety of their salads. I love ice cream, and they certainly had several options each evening on the menu, however they need to work on their cakes and pies; their cakes tended to be dry and their pies always seemed to be too much the same thing every night. Additionally, while I love Caesar Salads, I do sometimes want just a simple mixed greens salad, not some fancy thing filled with all sorts of strange leaves and vegetables that can be hard to identify.

 

5. The Dress Code and it's Violations:

 

Holland America Line has a Posted and Published Dress Code, so I won't bother going in-depth into its stipulations, nor will I debate the issue of wether or not "jacket and tie" is really "required" for men on Formal Night. However, there is an area of the code which is entirely unambiguous:

 

"T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours." (emphasis added)

 

This statement should not be difficult to understand, nor is its standard that difficult to obey. However, on this particular sailing of the Volendam a huge number of passengers either were not aware of this particular Dress Code stipulation, or if they were they simply chose to ignore it. Many dozens of Men and women could be observed throughout the ship during the evening hours, both in the lounges and in the Main Dining room, dressed in shorts, t-shirts, muscle shirts, "wife-beater shirts," swim suits, work-out shorts, and sweats. This form of clothing was to be found not just on "Smart Casual" evenings, but even in large numbers on the three Formal Nights. While a majority of the passengers still abided by the dress code, and there were even many Tuxedos to be seen among the gentlemen on the three Formal Nights, the numbers who were far too casually attired reached a critical mass when -- by visual count on the first Formal Night -- more than half of those in the Ocean Bar and in the Crows Nest were dressed in shorts and golf or t-shirts.

 

This is unfortunate. A handful of people who refuse to "play along" with the Dress Code is never a real problem. Most HAL traditionalists can tolerate (or ignore) the few who just simply refuse to put on a coat and tie on Formal Night, but who will still wear trousers and a nice shirt; they tend to disappear on most cruises due to the fact that most people -- 85 - 90% or better -- do follow the code in its minimal stipulations. However, there are cruises where large numbers of passengers not only disregard the code for Formal Night but even go so far as to fail to dress to the "Smart Casual" standard! When this happens -- as it happened on this sailing of the Volendam -- it does tend to drag down the ambiance and create something less than the "elegantly formal evening" that HAL's code is trying to engender throughout the ship. Many people cruise HAL specifically for this kind of formal, traditional, elegant ambiance; those who do not "play along" to the extreme above-described do tend to negatively impact the experience of those of us who do. We are often asked "did it ruin your cruise?" as if such is the issue. It's not, and no, it did not "ruin" my cruise to see somewhere between 200 - 300 people not attired according to the code on Formal Night. However, it is nevertheless the case that, in my opinion, the atmosphere in many of the lounges and in some areas of the Main dining room was negatively impacted by those who simply refused to "play along." If HAL is going to bother having any kind of a Dress Code, they really need to either enforce it or make it clear when something is not acceptable. One would think that the language "not allowed" would be sufficient, but apparently on this cruise it wasn't.

 

6. Mariner Brunch:

 

This was my first opportunity to experience the new format for the Mariner's Reception. Already being a 100+ day medal holder myself, I attended a reception in the Explorers' Lounge for about 55 people at which 7 new Medal awardees were recognized. The Mariner with the most number of days on HAL (our own Longtimecruiser!!) -- 560 days -- was recognized, and the Captain spoke with us for a few minutes about the fleet, the ships, and the mariner program. We had complementary wine and the "good nuts" were put out for us, as well as a nice assortment of appetizers!! We then went into the Main Dining Room where we had a very nice brunch. Mariners were grouped together according to their number of days, so we got to meet a few more in the process. The table I sat at was headed by the Hotel Manager, and the conversation proved to be very informative as he filled us in on some of the details pertaining to the introduction of AYWD, which would be happening aboard the Volendam on the very next cruise. He also outlined a few of the changes and new perks that would be coming to the Mariner's Program, though he couldn't speak specifically to more than just a few of them and what he did say was officially "off the record" ... as it were.

 

7. The Itinerary / Ports of Call:

 

This cruise had an excellent ballance of sea days and port days. It was a 10-day round trip out of Fort Lauderdale, with stops at Half Moon Cay, Aruba, Curacao, The Panama Canal, and Costa Rica -- 5 ports (not counting Ft. Lauderdale) and 4 sea days. VERY nice indeed.

 

Half Moon Cay is in lovely shape, even though she had just taken a battering from Tropical Storm Noel. There were clear signs of some beach erosion, but otherwise the vegetation and other facilities have made a full recovery from the massive damage caused by the Hurricanes in 2005.

 

Curacao and Aruba -- two of the Dutch Antilles -- were, as always, lovely ports to visit. We found some excellent shopping at both ports, but since I had been to Curacao before I decided to not bother with any shore excursions this time.

 

The Panama Canal was an amazing work of engineering brilliance, and passing through its locks, staying in Lake Gatun for a couple of hours, then passing back out, is always fun.

 

Costa Rica had been experiencing torrential rains since Tuesday (we arrived on a Saturday), and hence many of the shore excursions had been cancelled or severely impacted by flooding. I did a wild-life short excursion there which I enjoyed but which was something of an ordeal due to the flood conditions. And, yes, we got wet.

 

But really wonderful, as always, were the 4 days at sea. The first was between Half Moon Cay and Aruba. The second was between Curacao and the Panama Canal. And the third and fourth were between Costa Rica and Fort Lauderdale. This distribution of Sea days makes for a very nice itinerary, indeed, and one that I will look forward to repeating in the not-too-distant future.

 

8. Concluding Remarks:

 

Overall, I had a very enjoyable 10-day cruise aboard the Volendam. It was a journey made with good CCer friends, on a ship that I love, to ports I find interesting, and with 4 lovely sea-days to relax and enjoy. What more could one ask for on a 10-day vacation??

 

P.S. Photos will follow on a gallery sometimes next week ... and I'll post a link to them on this thread.

[maxout]

Thanks Greg for a concise, informative and balanced review. Looking forward to seeing more of your (and larger) images.

[RuthC]

Well. That sums it up nicely. :) Thanks for taking me/us along for the ride.