Hello from Volendam!

[terrydtx]

Amazing photos...... You are all having waaaay too much fun!!! :D

Great, great, great.......

 

This whole dress code thing seems to be the way of the future, I'm afraid.

 

We've just completed our 14th season at our inn, and in those 14 years, I've seen a complete relaxation of the dress code in all of the fine dining restaurants ~ and we have many. The most upscale is Toppers at the Wauwinet. Always required a jacket...this year we had a guest who had made reservations there and had left his jacket in their car on the mainland. I called Toppers for him and was told not to worry...jackets are no longer required. I doubt they'd let someone in a tank top & shorts, but a polo shirt and Dockers would be perfectly acceptable. In former years, they provided jackets for those who had left theirs behind.

 

Are there any cruise lines that enforce the dress code?

 

And which ones have done away with formal nights altogether?

 

I think you are right on with your post.

My DW and I were in Florence Italy last September for a week and from what all the tour books told us the finer restaurants required jackets for the men and I took one jacket that I never wore. We ate at several great places that mainly the locals eat and the dress was mostly slacks and button shirts. It was hot while we were there in the 80’s but I saw very few locals in shorts and t shirts, in fact shorts are frowned upon by most of the local citizens. The only shorts we saw where the on the tourists from the cruise ships tours. Talk about late dinners, most of the restaurants open at 8:00 pm for dinner, mostly the tourists between 8 and 9 pm. The locals tend to start dining after 10 pm. One late night after returning form a trip to Pisa we got to the restaurant at 10pm and we were the only people in there, by the time we left at 11:30 the place was full with some people waiting for tables.

[advocado]

This vicarious voyage on the Volendam is ... vunderful!! Thank you. :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

It's a cultural thing.

 

We've told everybody for a generation there IS no black & white anymore. No right or wrong way to do anything. It's all gray,and okay. Do what/wear you feel like...you're okay.

 

I don't have too much problem with this anymore. It IS easier not to stand for anything solid or traditional.....easier not to be flamed.

 

It takes way too much effort to be a traditionalist. So very much easier to non-conform. That's what everyone wants: something easier.

 

I'll just keep putting on my formals, and look like a dinosaur. At my age, even at 25% casual today, I figure I'll outlive this trend. What do I care. They'll wear what they want. It's less effort for them & cheaper. And who would dare to tell them otherwise. Let them muddy the world with a lazy "who cares" attitude as they see fit. It's their world.

 

FinelyRetired, I think I love you:) .... don't even need to say anything more;) .

 

But why not ... I'm sick of "time's are changin'", "different world", etc. Not fighting it anymore. We'll dress for dinner as long as there are formal nights and my "casual" was "smart casual" before there even was such a thing.

 

Remember that old line with the mothers watching a parade of soldiers? I can't remember it exactly .... but it was something like one mother turned to the other and said ... "Oh, look! All those soldiers out of step; and just my Johnny is marching in step".

 

I have it all wrong, but you get it. That will be me on my last cruise ever:D ... only person marching in step!!!

 

Keep the great reports coming! Fun to read every morning. These are my favorite CC threads.:)

[RevNeal]

The day in Curacao was very hot and exceedingly sticky. It rained, which is most unusual for a "desert Island," and the temperatures were high enough to make the day feel quite a lot like the inside of a Steam Bath. The fairly solid cloud cover that rolled in during the afternoon did bring the temperatures down some, and that helped during departure ... it was a pleasant, though windy, departure from the port.

 

I was disappointed that we didn't dock inside the city center, as we have done in the past ... rather, we docked at the Mega Pier. It obvious why they do this, though, for it allows them to funnel tourists through the new shops that have been built along the way to downtown. Even with this inconvenience, Curacao remains one of my favorite ports in the Caribbean. Shopping is good hear, and the people are very welcoming and kind. It's less of a "party town," unlike Aruba, and more of a cultural and government center.

 

Tonight I have cocktails with the Captain prior to dinner. It should be a pleasant evening; it's a Smart Casual night, and with a few exceptions most people aboard do seem to be able to handle that concept. Tomorrow night is our second of three formal nights ... and this time it's a "Captain's Black And White Ball." Ironically, there is a note in tomorrow's daily program regarding the dress code and what it means. It states, point-blank, that shorts and t-shirts are not allowed in public during the evening hours, and it states that "Formal means jacket and tie for gentlemen and dresses for ladies." I doubt this will help ... and particularly so given that quite a few people didn't even bother to bring such clothing with them on this cruise.

 

A few notes about the condition of the Volendam. One's initial impression is that the ship is in lovely condition, well-cared for. And, it is true, over-all she is in fine shape. However, there are multiple little details that bespeak use, wear-and-tear, and age. There are lots of bumped and bruised walls, chipped paint, damaged facade, gouged paneling in one elevator, and similar such signs of abuse. There are lots of indications that repairs are being made, work is being done on many of the ship's systems (including AC/ plumbing, and electrical) but there is clear indication of another extensive dry-docking being needed. The additions and upgrades to the ship are lovely -- the Explorations Lounge is very nice, much like the addition to the Zaandam -- however some tender-loving-care is due elsewhere aboard ship. I have been photographing evidence of this damage and am going to be sending some of this to HAL and illustrative of the need for some work in these areas. These ships are working sea-vessels, and hence I am realistic that not everything can be absolutely pristine 100% of the time; they cannot be expected to operate on such a grueling, never-stop schedule, however, without a significant influx of funds to repair and maintain them. In my opinion, it would behoove HAL to spend less on building new mega ships and more to upgrade and repair and maintain the existing (and well-loved) fleet. Or ... at least ... slow down the expansion with ever-increasingly-larger vessels by delaying the second Signature (or canceling it altogether) and investing in the money-making, winning product that has made HAL a consistent choice for many cruisers. Now ... do I harbor any illusions that HAL will listen to me? Nope.

[RevNeal]

Photos from Curacao

 

[RevNeal]

Photos from Curacao (2)

 

[RevNeal]

Photos from Curacao (3)

 

[Sundagger]

I was disappointed that we didn't dock inside the city center, as we have done in the past ... rather, we docked at the Mega Pier. It obvious why they do this, though, for it allows them to funnel tourists through the new shops that have been built along the way to downtown. Even with this inconvenience, Curacao remains one of my favorite ports in the Caribbean. Shopping is good hear, and the people are very welcoming and kind. It's less of a "party town," unlike Aruba, and more of a cultural and government center.

 

I was there in April on the Volendam and was also disappointed in not docking "downtown". They even had the floating bridge open for some reason and we had to take the ferry across. There was major construction as you mention - but without the charm of the older areas. It is still my favorite port - may have to take a land vacation there sometime soon.

[earl_m]

Wow!! beautiful photos, thank you!!

[Copper10-8]

Really like that bridge especially when it opens up to allow ships/boats through and you get to stand on it as it swings to the side. The Punda district (the side with the colored houses with Dutch gables) is great to explore and sit down for a cup of cappucino. Nice pics, once again!

[mamaofami]

Great pictures, Greg. When I was about 16, my parents went to Curacoa on a cruise and I always wanted to go there. We were on the same itinerary a few years ago on the Rotterdam and I loved that port. So colorful.

[thomasale]

One of the great stops in the Carribbean...and I didn't see one HOT pic Rev :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Greg, love the pictures of Curacao. On our last visit (which was a looooong time ago) there was construction all along the waterfront so it's wonderful to see those beautiful buildings in all their splendor!

 

Also, agree with your thoughts about putting a few more dollars into keeping HAL's older ships in good repair rather than spending so much on the new mega-ships. But I also agree they're probably not listening to us.:(

[ekerr19]

Very nice photos!!! Thanks so much Greg! Hope all you CC guys are "behaving", lol!!!

 

A BIG Hello to all onboard! :D

[WindyCity]

Great pictures, Rev Neal - we will be there in December - hope it is somewhat cooler.

Question, if you have time to answer - are the cabin doors metal or wood? Wondering if a door magnet would stick or do I need to bring some "putty"

[lillulu]

Great pictures, Rev Neal - we will be there in December - hope it is somewhat cooler.

 

Question, if you have time to answer - are the cabin doors metal or wood? Wondering if a door magnet would stick or do I need to bring some "putty"

 

I'm not revneal, but I was just on the Volendam and the putty is what you will need. We could not get a magnet to stick. We did have tape but not as good as the putty.

[innlady1]

Thanks for continuing this thread with your wonderful reports, Greg! And I love the photos...they are awesome!

 

Thank you!

[WindyCity]

Thank you, lillulu!

[lillulu]

You are most welcome Windycity

[bepsf]

Yes indeed-y, Mr Hanky has come to visit! We woke up this grey day to (drumroll-please) Toilet Problems! I felt so bad hearing the disappointment in our young lady’s voice when I called her at the front desk to report our plumbing issues. “(Heavy Sigh) Yes, we will take care of it right away Mr Parker…” On the plus side, the crew have been hard at work all over the ship replacing plumbing, adjusting electrical, etc., etc. - Greg can probably say more on this subject. We will keep you posted on Mr Hanky’s visit…

 

Yesterday was Curacao – and what a strange little island it is: Look at the pretty Dutch buildings across the road and see the refineries and Natural Gas burn-off towers pushing smoke in the distance! Visit a 17th century Dutch fort and see the tacky 1960’s-Vegas-style resort hotel built inside! Watch the boats come down the canal and enjoy watching the floating bridge swing open – powered by a noisy old diesel engine! Taste those fumes and enjoy your side-dish of Global Warming: Yum-Yum!

 

We did get lots of Xmas shopping done and sat in a café overlooking the canal where a man would walk along the riverfront asking if we’d like to have our photos taken with one of the two ginormous iguanas slung over his shoulders (Ummmm – No, thanks…) The weather was hot and humid with intermittent (and blissful) rain showers – after a few hours pricing diamonds, sapphires and gold – Oh My! – we were nearly melted and straggled back to the ship burdened with our Duty-Free plunder. There is no more welcome greeting after a hard day of pillaging than the nice uniformed steward at the base of the gangway offering a cold towel from a silver tray…

 

 

Where are the bodies hidden?

 

Scotty seems to be developing a relationship w/ Mr Richard Dreyfus – they seem to encounter one another on a daily basis now. Yesterday after sailaway, Scotty saw Mr Dreyfus in an elevator with a rolling bag in tow: of course that begged Scotty to question “Checking out already? If you are, it’s a little too late…” which brought the reply “That’s where the bodies are hidden.” Hmmm – that’s Thinking Different…

 

 

Aye Aye, Cap'n?

 

All the heat from our days in Aruba and Curacao just took it out of us: both nights after dinner, we were so drained from the heat that we didn’t stay up too late – we toddled up to the Crow’s Nest for our nightcaps and called it an evening around Midnight both evenings. Last Night, we did enjoy the Captain’s Mariner Cocktail reception before dinner: Adele and Greg were invited, so Christopher, Scotty and I were escorts. We chatted w/ a few of the entertainers on board, but Capt Fred and the HM didn’t bother making rounds among their guests – that brought the discussion at dinner of who were among the best Captain’s for guests: Matebour, Von Donselaar, Mercer, Scott, Capt Jack (but only if you were a female of a certain age…) – and others who seemed to prefer cloistering themselves on their Bridges…

 

 

What are you doing for the rest of your life?

 

At dinner in Aruba, we chatted about our future cruises. I realized that after this, I’d only have one cruise booked, so in between courses off I trotted up to the Explorations Café to retrieve a stack of cruise brochures. Scotty came to the reasonable determination that he won’t be able to join Adele, Greg and Ruth for their South American Adventure this coming January as he needs to work to pay for our Northern European Tour next summer. We all agreed that we are quite interested in the Inaugural of the “Nieuw” Elizabeth (wherever that may be – probably out of Southampton) Fall of 2010. We noted that Prinsendam’s 2009 Grand Voyages were not being segmented (I hear that they may have done so in the last day or so, but even then they were 20+ day increments and ineligible for the reduced deposit) so I toddled off to our future cruise consultant yesterday afternoon and booked Scotty and I into an SS/Traditional Seating on Noordam for the Feb 12, ’09 10-day Seafarer cruise out of Ft Lauderdale- and of course noted the lovely Gunilla as our ever-faithful TA. Greg, Christopher and Adele seemed amenable to this itinerary (St Lucia, Grenada, Martinique, St Maartin, HMC) and timeframe – so we may be staring down the barrel at a “Reunion-Reunion” cruise… (Yes, everyone is welcome to join us) ;)

 

We noted that part of the onboard booking program is that if you designate a cruise, you of course can switch your deposit to another cruise and one has 4 years to use their $100/pp deposit, but one can also just place a $100 deposit and not designate a cruise: One merely has to designate those dollars to a specific sailing within 2 years…

 

 

 

8 out of 10 prefer our ride over the Cadillac De Ville…

 

We have had amazingly calm seas throughout the entire first half of this cruise – in fact, last night the air was so still on deck and the ship so free of vibrations on deck that Adele and I had to lean over the aft rail to assure ourselves that we were making speed out of Curacao to Panama! Volendam is amazingly comfortable and vibration-free unlike her newer, podded sister Amsterdam – this is my first cruise ever on any ship with such a consistently gentle ride! Although we understand that azipods are the way of the future, the subtle thrum of the traditional propeller/rudder arrangement is so much more comfortable in the very aft cabins – I rarely feel anything other than gentle rolling unlike the Vistas and the Vibration-Queen: Amsterdam. (I wonder why so many widows prefer her for their annual circumnavigations???)

 

 

 

We’re Cuckoo for Cocoa-Puffs!

 

Last nite was the Chocolate Extravaganza – Oh My, you should have seen the dripping, oozing decadence – and that was the ice sculptures!!! Our fellow passengers were pressed against the velvet ropes in place to keep the drooling masses from diluting the various desserts with their saliva – yet somehow as Scotty and I wandered along and around the corner, a steward announced “The line is open” as he pressed plates into our hands and piled them high with chocolate covered strawberries, cakes and other sugary tidbits. It’s a wonder we didn’t have any “Bright-Star” diabetic seizures last nite…

 

Well, I’m off to see the Wizard (of the Plumbing: Scotty and Adele just swung past me here in the Lido to tell me that Mr Hanky has left the room…) before we meet for a proper luncheon in the Dining Room at Noon-30.

 

TTFN!!!

[kakalina]

Thanks Brian, I feel as if I am there with you all. Certainly wish I were. I wish you all would go on one of the really looong cruises. We could tear up the Ryndam with 30 whole days to do it in!

[hammybee]

This is Brian at his absolute best.

 

No doubt in my mind that a major circulation would pick this up, for a price, of course.:)

[RuthC]

Brian, I never realized how entertaining your writing is. Please don't imitate those other writers and go on strike! :eek:

[ekerr19]

Ah, Brian -

 

It's always a treat to read your reviews!!! So light hearted and FUN! :D

 

Keep us posted - hopefully you're done with Mr. Hanky!

 

A Noordam Reunion-Reunion cruise is in the works huh? We'll have to check that one out. :)

 

Keep the reports coming, please!

[mamaofami]

Brian, I so enjoyed reading all your comments. Hope those plumbing problems are a thing of the past.