From Onboard Ryndam

[swedish weave]

Bill-In Loreto today:

 

Water Temp: 71.6 degrees

 

Air Temp at 2 pm: 80 degrees

 

Gary

 

Thanks Gary - I will pass the info on to the guys.

[casavaha]

Gary: I would love to know what mexican wine you bought and what store. There are

some very good Mexican whites and reds, unfortunately because of the high Mexican

taxes, they are not competitive. Most of the wine comes from just east of Ensenada.

 

Greg

[garydm]

Wednesday-La Paz

 

A great day. The vibration has really been reduced (perhaps the GRM does have some pull with engineering!) and they got the washing machine repaired so we now have two towels in the cabin and towels are available when going ashore. Thanks HAL.

 

We took the free shuttle over to Tecolote Beach and had beverages and fish tacos on the beach under one of the palapas at the restaurant. The waiter and his assistant were very nice. There were a lot of people and many were swimming and snorkeling although the water was a bit on the chilly side. It is a nice beach and there was a gentle wind blowing to offset the temperature. Someone mentioned the water temp was about 72 degrees.

 

I am doing laundry today in the self serve and everything seems to work fine.

 

The wine is Bodegas de Santo Tomas and I made an error earlier. I looked in the wine shop but I actually bought the wine at the supermercado in downtown Cabo.

 

I believe we are off to afternoon tea.

 

Gary

[garydm]

Thursday-So it must be Topolobampo

 

Last night was a formal night so we dined for the second time in Lido. Contrasted to the first formal night, there was a packed house in the Lido and perhaps because of that the food was turning over faster and therefore hot and very good. We both had the prime rib and it was quite tasty.

 

Docked at Topolobampo at some ungodly hour and the Copper Canyon people took off I understand. We headed into Los Mochis on the free shuttle the locals provide and walked about town for an hour or two. The guides on the bus were nice and depending on which one was giving you the rundown on the town coming and going, it has either 25,000 or 100,000 people and the hurricane last year was very bad or not bad at all. Los Mochis is not a tourist town so English is a rarity. The people we spoke with were gracious in not ridiculing my high school Spanish.

 

The rear Navigation Deck is closed to sun worshippers as they are decorating it for a fiesta this evening. The deck guys and the waiters along with their supervisors really work hard on these set ups out in the hot sun. We have a couple of cranes alongside the ship for the painters to use in chipping old paint off the ship with hammers.

 

Gary

[garydm]

Friday-Mazatlan

 

Yesterday was a long day in Topolobampo. The four busloads of Copper Canyon folks did not return to the ship until about 10:30 pm. Seems that last time we were in Topo the busses got back about 8:30 and there seemed to be more of them. The wind died down in the evening making for a pleasant one. If I understood the Captain’s announcement correctly last night, he had wanted to bring the ship in with the starboard side against the concrete dock area, however due to the current this was not possible. We were unfortunately on the port side which looked out on the concrete apron during the visit. Oh well, someone has to have that side. If you do find your cabin against the dock be prepared for very loud Mexican music all day and evening coming from 3’ tall speakers on the dock facing the ship.

 

Weather is warm but with a nice breeze today in Mazatlan. We have a wonderful view of the bay and can watch the ships coming and going. I suspect we will have dockside tomorrow in PV. We had planned to go over to Stone Island on our own today but there are MANY tourists today given the holiday week. So, we stayed on board and enjoyed our verandah.

 

Gary

[GarySuzy]

Gary,

 

Thanks for posting, you are bringing back good memories from our Thanksgiving cruise. As for the people coming back from Copper Canyon - last Nov. they got back about 10:30 and the Captain was on the dock to greet them. We found the Captain in the dining room each morning greeting the passengers who chose to eat breakfast there. The Hotel Manager was in the Lido greeting passengers there. Is it the same on your cruiese?

 

Gary

[cruz chic]

Gary,

 

Thanks for posting, you are bringing back good memories from our Thanksgiving cruise. As for the people coming back from Copper Canyon - last Nov. they got back about 10:30 and the Captain was on the dock to greet them. We found the Captain in the dining room each morning greeting the passengers who chose to eat breakfast there. The Hotel Manager was in the Lido greeting passengers there. Is it the same on your cruiese?

 

Gary

I took that tour back in Oct. 2007 and we got back around 10:30 - 11:00. I was surprised to see that tour had possibly got back at 8:30 on another cruise. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me since it is VERY long....but who knows.

 

To the OP....thank you for your thread. I am enjoying it.

[garydm]

Yes, the Captain and officers were on the dock welcoming the returning Coppers. He is very visible on the ship but I do not know who the hotel manager is. The Captain and senior officers were the dealers at a couple of tables in the Casino last night as a charity event to benefit an orphanage in La Paz.

 

Gary

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for checking in!!

A couple of years ago we also did the Sea of Cortez -- but because of DH's health -- could not do the Copper Canyan tours. There were 8 buses that went and they didn't get back until nearly 11. It is a very long day.

That was nice that the Captain and Senior officers raised money to benefit an orphanage in La Paz!!

[CowPrincess]

I took that tour back in Oct. 2007 and we got back around 10:30 - 11:00. I was surprised to see that tour had possibly got back at 8:30 on another cruise. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me since it is VERY long....but who knows.

 

To the OP....thank you for your thread. I am enjoying it.

 

Maybe that tour had a really early start! Ugh! :D

[garydm]

As I recall, it did leave earlier than this one.

 

Gary

[CowPrincess]

So, overall, how has the food been in the dining room? You've made a couple of comments that sounded like the food was a bit "grim"....

[garydm]

The service in the dining room has been outstanding. Some of the soups and salads have been very good. Some entrees are very good, others not so great. I had the sirloin tonight and it was very good and my wife had the linguine and it was good. Her swordfish last night was quite "fishy." On some nights they seem to have 3 items that I would like and other nights, I find myself ordering off the anytime menu-but that is a personal taste.

 

The AYWD works very well on this ship. They do a very nice job of seating and we have never had to wait at all for a table.

 

Gary

[cruz chic]

Maybe that tour had a really early start! Ugh! :D

Ours started at 4:30am....that was nasty. I don't think it usually docks earlier then that. I'm an early bird but that is obscene:D:eek:.

 

So, How many more sleeps until Alaska?

[cruz chic]

So, overall, how has the food been in the dining room? You've made a couple of comments that sounded like the food was a bit "grim"....

Wouldn't it be awesome if they had liver:D?

[garydm]

Saturday-Puerto Vallarta

 

Beautiful weather here today-eighties with a nice breeze. After breakfast in the Lido, we walked over to the Krystal Hotel and wandered about. On the way back found a new (year or so) supermarket right near the cruise ship terminal-impressive place with a large wine section. We picked up a few things and returned to the ship for another leisure day.

 

I thought I would comment on some of the popular CC topics as I have observed on the ship thus far:

 

AYWD-We had been skeptical about this when on the Oosterdam last Fall. It worked well there and works exceptionally well on Ryndam. We have not waited for a table at dinner at all. The gentlemen manning the table assignment computers are amazing.

 

Operative/inoperative restrooms-every one of them we have seen has been in operation and they are cleaned very often.

 

Odors-no bad ones on this ship.

 

Trays-present and available in the Lido.

 

Service-exceptional. Our cabin steward Farid and his assistant Ismed are great. The dining room and Lido staff do a terrific job. We have seen no shortage of personnel or anyone who did not seem to comprehend exactly what their job was. The wine service staff in the dining room are plentiful and very much attentive to their guests.

 

Pools-the rear Navigation Pool is clearly posted as “18 years and over” and no kids have been seen in it. The Lido Pool is generally full of kids on nice days.

 

Kids-There are a lot of them onboard. I would guess 200, but my wife thinks closer to 100. She is usually correct. Most are a delight to be around and the staff does a very good job in keeping them occupied. They seem to be having a great time.

 

Movies-Very recent releases and good visual and sound quality in the Wajang. I do wish they would show them more days during the day. Since the Wajang is multi-tasking, I realize that could be a challenge.

 

Two sea days ahead en route to San Diego. And, there was liver on the menu one night as I recall. I think it was a night we ate in the Lido and I don't think it was available then or I would have had it!

 

Gary

[solocanadian]

Saturday-Puerto Vallarta

 

Beautiful weather here today-eighties with a nice breeze. After breakfast in the Lido, we walked over to the Krystal Hotel and wandered about. On the way back found a new (year or so) supermarket right near the cruise ship terminal-impressive place with a large wine section. We picked up a few things and returned to the ship for another leisure day.

 

I thought I would comment on some of the popular CC topics as I have observed on the ship thus far:

 

AYWD-We had been skeptical about this when on the Oosterdam last Fall. It worked well there and works exceptionally well on Ryndam. We have not waited for a table at dinner at all. The gentlemen manning the table assignment computers are amazing.

 

Operative/inoperative restrooms-every one of them we have seen has been in operation and they are cleaned very often.

 

Odors-no bad ones on this ship.

 

Trays-present and available in the Lido.

 

Service-exceptional. Our cabin steward Farid and his assistant Ismed are great. The dining room and Lido staff do a terrific job. We have seen no shortage of personnel or anyone who did not seem to comprehend exactly what their job was. The wine service staff in the dining room are plentiful and very much attentive to their guests.

 

Pools-the rear Navigation Pool is clearly posted as “18 years and over” and no kids have been seen in it. The Lido Pool is generally full of kids on nice days.

 

Kids-There are a lot of them onboard. I would guess 200, but my wife thinks closer to 100. She is usually correct. Most are a delight to be around and the staff does a very good job in keeping them occupied. They seem to be having a great time.

 

Movies-Very recent releases and good visual and sound quality in the Wajang. I do wish they would show them more days during the day. Since the Wajang is multi-tasking, I realize that could be a challenge.

 

Two sea days ahead en route to San Diego. And, there was liver on the menu one night as I recall. I think it was a night we ate in the Lido and I don't think it was available then or I would have had it!

 

Gary

Mmmm! Liver with Onions I hope, as long as it's not cooked like shoe leather! Will have to watch for that on the menu as I have confirmed Late Reserved Dining.:)

[swedish weave]

Gary -- I like your review very much, and it highlights the value of addressing problems as they occur rather than stewing about them and letting them ruin your cruise as some posters indicate they have done.

 

Congratulations on your impressive handling of problems. A valuable lesson to all of us. You have turned a bad beginning into a great vacation !!!

[CowPrincess]

Well, I'd blame lorekauf for the liver on the menu :D (It was intended for me, but apparently it got onto the menu a few weeks early :D )

 

(aside to LK -- about 24 more sleeps!)

[geshaw30]

We too are 21 sleeps away from when she turns and heads northbound to the cold air. Twelve days of well earned relaxation!! :D

[Debbie&Chaz]

Gary - Thanks for the reports from the Ryndam. Great to know that you did'n't let the "bumps" at the first of your cruise bother you too much - it sounds like you still had a good cruise. Thanks especially for the Saturday report about the conditions aboard. We board the Ryndam in Vancouver in less than 2 months for a 14 day Alaska cruise, so I have followed your cruise closely.

Chaz

[garydm]

As I recall, the liver was served with bacon and apple (maybe?). I like it with onions and bacon.

 

Gary

[GeriatricNurse]

Sunday-At Sea

 

Headed to the gym this morning. Only two recumbent bikes and people backed up to use them so I hit the treadmill. Two of the seven treadmills did not work and only two TVs on the treadmills worked. Otherwise there was an active aerobics class going on.

 

We ran into our cabin steward on the way to breakfast and I asked if they might have an “egg crate” mattress cover they could put on the bed to compensate for the heavy vibration. He indicated he would take care of it and he did. Upon return from breakfast the cabin was made up and the cover installed.

 

I went to the Captains A&A session and another passenger questioned the Captain about the vibration and he indicated they were operating with all engines and that was probably the cause. However, in our cabin we had vibration while at the pier. It is worse now.

 

Breakfast was great. Fresh scrambled eggs, bacon, etc. My wife ate the healthy stuff. Staff in the Lido were very helpful. And yes, there are still trays in the Lido!

 

It is very sunny and looks to be a beautiful day. On to Cabo.

 

Gary

 

 

Have no fear! Trays in the Lido will be eliminated, fleet-wide, effective May 1st., 2009! Should make for some fun times in the Lido!

[garydm]

Sunday-At Sea

 

We rounded the tip of Baja at Cabo around 2 pm today. The weather is warm to cool, depending on where you are on the ship, with a fair wind. We sat out by the pool and read for a good part of the day.

 

We had a nice breakfast in the Lido and pizza for lunch from the grill. It was all good. Insider secret: ask for a freshly made waffle and not one from the warming drawer. We learned from a staff person ordering in front of us.

 

I failed to adequately plan ahead for the last formal night and we ended up having dinner in the Lido again tonight. I had thought they would serve the same items as the formal dining room but their version of “Land and Sea” on “lobster night” was two fried shrimp and a piece of some kind of meat about 75% the size of a McDonald’s burger patty. My wife ate the shrimp (which was very good) and I had the leg of lamb-I should have learned from the rack of lamb I had earlier in the cruise in the Lido. My bad. Recommendation to those not doing formal nights is to order room service from the dining room dinner menu or order food that is cooked in front of you in the Lido (like the shrimp).

 

They showed Slumdog Millionaire in the Lounge a few nights ago, but the captions were not very clear so I may try and watch it again tonight on the TV. I’m not a Jim Carrey fan but we watched his “Yes Man” (I think that was the title) in the Wajang last night and it was quite funny. Nice selection of movies.

 

We were all very happy that the Navy rescued Captain Phillips off Somalia today. That was great news and once again our military makes us proud.

 

A couple of CC topics I forgot to mention earlier:

 

Internet-speed seems quite good. Laborious process to login and out. Wish they would unblock Skype so I could play with my iPhone app. If they did they would still earn revenue from the internet time. If you have a laptop, bring it. I have an inexpensive 14” Toshiba that works quite well for travel. The wireless is very good and this permits you to compose off line. The internet manager is more evident than on other cruises and she is very helpful.

 

HVAC-works very well throughout the ship and particularly in our cabin. Only problem was second formal night in the Lido when it was very hot. I overheard some people complain to the Captain about it and he indicated he would look into it. It was quite cool there tonight.

 

The team arrived to do the nightly turn down, so I had best sign off for now.

 

Gary

[blondrunner]

Hi Gary,

A group of six friends will be on the Ryndam on April 24th. Five of us are ballroom dancers. What band is playing in the Ocean Bar in the evenings and do people seem to enjoy ballroom dancing to the band? Our group likes traditional balloom (Frank Sinatra/Las Vegas lounge type music) and we are concerned about Holland America getting rid of the Filipino bands. Thanks so much and enjoy the rest of the cruise,

 

blondrunner