The LAFFNVEGAS LIVE From the Statendam Panama Canal Cruise

[takemewithyou]

Statement from HAL web site:

 

"Acapulco Earthquake – updated April 27, 2009 – 1:30pm PDT

At Holland America Line, the safety, security and comfort of our guests and crew are our absolute top priorities. As was reported in the news media this morning, a moderate earthquake occurred some 130 miles southwest of Mexico City and 50 miles from Acapulco, Mexico.

Holland America Line’s ms Statendam is in Acapulco today from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. No one aboard the ship at the time of the earthquake was impacted. Holland America Line has contacted all of it shore excursion providers in Acapulco and confirmed that none of these excursions were impacted by the earthquake. The ship has made internet service complimentary for the day to assist guests who want to contact

their families.

The ship will proceed as scheduled to its next port of call, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on Wednesday, April 29".

 

Complimentary internet service for the day - very nice thing to do. :)

[reefisher]

Sorry if I have offended you or others. Maybe it is my way of lightning my concern for others. Also myself as I find myself in an unenviable position miles from home....................Also facing air travel and more than just once................................ Of course its worrying for everybody, I guess its my dumb sense of humour and I was sharing it with my friend Lisa, who would have known I was far from serious....................

 

Don't waste any tears or angst on us, I doubt if any people with a LIFE were offended. It cracked me up. Kudos if you are the originator. I've already passed it on to a dozen people. I heard some official from Israel complaining that calling it swine flu offends Jews and Muslims and wanted it to be renamed Mexican flu. I'm sure it was a joke. Or if it wasn't, I guess Mexicans are expendable in his mind and won't be offended. Jeez, some peoples life are only made whole by carrying around a resentment and "I'm offended buttons"

[indychristine]

Lisa,

So glad to know you are all ok and still having FUN.

 

Loving your reports.

[reefisher]

I'm glad you were able to get your bracelet! I was sitting in the Crows Nest with my book when the ship began to shake like crazy. It seriously sounded and felt like they had started the engines and were trying to leave the pier without letting go the ropes. The announcements have been very good, and I agree that the Captain should not have to apologize. I've just come back to the cruise terminal after lunch and a nice nap. I was once again trapped in an elevator this afternoon, this time with 4 other people. After using the emergency intercom, we were released about 7 minutes later (just seems longer when you're in that little elevator). I'm going to start taking the stairs more often.

Those elevators were starting to act up on the 4/3/09 San Diego to FLL leg. They must be getting worse. How much longer can the Statendam function before DRY DOCK???

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Monday Evening April 27th, 2009

 

Hola to all my Amigos,

 

This has certainly been an interesting day and will definitely make it one of the more memorable cruises. We were not aware of any more aftershocks of the earthquake although there might have been. The Captain was ready to go before 5 so we were on our way early by about 20 minutes. One of the many things I like about Captain Consen is that he always loves to have the ships horn blow. He has done it from every port we have left and will do it a lot. It brought back memories of when we have sailed with him before. I know he blows the horn more than any other Captain we have sailed with.

 

Tonight they had the Lido Pool BBQ and we thought that possibly the Dining Room would not have as many with some going to the BBQ but obviously this group of cruisers are not into BBQ because it was a full dining room. We did not get done with dinner as early tonight as we have in the previous nights. It was about 7:20 which was too late to go to the 7 PM show so I decided that I would stop by to chat with Leslie the Future Cruise Consultant again but this time give her some business. Since I did not know what the future held for us but no longer had any Future Cruise Deposits on hold since we used the last for this cruise we we purchased one more to at least have one waiting since they are good for 4 years. Tom and I were discussing tonight the next big cruise we would like to take is Hawaii so depending on what or when I ever get back to work I hope to be able to book a 15 day Hawaii. Who knows maybe in 2010.

 

After talking with Leslie we headed up toe the Crow's Nest for Happy Hour there I had a Mojito for Christine and we listened to some people play "Name That Tune" but it actually was Name that artist and it was songs from the 70's Tom and I agreed we should have played we knew all but 3 but it was almost 9 and we needed to head downstairs to grab a seat for Lee Bayless the comedian, he was funny but not near as funny as the Juggler comedian last week. Tomorrow night is Clint Holmes who is from Las Vegas which oddly in his bio for tomorrow's daily program there is not one word of him headlining in Las Vegas.

 

Amazing per the TV at 10:41PM at night the outside temp is still 86 degrees, the humdity is still 71% and that Lido Pool temp is still 80.1 :D

 

Tonight we gain an additional hour of sleep to get back to Mountain Daylight Savings Time and I am sure the night we leave Cabo we will go back to the time we started with when we left our house on the evening of April 15th.

 

I hope to make this a quick post and get off the internet because I have gone thru the minutes far too fast and need these few to last till Thursday.

 

Signing off from the Beautiful and Elegant MS Statendam.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Statement from HAL web site:

 

"Acapulco Earthquake – updated April 27, 2009 – 1:30pm PDT

At Holland America Line, the safety, security and comfort of our guests and crew are our absolute top priorities. As was reported in the news media this morning, a moderate earthquake occurred some 130 miles southwest of Mexico City and 50 miles from Acapulco, Mexico.

Holland America Line’s ms Statendam is in Acapulco today from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. No one aboard the ship at the time of the earthquake was impacted. Holland America Line has contacted all of it shore excursion providers in Acapulco and confirmed that none of these excursions were impacted by the earthquake. The ship has made internet service complimentary for the day to assist guests who want to contact

their families.

The ship will proceed as scheduled to its next port of call, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on Wednesday, April 29".

 

Complimentary internet service for the day - very nice thing to do. :)

:rolleyes:Hmmm no word of complimentary internet here on the ship and when I logged in tonight i see they quickly took away the 40 minutes I used earlier today and no credit back. Might have to mention something to Shannon about this, they might not know this on the ship ;)

[seafun]

Let me just chime in briefly to thank you for your great travelogue...

I've certainly enjoyed living vicariously through your reports. Thank you for your investment of both time for your reports, as well for the price of those pesky and frustratingly slow Internet Minutes, LOL. :rolleyes:

I made a joke the other day about having caught "Swine Flu" on my first cruise -- and I've been eating like a pig ever since!

I hope we all realize that the jokes are not to diminish the seriousness of the situation, but rather to celebrate life, our ability to enjoy it, our incredible good fortune to be able to cruise, and to take setbacks with a grain of salt (or bacon, if appropriate!) :eek:

Thanks again for your very informative reports, and we all hope the rest of your voyage excceds your expectations!

A BIG Cruise Critic Group Hug, :)

[dizzy1949]

Been reading the posts about the elevators breaking down on the Statendam. Seems to happen often. I am VERY claustrophobic :eek: and I'm concerned because we are doing the Alaskan cruise in June. What's the deal with that? Any reasons given for the breakdowns? Jeez, I'll start hyperventilating as soon as I get on board:)!!! Sue

[MiamiSky66]

Sue,

If you are in good shape, you would be better off taking the steps.

[Himself]

Lisa: As you go out on deck this morning you will find the air somewhat cooler than it was on prievious days on this cruise. However when you anchor at Cabo St. Lucas tomorrow you will find land to be hot but not as humid as you have been experiencing. Have a good finish to your cruise. I hope no one picked up the "swine flu" in Mexico.

[cruz chic]

Those elevators were starting to act up on the 4/3/09 San Diego to FLL leg. They must be getting worse. How much longer can the Statendam function before DRY DOCK???

Actually they were like that on my Nov.08 cruise...and heard they were having problems with them before that.

[SDHALFAN]

Don't waste any tears or angst on us, I doubt if any people with a LIFE were offended. It cracked me up. Kudos if you are the originator. I've already passed it on to a dozen people. I heard some official from Israel complaining that calling it swine flu offends Jews and Muslims and wanted it to be renamed Mexican flu. I'm sure it was a joke. Or if it wasn't, I guess Mexicans are expendable in his mind and won't be offended. Jeez, some peoples life are only made whole by carrying around a resentment and "I'm offended buttons"

 

Well said. It's sad isn't it how dreary some people's life must be?

 

Valerie:)

[localady]

sure it's me but .. what's so humorous about swine flu:confused:

 

people are dying, the EU has recommended no travel to either Mexico or the US and the stock market is "down" on rumors of what might happen

 

I just don't see humor by either the OP or those who found it "funny":mad:

 

I'm not really sure why you bother to read and reply to these posts, as all you seem to do is criticize and demean the posters.

I guess that is the down side to freedom of speech......:rolleyes:

[pipedreams62]

Well said. It's sad isn't it how dreary some people's life must be?

 

Valerie:)

 

 

They then become "Condo Commandos"

 

[Divi]

I always enjoy reading about everyone's cruise experiences but following a "live" thread is even more fun.

Thank you for taking all this time to post and help us all picture your wonderful holiday.

[Susie51]

Lisa, I am glad you are safe and you got your jewelry. Your posts and the readers comments have been very enjoyable. I'll miss not reading about your adventures daily.

[jsparku]

According to HAL website,the Statendam will not stop in Cabo on Wendesday.

[MissWindyCity]

According to HAL website,the Statendam will not stop in Cabo on Wendesday.

 

 

I just read that on the Holland America wesbsite...

 

Holland America Line cancels calls to Mexican Ports

April 28, 2009 1:00pm PDT

 

In accordance with the recent travel advisory from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico, Holland America Line, in an abundance of caution, has decided to cancel its upcoming calls to Mexican ports in April and

early May.

Of the line’s 14 ships, a total of five ships (and five sailings) are impacted by these changes. Four are the current sailings of the ms Ryndam, ms Statendam, ms Westerdam and ms Zuiderdam. The May 1, 2009 cruise of the ms Veendam will also be impacted,

The itinerary planning team at Holland America Line is developing alternate itineraries for these sailings and the new ports of call will be announced as they are confirmed.

If the CDC travel advisory changes prior to the conclusion of any of these five sailings, the cruise line may consider re-instating the original itineraries if possible.

[innlady1]

Lisa, I've so enjoyed your travelogue on the Statendam.

 

If you are thinking Hawaii, look into the Voyage of the Macadamia Nuts in March 2010!

 

Beyond that, Look into the Veendam cruise to Bermuda on 10/3/10 (we're on that one).

[Love Cruises]

Lisa and Tom,

 

Now that you have done a 14 day cruise, why not join some of us CC friends on a longer one - a 33 day roundtrip San Diego to Hawaii, South Pacific, Marquesas in January/2010. It would be great cruising with you.

 

In the meatime, we will be rooting for you to become a cruise consultant. You sure do know your HAL ships.

 

Thanks for your thread on this Panama Canal trip. I have enjoyed every minute of your commentary.

[IrishColleen53]

Lisa, Where are you? I need my daily cruise fix!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Tuesday April 28th, 2009

 

Good Evening from the Pacific off the West Coast of Mexico.

 

I have wanted to get on line all day but I am down to only about 60 minutes of my 2nd $100 package so I am trying to limit my internet use even though there is so much I want to check out on the internet with everything going on.

 

Let me start with telling you about our day even though I know many of you know a lot of what I will report.

 

Started the morning with breakfast in the Rotterdam Dining Room where I had the Sunshine Parfait, I had a light breakfast because I knew we woulkd have a bit early lunch with the Mariner Lunch at 11:30. I have come to the conclusion that each and everyship just does things differently when it come to Mariner Lunch. Most ships do have Mariner's with 100 days or more meet in a Lounge such as the Explorer's Lounge before hand for cocktails. We did not receive any notification of them doing that. Today's Mariner Brunch was the 2nd of 2. I have not had a chance yet to confirm if the first one was in fact for Mariner's with less than 100 days. We walked down stairs aboout 11:15 and there was already a large crowd waiting to get in but the first thing we noticed we were the only ones wearing Medallions. many were wearing their little blue or red pins. We were beginning to wonder if we slipped thru the cracks and were accidently not invited to a Medallion Holders Cocktail reception but then at the very front of the group I saw that sweet little 97 year old lady waiting to go in. She was not wearing her medallion but was wearing a World Cruise Amsterdam jacket and under the HAL logo was her Plat. pin. Then coming off the elevator as e waited was one more lady wearing her Copper Medallion. As we entered Captain Frans was there greeting everyone but definitely no hand shaking. As they were sending people toward the aft they immediately escorted us to the center section where the microphones were and a small table with the display of medallions. We were seated with the lady with her World Cruise Amsterdam jacket. it ended up there were probaby 20 at best with medallions. Two couples were awarded their Copper Medallion and there were no other presentations just a short explanation of the award levels and showing the medallions. I had thought they might recognize those that were Plat because at the table behind was was a gentleman wearing not only his Plat medallion but was also wearing his 100,000 miles medallion that has the orange ribbon. At that point in time we did not know about what the decision would be about our next port stop and you could tell that Captain Consen was being careful and not saying anything since there was nothing official yet. He was his normal talkitive about other things and we laughed because he again mentioned our names in talking to everyone. They took pictures with he and the Hotel Manager with the two couples receiving medallions and then they all left. We assumed they needed to go back to wait for commincation with Seattle.

 

Right after the Mariner Lunch we went back to the cabin, I wanted to get on line to the HAL web site that you can go to for free to check for any annoucements. It was then that I read that HAL had canceled the Ryndam's stop at Mazatlan today. I right away said I am positive they will cancel Cabo for tomorrow. Everone around the ship were all asking the same question and making speculations but many still felt confident that we would go to Cabo. I had seen Amy in the Library right after the mariner event and she was also waiting for word of what might happened. About 2:30 I relogged into the HAL web site, we were having a bit of problems getting on the internet but I knew we might because Shannon the Internet Manager said that at about this location we change foot prints for the statellite and could loose the connection. When I was able to log on I saw the newest update from HAL in Seattle that I am sure you have all seen and is already been posted here ( I am writing this before I log into CC) Of course none of it surprised me and since we only had one more port stop it really does not effect or impact our cruise as severely had it will for the others coming behind us. There are several dissappointed but I think they all understand, for us we have been to Cabo more times than I can count so definitely no loss. I just feel bad for those crew members that were to have the day off while in Cabo and for those that work in the Shops because for right now these ships most likely will have several more sea days and a lot more hours of work for crew.

 

After I found out I went down stairs to talk to Amy in the Library and see if she had been notified, she was standing next to the Explorations Cafe talking with Savanah the Cruise Director and I asked if they had heard and they had not so I guess I got to be the one to inform them.

 

The remainder of the afternoon Tom and I spent some time up in the Crow's Nest having a drink, then went and laid out by the aft pool and read for a while. I had ordered a Banana Margarita but like on both the Eurodam and Oosterdam they did not have Banana liquor to make it so they brought me a Mango Margarita.

 

It was not till we were about to leave out cabin for dinner when the Captain came on the PA system to make the annoucement that we would not be going to Cabo and that Holland America had decided to cancel all ports of call for Mexico. He told us that they would explain to us later this evening in a letter sent to our cabins.

 

We had a nice dinner this evening and I am sure the buzz at all the tables was about missing Cabo and the Swine Flu. As were were leaving for dinner I could see where the sunset was going to be spectacular so we went back to the cabin and I grabbed my camera. We went down to the Lower Promenade Deck and we witnessed a beautiful sunset and I captured some great pictures.

 

We are now about to go down to the 9 PM show of Clint Holmes and afterwards is the Chocolate Dessert Extravaganza per our Dining Room Steward the last cruise and ours is the 2nd time for this in a while because many have asked for it to come back.

Well it is about time to go to the show so I will quite wiritng and finish this later tonight to tell you everything.

 

It is now almost midnight and we just got back to our cabin. As I mentioned Clint Holmes was tonight's entertainer. He is a Las Vegas performer who has performed in Vegas for years and we had actually never seen him other that on TV. Tom and I were extremely impressed he is truly a top notch entertainer and he put on a fantastic show. After the show we headed up to the Lido for the Chocolate Dessert Extraganza. It was a very well attended affair. With some good dessert Tom and I each enjoyed a glass of cahmpagne with some type of cherry flavoring in it that was good. We enjoyed the table with a couple from Wisconsin and had fun talking about cruising and travel.

 

We did receive a letter this evening about canceling our port stop in Cabo San Lucas Mexico. The of course are refunding us our port fees of $11.95 per person and they are giving us a complimentary glass of champagne with dessert tomorrow evening.

 

This has certainly been a memorable cruise with Earth Quakes and fear of swine flu. Fortunately everyone is healthy and fine here on the Statendam. Other than slowing down and taking our time getting to San Diego I was hoping they could do a little scenic cruising near cabo and cruise by so passengers could see the rock arches that Cabo is famous for but there has been no word of doing that.

 

I believe I have caught you up todate on the activities of Tom and Lisa so I will say....

 

Signing off from the Beautiful and Elegant MS Statendam.

[ugminer]

Hi Lisa, I haven't posted but have been following your travels. sounds like it has been a pretty good trip overall. Any cruise is a good one. Just come back safe and healthy and prepare to start planning the FCC ;)

[Susie51]

Thank you for posting. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next week about the swine flu and stops in Mexico. The news today reported only 7 deaths instead of 150.

[themerle]

GLad you're still able to enjoy your cruise dispite everything that has happened! I can't wait till you get home and share your photos with us. I know you've problably got some good ones.

Hope all of you will get some scenic cruising in Cabo or somewhere. Enjoy your day!