Tag: sea day

Sea Day #2

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

I could feel that the waves had picked up as soon as I got up. I tried to go out onto the balcony and had a hard time opening the door. I knew that meant it was very windy too. I took a Bonine tablet just to be on the safe side.

When I walked to the Grand Dutch Cafe, I noticed they had the doors roped off to the promenade with signs telling people not to go outside. There are always a lot of people who like to walk laps around the ship on the promenade. Not today.

I also noticed when I got to the GDC that all the creamers and sugars had been taken off the counter and if you wanted any, the server behind the counter would put it in your coffee for you.

Since I know that not having these condiments on the self-serve counter slows down the overall service and it is not the norm, I knew that they were putting in health protocols. It either meant the ship had a number of cases of COVID or a number of cases of NORO – enough cases of either one that it triggered these protocols. Sigh.

When asked about the change, the servers would just smile and say – “we’re happy to be helping our guests.” Good non-answer. Sigh.

Once I finished my latte, I decided to go to the Coffee Chat hosted by the Cruise Director Jayme. Chuck opted to stay in and continue enjoying his coffee and reading.

Jayme was interviewing members of the ship’s Food and Beverage Management Team today. It was an interesting presentation about who they were and what they did. The F&B department is the second largest on the ship – employs 485 people. Housekeeping is the largest.

I noticed that Jayme was not allowing anyone in the audience to hold the microphone when they asked a question. He held it for them. I took it as another sign extra-health protocols are in place.

After the presentation, Chuck and I went to the Sea Day brunch. No salt and pepper shakers on the tables. Sigh – strike 3. I had a Cuban sandwich, and Chuck tried the biscuits and gravy again. The last time he had it, he said the biscuits were too hard and the gravy thin. He got the same result this time.

I enjoyed my sandwich and fries. We also enjoyed the dessert – Hummingbird Cake. It is a spiced pineapple-banana cake with cream cheese icing topped with pecans. I only had crumbs on the fork before I remembered I wanted to take a photo. Below is one from Google –

During the Captain’s daily noon announcements, he confirmed that a number of guests and crew had reported to the ship’s medical office for “gastrointestinal distress.” Okay – so now we know it is the Norovirus.

He said we would see extra health precautions around the ship and that we could help if we would be extra vigilant in washing our hands often. Embarrassing that the Captain would have to tell adults to wash their hands but that is where we are.

At 2:00, Chuck went to the Casino, and I went to the Future Cruise presentation to see if any interesting itineraries would pop up. We had already received a flyer about the 2026-2027 Legendary Voyages HAL was offering. We have a deposit on the Alaska Legendary Voyage in 2026. I didn’t see any cruises I wasn’t already aware of so there is no need to make an appointment with him this cruise.

We went to another specialty restaurant for dinner tonight – the Pinnacle Grill. We both had the crab cakes and split the candied bacon. I had the yellow tail snapper. Chuck had the ribeye. For dessert, I had the key lime pie and Chuck had the chocolate cobbler which tasted like a chocolate lava cake.

After the meal, we went to one set of the Rolling Stone Lounge band and then went to the main stage to watch Doc Dixon – comedian/magician. We really enjoyed his show.

After the show, I went to the last set of the BB King band and Chuck went to the casino to play some cards.

Tomorrow – Aruba

Sea Day #1

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Chuck was taking advantage of a sea day by sleeping in. I poured his coffee into his Yeti cup as I knew it would stay hot for a long time. After I finished my latte, I went to the gym.

By the time I finished my workout, Chuck was awake and ready to go to the pool. I was surprised we were able to find lounge chairs in the Sea View area. There have already been several announcements about not saving a lounge chair with a towel and usually a sandal or a book, and then leaving it for hours at a time.

If you see a lounge chair that has been unoccupied for 30 minutes (and you are sure the person saving it is not in the pool), you can ask one of the Sea View staff to remove the belongings and use the chair. I have seen more than one altercation about loungers on past cruises. Hopefully, no problems on this one.

I am happy to report that we had a very relaxing day at the pool. The day passed quickly, and it was soon time to get ready for the first dressy night of the cruise.

When we came back to the cabin, we found that the laundry had been returned. HAL’s laundry service is efficient and effective. We use it every cruise.

We went to the main dining room for dinner. We were seated at a table for six and had a very pleasant conversation with the other two couples. Chuck had the prosciutto appetizer and the cracked pepper tenderloin dinner. I had the shrimp cocktail appetizer and the yellow fin sole dinner. We skipped dessert.

After dinner, we decided not to go to the main stage show by the HAL singers and dancers – Hey, Mr. DJ! We’ve seen it before. Chuck wanted to go to the Casino. His name was called for one of the drawings, and he won some casino “free play” money.

I went to the BB King lounge and listened to two sets of their band. They are an okay band. I have liked other BB King bands from other ships better. The lead singer of this one spends a lot of time talking to the audience between songs.

When I got back to the room, I was happy to find a towel animal and chocolates. I was not happy to find a note telling us to set our clocks forward tonight.

Tomorrow – Sea Day #2

Sea Days #6, #7, and #8

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, November 6-8, 2024

We now had several sea days in a row and our routine was pretty standard – pool/sun time, casino, show, talking with friends, eating, and then ultimately having to pack. I will just feature some highlights from the three days.

Today we received our disembarkation information and tags for Saturday. Today was also the last day to turn in any laundry we wanted done.

On the Lido deck, we were greeted by the Towel Animal invasion. I always enjoy the creations.

We also attended the Mariner’s Luncheon. It is a limited menu that comes with free champagne. The officers attend and the Captain thanks the passengers for their patronage. We haven’t seen this lunch offered on every cruise but it was nice for this cruise.

However, we usually receive our HAL commemorative tiles either at this luncheon or in the stateroom. Today, we got a note that said they had not received their inventory of tiles, but we could hold on to the note and ask for them on a future cruise.

I know some people were disappointed, but we have several of them and I don’t always take the ones that we are given so it was not a big deal for us.

Tile from a Previous Cruise

For this lunch, Chuck had the filet and I had the cod.

Chuck played in another poker tournament today and he was the winner. Fun time and some cash. Great combination.

Tonight was the Orange Party. It is held every cruise to honor the Dutch heritage of the Holland America line. People are encouraged to wear something orange and enjoy the festivities in the Rolling Stone Lounge.

Today’s highlights – a Lido restaurant event called “Cake Me Away” and the afternoon Crew Talent Show. I attended both events.

The pastry chefs create a number of colorful cakes. They set them out so people can take photos and then they open up the serving line for people to sample them.

Chuck and I had attended the Caribbean Brunch earlier today, so we were not in the mood for cake; however, I did get some photos. I probably should have gotten some cake to save for later, but the line was already getting long. They have been having this event on every cruise usually on a sea day. You just have to watch for it on the daily planner.

Later that afternoon, various crew members performed on the World Stage. The audience of passengers (and it was standing room only) were given ballots to vote for their favorite act.

Traditional Dance from her Country

I was very impressed with the talents of these crew members. With the little free time they have from their ship duties, they had to prepare, audition, and then rehearse during the cruise to be able to perform that day. The top three vote getters were announced at the evening show, and they won various cash prizes.

The six-member band won 1st place

The crew talent show is not available every cruise. You usually only find it on a three-week or longer cruise.

Tonight’s show on the World Stage was the Impressionist Karen Grainger performing “Lasting Impressions.” We have seen her on a previous cruise and enjoyed her performance. However, tonight I thought her impressions were just “okay.” I much preferred when she sang a song in her own voice.

As we entered the World Stage, there was a gauntlet of waiters dispensing various small chocolate treats. If you ate the cake and the chocolate treats today, you were definitely on a sugar high.

Today was packing day. 🙁 It was also saying good-bye and exchanging contact information with the people we enjoyed hanging out with on this trip. Three of the couples were disembarking tomorrow in Boston as were we. However, one couple was staying on for another 14 days as the Zuiderdam makes it way to Ft. Lauderdale.

Chuck had another successful poker session. He and another player were going back and forth vying for first or second place. Instead of dragging the game on into the evening, they agreed to split the pots, and both were happy.

We ended our last night by playing off the casino points we had accumulated during the 3 weeks, eating dinner in the Lido and dancing in the Rolling Stone Lounge.

Back to the room, three bags were tagged, locked, and pushed out into the hallway. We kept one with us to put the last things that we needed to store before we left the room for the final time in the morning.

Tomorrow: Disembarkation and Traveling Home

Sea Day #5

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

After a breakfast in the Lido, we walked a mile around the Promenade. Then we spent the rest of the day in the pool or sunbathing only broken up by a late lunch in the Lido.

Our big event of the day was the Mariner Award Ceremony. People receive a medallion when they reach certain cruising milestones with Holland America. If you are a 5-star member, you get to attend these ceremonies even if you are not getting a medallion. We have attended several.

However, tonight we would not just be attending but would each be the recipient of a Silver Medallion. This Medallion signifies 300+ sailing days with Holland America. Yay!

We did think the time it was being held was kind of strange – 6:30 to 7:00 in the Crow’s Nest. Typically, the ceremony is held in the afternoon. However, the event planner has to work around the Captain’s schedule, so 6:30 it is.

Every person getting a medallion gets an official photo with the Captain and the Hotel Manager. We also took a photo with the Entertainment Director – Glenn and the Cruise and Travel Director – Kimberly.

The staff kept the wine glasses filled and the appetizers circulating. We had a very nice time chatting with a couple from the Netherlands. We’ll keep attending these ceremonies and eventually we’ll reach the Gold Medallion – 500+ sailing days.

Medallion display from a previous cruise

We wore our Medallions for the rest of the evening and were greeted and thanked by every crew member that we encountered. HAL does appreciate customer loyalty.

After the Ceremony was over, we went to the main dining room for dinner. I was surprised to find a menu that is typically only offered on dressy nights. I enjoyed the lamb chops and Chuck really enjoyed the filet mignon (he already took several bites before I could get a photo).

Tonight’s show on the World Stage was “All That!” performed by the HAL Singers and Dancers and we had seen it before. We opted to play in the Casino for a while and then call it an early night.

Tomorrow: Grenada

Sea Day #4

Saturday, October 26, 2024

We are starting the second week of this three-week cruise with a (surprise!) cup of specialty coffee from the Pinnacle Bar. I’ve been there so often that the two baristas just say “Good morning! The usual for you and Mr. Chuck?” and I say “Yes, thank you.”

Once we finished coffee and time on the balcony, Chuck went to play in another poker tournament, and I went to the gym and then to the Promenade deck for a mile lap.

We met up at noon to go to the Caribbean brunch that was being held in the main dining room. I had the halibut sandwich and Chuck had the biscuits and chorizo sausage gravy with a fried egg. I thought the halibut sandwich was great. Chuck thought the biscuits and gravy were “meh.”

The rest of the afternoon went by quickly with pleasant conversations with our fellow passengers.

It was time to get ready for our next dressy night.

We decided to listen to the first set of the Third Avenue West combo band that plays in the Ocean Bar. They play three sets beginning at 5:30 each night. They typically play light jazz and will throw in a rumba or two for dancers who request it.

Selfie in the Ocean Bar

After the set ended, we went to the Casino. The Casino host came by and offered Chuck a free Pinnacle Grill dinner for two (he has to take me). We just have to make a reservation and let her know when it will be so the Casino can cover the cost. Nice gesture.

We shared a table in the main dining room with the couple from Ohio again. Chuck ordered the cracked peppercorn beef tenderloin with shrimp, and I ordered the yellow-fin sole.

We finished the evening with three sets of the Rolling Stone Lounge band.

And, got another towel animal.

Tomorrow: Willemstad, Curacao

Sea Day #3

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

After such a gloomy day yesterday, today opened with a beautiful sunny morning. Even if it had been raining, it would have been a good morning because we got to set our clocks back an hour last night. After we enjoyed our coffee on the balcony, we headed to the Lido for a quick breakfast.

Chuck was registered for a poker tournament after breakfast, so I headed to the gym. The gym is free to use. Some of their exercise classes are an upcharge. I used one of the elliptical machines and their weight machines. Instead of using one of the treadmills, I went to the third floor and walked a mile outside on the Promenade deck. The Zuiderdam has a nice wide Promenade deck. The newer ships have a narrower deck making it a bit harder to walk especially if it gets crowded.

I met up with Chuck at lunch in the Lido. He didn’t win the poker tournament, but he had fun and enjoyed the other players. He plans to enter any future ones they may hold.

After lunch, Chuck decided some pool time would be pleasant. I decided to attend the Floral Arranging demonstration. The ship’s florist, Marlon, was the presenter, of course. He and his team are responsible for all live arrangements – whether they are decorating areas around the ship, a bouquet purchased for your stateroom, or even a corsage to wear for a special occasion. They do it all.

Flower on table in Pinnacle Grill
Corsage I wore for anniversary celebration in 2023

He showed us how to create 3 different arrangements and gave us some good information. Some tips I had heard before such as cutting stems at an angle and not letting leaves get into the vase water. I had not heard that a pinch of sugar in a vase will make the blooms larger and buds expand faster or that a teaspoon of bleach will keep bacteria out of the water.

The afternoon passed quickly and soon it was time for dinner in the main dining room. We shared a table with a couple from New York and a solo traveler from Canada. It was a fun table. Chuck had the Beef Bourguignon, and I had the spaghetti with shrimp.

After dinner, time in the Casino and then to the Rolling Stone Lounge. We were having so much fun in the Lounge that we decided to stay instead of going to the World Stage. We have enjoyed pianist Elliot Finkel on other sailings but felt we would get to see a second show before the end of the cruise.

Eventually, the Band played their last set, and it was time to call it a night.

Tomorrow: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Sea Day #2

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Ended up sleeping late so decided to just skip breakfast. Even though it was a gray, overcast day, I was enjoying my coffee and book on the balcony. All of a sudden loud music started playing. I couldn’t tell exactly where it was coming from, but it sounded like it was above us and toward the middle of the ship. At first, it was weird spa-type music and then turned into 70’s music.

Practicing cruise ship balcony etiquette means that you listen to your music with headphones or earbuds. Many people, like me, just want to hear the sound of the ocean and we don’t all like the same type of music. I ended up calling guest services and found out later I was not the only one. The music finally quit at 10:30. I just hoped it would not be a daily thing. So annoying.

We ate lunch in the main dining room today. I had shrimp cocktail and linguini with clams. Chuck had mini chicken tenders and a cheeseburger.

During his daily noon announcement, the Captain discussed Hurricane Oscar and how the ship would be skirting around it. As he was talking, I could see that it had started raining.

Chuck went to the Sea View bar area to visit with some friends he has met in the Casino. I went to the Lido and got a cup of hot tea and a piece of chocolate pie and took them back to the room. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was not blowing rain into the balcony so I could read and drink tea out there. Once I finished my book, I took a nap until it was time to get ready for our first dressy night.

We spent some time in the Casino before we went to the main dining room. We saw the couple from Ohio in line ahead of us, and they invited us to sit with them. We had a pleasant conversation. They are staying on the ship until it transitions to Ft. Lauderdale. Chuck had the cod, and I had the beef medallions. We shared and both were delicious. We split a piece of cheesecake for dessert.

Messy plate but good food

We went to the Rolling Stone Lounge for their first set and then to the World Stage for the HAL singers and dancers first show of the cruise: Song & Dance. Chuck and I agreed that they were much better than they were in August.

We then went back to the last set of the Rolling Stone band. Afterwards, we called it a night. Because it was a dressy night, there was a towel animal waiting for us. Some people find them irritating but I like them.

Tomorrow: Sea Day

Sea Day #1

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Found this wonderful note on our bed last night. 😒

Once I finally roused myself up, I was ready for some coffee and a muffin. I was glad to see that the Pinnacle Bar was still serving specialty coffee in the mornings like they did in August. The line for specialty coffee is always shorter here than in the Crow’s Nest. Of course, regular coffee is available 24/7 in the Lido for free.

The morning consisted of a couple of chores – preparing the laundry to send out and getting the snorkel equipment ready to use for tomorrow in Bermuda.

For lunch, we went to the Lido. I went to the special section of “Farewell to Canada.” Since the Zuiderdam had finished its New England / Canada itineraries for 2024 and would be transitioning to Florida in November, they were serving food that is commonly found in Canada as a last hurrah.

The Lido creates these “special sections” at lunch periodically. You just have to watch for them in your daily program. I had the mussels and some blueberry cheesecake. I skipped the poutine. Chuck skipped the whole section and grabbed some sliders.

After lunch, I went to the Cruise Critic meet and greet and Chuck went to play cards. There was a good crowd at the meeting, and it was well organized by some fellow passengers. They even provided door prizes (I didn’t win anything). It was held in the Crow’s Nest. Nice way to put some faces with names that you have seen online for the last few months.

There is a large group of single and solo passengers on this cruise, and they were busy planning excursions, activities, and dinners together after the meeting ended. No reason to be alone even if you’re cruising by yourself.

I then went to the Cruise Director’s talk about Bermuda. She indicated the weather could be very breezy with the possibility of rain. Guess our Plan B will be to tour the town of Hamilton if our snorkeling excursion gets cancelled.

We decided to eat dinner in the main dining room. We were seated with two other couples – one from Florida and the other from Australia. Interesting conversation. I had the chili rellenos and Chuck had the jerk chicken. The service was very slow though and we did not leave the restaurant until 8:30.

We had just enough time to get to the 9:00 show on the World Stage. The performer name was Paul Stepian and his show was called “Music Through the Ages.” He was a flutist from Poland and was a finalist in their national “Poland’s Got Talent” competition. He played a variety of songs and also talked about growing up in Poland. He seemed to especially love theme songs from American movies. We thoroughly enjoyed his show.

I was ready to call it a night. Chuck went to play some more cards. I was surprised to find that the laundry had already been returned.

Tomorrow: Bermuda

SA: Sixth (and last) Sea Day

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Occasionally, the Lido will sponsor a Themed Dinner night. Tonight was one of those nights. We had a South American night. We liked the menu, so we decided to eat there instead of the main dining room.

I had the lamb chop, grilled shrimp, and the fish and chips. Chuck had the steak, grilled shrimp, and fish and chips. We both passed on the mussels.

After dinner, we went to the main stage to see the group Evolution Motown. We enjoyed them but I didn’t think they were as good as the group Cantare which has performed on some HAL ships.

Afterwards, the poker group was ready to go since the Casino would stay open late because tomorrow is the last sea day.

While we were at breakfast, I thought I heard the Cruise Director say we had hit an animal. I was horrified thinking we had hit a whale or something. Chuck laughed and said no – there was an “animal invasion.” Once we finished breakfast, we went to see it on the Lido deck. The crew is so talented to be able to create all of them.

I thought about laying out by the pool but it was stuffy in the Lido area and too breezy at the Sea View. Instead, I started packing up some of our more wintery clothes. We have excursions for the next 3 days, so I didn’t want to leave all the packing to the last afternoon of the trip. I really prefer having a sea day just prior to disembarkation day so all I have to do is devote one day to packing.

Listened to the port talk of Montevideo on the TV whle I packed. A knock came at the cabin door, and I thought it was our laundry being returned. Wrong. More gifts from the Casino for Chuck. They do appreciate his play.

I worked on my photos and read for a while. The laundry was delivered around 4:00. It was a very big stack, and I will sort through it tomorrow after our excursion and pack up what I know we won’t be wearing for the next few days.

I have seen several cabins with their disembarkation notices in their mailboxes. We have not gotten ours yet. If I don’t have it by dinner time tomorrow, I will inquire. But now, it was time to get ready for our last dressy evening.

SA: Fifth Sea Day

Friday, January 27, 2023

We ate a late dinner at a table for 6. We were all so excited to talk about what we did that day that I forgot to take any photos of dinner. I had the butternut squash risotto and Chuck had the pork loin.

The day had caught up with me so I called it a night. Chuck still had energy for the Casino.

After coffee, we went to the main dining room for breakfast. Two of my favorite items on the menu: fresh squeezed orange juice and a raisin bun. We had a nice conversation with a British couple who had a special time on the Falklands. They were met by a friends of some of their UK friends and got a private tour of the entire island.

Chuck went to soak his knee in hot tub. I processed some of the photos and watched the TV presentation on our next two port stops – Puerto Madryn, Argentina and Punta del Este, Uruguay. The Cruise Director said the temperature tomorrow would reach 85 degrees. Time to store the wool cap and bring out the shorts for the next few days.

Did a stroll around the promenade for a mile. Still needed my jacket because of the wind.

Got two bags of laundry ready to go out as we are nearing the end of the cruise and they won’t be accepting laundry in a day or so. Got our notice to pick up our passports so I did that this afternoon. Glad to have them back in the safe.

We also received our certificate for crossing the Antarctic Circle and a map of all the places we visited in Antarctica.

Add a lunch and a nap and the fifth sea day was almost over.