Thursday, March 19, 2009
Volendam comments
We enjoyed the Volendam with the staff as always happy to serve. The food was fine, shows good and happy hour was fun.
We thought open dining would be good for us but it turned out to be a nightmare. We were unable to obtain tables for two and did not enjoy the company on the night we joined a 4. We liked to go to the 7:00 p.m. show. We come out to find that the lido restaurant closes at 8:00. Room service always take an hour.
We could have gone to the main restaurant until 9:00 but would have to share.
Heating-Cooling not good. toilet would flush within 15-45 minutes after pressing button.
Room service delivery always had something missing.
But over all I believe Holland America offer a great value.
We thought open dining would be good for us but it turned out to be a nightmare. We were unable to obtain tables for two and did not enjoy the company on the night we joined a 4. We liked to go to the 7:00 p.m. show. We come out to find that the lido restaurant closes at 8:00. Room service always take an hour.
We could have gone to the main restaurant until 9:00 but would have to share.
Heating-Cooling not good. toilet would flush within 15-45 minutes after pressing button.
Room service delivery always had something missing.
But over all I believe Holland America offer a great value.
New Zealand Shore Excursions
New Zealand has a great system of Visitors Centers in most cities. They are all linked together so you can book tours before you arrive in the next city. Holland America didi provide information for each city along with a map and suggested places to visit. Many of the cities provided shuttles from the ship to the "Visitors Center" and other central spots.
One of the private tours we took was the same as the cruise line offering. The cruise line price was $239 US. We paid $198 NZ. This made the cruise line rate 2.5 times the cost. Our bus had 18 passengers. The cruise line buses held 50 people and there were 5 of them. Our guide was close and very informative. We noticed the cruise line group could not hear some of the guides comments.
One of the private tours we took was the same as the cruise line offering. The cruise line price was $239 US. We paid $198 NZ. This made the cruise line rate 2.5 times the cost. Our bus had 18 passengers. The cruise line buses held 50 people and there were 5 of them. Our guide was close and very informative. We noticed the cruise line group could not hear some of the guides comments.
Sunday March 15th Sea Day/ 16th Auckland
Sunday was a Sea Days with lots of activities on board. This gave us time to start packing.
Monday in Auckland we took a HAL shore excursion as flight were not until 7:00 p.m.
We left our bags outside our door before midnight and did not see them until the airport!
A great tour of Auckland along with a farm visit including "Morning Tea" viewing of Sheep shearing, sheep dog display, deer, gardens and crops it was very enjoyable. I quick stop on the way to the airport for lunch and then we arrive at the airport and our bags are already on carts ready for to check in.
This is a great way to do it!
Monday in Auckland we took a HAL shore excursion as flight were not until 7:00 p.m.
We left our bags outside our door before midnight and did not see them until the airport!
A great tour of Auckland along with a farm visit including "Morning Tea" viewing of Sheep shearing, sheep dog display, deer, gardens and crops it was very enjoyable. I quick stop on the way to the airport for lunch and then we arrive at the airport and our bags are already on carts ready for to check in.
This is a great way to do it!
Wellington March 14th
This is the northernmost town on the southern island. The ferry often has a rough ride between the islands. In 1968 one of the ferries caught on a sand bar in 130 m.p.h. winds with the loss of 67 lives. This is also the location for the making of Lord of the Rings. A small cable car takes you to the very pleasant Botanical Gardens
Friday March 13th Napier
This small town was decimated by Earthquakes. The remaining buildings were redone in an Art Deco style. We were welcomed by a group of local residents dressed in the style of the 40s/50s a display of vintage automobiles and a five piece Jazz Band.
Saturday March 14th
Docked at Tauranga and took a trip to Roturua. We visited the Maori "Te-Puia" home of the largest Geo thermal reserve including bubbling thermal mud bogs. Attended a great concert in a native Long House. Visited a Kiwi farm and sampled Kiwi Fruit, juice, Wine and Liqueurs. On the way back stopped at hells gate for a mud bath.
Friday March 13th Napier
This small town was decimated by Earthquakes. The remaining buildings were redone in an Art Deco style. We were welcomed by a group of local residents dressed in the style of the 40s/50s a display of vintage automobiles and a five piece Jazz Band.
Saturday March 14th
Docked at Tauranga and took a trip to Roturua. We visited the Maori "Te-Puia" home of the largest Geo thermal reserve including bubbling thermal mud bogs. Attended a great concert in a native Long House. Visited a Kiwi farm and sampled Kiwi Fruit, juice, Wine and Liqueurs. On the way back stopped at hells gate for a mud bath.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Volendam Day 4-8
Milford Sound is an amazing place. Located in the 3,000,000 acre Fiordland National Park. It is 10 miles long with some of the tallest waterfalls in the world. We spent a couple of days sailing in and out of this great scenery. Doubtful Sound, Dusty Sound are just two of the glacial channels.
Dunedin located on the south east corner of the southern island. We took a Holland America shore excursion including riding a 8 wheel cross country land/sea vehicle. This took us to view seals and pups, penguins and a colony of Albatross.
Christchurch is one of our favorite ports. Even though we spent the whole day on a great tour there were still places we wanted to go back to see. There is a great antarctic center. We did manage to visit the great city center where the cathedral way all dressed in flowers as the annual flower show was starting the following day.
Dunedin located on the south east corner of the southern island. We took a Holland America shore excursion including riding a 8 wheel cross country land/sea vehicle. This took us to view seals and pups, penguins and a colony of Albatross.
Christchurch is one of our favorite ports. Even though we spent the whole day on a great tour there were still places we wanted to go back to see. There is a great antarctic center. We did manage to visit the great city center where the cathedral way all dressed in flowers as the annual flower show was starting the following day.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Melbourne & Tasmania
We had an interesting shore excursion on the “Puffing Billy” a narrow gauge railroad run by volunteers. The fires has recently come though and there were many areas blackened. We were lucky that the day we visited was not a high alert day so we were able to use the Steam engines. The passenger have the availability to sit over the edge of the cars and dangle the legs over the edge. It is quite a sight to see. The tour was well organized and of course quite expensive. We visited fern gully where the ferns reached 25-30 ft high.
Tasmania March 5th
The sea had been pretty rough on the way to Tasmania with 20-30 ft swells and winds of 80 knits.
We were lucky that the weather was wonderful when we got there.
For today we hired a private tour guide to took us to the major points of interest including The House of Anvers a Belgian Chocolate manufacturer. We were able to taste many different varieties. They also produced a Liquorice ice cream. One of our stops was the Ashgrove Farm a 3,000 acre dairy farm. The cheese factory produces 14 types of cheeses including wasabi! There are many Life size cows located around the Factory which are painted each year to raise money for local charities.
We also visited a honey company that produce 14 different types of honey. They are also sending many thousands of bees to the USA to to replace the dying bees there. We stopped for a lunch of meat pie, sausage roll and sweet Chili sauce. Tasmania is know for the export of wood chips and paper.
The town of Sheffield has a mural contest each year. A poem is selected and the local towns people are requested to paint a picture to represent the painting. The 10 best enlarge their work on 30 ft x10ft billboards in a local park and the public vote for a winner. The wall throughout the town have many murals on them.
One of the cities along the way was Penguin. There are actual penguins in this part of the world. There is a ft tall fence between the beaches and the road to prevent the penguins being hit by cars.
One of the last stops was at Annsliegh Gardens and Cafe a favorite place for local weddings.
I was lucky enough to stop and buy a 24 pack of Pepsi for $9 AUS compared to a cost of $48 on the ship. On the way back we had to change to the shuttle bus. While doing so I left my camera in the tour van. I only realized when I got back to the ship. I was able to contact someone on the dock who called the van and luckily it was returned to the ship. I am glad I had given the guide a good tip.
Tasmania March 5th
The sea had been pretty rough on the way to Tasmania with 20-30 ft swells and winds of 80 knits.
We were lucky that the weather was wonderful when we got there.
For today we hired a private tour guide to took us to the major points of interest including The House of Anvers a Belgian Chocolate manufacturer. We were able to taste many different varieties. They also produced a Liquorice ice cream. One of our stops was the Ashgrove Farm a 3,000 acre dairy farm. The cheese factory produces 14 types of cheeses including wasabi! There are many Life size cows located around the Factory which are painted each year to raise money for local charities.
We also visited a honey company that produce 14 different types of honey. They are also sending many thousands of bees to the USA to to replace the dying bees there. We stopped for a lunch of meat pie, sausage roll and sweet Chili sauce. Tasmania is know for the export of wood chips and paper.
The town of Sheffield has a mural contest each year. A poem is selected and the local towns people are requested to paint a picture to represent the painting. The 10 best enlarge their work on 30 ft x10ft billboards in a local park and the public vote for a winner. The wall throughout the town have many murals on them.
One of the cities along the way was Penguin. There are actual penguins in this part of the world. There is a ft tall fence between the beaches and the road to prevent the penguins being hit by cars.
One of the last stops was at Annsliegh Gardens and Cafe a favorite place for local weddings.
I was lucky enough to stop and buy a 24 pack of Pepsi for $9 AUS compared to a cost of $48 on the ship. On the way back we had to change to the shuttle bus. While doing so I left my camera in the tour van. I only realized when I got back to the ship. I was able to contact someone on the dock who called the van and luckily it was returned to the ship. I am glad I had given the guide a good tip.
March 2nd - 4th
We boarded the Volendam easily and were told cabins will not be open until 2:00 p.m.
Please have lunch, if you need to check bags and coats. As this ship is half the size of the QM2 it is much easier to get around. We are on deck 6 so it is only one down to the majority of the public rooms or 3 up to the Lido deck.
The lunch in the lido deck was very good and we found our way to the cabin at 2:00. pm. The cabin is larger than on QM2. The bathroon has a Jacuzzi bath and the balcony has a Chaise Lounge to streach out on. Flat screen TV with DVD player. We have free DVDs as we are in a balcony cabin.
First night tried to get table for 2 but told fully booked. Have two call in advance so we ate the same menu in the Lido. When we arrived in cabin at 2:00 it was 80 degrees. Waited until 4:00 p.m. Called pursher. “Yes sir it is hot, the Air conditioning will not work well on port days until we go out to sea” 7:00 called after sailing 2 hours. Oh yes! I will see to it. A young lady arrives at the cabin with a thermomether. It is 80%! I will have some one check it. Nothing happens. The next morning she comes back. “It is much cooler” she says! Yes I say :there has been no sun all night1”
The enginer comes and says “Yes it is not working. I fixed it” There is a dribble of cold air. The young lady call 3 hours later. The temperature has come down 1 degree. Would you like a Fan? Yes please. Three hours later no fan. Called back and had the fan delivered. On day two the temperature out side has gone down to 65%. A Job Well Done?
Please have lunch, if you need to check bags and coats. As this ship is half the size of the QM2 it is much easier to get around. We are on deck 6 so it is only one down to the majority of the public rooms or 3 up to the Lido deck.
The lunch in the lido deck was very good and we found our way to the cabin at 2:00. pm. The cabin is larger than on QM2. The bathroon has a Jacuzzi bath and the balcony has a Chaise Lounge to streach out on. Flat screen TV with DVD player. We have free DVDs as we are in a balcony cabin.
First night tried to get table for 2 but told fully booked. Have two call in advance so we ate the same menu in the Lido. When we arrived in cabin at 2:00 it was 80 degrees. Waited until 4:00 p.m. Called pursher. “Yes sir it is hot, the Air conditioning will not work well on port days until we go out to sea” 7:00 called after sailing 2 hours. Oh yes! I will see to it. A young lady arrives at the cabin with a thermomether. It is 80%! I will have some one check it. Nothing happens. The next morning she comes back. “It is much cooler” she says! Yes I say :there has been no sun all night1”
The enginer comes and says “Yes it is not working. I fixed it” There is a dribble of cold air. The young lady call 3 hours later. The temperature has come down 1 degree. Would you like a Fan? Yes please. Three hours later no fan. Called back and had the fan delivered. On day two the temperature out side has gone down to 65%. A Job Well Done?
On Board the Volendam.
After 16 days on The QM2 we have found some interesting differences. The Indonesian staff still seem to enjoy what they are doing. There are daily lectures and cooking demonstrations (Some with fees involved) We have found it easier to eat in the Lido most nights. It has the same menu and it is much faster than the dining room.
We do like the Explorations cafe by the New York Times. It has 2,000 books, magazines, Dvds and Listening stations along with a coffee bar which is always busy. The only drinks offered for lunch or diner are water or iced tea.
The main showroom has excellent seating and sight lines compared to QM2.
There is WiFi now all over the ship with rates from 35-50cents per hour. You can now use your US cell phone, but, be aware the cost is added to your home cell phone bill at $5 per minute. There are plenty of Internet Cafes ashore with rates from $3-$6 per hour.
The ride is not a smooth as the QM2 as it is twice as big and has larger stabilizers and four Azipod units.
We do have happy hour in the Crows Nest from 5:00- 6:00 pm. with 2 for 1 drinks.
Each day we receive an English and US abbreviated newspapers along with a list of events on board for the day.
Monday, March 2, 2009
We left the harbour in the cab on the way to the apartment in Manly which is located 10 miles from Sydney across the bay. We learned that all the taxi cabs in Sydney operate on LP gas. We stoped at an ATM machine and the cab driver who had just returned from an Hawaii cruise called the apartment owner to let him know we were arriving.
The apartment is located on the top floor of the building over looking the beach. We are located 3 minutes from the beach, 2 minutes to the “Corso.” It is a pedestrial only area that runs from the beach to the ferry and is full of stores and restaurants. The restaurant prices are quite high as it is a tourist area. There is a Hungry Jack restaurant which is a Burger King. A Whopper Junior meal cost $4.95 AU. We had an Indian meal one night which was $44 AU.
Every day we would take a walk to the beach and walk along the “Corso” to pick up the newspaper. There were two flat screen tv screens in the apartment. There are five Free networks plus many pay channels. We found many similar programs. Australian versions of: The Biggest loser. So you think you can dance. Australian Idol. We even watched The MacNiel Leher Hour.
Every morning show had Hollywood segments. There is great upheaval at the moment as Australian companies are closing down plants and sending the work to Asia while the company top brass draws huge salaries.
We took the 30 minute ferry ride into Sydney and took the Hop on and Off tour bus tour as far as Bondi Beach.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sydney Arrival
The Sydney Arrival.
We had been advised that there was no room at any of the docks for the QM2 because of it's size. y had to move two ships from their base to make room. As the ship was too tall to go under the bridge, the pilot had to achieve a “Three Point Turn”to park the ship!
The last time the QM 2 arrived in Sydney 120,00 people turned out and the city stopped! This time we crept in at 5:30 am As this was a navel base we were told we would have to be bused with our luggage about 8 miles to Darling harbor to go through immigration.
I do not know what Cunard did but we walked off the ship, they took our immigration forms and directed us to a row of cabs. Many people like us had to wait for station wagon style cable because of the number of cases. When every night requires a jacket and there are 10 formal night you need a few suitcases.
Before I go any further I would like to rate the cruise. Please understand that Cunard is a line unto itself, like no other. When a Cunard ship arrives in a port especially one with a British heritage it is like Royalty. They have a strong following of passengers who enjoy dressing for diner, attending masked balls, listening to lectures about royalty, attend Shakespearian plays, play in bridge tournaments Etc. Etc. Etc.
The QM2 IS A MAGNNIFICENT liner. It is not a cruise ship. It's design is completely different. Apart from a few minor Cunard quirks we had a wonderful trip. We spent 16 days traveling half way around the world in the most elegant surroundings being waited on hand and foot. “What is not to love?”
On Sunday March 1st there will be 5 Cruise ships in Sydney harbor Two of them will have to anchor and tender in the passengers. The town of Sydney has declared a through way day which restricts parking all over the city. The city fathers understand that each cruise ship passenger spends $400 per day. Those on the QM 2 even more. The QM2 was in every local news paper discussing the cost of the world cruise and the size of the ship. Australia's top fashion designer held a fashion show aboard the ship which was also covered by all the news agencies along with the news that on this sailing we ended up raising $100,000 AU for the Red Cross Fire relief fund.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday Feb 23rd Auckland.
Monday Feb 23rd Auckland.
We arrived at 8:00 and took a tour including the tower where crazy people Bungee from the top! The tour also included the antarctic penguin and exotic fish display. Auckland is a very pretty clean city. It has population of 1.2 million which is 50% of the total population of New Zealand. The city ids 5th in the world for quality of life. In 2007 it placed 23rd on the list of the world,s richest cities. It is known locally as the city of sails as 20% of the population own boats.
We though we would do well because the exchange rate was 1.85. Not true........the prices were double.
In the evening on the ship we enjoyed a display of Maori dancing, chanting and “Haka” (war dances)
The whole persona of the ship changed today. A new group came on board. It seems to be that they are here to party until they drop? In the theater there were people without jackets! Some had shorts on!
I think the world is coming to an end!
We arrived at 8:00 and took a tour including the tower where crazy people Bungee from the top! The tour also included the antarctic penguin and exotic fish display. Auckland is a very pretty clean city. It has population of 1.2 million which is 50% of the total population of New Zealand. The city ids 5th in the world for quality of life. In 2007 it placed 23rd on the list of the world,s richest cities. It is known locally as the city of sails as 20% of the population own boats.
We though we would do well because the exchange rate was 1.85. Not true........the prices were double.
In the evening on the ship we enjoyed a display of Maori dancing, chanting and “Haka” (war dances)
The whole persona of the ship changed today. A new group came on board. It seems to be that they are here to party until they drop? In the theater there were people without jackets! Some had shorts on!
I think the world is coming to an end!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Sunday at sea
We are sitting by the covered pool on deck 12 and cannot decide what day it is? This is what happens! I think it is Saturday, Julie says Sunday and the towel boy says Monday! I look at the daily program and it says Saturday. Then I realize that the evening show is the one we saw last night? This is all caused by the fact that yesterday we crossed the international date line and lost a day.
Julie entered a Black Jack Tournament and placed 4th wining a shirt and a Cunard pen. I was having a problem with the television. All the people's faces were green. I called the pursers office “ Yes Sir everyone has the same problem. Because we are so close to the equator, the magnetic pull of gravity affects the magnets in the television. It will get better' Is this a Cunard quirk or true? Stay tuned!
This morning the shops set up tables for a Watch Spectacular. As soon as it opened it was a mad house.
It is a strange situation the shops on board include Hermes with scarfs costing $2,000. Choppard and Stern watches and jewelry with watches costing $5,000+. Then they set up tables like a swap meets blocking the passage ways. Another Cunard quirk.
Saturday night had a Pacific Nights Ball in the Queens Room and an International Song night in the theater.
Julie entered a Black Jack Tournament and placed 4th wining a shirt and a Cunard pen. I was having a problem with the television. All the people's faces were green. I called the pursers office “ Yes Sir everyone has the same problem. Because we are so close to the equator, the magnetic pull of gravity affects the magnets in the television. It will get better' Is this a Cunard quirk or true? Stay tuned!
This morning the shops set up tables for a Watch Spectacular. As soon as it opened it was a mad house.
It is a strange situation the shops on board include Hermes with scarfs costing $2,000. Choppard and Stern watches and jewelry with watches costing $5,000+. Then they set up tables like a swap meets blocking the passage ways. Another Cunard quirk.
Saturday night had a Pacific Nights Ball in the Queens Room and an International Song night in the theater.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday 19th Pago Pago
Thursday 19th Pago Pago
Yesterday was another busy Sea Day. We left the cabin at 7:30 am and got back to change for diner at 5:30 pm.
Today was the Pollywogs and Shellbacks day. We you cross the equator there is a ceremony including Neptune, being smeared with smelling oils and foods and kissing a fish? Try goggling Pollywogs.
The afternoon brought an auction which had been put together in aid of the Australian Red Cross for the fire victims. It raised $25,000 in 2 hours. The ship has a raffle and is running numerous fund raising events.
The evening show was made up of the four singers, full orchestra, string quartet and harpist. It was very enjoyable.
Today the 19th we awoke in Pago Pago 84 F and 92% humidity. We took one of the ships island and village life tours. The method of transportation was a Jitney type vehicle with hard seats and no air conditioning. We were lucky to have a couple of students as guides who were very enthusiastic.
It looked as if there were more churches than people. Also when a family member dies they are buried in the front garden. Samoans do not move a lot!
The trip included a visit to a Village to view singing, dancing, making baskets and other crafts.
On the way back to the ship our guides taught us one of the local songs.
Got back in time for lunch and a swim in the aft pool.
To night we decided to skip diner and the show. Maybe a few dollars in the casino and a bite at the buffet later.
Yesterday was another busy Sea Day. We left the cabin at 7:30 am and got back to change for diner at 5:30 pm.
Today was the Pollywogs and Shellbacks day. We you cross the equator there is a ceremony including Neptune, being smeared with smelling oils and foods and kissing a fish? Try goggling Pollywogs.
The afternoon brought an auction which had been put together in aid of the Australian Red Cross for the fire victims. It raised $25,000 in 2 hours. The ship has a raffle and is running numerous fund raising events.
The evening show was made up of the four singers, full orchestra, string quartet and harpist. It was very enjoyable.
Today the 19th we awoke in Pago Pago 84 F and 92% humidity. We took one of the ships island and village life tours. The method of transportation was a Jitney type vehicle with hard seats and no air conditioning. We were lucky to have a couple of students as guides who were very enthusiastic.
It looked as if there were more churches than people. Also when a family member dies they are buried in the front garden. Samoans do not move a lot!
The trip included a visit to a Village to view singing, dancing, making baskets and other crafts.
On the way back to the ship our guides taught us one of the local songs.
Got back in time for lunch and a swim in the aft pool.
To night we decided to skip diner and the show. Maybe a few dollars in the casino and a bite at the buffet later.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday Feb 15th Honolulu
When we awoke we were docked in Honolulu Hawaii. 72 degree. We were allowed off the ship by 8:00 am.
There were many shore excursions available including Pearl Harbor, Helicopter rides, Altalis submarine and Oahu's north shore.
As we had visited many times before we decided to take the short 10 minute walk to the Aloha Towers market place. Along the way we were able to see many tropical fish that have made their home in the harbor.
The shopping center is beautiful. It is the home to the Don Ho restaurant and has more than 70 stores selling art work, clothing and souvenirs. Right in the middle as an atrium with Starbucks where we were able to pick up a copy of the New York Times for $5.
Julie and I have a pair of very simple flip flops which we have had since our visit to the islands in 1979. They are finally on their last legs. We found replacements. The originals cost $2. Now they are $6.
Julie suffers from Hawaiiitis? The sulpher in the air causes her nasal cavities to drain, we were able to stock up on antihistamine.
We walked back to the ship around noon to find the decks and swimming pools empty of passengers. We went for a swim as if we owned the ship. Then up to deck twelve for a fresh hamburger made to order under the QM2 sign.
At 3:30 we attended a show in the theater of 30 children from the Keiki Hula Halau.
Tonights show was Kevin Devane.
There were many shore excursions available including Pearl Harbor, Helicopter rides, Altalis submarine and Oahu's north shore.
As we had visited many times before we decided to take the short 10 minute walk to the Aloha Towers market place. Along the way we were able to see many tropical fish that have made their home in the harbor.
The shopping center is beautiful. It is the home to the Don Ho restaurant and has more than 70 stores selling art work, clothing and souvenirs. Right in the middle as an atrium with Starbucks where we were able to pick up a copy of the New York Times for $5.
Julie and I have a pair of very simple flip flops which we have had since our visit to the islands in 1979. They are finally on their last legs. We found replacements. The originals cost $2. Now they are $6.
Julie suffers from Hawaiiitis? The sulpher in the air causes her nasal cavities to drain, we were able to stock up on antihistamine.
We walked back to the ship around noon to find the decks and swimming pools empty of passengers. We went for a swim as if we owned the ship. Then up to deck twelve for a fresh hamburger made to order under the QM2 sign.
At 3:30 we attended a show in the theater of 30 children from the Keiki Hula Halau.
Tonights show was Kevin Devane.
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