Monday, February 29, 2016

Report # 60 Sailing Towards Hong Kong February 29, 2016 Monday Partly cloudy & 89 degrees


Sent: Monday, February 29, 2016 1:46:21 PM
Subject: Report # 60   Sailing Towards Hong Kong   February 29, 2016   Monday   Partly cloudy & 89 degrees

 

Report # 60   Sailing Towards Hong Kong   February 29, 2016   Monday   Partly cloudy & 89 degrees

 

During breakfast in the dining room this morning, we noticed that the waiters were stashing all the stemware, plates, and even the wine chillers on trays on the floor.  Of course we asked what gives?  One of the head waiters, Ade, told us that it was precautionary because of the rough seas.  Most specific, the rolling and pitching caused by the deep swells were expected to get worse, and there could possibly be damage from it.  They were simply thinking ahead.  We told him about our experience with 55 foot seas on the 2002 Asia/Pacific trip while on the Volendam.  That did cause lots of damage in the dining room, because the worst of it hit during our late-seating dinner.  And far into the evening as well.  We hope never to experience those extremes ever.  Now a 13 foot swell…..we can handle that.

 

Unfortunately, not everyone can deal with seasickness.  It happened to hit three young girls, daughters of Radi, a head waiter.  They are here as visitors, having come onboard while we were in Indonesia.  It should have been a fun holiday for his wife and kids, but the sickness had hit his youngest the worst.  She has had no food for the last three days.  We recommended a simple solution of giving her our favorite dessert…..jello.  At least she would be getting some fluids that way.  The doctor did dispense some meds for her to take.  So she may be sleepy, which is better than sick any day.

 

Somehow we forgot to mention that last night was "White Night", a gala dinner with the suggestion to wear all white.  Maybe we forgot to mention it, because the decorations were minimal at best.   On previous grand voyages, the dining room looked like a snow scene, with sparkling white snowflakes hung from the ceiling.  It sparkled and was magical.  The three tier white Chinese lanterns did not do it for us.  The waiters looked nice in their white vests and top hats to match, but when they proceeded to climb on empty dining room chairs to pull the lanterns down towards the end of our meal, we felt rushed, like we needed to hurry up and leave.  We are certain our hosts, Eddy and Calista, noticed it too, although would never say a word. 

 

The "White After Party" took place in the Crows Nest from 9 to 11pm.  They served appetizers like pizza (like we really need pizza after dinner?) and were offering special drinks for sale.  Barb said it was crowded and noisy.  That is probably because there was no show in the Queens Lounge.  A comedian, Paul Adams, and a guitarist, Vincenzo, took to the stage for an early show at 7:15pm. 

 

Anyway, back to today.  The seas remained rough and rolling all day.  As far as we know, it never did rain, and there is no way the temperatures were as high as they had predicted at 89 degrees.  The skies were mostly cloudy, and one good thing, is that the humidity was down a lot from the previous days we spent in Indonesia. 

 

Much work on the lower promenade deck continued with grinding, sanding, painting, and hosing.  Seems like they save up this busy work for the decks A and B crew to take turns being outside for fresh air.  There is a group of us that enjoy being outside as well, but when the dust is blowing or the paint smelling badly, it sends many of us back inside.  Naturally, the ships need maintenance all of the time, but we wish they would pick better times to do this work.  There are a lot of folks with rooms on deck three that we know that like to sleep in later, but cannot due to the noise on the deck.  Their "do not disturb" signs don't work on the window side of their rooms.

 

As we usually do on sea days, we met Barb for lunch in the dining room.  We all ordered the cowboy hamburger with cheese and BBQ sauce.  Oh yeah, and a small piece of flourless chocolate cake and a sliver of peanut butter pie.  Both were too good.  It will have to be jello again for dinner dessert.  Once again, all of the tableware was placed on the floor in trays, covered with napkins after everyone left the room.

 

There was another Mongolian cookout in the Lido Pool today.  That seems to be more popular than the Sunday brunch.

 

Taking a walk outside was a thrill in itself.  The winds were blowing a gale force eight by then, making walking difficult.  Very few people were able to stay out there long, except for Jack and Shirley, our British friends who have claimed their spots on the starboard side forward.  We always know where we can find them on sea days from 10am to about 6pm or later.  As well as being a great place to read, it is also the perfect spot for visiting.

 

There was a movie we watched called Suffragette, a story about the feminist movement in England in the early 1900's.  It dealt with women's fight for the vote, which eventually led to every country changing their laws.

 

Dinnertime came quickly, but the choices for our meal were not the most desirable tonight.  Sometimes it is hard to make a decision because there are too many options, or like tonight, there is not much for dinner.  Good standbys are French onion soup and Caesar salad.  Kentucky fried chicken appealed to one of us, while the other ordered a lamb shank.  That actually looked better.  We did keep the dessert light.

 

Once again, we noticed that the surrounding tables were being cleared of all items, leaving only tablecloths.  Something was going on, so we asked Rudy, our assistant waiter.  He said that there were two reasons.  Rough seas meant the tableware had to be placed on the floor, but spraying with disinfectant was the other reason.   Over seven cases of the gastrointestinal flu had been reported, so the crew has gone into the sanitizing mode just to be safe.  And we are washing our hands at least 100 times a day.  Can't be too safe.

 

The waiters had a crew party to go to in the Crow Nest at 11pm.  Usually, they are held outside, but due to the inclement weather, it was changed to a better location.

 

The show this evening was presented by the ship's singers and dancers with a performance of Rock of the Opera.  Not sure if it will be a go if the ship is moving too much.

 

Bill & Mary Ann


Sunday, February 28, 2016

Report # 59 Sailing Towards Hong Kong February 28, 2016 Sunday Partly cloudy & 89 degrees


Sent: Sunday, February 28, 2016 2:07:04 PM
Subject: Report # 59   Sailing Towards Hong Kong   February 28, 2016   Sunday   Partly cloudy & 89 degrees

Report # 59   Sailing Towards Hong Kong   February 28, 2016   Sunday   Partly cloudy & 89 degrees

 

If it is Sunday, and we are at sea, it must be Sunday Brunch Day.  This seems to be the pattern for brunches now, even though it has to be more work for the crew.  Guess it is a trade-off since fewer people go to breakfast in the dining room, but will come at 11am to 1pm for the special brunch.  Barb usually goes to this lunch and seems to always find something she likes.   The only big difference is that she cannot sit at her regular table with waiters that she knows and be served.  See how spoiled we get after eight weeks on the ship?

 

The seas continued to be rough with winds at gale force 7 during the day.  You know when it is getting bad when the white bags come out at every elevator landing.  Sometimes the suggestion of seasickness actually brings the malady on. During our morning walk, we noticed many folks laying on the teak lounges looking a tad bit green around the gills.  Lucky for us, we are not bothered by the motion very much.  It just makes it difficult to walk a straight line with the ship pitching and rolling.  Watching the waves hit the sides of the ship is most impressive.  If the swells are right, the waves will come up as far as deck three and be thrown several yards from the bow. 

 

While we were outside enjoying the forces of nature, Barbara H was talking all about things to do and see while in Hong Kong.  We will be there for three full days, which is nice, because last year, we did not stop here at all.  First time on a world cruise that we can remember that we missed Hong Kong.

 

To add to our knowledge, guest speaker Dr. Ping-Wing Kam discussed the current issues that Hong Kong is facing dealing with mainland China.  Mel Foster lectured on the time when ocean liners actually went to war during World War 2. 

 

We had a gardening job this morning.  Our little window garden was overdue for cleaning, and today was as good as any to tackle the job.  It's surprising how dusty things can get in these cabins.  So while the plants were cleared from the window, we soaked them one at a time, in the sink until they were saturated.  We cannot believe how well the sunflowers and the lilies have done.  Flowers are set, and will probably be blooming within the next couple of weeks.  At least that part of the room is spotless now.  We need to follow up on getting the air filters replaced in the ceiling duct.  Those get dirty quickly, and we have no idea when it was replaced last.  Usually we ask for them to be done when we get onboard, but this year, we forgot.  

 

The clouds cleared long enough for us to get some sun at the aft pool.  The pool itself was in motion, with the ship rolling so much.  It was entertaining watching the pool water flow out both ends.  Good thing no one was in it.  The deck crew was busy trying to sweep the water down the gutters, because the sitting puddles were dangerous with people coming outside to eat lunch and/or smoke on the starboard side of the deck.

 

Lunch for us was one hamburger and a hot dog from the Dive In Grill for a change.  We ordered them "fry-less", since we really don't care for the double-coated fries they serve there.  Too greasy, we're afraid.  Anyway, we packed them down to our room, and watched a movie while dining "at home".  The movie was one of the recent Hobbit movies, that was incredibly violent.  No snoozing during that flick.

 

We made a visit to the Princeton Tailors, who are onboard  to take orders for custom made clothing.  They make it so easy to get beautifully made clothing, and although it may be a bit more expensive than ordering the clothing while in Hong Kong, it saves you the time and two or three trips to the tailor's while in Hong Kong.  One of us was looking for a tux vest and bowtie in a shade of blue.  With all of his color swatches, it was easy to find a silk pattern we liked.  The measurements are in their computer already, but just to make sure, the tailor took new measurements anyway.  We had a tux with two jackets and several vests and bowties made on previous trips, so we know their work and trust their quality.  And to make life easier, the charge is added to our shipboard account, which will not be due until we get back home after the entire trip. 

 

We went to deck nine for the sunset, only to find that there barely was one.  With the time change one hour forward last night, the sunset was at 6:57pm.   What we did do, was almost blow overboard with the strong winds.  Even on the promenade deck, the lounge cushions had been picked up and stored early in the day.  Bet many of these could be lost overboard.  More than a few passenger's hats have gone that route.

 

Today we got two notices that are more than unnerving.  They deal with avian influenza and the new virus, zika.  The avian flu notice went into great detail about what it is, and how it can be dangerous to one's health, especially if you are elderly.  Obviously, this applies to lots of folks on this ship.  This virus has hit Asian worse than most other places in the world.  So this advisory was a mandatory one as dictated from the Hong Kong government.  The notice tells us how to avoid transmission, and a reminder of the need to practice good hand washing techniques. 

 

The zika health advisory dealt with the transfer of the disease by mosquitoes, and how to avoid getting bit. Not enough is known of the possible future effects of this malady, so some precaution on our end is necessary.  It was stressed that using insecticide was a good idea.  We brought plenty with as , as well as getting more from our gift packages in the beginning of the trip.  This will be essential when we go overland in Sri Lanka next month.

 

Dinner was fun with a full table tonight.  We had guests…..Eddy and Calista, our trusty florists onboard.  They are really great kids, and we lucked out by having them host our table twice this cruise.  Actually, they admitted that they were relieved to find out the dining room manager had assigned them to us.  They never know who they are going to join, so our table is full of folks they know.  Lucky for us too, as they will be leaving the ship in Singapore, to join the new Koningsdam a week later.  It is a step up for them to be chosen to train the florists on the new ship, but they promised they will be back to the Amsterdam next September.  Sure hope it works out for them.

 

Two more sea days, and we will be in fabulous Hong Kong.  Hope they are not rough and rainy.

 

Bill & Mary Ann


Saturday, February 27, 2016

Report # 58 Sailing Towards Hong Kong February 27, 2016 Saturday Partly cloudy & 89 degrees Crossing the Equator 63 Pictures


Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2016 2:11:42 PM
Subject: Report # 58   Sailing Towards Hong Kong   February 27, 2016   Saturday   Partly cloudy & 89 degrees   Crossing the Equator   63 Pictures

Report # 58   Sailing Towards Hong Kong   February 27, 2016   Saturday   Partly cloudy & 89 degrees   Crossing the Equator   63 Pictures

 

Sometime during today, the Amsterdam will be crossing the Equator.  And although we have already done this once back in January, we will celebrate it this time with a special event at 10am.  A simple explanation of this King Neptune Ceremony is that it assures a safe voyage for all, so the tale goes.  Those crossing for the first time (pollywogs) are subject to a process where they become indoctrinated to many time sailors (shellbacks).  In this case, a select group of crew members (prisoners), get questioned by the magistrate (Gene, the CD), and King Neptune (officer Mark) with his queen (Jodie). The first disgusting act is to "kiss" the big, ugly, smelly fish.  Then, they are "slimed " with fluffy tinted egg whites by the surgeons (more crew members), and finally presented to the judges……..five of the top officers, including Captain Mercer.  Thumbs up, they get saved, thumbs down, they get dunked in the pool.  In this case, it's better to get dunked, or you wear the egg whites for ½ hour in the hot sun.  Anyway, it is in all good fun, and as always, we can be assured of a safe passage from here on out.  Once the crew members were done with the skit, one officer was grabbed, de-shoed, and thrown almost head first into the pool….. uniform clothes and all.  No wonder Captain Jonathon and his four officers left the scene the second the ceremony finished.  We have been on previous cruises where the captain walked the plank, and was forced into the pool, obviously being a good sport about it.  Want to bet we get certificates for this crossing?

 

Other activities of the day included an interesting lecture about Hong Kong's history  during the British Colonial times to the present day city.  A new guest speaker has arrived by the name of Dr. Ping-Wing Kam.  Speaker Andrew Johnson dealt with clippers from the east and their impact on the world economy regarding the trade with tea and opium.  You can never learn enough about Hong Kong in our opinion.  Makes the visit there even more intriguing. 

 

We met Barb for lunch in the dining room, where all of us ordered the pepper jack cheese burgers.  We think the lunches here are the best.  Maybe it's the company, as we are always among the last to leave the room.  By the way, we learned from Pande that 200 passengers will be leaving the ship in Hong Kong, and only 90 will board.  At least eight friends are among them.

 

We spent the afternoon catching up on photos and reports, walking, and visiting with some buddies.  We also took note of the progress on the damaged tender boat.  It still remains inoperable with only one new propeller and rudder attached. The opposite side of the boat's prop and rudder are not accessible to repair.  So we think that work will be completed once we get to Hong Kong.  Other work being done on the promenade deck was grinding metal ceilings, sanding and painting thresholds, and railing work.  It is understandable that they needed to block the traffic under the damaged tender boat, but they really over-did the other jobs.  The dedicated walkers were not deterred that easily, as we all kept strolling anyway.

 

The sun set around 6:02pm, but it was not a stunner tonight.  So far, nothing can compare to the Bali sunset.  That is the winner so far.

 

Dinnertime was an intimate table for three of us.  Barb got invited to Bill and Leta's table with Tom M as her "date".  Bonnie and Paul were joining their friends , who are scheduled to leave in Hong Kong.  And Bob, Martha's husband, left for home yesterday.  Actually, Martha had a story about Bob's exit yesterday that left us glad we were not leaving the ship in Jakarta.  Apparently, when he left the ship, he was required to put his suitcase and carry-ons through the exray machine shore side.  We all had to do this when we left the ship yesterday.  Well, the officials went through absolutely everything in his possession.  They scrutinized every little item, especially his medications.  They asked for every prescription form, and made sure it all matched what he had.  Once he was cleared, they led him to a very expensive taxi, probably someone's cousin or whatever.  It cost him $50 US for the drive to the airport, which was not extremely far away.  At this point, he did not question the fare or the fact that they made him pay for road tolls as well.   Lucky he had some rupiahs with him.  Due to the traffic, he got to the airport just in time to check in for his flight.  He emailed Martha and said never again would he fly home from this port.  Perhaps leaving in Bali would have been a better bet.  Or stay onboard until Hong Kong, which is a dedicated segment end.

 

In between the story of Bob's adventure, we all dined on the rib eye steak, that came about as big as the plate.  Our waiters brought Martha the largest and thickest steak just to see if she could eat it.  Of course, it would feed all three of us, so she could only eat part of it.  After all, we had to save room for the jello.  This always gets a laugh from our assistant waiter, Rudy, who teases us every time we order the old-fashioned dessert.  Remember, there's always room for jello.

 

The captain mentioned in his PM talk that we are heading for some gale winds and 15 foot deep swells in the following days.  Rain too.  Guess we don't have to worry about sunburn for a while.

 

The clocks had to go forward one hour tonight as we sail northeasterly.  Hate losing that hour, but we will get it back eventually.

 

Bill& Mary Ann    

  

"Kiss the fish"

 

The scrub woman aka Barbara H, our port lecturer

 

King Neptune & his queen

 

The persecutor, Gene Young

 

The officers and Captain Jonathon – the Judges

 

The motley crew

 

The head judges

 

Kiss the fish

 

Some pollywogs

 

The surgeons in pink and green

 

"Sliming" the accused

 

"Thumbs down" – they get dunked

 

Better to get dunked

 

More prisoners

 

The saved ones

 

Really slimed with egg whites

 

Tinted with food coloring

 

The "saved ones" had to wait it out

 

More crew pollywogs

 

Really a mess

 

Oh well

 

What fun

 

Getting tossed

 

Keeping the skit going

 

The judges – thumbs up or down?

 

Saved

 

John, the security officer

 

Ready for more

 

No, not in my eyes….

 

Thumbs down

 

Hitting the pool

 

Happy to jump in

 

Cleaning off

 

Crew doctor kisses the fish

 

And get slimed

 

The last of the mixture

 

He got it good

 

Even better

 

One of the HAL counselors

 

Surgeons really liked him

 

Slimed the worst

 

But saved by the judges

 

Time to flee before they get dunked

 

A free-for-all

 

Time to remove the ugly fish

 

Pirate girls

 

Oh no, going to dunk an officer

 

Officer slimed and dunked

 

Head first

 

Clothes and all (shoes removed first)

 

Having fun

 

Officers safe on deck nine

 

Party is over

 

Cleaning the tables in the pool, which will be dumped

 

Sunset was 6:02pm

 

Not bad

 

Not spectacular

 

End of the day we crossed the Equator

 

Much cooler as we head north

 

Clouds on the horizon

 

Blocked the sun

 

Better colors back here

 

On our way towards Hong Kong