August 31, 2008
Going Nowhere Slowly
Hi from onboard Holland America's new Eurodam. You might remember from a previous blog post, that I was in Rotterdam, Holland, in early July for the christening of this new Signature class ship.
Now I'm onboard for a 3 night Cruise to Nowhere for the Labor Day weekend. We sail as south as Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and turn around and head back to New York with just enough time to enjoy two full days of deckboard fun in the last sultry assault of summer heat. We left Friday night from Pier 88, sailed down the Hudson River, paused at the Statue of Liberty and slipped out under the Verazzano Bridge. No matter how many times I've done that-- at least dozens, it never fails to impress and provoke thoughts of the immigrants who spotted it at the turn of the century.
The New York branch of the World Ship Society is sailing onboard so its nice to be in the company of likeminded shipaholics.
Holland America just announced in an onboard press conference that it will be reintroducing New York-Bermuda sailings onboard the Veendam starting in 2010 with ten voyages, doubling that the next year. It also says 5 of its current ships will be drydocked in the next couple of years for a month or so each to add some new enhancements, such as Lanai cabins whose sliding glass doors will open up onto the Promenade deck.
A pool area called Retreat, will offer chaise lounges fixed in the water with waiters who wade through the pool serving designer pizzas. Floating Pepperoni anyone?
Happy Labor Day everyone!
August 06, 2008
The Only Way To Cross
Hi, I?ve been onboard QM2 on a westbound transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England to New York City this week. Very unusual for me, as I consider this an official vacation! What's extra nice is that we gain time everyday, so we have 25 hour days.
I?ve been thinking about blogging each day, but between pampering at the onboard Canyon Ranch Spa, taking pilates and yoga classes as well as dining with the captain and enjoying various other perks of traveling in Queens Grill class, I?ve regretfully fallen short of my goal.
This is my third ?crossing? (whatever you do, DO NOT call it a cruise!!!)-- but it is the first crossing on the glorious QM2. I chose the first week in August because I mistakenly thought that it would be warm and unfortunately packed according to my erroneous beliefs. Being the North Atlantic, most days, especially those soon after departure from Southampton were very brisk, in the 50?s with spotty sunshine. It is also quite windy on deck. Finally, today, our last sea day, about 180 miles east of Nantucket, it as about 63 degrees but when you are directly in the sun, protected from the wind it is very comfortable. What we do benefit from on a mid-summer sailing such as this is relatively calm seas as it has been a smooth crossing. Because this crossing began in Hamburg, there are mostly Germans onboard, followed by a big batch of Americans and British. There are also ten four-legged friends onboard who are sailing on the poop deck in the kennel. Check out my photos section!
Well, that?s it for now, as I have to run to snowball bingo! The jackpot is up to $1600!!!
