The MS Noordam
A bit about the ship, the MS Noordam. It is flagged n the Netherlands, which is comforting. Being acquainted with a Dutch dairyman, I can say there is something very efficient about the Dutch. it's comforting to know that the ship is maintained to the standards of such a country rather than, say, Liberia, where many freighters are flagged. The ship is clean, and the staff efficient. We learned last night that approximately 50% of the crew is Indonesian. Out cabin steward is from Indonesia and told us that he only gets home once every 9-10 months to visit his family. It's a hard life and I admire someone who is willing to do what he has to do to provide a good life for his wife and kids.
Some quick facts about the Noordam -
The ship is one of the smaller in the Holland America line. It is 963 feet long. No idea of the beam. Displaces 86,xxx tons and carries 1,9xx passengers, assuming full double occupancy of cabins. The ship cruises at 26 knots and has 10 public deck levels. Two formal dining rooms and a buffet on the Lido deck with casual seating. Behind the inside dining area is an area, part covered, part open, with tables (where I am sitting right now) teak decks and a pool and bar. There are multiple lounges and shops with surprisingly reasonable prices and a theater.
Interestingly, the music they play on the open area of the Lido deck is much to my liking. At the moment, the selection is U-2's "Beautiful Day." Now it's a song by Sara Barelis. And another by Mumford and Sons. Last night I heard a selection by Lady Antebellum. What I find interesting is the demographic on the ship is somewhat older. There are a number of folks aboard who spear to be in the 70+ age group for whom I'd think U2 would not be their cup of tea. Oh well, I like it, and that's what's important, right?
The cabin is perhaps 200 square feet, but is well laid out. There is a large non-opening window by the beds, a small love seat, a desk, refrigerator (mini bar actually), tV and DVD player in the corner, 3 closets and a small but well laid out bathroom. The cabin closet was stocked with two bathrobes, which is a nice touch.
All in all, my home away from home is quite nice. earned last night that approximately 50% of the crew is Indonesian. Out cabin steward is from Indonesia and told us that he only gets home once every 9-10 months to visit his family. It's a hard life and I admire someone who is willing to do what he has to do to provide a good life for his wife and kids.
1 comment:
Love the smaller ships as (of course) they're less crowded. The ship we sailed on in Europe last Sept held 3200 guests, but rarely did we feel like it was too crowded. We learned to get to the theater right away after our 6:00 dinner otherwise we would end up standing for the show. The buffet was sometimes very crowded and getting a seat near a window was hard. Especially on their seafood days.
All in all we love cruising. I like the idea of catching a local bus while in port. When we were in EU we booked tours at every stop. Glad we did, as it was our fist time there, but next time we just may catch a local bus and strike out on our own.
;) M
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