Postcards From St. Thomas

Today Eurodam is calling at St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Photos courtesy of Erik Elvejord.

Photos: Eurodam in Rotterdam

We know it’s been a while since Eurodam was in Europe, but we just received some great photos from our Dutch friend Patrick van der Vlies from when the ship was moored in Rotterdam for its inaugural. Thanks, Patrick!

Portrait of Queen Beatrix Arrives on Eurodam

Hotel Manager Stan Kuppens hangs Queen Beatrix’ portrait in Eurodam’s Explorer’s Lounge.

We are all honored that Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands christened the Eurodam. With that, she is the third Dutch Queen in a row to christen a Holland America Line ship. Both Queen Wilhelmina and Queen Juliana christened previous Holland America Line vessels.

We are now so very proud to have received a picture of the Queen in action, actually performing the christening. On all Holland America Line ships, the picture of each ship’s godmother is displayed — and we on Eurodam will not stay behind.

We have found the perfect spot to display this beautiful portrait of her majesty and have made it the permanent location.

When visiting or cruising on the Eurodam, come to the Explorer’s Lounge and have your picture taken with the godmother of the Eurodam, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Sinterklaas Surprises Eurodam’s Crew

The Eurodam must have some pretty amazing crew and Sinterklaas must have some great “deckies” on board his steamship! Before arriving in The Netherlands for December the Fifth, Sinterklaas and his two Zwarte Piets made a detour to the Caribbean to visit the Eurodam!

It was a shock to everybody! As our crew were sitting in the Officers Bar on what we thought was just another set back night at sea, we were surprised when Sinterklaas and his two helpers walked in. They came bearing traditional candies and gifts in all different shapes, sizes and … even lights. Sinterklaas pulled up a chair, and what a sight to see a Dutch Sinterklaas surrounded by the Eurodam’s Irish-themed Officer’s Bar.

The chief engineer and Sinterklaas.

Sinterklaas called each crewmember up one by one to sit on his lap while his two helpers handed them a gift. Each gift was accompanied by a poem, and Sinterklaas seemed to know even the tiniest details about everybody! Even Chief Engineer Frank De Vries took a turn sitting on Sinterklaas’s lap to receive a gift. It was quite the celebration, as everybody laughed and sang traditional Sinterklaas songs and feasted on candies and snacks. It was a great way for all of us to spend some time together.

Sinterklaas and his two Zwarte Piets only stayed on board for a few hours, as the three of them boarded their steamship in super-pursuit mode later that night to make it back to Europe in time for the December the Fifth celebrations.

Thank you Sinterklaas!!!

Thijs is Back!

Eurodam Hotel Manager Stan Kuppens and his son, Thijs.

You might remember and saw the picture on the blog that my son Thijs was born in Venice Feb. 29, 2008, while we were building the Eurodam. When we left Italy on June 20, I had to say goodbye to Thijs because it would be too much of a risk having such a young baby on board.

After spending his first months of his life at home, he has now returned to the Eurodam … and guess what, he can already stand … OK, with a little help from his daddy!

Thijs is a real joy. As you have seen him in his first picture on the blog where he was smiling, he is still doing the same now.

Thijs is one happy boy with so much joy in his life … and he enjoys every bit of it to be on the ship that he saw being built in his town … Venice!

Eurodam’s Crew Belts Out the Ballads

Melissa Searle, Eurodam’s crew purser, sent us this story and photo:

Eurodam’s songbirds, from left, Jeffrey, Meyssi, Agung and Edhy.

The Eurodam hosted a Crew Karaoke Elimination Round in October 2008. Eight very talented crewmembers were selected to participate in the semi-finals, which took place Nov. 6 in the Queen’s Lounge. The house was so packed with crew and passengers that it turned into standing room only. The crowd went crazy for our eight contestants.

It was a very difficult decision, however, the judging panel had to pick four of the eight singers to go on to the finals. The finals were held Nov. 26 in our Main Show Lounge. It didn’t take long for the lounge to fill up with screaming fans, as our crew came one by one to amaze the crowd with their singing talent.

The four finalists consisted of Agung from the housekeeping department, Meyssi from the Pinnacle Grill, Jeffrey from the engine department and Edhy from the deck department. They were each required to sing two songs, and our panel of judges narrowed the four finalists down into first-, second-, third- and fourth-place winners.

It was a very difficult task for our judging panel, as all four contestants were absolutely amazing! The Eurodam is extremely proud of the talent we have on board, not only in our crewmembers’ work ethics and capabilities, but also in their personal talents.

We congratulate all four of our finalists. The results from the competition are below:

First Place: Agung (Lead Cabin Steward) — singing “Hello” by Lionel Richie and “I Love You” by Stevie Wonder.

Second Place: Jeffrey (Garbage Foreman) — singing “The Way It Used to Be by Engelbert Humperdinck and “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley.

Third Place: Meyssi (Pinnacle Grill Stewardess) — singing “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Lauren Hill.

Fourth Place: Edhy (Boatman) — singing “Heaven” by Bryan Adams and “Another Day in Paradise” by Phil Collins.

We Have No Sympathy for These Devils

We received the following note and photo from Mariner Bruce Plewman over the Thanksgiving holiday:

Roland,

As per your request for the blog, here is a photo of the our crew downing the Sympathy with the Devil cocktail.

On Sunday we had the first of probably several pre-cruise planning parties. We served up the Holland America specialty drink, Sympathy with the Devil. As you can see from the attached photo, the drink was a big hit!

We all had a good time planning lodging, transportation and the early discussions of shore excursions. Even though the we are scheduled to sail on the Eurodam on March 28, the general feeling is “Let’s go tomorrow!” We are looking forward to sailing on the newest of the DAM ships amidst all of its splendor.

Bruce and Crew

Here’s the cocktail recipe:

1/2 oz vodka, gin, rum, tequila
1/2 oz Tia Maria, Grand Marnier
Cranberry juice
House sweet & sour mix

Serve in a pint glass with no garnish.

If you like, you can top it with beer.

Meet the Bridge Team

From left: Captain Jonathan Mercer, Third Officer Martyn Kelly, First Officer Dan Wardle, Second Officer Andy Richardson, Fourth Officer ‘Ollie’ Chasteauneuff, Chief Officer Emeil de Vries, Cadet Stevens Melchoir, Second Officer Sean Gill, Fourth Officer Jordan Low and Third Officer Jordi van Sikkelerus.

Third Officer Martyn Kelly looks through the binoculars while transiting the ‘Narrows’ in San Juan.

San Juan Plaque Exchange

Eurodam is calling at San Juan, Puerto Rico, today. When the ship made its maiden call there Oct. 28 the traditional plaque exchange took place on board. We know the photos are a bit tardy, but better late than never!

Maria Mendez, deputy director of the Port Authority of San Juan (representing the governor) and Captain Mercer.

Marijo Laborae, deputy director of Puerto Rico Tourism, and Captain Mercer.

Donato Alvarez, vice president of Continental Shipping (the port agent), and Captain Mercer.

Postcards From Grand Turk

Today Eurodam is calling at the beautiful port of Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos.

The pool at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.

Photos courtesy of Steve Garrod