To commemorate Holland America Line’s 40th anniversary of its evolution from traditional trans-Atlantic voyages to becoming entirely dedicated to vacation cruising, the premium line’s ms Rotterdam is sailing two classic crossings in July 2011.
Rotterdam’s nine-day trans-Atlantic sailing departs Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on July 3, 2011, and calls at the traditional crossing departure port of Southampton, England, before heading to New York. The July 12 trans-Atlantic departure returns to Rotterdam from New York over nine leisurely days with a call at Cobh (Cork), Ireland, another time-honored stop on crossings of the past.
“Trans-Atlantic cruises were the foundation of Holland America Line for several decades, and there’s still a strong desire from today’s travelers who want to step back in time and relive the celebrated days of an elegant crossing or follow in the footsteps of their ancestors,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We’re proud to honor our heritage with these two special itineraries, replete with nostalgia-themed menus, entertainment and a host of surprises and keepsakes.”
The trans-Atlantic journeys will offer enriching activities, guest lecturers and chefs, complimentary mementos and opportunities to celebrate the line’s 138-year heritage. In addition, a bon voyage sail away party, captain’s gala party, special entertainers and events ensure that both itineraries will create recollections to last a lifetime. For novices and enthusiasts, Bridge and dance instructors as well as hosts will be onboard.
The celebrated Pasadena Roof Orchestra is scheduled to provide the authentic, big-band dancing sounds of yesteryear for both itineraries. Popular Dutch singing sensation “Frank in Person” plans to dazzle guests with his Frank Sinatra looks, singing style and repertoire from Rotterdam to New York.
Guests seeking to discover more about the company’s history can visit the Crow’s Nest, which will be set up as a “Museum at Sea” during both crossings, or attend a lecture by a renowned maritime historian.
Bill Miller, considered an international authority on the subject of ocean liners and cruise ships, will be on board both sailings as a guest lecturer. Called “Mr. Ocean Liner,” he has written more than 65 books on the subject — from early steamers and immigrant ships to liners at war.
Maritime artist Captain Stephen J. Card also will be on both crossings to discuss his work and his knowledge of Holland America Line vessels. Card is the official chronicler of the Holland America fleet and his paintings, which are showcased on every ship in the fleet — have achieved wide acclaim for their technical accuracy as well as their artistic expression.
Royal Designer of Industry Stephen Payne, OBE, vice president chief naval architect for Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding, will share his nautical knowledge on the July 12 voyage. The immediate past president of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, Payne was lead designer of Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2. He has been involved with Carnival Corporation ships since January 1985, and in July 2010 he was awarded the title of “Amazing Person 2010” by Solent Education Business Partnership for his work in promoting engineering careers to young people.
Guests looking to sharpen their skills in the line’s Culinary Arts Center will have the opportunity to learn from master chefs on both cruises. Dutch Chef Cas Spijkers is scheduled to sail on the July 3 crossing. The author of 10 cookbooks and culinary educator has prepared lavish dinners for the Dutch Royal Family, starred in his own television series, “Cooking with the Stars,” and was named as the Netherlands’ “Masterchef of the Century” in 1991.
Daniel Orr, chef and owner of FARMbloomington, is scheduled to sail on the July 12 departure. Orr draws from a lifelong curiosity about individual ingredients combined with extensive training in the art of finding food’s true essence and flavor. He calls his cuisine “real food for real people.”
Lady Luck was on Wilbur Merritt’s side as the Holyoke, Mass., resident sailed on the Carnival Victory and came home $304,090 richer after he hit the jackpot in the ship’s South China Sea casino.
Merritt’s big payoff came after playing MegaCash, a bank of slot machines that are connected to all 22 Carnival Cruise Lines ships, as well as vessels from sister companies Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Cunard Line.
Following his huge win, Merritt was the talk of the casino as dozens of people gathered around once they heard the commotion. Merritt was also presented with an oversized check representing his winnings.
Carnival Cruise Lines has canceled all sailings on Carnival Splendor through the Jan. 9 departure to undertake repairs following last week’s engine room fire. The ship’s first scheduled sailing is expected to be Jan. 16.
Passengers on the canceled cruises will be getting a full refund of their cruise fare and air costs, along with a 25% discount on a future sailing.
The ship remains in San Diego, where it was towed after last week’s fire in the aft engine room. Carnival has stated that a crankcase split in No. 5 of the ship’s six diesel generators, sparking the blaze.
The accident investigation is being led by Panama as the ship’s flag state, with the involvement of the US Coast Guard and technicians from the National Transportation Safety Board.
Carnival said its technicians, shipyard representatives and engine room component manufacturers are on site to help assess the damage and necessary repairs.
The line is currently estimating that the incident will cost the line as much as $50 million.
According to authorities in St. Kitts, two masked gunmen held up a tour bus, robbing 16 cruise ship passengers of their cash and cameras. None of the passengers were injured in the incident
Police say the passengers from Celebrity Mercury were traveling to the Brimstone Hill Fortress, a park popular with visitors.
Park manager Joseph Woodley told local radio that the thieves blockaded the road with fallen tree. When the bus driver got out to clear the way, they emerged from bushes and robbed the tourists before disappearing back into the woods.
A police statement calls Sunday’s robbery “an unprecedented incident in St. Kitts.” It calls visitors’ safety a “highest priority.”
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