Holland America's Ryndam
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February 12, 2000 Fort Lauderdale, Half Moon Cay, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. |
| `My Notes: Feb. 11, 2000 I am writing you from the Fort Lauderdale Marina Marriott! 3 weeks ago we were trying to get a cruise to Antarctica on an internet auction (www.egghead.com). We never got it at a price we could pay, but Holland America was offering some week-long Caribbean cruises so we had a top bid! So tomorrow we board Holland America's Ryndam - Cabin E 735 on "A" Deck. I've been corresponding with a lady named Marjorie and hubby Severen on the internet. They won a bid to do this cruise also, this will be their first cruise. We flew in a day early, flew on an MD-80 - this is significant since Alaska Airlines had mechanical problems and a crash into the Pacific recently on one of these model planes. Some people may be affected tomorrow as all MD 80's and other models need the tail to be inspected within the next 3 days. It was good for us to be in a day early.
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| Upon arrival we went to the Marriott to line up a room - we wanted to see the cruise ships in the ports in the morning from our balcony. Here I am on the balcony with Port Everglades behind me. It was fun to identify the ships in port and watch them sail out in the afternoon and come in during the wee small hours. |  |
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| Since we had the afternoon free the day we arrived in Fort Lauderdale, we drove to Miami Beach and went to South Point Beach and Park. I was amazed how beautiful the beach area is .. the waters were like the Caribbean, that beautiful blue-green hue over white sand. We could see Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean ships in port. | |
 Miami Beach |
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| After our pre-cruise day driving around
South Florida, we headed back to Fort Lauderdale and had dinner at the Aruba Cafe.. we've
been there a couple of times and enjoy it when we sail out of Port Everglades. It is
also right by the fishing pier where you can rent gear and get bait. This was a very
good day! On the ship tomorrow. 2-12-00 We sail away today! We woke up by clock alarm at about 5am - soon after we were out on the balcony of the Marriott (Room #1118) and saw the Sea Princess sail in. It was followed by the Century, Westerdam and as dawn broke, the Ryndam! Just got back from Einstein Bagels getting ready to check out. Boarding: - Day 1 Departure We got up at about 5am but had a nap before heading out. We stopped by the Lauderdale dive shop at South Harbour Plaza, I thought we'd check out the snorkel and masks and we ended up buying some very high end gear for both of us. Snorkels, masks, fins (good idea since we cruise a lot and love to snorkel). We arrived at Port Everglades and went immediately to check-in. We then waited for just over an hour when they started to board at about 1:15pm. I expect we were on by 2pm. Cabin is comfortable and we have a bath tub - Cabin E 732 outside just back of the forward elevators. We gave ourselves a ship tour - we found the Ryndam to really come alive at night, it seems it is designed to really come to life then. I found it much more impressive in the evening than daytime when it was all lit up. Stephen and I did a twirl or two around each dance floor on the ship that night. It appears we are far from full, maybe 3/4 full. Going to sleep now - we dock at Holland America's private Island tomorrow - Half Moon Cay this is where we will try out our new snorkel equipment for the first time! Good night. |
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Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay is one of Holland America's Private Islands. The beach is idelic, waters sparking .. a true Bahamian paradise! They have a nice BBQ / pic nic on the island but it may be worth the trip to tender back to the ship for lunch on board. Snorkeling was best close to the rock wall. |
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| Here's Stephen up at the buffet enjoying some pizza, it looks like. I really like their Bread Pudding .. a signature HAL dessert offered daily. Notice the guy in the red outfit over his left shoulder... these guys in the hats walk through public areas ringing chimes when its time for dinner. We had the best weather on this trip that we have had on any Caribbean trip, nothing but perfect. |  |
 This Formal Night portrait was taken in the Vermeer Show Lounge entrance. This Theatre was the most beautiful space on the ship, in my opinion. It was a wonderful setting for their show "Copa Cabana". I also thought the photography staff was far beyond the norm, excellent work by these guys each and every day. |
Tendering from the ship to Grand Cayman for a day of snorkle and shop!
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A beautiful Caribbean sunset at sea. |
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