Those of you who follow me, know I’m an avid cruiser. My latest adventure has me returning to Holland America‘s ms Eurodam, which I last cruised on shortly after her launch in 2008. With 2100 passengers and 800 crew, the Eurodam is one of two of Holland America’s largest Signature Class ships. The other is the ms Nieuw Amsterdam, which I have been on as well.
Living less than a half-hour from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, it’s very easy for me to hop on a ship and just get away for a week. Case in point, I booked this trip just three weeks ago in one of those “I’ve got to get away moments.” Where the ship is going doesn’t make much difference to me, as I don’t care for any of the port-of-call in the Caribbean. They all pretty much fall into my “see them once and once is enough” category.
On port days, I relax on board while the rest of the passengers are out searching for “Ammolite” jewelry. The only “gemstone” that seems to only be sold to cruise passengers who are suckered into believing it’s actually rare and worth something. Those who can’t afford that crap usually end up buying a half dozen t-shirts that change colors when you wear them in the sun and an obligatory Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville hat.
Oh, but I digress.
Boarding at Port Everglades was once again a flawless experience. I arrived at the port around 11:15am and was aboard and in my suite by 11:30am. Since I had a suite, I had priority embarkation which allowed me to skip the general cattle call and board immediately. It was nice to be able to go right to my suite and drop off my carry-on. On smaller ships I’ve sailed on, rooms are not usually ready until 2pm or later, so this was a plus.
My suite is mid-ship across from the Neptune Lounge which is the ship’s concierge lounge for suite passengers. The suite was well laid out and clocks in at around 500 square feet. A little smaller than the 1,100 square-foot penthouse suite I had the last time I was on the Westerdam.
In addition to the suite, I also booked a cabana for the week in the “Retreat.” An area on deck 11 where private cabanas line the perimeter and in the center are loungers and furniture for socializing. Having booked a cabana on the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam in the past, this was a must for this cruise as well. The cabana butlers tend to your every need providing you with fresh fruit, water, and Evian misters each day as well as bringing you breakfast, lunch, and drinks. Champagne is provided in the afternoon.
Once onboard I headed up to my cabana, had a bite to eat, and hung around until the muster drill. The obligatory gathering of all passengers to tell them what to do and how to behave in case the Eurodam goes all Costa Concordia on us. Stern announcements were made saying that “passengers who refuse to attend the muster drill will not be allowed to sail.” Rather than risk being kicked off for non-compliance, I decided not to hide in the walk-in closet and muster with the rest of them. Besides, it’s really the only time you’re treated like cattle on the ship. Except on the last morning when the crew is demanding everyone leave the ship!
On the last few cruises I was on, it was a requirement that you bring and wear your lifejacket to the muster drill. Thankfully this was not required. Those who have endured 30 minutes of instruction on how to put on a lifejacket know how long and uncomfortable those 30 minutes can be, not to mention walking up and down 7 flights of stairs with the damn thing wrapped around your neck while trying not to trip over the dangling straps.
We were a few minutes late leaving Port Everglades as two passengers arrived just around the time we were scheduled to leave. Unfortunately for them, the decision was made that they would not be allowed on and would have to meet the ship at the first port of call.
Shortly after pulling out the captain made his usual welcome aboard announcement and in a nonchalant way advised us that during the early morning hours, we would be encountering some rough seas that would persist through the day on Sunday. He asked us to secure any loose objects, valuables, bootlegged bottles of liquor smuggled onboard, etc. Sure enough, around 2am, I was awoken by the noises ships make when they begin pitching and rolling.
Since I’m traveling alone this time around, I opted to stay out of the main dining room and booked the pay-to-eat specialty restaurants on board. Tonight was the Pinnacle Grill, which is the ship’s steakhouse. My table for one was ready on time and I had a great dinner and managed to stay under my calorie goal for the day, which was shocking.
After dinner, I headed to The Main Stage where the ship’s DJ and Cruise Director were introducing and giving us a sample of the week’s entertainment. Afterward, I headed over to the Queens Room, which for the next several sailings, has been turned into B.B. King’s Blues Club. An amazing group of musicians put on a phenomenal show that had people up and dancing for the full hour. They have several more appearances scheduled during the cruise, so I’ll be back for more!
After a leisurely walk around the promenade deck taking in the fresh sea air and a moonlit sky, it was off to sleep. 2 mg of Xanax and a Dramamine ensured that the rough seas overnight would keep me and dinner exactly where both were intended to stay.
I’m writing this on Day 2, which is a sea day (Sunday) as we make our way to Grand Turk. As promised the sea isn’t smooth, but it’s not rough either. The waves are rolling at about 8-second intervals resulting in plenty of pitch and roll but nothing too uncomfortable. We’re in a 35 – 45 mph wind which is making the 72-degree temperature seem colder than it is.
One thing to note, there is a very noticeable vibration that seems to be just about everywhere on the ship. This is something that I don’t remember from my first trip on the Eurodam. After speaking to someone who knows about these things, he said it’s been an issue for about 2 years now and is believed to be an issue with engine mounts that need to be replaced during the next dry dock. Until then, I’ll just keep imagining I’m in a cheap hotel with plenty of quarters to keep feeding the “Magic Fingers.”
Tomorrow…. a recap of Day 2. I’m sure you can’t wait.
Personal Day-By-Day Eurodam Cruise Review:
Photo Tour of the Eurodam:
Preserving memories through photography is an essential part of any vacation, and this cruise was no exception. I captured a plethora of images showcasing various aspects of the ship, such as its interior design, outdoor pool areas, and my own stateroom. These photos can be viewed in the Eurodam Photo Tour and in the daily review of the cruise, which can be accessed through the links provided above.