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Holland America Line

MS Statendam

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Reviewed by:Isobel Glaremin
# previous cruises: 20+
Date of Trip: February 16, - March 3, 2001
Itinerary: Circle Hawaii

Embarkation, commencing at 13.30, in San Diego was a smooth operation. At the pier, luggage disappeared quickly - baggage handlers seemed to be everywhere. HAL personnel handed out boarding numbers in random fashion before check-in commenced. With 6 desks open, the check-in process was quick. Hand baggage was scanned as you left the check-in area. Didn't see anyone having problems with contents. VIP passengers were called to board first and suite passengers could board at any time. Our number was One - have no idea how that happened - but we were on board around 15.00. Luggage arrived very soon after - we were unpacked and organized before Life Boat Drill at 16.15. I do wish people would take this requirement seriously instead of chattering like magpies. Several times silence was requested over the speaker so that the attendance list could be checked and instructions heard. (Because of the length of the cruise, we had a second Life Boat Drill following our departure from Kona - thankfully with fewer magpies!) That exercise completed, we headed for the Crows Nest (it was to become our favourite spot for pre-dinner drinks - particularly when a Steward recognized us from a Ryndam trip in 1994! - that 'coming home feeling') and, with drinks in hand, settled back to watch a glorious sunset as we left the Port of San Diego. We were on our way! With 2nd seating dinner, we had more than enough time to freshen up, explore a bit and return to the Crows Nest for cocktails, Jovey, Lynn and Ronnie looked after us well throughout the trip. The Basul Quartet played there every evening and again for lunch on the Lido - great group.

The Rotterdam Dining Room, two-tiered, is beautiful. On the upper level, our non-smoking table was for 10 - a tad large but with 8 compatible tablemates we really enjoyed it. It's a short stroll to the Explorers Lounge, on the same level, for after dinner coffee 'spiked as you request' and truffles to die for. The Rosario strings provide after dinner music. For those who know Explorers, you'll be interested to know that it has been enclosed with glass, detracting not at all from its décor.

Our first Formal Night was the Captain's Champagne Reception in the lovely Van Gogh Lounge. For those who chose not to dress up, alternative dining was available in the Lido Restaurant for all Formal nights (a total of 4 - one of which was The Black & White Ball - that night The Rotterdam Dining Room was transformed with all chairs being covered in white damask to match tablecloths and napkins, floral table arrangements incorporated black and white candles - masses of black and white balloons floating above each table, all made for a stunning setting!).

There were 2 Hawaiian nights - young, old and in-between passengers had, it seemed, all visited Hilo Hatties - 4 Informals and 5 Casual nights. A very nice mix in my opinion. Photographers throughout the cruise were out in force but, thankfully, less aggressive than we have previously experienced. We did have 'pirates' roaming the ship one evening but judging by the racks of unclaimed photographs, they were not popular.

The food, about which everyone wants to know, was excellent, varied, well prepared and presented. Lobster, crab legs, salmon, local fish, beef, pork and lamb were there for the asking. I personally would have liked Crepe Suzette prepared at our table but that's been long discontinued - ah well, you can't have everything!

The Lido, of course, was equally well provisioned - fresh squeezed (before your eyes) orange juice every morning, an omelet bar and, for lunch 'made to order sandwiches' and pizza bar. Hamburger, Hotdog and Stirfry stations did a roaring trade. There was really nothing you couldn't have for breakfast or lunch. HAL's famous 'Bread and Butter' pudding was well received and the Ice Cream counter was the usual hit. No extra charge for any of these goodies! We never ate dinner at the Lido so can't comment on selections

Our decision to make this cruise was 'last minute' - no cabin choice -'guarantees' only available. We opted for a 'guaranteed outside' and crossed our fingers.. Our assignment - 'A' Deck midships, port side - could not have been better. Amenities, size and layout are the same as cabins on Main and Lower Promenade decks - tub, shower included - Queen bed or singles, your preference. Beny, our Steward, was efficient and frequently seemed to anticipate our wishes - a real pro. The disadvantage?? very minor - takes longer to reach the Lido for that first coffee!

Entertainment overall was good - The Statendam Orchestra, Rosario Strings, Basul Quartet and the DJ all deserve applause. "London Bobby" in the Piano Bar is a real showman; "These Three Tenors" were excellent and gave an extra afternoon performance by request; don't miss "Matilda & Patrick Murray's" show - it's a knock out, as was "Judy Kolba". Pearl Kaufman was also on board and played to a packed house. Shows by the Cast of the ms Statendam and Barry Manilow's 'Copacabana' all added up to well rounded, enjoyable entertainment. Special mention must be made of the Indonesian and Filipino Crew Shows - you should not miss either of them. With their work schedules(no rehearsal time is given), it's amazing that they make time to rehearse and put the shows together. They are not professionals and are aware of it - your attendance, and following day recognition of their efforts is really special to them. Make sure you attend both performances.

Hosts were available and appreciated for dancing and, I understand, also for some shore excursions.

There were all the usual shipboard activities including Art Auctions, Bingo, Port information talks, Guest Lecturers, etc.etc. The Internet Café (with help available during posted hours) was open 24 hours per day. Cost - .55¢ per minute.

Hawaii has just recently (and we gathered without warning) enacted a new Law for ships in Hawaiian waters - Gambling is not permitted. Time was when the Casino could open when you left the Port - no more - no Casino until you have cleared Hawaiian waters. HAL improvised and offered gaming lessons to anyone (and there were many) suffering withdrawal symptoms. The slots were silent but the tables were busy.

HAL has always been very 'environmentally aware' and on this trip no less so. Fragrant Flower Leis are presented to guests upon arrival. Our first port was Hilo - dancers, bands and Lei givers were on hand to greet us. That day's Daily Programme carried a request that all Leis acquired while in the Islands be kept until our departure from Kona the afternoon of February 25, when a special Lei Tossing Ceremony would be held. That day arrived all too soon and many of us assembled on Navigation Deck around the pool as requested. Hawaiian music playing, Jan, our great Asst. Cruise Director, gave the instructions - on the count of 3, make your wish and toss your Lei into the pool. It was a colourful ceremony - Leis sloshing back and forth as the ship rocked at anchor - surprising how many 'romantics' were on board - we all wished to return. Our departure from Kona was delayed due to some technicality but it was worth staying up until about 01.00 to see red hot lava flowing from the Kilauea volcano.

We experienced an helicopter medical evacuation during our last day at sea - - with insufficient deck, space on which to land, the helicopter circled as the basket was lowered to the deck - it was windy so great care was needed. Medical personnel on board did a wonderful job of loading and securing the sick passenger - we collectively held our breath as the basket was hauled up and manhandled safely into the plane. A cheer for our Doctor and Nurses on board and the Air Rescue folks!!!!

We'd lost time and still had the 'Jones Law' stop to make in Ensenada so there was concern about plane connections - no problem - Statendam, doing 20 knots, had us in San Diego for our scheduled 05.30 arrival Saturday morning.

Temperatures were lower during our 9 sea days than we had previously experienced. At just on 80 degrees, all the Islands were a pleasure visit and tour to tour.

We can highly recommend the 3 hour tour to 'Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden' on Hilo, the Big Island - classified as 'moderate activity - it's a picture takers paradise. After leaving the coach you may wander at will with the aid of a well drawn map. With only a couple of exceptions, wheelchair passengers can get around. Also the 'Little Circle Island Tour' Honolulu, Oahu - about 4 hours. Our driver was very knowledgeable and a real comedian - some great photo ops - rated 'easy activity.

This trip had many senior seniors - all out to enjoy themselves - with several believing that 'age has it's privileges regardless of the feelings of others. I think there were 3 babies , no toddlers and perhaps half a dozen teens. 40 to 70 year olds made up the balance. Our two previous cruises to Hawaii were in April and May - time of travel does make a difference to passenger make-up.

Enroute to the Islands we experienced a couple of rough days and nights - made you appreciated the sometimes thought to be 'narrow corridors' - it was impossible to walk in a straight line. Dancing 'show offs' reconsidered their exhibitions of fancy footwork after someone suffered a broken wrist. Temperatures were lower during our 9 sea days than we had previously experienced - all Mother Nature's doing - nothing that any Cruise Line can control.

On closing, a quote from the 'Log of My Cruise' given to all passengers before disembarking in San Diego -

"The Beaufort Scale was devised by Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort in 1806 to measure wind force at sea. On the Beaufort Scale, wind force is determined by measurements of an anemometer, which is 10 meters above water level. The scale ranges from force 0 to force 12 - twelve being hurricane force wind. For your cruising convenience, use this easy to follow scale - it's a breeze.

"Scale : 1. Nice day to lie by the pool.
2. Ping Pong still possible.
3. Hold your skirt down.
4. Hard to open deck doors.
5. Some people get sick.
6. Salt water on your glasses.
7. Lose your toupee.
8. Pool water lowered.
9. Things fall off shelves.
10. Even the crew get sick.
11. Hang on to your spouse.
12. The Poseidon adventure."

WE HIT #9! Undaunted, we're thinking about our next cruise. Happy cruisin'