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You are the visitor to this page since 24th February 2002.
As usual, I had booked a ride to and from the airport. RedTop came promptly at some unearthly hour of the morning (I think it was 2 a.m.). It had been snowing and freezing rain. The driver was just excellent. He reversed up the driveway and helped me into the bus and put the luggage into the back. What a relief to let someone else do the driving on such a horrible morning. All the way to the airport we heard on the bus radio - reports of people with cars off the road. Desperate requests for help, towing, ambulance etc. So glad it wasn't me. Same excellent service on the way home. RedTop met me at the airport and drove me home to my door, through sheets of rain and high wind.
The flight to Miami was worth writing a letter of complaint, so I wrote the following letter as soon as I was able. However, as usual, I did not receive a reply. (I do not think Holland America ever correspond with their customers):-
Dear Sirs:
From 25th February to 2nd March 2001 I took a cruise on the Westerdam. (I booked through Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Guelph, Ontario N1H 4E4). The cruise was very pleasant, as usual. However, I think you should know about the flights which you arranged:
· I left Guelph at 2 a.m. The Delta Airlines flight was late.
I had expected to have a lunch on the flight, so did not have a meal.
Delta only provided a soft drink and packet of pretzels.
· The flight divided at Cincinatti.
· Once again, the connecting flight was late - about 1½ hours.
Fortunately (although everyone had boarded), the pilot decided to
change the tires at the last minute. He allowed us to get off the
plane and by this time I was so hungry I decided to get a snack.
· I still anticipated that we would be served a meal on this flight.
Once again, Delta only served a soft drink and packet of pretzels.
· On my Itinerary it states "If you cannot locate a representative,
please have one paged at the airport". There was not a representative
there at Miami. Eventually I found groups of other passengers for other
ships. I seemed to be the only person going to the Westerdam.
· By the time I reached the ship I had not eaten or had sufficient water
for fourteen hours. I am getting old and this made me feel sick and
confused.
· My dinner was scheduled for the second sitting (although I had
asked for the first sitting). So, instead of going to the restaurant,
I had to go to rearrange the dining schedule. By this time I had not
had proper food or drink for about eighteen hours.
· The return flight with American Airlines was a little better ..
at least it was a direct flight to Toronto. Also, I took the
precaution of asking whether they would be serving lunch on board.
· Here again, the flight was late.
· Although the flight took several hours AA served only a squashed
and soggy bun, containing some tomato-coloured stuff, wrapped in foil.
Also a cup of coffee. (Well, at least they served something!)
I have been on cruises many times .. usually arranged through Canada 3000 and Regent Cruise Lines. We always had good adequate meals with excellent beverages etc. We had to be at Pearson International Airport by about 4 a.m. but at least we could expect the flights to be comfortable and restful .. and on time!
When I arrived home I was so stressed that I shortly fell and broke my right arm. .. I was unable to write or type for months. That is why I have been so long in writing this letter.
If the airlines expect people to enjoy flying and to fly with them then they should treat people like human beings. Travelling is always stressful. Without adequate food and water it can become a real killer. Who needs that!
Yours sincerely, etc. etc.
Well, after that, the cruise was lovely as usual. I had booked the same cabin that I had for the Alaska cruise, so knew what to expect and could find my way around.
That first evening the Maitre'd was able to fit me in with a table of people where I was very comfortable for the rest of the cruise.
| Self, first night of cruise. |
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The night was peaceful as I have found before, that cabin is relatively quiet.
Monday 26th February 2001 Next morning we awoke to arrive at Nassau. The usual sumptuous choice of breakfast at the buffet. Marvellous gentle warm sea air. I had booked a trip on the glass bottomed boat. This was not just a glass in the bottom of the boat, but a very large submerged cabin, with windows on either side. It was fascinating. I always enjoy the Nautilus Submarine when we visit St. Thomas and this was similar. This time I had my video and took a lot of pictures of the fish, coral, etc. Enjoyed every minute.
In the afternoon I spent time on the deck and had a swim. Total luxury! Just writing this is making me wish I could be there again. It's worth the unpleasant flights - although, as I said in my letter, Canada 3000 did very pleasant flights and I would much rather go with them.
| The dock at Nassau. |
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.jpg) | The harbour light at Nassau. |
.jpg) | Self beside pool. |
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Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, located on New Providence Island. The colonial architecture, colourful markets and profusion of historic sights are only a few of the many reasons why people count this island among their favourites. Panoramic view of the island can be obtained by climbing the Queen's Staircase to the ruins of Fort Fincastle. If you prefer underwater scenery, consider visiting Coral World, where you may venture below the waterline to a fascinating marine observatory.
The evenings on board the Westerdam are so enjoyable: excellent menu beautifully served, with pleasant companions. This followed by choice of a show, movie, dancing. Then a walk around the deck or just sit listening to the music of the waves, watching the stars, the wake and the moonlight.
Tuesday 27th February 2001 Half-Moon Cay. Your own private paradise for a day. Spend the day soaking up the sun on the island's spectacular crescent-shaped white sand beach or take a stroll along undisturbed nature trails. Snorkel the colorful coral reefs teeming with schools of brilliant tropical fish. Explore the West Indies Village, featuring a Bahamian Straw Market. Be sure to send postcards with a special Half Moon Cay postmark. This island is owned by Holland America. There are entertainments and foods arranged there specially for the ships. I took some photographs:-
| at Half Moon Cay |
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 | at Half Moon Cay |
.jpg) | bougainvillia |
.jpg) | Fun banana boats |
.jpg) | Sail boats |
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Wednesday 28th February 2001 Today was spent at sea. Lovely day reading, swimming wandering around admiring the ship and enjoying the sailing.
This evening was "formal". Previous passengers with this cruise line are also invited to a Captain's Reception. This is such a pleasure. An opportunity to get dressed up and wander around chatting and to meet the Captain. On this occasion the Captain was busy doing whatever Captains do, so we were introduced to other members of the senior management. In my case the Hotel Manager .. which is appropriate, since I trained to become a hotel and business manager.
| Introduction to the Westerdam Hotel Manager Mr. Peter Fealey. |
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 | Self with one of the Westerdam's magnificent floral arrangements |
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In the afternoon the Walt Disney Ship "Fantasia" drew up alongside the Westerdam. As a bow figurehead it had a beautiful model of Donald Duck, chasing his two nephews across the front of the ship. It is a magnificent new ship, I think quite a lot larger than the Westerdam. The "Fantasia" blew it's warning horn and I was impressed that for identification it played the opening bars of "When You Wish Upon a Star"!
| bougainvillia, Key West |
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.jpg) | Key West |
.jpg) | Key West |
.jpg) | Market, Key West |
.jpg) | Market, Key West |
.jpg) | Promenade Deck, Westerdam |
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Thursday was the last day. In the evening there was a Dutch Theme in the dining room. Traditional style hats were provided. Here are some pictures:-
| Last dinner on Westerdam |
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.jpg) | Sail Boats |
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.jpg) | Self with favourite moonlight background. |
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Link to the Movies Pages at "movies.yahoo.com"
Visit a site for many photographs of North American Birds and animals.
Rhona Raskin Home Page at http://www.rhona.com.