Devil’s Island Flyby and a Visit from King Neptune

Cabin Crawl on Our First Sea Day After Barbados

We joined a Cabin Crawl on our first full sea day after Barbados. For anyone unfamiliar, a cabin crawl allows guests to visit various staterooms to see different cabin categories, innovative storage solutions, and personalized touches for comfortable long-term cruising.

A Rare Look Inside the Pinnacle Suite

The highlight was touring the ship’s only Pinnacle Suite. Most passengers never experience this, making it a rare treat. Kathy and Andy were gracious hosts, welcoming everyone and arranging for a nice spread of appetizers and snacks.

Seeing a Range of Cabin Categories

We toured eight cabins, ranging from inside and ocean-view staterooms to a Vista Suite, a Neptune Suite, and the Pinnacle Suite. Cabin Crawls are one of those low-key onboard activities that come into their own on longer voyages. Beyond satisfying curiosity about layouts, they’re a great way to meet fellow passengers and pick up smart ideas for making the most of limited space—especially when your cabin is home for months.

Devil’s Island Port Call Canceled

Unfortunately, our planned call at Devil’s Island fell through. A water problem on the island forced the closure of its only hotel, leaving no place for the local pilot to stay overnight. Without the pilot available to board the Volendam early that morning, the ship had no choice but to cancel the port call as the French Officials required a pilot.

A Small Gesture from the Ship

To soften disappointment over the canceled port, the ship offered a small but welcome gesture: a shipwide open bar from noon to 1:00 p.m. the next day and a $2.13 per-person port fee refund. Many guests took the change in stride. Some had visited Devil’s Island before. We have been there twice ourselves but had hoped to spend more time in the museum on this visit, something we missed on earlier trips.

A Scenic Pause Offshore

Although we couldn’t land, the Captain requested permission for a close-in scenic cruise of the islands. That request was denied, but we were still able to approach within about three miles. The ship paused for roughly 15 minutes and slowly turned, giving everyone on board a chance to see the islands from multiple angles. It wasn’t the same as going ashore, but it offered a stark visual reminder of this remote and historic place.

The Three Islands

The three islands lie about 11 miles offshore. Île Royale has restored buildings and walking paths. Île Saint-Joseph was once used for solitary confinement. Devil’s Island, now closed to visitors, is home to the infamous prison.

Crossing the Equator with King Neptune

A day later, we crossed the Equator on January 11. The ship marked the occasion with the traditional King Neptune Ceremony, this time at the Sea View Pool. This was my first time seeing the event staged there; on previous cruises, it had taken place at the Lido Pool. I actually prefer the Sea View Pool as a venue—it feels more open, has better airflow, and offers plenty of good vantage points for spectators without feeling cramped.

A Well-Paced Ceremony

The entertainment team kept the ceremony lively and concise. Their balance of tradition, humor, and pacing ensured it was enjoyable, even for repeat viewers. Here’s a short video from the event.

Isabel Commandeur

Isabel Commandeur delivered a wide-ranging, powerhouse performance that showcased both vocal control and emotional range. Moving effortlessly from musical theater and pop classics to opera, she handled everything from the intimacy of “Lovin’ You” and the swagger of “Venus” to the dramatic weight of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and “The Show Must Go On.” The program built to operatic showstoppers—“O mio babbino caro,” “Think of Me,” and a confident “Nessun dorma.”