The weather crossing the Indian Ocean was pleasant, with moderate swells.  You could tell you were at sea, but nothing I would consider significant enough to cause widespread seasickness.

Here are some of the highlights from our transit.

Sunday Brunch 26 Feb

The Main Dining Room offers a mini sampler lunch about once a week from 11 am -1 pm.  We always go as it is a friendly social event.   They say reservations are required, and we always make them, but I don’t know what would happen if you walked up without a reservation.  I suspect you would still be admitted.

You can find the latest menu here.

Cabana Bash – 26 Feb

We have been in Vista Suites on previous World Cruises.  When the World Cruise was changed to the ms Zuiderdam, we were offered a free upgrade to a Signature Suite.  A few weeks before the cruise started, we decided to splurge and accept an offer for a paid upgrade to a Neptune.  One of the perks is being invited to special cocktail parties from time to time.  Yesterday was one of those times.  Everyone in Pinnacle and Neptune suites and President’s Club was invited to what was billed as a “Cabana Bash” held up in the Retreat.  About 150 guests enjoyed the perfect weather.  We were served delicious Hors D’oeuvres and an open bar.  Excursions Manager, Nyron, was the DJ, and we enjoyed the company of the ship’s officers, many of whom aren’t seen very often as they don’t work in customer-facing roles.

What’s always the most fun at these events is the chance to meet new people, both from the ship and other passengers.

SPECIAL DINNER GUEST – 26 Feb

Singer, Songwriter, and Horse Whisperer Trevor Knight joined us for dinner this evening.  We had a wonderful time discussing his background and experiences and learned he has 14 horses in New South Wales.

BLOCK PARTY – 27 Feb

For the second time this cruise, we had a “Block Party” from 4-5 pm.  Servers circulated up and down the hallways with trays of Hors D’oeuvres and bottles of wine and champagnes.  We were asked to bring one of our own glasses from our cabin.  Our room stewards were also roving around with bottles of wine and champagne.

The secret to having fun at a block party is to expand your “block” and not simply hover near your own cabin.  We moved up and down both sides of the ship and enjoyed meeting several clusters of happy guests.  Music was piped into the hallways from an unknown disc jockey and one of our guests broke out his guitar and played along.

Rene from the Spa and Twinkle from Beverage spent time chatting on our floor.  Henk and Christel made a speed run down our hallway – stopping briefly for a photo.

COFFEE CHAT – 28 Feb

Henk was the guest at Coffee Chat this morning.  He discussed the challenges in transitioning to a world cruise on the Zuiderdam as compared to the previous world cruise on the Amsterdam.

A few fun facts:  Only 25% of the current crew have Grand Voyage experience as compared to 75% previously.

All the crew and dining room decorations and costumes were sold with the Amsterdam.  Even if they were still available, there wouldn’t be enough storage space to keep them aboard.  Also, the manpower required to store, set up and breakdown the decorations is no longer available.  Don’t expect the decorations on cruises prior to 2023 to return.

Henk also discussed the changes to the large balls, formerly held on the main stage, but are now spread across three venues.

The officers and crew of the Zuiderdam are constantly looking for innovative ways to create a wonderful passenger experience.

HOLLYWOOD THEME NIGHT – 28 Feb

Everyone was invited to dress up last evening as a celebrity look-alike or your red carpet-look.  The event was centered in the Rolling Stone Lounge, starting at 7 pm with the Best Dressed Actress and Actor award at 9 pm.

Earlier in the day, the ship set up an area to decorate your own Hollywood Star, which was later displayed in the hallway between Billboard and the Rolling Stone Lounge.

We moved our dinner to 6:30 pm to get to the Hollywood Theme night party around 8 pm.  We would miss some opening ceremonies, but we would be there for the hour leading up to the Best Dressed Actor and Actress Contest.

John dressed up as Steven Tyler, Pam was The Girl with the Dragoon Tattoo, Susan was Mitzi, Brad was their accountant, and Judy & I played the role of the Paparazzi.

The Rolling Stone lounge was about 3/4 full.  Captain Friso and Chantel made an appearance during the final songs before the award ceremony.

Ian announced the winners – the Table 89 entrants were in the finals but didn’t win.  A great time was had by all!

GUEST ENTERTAINERS

Elijah Rock – 27 Feb

Elijah is a classic crooner singing hits from the American songbook.  He has a great voice and we enjoyed his show very much.

Martin Ralph – 26 Feb

Martin creates a fun show with Yo-Yos, Bull Whips, a Big Lasoo, and a Giant Top.  We saw him back in 2016 on our first world cruise.  This time I was able to get up close to his Giant Top!