In 1871, Holland America Lines began its history as the Nederlandsche – Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatwsschappij. Headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and providing service to the Americas, it became known as the Holland America Line.
In 1895 the company offered its first vacation cruise from New York and in 1910 its leisure cruise from New York to the Holy Land. In the 1970s, Holland America Line discontinued its transatlantic service and sold its freight shipping division. Vacations became his full-time focus. In 1989, Holland America Line became a wholly owned subdivision of Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company.
Boarding was smooth and easy. Drop bags in bins outside, walk inside, show ID and boarding pass, fill out health questionnaire, stand in short check-in line, show them credit card you’re using, smile for camera, take another photo and you’re on board. Probably 20 minutes from arrival to first mojito on the lido deck. I have never had a better start.
The last time we were on the Oosterdam was in 2003, when she was new and I think someone has taken great care of this beautiful ship. She is as charming today as she was then. Our balcony stateroom was really nice and has more than enough space to spread out, store all our clothes, etc. and relax with a glass of wine as the ocean rolls by.
Well, here we find the only problem of the entire cruise to date. We were confirmed with late seats and a table for 8. We got to a top 4 with an older gentleman who was also sailing his first cruise, with Air America, and had been assured of a large table of like-minded people.
It was okay, but it wasn’t the most comfortable night. A quick trip to the Maitre D the next day fixed us up with a table for 6 with two other couples who were similarly disenchanted the night before. We had great table companions for the rest of the cruise.
The shore excursions we chose have to be up there with some of the best shore excursions we have experienced anywhere in the world. From Cabo San Lucas we went to Todos Santos to have lunch at the Hotel California. This is a very interesting trip through the desert of Baja California from the bay of Cabo in the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean, where the driver stopped at an unscheduled place because there were many whales to see.
The city itself is charming and some of the art, most notably by Rueben Gutiérrez, is spectacular. By the way, Gutierrez pottery is very reasonably priced. Then it was lunch at the Hotel California, which had wonderful food.
In Mazatlan we signed up for the Shrimp Fest. We went to a beautiful private residence, on top of a hill overlooking the entire city, with beautiful gardens and beautiful terraces prepared for the crowd. They served Margaritas and beer and sodas all day and an all you could eat shrimp buffet, in three different styles along with rice and beans and guacamole and salsa and chips and of course tortillas.
There was a little artisan gallery on the grounds and my wife bought the most amazing citrine and freshwater pearl necklace and then met the designer of the necklace who offered to make her clip-on earrings to go with it and emailed her when I had designed them.
In Puerto Vallarta we did “Rhythms of the Night” and you won’t want to miss that tour! It begins with a one-hour catamaran ride to a private beach, all lit by tiki torches and absolutely beautiful. The catamaran crew put on a pretty good show.
The dinner was truly memorable as each group had a table for the number of people they designated. It was a buffet, but there were so many tables that there were no lines. Waiters brought you drinks and whatever you wanted, and then there was a show in an amphitheater. I admit I wasn’t looking forward to the show because some of the cultural shows are boring, but this one was spectacular. We then take the catamaran back to the ship with all the stars, the lights of Puerto Vallarta and finally the beautiful Oosterdam lit up for the night. It was great!
Disembarkation was as smooth as boarding. Remember when I said the rooms weren’t ready until 1:30? When you disembark, you can stay in your stateroom until the color of your luggage tag is called. This is great! Then go to Deck 2, a short line, show your passport and give the customs declaration to an official. Then quickly collect your luggage and, in our case, take the first taxi in line and head to the airport. Couldn’t have been smoother!
We both work for ourselves and build a cruise website while we travel. Internet is a crucial part of cruising for us and on the Oosterdam, we had wireless access in our cabin. You can buy packages starting at $100 for 250 minutes (40 cents a minute) and up. You can also add more minutes as you need them and if you’re on a package and run out of minutes while connected, you’ll be charged at the rate your package requires.
This was our 11th cruise in 9 years and I must say that although we had been to these ports before, it was one of the best cruises we have ever taken!
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