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Upon the completion of
my London visit, I took the same type of transfer back to Heathrow airport
as I had taken inbound. The transfer time was much less, however,
given that there were only two of us going. Given the short transfer
time I had plenty of time to wait in Heathrow but there are many
concessions available. Associates of mine were arriving on British
Airways flight 48 direct from Seattle. Shortly after noon I met up
with everyone and we joined a transfer bus to go to Southampton,
England. The ride was approximately three hours and the ride affords
the opportunity to view the countryside so it is relatively scenic.
Southampton is very much a 'port city' and there is not very much along
the lines of commerce, shopping, and sightseeing. Many cruise ships
are now using Southampton as a port of embarkation and debarkation.
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After
a short wait, the brand-new m.s. Oosterdam
arrived into Southampton and we quickly checked in to board the
ship. The weather was overcast and it began to rain for most
of the day. I have reserved my observations of the Oosterdam
herself for my dedicated shipboard photologue. After setting
sail from Southampton, England, the Oosterdam sailed for
Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It was here where she was to be
christened while docked bow-to-bow with the Rotterdam
VI.
The Oosterdam was introduced properly in Southampton by
having given travel professionals, media, and past passengers the
opportunity to tour her and learn about the 'Vista Class'
ships. The Oosterdam set sail from Southampton on July
26th, 2003 and sailed overnight to Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
A spectacular scene arrived the following morning when, starting at
approximately 9:00am, we entered the mouth of the River Maas.
Beautiful landscape and locals from far and wide surrounded the ship
as she glided her way toward the city of Rotterdam. It was
very fitting for our to be sailing into the city of Rotterdam given
the rich history and culture of Holland America Line.
I decided to fully get a cup of coffee from the Lido Restaurant as
well as my camera to enjoy the experience of sailing into
Rotterdam. |
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Setting
Sail from Southampton, England |
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Lifeboat Drill
aboard Oosterdam |
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Experiencing the
Pinnacle Grill |
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| Images
of Sailing down the River Maas and Oosterdam's Entrance to
Rotterdam |
| Founded
in Rotterdam on April 18th, 1873, Holland America Line has a clear
presence to date in this city. Locals took great pride in
being present for Oosterdam's arrival on this particular
day. Oosterdam thanked them in return by blasting her
whistles. As the Oosterdam approached the city center
itself of Rotterdam, the Erasmus Bridge came into view and so did
home for various officers on board. Fireboats saluted Oosterdam
as she neared her temporary home for the next few days alongside the
building that used to once be known as the original Holland America
Line headquarters. This building is now home to the Hotel New
York. |
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Fanfare
Viewing the Approaching Oosterdam |
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The
following few days were filled with pre-inaugural activities and
many locals, travel professionals, VIPs, and past passengers joining
the ship to explore her. Visitors enjoyed dining in her
various facilities and also previewed one of the two production
shows named, 'Rockin' Road'. |
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I
did take one afternoon to disembark the ship and explore a bit of
the city of Rotterdam. I had heard that there is a museum in
Rotterdam dedicated to maritime history and seagoing vessels.
I was particularly interested in finding this and did happen upon
the Maritiem
Museum.
The entrance fee was only 3,50 Euros and it was well worth it!
I spent a bit of time visiting each of the levels including the
various exhibits : shipping news, Worldport Rotterdam, inland
shipping, and professor splash. There is also a bookstore on
the ground level that I found particularly intriguing. I
found books that are either difficult or impossible to find in the
United States. I could have spent a lot of time (and money) in
this store, for sure. |
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As I
typically do in other European cities, I explored some other remote
areas to get a feel for the city. I think that it is a
charming city in which I would enjoy spending more time. I
wandered along the Walk of Fame at Libellendans 19 and explored the
Metro station Leuvehaven which is just adjacent. There are
also many small canals and waterways that lead to the continuing
Nieuwe Maas throughout Rotterdam. |
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Most
certainly a predominant structure of the city of Rotterdam is the
Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge). Architect Ben van Berkel envisioned
the concept of light in its design and used light blue as a predominant
color. Using this color makes the bridge almost transparent by day
but creates a dramatic effect by night. The bridge was completed in
September of 1996 at a cost of 365 million Guilder. Erasmusbrug's
nickname is "the Swan", referring to its sweeping design and
single support pylon.
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from sheer city architecture, another splendid sight was the
brand-new Oosterdam docked just over the Erasmusbrug.
As I returned to the ship and walked over the Erasmus Bridge, the Oosterdam
was seen just off to the right. The m.s. Rotterdam had
not yet arrived but would soon join the Oosterdam to create a
striking image. Pedestrians and drivers alike could not help
but notice the shining new addition to the port. |
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The
true highlight of Oosterdam's stay in Rotterdam (and really
the whole Oosterdam experience) occurred on Tuesday, July
29th, 2003, when she was given her name properly. Her Royal
Highness Princess Margriet was to perform the naming and, thus,
become the godmother for the Oosterdam. She had also
dedicated the Rotterdam VI in 1997. The entire day was
filled with excitement and anticipation just knowing about the
exciting ceremony ahead. |
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It
was heartwarming and exciting to see the Rotterdam VI docked
in her proper namesake city. |
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As
the dedication ceremony neared, crew members from both ships chose a
spot to watch from aboard. Images like this truly communicate
how unified and dedicated the staff and crew are to both Holland
America Line and this beautiful new build. |
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All
available seating had been consumed in a very short amount of
time. Everyone present certainly wanted their front-row, VIP
view of the ceremony to come. |
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Anticipation
was built with every breath as all parties involved began to make
their way to the naming ceremony. Micky Arison lead one of the
first groups to view the ships in place bow-to-bow. |
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There
was a concert performance by the NS Harmonieorkest, playing of the
National Anthems of both the United States and the Netherlands, a
blessing by Chaplain Father F. Maas, and a 'blessing of the bell
ceremony' performed by Captain Hans van Biljouw along with Mariner
Society Ambassadors Mr. & Mrs. Timmermans.
Speeches were then given by Mr. Corrado Antonini (Chairman,
Fincantieri Shipyard) and Mr. A. Kirk Lanterman (Chairman & CEO
of Holland America Line). |
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Anticipation
was growing exponentially as Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet
approached to cut the ribbon. The ribbon would activate a
system where the champagne bottle would travel from the bow of the Rotterdam
VI down to the bow of the Oosterdam. |
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With
flawless perfection, the bottle of champagne sailed down to the name
of the Oosterdam and shattered harmoniously. I also
happened to just catch the breaking perfectly with my camera. |
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Congratulations
were in order as the City of Rotterdam celebrated with fire
boats. I could not help but show emotion as the whistles of
each ship blasted almost continuously back and forth, echoing off of
the buildings of Rotterdam. Doves were also released from the
bow of the Rotterdam creating a special, moving, image. |
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That
evening there was a fireworks display on the River Maas to celebrate
this great occasion. Each ship also saluted the performance
afterward with the blasting of the whistles.
That evening, there was a grand celebration throughout the ship
including a black tie event in the Vista Lounge and Vista Dining
Room.
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Fireworks
over the City of Rotterdam |
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Myself
with Cruise Staff Catherine Drysdale |
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The Oosterdam
also made its inaugural call to Hamburg, Germany, on July 31st,
2003. Many travel professionals, media, and VIPs also arrived to
explore the ship. I particularly enjoyed sharing the experience with
locals speaking German and getting their first-hand feedback on the ship
and her amenities. After
an overnight in Hamburg, Germany, there was a gathering of locals at
the pier to see the Oosterdam sail away. There was also
an accompanying fire boat to guide the Oosterdam up until she
entered open waters. |
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August
2nd, 2003 was a day at sea for the Oosterdam as she headed to
Harwich, England. This final day at sea was a great
opportunity to experience some of the amenities the Oosterdam has
to offer. It was also wonderful to spend time with friends and
co-workers. The Oosterdam arrived into Harwich, England
on the evening of August 2nd, 2003. I disembarked the
following morning and took a transfer back to London Heathrow for my
flight back to Seattle. |
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Charlotte
Lawson and Myself in the Ocean Bar |
Cruise
Staff Jason Venner and Catherine Drysdale |
The
Oosterdam Sailing European Waters |
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| I
had nearly five hours to wait in London and it was only minimally
assisted with the number of concessions available in the
airport. It was a bit more difficult to wait through knowing
the flights that were awaiting. I flew from London to Chicago
and then Chicago to Seattle. I did learn of a couple of
wonderful productions on the 777 flight from London to Chicago,
however. I watched the movie 'Bend it Like Beckham' and also
experienced the new album from Sarah Brightman, 'Harem'. I
found a common theme between the two and watched / listened to each
multiple times!
I eventually
wound up arriving into Seattle approaching 3:30am and then getting
home at 4:00am after over a month away. |
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Despite the way I ended
my travelogue on the long flights home, I can say nothing but truly
amazing things about my time in Europe in 2003. After my first
extended trip through Europe in 2000, I found myself having a passion for
Europe like never before. Given my love for foreign languages and
culture of Europe, it is only obvious that this past trip would prove to
be a high success.
While I do not forecast myself having that much time to explore Europe at
one time again in the near future, I will certainly endeavor to plan
another exciting and meaningful adventure as soon as possible. While
at home I will certainly keep up-to-date on the trends and lifestyle of
Europe and live vicariously as such.
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