Working on the Bridge in this age of technology, our days are filled with electronics and automation. It is refreshing to know that our deck officers are still able to obtain a position by celestial observations. In fact, it is still a requirement for aspiring deck officers to prove their proficiency before getting their license. In this picture, you see Cadet Officer Ward van der Bruggen doing just that, fixing a noon position by determining the meridian passage of the sun.

Bart Vaartjes is Oosterdam’s staff captain.

Topics: ms Oosterdam | | 1 Comment

Last month, Statendam hosted a grand buffet. Our guests were treated to a wonderful display of food and were delighted to find that it tasted just as good as it looked. Many of our guests appeared to be more than satisfied with the event, which took the food production team and dining room staff several hours to complete. Even the crew members that participated in the event were amazed by the final product. It was beautiful and elegant, everyone really outdid themselves. The teamwork displayed by both departments was outstanding and helped to make this a hugely successful event. The food was served with style and tasted fantastic. It was a great opportunity to show off our talents in this fun event.

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Topics: Food & Beverage, ms Statendam | | No Comments

Statendam will be in drydock for two weeks while it gets a fresh new coat of paint! Here are some photos I took while visiting the ship:

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Topics: ms Statendam, Technical | | 1 Comment

Bart Groeneveld is Statendam’s hotel director.

Topics: Holidays, ms Statendam, Staff & Crew | | No Comments

The Statendam team organized a special Black & Silver Officer’s Ball. The dining room, bars and Showroom at Sea were beautifully decorated in black and silver and all of the officers were wearing special silver bow ties while the HALCats provided great entertainment. Officers and guests danced the night away.

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Topics: Art, Activities & Entertainment, ms Statendam | | No Comments

Statendam kicked off the World’s Largest Cruise Sale with the unveiling of a truly amazing cake! The cake features Statendam crossing through the Panama Canal.

Bart Groeneveld is Statendam’s hotel director.

Topics: Art, Activities & Entertainment, ms Statendam | | No Comments

Statendam organized a great barbecue for the crew on board. The culinary team and Statendam officers were in full force working hard to prepare appetizing foods during an extremely successful barbecue along the pool-side of the Lido deck for our crew. Such a treat for everyone! Special thanks to our Human Resource Manager Hanna for putting this all together and her Clerk Henry for the pictures.

Bart Groeneveld is Statendam’s hotel director.

Topics: ms Statendam, Staff & Crew | | No Comments

The World’s Largest Cruise Sale International Ball was held in the showroom on board Statendam, with many officers and guests dancing the night away. Officers were greeting our guests as they came in and they were welcomed with a special opening song, presented by some of the ships performers.

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Topics: ms Statendam | | No Comments