Last month in Tauranga, New Zealand, 11 crew members from the Oosterdam went on a crew tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set where the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed. Everyone had a great time.

Joe Reina is Oosterdam’s human resources manager.

Topics: Australia/New Zealand, ms Oosterdam, Shore Excursions, Staff & Crew | | 1 Comment

At the end of Oosterdam‘s 14-day drydock in Sydney, Australia, a tour was organized for the crew to see underneath the Oosterdam. It’s not everyday where you get to see what it looks like under a ship. The crew took lots of photos and had a great experience.

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Topics: Australia/New Zealand, ms Oosterdam, Staff & Crew | | 2 Comments

Eleven crew members participated in the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb during Oosterdam’s dry dock “down under” on December 10. Here’s a photo of the group at the top!

Joe Reina is Oosterdam’s human resources manager.

Topics: Australia/New Zealand, ms Oosterdam, Shore Excursions, Staff & Crew | | No Comments

Here’s a snapshot from the total solar eclipse we saw on Oosterdam while sailing the Coral Sea. Enjoy!

Joe Reina is Oosterdam’s human resources manager.

Topics: Australia/New Zealand, ms Oosterdam | | No Comments

Here are some more photos of Oosterdam’s viewing of the solar eclipse last week while sailing the Coral Sea. Both guests and crew gathered at the bow of the ship and wore special glasses for the occasion. I was also able to grab photos of the progression of the eclipse. Enjoy!

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Topics: Australia/New Zealand, ms Oosterdam | | 1 Comment

Oosterdam called at Kuto, Ile des Pins, New Caledonia on November 17 and received a very warm welcome from the locals. A ceremony was held with traditional costumes and even handmade hats for us!

Locals from Kuto, Ile De Pins pose for a photo with Staff Captain Eric Barhorst, Event Manager Farah Dadoush, and Beverage Manager Hans Becker.

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Topics: ms Oosterdam, South Pacific, Staff & Crew | | No Comments

On November 14, 2012, at approximately 7:50 a.m., Oosterdam was an honored witness of a total solar eclipse while cruising the Coral Sea. The solar eclipse started at approximately 6:49 a.m. and ended at approximately 8:58 a.m. Special ‘solar eclipse glasses’ were given to all guests and crew members. The guests and crew members of Oosterdam had a memorable and pleasurable experience, one which will never be forgotten. Below are some photos courtesy of Image Creator Manager Ciaran McGinn and his wife, Image Creator Gulcin McGinn.

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Topics: Australia/New Zealand, ms Oosterdam | | 6 Comments

Oosterdam’s maiden voyage to the Australia/New Zealand region ended today with the ship docking at Sydney, Australia, where the journey began. Since each port of call during the 14-night cruise was a first, Oosterdam held a customary plaque exchange ceremony at each visit. Here are photos from each exchange:

Hobart, Tasmania

From left: From left: Cruise Director Drew Smith, Hotel Director Robert Versteeg, local official from Hobart and Captain Henk Draper.

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Topics: Australia/New Zealand, ms Oosterdam, Staff & Crew | | 1 Comment