During its 24-day South Pacific Crossing voyage, the ms Oosterdam experienced April 21 twice, as it passed the international date line through the islands of Western and American Samoa.

For the first April 21, 2013, the Oosterdam invited a local Christian youth group on board during its call at Apia, Western Samoa. Hosted by our Event Manager Aaron Whipple, the youth group enjoyed a tour of the ship as well as lunch on the lido’s pool deck.

From left: Oosterdam Second Executive Chef Norbert Sommerhalter and the ship’s Lido Assistant Steward Indaharini Nenobais serve children food on board.

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Topics: Australia/New Zealand, Good Deeds, ms Oosterdam, South Pacific, Staff & Crew | | No Comments

The Culinary team onboard the Oosterdam did a real outstanding job of the making of the cake for our 140th Anniversary celebrations. So many guests were impressed.

From left: Assistant Pastry Rowel Salvador, Assistant Pastry Kathleen Tilbe, Tournant Chef Gurunathan Sudulaimuthu, Executive Chef Udo Sandering, Patissier Nandy JR Alejandro Pablo, Assistant Pastry Jovelyn Duran and Culinary Operations Manager Csaba Desvari.

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Topics: HAL History, ms Oosterdam | | No Comments

During Oosterdam’s South Pacific Crossing, International Concierge Maria Boyen shared with me her experience on the Hobbiton Movie Set crew tour that took place March 28, 2013, near Tauranga, New Zealand. She and the crew loved visiting the original movie set of “The Lord of the Rings!”

Twenty-two brave men and women of the fellowship of the Oosterdam made their long journey to the Shire and followed Frodo’s hairy footsteps. There they enjoyed a sunny afternoon stroll passing many hobbit holes and enjoyed the view over the Shire and a short rest under the Party Tree. The journey continued through a little forest path and over the bridge next to the watermill to the Green Dragon, where the crew enjoyed a cup of cool Hobbit beer.

Natalie Ansari is Oosterdam’s human resources manager.

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

During the 24-day South Pacific Crossing, the ms Oosterdam passed the Equator on April 23, 2013, where King Neptune, Majesty of the Seas, granted passage at his Venerable Court to all officers and crew that they’ve been found worthy to be granted membership in his domain, the Royal and Ancient Order of Shellbacks.

Naturally, there were certain conditions that needed to be met and the officers who are members of the Ancient Realm were there to judge “thumbs up, thumbs down,” and many of our guests gathered to witness…

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Topics: Art, Activities & Entertainment, Asia-Pacific, ms Oosterdam | | No Comments

On August 28th, two groups, each with 10 crew members from Rotterdam’s beverage department, took a team-building trip to the Glenmorangie Distillery in Invergordon, Scotland that produces single malt Scotch whiskey. Here are pictures of both groups touring the factory and having a tasting of their own!

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Topics: Europe, ms Rotterdam, Staff & Crew | | 1 Comment

On August 18th, Rotterdam’s crew took a tour to North Cape leaving from the port of Honningsvag. At North Cape you can expect four seasons in just one hour, so the team was lucky to experience a clear view of the “end of the earth.” Here are pictures from the tour. Enjoy!

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Topics: Europe, ms Rotterdam, Shore Excursions, Staff & Crew | | No Comments

Congratulations to Statendam’s recent graduates of HAL University. The following crew members completed the supervisory excellence courses and received their diplomas early this month. Congrats guys!

From left: Romeo Fresnido (electrical technician), Ruben Benosa (electrical technician), Jorge Calvo (electrical technician), Ardian Devecais (refrigeration technician), Heleno Cruz (senior carpenter), Henry Adornado (Inventory Specialist) Sitting from left: Bottom row seated: Roden Buena (Inventory Specialist) and Ronaldo Vitan (Day SVC Ref Technician).

Natalie Ansari is Statendam’s human resources manager.

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

Statendam organized a ‘Biggest Loser Contest’ to introduce and enforce a healthier lifestyle. Under the guidance of Fitness Coordinator Zeljko Krstic, nine contestants started their mission and challenge to lose weight and get fit at the beginning of December 2011. Over the course of two months the contestants went to work out classes, including cardio, weights, machines, spinning and yoga. Five firm contestants remained until the end and three were selected the winners.

Printer Daniel Baylon (1st place winner), Crew Officer Gede Hendrawan (2nd place winner), Assistant Stage Manager Reychand Pabona (3rd place winner) and Fitness Coordinator Zeljko Krstic.

Natalie Ansari is Statendam’s human resources manager.

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