Congratulations to Ryndam’s Photo Manager Constantin Paduraru, the winner of the recent crew photo competition held in conjunction with HAL’s 140th anniversary. Paduraru’s photo (below) of Amsterdam was taken from Ryndam’s deck as the two ships crossed paths in Alaska in May 2010. The time was approximately 3:30 a.m. and the moon was starting to set. Paduraru managed to snap the photo before the glowing orb disappeared. “I felt that night was a bit magical, and I want to dedicate this picture to all Holland America employees who are working together and through excellence manage to create magical days and nights for their guests and fellow crew,” he said.

Constantin Paduraru, Photo Manager, Ryndam

Below we have included other photographs that were submitted to the contest.

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Topics: Alaska, ms Amsterdam, ms Maasdam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Ryndam, ms Statendam, ms Volendam, Postcards from..., Staff & Crew | | 1 Comment

Mariners Dwight and Connie Cenac recently performed in the Dancing With the Stars at Sea competition on Maasdam. It looks like they both had a great time with their partners!

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Topics: Art, Activities & Entertainment, Mariner Voices, ms Maasdam, Videos | | 1 Comment

Thanks to passengers Mary Beth and Roger Soper for sending us this picture from their Caribbean cruise aboard Maasdam.

This was taken while we were in port at Martinique. What a beautiful 20-year old ship!

Topics: Caribbean, ms Maasdam | | No Comments

Here are photos of a sand castle we came across on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Seems like they are ready for the 2016 Olympics!

Jaime de Castro-van der Loo is Maasdam’s human resources manager.

Topics: ms Maasdam, South America | | No Comments

In celebration of our 140th Anniversary this month, we’re dedicating a post a day to the wonderful destinations and attributes that make a Holland America Line cruise so special. Today’s post is about:

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro resists all adjectives. Even if you get that absolute vista from the top of Corcovado Mountain, you’ll still thirst for more – for the taste of an acai berry drink, the pulse of samba, and the feel of the Atlantic on your toes. A cruise to Rio de Janeiro with Holland America Line brings you the stunning setting and joyous lust for life that makes Rio a cidade maravilhosa, “marvelous city.” Ipanema, Copacabana, caipirinha … the words alone conjure Brazilian paradise. Visit this vibrant city on Zaandam, Prinsendam or Maasdam in late 2013 or in 2014.

Topics: HAL History, ms Maasdam, ms Prinsendam, ms Zaandam, South America | | No Comments

Guest Mary O’Donnell was on board Maasdam and sent in this great Cruise Diary from her voyage. Stay tuned for more posts from Mary!

Day 20 or so – 2/27/13 – Parintins & Alter do Chao

I believe Holland America saved the best for last! Two delightful, small cities, with clean, well kept little homes, streets and sidewalks without potholes, and friendly, happy, people.

A street in Parintins.

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Topics: Cruise Diary, ms Maasdam, Postcards from..., South America | | No Comments

Another HAL University graduation ceremony has been held with seven Maasdam leaders. Congratulations to you all!

Jaime de Castro-van der Loo is Maasdam’s human resources manager.

Topics: ms Maasdam, Staff & Crew | | 1 Comment

I recently took these photos of Maasdam at St. Maarten in her final stretch of the 49-day Amazon & Carnaval Explorer voyage. — Steve J. Garrod of www.shipcafe.net.

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Topics: Caribbean, ms Maasdam, South America | | No Comments