Special thanks to USCG Lieutenant Commander Mark Sawyer, supervisor of the group from World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden, for this great post.

On June 16 while docked in Copenhagen, Denmark, the ms Rotterdam proudly hosted 40 students from the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden. The students represented two postgraduate specialties: the Marine Safety and Environmental Administration Specialty and the Marine Environment and Oceans Management Specialty. While onboard, the students watched a video about HAL’s Environmental Management System, then they were escorted through the ship hearing presentations from senior crew members on waste stream management, onboard safety, drills and bridge navigation.

They also had the opportunity to witness an inflated life raft during our boat drill, and visit the waste management facilities. Very few of the students had ever been onboard a ship, not to mention a passenger ship of such size and advanced technology. The information passed onboard significantly enhanced their understanding of safety and environmental regulations. It also gave them an appreciation of the challenges faced with putting these safety and environmental regulations into practice on a daily basis.

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Topics: Europe, ms Rotterdam | | No Comments

Holland America Line President and CEO Stein Kruse recently visited Holland, Germany and Oslo, amidst the exciting news that Rotterdam will sail year-round from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, beginning Fall 2012. The news was announced at a travel industry event at Holland’s award-winning De Librije restaurant, owned by celebrated Chef Jonnie Boer, a member of Holland America Line’s Culinary Council. Special thanks to Jan Fähmel for all of the wonderful photos.

Jonnie and Thérèse Boer and Stein Kruse, president and CEO, Holland America Line, at Jonnie Boer's restaurant, De Librije, in Zwolle, The Netherlands.

Stein Kruse (back row, second from left) with the staff of the Holland America Line Rotterdam office, at the Trade and Travel Partners dinner.

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Topics: Europe, ms Rotterdam | | 3 Comments

Nineteen seagoing human resources managers from Holland America Line left Seattle with several new ideas to implement with the line’s on-board employees after their recent five-day conference, held from August 16-20. This was the first time all of the ships’ human resources managers were able to meet since the implementation of the position on Noordam in November 2007.

Presenters at the conference included Deputy Director of Human Resources Jason Pedersen, Director of Training and Development Brian Johnson, Training Manager Jaime Seba and Manager of the Care Team Heather Van Der Wal.

Holland America Line’s human resources managers from around the fleet.

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Robert “Nick” Nichols, Nieuw Jakarta’s academic director, submitted this note and photos from a special luncheon and award ceremony. Nieuw Jakarta is Holland America Line’s crew training center in Jakarta, Indonesia.

ms Nieuw Jakarta employees were treated to a very special employee get-together, the first-ever road trip to Jogyakarta. This was the first trip for many of our Nieuw Jakarta employees for a weekend of sightseeing at cultural and historical landmarks (such as the Sultan’s Palace in Jogyakarta and Prambanan Temple) team building games, and to top it off, traveling and visiting one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites – Borobudur temple located in central Java, Jogyakarta, Indonesia.

A “once in a lifetime experience” was had by all. While in Jogyakarta, a special luncheon was also held to honor ms Nieuw Jakarta’s staff with service awards for their valuable contributions over the years. Several 10-to 25- year awards were presented by Mr. Joost de Raad, a HAL representative.

Nieuw Jakarta employees pose for a group photo at the Borobudur Temple.

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Topics: South Pacific | | 1 Comment

On July 25, Marlon and Roy were each given the challenge of preparing and serving a menu to the management on board the Eurodam, in an effort to pass the practical exam of their apprenticeship program. Marlon prepared delectable dishes such as a pumpkin and orange soup, while Roy wowed us with his chicken cordon bleu! They both did an outstanding job in both taste and presentation, which enabled them to pass this part of their program. The Eurodam is proud to have them as part of our apprenticeship program on board.

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Topics: ms Eurodam | | No Comments

Here are photos of Noordam’s Key and Plaque Ceremony held Wednesday in Rotterdam.

From left, Jan Gardeitchik of Rotterdam Port Authority and Noordam's Captain Hans Mateboer.

A present from Cruise Port Rotterdam, presented by director Mai Elmar to Captain Mateboer. In the background, left, is Gijs Noordam talking with hotel manager Mark Zeller.

Topics: Europe, ms Noordam | | 2 Comments

Hallo HALblog readers,

Some exciting news from Rotterdam. Tour de France lovers will probably know that the Tour de France will start this year in Holland America Lines founding and home port Rotterdam. Fore 4 days Rotterdam will be the focal point of the world most important cycling event.

Well pretty much all of the Netherlands is still colored orange to support our soccer team effort to win the World cup soccer (they have reach quarter finals and now playing against Brazil next Friday) Rotterdam have colored orange and yellow. And events leading to the Le Grand Depart have started. It will promise to be the most exciting sport event of the year here in Rotterdam and The Netherlands.

HAL and my home port is a fitting city to start the Tour de France. Rotterdam is by nature a sport city. More information: http://www.tourdefrancerotterdam.nl/en/ The official cite of Le Grand Depart Rotterdam 2010.

More nautical news ms Noordam will bring a surprise visit to here home port Rotterdam on July 14 2010. It will be ms Noordam maiden visit to her home port.

Greetings from the home port Rotterdam.

Ben van Zeijl is a Holland America fan and historian from Rotterdam.

Topics: ms Noordam | | No Comments

HAL guest Sade Krind submitted this note and photos from Canaletto’s grand opening on Maasdam.

During Maasdam’s 14-day Southern Caribbean cruise from April 30 to May 14, the Lido manager, contractors, staff, and crew were busily preparing for the grand opening of HAL’s newest Canaletto Restaurant — moving furniture, laying carpet, cleaning and decorating.

After several trial runs with officers, dining room supervisors and front office staff, the eagerly-awaited Canaletto opened for business on May 5, much to the delight of passengers.

The restaurant was a success from the start and now passengers have another difficult choice to make regarding their dining options.

Special thanks to the Lido Manager Ozgur Turnuklu who took time out of his very busy day and kindly posed for a few pictures with his staff.

Lido Manager Ozgur Turnuklu and Zucchero.

Crew member Sale working hard.

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Topics: Food & Beverage, ms Maasdam | | 2 Comments