Thanks to Keith Larby for sending in some cuisine images and dining areas aboard Ryndam! To see more of Keith’s photography visit his website.

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Topics: Europe, Food & Beverage, ms Ryndam | | No Comments

On a quiet day in Kristiansand we decided to replace some broken bulbs in the display cabinet of some of the antiques that we have on board.

I took the opportunity to make some quick repairs on the ship model in the case. Over the years the anchor had dropped off as well as the rudder had become “unhinged”. The ship model is a so-called “church model.” This type of model was donated to the church to thank god upon safe return and to ask for the same on the next voyage.

Please note the hook with which it is suspended from the ceiling.

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Topics: Captain's Log, ms Ryndam | | No Comments

Today is our 140th Birthday! Throughout the day we’ll be posting all of the wonderful photos and well-wishes that we received to mark the occasion!!

STATENDAM:

Photo courtesy of Ian Kee, Statendam’s photo manager.

RYNDAM:
Ryndam’s 140 anniversary cake is finished. It is more than 24 feet wide and 6 feet high. It has the Ryndam in the middle of course with the Holland Amerika Lijn building on one side and the status of liberty on the other side. In front of it are the other 14 HAL ships “sailing” round the globe. The display also has 140 orange cupcakes. It will be on display during in the atrium during the 140 years anniversary celebrations. This display was accomplished through great teamwork between engineering, deck and hotel department.

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Topics: HAL History, ms Ryndam, ms Statendam | | 1 Comment

HAL Mariner Lynn Hardey is back at her famous shipbuilding! She sent us this photo of her latest creation — “Signdam” — that she built complete with lights during her recent HAL cruise on Ryndam. To date we have featured nine of her previous creations on the blog: Poordam II, Boodam II, Sheepledam, Halraiserdam, Zippidydam, Spamdam, Waytoofinedam, Woohoodam and Rhymedam. Great job, Lynn!

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

It’s not everyday that you get to capture such a beautiful and haunting weather phenomena.

Rico Dabay
Plumber
ms Ryndam

Topics: Explorer's Scrapbook, ms Ryndam | | No Comments

Dear Holland America:

I just want to say that EVERYONE on our cruise on the Ryndam was simply wonderful. Our maître d’ in the upper Rotterdam Dining room (left side) was so attentive, kind, and helpful to us. We have food allergies and he went above and beyond to make sure that we had wonderful dinners while keeping us safe. Dodi and Catur, our dining staff, were excellent, fun, and so kind. I miss them!

Edward, the DJ and Cruise Director in training, was so nice to us all. Every time he saw us he smiled and encouraged us to get involved in the great activities. Due to his attention we tried line dancing, joined other activities, and had a great time. His boots were awesome, btw!

Leah, the beverage waitress in the Crow’s nest, was a sweetheart and answered many questions or us regarding our curiosities about cruise life. She helped us choose “mocktails” and chatted with us each time we visited the Crow’s Nest. Great girl!

Our stateroom attendants were so nice and respectful. One even showed us how to make a Towel Animal one night. So fun! Cabin 671.

The security staff was SO MUCH fun! They kidded with us when we were checking in and out of the boat at ports, smiled and called us by name, and just made the whole thing so much fun. Neil and his staff were just great.

Everyone deserves a raise – from corporate of course – so that the prices will stay low and I can come again!!

Blessings and Hope to see you all again soon. – Dina Fox

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

Here’s a picture of the beautiful Ryndam high and dry in Grand Bahamas dry-dock number 3 during her bi-annual maintenance period.

Andrew Barker, Safety Officer
ms Ryndam

Ryndam in dry dock at Freeport, Bahamas.

Topics: ms Ryndam, Technical | | 3 Comments

Mariners Nancy and Doug Crosbie cruised with HAL three times this year, each time on a different ship. They were kind enough to share a photo from each voyage. Thanks Nancy and Doug!

In Belize with Ryndam in the background.

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Topics: Baltic/Northern Europe, Half Moon Cay, Mariner Voices, ms Eurodam, ms Noordam, ms Ryndam | | 4 Comments