January Reflections
Cruise Specialists hosts, Tom Mullen, Alex Tokar and Kirsten Ulmer, recap their experiences on the 2023 Holland America world cruise. Below is the opening installment, a wonderful summary of the first 30 days of the incredible voyage.
The cruise started with a warm welcome at the Bon Voyage Event in the Renaissance Ft. Lauderdale-Plantation Hotel. Guests were thrilled to be reunited with their cruise friends, Cruise Specialists staff and Voyage Hosts. It was reassuring to hear Cruise Specialists guests comment on how wonderful the Bon Voyage Event made them feel. “This really made us feel welcome” and “It was wonderful to have so many Cruise Specialists Staff available for help”. And with a smooth and seamless transfer from the hotel to Zuiderdam, just like that we began our voyage!
Our first port of call was Falmouth, Jamaica. The weather was pleasant for a walk and an opportunity to connect with the locals. Guests chose a variety of interesting excursions and explored bustling markets. Next, we stopped at Puerto Limon, with the opportunity to “Meet the Sloths” at the non-profit sloth sanctuary. Tom Mullen, a well-known and experienced Cruise Specialists Voyage Host, rounded out the day escorting a tour on an open boat down the Tortuguero Canal.
Transiting through the Panama Canal continues to be an enjoyable day for many seasoned passengers. The monologue from the Bridge kept everyone informed of the history of this canal, while the fertile green banks of the lakes visually enhanced the setting. Fuerte Amador, Panama, greeted guests with a series of welcoming cultural activities while visiting the authentic Embera villages.
After a wonderfully calm sail from the Panama Canal, our first port of call in French Polynesia was Nuku Hiva. Many of us viewed the stone Tikis and walked along the waterfront enjoying stellar views.
Papeete was an overnight stop for the ship. The countryside is just a short walk inland from the marina. Surrounded by lush natural beauty, we enjoyed the artistic expressions in the many murals on our way to visit the bustling Le Marche where all sorts of handcrafted objects, colorful materials and French baguettes are for sale. Ukulele musicians, ladies braiding flowers into crowns, and street performers can be seen here, too. In the evening, the passengers were treated with an outstanding show featuring fabulous Tahitian dancers and performers wearing intricate cultural costumes. Each performance was professional and entertaining, leaving us in awe at the skill level, giving the performers a standing ovation!
Everyone loved our visit to Moorea, a French Polynesian Island of incredible beauty! Guests enjoy their time swimming and snorkeling at white sand beaches, visiting historic churches and much more. This lush island often has downpours of rain, which is what happened the day we visited. The locals seem to be so accustomed to the sudden rain, they happily move items that have to be kept dry under shelter, or continue to walk in their flip flops, rain drops dripping off their heads. Tourists tend to bring out their umbrellas.
January 25th was our first Cruise Specialists cocktail party, where our guests re-established or formed new connections. A slide show of memories played in the background and music enhanced the ambiance to the already enthusiastic celebration. Holland America staff ensured that everyone’s glass was full, and appetizers were readily available.
So far, sea days have included the Zuiderdam Ball, where guests dressed in their formal attire, danced, and talked the night away. This event was celebrated in several locations, the most popular being the Rolling Stones Lounge. Another well-attended event was the Glamp-out, a variation on the camping theme, but much more elegant, with lively music by the Ship’s Band playing songs that most of us fondly remember. Additionally, on the sea days prior to arriving in Papeete, several guests played a Ukulele concert for everyone’s enjoyment.
The last port in January was Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga. Kiosks were set up at the dock with many curios, handicrafts and souvenirs available for sale. Guests milled about with their purchases, enjoying the friendliness of the locals. Everyone appreciated the many activities available on this island.
In addition to hosting cocktail parties for our guests, we also invited each of them to join us for dinner at Canaletto, concluding the month of January on a very positive and lively tone. It was yet another wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with each other.
2023 World Cruise February Recap >>
2023 World Cruise March Recap >>
See Holland America World Cruises >>
