20.02.2024 Oosterdam

So, now to our "home" for the next two weeks. The "Oosterdam" is one of eleven ships of the "Holland America Line"! They celebrated their 125th anniversary this year and started in the transport sector, bringing many emigrants from Europe to America. Now they only have cruise ships that belong to the Carnival Group, but they operate as their own company. Similar to the AIDA Group, which also belongs to Carnival. So, our ship was delivered in 2003 and completely refurbished in 2019. It accommodates 2,388 passengers and 812 crew members on board. By the way, Holland America Line only has ships of this size, which provides a certain clarity compared to the large cruise ships that can accommodate up to 6,000 people on board. During our tour, there were 1,806 passengers and 736 crew members on board. Many nationalities among the passengers and even more within the crew. Only the number of German passengers stuck in our minds, 176 to be precise!

The Oosterdam is 285 meters long, 37 meters wide, and 66 meters high! It's not a small box. Since only Karin's suitcases were outside the door upon arrival, we went on a sightseeing tour right away. Our cabin (1047) was on the 1st floor (Main Deck) and there were a total of 11 floors. Floors 2 and 3 housed the large main stage for major events, a bar (Billboard), and a smaller lounge (Rolling Stone Lounge) with a small stage and dance floor. Of course, there was also a corner for gambling machines and card games, and probably even roulette!? In the back, there were small shops for jewelry, watches, perfume, clothing, souvenirs, etc. Who needs all that?! But people buy everything, otherwise such an offer would not exist. An art auction house (West Park) also had a representation on Deck 2. The main office is said to be in South Africa, and there are representations on many cruise ships and two bases in America! Allegedly the world's most profitable art auction house! We were supposed to get proof of that later on. Keep reading! There was also a separate photo gallery area where all the photos taken by the photographers of the passengers during the day were offered. And people were frequently photographed! While checking in front of a picture of the Oosterdam, while promenading on the deck, while eating in the "upscale" restaurants (? ? more on that later??) in front of different backgrounds of the passing scenery, and on request in their own little studio corners with a concert grand piano or stylish bench! Photos upon photos were offered and were quite cheap at $15. Because otherwise, people wouldn't buy them, right? It's truly a channel, "The behavior of people on cruises"! On these two floors, there was also the Vista Dining Restaurant, which offered buffet breakfast and à la carte dinner. On sea days, there was also afternoon tea with a tiered cake stand filled with small snacks! The next decks were only occupied by sleeping cabins! The higher we went, the more elegant these cabins and the offerings became. By chance, we found Neptune's Lounge. We took a break here and marveled at the serious furnishings with books, games, and a solid coffee machine. A lounge manager was busy with a guest at his desk, so we helped ourselves to small pieces of cake, coffee, and tea. A bottle of white wine was also part of the offer. But all of this was only for the distinguished passengers on the higher decks. In the 10th and 11th floors, there were private cabins, which we suspected had butler service, but we couldn't get a glimpse. Only the bar at the very top (Crowe's Nest) is apparently also open to the common public. But for us, the 9th DECK (Lido Deck) was the most interesting: In the front part, there was the gym and spa area. While spying around, Karin immediately ran into a trainer and signed up for all the yoga and pilates classes and other offerings for the next 14 days. That was supposed to cost an additional $99, while I was content with the free use of bicycles and weight machines. So, nothing stood in the way of our future physical activities. On the way to the back of the Lido deck, we passed a pool that was located in a covered area and was flanked by many sun loungers. There were also two table tennis tables here. But the entire area had more of a swimming pool vibe with alcohol on offer in Mallorca! In the back of Deck 9 (Upper Promenade Deck), there was another pool, but outdoors. In addition, two well-heated whirlpools and a bar, but all were open-air! And at the edge, there was the smoking area, very generously designed. On the AIDA, it was more like a dingy corner, without seating or drink service provided!? Quite a striking difference!

On this deck, there was also the buffet dining area. So there were 8 counters where a variety of food options were provided. A friendly chef fulfilled all wishes and filled the plates. Many things could also be added on your own, but always with a pair of tongs! There was everything and also with daily changing offerings. The poor body that had to process all of this! No one can go to the fitness area that often to burn off the calories, right?! We can't list everything that dazzled us and made us hungry! Insane!!! But as always, there were many travelers who piled their plates high and then left most of it uneaten!? Going twice is apparently too complicated for many! Next to the food stands, there were drink machines where we could stock up on lemonade, iced tea, water, coffee, and tea all day long. Even though it was technically not allowed, guests filled their water bottles and thermos flasks here, especially on days when land excursions were scheduled. We had to search for free seats but could also eat on the Promenade Deck! Sometimes we were lucky and sat at a window table for two, but mostly at a table for four or six. The disadvantage of that was that it led to conversations: often superficial American chatter, but sometimes interesting topics as well. Eating, fetching more food, ordering drinks, and chatting again! The meals of the day were never boring! Observing the guests brought a lot of variety.

In the early evening, we took one of the approximately 24 elevators back to Deck 1 and landed in bed!