Apart from the charter change to Gustavia, the good ship Nieuw Amsterdam is following the same cruise as the Westerdam was doing last December so not many new ports to dream about and to bring excitement into our lives. Still a different ship means a different perspective and this time it is no different. Yes we are at the same island and call there for the same duration of time, but although it is a tender port and thus we are supposed to anchor, we don’t.
This diagram is from a supply vessel as in the off shore industry DP is standard practise to stay in position near the oil rigs.
The Nieuw Amsterdam and the Eurodam belong to the Signature Class of ships are the first ships who are really D.P friendly. D.P means Dynamic Positioning. That means in a simple explanation that the ship can keep itself in position by having the computer operate the Azipods and the Bow thrusters in relation to the position that the captain has decided upon on arrival. Input from the GPS tells the computer where the ship is and if that position is different to what it originally had been set at then the computer gives an order to push the ship back to its original location. Even if you work it manually, each class of company ships is more advanced and the software more sensitive, thus now with the Nieuw Amsterdam, it works very well. Even the Navigator today who was acting as the D.P computer (doing it manually) could work with a very sensitive and accurate system and keep the ship nicely on the exact spot.
Today there was a good reason for it as the wind was coming from the wrong direction. Luckily the wind was not too strong and the visit today could take place. Normally and ideally the wind comes here from the North East or East and as Half Moon Cay is in the west, the bay is nice and smooth without any swell. However there is a depression moving over the Bahamas and South Florida bringing North Westerly winds. That wind blows the waves straight into the bay. It causes a wobbly road for the tenders and can also cause unpleasant beach conditions. Although the wind today was not that strong, about 13 knots at the max, or a small force 4, the tenders still needed a good leeside to ensure a safe transfer. Thus the Nieuw Amsterdam kept the anchor up and stayed in deep water with the bow to the North instead of to the East. With the wind fine on the port bow and the thrusters keeping the ship from drifting it created a good day for going ashore. Although a bit chilly as the NW wind did not bring tropical warmth to the island so to speak.
Me as junior officer on the Statendam back in 1981. The other person in the back is Kees Joore currently captain on one of the Stena Ferries out of Rotterdam. For all to see on deck 7 of the N.A.
I will spend this week on preparing the ship and myself for the school class coming on the 14th. This time the course will last for 14 days as all the trainees are returning Holland America Line cadets and that means a lot less need for rehashing the basics again. I will also be blogging a bit about HAL history and things related as on this ship a large part of my Holland America photo collection is on display and “my” Nieuw Amsterdam model has pride of place in the Crow’s nest. I found even a photo from myself on one of the decks. I did not even know that the interior designer had pinched (for copying only) that one as well.
Tomorrow will be a sea day and then we will visit the port of Gustavia on St.Bartholome. There we will stay until late in the evening. A late evening call is possible as the next port St. Thomas is just around the corner.
February 8, 2016 at 8:52 pm
Captain, welcome back onboard! I have a question and I’m not sure of you can answer, but I’m simply curious!
HAL’s current muster situation is straightforward. On Koningsdam however, the promenade is not nearly the depth all the way around (boo!) so I was curious if she’ll implement an indoor muster similar to Princess. Any idea?
February 9, 2016 at 4:59 pm
Thank you for your continious support by reading my blog.
Yes we are going the Princess way with indoor mustering. The need for ever more facilities inside the ship to satisfy the guests, means the need for more an more space and that means the outside promenade shrinks. One advantage is that the guests will not have to stand in the burning heat or in the torrential rain as can happen now.
Best regards
Capt. Albert
February 9, 2016 at 7:41 am
Sorry your vacation is over, but so happy to be reading your experiences again.
Susan & Bennett Gottlieb
February 9, 2016 at 8:35 am
Captain,
It was a pleasure to meet you Sunday in the lido. Do you know if you will be able to do your history of Holland America Line lecture this week. Although this is a charter cruise, there are a high number of Hollamd America Line devotees onboard.
February 9, 2016 at 4:54 pm
Hello Brad,
I was amazed your recognized me by the jacket. Thank you for so carefully following my blog. As far as the lecture is concerned, I am always willing to do something for the guests, but as this is a charter it would have to come from the charterer and they also would have to have a public room available. If that would happen, then I will be available.
Best regards
Capt. Albert
February 9, 2016 at 9:26 am
Welcome back, I have missed your blogging. Half Moon Cay would be a perfect place for me right now, even if it is a bit cooler; much better than minus 10 or so Celsius and blowing snow. Have a great cruise and a great bunch of Cadets.
Helen
February 9, 2016 at 10:45 am
Glad to have back your blog. It was eagerly waited… Thank you.
February 9, 2016 at 5:15 pm
Nice to have you back Capt. Albert. Looking forward to your words on HAL history – I have enjoyed wondering around Nieuw Amsterdam looking at the photos from your collection on a past cruise.
February 22, 2016 at 6:52 pm
Can you tell that I’m trailing two weeks behind, Captain? Too bad your photo from 35 years ago is not really too clear as to the mop of hair you must have had! And, is that blond hair that many a woman pays a mint for to have that adorn her face?