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Wednesday and Thursday on the Nieuw Amsterdam Wednesday Terrific

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

Pinnacle Grill's Baked Alaska

Usually, we have just walked around Grand Cayman. This time, we took a tour to the oldest “castle.” It is seeped in history and Norm will be writing a story about it.

Last night, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at The Pinnacle Grill on HAL’s Nieuw Amsterdam. The food and service were exceptional. Maralyn had black cod and scampi on a cedar plank that was tender and her choice over shellfish—very unusual. Norm opted for the rack of lamb, which were just as tender and flavorful.

We decided to enjoy entertainment in the lounges instead of a show and then relaxed and watched Julia and Julie in our room before bed.

Thursday—Up bright and early. Packed a laundry bag full of dirty clothes—like taking clean clothes home.

We are stopping in Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras. It is home to the world’s second largest barrier reef and we are going to take a tour to see all it has to offer, as well as hit a little village on the west end of the island.

More tomorrow, we are off for our breakfast. Maralyn will have some type of Benedict and who knows what Norm will pick today.

: Maralyn and Norm Hill

Maralyn D. Hill, The Epicurean Explorer & Norman E. Hill, Journalist

MDH-President, NEH – Member International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Where and What in the World, Books By Hills & Success with Writing

Tags: Holland America Line, Nieuw Amsterdam
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Nieuw Amsterdam Day Two and Three

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

Tamarind

Monday’s day at sea on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam was exceptional. However, Internet minutes flew away as we were posting. Since photos take too long to upload via satellite, they will be posted once we are on land. After Maralyn finished a story, she proceeded to take an hour nap in the reclining leather chair in the Explorations Café—even after a large cappuccino and watching the waves, lulled her to sleep. Norm read his book.

The highlight for both of us was dinner at Tamarind. It exceeded both of our expectations in service, presentation, flavor and ambiance. We each had different selections and we thoroughly enjoyed every course, not a little, but a lot. Consequently, we will be lunching there tomorrow for Dim Sum. Tamarind was such an unexpected experience, it deserves its own story, which will come later.

We both always enjoy musical productions and The Nieuw Amsterdam Entertainers in NYC was no let down. These talented singers and dancers managed to entertain the showroom of guests to great applause.

Today is Tuesday and we have another full day at sea and we will post this after we do our laps around the deck.

Maralyn had planned to attend Chef Derek’s presentation in the Culinary Arts Center, preparing two dishes from the Le Cirque inspired menu, but it conflicts with our Dim Sum. So we will just have to taste his dishes on the 29^th when we dine there.

Maralyn passed up her favorite stop on the Lido Deck Breakfast, the English Breakfast area with Eggs Benedict, any way you want them, because we have reservations for Dim Sum at 11:30. Therefore it’s up to Explorations Café for a cappuccino!

In the afternoon, we may attend the “Why Tai Chi?” Maralyn has experienced a little of it, but not Norm. The evening will offer another musical show called Garage Band. That name reminds us of the program on Maralyn’s MAC, but we’ll check it out.

We’re enjoying our cruise and next stop will be the Caymans, where we will be touring.

: Maralyn and Norm Hill

Maralyn D. Hill, The Epicurean Explorer & Norman E. Hill, Journalist

MDH-President, NEH – Member International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Where and What in the World, Books By Hills & Success with Writing

Tags: cruising, Pinnacle Grill, travel
Posted in Cruises, travel | No Comments »

Holland America Line’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam – Day One and Two

Monday, March 26th, 2012

Where and what in the world will have a different twist this week. Instead of posting recipes and stories from past trips, we are going to blog while cruising.

Champagne and Flower Welcome

We have cruised with many lines. This is our seventh cruise with Holland America on seven different ships. In the past, staterooms have provided a variety, from ocean view, veranda, to inside cabins. This time it’s inside, but decorated to make you feel that you have a view.

Yesterday:

We’ll have to say, entering the cabin, our bon voyage bouquet was gorgeous and the champagne was the topper.

The Nieuw Amsterdam, newest member of the fleet, certainly has a wow factor. The design throughout the ship is open and flows well. My favorite spot so far is the Explorations Café. What a spectacular surprise! The computers, library, café and lounge blend and flow like the sea. As I’m posting this, I’m sitting in one of the relaxing leather chairs, looking out the bow of the ship and enjoying cappuccinos.

Mixed Mushroom Appetizer at Dinner Photo: MDHill

We’re at Half Moon Cay today, with scads of activities from parasailing, kayaking, sailboats, horse back riding, or simply enjoying a beautiful beach. However, the winds are at twenty knots, so unfortunately for some, it is not advisable to tender ashore. So, off to a glorious day at sea while the crew is planning alternative activities for those who are now at sea instead of land.

But we both enjoy the ship when in port, reading and looking forward to afternoon tea at three. We enjoy all the various ports, but generally cruise simply to relax, read and have as many options as we may desire. When we first started cruising, we tried to do it all. Now, we just pick, choose, and enjoy.

This week, all of these posts will include some photos from each day and some of what this beautiful ship has to offer.