As you know, my wife Marty and I were on the Eurodam the first week of March in 2013. Holland America Line just rolled out the Dancing with the Stars at Sea. My good friends Dwight and Connie Cenac just returned from an 11 day cruise on the Maasdam and both of them were chosen to be in the finals of the DWTS (at sea). Check out the videos here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5Uro3VqMwA and here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3gkEfE7SDk If YOU would like to know more about Holland America Line and the Dancing with the Stars at Sea, be sure to email me at slara1961@gmail.com or give me a shout at 904-382-7159! Scott
Country Music Cruise
April 25, 2013How would you like to hang out with the following country music legends?
Vince Gill
Kenny Rogers
Ronnie Milsap
Larry Gatlin &
The Gatlin Brothers
Patty Loveless
Jo Dee Messina
Restless Heart
Andy Griggs
Wade Hayes
Ty Herndon
Jamie O’Neal
Warren Brothers
Bryan White
Comedian Jon Reep
Host: Lorianne Crook
Plus Country Music’s #1 Party Band Chuck Mead (of BR 549) & His Grassy Knoll Boys
Email me today at slara1961@gmail.com for the details of the 2014 Country Music Cruise!
The Hilton Garden Inn, Ft Lauderdale
March 23, 2013My choice for pre and post cruise lodging in Ft Lauderdale!
Check out this brief video!
Videos and Pics of our March 2nd, Eurodam Cruise
March 10, 2013Click the link below for videos and pics of our Eurodam cruise:
Dancing with the Stars on the Eurodam
March 9, 2013Words cannot begin to the express the excitement of Dancing with the Stars on the Eurodam.
I’m uploading video now, but the finale on Friday night was incredible!
You will want to book a HAL cruise TODAY if:
You LOVE Dancing with the Stars,
You LOVE to Dance, and/or
You want a chance to win a free cruise!
Give me a shout at slara1961@gmail.com if you want more details and stay tuned for the video!
Scott
Day 7 on the Eurodam
March 9, 2013Marty and I have been to Half Moon Cay many times, both with Holland America Line and with our own Carnival Fascination right here in Jacksonville, Fl.
It was a little cool outside, so Marty stayed on the ship, but I jumped on one of the first tenders off the ship.
It’s critical that if you want to get a beach chair, get to HMC early!
I took a tour of the new villas on the beach!
Incredible! Hot tub, mini kitchen, loungers, etc. True luxury!
Pics and vids to come!
Scott
Day 6 on the Eurodam (At Sea Day)
March 9, 2013Nothing beats an at sea day on Holland America Line.
Marty enjoyed more of the HAL Digital Workshop classes.
Marty and I both received mini-facials (pics to come). I feel ten years younger!
We both enjoyed the Greenhouse Spa including the hydro-pool and the thermal chairs!
Very relaxing!
Pics and Vids to Come!
Scott
Day 5 on the MS Eurodam
March 9, 2013Marty and I have been to St. Thomas many times. We stepped off the ship and walked to the Pueblo which is a great local store.
We then caught the “Safari” which is the local bus. It’s only $1.00 so it’s much cheaper than a taxi.
We walked around downtown and looked for some free wi-fi!
One of the crew said you can pay $4.00 at the Asian restaurant near the pier, so we got back on the bus and headed back to the ship.
Marty went back on board and enjoyed several HAL Digital Workshop classes with Mollie. I was on the internet at the Asian restaurant, but the connection was very slow!
I went back to the ship and spent some time with the Martster!
If you haven’t experienced Holland America Line yet, I urge you to give me a shout! I would happy to tell you more about it!
Scott
Day 4 on the Holland America Line, MS Eurodam
March 7, 2013Day 4
Marty and I have been to San Juan several times. This time we took a tour of the rainforest! We enjoyed the 60 minute ride to El Yunque. This is the only subtropical rainforest in the U.S. We learned quite a bit about nature and the importance of this great natural resource.
While on the bus, a gentleman sitting behind me asked if I was on the Eurodam in Nov of 2011. I said yes. He replied that he was with a friend of his by the name of Jeff and his family on that cruise, and his friend Jeff thought I looked like PBS star and travel guru, Rick Steves. I vividly remember that moment, because Jeff was the 10th person on that cruise that day who asked if I was Rick Steves.
I promised myself in the morning whoever was the 10th person that would ask me that question that I would reply yes.
Of course when my wife walked up to us and was visibly displeased, the jig was up. The man walked away angry that I deceived him, but he was the lucky number 10 that day.
Later during the week of that cruise, I ran into Jeff in the elevator and apologized. He smiled and said no problem.
I told the gentleman on the bus to tell his friend Jeff that Rick said hi. He laughed and said that he’s sure Jeff would appreciate that!
After the shore excursion we walked to our favorite destination in San Juan, the CVS pharmacy. If you need anything during your Holland America Line cruise and you’re stopping in San Juan, the CVS pharmacy is located just steps away from the ship and has almost everything you could ask for.
Later that night Marty and I enjoyed an incredible dinner in the Pinnacle Grill on board the Eurodam. Marty enjoyed the surf and turf and I enjoyed the 10 ounce filet. The ambience, food and service of the Pinnacle Grill is truly 5 star. Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill is a MUST when you sail on Holland America Line.
After dinner I returned to the Queens Lounge and once again rocked to the sounds of the BB King Blues Club All Stars until midnight.
Later in the evening I attended the Filipino Crew show. Filipinos make up a large number of the crew and I thought it was important to attend as our friend Glynda who is on the Eurodam with us serving in the Explorer Lounge personally invited me to attend. Glynda is one of the crew who we met back during our March 2012, 14 day Maasdam Southern Caribbean cruise.
I really enjoyed the show and learned much about the Filipino culture!
I will be posting pictures and videos later this week.
Scott
In Grand Turk on the MS Eurodam
March 4, 2013Today is Monday, March 4th and we docked in Grand Turk this morning.
Back in Nov 2011 during our Thanksgiving cruise, the Eurodam wasn’t able to dock in Grand Turk due to bad weather. I was disappointed because Grand Turk is one of my favorite ports. You can’t beat the huge pool at the Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville and the free wi-fi!
The skies were cloudy and it was windy when we docked this a.m.
Marty and I walked over the Margaritaville and had a couple sodas while I did some work (blogging and real work that actually pays the bills!)
If you don’t get a great wi-fi signal at Margaritaville, walk over to the smoothie shop. They have great wi-fi there.
After returning to the ship around 11:30 a.m., we ate lunch on the Lido deck.
Shortly after lunch, Marty and I walked out to the back pool deck and I thought I recognized a familiar face from the past.
I said hello to crew member Glynda and shouted to Marty. Glynda was one of our favorite staff on our March 2012, 14 day Southern Caribbean Maasdam cruise!
Marty and I hugged Glynda and we quickly caught up with each other. That’s another reason why Marty and I love Holland America Line. We get to know the crew and it’s a great reunion when we see them on another cruise! Just like seeing Cruise Director JT, Hotel Manager Stan Kuppens, and so many other officers and crew of HAL, it’s great to see them again and again.
As we departed Grand Turk, I had the opportunity to interview Tommy Peters, CEO of the BB Kings Blues Club. Tommy mentioned there are 4 clubs on land, and Holland America Line just recently brought one of the bands to the MS Eurodam. Interestingly enough, the members of the band only met about 3 weeks ago and they are working together to bring some incredible entertainment to the Eurodam.
We all know that passengers turn in early on Holland America Line, but no longer. With the BB Kings Blues Club on board, guests are dancing until the wee morning hours. The band is eating up the excitement and giving it right back to the audience.
Marty and I will be dining in the incredible Pinnacle Grill tonight.
Talk to you on Tuesday during #cruisechat from San Juan.
Scott Lara, Scott Lara1961 on Twitter.
Peace!
