It’s terrific to be back on board the ms Prinsendam and see many familiar faces: Captain Christopher Turner and Hotel Manager Frits Gehner, along with Cruise Director Thom Faulkner and assistant cruise directors Melissa and Sparky. Gary Mangahas is the guest relations manager. And the extraordinary port lecturer Frank Buckingham is onboard and Buddy is back at the piano in the Crow’s Nest.Many of the staff has been on for both the Grand South America and the Grand Africa voyages, so they will be off for vacation soon. About 40 guests are still onboard for this sailing, following the 73-Day Grand Africa Voyage. Those we’ve met have reported they had an amazing journey.
We were curious to see the ship after its December update. The staterooms bathrooms and closets have been upgraded, with new tiles along with new tubs, toilets and sinks in the bathrooms. The walk-in closets now have built-in drawers. The library is expanded into an explorations café, while the Java café remains as it was. We particularly appreciate having wireless internet access in our stateroom on the main deck.