Traveling with the Jones — Sharing Travel Discoveries

Martini Madness Onboard Holland America’s ms Veendam

by Janis on August 14, 2012

We have just returned from a 7-day cruise to Bermuda sailing round trip from New York on board Holland America Line’s ms Veendam. One of the events we enjoyed onboard was the Mixology Class, led by Party Planner Jillian and The Mix lead bartender Rob.

Exploring Food & Entertaining is one of the “pillars” of the onboard programming on the Veendam. Party Planner Jillian leads most of these activities and she is fantastic at her job. Other exploration themes include travel — with lectures and other destination-focused activities, technology –featuring digital workshops and wellbeing — focused on health and fitness activities.

During Mixology Class participants learn how to make three different signature cocktails, and drink them for $15 or watch without tasting for free. Printed take-home recipe cards are distributed. Rob and Jillian make this FUN as there is a whole lot of shaking going on.

Our favorite drink of the class was The Fashionista which includes fresh raspberries or blackberries, pineapple vodka, raspberry syrup, sour-mix and soda well shaken with ice.

The Gins Cup contains fresh cucumber slices, Pims, gin, St. Germain liqueur, and house-made sour. It sounds so healthy.

With all of the shaking required to make these drinks, Jillian leads the bartenders and the participants in singing while shaking.

These hospitality superstars know how to make certain that everyone has a good time.

After all of the muddling, mixing and shaking, it’s time to sample the efforts. First, Jillian makes a toast.

Have you sailed on Holland America Line? Which explorations activities did you enjoy?

You also may also enjoy these posts about our Bermuda cruise from New York City .”;

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Destination Discovery: Hamilton, Bermuda

by Janis on August 13, 2012

We have just returned from a 7-day cruise to Bermuda sailing round trip from New York on board Holland America Line’s ms Veendam. The cruise departed New York City late Sunday afternoon, arriving into Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital city on Tuesday morning, were we docked until Friday at 12 noon. Here are some of our discoveries around Hamilton.

Views from Around Hamilton, Bermuda

The ship docked right along Front Street, for easy on-and-off access. Bermuda’s British history dates to 1609 when the Sea Venture — a British ship carrying colonists to Jamestown, Virginia — ran aground off the islands. The stranded survivors established the first permanent settlement, which became a British Crown Colony three years later, in 1612.

The Hamilton City Hall and Arts Center opened in 1960. Its weathervane features a model of the Sea Venture ship. The ship’s maritime calamity was key to the development of Bermuda.

The Bermuda National Gallery occupies the second floor of the City Hall. Admission is free but photos inside the gallery are not allowed. This poster promotes one of the exhibits.

Bermuda’s pink and blue public buses link Hamilton to all Bermuda destinations. The Hamilton Bus Station is next to the City Hall. Rental cars are not allowed in Bermuda.

The Perot Post Office dates to the 1800’s but is still in use today.

Inside, the post office looks at it did in the 1800s, except that electric lights provide illumination rather than the candles.

Queen Elizabeth Park was once the private estate of Bermuda’s first postmaster, William Perot.

Filled with large shady trees, colorful flowers, sculptures and other art, Queen Elizabeth Park offers an ideal place to relax.

The rubber tree at the park’s entrance was imported from British Guiana in 1847. Mark Twain, a frequent visitor to Bermuda, joked of his disappointment that the tree didn’t bear overshoes or water bottles.

Bermudian businessmen do wear pink Bermuda shorts and knee socks for formal business attire.

The Hog Penny is one of Hamilton’s famous pubs, where one might enjoy a pint with their lunch or dinner.

This is only half of an order of fish and chips at the Hog Penny Pub, also known for its Bermuda fish chowder, made with white fish, sausage, sherry peppers and a splash of Black Seal rum.

On Front Street, conveniently close to the cruise pier, the Port O’ Call is a popular restaurant. Its bar features a daily Happy Hour from 5-7 pm and it a favorite of ex-pats and business people living and/or working in Bermuda.

A “Dark and Stormy” is the local beverage of choice made with black rum floated on top of ginger beer with a wedge of lime. We enjoyed this version at the Port O’ Call.

Have you visited Hamilton? What did you enjoy most about Bermuda?

You also may also enjoy these posts about our Bermuda cruise from New York City .”;

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An Evening at Le Cirque onboard the Veendam

by Janis on August 12, 2012

We have just returned from a 7-Day Bermuda cruise sailing round trip from New York on Holland America Line’s ms Veendam. One of our favorite experiences on the Veendam was the “Evening at Le Cirque” dining event in the ship’s Pinnacle Grill alternative restaurant.

Our Evening at Le Cirque began with special Bernardaud china adorned with adorable impish monkeys.

For one night only on each 7-day cruise, the Pinnacle Grill is converted to the legendary Le Cirque French restaurant founded by Sirio Maccioni, from the whimsical orange china to the famous crí¨me brí»lée dessert.

After ordering from the special Le Cirque menu, our waiter delivered an amuse bouche of whipped foie gras with a rhubarb chutney. This was a divine start to what was a simply fabulous meal.

There is a special Le Cirque wine list but the regular wine list is also available. We choose to start with a glass of Veuve Clicquot, followed by wines from our Holland America Admiral’s wine package.

The Lobster Salad “le Cirque” featured a lobster tail, avocado, haricots verts, new potatoes and citrus segments.

The Le Trio appetizer included smoked salmon, foie gras pate and caviar.

The bowl for the butternut squash soup was delivered with only the huckleberries and sage Chantilly creme.

Our server then carefully poured the butternut squash liquid into our bowls, creating soup that looked like art

Mr. Jones chose chateaubriand for his entree. Dhonna, our server, expertly carved the beef beside our table.

Horseradish flan and sweet & sour baby beets accompanied the perfectly-prepared chateaubriand.

The black cod was served on a bed of creamy leek fondue surrounded by a red wine sauce.

For dessert, I chose the traditional chocolate soufflé with vanilla gelato.

Mr. Jones enjoyed the Crí¨me Brí»lée “le Cirque”.

Those who eat every bite are rewarded with the Crí¨me Brí»lée recipe on the bottom of the ramekin.

Coffees are served with special Le Cirque treats, all of which are unusual and delicious.

Later in the evening, when we returned to our stateroom, we found one more surprise on our bed.

The little gold Le Cirque box contains two drawers. Each housed a truffle, a delightful take-home memory.

This leisurely dining experience takes several hours. An Evening at Le Cirque costs $39 per person, although Four-Star Mariners receive a 50 percent discount on this as well as their other Pinnacle Grill dining charges.

If you want to attend An Evening at Le Cirque on board a Holland American cruise, it is best to book online before your cruise. Reservations are limited and they are quickly snapped up on many cruises.

Do you dined at Le Cirque at sea or on land? What was your favorite dish?

You also may also enjoy these posts about our Bermuda cruise from New York City .”;