In just a few weeks, my wife & I will be joining the Oosterdam in Athens Greece for a 3-week cruise around the Mediterranean Sea. Before we leave, and I begin blogging about this cruise, I decided getting to know the ship better would be best. We have sailed with her before. A South America cruise from Valparaiso Chile to Buenos Aires Argentina in February and March of 2023.
Since I am nowhere near the ship currently sailing between Sardinia, Italy, and Tunis, Tunisia, we conducted our meeting over Zoom.
Oosterdam Basics
Booze Cruzer: Thank you for agreeing to this interview, MS Oosterdam. It’s not every day one gets to chat with a cruise ship.
MS Oosterdam: (laughing) The pleasure is all mine, Booze Cruzer. It’s nice to have someone to chat with besides the Captain and Chief Engineer.
Booze Cruzer: Let’s start with the basics. How old are you?
MS Oosterdam: Ah, the question every lady dreads! But no worries, I’m proud of my age. I was born, or rather launched, on July 10, 2003. So, I’m in my early twenties.
Booze Cruzer: Twenty-one, to be exact.What’s going on with that name; Oosterdam?
MS Oosterdam: Well, I’m one of Holland America’s Vista series. We’re named for the points of the compass. I’m East, which in my native Dutch is Ooster. Holland appends dam to all its ship’s names, which is why some refer to us as those dam ships.
Booze Cruzer: Where were you built?
MS Oosterdam: I was constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. Quite a beautiful place to start life, wouldn’t you agree?
Booze Cruzer: Absolutely. Now, tell me about your crew. How many people does it take to keep you running smoothly?
MS Oosterdam: I have a wonderful crew of about 800 members. They come from all over the world, bringing diverse talents and cultures aboard, but most are from Indonesia and the Philippines. It’s like having a mini–United Nations at sea.
Booze Cruzer: That must create a vibrant atmosphere. How about your propulsion system? What keeps you moving through the water?
MS Oosterdam: I’m powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system, which includes six diesel generators and two Azipod propulsion units. These allow me to cruise gracefully at a maximum speed of 24 knots, but I normally cruise at less than 20 knots. It’s quite a smooth ride if I do say so myself.
The Oosterdam Keeps the Guests Happy
Booze Cruzer: Impressive! And how do you keep your guests entertained?
MS Oosterdam: Oh, there’s never a dull moment on board. I have a variety of entertainment options, including Broadway-style shows at the Vista Show Lounge, live music at the B.B. King’s Blues Club, and even cooking demonstrations at America’s Test Kitchen. And for those who prefer a quieter time, there’s the Explorations Café powered by The New York Times.
Booze Cruzer: Sounds like there’s something for everyone. What about dining options?
MS Oosterdam: Ah, the food! The primary form of entertainment on board for some of our guests. I have several dining venues to satisfy all taste buds. There’s the elegant main dining room, the Pinnacle Grill for a more refined experience, Canaletto for Italian fare, and the casual Lido Market for a wide variety of international cuisines.
Let’s Cruise
Booze Cruzer: I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. What about your itineraries? Where do you usually sail?
MS Oosterdam: I offer a variety of itineraries, from the stunning fjords of Alaska to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean. Each voyage is a new adventure, filled with breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences. Right now, I am sailing a 23-day one-way cruise from Trieste Italy to Civitavecchia, Italy, the gateway to the eternal city of Rome.
Booze Cruzer: With such an illustrious career, what has been your most memorable voyage?
MS Oosterdam: That’s a tough one. Every voyage has its unique charm, but the Grand World Voyage holds a special place in my heart. Imagine circling the globe, visiting over 40 ports in more than 20 countries. It’s a journey of a lifetime for both guests and crew.
Booze Cruzer: That does sound incredible. Lastly, any words of wisdom for those considering a cruise on the MS Oosterdam?
MS Oosterdam: Just one – embark! Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, there’s something magical about setting sail and leaving your worries behind. Come aboard, explore the world with me, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Booze Cruzer: Wise words indeed. Thank you, MS Oosterdam, for this delightful conversation.
MS Oosterdam: Thank you, Booze Cruzer. I am thrilled you and your charming wife will be sailing with me again in a few weeks. My crew and I will do our best to ensure you have another memorable cruise.
Booze Cruzer: And there you have it, folks – a delightful chat with the MS Oosterdam herself. If you haven’t considered a cruise with her yet, what are you waiting for? Bon voyage!