Owen Foundation Website

Cruise on the ms Statendam, Holland America line.  30 day round trip from San Diego, on Sept 25, 2008. I'm starting to get excited!

The Statendam is 720 feet, so she isn't over-populated. I've been on her before, quite a few years ago with family on an Alaska cruise. Beautiful ship, and she's been refurbished/redecorated since then.  I'm on the Nav Deck again, it's really nice, more spacious rooms, very plush, there is concierge service, and it is quieter than some of the other areas. Plus - a large balcony!  Very useable on a tropical cruise.

The suite has some extra amenities that I want to be sure to take advantage of on this long cruise. They will serve hors d'oeuvres before dinner each evening on request. (better not take advantage of that too often....I could end up a blimp! :)  Binoculars are provided if you request, and I will!  Daily breakfast is available, as is high tea service in  suite on request.  And all suite guests have access to the Neptune Lounge as a private place  to socialize, plus the services of a concierge.

Ports of call are Hilo, Kona, Lahaina, Maui, Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kauai, in Hawaii; then we cross the equator. The next ports are Raiatea, Bora Bora, Papeete, Moorea, in French Polynesia, and then Nuka Hiva in the Marquesas before returning to San Diego.

New to me on this cruise is the Culinary Arts Center, which is overseen by Food & Wine Magazine. There is a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen with cooking lessons for guests. The Crow's Nest has been redecorated too, that is a great place to get views of landfalls as you approach or leave ports. And I see they are now offering low-carb options in the dining rooms with their five-course menus.

Plenty of days at sea between locations. I am taking my new Amazon Kindle loaded with new books. What a fantastic little device that is turning out to be. My cover is personalized with a large friendly pic saying "Don't Panic" beneath it. Truly, you can carry the world's knowledge with you now, wherever you go. Just load up before you leave U.S. cellphone coverage!