One of the advantages of sailing on a half full ship is that we get to do things that we can’t often do and see things that we can’t often see. The Volendam arranged to take us on “Behind the Scenes” tours of the ship, a few people at a time, spread out over sea days. Our day was April 14.
Our first stop was the bridge, where we split into two groups, each meeting on one of the bridge wings and each given the tour by cadets, officer candidates, for the Dutch Merchant Marine.
Then it was to the kitchens, the special kitchen for the Pinnacle Grill, the bakery and the general food prep areas.
In the food prep areas they had nice displays set up. I doubt they are there most days. Then to the dish room.
We visited the laundry. They had a huge “mangle” an iron for sheets. I had not seen one of those since we broke up Suzi’s grandmother’s house. There was one in the basement. We also applauded the guys who do our laundry.
Then there were the stores. We learned how food is place in locations and moved as new stores are loaded in so that the oldest is the next used. Fortunately we were in the rooms before we took on a large load of stores, so we had room to move. We went into the cold locker and then into the booze locker, which also has a stock of M&Ms. They told us it was the crew’s special stash, along with a carton of Snickers.
In the liquor locker we were each given a choice of champaign, mimosas, or something non alcoholic.
The Engine Control Room was a highlight. Again cadets gave us the run down. One warned us that alarms go off all the time so don’t be “alarmed.” “In fact, one may go off while you are here.” Almost immediately one obliged. The ship has diesel engines that generate electricity. Electric motors turn the blades and run almost everything else.
We saw waste disposal. Large bags to be unloaded in the next port. There is also a food digester that takes all waste food, adds enzymes similar to what our gut produces, and reduces the waste food to liquid.
And finally, crew areas. We were happy to see that Clea, one of the waitresses who serves us in the Lido at breakfast was up for Employee of the Month.
