By Myrtle Ryan
Durban - Exotic distant ports, leisurely days at sea, fine dining. Though I like my travel to revolve round the fringes of adventure, a stint on board the stately Amsterdam would not be a hardship.
What appealed most were the extra activities such as art workshops; regionally focused culinary workshops and hands-on cooking classes; wine tasting; a digital workshop; tai chi, yoga or other healthy activities.
If you have the time, there are more than 5 000 books to choose from. Extended cruises have book discussions hosted by an on-board librarian.
Emily Butler, the librarian on the Amsterdam, took us on a guided tour of the ship. She said she always has a least six books on the go at any time.
Dance hosts whirl passengers around the dance floor – always a boon for ladies travelling alone, or with a flat-footed, no-rhythm man in tow.
A chance to flash a ballgown at one of the grand balls sounded irresistible, and we were told several guests pack special costumes for the cultural-event evenings.
An indication of the popularity of Holland America Line’s ships was that we didn’t get an opportunity to see inside any of the elegant staterooms because they were all occupied.
If the excellent lunch we tucked into is anything to go by, even endless visits to the spa and gym, or laps of the swimming pool, will not beat the battle of the bulge. Blame that on the culinary council, composed of some of the world’s most influential chefs who put their chefs’ hats together to come up with delicious dishes.
Passengers who keep returning are the best endorsement, and over lunch Lesley and Grant Cherry from Joburg mentioned they had been on five previous cruises on different Holland America Line ships and another was in the pipeline.
“The most memorable thing is the superb service,” said Grant, pointing out many of the staff wore a special pin, indicating they had been trained by the line’s own hotel school.
Lesley said her favourite ship was the smaller Prinsendam and their favourite destination had been Alaska. “That is God’s world,” she said.
With one crew member to every two guests, passengers can expect sharp, but non-intrusive service. Ultimately, though, the destinations on offer play a large role in the decision on which cruise to take.
These are constantly being tweaked to entice passengers, and as the line celebrated its 140th anniversary this year, it’s had plenty of time to refine these.
Some that caught my eye were: The Voyage of the Vikings, taking in Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Canada and New England; cruises around the Greek isles, visiting Istanbul; a circumnavigation of Australia, with visits to Lombok and Komodo Island in Indonesia.
Also on offer are a trip from Sydney via Fiji, and Pago-Pago in American Samoa; one from San Diego, California to Rangiroa, Moorea, Bora-Bora, Raiatea, Tahiti, Christmas Island and Hawaii; a trip from Boston to Quebec City in Canada; a bevy of Caribbean destinations; and a Mediterranean cruise which includes Tunisian ports.
And there’s a special trip through the Panama Canal next year to mark the canal’s 100th anniversary.
Visit www.hollandamerica.com
What can passengers expect by way of a day’s outing in Durban?
Durban highlights in the city; the Valley of a Thousand Hills; Shakaland cultural village; Tala Game Reserve; Ardmore ceramics and Howick Falls.
Those who want to do their own thing rather than go on a guided tour are directed to the Bartle Art Centre, Durban Art Gallery, KwaMuhle Museum, City Hall, Francis Farewell Square, Tourist Junction, Wilson’s Wharf, the Jumah Mosque, Muthi and Victoria Street Markets, Botanic Gardens, uShaka Marine World, SunCoast Casino and the Golden Mile. As to specialities of the city, a bunny chow and rickshaw ride are recommended.
Incidentally, from the crow’s nest on the ship, one gets a spectacular view of Durban harbour and the sub-tropical growth of Glenwood. It all looks very inviting, and if I were a first-time visitor I might find myself particularly drawn to the skyline, where the University of KZN’s Howard College campus catches the eye, mid-frame. - Sunday Tribune