We set sail from Dubrovnik at around 2130, Friday evening. Actually, we didn't set any sails. Captain Smit gave the order and the electric engines began to turn, we eased away from the pier, and made our way out the channel to the Adriatic, where again the surface was flat and the ride was smooth.
People talk of the need for clean power for ships, among other large power applications. This ship is already powered by electricity. We have three 1.9 MW (2,500 hp) bow thrusters and two 17.6 MW (23,600 hp) aft-mounted Azipods. Electrical power for these engines (along with the other power requirements of the ship) is supplied by six diesel generators. So the question becomes not how to move the ship, but how to generate the electrical power to drive those engines.
There are explorations in progress for this power, including rigid sails, solar panels, small nuclear reactors, hydrogen power cells, etc., but there is not one solution and perhaps there will be multiple solutions depending on the application.
Our first cruise with Holland America was on the old SS Rotterdam, a true steamship. The props were driven, through reduction gears, by steam turbines. As was normal with such propulsion systems, the whole ship vibrated when we were underway. Incidentally, the SS Rotterdam is retired and berthed permanently in Rotterdam as an historical attraction and hotel. Makes me feel historical myself. Guess that comes from being somewhat ancient. ;-)
The Azipod units that provide the main thrust for this ship, and many others, are quieter and much more efficient. The propeller and its driving engine are mounted in an external pod that can be rotated thus delivering thrust in any direction. In normal operation, the propeller faces forward like an airplane propeller, operating in undisturbed water and delivering a 10-20% increase in efficiency over stern facing props, depending on the competition.
While the engines were efficiently driving (pulling) us forward, I considered various things. As the Walrus said to the Carpenter, or was it to the oysters(?), "...it's time to talk of many things. Of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings."
The passageway outside our stateroom is long. I paced it off and made it to be 175' to an offset, 455' main passageway, followed by 45' following another offset, for a total of 675'. This seems about right since the ship measures about 975' from bowsprit to fantail.
I think I mentioned earlier that this ship is larger than the usual HAL ship. Normally four laps around the Promenade Deck equals one mile. On this one the posted signs say three laps equal one mile. I paced off one lap and calculated 5115 feet. but my pace might not equal exactly 2.5' plus I cut short some of the corners. Anyway, I reckon three laps is close to 5,280' (one mile), or close enough for my needs.
While cruising I enjoy people watching. On shore there are the local customs, dress, sights and foods. On board, there are scenery, the passengers, the foods, and the crew.
The scenery varies, believe it or not, even while at sea. The big things jump out. As we got closer to the top (NW) of the Adriatic Sea, I counted at least 18 oil drilling rigs located strategically along the way. There were more dolphins and jumping fish to be seen, if you watched closely. The color of the water varies, depending on the weather and time of day. The apparent wind varies in direction and strength. Yesterday I saw a butterfly, either hitching a ride or a long way out of its normal habitat. You get the idea... Always something to observe.
The passengers are a microcosm of society at large. While walking the deck, I see the readers, knitters, striders, sleepers, dreamers, and talkers. Each does their own thing, and jumps to other categories, depending on the time of day or inclination.
Formerly, the crew consisted of people of two nationalities, three if you consider the officers, who are mostly from The Netherlands. The men are from Indonesia and the women were traditionally from the Philippines. From two years ago, according to our cabin steward, HAL began recruiting women from Thailand and Indonesia as well. Of course, those are only the main sources. The casino staff has traditionally been recruited from Great Britain, the entertainment staff from the US, the medically team from Europe, etc. No matter their home country, the staff I've interfaced with have been friendly and welcoming.
The food aboard is usually quite good, as it is one of the selling points for cruise ships. There are several venues and passengers are free to choose where and how often to eat. Breakfast is served in the dining room, the Explorations Café, and the Lido Marketplace. We usually go to the dining room, although occasionally we go to the Lido. Some pax never go to the dining room and some always do. Some go to both on the same day. I've never been to the Café for breakfast although we have gone there for a specialty coffee in the early afternoon.
Lunch is available in the dining room, the Lido, or you can order a pizza at New York Pizza (1130-2330), or a hamburger or hotdog from the Dive-In (1130-1730) near the main swimming pool.
Dinner is served in the dining room, and for an additional nominal charge, you can eat in the Pinnacle Grill (Fine dining), Canaletto (Italian), or Tamarind & Nami (Asian fusion & Sushi). The Lido is open from 1730-2000 and again from 2230-2330 daily. Plenty of options for hungry folks.
I sometimes ruminate about why cruising is attractive to me. All of the above play a part and then there's the attraction of the freedom to do as much or as little as you want. Some people rush around all day, going on excursions, playing Bingo, eating, drinking, watching shows or listening to recitals. Then there are those who lounge in deck chairs most of the day on the deck or by the pool, or those who start the day with a Bloody Mary and end with a nightcap. Different strokes, as the saying goes.
Whatever it is, sign me up for the next cruise.
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