May 8th - At Sea

 

Bakti – Somehow he is able to know what needs to be done and when. He works so hard, but takes the time to stop and ask about your day. He makes you feel like you are his only guest. He asked me why I had to leave - I must not have been too difficult to take care of.

Herman – He quietly goes about taking care of you with a smile, making it look effortless and like there is nothing else he wants to do except makes you comfortable. Plus, one must remember he is the keeper of the chocolates!

Anto – Brings out the mother in me. He tries so hard to be so “James Dean like”, but really wears his heart on his sleeve. He picks up on any nuance or serving preference without having to be asked. He even comes up with foods he thinks I might like – and so far, he has never been wrong.

Lana – Such a gentle soul, kind and sincere. To know him, you know he is a good father and husband. Most importantly, he does not tempt me with bread or deserts. I think he will soon be a server with his own assistant.

Farid – He is such a joy to see each day, he has a twinkle in his eye and his impish smile is infectious.  He must be the happiest person I have ever had to the pleasure to meet. This is his first contract, and I am sure he will have a long and successful career with HAL.

Budi – He is ever the gentleman, so proper and always looks like he just walked off a GQ photo shoot. He is courteous and genuinely concerned about the welfare of those he works with and for. He is always willing to lend a hand – taking orders or clearing tables to help the servers.

Intan – Such a sweetie. She is like a princess with her entourage of attendants (servers) waiting to do her bidding (seat guests). Amazing that after only a few encounters she can remember guests’ cabins numbers and names and preferences.

 

Ozgur - He must be a magician - he keeps everything running so smoothly - even with a constantly changing staff.

He has some very experienced staff, and some who look like kids, yet he makes it work without looking stressed. He has the best dining staff I have encountered on my HAL cruises . While doing all of this 

he manages to spend time with the guests. He is approachable and accommodating.

 

These are just a few of the people,  there are so many.

Thanks to Everyone who went out of their way to make my time on board the Rotterdam so wonderful!