Sun, Sea… and a Stingray That Stole Thanksgiving
- Ingrid Lemme
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
Our Holland America cruise mixed snorkel-shy moments, high seas, and almost missing the ship.
As featured in the upcoming December issue of The Montauk Sun, in print from The Hamptons to Manhattan and online at www.MontaukSun.com
Escape from (our) Paradise with Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
There’s a quiet kind of magic in waking up at sea on Thanksgiving morning. The horizon stretches like a watercolor wash, the ship hums beneath your feet, and that first cup of tea—delivered by a young room service attendant—tastes just a little better than it does at home. Our seven-night Thanksgiving cruise aboard Holland America Line’s ms Eurodam promised adventure and culinary indulgence. It delivered—sometimes softly, sometimes unexpectedly.
Nassau, Bahamas ~ Atlantis on Our Radar
We had boarded the ms Eurodam in Fort Lauderdale and arrived in Nassau the next morning. Having visited before, we opted for a day pass at Atlantis rather than a formal shore excursion. There’s plenty to tell from that discovery morning, which I’ll share in one of my upcoming features.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica — Standing Strong
We approached Ocho Rios just after sunrise. From a distance, the coastline looked serene, lush, untouched. Docking revealed the effort behind that calm—roads cleared, debris removed, smiles ready. One port staff member leaned in gently:
“We worked hard so you’d see us standing strong.”
I got choked up. That was the moment I knew this cruise would be more than ports and dining rooms.
Dolphin Cove, Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios’ Dolphin Cove, we chose to observe rather than swim. The lagoon was glass-clear, framed by tropical foliage. Trainers interacted effortlessly with the dolphins, and families’ joy was contagious. Sipping chilled coconut water, we relaxed and learned how the staff had secured the animals ahead of a storm and restored the lagoon afterward.
Grand Cayman
Our three-stop excursion unfolded as follows:
Stop 1: Reef Snorkeling
We stayed on board, enjoying the sunshine. Yes, the water was crystal-clear, but I admit—I was a little scared. Honestly, the view from above was spectacular enough.
Stop 2: The Stingray Sandbar
Waist-deep water, stingrays gliding like marine ballet. I stepped in cautiously; one brushed against my legs—a circa 200-pound beauty. Smooth, velvety, unforgettable. The captain and crew waded in holding two of the creatures for photos. Marcus stayed aboard, drier but just as delighted.
Stop 3: Starfish Beach
Quiet water, scattered starfish in deep reds. We admired them without touching. Nature, as it should be.
A moment of suspense followed: the boat engine wouldn’t restart. Catching the last tender suddenly seemed uncertain. The captain disappeared below deck with tools and got it running. A reminder: cruise ships do not wait.
When the Sea Says No
Cancún was supposed to be our final port. During breakfast, the captain’s voice came over the speaker:
“High winds and heavy swells—unsafe to dock.”
And that was that. Within minutes, the Eurodam team expanded the day’s schedule—entertainment added, a surprise sea-day brunch announced. Guests shifted from “Oh no…” to “Oh wow” almost instantly. Mahi-mahi sandwiches, pastries, cake, steel drums by the pool—no complaints in sight.
A Walk Worth Taking
On our last sea day, Holland America hosted Walk for a Cause, supporting hurricane relief for Jamaica. No speeches, no pressure—just a quiet invitation.
We’d made our donation earlier. That morning, on Deck 3, we slipped on T-shirts and wristbands and joined the laps. Some guests hugged coffee cups against the wind. Crew members walked quietly alongside. Stories emerged: a family in Montego Bay, a nurse daughter in Kingston. It was community, not charity. Later, we learned the ms Eurodam had been among the first ships to deliver post-hurricane supplies—food, water, medical kits, mattresses.
Life Onboard
Easy Elegance and Culinary High Notes
Coffee with Leanne: What began casually turned out to be meaningful. Leanne, our cruise director, has a warmth that feels almost like a trademark. She introduced key members of the leadership team, and conversation flowed beyond the expected.
Afternoon Teas: On sea days—china, delicate sweets, white-glove service. The kind of hospitality that’s becoming harder to find.
Dinners at the Main Dining Room
Crisp white linens, a different menu special each night, and the attentiveness of our intuitive waiter, Dedy, and his assistant, Krisna, made every meal memorable.
The Pinnacle Grill
Wayan filleted a Dover sole tableside with such precision that nearby diners paused to watch. Assistant Maître D’ Nino presided with quiet assurance.
The Tamarind Restaurant
We dined there twice—not just for the beautifully layered Asian-inspired cuisine but for Ing Ing.
Warm, intuitive, delightful. Returning felt like revisiting a favorite conversation, not repeating dinner.
Behind the Scenes
Food & Beverage Director Rick Kolvoort and Executive Chef Natarajan Manial define Eurodam’s culinary vision. In every meal—from breakfast to dessert—you taste their precision and those thoughtful Thanksgiving touches that turn a holiday voyage into an experience.
And So…
Looking ahead to another Holland America adventure—a 70-day South America and Antarctica voyage in January 2027—I’m reminded that the most meaningful travel moments rarely appear on the itinerary.
They arrive in soft waves, unexpected conversations, warm pumpkin toast and almond croissants at sunrise… and sometimes, purpose finds you at sea.
Until next month—from yet another “damn” ship, our first time aboard the ms Koningsdam, one of Holland America Line’s mid-sized Pinnacle Class vessels.
Love, Ingrid
Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
Escape From Paradise, Travel-writer & Blogger www.EscapeFromParadise.net
Award-winning TV Host, Publisher, Travel Writer www.MontaukSun.com
Ambassador for www.Seven-Stars.com & 15 Emmy award winning www.aTasteofHistory.org