Breakfast in the hotel included. Afterwards a brief stop in the gift shop were we bought 2 bottles of wine. Each person is allowed to bring one on board. There goes James back to the room with the purchase.
We are signed up for the hotel shuttle at 10:30 am to the ship. It couldn’t be any easier. The shuttle bus is unloaded and porters from the ship are already there. If you put the tags Holland American had provided on the suitcases they took care from there straight to our room. A little paperwork at the check-in to get your board card with the scanning symbol. No long lines. And up the gang way and to our room.
Big surprise. Really nice. More spacious then we had expected. We will enjoy the balcony.
Time to do our first exploring.
VIDEO! (0:31) Sorry about the noice. The wind was blowing hard. (I don't know how to edit that.)
VIDEO! (0:31) Sorry about the noice. The wind was blowing hard. (I don't know how to edit that.)
And quench some thirst.
At 3pm we were all required to participate in a drill. Lifeboat 3. The captain told over the loudspeaker that the muster wouldn’t take long if everybody would do what they are supposed to.
We were supposed to leave port at 4 pm. James and I were ready on our balcony to "help" the captain (that’s what we always call it). Just then a big freighter decided to pull out. Actually he was pushed backwards by two tugboats until he was in the channel and then go and leave forwards. It took some time but it was interesting. Half an hour late our lines were taken off, the captain pushed from the quay with side thrusters and off we went.
There had been a pilot on board and he was picked up when he was done.
We did more exploring. Had to get some steps on our fitbits. Deck 6 has the walk all around. Four loops are one mile. That’s where we were just a little too late for a gorgeous sunset.
Here is an example of information we get. We like it.
Dinner for us is at the set time 8 pm at table 303 with 4 other couples. We choose from a menu. Decision decision. Salmon for me, ... for James. Dinner is a four course meal and took two hours. The other couples were very nice and the conversation very lively.
Our two stewards (from Indonesia) already welcomed us several times. They are very nice. Besides chocolate we find this lobster at bedtime.
Bedtime! We are being gently rocked to sleep.
In the first few pictures and the video it looked like the ship was deserted except for you all!
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