Boarding, and our first day at sea

I love the way that Holland America has made boarding day as stress free as possible.  Our bus ride from the hotel took us about 20 minutes and was very comfortable.  Upon our arrival at the terminal we dutifully waited ten minutes or so while our driver unloaded all our carry-on luggage. Then it was short wait  in line as we passed through the first “check-point” where an elderly lady handed us a health inspection form to fill out on our way to final check-in and receiving our “house keys”. With them we were handed along the  the keys a blue card with a white # 7 embedded on it.   Apparently we were in the 7th group of folks who had checked in, now we proceed to a large room where we would await our “calling”.  By noon we were in our room and looking forward to our first meal the “Mariner’s Luncheon, which we had received a special invitation to as three Star Mariners with Holland America.  Mariners status is based on the number of days one has sailed with the company  and each level has it’s perks.

Our Verandah Stateroom is fantastic and the views from the “balcony/verandah” is awesome, although we both agree that the staterooms on the Prinsendam are much larger, but without the view.  Our table in the Vista Dining room couldn’t be better located, as it is all the way  aft next to large windows.  Our table mates, Judy & Tor, and Mark & Cathy, will surely enhance our adventure, Our dining room stewards; Sule and his “son” Putra, were very welcoming and enthusiastic.  While back  in our stateroom Wagiman “Wagi” and Dwi, are just as helpful, making us feel completely at home.

Rather than attend the evening program, we chose to rest and relax and get a good nights rest. And what a restful night it was, with just a gentle roll reminding us that we  were in fact “at sea”.  An evening light show off toward the west coast of Florida, occasionally lighting up our room, lent to the magic of being at sea.

Friday morning – and the TV was switched on at 5:30 to the prelude to the royal wedding due to be broadcast in an hour of half.  Interestingly enough, as watched, and I was more enthralled with the thunder and lightening storm we were sailing through, almost as a celebration of the pageantry taking place on our TV.  What a great memory for us.  As I write this, it is hard to keep on task as the sea keeps  pulling me away, just outside our verandah door..

Next:  Our days continues with our first Cruise Critic Meeting