It is so great to get back to sea and not have to worry about being at a certain place at a certain time, especially if that place and time involves going on an excursion for which one has paid good money.
I won’t bore you with another picture taken from our balcony/verandah, but I have to mention that was very special. Today I want to feature a young Pilipino crew member who has the enviable task for all the flower arrangements around the ship. His name is Arthur and his work, which I have shared here before is spectacular.
Today was the Noordam Morning Market by the Lido pool where I took the following pictures:
There were also room stewards folding towel animals and putting them on display by the pool.
Above – Marzipan fruit and flowers
Our third Cruise Critic meeting was held this morning as scheduled. We had a great discussion on our last port and talked about the importance of avoiding being a target in the upcoming ports, especially Rome.
Have I shared with you that having a verandah stateroom while at sea, the sounds when you step onto the verandah is like that sound one hears at the beach? It really is, especially this close to the bow, because as the ships bow wave crests, it’s like waves breaking on the shore.
That’s all for today – time for my nap. 
Cummings Family Adventures 
Ahhhh, yes, the wonderful sounds of the sea….as the waves break from the bow of the ship, it DOES sound just like being at the beach in one of those forward verandah cabins. I was in cabin 5020 aboard Noordam, and the sound was gloriously soothing. We’ll be in 5040 on Nieuw Amsterdam. Do you see “malice of foresight” here? 🙂