JOIN LINDY LIVE FROM THE MS ZAANDAM Sept 24 to Oct 12, 2011

[lindalans]

Embarkation Sunday, Sept 25, 2011

Gosh I was tired this morning as I didn’t get to sleep until after 4am. I guess it was a combination of stressing about my wheelchair, having to constantly get up to the bathroom, a strange bed and excitement of another journey into the unknown.

I didn’t get out of bed until 9:30am, then had a shower before leaving the Delta Downtown Suites around 11am. I didn’t eat breakfast as I planned on going to the dining room for the Mariner luncheon at noon.

It was raining when I left the Delta for the short taxi ride to Canada Place. On arrival there was a bit of a line up to embark but it moved swiftly, and soon I was cruising up the gangway in my little red wheelchair.

I was greeted with “Welcome aboard” by several HAL personal on Deck 3, the lower promenade, when I spotted a familiar face. It was Eduard whom I’d first met on my first ever cruise on the Volendam, and he remembered me!!! He personally escorted me to my cabin HH3430 as we reminisced about the Volendam, and Pipit, who was the Assistant Dining Room Manager and is now the manager of the Taramind Restaurant on the Nuew Amsterdam, and someone I still keep in touch with.

After freshening up (and no I didn’t fall backwards into the shower this time) I headed to the Rotterdam Restaurant for lunch. Darrell from our roll call was also going in, so we were seated at the same table, along with Sue and Richard, and a Vancouverite (x-British) lady Rosemary, who’s cruised several times but doing her first as a solo.

We all got along great and I enjoyed an appetizer Mediterranean Samula, followed by buttermilk crusted chicken, mashed potatoes and vegetables, then a too die for dessert, chocolate mousse cake. Like Joanie, I dedicated the first spoonful to Ruth C. and all the chocoholics on Cruise Critic!! Portions were generous, and hot food was hot and cold food cold, unlike the MS Amsterdam last year.

It was a cool, damp and grey day in Vancouver, so after lunch I headed back to my cabin for a jacket. I ran into Kelly, the Events Manager, so we chatted about the Meet and Greet tomorrow, and she kindly offered to deliver all the invitations I had made for the Zaandam Fru Fru Cruisers, as well as the ones for the staff.

I also met my two cabin stewards Khamdan and Rozy. Two delightful young men with huge grins on their faces. They addressed me as Miss Shepherd and asked what they should call me, so I told them Lindy would be just great.

My next stop was the Crow’s Nest where 7 of us from our roll call met for our first fru fru drinks! I also invited Rosemary to join us and she did. The drink of the day was a hand mixed mojito priced at $5.75 served by another young man Steve, from whom I also purchased a $100 beverage card for $90. We had a toast to a great cruise and new friends.

Afterwards Rosemary and I headed to Station 14 for the life jacketless fire drill, then to the back of the Lido deck for sail away. It had stopped raining and the sun came out for awhile. Also docked at Canada Place was the Westerdam and the Statendam, and following us out was the Norwegian Pearl that was docked at the Ballantyne Pier (spelling ???)

We left at 4:45pm and as we sailed under the Lions Gate bridge there were quite a few people on the bridge waving to us. This is the end of the Alaskan season as the ships head to warmer waters for the winter.

It wasn’t long before the wind really picked up, so I headed back to my cabin to prepare for supper. I chose traditional dining at a table for 6 (table 46) and first seating. Last year on the Amsterdam I dined at 8pm but found I missed all the shows.

My dining companions were Rudi from the U.S. Bob from the U.S. Odelle and Doug from Vancouver Island (who celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary yesterday) Stella from Toronto, Ontario and myself from Red Deer, Alberta. It never ceases to amaze me how small the world is when you get talking. Doug said it was a long shot but he was going to ask me anyway, did I happen to know John McKay from St. Lukes Anglican Church? St. Lukes happens to be my church so I was able to update him on John and Tricia, and that they had retired to B.C. a year ago.

Supper was excellent and I had fruit medley, prime rib followed by red velvet cake with chocolate ganache and cream cheese icing. Tomorrow is the first of our four formal nights.

The Captain announced that we wouldn’t be heading directly across the Pacific, but to avoid a storm we will be hugging the Washington and Oregon coastline, BUT to expect some rockin’ and rollin’.

We ARE now rockin’ and rollin’ so I’m signing off early to get myself safely into bed.

[erewhon]

Thank you for your report of embarkation day.

 

Hope the seas become calmer for your cruise.

[startwin]

Thanks for the report, and I will be following you with interest as I disembarked the Zaandam as you boarded. We had quite the wild ride for our Alaska cruise! It will be so nice to read reports of the crew and events as you go to sunnier and warmer climes. Have a wonderful trip.

[lindalans]

At Sea Monday, Sept 26, 2011

Prior to writing up my report last night after supper I had unpacked, and I was thankful that I had, as we had a rough ride.

It was a real challenge just trying to go to the bathroom, get washed and ready for bed. I am thankful I have a disabled cabin so the bathroom is roomy enough to take my wheelchair in, and the hand bars made it safer for transferring. I certainly am not taking any chances on this cruise!

I’m able to park my wheelchair between the two twin beds, but getting undressed was a bit of a challenge. Despite having the thermometer in my cabin turned down to the coldest setting, I’m finding it very warm. By the time I was ready to get into bed I was dripping wet, feeling a little unwell, and had a slight nose bleed.

As it was after midnight I was happy to lie down. It took awhile to get to sleep because of the rocking, doors banging and the creaking of the ship which is no doubt due to being in an aft cabin.

I woke up around 8am and went through the same challenges as last night, but in the reverse order! I had planned on using room service for breakfast, but decided last night that it was too much of a hassle, and staying safe was more important than trying to hang my breakfast order on the outside door handle!

Our official M & G was scheduled for 10:30am in the Captain’s Corner of the Crow’s Nest so I headed there early with name tags. Considering the weather which was cool and cloudy with 15’ to 20’ waves, 19 of our registered 26 showed up. Also we were happy that Events Manager Kelly Williams, Cruise Director Anthony Heywood, Hotel Manager Kees Streuding, Chief officer Johan van den Nouland and the Human Resource Manager (don’t have his name yet) joined us and stayed to answer some of our questions.) Captain Andre van Schoonhoven sent his regrets as he was busy on the bridge. It was interesting when the Chief Officer popped back to ask who our organizer was (and everyone pointed to me!) He wanted to know how I’d got their names, so I told him about Cruise Critic and he seemed very impressed. We plan on having another M & G, a luncheon in the dining room, a cabin crawl and a $5 slot pull during our time on the Zaandam. Around noon some of our hardy group left to go for lunch, and some of us (myself included) headed back to our cabins.

The rough seas were again playing havoc with me, and I have to admit to having to spend a few minutes in the bathroom hanging my head over the wash basin, although I didn’t actually throw up.

The rest of the day was spent in my cabin where I slept on and off. I didn’t even go to the dining room, but at 7:40pm I ordered the club sandwich. I was told they had 41 orders ahead of me and it would be over an hour (which they apologized for) before it would arrive. I didn’t mind as I wasn’t very hungry, but thought I should have something in my stomach. When it arrived (within 40 minutes) I enjoyed it.

Tonight should have been our first formal night, but the Captain announced earlier that it was postponed until tomorrow as many of us are unwell. He has been very good at keeping us informed of the weather conditions, and expects things to subside during the night when he will then sail south west towards the Hawaiian Islands. The weather is out of his hands and I’m sure all aboard appreciate the fact that he has our safety as well as the crew in mind, in the decisions he makes.

I’m sure he is proud of being the Master of the Zaandam. Of the personnel and crew that I have encountered so far, I get the feeling it is a happy ship. On Cruise Critic there are few reviews on the Zaandam, so I want to point out that despite it being an older ship it is in very good condition and very clean. Once the weather calms down I’ll be out and about more, so will update her condition at a later date.

Kathy from our roll call asked me if she could post on my thread, rather than starting another one. I have no problem with this as it will give you another person’s perspective of the same cruise.

For passengers sailing on the Zaandam October 12, 2011, if you have any questions I’ll do my best to answer them.

For tonight I’m signing out.

[RuthC]

then a too die for dessert, chocolate mousse cake. Like Joanie, I dedicated the first spoonful to Ruth C. and all the chocoholics on Cruise Critic!!

And this chocoholic sends her thanks!

 

Glad to read that you weathered the storm without incident. Stay safe.

[Himself]

Thanks for keeping us posted. Hope the Seas improve.

[startwin]

Lindy, our cabin last week was way too warm as well, and we asked our steward for a fan, which he provided in quick order! It made a huge difference.

[IRL_Joanie]

Love seeing you onboard the ship Lindy!!!!

 

It is awesome to see you and Kathy both are doing the live thread and am so looking forward to it:)

 

Joanie

[lindalans]

At Sea Tuesday, Sept 27, 2011

Last night and today we are sailing in rough seas again, and still hugging the coast of Oregon. On the balfor scale we are a 4. I am not feeling well at all, and I’m extremely nervous even trying to transfer to my wheelchair. I’ve therefore made the decision to stay in my cabin. I brought my kindle with me so I’ve enjoyed a day of reading, and sea days are all about relaxing anyway.

I ordered a late breakfast from room service, and enjoyed 2 croissants with butter and cream cheese, 2 apple danish and a glass off freshly squeezed orange juice.

I’ve had the cabin door open most of the day, plus a fan on, which Roxy managed to find for me. He told me many people are spending the day in their cabin, so at least I know I’m not the only wuss onboard!

The head of Housekeeping stopped by and said they’d just put a new shower curtain on, then an electrician came to check that the TV was working OK, which it was. Roxy and Khamdan are very attentive and have told me if I need anything to just ask. Kkamdan has been on the Zaandam for 10 years, is married with one child; while Roxy has 3 children and has only been with HAL for 10 months. Both are from Indonesia, are very friendly, and both have told me (on separate occasions) that the Zaandam is going to Asia in January!

Tonight is our first formal night (delayed from last night because of the weather) but I’ll probably do room service again, unless the seas are considerable smoother than they are at present. I skipped lunch because I had breakfast late.

Although I haven’t attended any of the entertainment (yet) here is some info for future cruisers: The Neptunes are in the Ocean Bar; The Adagio Strings are in the Explorer’s Lounge; David, a solo guitarist is in the Piano Bar from 6pm – 9pm then David Anthony plays piano melodies from 9pm – close. In the Crow’s Nest Lynn and the HALCats do their thing, followed by DJ Matt.

8pm and 10pm shows in the Mondriaan Lounge to date have been Jeff Burghart doing comedy and impressions; Peter Fernandez singer extraordinaire with a Latin Flair; and the Zaandam Singers and Dancers doing Love, Broadway.

Tonight I ate in my cabin from the Dining Room menu “The Captain’s Gala Dinner.” I enjoyed a pineapple boat, potato and leek soup, fillet mignon with garlic whipped potatoes, broccoli, carrots and bok choy, followed by a slice of HAL’s flourless chocolate cake which was just as decadent as I remembered it. Mmmm yummy!!

At 9pm I called it a day and prayed for calm seas!

[hpf]

Thanks for your great review. Sorry that you are having to stay in your cabin, so i hope thee seas calm for you. Take care and enjoy your cruise. Helen

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lindy, I certainly hope the seas calm down for you. I have friends on this cruise that are up forward on the Navigation deck in two cabins and am fearing their ride is not very good either :o

Will pray for calm seas for you for the rest of the cruise.

[matondo]

Hopefully you next report will be about smooth seas. Sorry it has been such a rough ride. Thank you for taking the time to post.

[lindalans]

At Sea Wednesday, Sept 28, 2011

Woohooo! Today I woke up at 8:30am to calm seas. What a difference a day makes. The sun was out and temps are 65f. The Captain announced we are starting to head south west and he can pick up a little speed, now that the seas are calmer.

It was around 10am when I headed to the Lido for a late breakfast. I was greeted by I.B. who offered to help me. The Lido was very busy but it wasn’t long before I.B. had obtained bacon, eggs, sausage, bacon and hashbrowns, plus a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Although I was seated alone several crew members kept asking if I needed anything. Toast? Coffee? More orange juice? A gentleman at the next table must have seen me struggling to cut the sausage (with my crippled hands) as he came over and offered to help. I declined, but thanked him, and told him I appreciated his kind thought.

As I was leaving the Lido I chatted up a guy in a large jazzy wheelchair just like the one I have at home. It weighs 250lbs while the one I use for traveling weighs only 95lbs. I was curious to find out if he flies with it, which he does, without any problems. However, on the ship, because of its weight, he is unable to go ashore if we have to tender in.

As two of our ports in Hawaii are tendered, my next stop is at the Front Office as it says on my shore excursion ticket for Kona that there are 15 steps. Having received a letter from HAL prior to boarding, which states that HAL is currently installing hydraulic lifts on all their tenders, with the Zaandam’s already installed, I thought I’d better check it out! The young lady at the front desk made a couple of calls and told me I’d be contacted about the procedure, and told me tendering with a wheelchair depends on the weather conditions and the Captain, which of course I’m fully aware of.

While in the Atrium I was delighted to hear the organ playing, so it does definitely work, in fact I’ve heard it playing twice today!!

We have travel guide Kainoa De La Cruz aboard. He is a native of Honolulu and lives on the island of O’ahu. Today he gave a talk on the highlights of Honolulu, and the island of Oahu. He’s an excellent speaker and is available to answer any questions.

I also went to the Culinary Arts Centre to see Executive Chef Joachim “Jock” Barelmann in action with his side kick Andre. He is a very pleasant (and funny) man; and they whipped up 4 recipes for us. The room was full and many people had to stand. One of the dishes he prepared was chocolate mousse (which we got to sample.) It has only two ingredients – chocolate and whipping cream – and they use only the best Belgium chocolate!! I also signed up for “Dine with the Chef” on Oct. 6

Today I cruised around quite a bit so I’m happy to be able to re-report that the Zaandam is ship shape and very clean. Crew, Officers and passengers are all happy and extremely helpful. She is the sister ship to the Volendam (my first cruise ship) and both are far superior to the MS Amsterdam in every way, in my honourable opinion.

I dined in the dining room tonight with the same 5 passengers, and our waiter Irwin, who remembered my name from Sunday night! The Dining Room Manager is the one from the Amsterdam last year, and he makes a point of going around to every table each evening.

My meal tonight was Sweet tomato and Mozzarella cheese, caeser salad, lasagne and followed by Raspberry Terrine. Delicious.

I’m now heading up to the Indonesian Crew show which is always enjoyable.

[erewhon]

It's pleasing to know that the crew are helping you, and to hear that you are now in calmer seas.

[RuthC]

So glad to read that you can safely leave your cabin! Must be a much better time for you now.

I remember being terrified to try to board the tender in Kona---and that's when I was a lot more mobile than I am now. Best wishes that you can be accommodated there.

[jbhcw]

Glad the seas have calmed down for you. Thank you for taking us along for your wonderful adventure:) you are taking one of my dream cruises:)

[vbmom87]

 

Today I cruised around quite a bit so I’m happy to be able to re-report that the Zaandam is ship shape and very clean. Crew, Officers and passengers are all happy and extremely helpful. She is the sister ship to the Volendam (my first cruise ship) and both are far superior to the MS Amsterdam in every way, in my honourable opinion.

 

So happy to hear the seas have calmed down and your cruise is going so well. Thank you for taking the time doing a live report.

 

Would you mind explaining what you didn't like about the Amsterdam? I was on the Volendam in 2008 and the Amsterdam in 2011 and had a great experience on both. However, if both had the same itinerary and price, I would choose the Amsterdam. We had better service, friendlier staff and better desserts overall.

[Himself]

So happy to hear the seas have calmed down and your cruise is going so well. Thank you for taking the time doing a live report.

 

Would you mind explaining what you didn't like about the Amsterdam? I was on the Volendam in 2008 and the Amsterdam in 2011 and had a great experience on both. However, if both had the same itinerary and price, I would choose the Amsterdam. We had better service, friendlier staff and better desserts overall.

 

I also find this mind baffeling. I have traveled on all the "R" Class ships and I rate the Amsterdam and the Nieuw Amsterdam as the best ships in the whole "DAM" fleet.

 

Don't get me wrong, I like the ZAANDAM and those who read my posts know how highly I rate the VOLENDAM

[kazu]

So glad the seas have calmed down for you. hope you have smooth sailing the rest of the way.:)

[lindalans]

At Sea Thursday, Sept 29, 2011

After a good nights sleep I woke to calm seas again. I headed up to the Lido and enjoyed bacon, eggs, potatoes and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Crew members are always available to help me, which I greatly appreciate. Even when I’m eating they stop by to see if I need coffee or tea, and ask if I’m enjoying my breakfast.

I encountered this helpfulness on my first cruise on the Volendam in 2009, yet it was sadly missing on the Amsterdam last year. The Zaandam (as was the Volendam) is a very happy ship. No matter where I am, I am constantly greeted by smiling faces.

My cruise on the Amsterdam was the 14 day to Alaska. In those 14 days I was always called Ma’am or Madam, even by the waiters in the dining room at the same table every night. The dining room food was consistently cold and service was very slow, and we were a table of 6. Food portions were small, and if I hadn’t been taking percocet after my fall, I would have been a very unhappy camper. I talked with other passengers aboard and many were unhappy for various reasons, so I know I wasn’t the only one.

Last night (Wed) I attended the show and enjoyed listening to Peter Fernandez who finished with a great rendition of nessan dorma. It was also the night for the Indonesian Show at 11pm. It was excellent as always, especially the hand dance they do.

Today I attended another talk by Kainoa De La Cruz; then to the Culinary Arts Centre to see Executive Chef Joachim “Jock” Barelmann again.

At lunch time the Captain announced because he had to go out to sea to avoid the storms, and also had to reduce speed, we will not be stopping in Kona on Saturday. Shore excursions and port tax will be re-imbursed. He also said we will all get a complimentary glass of champagne at dinner. Some people are quite upset about it, but I appreciate he has our safety in mind. This would have been a tender port, and a first for me (which I have been dreading) so now I can relax until Lahaini!!!

I spent the afternoon in the Explorer’s Lounge reading, where I indulged myself with a hot chocolate and two (to die for) brownies. The hot chocolate wasn’t as good as what you get from room service. It was milky, weak, and tasted of coffee.

On returning to my cabin I phoned our Cruise Critic group members. I thought seeing as we had an extra sea day with missing Kona, I would arrange a lunch together in the lower dining room. We will dress “Hawaiian” for the occasion!

Tonight was our second formal night. The ship was rolling quite a bit but I did make it through dinner. I had a fruit medley; smokey bacon and chedder cheese soup; ,braised short ribs, mashed potatoes and root vegetables. However I passed up dessert and the glass of champagne!! My choice for dessert would have been chocolate mousse cake which looked delicious. L

One of our table mates (Stella) was absent tonight. Doug mentioned that she is having sewer smell problems in her cabin. Apparently the ship is sold out, and if it is not rectified, she may be debarking in Honolulu. HAL are doing what they can, but she is also quite sensitive to some of the chemicals they are using.

I was in bed for 9pm!

[yakky]

Wow! You are on such an adventure! We have had a puka dog on Kauai and it was wonderful!

 

If you get a chance in the dining room, would you ask for a wine steward named Michael MACAREAG, and tell him that Sharon and Jerry send him a hug.

 

Michael has communicated with us for many years and is like a son. He is one of HAL's best-they have used him to improve customer service on several ships. He is always in good spirits and would be so happy to know he is appreciated.

 

Thank you--We are having fun reading about your experiences!

[vbmom87]

...... I would choose the Amsterdam. We had better service, friendlier staff and better desserts overall.

 

Actually this is a typo on my part. I felt the desserts on the Amsterdam were lacking.

[Himself]

At Sea Thursday, Sept 29, 2011

After a good nights sleep I woke to calm seas again. I headed up to the Lido and enjoyed bacon, eggs, potatoes and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Crew members are always available to help me, which I greatly appreciate. Even when I’m eating they stop by to see if I need coffee or tea, and ask if I’m enjoying my breakfast.

I encountered this helpfulness on my first cruise on the Volendam in 2009, yet it was sadly missing on the Amsterdam last year. The Zaandam (as was the Volendam) is a very happy ship. No matter where I am, I am constantly greeted by smiling faces.

My cruise on the Amsterdam was the 14 day to Alaska. In those 14 days I was always called Ma’am or Madam, even by the waiters in the dining room at the same table every night. The dining room food was consistently cold and service was very slow, and we were a table of 6. Food portions were small, and if I hadn’t been taking percocet after my fall, I would have been a very unhappy camper. I talked with other passengers aboard and many were unhappy for various reasons, so I know I wasn’t the only one.

Last night (Wed) I attended the show and enjoyed listening to Peter Fernandez who finished with a great rendition of nessan dorma. It was also the night for the Indonesian Show at 11pm. It was excellent as always, especially the hand dance they do.

Today I attended another talk by Kainoa De La Cruz; then to the Culinary Arts Centre to see Executive Chef Joachim “Jock” Barelmann again.

At lunch time the Captain announced because he had to go out to sea to avoid the storms, and also had to reduce speed, we will not be stopping in Kona on Saturday. Shore excursions and port tax will be re-imbursed. He also said we will all get a complimentary glass of champagne at dinner. Some people are quite upset about it, but I appreciate he has our safety in mind. This would have been a tender port, and a first for me (which I have been dreading) so now I can relax until Lahaini!!!

I spent the afternoon in the Explorer’s Lounge reading, where I indulged myself with a hot chocolate and two (to die for) brownies. The hot chocolate wasn’t as good as what you get from room service. It was milky, weak, and tasted of coffee.

On returning to my cabin I phoned our Cruise Critic group members. I thought seeing as we had an extra sea day with missing Kona, I would arrange a lunch together in the lower dining room. We will dress “Hawaiian” for the occasion!

Tonight was our second formal night. The ship was rolling quite a bit but I did make it through dinner. I had a fruit medley; smokey bacon and chedder cheese soup; ,braised short ribs, mashed potatoes and root vegetables. However I passed up dessert and the glass of champagne!! My choice for dessert would have been chocolate mousse cake which looked delicious. L

One of our table mates (Stella) was absent tonight. Doug mentioned that she is having sewer smell problems in her cabin. Apparently the ship is sold out, and if it is not rectified, she may be debarking in Honolulu. HAL are doing what they can, but she is also quite sensitive to some of the chemicals they are using.

I was in bed for 9pm!

 

Two Comments:

I am sorry some of the PAX are disappointed by not stopping aT Kona but as you commented safety first. That is the master's first obligation.

Secondly, I don't when you did the fourteen day cruise on the AMSTERDAM but I found the dining room help and the front office help to be much different than the experience you had on your fourteen day cruise.

[startwin]

What a shame you didn't get to stop at Kona. This captain is having a bad couple of weeks for having to miss ports:rolleyes: And don't get too excited about the port taxes and fees refund... ours for Ketchikan came to $2.52 :D

 

Am loving your reports, hope the seas stay calm for you from now on. My favourite island is Maui, and Lahaina is so interesting, just love it there.

[lindalans]

At Sea Friday, Sept 30, 2011

My mornings seem to be busier than my afternoons so I headed up to the Lido for breakfast. HAL makes excellent breads and buns, and this morning I was fortunate to arrive at the same time as a tray of white crusty buns still warm from the oven. Along with a raisin bun, a croissant, a bowl of apricots and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, it was more than ample.

I again enjoyed an excellent talk by our Hawaiian guide Kainoa De La Cruz. Today he talked about leis. They can be made from many things, not just flowers. During the slide show he showed them being made from seeds, shells, feathers, ribbons, candy, money, and of course orchids. Some are very expensive and can cost up to thousands of dollars. He shared with us that when we arrive in Honolulu, we will all be welcomed with a lei, which doesn’t normally happen anymore. He told us that even at the airport, only two flights a day are chosen randomly to receive them, because of the time factor and expense. I was thrilled to hear this as I had planned on buying one, but it will be much more meaningful to receive one in the traditional way. Kainoa also said that if they are thrown into the water as we leave Hawaii, and they float back to shore, means you will return to Hawaii.

I seem to be skipping lunch, and today was no different. I enjoy sitting at the back of the Lido deck either watching the wake, or worshiping the sun Gods! It was an absolutely beautiful warm day, and with calm seas, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. There are always people to talk too, and it is always a pleasure to talk with the crew about their families and homeland.

Supper was another enjoyable meal despite there only being 4 of us, as Doug and his wife were dining in the Canneletto Restaurant, just off the Lido. Tonight was land and sea night so fillet mignon and crab legs were on the menu. As I’m not a lover of sea food (unless it comes in the form of fish and chips) I asked for fillet mignon only, and they gave me two!!! Along with their wonderful whipped potatoes, carrots and green beans. My starter was duck Pate in between layers of puff pastry with loganberry berry and orange; a fricassee salad with blue cheese dressing; and because of the calm seas I rounded out my meal with Sacher Torte, which was another of HAL’s decadent chocolate desserts! Well, I had to make up for missing lunch!!!!

I attended the show which was the Zaandam singers and dancers doing “Southern Nights.” It was very enjoyable. I enjoyed a nice visit with Bill and Laura before retiring. When I returned to my room I found I had forgotten my room card so I had to chase down an officer to let me in.