Wednesday and Thursday, January 23-24, 2019
I’ve been at sea for two full days now. I’m starting to learn my way around the ship and I’ve participated in a few events. So far, I’ve started to develop some early opinions about the Holland America experience.
Ocean view room
First of all, when my only view to the outside world is a window, I kinda expect the window to be a bit like a TV screen. Perhaps that’s a stretch, but the window in my cabin seems filthy. At first, I thought a window this dirty would be caused by negligence on the part of Holland America. However, over the last two days I have learned that the high seas, combined with my cabin’s proximity to the water, makes a clean window almost impossible.
Perhaps my disappointment comes from the fact that this cruise is the first one where I have chosen not to have a balcony. I think that, going forward, I’d choose either a balcony room (more expensive) or an inside (windowless) room (more affordable.) An ocean view room is not so great, in my opinion.
Activities
There is a nice list of activities for us every day, but some of them look better on paper than they actually turn out to be. There was a lecture today on the Pirates of the Caribbean. The real ones, not the actors from those Disney movies. On paper, that sounded like a great lecture, so I attended. The gentleman delivering the lecture merely read the words off of the screen of his Powerpoint presentation. I hate that. Further, to drive home any point he was trying to make on each and every one of his slides, he interjected some personal anecdotes in an attempt to be humorous. They weren’t, judging by audience response. Or maybe it was just that he was wearing his headband-microphone incorrectly so that we could hear his every wheeze. I dunno, but I was not enthralled with the event.
Other activities seem to be well attended and enjoyed. There was a nice presentation of “A Visual Tour of your Ports of Call.” Looks like there are some amazing shore excursions in my future!
As I was planning for this cruise, I wondered just what they might have on board to keep us all entertained. I think the entertainment here is pretty good, with things to appeal to people of many ages and physical abilities. For example, I passed on the ring toss competition and the “Sit, Knit, Needlework, Project Linus and More”, but the twice-a-day trivia events are fun, as is the daily “Walk a Mile” event.
Food
The food, so far, has been just “OK” but then again, I have yet to try out the formal dining area, enticed instead to the more casual food found on the side deck. There is a very nice choice of foods, most of which are prepared and served nicely, if casually. I tried lunch today at their signature burger bar called the “Dive In.” I’m not sure that I’ll be going back there soon.
It seems as though the kitchen has been instructed to cook with very few spices. I find that salt is very lacking, but that may be intentional considering the ages and potential health issues of the passengers. There are salt shakers on the table, but I’m very happy I brought my own bottle of salsa picante!
Here is the formal dining area where, I hope, excellent food can be found. I’ve kinda avoided the giant room so far. I think that, maybe,I’ve fallen victim to Joe Caracci’s dislike of large crowds.
Weather
Certainly the ship cannot be blamed for the weather, but we have had very rough seas since we departed Ft. Lauderdale. Here’s a little video of the swimming pool on Wednesday night.
Everybody is walking around like they’re half drunk (which successfully masks that I really am half drunk) and those with canes and walkers are having a tough time of it. The weather has also had a chilling effect on dancing. I met a couple of dance instructors last evening and they said it was impossible for them to do their jobs with the dance floor pitching as it was.
The good news about the weather is that in spite of the wind and the rain, the temperature keeps getting warmer. Last night for “Cigars under the Stars” the temperature was 76º. Today was in the 80s.I’m happy that I’m missing winter at home!
Other thoughts
As I settle in and get to know my new, temporary home I have an growing appreciation for those at home who are helping me to preserve my house and home while I’m away. Keith and Laura Phillips are keeping a close eye on everything, even relaying to me important mail deliveries. My neighbors are watching over any comings and goings, my pool tech (Hi, Rick), my landscape maintainer, and my housekeeper (Hi, Araceli) are all doing their parts to keep Casa Amistad in great shape until my return. Thank you to all of you!
And finally, where’s Robert? As I write these words I am here:
Next stop, Santa Marta, Colombia! I’ll be going ashore to check the place out, so I’ll update this blog as soon as I can. Pardon me if I fall a day behind.
