January 4 was just as cold and blustery as it had been the 3rd when we flew in, so we took a cab to Walgreens to get our "stuff" and returned to the hotel. The night before we had a welcome dinner put on by our travel agency where we met many previous world cruisers...only 1 newbie like us! But they were all friendly and welcoming with plenty of information about where we are going and what to see. We felt comfortable with all of them (over 250 were at the dinner!)
About 10:30 we boarded busses they provided and headed for Holland America's beautiful "Amsterdam." Once on board we quickly ate knowing we had a big job ahead of unpacking our 4 bags. The bags came at good intervals so all went quite well. We are quite organized thanks to tips from other cruisers. Off to dinner (prime rib and stir fry veggies), then get ready for sailaway party at 7:30....but....oops...in all the unpacking I realized I didn't see any of my medications! Searched and searched the cabin...pulled all the suitcases out from under the bed, and searched again. Now total panic for me! Finally called my home neighbor and they went to the house and searched as I told them where I had been...nothing. Called the hotel and they were kind enough to check the room again too...nothing. So, I was resigned to have the ship doctor help me deal with it. But, while I was reading last night, I all of a sudden remembered I had put all of them in a purse I packed! They were there! The only thing I hadn't double-checked! WHEW! So, the first night ended on a happy note! Light rocking and rolling, the kind I like that puts you to sleep!
This morning is grey and cool with light seas. A good sea day. Lots going on today so we have to make priorities. Mine are the knit group organizational meeting 10-11, and then Cruise Critic's Meet and Greet 11-12. Cruise Critic is an absolute must for anyone who Cruises. It's an online community where you find out virtually anything and everything about cruising. The best feature is always the Roll Call where you sign up according to what ship and date you are on, so you can find others there to share tours with, etc. Several of our tours have been set up this way for this trip so it will be nice to meet in person. One woman put together an entire book about this World Cruise which included photos and bios of members going on it, itinerary, books to read, fancy dinner schedules etc. It's a PDF file we downloaded. Met some fellow RV travelers last night because I recognized them from the book.
Chris is off to get his usual sudoku that he does each morning on ship and I am doing this.
Our cabin is lovely and it's fun to see quite a few Lido stewards here from our past cruises. The Captain is one we've liked very much (rumor is that this is his final cruise.) And...we start off on a great note...ABBA FAB is the entertainment tonight! One of the best entertainment groups on board or anywhere! The piano bar is all Billy Joel and Elton John tonight, too, which means that Terry, from ABBA FAB will be banging on the keys too...close your eyes and he's Elton and Billy! Great music!
I shall post this tomorrow when we are in Grand Cayman. Thanks for coming along!
Sent from my iPhone
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