Day 1 Holland America MS Westerdam
We left the Hilton Garden Inn at 10:15 am and arrived at the port terminal at 10:30 am.
Check in was a breeze.
I was given boarding pass number 6 and I was on the ship at 11:45 a.m.
Cabin 6067 (quad) was available immediately which is a great benefit of sailing on Holland America Line.
On some other lines, you can’t enter your cabin until 1:00 p.m. or after.
After dropping off my carry on bag, I made my way to the Vista Dining Room for the Mariner Luncheon. I always enjoy the Reuben sandwich! The special luncheon is just one of many benefits of being a Holland America Mariner.
Next stop was the Lido deck for some hand scooped ice cream. Another Holland America Line MUST HAVE is the bread pudding. Don’t miss it!
A little later in the day I attended the mandatory life boat drill. The Captain took the drill VERY seriously. Several announcements were made stating emphatically that if you didn’t attend the drill that you would NOT be allowed to sail! I can say that LifeBoat 7 was all present and accounted for 5 minutes after the drill announcement was made on the loud speaker. Back in the day you had to bring your lifevest to the drill with you, but no longer on Holland America Line. This prevents people from tripping over those LONG straps.
The next thing you know I was standing on the port side of the ship with my CruiseRadio banner waving to the Port Everglades webcam (two shameless plugs!) I watch the camera frequently from home when I’m not on a cruise. Be sure to check out Cruise Radio at http://www.cruiseradio.net, and the Port Everglades Webcam at http://www.portevergladeswebcam.com.
I had a great dinner later in the evening in the Vista dining room and then I headed to the Main Showroom for the welcome aboard show with cruise director Rene. Before the show started I looked across the room and saw a very familiar face!
Back in March of 2012 during our 14 day Southern Caribbean Maasdam cruise, Marty and I met Glynda. She was so sweet and Marty and I really enjoyed seeing her every night in the Ocean Bar. Fast forward to our 7 day Eurodam cruise in March of 2013. I’m walking through the Ocean Bar and I hear the words, “Mr. Scott!” Marty and I were so glad to see Glynda again!
So present day. I’m looking across the Main Showroom on the Westerdam and who do I see but Glynda!
Lots more to come! Scott
