The Ship, The Peoplem, The Experience
January 19, 2007
At Sea: The Ship, The People, The Experience
After an exciting passage through the Panama Canal into the Pacific Ocean past the surprisingly dense city of Panama City with its high-rises and condos we have a relaxing day at sea with a chance to reflect on my on-board experiences so far.
The ms Amsterdam is one of two flagships for Holland America. It is lushly…some would say “glitzyly”…..appointed. The double tiered Queen’s Lounge hosts large lectures, BINGO!!!!, SHOWTIME, Ball-Room Dancing and all the fun stuff where large groups are expected. The enormous silk Austrian-shade stage curtain is a bit much for me, but I continue to be fascinated about how the room changes with the various lights the technicians project on this glimmering and shiny fabric. I sit there and contemplate how I would have done the space differently and have decided that my minimal approach might not please the majority of people on board. In this case, less is certainly not more!
Numerous lounges, bars, cocktail areas, libraries, card rooms, theaters…even a culinary kitchen are all available for a huge variety of activities….and there are plenty of those. Each night we are presented with a schedule of the next day’s activities. Almost too much to do!
My cabin is certainly very comfortable. I have a very comfortable queen-size bed with plenty of room on either side. A large picture window overlooking the water serves as my headboard. Plenty of closet and drawer space, a desk, large leather sofa…even a small ottoman complete the picture. A generously large tub/shower, great mirrors and very good lighting make my bath very inviting. I am very content…indeed, have enjoyed some of the best nights rest I have had in years.
There are two pools…one outdoors at the stern of the ship in full daylight. The other, the LIDO pool boasts a retractable roof that opens and closes depending on weather. Hot tubs, a large bar, snack bar and gaming area complete that flexible space.
There are three dining areas (not counting the Lido pool). The Lido buffet is where I have been having breakfast and lunch usually carrying my tray to the outdoor pool area to watch the ocean go by. Dinner is in the Main Dining room, a two-tiered facility….I eat at the 8PM late seating at a table with 5 others…more on that later. The food is of course plentiful! I am determined to be careful and not over eat. A huge variety is available, always beautifully presented and professionally served…and delicious!!!! So far…a delightful experience.
The staff, mostly Indonesian, is all extremely friendly, well-trained, and incredibly efficient and helpful. These seemingly happy smiling people just can’t seem to do enough for you. A cadre of young energetic “cruise directors”, with apparent photographic memories when it comes to names and hometowns, make one feel very welcome and “at home”.
January 19, 2007
At Sea: The Ship, The People, The Experience
After an exciting passage through the Panama Canal into the Pacific Ocean past the surprisingly dense city of Panama City with its high-rises and condos we have a relaxing day at sea with a chance to reflect on my on-board experiences so far.
The ms Amsterdam is one of two flagships for Holland America. It is lushly…some would say “glitzyly”…..appointed. The double tiered Queen’s Lounge hosts large lectures, BINGO!!!!, SHOWTIME, Ball-Room Dancing and all the fun stuff where large groups are expected. The enormous silk Austrian-shade stage curtain is a bit much for me, but I continue to be fascinated about how the room changes with the various lights the technicians project on this glimmering and shiny fabric. I sit there and contemplate how I would have done the space differently and have decided that my minimal approach might not please the majority of people on board. In this case, less is certainly not more!
Numerous lounges, bars, cocktail areas, libraries, card rooms, theaters…even a culinary kitchen are all available for a huge variety of activities….and there are plenty of those. Each night we are presented with a schedule of the next day’s activities. Almost too much to do!
My cabin is certainly very comfortable. I have a very comfortable queen-size bed with plenty of room on either side. A large picture window overlooking the water serves as my headboard. Plenty of closet and drawer space, a desk, large leather sofa…even a small ottoman complete the picture. A generously large tub/shower, great mirrors and very good lighting make my bath very inviting. I am very content…indeed, have enjoyed some of the best nights rest I have had in years.
There are two pools…one outdoors at the stern of the ship in full daylight. The other, the LIDO pool boasts a retractable roof that opens and closes depending on weather. Hot tubs, a large bar, snack bar and gaming area complete that flexible space.
There are three dining areas (not counting the Lido pool). The Lido buffet is where I have been having breakfast and lunch usually carrying my tray to the outdoor pool area to watch the ocean go by. Dinner is in the Main Dining room, a two-tiered facility….I eat at the 8PM late seating at a table with 5 others…more on that later. The food is of course plentiful! I am determined to be careful and not over eat. A huge variety is available, always beautifully presented and professionally served…and delicious!!!! So far…a delightful experience.
The staff, mostly Indonesian, is all extremely friendly, well-trained, and incredibly efficient and helpful. These seemingly happy smiling people just can’t seem to do enough for you. A cadre of young energetic “cruise directors”, with apparent photographic memories when it comes to names and hometowns, make one feel very welcome and “at home”.
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