We arrived in Honolulu after five days at sea...mostly good weather with two squally days, including one rainshower/thunderstorm.
The ship Amsterdam, fondly referred to as the "old lady" of the Holland America (HA) fleet, accommodates about 1,300 passengers--smaller than liners we cruised previously. The ambience is old world. Perhaps a good theme is "ship with subdued excitement." The average age of passengers seems to be mid-sixties, although we have not witnessed any "cane wars" which we were warned about. There are a few children and a service dog on board. FYI, service dogs pay full fare.
We have adusted to sea life after a few days of wandering the ship's nine decks. After rising around 6:00 AM, typical mornings include breakfast, gym workout, and sauna. We always attend a daily mid-morning cooking show, America's Test Kitchen (americastestkitchen.com/onboard). We like the Portugese host, Carolina, and find it informative.
We have lunch on the deck 8 at the Lido Restaurant (buffet/cafeteria style). Afternoons include various activities and I play chess at 3:00 PM on sea days. Dinners are at the more formal Dining Room--usually we eat at a table for six. We always take in the evening show at the Main Stage.
Besides the gym, we walk 10 to 15 laps (about 3-5 miles) around the Promenade Deck daily. Our cabin with a window is locaded on this deck (3rd deck). We get additional exercise taking the steps to deck 8 for breakfast and lunch. Elevators? What are those?
More on ship life, drink and food next time.
The ship Amsterdam, fondly referred to as the "old lady" of the Holland America (HA) fleet, accommodates about 1,300 passengers--smaller than liners we cruised previously. The ambience is old world. Perhaps a good theme is "ship with subdued excitement." The average age of passengers seems to be mid-sixties, although we have not witnessed any "cane wars" which we were warned about. There are a few children and a service dog on board. FYI, service dogs pay full fare.
We have adusted to sea life after a few days of wandering the ship's nine decks. After rising around 6:00 AM, typical mornings include breakfast, gym workout, and sauna. We always attend a daily mid-morning cooking show, America's Test Kitchen (americastestkitchen.com/onboard). We like the Portugese host, Carolina, and find it informative.
We have lunch on the deck 8 at the Lido Restaurant (buffet/cafeteria style). Afternoons include various activities and I play chess at 3:00 PM on sea days. Dinners are at the more formal Dining Room--usually we eat at a table for six. We always take in the evening show at the Main Stage.
Besides the gym, we walk 10 to 15 laps (about 3-5 miles) around the Promenade Deck daily. Our cabin with a window is locaded on this deck (3rd deck). We get additional exercise taking the steps to deck 8 for breakfast and lunch. Elevators? What are those?
More on ship life, drink and food next time.