sea + sea

April 10 & 11, 2017
After leaving the Azores, we had two more days at sea. I keep a journal when we travel and according to my journal, we didn't do much.

The weather was a bit cooler - cloudy with some rain so we mostly stayed inside. We walk the deck every day to get our steps in. I love the sights and sounds of sailing. Although I kept hoping to see a whale or dolphin pass by. It didn't happen. The Koningsdam has two outside walking areas - deck 3 and deck 11. Deck 3 is better when it's windy and cooler, but a lot of the views are obstructed by hanging life boats.

We went to the Mariner's lunch and received our Delft tile. Every time we sail we receive a Delft blue Holland America tile at the lunch. And at the Mariner's lunch the conversation inevitably turns to, what are you doing with your tiles? Some people say they are going to tile a bathroom, some say they are tiling a tea tray with them...we use ours as coasters.

When we meet people cruising, we always ask them what their favorite cruising itinerary has been. The answer is always South America & Antarctica. Unless the people haven't done that cruise. It's a diverse itinerary and it's only offered a few times/year in December and January. The contrast between the South American summer heat and ice in the Antarctic would be amazing to experience. Although that could also be summer in Alberta with the chance of snow at any time! However, we don't have penguins and I would love to see (and smell) the penguins! The scenery as you cruise around Antarctica is supposed to be breathtaking; Alaska on steroids is what we've been told. And I want to sail the Drake passage. This cruise is at the top of my list and so is visiting the Galapagos.

Mariner status on Holland America indicates how much you've sailed with them. It's their loyalty program. You receive 1-star Mariner status after your first cruise and then depending on the number of days you sail and the amount you spend on board, you progress in star status. I'm a 3-star Mariner and James is a 4-star Mariner. OK, enough promoting Holland America unless they want to hire me!

We learned (from Dr. Thomas Anderson) how many of the phrases commonly we use   have roots in the maritime world. Some of these include: Cup of Joe, Three Sheets to the Wind, Flying Colours, Turn a Blind Eye, Big Wig, Know the Ropes, Let the Cat out of the Bag...

We've spent lots of time at the spa and read a few books. We've also watched quite a few movies. We grab bags of popcorn from the movie area on the Lido deck and bring them to our room to watch movies.

Mini Maurice is on the voyage with us and he has been enjoying the ship.

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Life at sea is great for relaxing, it's just not that exciting to blog about!