AT SEA DAY TWO

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SANTIAGO TO VALPARISO AND AT SEA

It was such a relief to take off my compression socks and relax (I hate those things, but I need to wear them on long trips). Good thing I bought the plug adapters and voltage transformer before I left. Voltage is 220 in Chile and the prongs are entirely different from US. The internet access in the hotel was fine and the TV was OK, but I listened to music instead. Sunset was at 9:15, great!





I had a buffet breakfast at the hotel and met the shuttle bus to the ship. It was the first of several busses so, after the hour and a half ride through the Chilean countryside, we were in Valparaiso where the Holland America ms Veendam was waiting. We had a commentator on the bus who provided information along the way and took us on an hour bus tour of Valparaiso since we were early. I’m glad I spent the previous night in Santiago instead of coming to Valparaiso early. I checked in and was aboard ship by noon.





BIG surprise, my inside cabin was upgraded to a veranda suite! I like upgrades! I’ve never been in a better cabin and my stewards seem nice and willing to please. I even have a jacussi in my bath tub. I had lunch in the dining room and then took a tour of the ship. After unpacking, there was a mandatory safety briefing before having to make a major decision on what to do at 5:00; either go to the Bon Voyage Party or Mass. I won’t tell which I chose, but I had a Grolsch premium lager from Holland and a Spaten premium lager from Munich. There was an orientation lecture which was OK I think, but I fell asleep during it - somewhere between the sea lions and the whales. I was headed to dinner and remembered I had made on line reservations for dinner at the Canaletto, a specialty Italian restaurant. Great food! I bought a bottle of Barbera and saved most of the bottle for future dining.





I tried out a couple more bars and met a solo man from Holland and another from London. They are both beer drinkers so I won’t be lonely at the bar. Later, the entertainers were introduced in the showroom. They were surprisingly good! I had been disappointed on some of my previous cruises, but this group sounds like winners! I had a nightcap in the piano bar. The pianist is very good and has a nice voice.





Tomorrow is a sea day, but lots of things to do. I bought an internet package, so I can be reached through my email address if needed.

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Photos

VALPARAISO
ms VEENDAM

ms VEENDAM
MY STATEROOM

ms VEENDAM
MY STATEROOM

VALPAIRAISO
MY 4 MASTED DAY SAILER

ms VEENDAM
THE POOL

ms VEENDAM
MY STEWARDS HARRISON & KABOEL

Comments

[Beverlee Patterson]

Good Blog
Hey Chuck, it sounds as if you are having a great trip. This blog is a great idea! Glad you are doing it. Love, Bev

[Gillian]

Arm chair trip!
How great is this? I get to go with you on a great arm chair adventure!!! Looks like a wonderful trip...hope you enjoy and meet some wonderful people.....with love, Gilly

[Home and Away]

I didn't know that they served beer at Mass...
just kidding. I'm reading about your cruise since my wife and I will being going on this cruise (or something similar) next year...doing an RTW including the Silk Road and Baltics this year.