On the Maasdam - Day 1

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July 4 dawned cloudy but not rainy. We wish all our family and friends a joyous 4th! Looked forward to more bacon at breakfast but had to settle for sausage instead. Service not quite as attentive as yesterday but the food was fresh and hot and good. Then it was time to repack and relax until checkout.



We boarded the Maasdam at 11:30, the first group to embark. Our suite is lovely, actually too large for just two but I'm not complaining. We have a large King-sized bed, a sitting area with an L-shaped couch, two chairs and a coffee table. These is a bar in the corner with an assortment of glasses and a self serve mini bar. We have a dressing room and bath but the best part is the veranda. It is so large that the table for four, two chairs with ottomans and a side table, and two lounges do not feel crowded. There is a coffee maker in the room but it makes the most disgusting bitter coffee we ever had.





The next hours were spent investigating the ship and taking care of business, booking shore excursions and checking to see if all our On Board Credits were posted to our bill. We were missing one and the staff will be contacting the head office to see what happened.



Enjoyed lunch in the Lido where I located the pasta station and enjoyed pasta with shrimp, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini and tomatoes sautéed with oil and garlic. Yum. Joe had a pizza and was not overwhelmed.



We unpacked as our bags arrived, arranged for items to be pressed or laundered and soon it was time for the safety drill. People seem to take the drill more seriously these days and we soon headed to the aft pool for sail-away. Instead of the live band blaring so loudly that you can't hear yourself, there were songs from the 50-60's. We arrived to "Where are you Little Star". Ran into Bill and Diana, who I met on a Caribbean Cruise years ago. We had toured Curaçao together and snorkeled in Aruba. It was great to see them again. They live in the Seattle area so this cruise is perfect for them, no flying.



Ti Time came and we headed to the Crow's Nest for our nightly stinger, then off for a short nap before dinner. We dine at 7:45 and I wasn't very hungry. Joe had the berries soup and roasted chicken. I had an antipasto and a Cesar salad. No cinnamon ice cream but I put in a request so we will see tomorrow.



We wandered around for a while, checked on a poker tournament in progress, had a nightcap and headed for bed. Our slippers arrived so all is now complete. Read for a few minutes but couldn't keep my eyes open. Gently rocked to sleep.

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Comments

[Marion]

Thank you!
I am already enjoying the visits and voyage with you! Hogs to St Joey! And all love to each of you! m