MS Amsterdam - Holland America, she's still dreamy!

Hitting the high seas has never been better!

Often I write about the cruise lines, how I enjoy the changes and modern amenities that better suit younger, forward thinking and mobile adults.  I'm not saying that the cruise line is abandoning seniors as you all know the groups I travel with are by far the greatest generation to live, the average age of my traveling companions on this trip was 75 plus!  Remember age is only a number and with life being more fulfilling than at any time in the past our friends are living longer with more vitality then the previous generations.  I truly love sharing my life with our seniors, like sailing on an Ocean Liner or as it will a cruise ship this generation is creating a much better life for us all.

MS Amsterdam, christened in 2000 is always changing, upgrading and keeping us coming back for more, she is a wonderful ship and experience on the high seas.

Docked in Victoria, B.C.



On this cruise my cabin staff or stewards were Wayan & Gede, both fine stewards with a kind word each day, without a doubt one of the things I most enjoy about Holland America is the gentle, attentive service by all its staff.  I've traveled on many lines, all have great points that separate them from each other, however; I do believe Holland America is the master at the kinder side of service.  One night as I entered my cabin I noticed a "towel animal" hanging from the ceiling to great me home for the night, just happens my steward had opened my door for me, as I stated the surprise of the hanging gift he stated "for your protection and a safe nights sleep".  I thought that was very nice while keeping with a cruise ship tradition, he didn't need to say anything but it was the appropriate thing to say or so I thought so.  I took the towel animal down and placed him on my bed as not to have the steward have to do it in the morning.  Sometimes it is the little things that make you feel at home with the new cruise line services, I can remember in the early 80's sailing on a ship and having fellow passengers say "who are those invisible people who keep cleaning up our cabins and are never seen"?  This was true, you never saw them, like a ninga in the dark or maybe hiding under my bed?  This system has changed 100% over the years, the stewards are part of your experience and they can make or break your cruise trust me!  I've had this happen with a passenger who was traveling with me with a group and the steward was abrasive to her about a situation, it may or may not of been the fault of the steward but none the less it left a bad feeling for the passenger.  This is so very rare and one must take in all the facts to draw a conclusion and I'm not going to do that, but also wanted you to know I'm realistic and not everything is perfect every day.  Okay, in my world it is, but that might be unrealistic to you.

Here is my cabin protector:

He or she is cute don't you think so?



We had a wonderful trip, hit a storm coming onto the West Coast about 2:30 a.m. and for me this was like rocking chair experience, I loved it and rocked with the ship as she bounced in and out of the water, hearing the waves and wind thrash against the side of the ship.  Not scary at all, I loved it and the next morning much to my surprise some of our traveling companions didn't even feel the storm.

Remember the new "open dining" option now available on most cruise ships, this allows you to dine when you want with whom you wish, not like the old days when you had to eat with the same people every night.  I love this option and makes the experience more like going out to dinner with your family, loved ones and friends.  Their will always be an option to do "traditional dining" as in the old days, some single cruisers like this as not to have to dine alone, but for me, I'd rather have a small table for two and take my book, even if it is an electronic one.  One of the great dining options on Holland America is the Italian option set up in the buffet area, it is call Canaletto's - a coursed traditional Italian meal served with mock Italian Waiters, fun, entertaining and the food is a nice break from the main dining room menus.  They start with an automatic basic of fresh breads to dip in your own plate of Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar and let me tell you it is quality stuff here!  At dessert time the chef prepared a little surprise for everyone in the intimate dining room and prepared Cotton Candy for each table, now that took me back a few years for sure. 

Las Vegas style full productions and that is a real treat for sure. 

We visited several ports below is a picture of our ship in the bay as we tendered to the shore, while visiting the port we enjoyed local artists and an old fashion classic Steam Engine Train to the historic saw mills many, many years ago.

Amsterdam is majestic for sure

A few other ports included some wonderful gardens while in bloom this late in the year is due to the late summer on the West Coast - enjoy the photo. 

Gardens at a local hotel in port

While in port we had the pleasure of seeing another "DAM" ship, as Holland America likes to announce their ships, it is the Oosterdam and is quite a bit larger than our modest Amsterdam with some of the newer options, still with the wonderful services of the Holland America Line.

When I cruise it allows me to escape to a peaceful place on earth, time to reflect, read and do some self discovery.  I spend time sitting on the Promenade Deck watching the ocean as we steam along the open waters or stop by the library for a quick read, puzzle or lounge on the over sized furniture and gaze out the large picture windows.  Of course there is the other side of cruising, the SPA with hot tubs, therapists, gyms massage therapy, hair studio and more.  Imagine sitting on a heated tiled bench full length while you watch the waters pass by creating an amazing sense of self!  This is a very special quiet room that if you're not into meditation this will help you unwind and rejuvenate your mind, soul and body in an inviting sense of tranquility.  The sounds of the water trickling down the center fountain to also help create the unique sense of you.  Don't miss this room even if you only take a few hours one day to try it out, you'll be hooked for sure and it will stay with you long after the cruise has ended making your return to the daily grind seem effortless.

Another unique amenity on the Amsterdam is the retracting roof over the main pool, it is closed during inclement weather creating a tropical feel so everyone can enjoy the pool in any season or location around the world.  The area is even used one night during the cruise for the "dessert" extravaganza, artful pastries, chocolates, cheeses and wines along with amazing Ice Carvings to delight even the hardest to impress.  This is one of my favorite themed events offered during most cruises, not to say that the Brunch during one of the sea days is anything to miss, but this event is held at 11:30 p.m. with special lighting along with great music to make it a real event.  You know along with daily afternoon Tea and all the other dining venues, maybe living on a cruise ship might be a great way to polish off the golden years, who knows?

I hope to see you on a cruise in the near future!

Please remember if you can take your elderly neighbor, friend, relative or even someone in need on a cruise it will not only be rewarding and a life long memory for the invited friend or soon to be your friend it will lift your own spirits and meaning.  I truly believe we each can share in our own way, this is my way and your way is just as important for sure, I just wanted to mention that if you can share, please do; happy sailing!