What I wanted to share here are the pictures we took during our stay on the Amsterdam. But out of context they would be pretty boring to you. So here are some of my thoughts on why this part of the journey was important to me. If you wish to read it please enjoy. If not just look at the pictures.
What many people don’t know, even if you took a cruise before, is that it’s the length of this trip that determines the attitude of the ship. Because we became a community or maybe a small neighborhood and knowing that we would be together for 69 days, we quickly made long lasting friendships. Traveling throughout the ship daily, it was not uncommon to be sidelined and asked to sit for lunch or discuss whose going to what show and who is joining who for dinner. On excursions we always met someone new to share the experience with. Our normal day would almost always begin with breakfast, getting smaller daily, and then a visit to the gym. After a vigorous workout (Ha) we would have to walk by the pool to see who was out. But we could have gone to lectures, tai chi, movies or craft classes. I usually sit by the aft pool and read or socialize and Hank has a bridge foursome. Then it’s time for dress up, dancing and dinner. After dinner we were provided a show every night and they were fabulous, from singers to magicians, to ventriloquists and Vegas performers. Our favorite were the Unexpected Boys who performed songs from the “The Jersey Boys”! Awesome! After all this – a nightcap at Crow’s Nest put us over the edge. But the formal nights were the most special because the entire staff decorated each room for the celebration of the day. We were so impressed at the dedication.
In the early weeks of our trip, half of our table of 8 became free. There was no animosity in this and we were actually grateful, because it meant we could invite our own guests. So we were able to invite the singing cast of the Amsterdam shows on one night, on another the beautiful string quartet who were so excited and grateful beyond measure, and many other of our other friends and crew throughout the remaining weeks. This was a great opportunity to learn more about our companions and about ship life. The most important thing I will take away personally is that every single person we met connected with successful guest pampering, always did it with a smile and did it because they love it. From the quiet but happy house men who always made sure our laundry was delivered, our beds were perfectly sharp and the towel animals were friendly; to the waiters at our table who laughed at our selections for dinner but always had an interest in our day; to the girls in the show who joined us many times for lunch or dinner and always had a great story to tell; to the entertainment crew who really knew how to throw a party; to the Crow’s Nest bartenders who made better drinks then they should have; to the string quartet who played the songs we asked for as we walked in the room; to Jenna our friend and trainer even tho we were too lazy to follow her advice; all this camaraderie is there for the taking if you chose to acknowledge it. This is just a glimpse of the pleasure we have enjoyed, and before we leave, all these friends will know how great they made our vacation.
I am anxious and glad to be going home – it’s only 9 days away. But today we had a visit from King Neptune who, after a prolonged and hysterical pool ceremony, allowed us safe passage through the Equator and tonight we have a party at dinner. Tomorrow night is the captains table dinner/Tropical night and Thursday there is something special to celebrate Thanksgiving. Friday is Hawaii. So there is still much to enjoy and I want to do it fully. By the time you see this it will all be over but never forgotten. These blogs have been my journal of memories that will live in my heart forever.
See you all in a few weeks. We miss you all and can’t wait for the holidays!
Hugs, Maryann
Dining, Dancing and parties on the ship over the last few weeks.
