A new Holland America Line adventure begins....

Well, the big question has been answered, will I be blogging….  Yes I will, assuming the internet treats me kindly.  First of all, I have to thank two friends of mine for their to get things kicked off.  First of all, my best friend for well over 50 years, Randy Barkins for getting up in the middle of the night and transporting my luggage and I to the airport in Philadelphia….  Secondly, my friend Brad, drove all the way from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale to pick me up at the airport.  We were able to hang out together for a couple of days before he delivered me to Pier 26 to board the ms Zuiderdam….  Then, things moved quickly, Claes De Groot, the Zuiderdam  Guest Relations Manager escorted me and I was checked in, through security and in my cabin within 15 minutes….  Very impressive!  From the very start, I’ve had a good feeling about this ship.  It obviously had some serious updates and is a well maintained, lovely ship.  I only know 2 crew members which feels very strange but I’m sure, in no time, we’ll all be one big family.  I was totally unpacked the first day which felt really good.  Then it was time to relax and get into a new rhythm….  After departing Fort Lauderdale, Captain Wouter van Hoogdalem, steered our course to Half Moon Cay, the Holland America private island in the Bahamas….  I decided, early on, that I would stay onboard and focus on exercising and toning up my vanishing tan.  It was a good decision for me since there we a couple of major downpours during an otherwise spectacular day. Today, was our first sea day and it was nothing short of perfection….  Hot sunny weather with a very nice breeze.  Tonight, we had the Captain’s Welcome toast which I attended so I could get a chance to meet some of the staff.  I did have a chance to have a nice chat with the Captain (Nice guy).  He will depart in January, I believe, but will be back for our crossing to Europe.  The entire experience on the Zuiderdam has been wonderful….  The Cabin Stewards are the best you could ask for, the food is wonderful (mainly Pinnacle Grill so far) and the entire complement of Officers and Crew have been very welcoming…..  I have a very good feeling about this, kind of like the Koningsdam last year that I love so much when in reality, I expected to hate it….  Amazing what an open mind will do for you….  So, it’s off on another adventure…..  Don’t worry, photos will be coming….  Too lazy to deal with that yet, tomorrow we hit Aruba, always a wonderful stop…..