Volendam Adventure, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

Just a spectacular day today….  Another perfect weather day, hot and sunny.  We arrived early this morning into Amber Cove, Dominican Republic. The complex that Carnival built here is first class, pools, shops, restaurants and Wi-Fi…  Just fabulous!!!  I spend a few hours ashore and then headed back to the Volendam for some relaxation time….  Allan, Sandra and I were spoiled this afternoon with some frozen grapes…  life is good!!!!

Volendam Adventure, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands

Another spectacular day!  Today we visited the beautiful Turks & Caicos…..  We arrived at Grand Turk around 10:00 and off I went….  I really love it here, the beaches are simply wonderful.  Spent some time on the island, even ran into Allan & Sandra and hung out with them for a while.  Then it was off to the pool…  Spent a relaxing day with some walking thrown in… I had a pleasant surprise today, ran into the Fleet Executive Chef, Daniel Hrgic, an old friend from my World Voyages…  He is a great Chef and good friend….  He stopped by dinner tonight with the Volendam Executive Chef, Dimri Rohit.  We had a lovely visit….

 

Volendam Adventure, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

This morning is a picture-perfect morning in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas….  My plan, relax and enjoy the day and get in some walking…  It was a wonderful day!  I visited a lot with Allan & Sandra who sat out by the pool in a bit of shade…  In the evening, I joined Allan & Sandra for drinks in the Ocean Bar followed by dinner in the dining room for our first Gala Night. It was a great day, nice beginning for my long voyage on the Volendam.

 

Volendam Adventure, Ft Lauderdale, Florida

Well, the big day finally arrived and I am ready for my first voyage on the ms Volendam….  I boarded the ship first accompanied by Allan & Sandra, escorted my the Guest Services Manager Angeli Marie Gonzales….  Upon boarding we were welcomed by Hotel Director Simon Tanner…. It all went very smoothly and I was very pleased when my Cabin Steward Joe greeted me.  Joe was my Cabin Steward for the first half of my 8 ½ Zuiderdam Voyage and he was simply the best!!!!  The rest of the day was spent seeing old friends here and there and unpacking….    Once that is done it is time to relax and enjoy!  I really felt at home when I ran into our Captain, Friso, a long-time friend.  We spent many years sailing together on the Amsterdam and always enjoyed the time I got to spend with him.  It’s great being here and particularly great being reunited with Allan & Sandra Benson….  Things are looking pretty good so far….