Suzi Travels

Sea Days

Or as we call them, Rest & Relaxation days. No alarms, No excursions. Eat when you want to, do as much or as little as you want to. There is a lot to do on the ship but I’ve been working on this website and watching Nature movies about where we are going.

We did have a medical emergency situation on the ship. I must say that the Oosertdam team are amazing. We were re-routed to the closest port where the ship was met by a helicopter that removed the patient (I don’t know about their family members) so they could be transported to receive medical attention. Another reason I highly recommend travel insurance. No one wants to have to use it, but if you need it, it’s invaluable. We actually spoke to the Captain and First Engineer in the Gallery Lounge. They said it was a challenging day and something you hope never happens. That being said, they did a great job, kept guests informed, asked for respect and privacy for the patient & their family. Once the transfer was made, we got back on course, increased speed (they let us know it would be rocky) to ensure we could make our next port of call on time. Kudos to the whole staff.

We’ve eaten breakfast at the buffet, and it has been hot, with a lot of choices, and many omelet/egg stations. Occasionally there might be 1 or 2 people in front of you, but service has been great. Saturday lunch was the taco bar, our favorite. Sunday lunch was at the buffet, with way too many choices. Both days a special bar was set up by the pool and Mark made us Bailey Banana Coladas and Margaheritas. We have gone to the dining room both nights for dinner. No reservations needed, but you can make them if you choose to. We also like sharing a table and have had great dinner companions from all over the world. Service has been timely, and food has been hot and delicious. FYI on Holland America they enforce no shorts in the dining room for dinner. Patrick had to go change the first night. Last night was dressy, serving tenderloin & grilled shrimp. Sorry, no pictures as I left my phone in the cabin.

There are many bars, so something for everyone. Again, great service with very little wait. We have used a few of them — no complaints

Entertainment at the World Stage is at 7:30 pm and again at 9 pm. So far, it has been very good, with a variety of acts.

I will try and post pictures of different places on the ship on sea days.