Arrival on MS Maasdam, Our Journey Begins.

The bed, last night, was comfortable but it was so high off the ground that my short legs almost needed a stepladder to climb up onto it!  We slept well but unfortunately jet lag kicked in and we were awake early.  So much for getting a full night's sleep!  Instead of dragging our bodies out of bed when the alarm went off we were well awake and just about dropped onto the floor - forgetting how high the bed was!

Our transport arrived on time at the Andaz Hotel and we soon found ourselves being whisked away through town and to the harbour.  Secretly hoping that the ship wouldn't make it into port that morning, Paul was sorely disappointed 😉.  The Maasdam was at the dock, waiting.

A chap from Human Resources was waiting for us at the cruse terminal and necessary documentation was exchanged and forms filled in.  Once done - port and ship's security cleared us to board.

The morning passed by in a flurry of activity.  Paul had to go through a handover with the leaving staff-captain, and many other formalities.  He was so busy until later on in the afternoon that he didn't even have time to change into his uniform but it is understandable and he was let off the hook!

The small orchids are blooming once more.

While Paul was busy I set about unpacking our luggage and had a quick exploration of the ship, seeing if there were any staff/familiar faces from 3 months ago.  A few are still on board and it was good to see them again.  Others are on holiday now or have assignments on other sister ships.  That is ship's life - people come and go and you bump into each other again on other voyages.  I was happy to see that the plants I had 'rescued' from being chucked out a year ago were still very much alive.  The cabin steward has been watering them while I have been away, Paul's counterpart staff-captain not being very good at taking care of plants.  Two orchids are happy - though small, they are blooming nicely.

The bridge.

To give you an idea of the ship, you are welcome to see some of my photographs I initially took in May 2016 and to which I have added over a period of time that I have been with Paul on the ship:  MS Maasdam

We were due to set sail for Honolulu at around 5 or 6pm but unfortunately there has been a delay as necessary cargo wasn't delivered and a contingency plan had to made in a hurry to get the necessary items in a hurry and get them delivered.  What time they will arrive, I don't know.

I'm ready for bed but Paul will have to stay up until departure.

For more information about the MS Maasdam, you can go to:  http://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/ms-Maasdam-670
https://www.hollandamerica.com/pageByName/Resp.action?requestPage=ships_msMaasdam&showHeader=true&showFooter=true

Our route to Honolulu over the next few days.