Cruise Day 1–19 May

The budget experience at ETAP continued at breakfast.  No plates:  everything served directly onto a tray covered with a paper napkin.  Think of the savings just in washing up:  only glasses, cups and cutlery to do.  For all that it was a generous enough buffet breakfast, typical continental style.

Shuttle bus back to the airport from where I took the high-speed train into central Amsterdam.  Then a leisurely 15 minute walk along the waterfront to the cruise terminal.  The Brilliance of the Seas and the Queen Elizabeth were both docked.  Quickly disposed of the suitcase then upstairs for check-in.  This took nearly 2 hours, as I was given a number on arrival and had to wait my turn.  Very  thorough security scan.


I must say the ship is very impressive.  I don’t know that the pics really convey the size of everything.  My cabin, sorry stateroom, is on the 8th deck towards the rear, sorry stern, of the vessel.  Left side, sorry port side, so am looking to seaward with no land in sight.  Am surprised at how spacious the cabin is:  and very nicely appointed.  Plenty of storage and hanging space.  Balcony has 2 deck chairs and small table.  At 4pm we had a compulsory emergency drill which was handled very professionally by staff despite a couple of semi-drunk yobbos near me who had to be cautioned several times about talking while instructions were being given.  You get them everywhere.  Sailed on time at 4.40pm.

I have opted for the “Dine Anytime” service, so can line up for dinner between 6.30 and 9.30 as I choose.  Am assigned to Minstrel Dining Room on Deck 5.  Tonight went down at 7pm and was seated with 2 very nice couples from USA and Holland.  The Yanks are cruise experts;  must spend all their savings cruising the world.  Lots of good tips from them on how things work.  Like:  you can order as many courses as you want;  he had 2 desserts for example.  I stuck with the conventional 3 course:  Mexican soup, fish of the day, and liqueur cake for dessert with tea.  Very nice, and good servings.  The table waiters a bit over the top, but I guess they feel they have to earn their tips.  Am off to play Bingo at 10.15, then it will be time for bed!

Internet is by satellite connection when available and pretty expensive;  so I will upload when I have enough done to make it worthwhile.  Apparently connections can be poor when in the fjords, so it may not be a  daily posting for a bit.

Today’s pics are here.