We made it to Boston and got the hotel shuttle from the airport to the Embassy Suites. The warm humid air made us once again remember why we chose to cruise north this summer and get out of the heat and smoke from summer forest fires. The hotel was lovely and we had a comfortable and large suite! We both slept soundly knowing we didn’t have to get up early. The package deal we got from our travel agent included airfare, the hotel and transfers, breakfast, an upgraded balcony room and three speciality dinners. When we went down for breakfast Alan was there! I had never met the man or seen his photo. He was probably in his late 50’s and walked with a slight limp. He had flown in the night before from Washington state to meet the group of us. I heard him say there were 240 of us! He had us organized and lined out as to the order in which we would board the large buses for the ship. Out boarding time was 12:30 and it was evident we wouldn’t get on any sooner than the scheduled time. All went smoothly and we were soon on the bus, off loaded with our luggage and made our way into the terminal where we picked up our room keys, maps and welcome aboard information. We met up with a few of the Arizona folks that we met from the Grand Asia and enjoyed a light lunch. We took the time to check out our room and then explore the ship. The ship recently (within a few months) had undergone a face lift getting new carpeting, furniture and updating in the cabins. Everything was perfect! Our first port would be Wednesday July 31st when we would tender into Bar Harbor, Maine. We would have our first excursion here with a lady that was on the Cruise Critic site out of California, Charlene Compson. She organized almost all the tours we signed up for on this 35 day cruise. You’ll hear more about that excursion on my next posting. Enjoy a few of the photos from our first day/night onboard the Zuiderdam, prounounced Ziderdam like Cider.
A bottle of champagne also from our travel agent!
Dan’s favorite, a bathtub!!
Our daily guide with all the important information.
Our balcony facing the port of Boston; we don’t leave until 10:00 pm.
New flat screen tv’s in our rooms which provide access to the menu’s, your bill, movies, music, outside camera’s, booking your shore excursions, etc.
And another thing that put a smile on Dan’s face, the pickleball court!!
The Lido pool area with sliding overhead roof and the polar bear and her cub :)
A hallmark of Holland America is the beautiful fresh flowers placed around the ship and always exquisite arrangements.
Looks like a Viking statue also for our trip.
They have a BB King Blues Club which hosts some fabulous bands and performers.
Holland also has a Test Kitchen just like on TV where you can watch them stir up delicious recipe’s of which you can get copies of.
New to us is the Lincoln Center Stage area where classical performers entertain. They often perform three times a day on sea days and sometimes an evening concert.
More fresh flowers!
That night leaving Boston....and to all a good night!
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