Where and what in the world will have a different twist this week. Instead of posting recipes and stories from past trips, we are going to blog while cruising.
Champagne and Flower Welcome
We have cruised with many lines. This is our seventh cruise with Holland America on seven different ships. In the past, staterooms have provided a variety, from ocean view, veranda, to inside cabins. This time it’s inside, but decorated to make you feel that you have a view.
Yesterday:
We’ll have to say, entering the cabin, our bon voyage bouquet was gorgeous and the champagne was the topper.
The Nieuw Amsterdam, newest member of the fleet, certainly has a wow factor. The design throughout the ship is open and flows well. My favorite spot so far is the Explorations Café. What a spectacular surprise! The computers, library, café and lounge blend and flow like the sea. As I’m posting this, I’m sitting in one of the relaxing leather chairs, looking out the bow of the ship and enjoying cappuccinos.
Mixed Mushroom Appetizer at Dinner Photo: MDHill
We’re at Half Moon Cay today, with scads of activities from parasailing, kayaking, sailboats, horse back riding, or simply enjoying a beautiful beach. However, the winds are at twenty knots, so unfortunately for some, it is not advisable to tender ashore. So, off to a glorious day at sea while the crew is planning alternative activities for those who are now at sea instead of land.
But we both enjoy the ship when in port, reading and looking forward to afternoon tea at three. We enjoy all the various ports, but generally cruise simply to relax, read and have as many options as we may desire. When we first started cruising, we tried to do it all. Now, we just pick, choose, and enjoy.
This week, all of these posts will include some photos from each day and some of what this beautiful ship has to offer.
 White Fish with Lobster Dumpling on Zucchini Photo- Maralyn D. Hill  Chandelier Changes Colors Photo: Maralyn D Hill |
 Explorations Cafe Photo by Maralyn D Hill  Maralyn and Norm Hill |
Maralyn D. Hill, The Epicurean Explorer & Norman E. Hill, Journalist
MDH-President, NEH – Member International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Where and What in the World, Books By Hills & Success with Writing
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
