One of the things that Tom and I have really enjoyed during our cruise is watching the sea change and the world go by. The ocean is as hypnotic as a fire. It changes from moment to moment. The color, the waves, the peaks of the waves. The ocean is different on sunny days than …
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Changes in Clientele onboard Nieuw Statendam
The clientele onboard ship changed in Rotterdam. When we docked in Rotterdam, we were at the end of our first two-week cruise. Tom and I are on the ship for two months, so technically we are doing four back-to-back cruises. But each of the two weeks has a distinct itinerary, so it seems right that …
Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Netherlands
One of the best reasons to go to Europe in April is to visit Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Netherlands. Keukenhof Gardens has the best display of tulips in Europe and it is only open from March 21 to May 12. During those eight weeks, the show is spectacular as tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowers …
Dover Castle – Now, THIS Is a Castle!
In keeping with seeing one great thing every day we are in port, Tom and I visited Dover Castle. We could see the castle as we sailed into Dover and the castle and hill dominated the city. Although we considered walking there from the ship, we decided to take the shuttle once we realized how …
Cathedral of Rouen, France
During our one day in France, Tom and I decided to visit Rouen with the famous Cathedral of Rouen. The Cathedral is a gorgeous example of church architecture, but is also the burial place of some famous kings. Tom especially wanted to see the gravesite of Rollo, the first ruler of Normandy, from whom he …
St Peter Port, Isle of Guernsey
I have wanted to go to St Peter Port on the Isle of Guernsey ever since I read ““The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer. You can read my review of the book here. The book is a beautiful romance and it made me want to go see the place …
Spike Island and Cobh, Ireland
The first land we spotted after a week of crossing the Atlantic Ocean was Spike Island and Cobh, Ireland. It was an uneventful crossing except for my propensity to get sick in odd ways. First, my left leg suddenly giving out and not supporting any weight for three days. As precipitously as it went out, …
Routine On Board the Nieuw Statendam
After two weeks on board the Nieuw Statendam, Tom and I have settled into a routine, at least on our “at sea” days. When my left leg wasn’t working, we got in the habit of going to breakfast together. This requires me to wait a little while for breakfast and for Tom to get up …
Programs on Board Nieuw Statendam
Before we left, lots of people asked me what you do on a ship for 10 days of a sea crossing. Not to worry – the Nieuw Statendam has plenty of programs all day long. In fact, I’ve had a hard time finding time to write the blog during our sea days because we have …
King’s Wharf, Bermuda, Our First Port of Call
Our first port of call was King’s Wharf, Bermuda, on the third day of our cruise. Tom and I had never been to Bermuda before and were looking forward to exploring. Unfortunately, the morning we were supposed to go into Bermuda, my knee gave out. It felt very similar to when I tore my ACL. …