June 20, 2017



   We woke up to a rainy day, with winds of 40 km per hour and a temperature of 9 C.  It is another Sea Day. We had breakfast in the dining room with a couple from Florida and Ontarians Michelle and Doug.  The ship crossed the Arctic Circle, returning south, just after 9 a.m. as we enjoyed breakfast.
    After a chat with Lucille and Andy, we went back to the cabin to get our jackets and gloves to walk Promenade Deck 3.  The captain’s announcement included the fact that the waves today are about four meters.  Sometimes the ship rolled as we walked, but there are plenty of railings to grab if necessary. There was a little light rain occasionally. After three miles, which is nine times around the ship’s perimeter, we returned inside and got cappuccinos at the Deck 3 Grand Dutch Café.   Steps 7,651
   We attended the Mariners Club lunch in Dining Room. All passengers who have previously sailed with Holland America were invited to lunch either yesterday or today.  The dining room main floor holds about 500 people and most seats were occupied. 
   Larry spent part of the afternoon playing cribbage with Bev, Don and Bill.  At mid afternoon, the captain verified that the North Sea waves were four to five meters high and occasionally higher in the 45 knot wind (80 km per hour).  Even in our Deck 1 interior mid-ship stateroom we could feel the roll of the ship and hear it creaking.  The high white capped waves had the foam blown from them as the wave rose to its peak.
  Our travel group had another group dinner, this time in the Pinnacle Grill, this evening overlooking the grey skies and churning sea.  Tonight we chose a Caesar Salad or a Tomato Broth with spicy lemongrass chicken, which was too salty.  The main courses were Cedar Planked Halibut with Shrimp Scampi or 7 ounce Petit Filet Mignon.   Platters of vegetables were passed around the table – sautéd mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, baby carrots, grilled asparagus and creamed spinach.  For dessert we chose raspberry cheesecake and a chocolate soufflé.   By the end of dinner the waves were a bit shorter, but the ship still swayed from side to side. 
  The evening shows were cancelled as it was too dangerous for the dancers to present Musicology, a dance concert.    The movie Boss Baby was shown instead.
   Tonight the sun sets at 11:23 p.m. and rises again shortly after 3 a.m. 
Steps 11,407


 

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