June 24, 2017



  Today was the final Sea Day as we return to Amsterdam.  The sun was shining today when it occasionally cleared the light cloud.  The temperature was a reasonable 14 C.  The wind from the southwest is strong, 50 km/hour. While walking laps on Deck 3, the wind gives you a boost as you cross the bow from the starboard side, almost sending you into a jog by the time you turn to walk along the port side.  When the sun has escaped a cloud, it is quite warm on your back.  The waves were about 1.5 meters high with little white caps. We were passing some of the North Sea oil rigs during the day. We could picture the small models that we saw in the Petroleum Museum yesterday as we saw the “oil rig towns” in the distance.
    All the passengers received instructions for tomorrow’s disembarkation process.  Our group is part of the first bunch assigned to leave the ship at 7:30 a.m., after docking about 7 a.m.
   After walking three kilometers, Larry played cribbage for a rematch with Bill against Don and Bev. I finished the blog from yesterday.  Steps 4,904
   At noon there was an announcement to not use starboard side doors because of strong winds, 65 km/hour.  Earlier we had seen people struggling to open starboard side doors as you really needed good balance and a very strong pull to get into the ship from a starboard door.
  Claire attended the “Ask the Captain” presentation about the ship’s operation with Captain Darin Bowland and the hotel manager.  There was a video and then questions and answers. Captain Bowland started his sea career as a Royal Canadian Navy cadet in 1985 and has worked at Holland America for a decade.  The Koningsdam has stabilizers that are 6.5 meters long, one on each side.  They help smooth out the ride in rough seas.
   Meanwhile, Larry transferred photos onto his tablet from the laptop as back up since his camera accidently erased all the photos on the SD card the morning we arrived in Honningsvåg, it was fortunate that he transfers photos from his camera to the laptop every night.  The waves were higher this afternoon two meters high with white caps. The temperature made it to 17 C.
   We walked on the inside decks on our way to Deck 12 for cappuccinos.
   Today there was an Internet offer for checking airline reservations. You could get 15 minutes for $8.25 US or 30 minutes for $12 US. The regular rate was $0.75 US per minute or 100 minutes for $55 or a package as low as $250 for 1,000 minutes for sometimes very slow speed connections.
   We received our two star Mariner pins for sailing three or more cruises with Holland America.
   We enjoyed our final dinner in the dining room with Bruce and Veronica. The choices of appetizers were Cannelloni Couscous or Potato Soup with Shrimp.  The entrées were Rainbow Trout with spaghetti or spice crusted Prime Rib with whipped potato, steamed broccoli, carrots and asparagus. The desserts we chose were Master Chef’s Sundae with mango and macadamia nuts and chocolate ginger mousse.  It was a lovely farewell meal.
   Only two shows were scheduled in the World Stage theater this evening, both featuring singer, Andrew Derbyshire and illusionist, Ruben Vilagrand.
   An evening walk on Deck 3 did not require a jacket, but long sleeves were comfortable.  The ship will be cruising into rain during the night.
 Steps  11,347

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