kazu

Then we headed to see a couple of spots and for a bite - my friends chose the Oyster Bar. I had made it clear it was my treat. Least I could do. Oldest restaurant in Boston and maybe the U.S.? Strange rule though - Peter had dropped us off so we didn’t have to walk too far and was parking the car. When we told the restaurant we were 4 and he would be there shortly, they said we can’t seat you until all your party has arrived. That’s a first for me. once we seated the waitress quickly gave us all some cornbread. It was really good. And was the wine 😉 Deb & I shared a seafood platter. Yummy with oysters, calamari, shrimp & fish. Peter had the fried clams & Paula the shrimp. Everyone enjoyed their meal.(sorry - no idea why the clams are upside down). Pitch dark so back to the ship.

Yesterday we were in Boston. CC friends Peter & Paul @P&PNH had offered to show us around and had a fabulous itinerary planned for us and then….. the itinerary got changed due to having to travel slowly for the whale migration. They worked around it, got our tickets changed, bless them and were there waiting for us to disembark. We were chaufferured around Boston. They had rec or ended the Duck Boat tour since it was hard to get around the historic area of Boston by car. It was a fabulous idea. The duck boat travels on land and water our narrator was so good. Humourous, full of history and engaged the children on board. He did a fabulous job and we all really enjoyed him. couldn’t take pics because of the movement & type of windows (built to push out in case of problems - they go over safety procedures impeccably) It’s an 80 minute tour and a great way to see that part of Boston on land and sea. After, it was time to fight the traffic and head to one spot we of course, had to see. It’s really the Bull and Finch but it is the bar where Cheers was filmed and based on. We were happy just to see it.

Back tracking again…. We were off to a rough start with our fights to get to FLL. Well, our luck continued. When I got out of the Uber on Saturday, one of my walking canes would no longer lock and Sunday when our luggage arrived, Debbie’s handle on her luggage was broken. It was too risky to leave the walking cane like that. I had gotten some packing tape from the hotel to lock it in place but I knew that would only hold so long. So, we went to the concierge to see if they had some duck tape or some such animal that we could use. She asked if I could manage without it for one day and, since we were on board and it’s not a big ship, I certaily could. Deb mentioned her luggage handle to see if they could do something similar and the concierge was down to take a damage report. We emphasized we did not think the crew did it - stevedores perhaps? She took deb’s luggage and said she would see what they could do. early on day 2, she arrived at our room with my cane locking beautifully. It won’t be properly foldable anymore but that’s ok, I’ll use it at the airport and scream at the manufacturer when I get home (they were brand new - bought for this trip). Yesterday when I went in she asked if we would be in our cabin for a few minutes. when I answered the affirmative she was down in about 15 minutes beaming. Deb’s handle on her luggage had been replaced. the new handle matched the luggage perfectly. We were both very impressed. My walking cane works great and Deb’s luggage looks fine. Thank you clever upholsters and workers behind the scenes at HAL. Fabulous jobs and so appreciated ♥️

Backtracking again - (Wednesday). The sail away out of Newport is really pretty.

So the night before we went to the Pinnacle Grill for dinner. It was deb’s birthday on this cruise but on the 22nd. she chose the 24th since it was 1/2 way between hers and her DD DH’s. By the way, our old waiter never sang happy birthday to her nor gave her a cake. She was happy not to be sung to though. PG made sure she got a cake. PG can be a mixed bag on some ships. On this one, it was very good. we really enjoyed our appetizers: For the main I had the tenderloin with lobster dumplings - OMG. And here’s where Debbie fell down on her job. She and I forgot about pics until it was toll late and not picture worthy. It was that good. Well worth it on this ship. We smartened up for dessert. I had the soufflé and Deb the cheese tray that’s right - no crackers on it but there were two bread sticks.

We can hear carts at times, but it’s not loud and not constant. It certainly doesn’t keep us awake nor wake us up. I asked my cabin mate her opinion and she said the same. We have no issues and are enjoying our room.

Sorry busy day today - I will catch up tomorrow. All.I will say is I could never drive in Boston. what a zoo. But our chauffeur did a great job and we got back to the ship.in plenty of time. Beautiful sail a way even if it was pitch black. Unfortunately I was charging my phone so I only had my Ipad but… I don’t think traffic was crazy due to the full moon 😉

thanks - we saw a lot coming into Boston. Really nice sights and yes, “thar be whales”. - just some spouts but there were lots as they made their way up north.

Sea days. They are busy on embarkation day doing the wheel chair assistance.

Such a disappointment to lose your birthday dinner. They are expecting us tonight - said so at breakfast 😊

I don’t recall seeing him pull a laminated card out of his pocket but he was on the Koningsdam in 2023 for sure. I had him in mid December 2022 - January 2023.

There wasn’t one today. I bit the bullet and got a sweatshirt. They had a beautiful jacket on sale but unfortunately I don’t fit into an XXXL. 😂 The sweatshirt should be quite warm - it seems well made and since it has HAL’s name on it, at least I got the Mariner discount. There would have been a lot more choice if I got a lot bigger and a smidge more if I was a bit smaller. LOL.

OMG on the entertainment on board. On the Volendam we have the Mix as opposed to the Music Walk. it is fabulous. Our piano man (a REAL piano man) is wonderful - great sense of humour - a lot o variety and fun. We have a lovely pianist playing at different times and a wonderful singer with an absolutely beautiful voice performing. I’ll take this talent over Music Walk any day. (I know that’s very subjective) but they are good and believe me, it’s packed. Our piano man -

Ok still in catch up mode from what didn’t go this morning. So, last night I went down to the MDR once the dinner rush was over and there was Aris at the podium. (Some of you might remember him as manager of Club Orange on the Pinnacle Class ships). He is in charge of our section of the dining room. I asked if he had a minute to chat and nicely told him our waiter was abysmal. Doesn’t refill water glasses, wine, (doesn’t even have the opened wine out ready), no comments when food is undated, doesn’t ask about how the meal was nor have any knowledge of the Club Orange specials, etc. I told him I thought he needed more training but I was not prepared to sit there and asked if her could help. We are now at a table for 6 (which is what I had originally requested) although it appears we might be the only ones there. that’s fine. Our waiters are superb. Just how it should be. The wine was boyfriend fast and will be ther the next time ready. Club Orange menu provided. Both are congenial and wonderful. Dinner last night was night and day compared to dinner the prior 2. So glad I spoke up (as if you could keep me quiet 😉) Dinner was delish - good service really helps 😉 I had the seafood devilled eggs Debbie the Tabbouleh the club Orange short ribs - delish. So tender you only needed a fork. No knife required. Boston Cream pie for Deb and Strawberry crisp for me. when a crisp is on the menu you have to take advantage 😉 All in all very good and we left two very happy campers - or is that Merry Widows 😉 Doing a birthday dinner in the PG tonight for Deb and of course, we let our new waiters know.

LOL. Might not be the best kept secret but fortunately people on board don’t plan ahead. I figured I was too late for another booking for lunch and it was wide open. 👍 You are not alone. It was a one and done for me too. too many other wonderful things to see. Unless Debbie orders it you will not see candied bacon in my pics.