As with all else in life nothing goes perfectly all the time and so it was on the day of embarkation at the docks in Vancouver Place. It could have been due to Holland America cruise line being short of staff? but the ‘lines’ as they call them on this side of the Atlantic were ridiculously slow with three ships leaving around about the same time apparently and no official information about the delay.
At times we were stationary for too long to stay good natured and had to move through three lots of security, most tedious being the crossover from Canadian territory to US, which actually occurs at the docks. A plus was that I chatted a lot of the time to an Australian couple from Newcastle (Australia) who regaled me with their many travel expeditions.
MS Koningsdam was delivered to Holland America Line in March 2016 and began operating the following month. She became the largest ship ever commissioned for HAL upon her delivery and is certainly impressively large.
Once aboard, three and a half hours later it was easy to unwind. Accommodation in the stateroom was very satisfactory with a balcony spacious shower room and comfy bed and I was greeted immediately by Yogi, followed by Abdul my stateroom service staff for the duration.
Since I had already missed breakfast and lunch I went for an early steak dinner.
Once again staff were very good at their job. Made the acquaintance of Gerhan
who was very attentive and looked after me well taking note of any dietary requirements. As I’m gluten free, if you pick a meal selection the night before, It’s specially prepared for you the following evening. What could be better.
Shortly after we boarded the Captain announced that we’d be taking a different, longer route to Juneau, our first stop, now scheduled for much later in the day, due to heavy weather in the Pacific. Watch this space!! 🤢
Didn’t do much else on day one except stroll around and try to get my bearings. The exit from Vancouver Place was certainly very serene and scenic. Perfect end to the day.
On a ship this side it’s a test of your homing instinct to actually find your cabin but it didn’t take me toooo long. 😳 👀🔍
Solo Sojourns 
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