The Prinsendam is anchored off the entrance to the Kiel Canal, which bisects Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany to connect the North and Baltic Seas, while we wait for the busy canal traffic to clear.  There is only one lock in operation, instead of two, so passage has slowed down significantly.  But it is a beautiful afternoon, with bright sunlight and warm temperatures, and there are views of the placid countryside along the banks of the Elbe River as well as the many cargo ships also waiting to enter the canal.  So while we are paused, I will continue with the narration I left off on Saturday night.

Sunday, 24 August 2014
Amsterdam

Our primary task this morning is to wait for the coach to take us the 45-minute drive from central Amsterdam to the cruise port at Ijmuiden on the North Sea Coast.  The three previous cruises I have taken from Amsterdam have left from the City Port, conveniently located within a short walk of Central  Station (in fact, I always stayed at the Mowenpick Hotel, only ten steps away from the port).  But for some reason, this year the Prinsendam is departing from and returning to Ijmuiden.  The ride to the port is pleasant enough—traffic moves easily and there are pleasant views of cows and windmills and canals, the typical sights of semi-rural Holland.  There is mixed drizzle and sunshine as we leave Amsterdam, but only bright sunshine and blue skies as we travel to the ship.

Because we have been upgraded to a concierge-level “Neptune” suite (about as far “up” as you can be “graded” ), we have special boarding privileges and head to the front of the line.  Our suite, named for Amerigo Vespucci, has lots of room, with separate living and sleeping areas, a very large veranda, a bathroom with tub and two sinks, a huge walk-in closet, two flat-screen televisions and many other amenities.  The best amenity is the private lounge just a short walk away, with snacks and beverages available all day and evening.

We have lunch in the Lido Buffet, conveniently on the same desk as our suite, and when we get back our bags have been delivered.  The Prinsendam sounds its whistle promptly at 4pm and we watch our departure into the North Sea from the Observation Deck. The primary sights as we sail are an incredibly large number of modern windmills both on shore and in the water, oil-drilling platforms, and tankers sailing the busy trade routes of the North Sea. 

We wake from short naps in time to dress for dinner and stop by the Ocean Bar for martinis.  We have a two-person table by a large window on the starboard side of the ship.  The dinner and wine steward introduce themselves and we are ready for the first of many memorable meals—tonight’s highlights include Serrano ham with chilled asparagus, smoked salmon salad, prime rib, and red velvet cake for dessert (Larry); and coconut scallops, chilled pear soup, grilled pork chop, and Viennese apple strudel (Will).

We take a short stroll around the deck, but it’s lights out pretty early.  After all this preliminary travelling, it’s nice to settle into our bunks for the next 14 days.