Hello From Bar Harbor, Maine

I’m sorry I have not posted much this trip, although it was very interesting and unique in many ways. First, the Holland America Zuiderdam Ship is a little larger than my previous ones, holding about 2000 passengers, but still manageable. It’s restaurants, bars and other public areas are grand and well maintained and its bridge and gaming rooms are very nice. Although functional, it is getting a little shabby and needs refurbishing. It also cost me as much per day as the Viking world cruise without any of the amenities.

Fortunately we have an excellent bridge director who scheduled ACBL sanctioned games on all sea days, and party games twice a day. The quality of on board entertainment falls below expectations and guest lectures are rare at best. They have a casino with slots, Black Jack and Craps, as well as several venues for music and entertaining bands. There are plenty of arts and crafts to satisfy most.

The route from Amsterdam to Boston was also unique. We crossed the Fjords of Northern Europe which reminded me of Milford Sound, New Zealand. Then we crossed the Arctic Circle, and visited many small towns in Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland, like Nuuk, St. Anthony and St John’s before heading South to, Bar Harbor, Me and Boston.

I took the tender to Bar Harbor specifically to savor the Maine clam chowder, lobster roll and fresh warm blueberry pie. They were luscious and I will be back for more next month.