Sunday, April 21, 2019

Liberty of the Seas Review / April 21, 2019


Liberty of the Seas Review  
April 21, 2019

Just The Facts:
Ship:  Liberty of the Seas  /  Class and Type:  Freedom Class Cruise Ship
Maiden voyage: May 19, 2007  /  Tonnage:  155,889  /  Length: 1112 feet
Captain:
Cruise Director:
Ports: Galveston, TX - Cozumel, Mexico - Gerogetown, Grand Cayman - Falmouth, Jamaica
Weather:  Very nice typical Caribbean weather

This is my 5th time to cruise on the Liberty of the Seas, my 29th Royal Caribbean cruise, and my 143rd cruise overall.  I am sailing solo. I booked only a few days before sailing and it was a good value, enough that I had to do it.

Day One—Sunday—Embarkation
Sail away from Galveston  (click to enlarge)
I have enjoyed the leaving later and arriving later at the pier scenario on previous Galveston cruises so did so again.  There are so many VIP’s that it now actually creates problems at embarkation…so the later arrival is a much smoother process. I left the ranch about 7:45 am and headed south to Galveston arriving at EZ Cruise parking about 12:05 and I was shuttled over to the Liberty of the Seas fairly quickly. Unfortunately I discovered a huge glitch to my plan…they had not yet begun boarding.  Apparently there were over 2500 (non English speaking) foreign nationals that had to be processed though U.S. Customs and Border Security and that was not happening easily.  They did not have everyone off the ship until 1:30 and did not begin boarding until almost 2:00 pm.  By this time there was a mass of people ready to board.  It looks like this cruise will be a repeat as the vast majority of the guests look to be Mexican nationals, primarily extended families with lots of children. They did seem to take the delay in stride, better than experienced cruisers for sure.  I luckily had a line place holder so I was able to sit for half the waiting time and finally made it past security where the D+ status was recognized.  It was then 3:00 pm but I was on board soon afterward.  I dropped my bag in my cabin and went straight  to Lido where they were trying to close, in fact I insisted that they open the doors for me.  The staff should have known that with no guests from 11:00 am until 2:00 that there had to be many hungry guests still boarding.  Not a good move by Lido staff as they were delaying boat drill, the excuse they were using to close.  I was again lucky to get something to eat.  I went straight to my muster station on deck four, had my card scanned, then went into the lounge to sit and await safety instructions that was done in Spanish first, then English.  It was 4:45 when drill ended, I know exact time as the bar there opened and I had a complementary ginger ale and Mai Tai using my D+ card and bartender asked me the time.  Wow I can finally relax and not fight the unfortunate embarkation situation.  By the time I finished my cocktail the elevators were somewhat cleared and I was at my cabin and began unpacking.  Looks like everyone made it aboard as the ship pushed off and began sailing just a bit late.  Luckily I’m able to watch Galveston slip away from my starboard side balcony cabin.  Relaxing on my balcony I knew that as bad as the boarding process was today that it could have been worse if not for some luck and my cruising experience.  Since I rolled on my bag I began to unpack get set up for the week. There is a lot of room and storage especially for just one guest. I purchase the surf & stream Zoom internet package ($55 with discount) a reasonable price compared to Rotterdam earlier this month. I finished cabin set up and was cleaned up for dinner cocktails by 7:00, but as I looked at my card to confirm dining I see that I have a 5:30 dinner…well that wouldn’t be possible or even doable today.  I went up to deck 14 for cocktails and also surprised at how empty was the Diamond Lounge.  Usually they are using half of the Olive & Twist main lounge for overflow, but not today.  Very different day.  The good news was that Alexander made top notch Cosmopolitans…thank you sir.  About 8:00 pm I went to the Marketplace buffet on deck 11 for dinner.  I had roast beef from the carving station, a freshly grilled pork chop from specialty area, a small chicken marsala, nice mashed potatoes, and vegetables.  Rice pudding for dessert.  A nice meal.  Afterward I returned to the cabin went straight to sleep after a busy and somewhat difficult day.

Day Two—Monday—at Sea
Solarium adult pool
Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well.  I went down to the MDR for breakfast about 8:20 am and had a very nice fresh egg breakfast with hot milk too.  I spoke with a Maitre’D and no tables available for late main sitting, but she changed me to MyTime dining and said I should be fine from 8-8:15 pm and there should be sharing tables available.  The pool deck was already busy when I did a walk about mid-morning.  I did some travel agent business the rest of the morning, looks like two bookings to complete.  I went up to the Windjammer for lunch, they had nice Texas style ribs at the carving stations, the highlight though was a pistachio creme puff…it was wonderful.  Great weather with a breeze that keeps it nice and cool. The pool deck is body to body and this is a cruise of firsts this afternoon.  I have never seen so many little kids in one hot tub, I’ve never seen so many adults in a large hot tub at one time, I’ve seen chair hogs, but never choice table hogs in the buffet, I’ve never seen that many guests in the adult solarium pool, and I've never seen so many beautiful Latin ladies lined up in one continuous row of sun loungers on deck 12...I thought it was a advertising shoot. But everyone is in good spirits, must be that latin persona and the rum punch.  Heather, my cabin steward came by late, I’m last cabin on her list, but that’s fine I can work with that, I’ll just get early ice as needed.  Afternoon was cabin and balcony time.  Really nice to have that private balcony when public decks are so full of people.

Day Three—Tuesday—Cozumel, Mexico
Guacamole at Woody's Bar & Grill
Rolling seas overnight with high winds until we entered the Straits of Cozumel and then it was much smoother. It also looks like another perfect beautiful day.  We were docked and gangway open about 7:00 am.  I was awake so I thought I would leave early.  I had a banana from my fruit bowl and left the ship about 7:45 am. I had no problem at security nor getting a taxi that early ahead of the of majority guests.  I was in San Miguel about 8:00.  I thought that local time would be an hour later, but they changed last week and are now back on CST so I’m a full hour ahead of schedule.  It was a beautiful morning in the plaza and I made my way to El abuelo Gerado for a nice Yucatán breakfast.  In northern Mexico and Texas we have Huevos Rancheros, but it the Yucatán the local breakfast dish is Huevos Motuleños.  The eggs are sunny-side up on a tortilla with local sauces and extras, and served with plantain and frijoles negros.  Very good food and they had wifi as I passed some time drinking a Coke.  My barber Martin saw I was early (Facebook) so he came by and opened up his shop located next door so I could my hair cut strait away. Thanks Martin.  After my haircut I went down to my Cozumel HQ at Woody’s Bar & Grill.  I got my favorite table 7 and had a very busy morning in the Mexico office. Quoted a cruise, made final pmt. on river cruise, and deposited a cruise. Also my new phone plan includes Mexico so an added bonus if needed.  I had my nice Mexican Coca-cola then eventually Woody’s fine Guacamole & Pico de Gallo with a Bohemia cerveza.  I made my visit at the pharmacy for antibiotics then went to Zensi Spa for a much needed Pedicure since I ran out of time last visit.  Zensi Spa was wonderful...nice and clean, friendly staff, and the price was right @ $20USD. I took a taxi ($8) back to the pier about 3:30. I appreciated the fact I brought my personal cabin fan when I got back to the cabin to cool off and rest.  The feature show Saturday Night Fever was tonight at 6:00 and 8:30 in the theater, a good show but I have seen it a few times and passed on attending.  After a few hours I was hungry since I didn’t have a full lunch  today so I went to the MDR for YourTime dinner about 6:00 pm.  I ordered: the Escargots à la Bourguignonne, Spaghetti Bolognese, and the Braised Short Ribs entree with Crème Brûlée for dessert.  A very good meal.  After dinner I went up to the Diamond Lounge for my Cosmopolitans before retiring to the cabin.  It was a productive day in Cozumel and on the Liberty of the Seas.

Day Four—Wednesday— Georgetown, Grand Cayman
A Grand Cayman Tender view from above
Calm seas overnight and I slept very well although up early.  The weather is again perfect. I went to the MDR this morning for a nice breakfast trying the Eggs Benedict with Bacon, Hash Browns, mixed Fruit, and my hot milk.  Very good breakfast and we arrived at Georgetown as I finished.  We are anchored along with the Carnival Paradise, NCL Edge, and a Pullmantur ship today, but I have decided to stay on the ship.  Today I’m starting to binge watch a popular TV series I missed (living in the country with limited access) called MadMen.  I enjoyed doing this last cruise and we still have two full sea days coming so I hope to see a lot of it before we end the cruise.  I did break for a late lunch and they served a Mongolian Grill plate and Hearts of Palm salad from Jade.  I also found some large Minute Steaks in the Windjammer so a very nice meal for a port day. The rest of the day was cabin time and streaming video.  The wifi is actually very good, much better (and cheaper) than the Rotterdam wifi on previous cruise.  I watched sail away from Georgetown, some day they will have a pier here, but the tendering seems to be improved.  I skipped cocktails this evening and only had light snacks since I had such a nice late lunch.  More Madmen this evening and I actually completed the full first season today…I very interesting show.  It was a very relaxing day on the Liberty of the Seas.

Day Five—Thursday—Falmouth, Jamaica
Historic Falmouth Cruise Port
Fair rolling seas overnight and I slept well.  Nice weather as the breeze kept it fairly nice all day.  We were docked at the Falmouth cruise terminal by the time I went to the MDR for breakfast at 8:30 am.  I had a nice fresh 3-egg breakfast with ham, sausage, bacon, hash brown potatoes, and fruit.  I have no excursion planned but about 10:00 am I went for a walk around the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port.  Created in 2011 and located in Jamaica's north coast town of Falmouth the port is positioned between the popular ports of Ocho Rios (60 miles west) and Montego Bay (18 miles east).  The port is well guarded and closed to locals, save for Jamaicans who work at the dozens of shops and handful of restaurants. With a faux-Georgian terminal building leading to a large square bordered by red-roofed, Caribbean-style buildings housing various businesses, the port may strike you either as attractive or as artificial and Disney-esque, depending on your point of view. Most guests visit Margaritaville, I had a malt from the DQ and listened to the live local band performing in the courtyard area but was back on the ship by noon.  We were the only ship so it was not busy today.  After a nice lunch from the Windjammer I had serious binge watching time in the cabin.  I’m watching MadMen and to me it’s more relaxing than a book that many guests seem to do on a cruise.  The view from the cabin was very nice too.  I went up to the Diamond Lounge for nice cocktails this evening, the usual guests and servers were there.  Still amazed at how few Diamond guests are on this sailing.  About 8:00 pm I went to the MDR for dinner, not a sharing table, but the two tops are basically the same as they are so close.  I ordered a very nice Crab Cake, the Spaghetti Bolognese (my pasta as starter), the Sliced Roast Beef entree, and the Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert.  I retired after dinner.  It was a very nice day in Falmouth and on the Liberty of the Seas.

Day Six — Friday — Day at Sea
Smooth seas over night and I slept very well.  I did my blog/review updates this morning before going up to the Windjammer for breakfast.  The pool decks were already filling up with guests when I walked by them after breakfast…as the weather is great. I had balcony time this morning before I started my binge viewing of Madmen videos.  I was able to get through the entire season three just taking a break for lunch and dinner in the Windjammer.  I even skipped cocktails this evening.  They have plenty of activities on the ship today such as  Arts & Crafts, Sudoko Challenge, Music Trivia, and Liars Club, but I’m preferring my primary activity today.  When you have a LOT of cruises your really do not feel any pressure to do anything or worry that you are missing something.  You have the freedom to do whatever you wish.  I really enjoy catching up on these great TV series that I missed when we really didn't have Wifi in the country.   I was another very relaxing day on the Liberty of the Sea.

Day Seven--Saturday--Day at Sea
Main Dining Room at breakfast
Smooth seas overnight and negligible movement in the cabin and I slept very well.  Another beautiful day today as we sail north in the Gulf of Mexico.  I went to the MDR for a very nice breakfast, the eggs, ham, bacon, toast, potatoes were all good.  After breakfast I had a walk around and enjoyed the sea breeze.  Balcony time and videos when I returned to the cabin.  About 3:00 pm I went to deck 12 and Johnny Rocket’s for lunch/dinner. They brought an Onion Ring & French Fry combo straight away and I ordered a Route 66 and an original hamburger.  I liked the Route 66 much better (mayo, fried onions & mushrooms) and my Vanilla Shake as well.   After lunch it was cabin time and I finished season five of Madmen.  I really enjoyed it very much. I packed for tomorrows debarkation and skipped dinner, but it was off to say farewell to friends made in the Diamond lounge and final Cosmopolitans for the cruise.  Activities on the ship today included:  the production show-In The Air, Battle of the Sexes, Dreamwork’s Parade, 3D Movie, and more. It was a relaxing and great final day on the Liberty of the Seas.

Debarkation—Sunday—Galveston

Smooth seas overnight and we were docked well ahead of the Captain’s time stated yesterday.  I suspected they were beginning Self-debarkation early so I went down about 7:30 am and basically never stopped longer than a few minutes at any station along the way.  They make good use of the deck 4 open deck with the ship check-out outside just before the gangway.  Customs went easy as well.  It was a mess when I debarked in October.  I took the EZ Cruise shuttle to the car, but I had a panic when I could not find my car keys.  I always put them in my backpack, but overlooked them a dozen times before I actually found them exactly where they were supposed to be.  Even with this 20 minute delay I was still on the road and on my way about 8:30 am. (Galveston Raceway gas price $2.55) and off the island about before 9:00 am. I took I-45 to the Beltway, to 290, to Highway 6 to Bosque County.  I did stop at Ama’s Restaurant in Hearne for great brunch Migas.  Home at the ranch about 1:45 pm..







Sunday, April 7, 2019

Holland American Lines - MS Rotterdam - April 7, 2019

Holland America Lines
MS Rotterdam  April 7, 2019

Just The Facts
Ship:  MS Rotterdam
Sailing:  April 7, 2019 from Tampa Bay, Florida
Captain: Bas van Dreumel, from Perth, Australia
Cruise Director: Rhys Williams from Cape Town South Africa
Ports: Tampa, FL - Key West, FL - Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala  -  Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, Honduras - Costa Maya, Mexico - Tampa, FL

This is my 1st time on the MS Rotterdam, my 3rd Holland American Lines cruise, and my 142nd cruise overall.  I am sailing as a solo.

Day One—Sunday—April 7 — Embarkation
Sailing under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
I am in Florida visiting the DD (dear daughter) in Spring Hill, FL, so taking the opportunity to sail this cruise while the DW visits the DD and the new GD (grand-daughter) for bonding time.  All three dropped me off at 1:00 pm as I wanted to arrive after the rush of guests who try to board early.  The timing could not have been better.  There was just a short 2-3 minute wait at security then no wait at all at the check in counter.  It was like being a VIP on other cruise lines.  I proceeded direct to boarding and was in my cabin by 1:18 pm…unbelievable.  I was hungry so went up to deck 8 and the Lido buffet...I had the Pork Loin from the carving station with mashed potatoes, some wonderful creamed spinach, and mixed vegetables.  It was all very good.  HAL is know for their Bread Pudding so that’s what I had for dessert.  Servers bring the drinks to your table, a service I really appreciate.  Silver is at the table very similar to NCL but a bit more formal.  I found the Taco Bar near the pool area and a custom grill, The Dive, as well.  You can order customized Hamburgers and custom Nathan's Hot Dogs.  You order with attendant and he gives you beeper…when he beeps you you go back and pick up you item.  I could not  eat a burger at this time, but I did order a coney just to test the system.  It works very well and my coney was on a poppy seed bun with mustard, sauerkraut and bacon.  Excellent.  When I returned to my cabin about 2:30 my bag that I had just checked at the curb was inside the cabin. Wow.  My first impressions of the MS Rotterdam are very good.  Boat drill was at 3:00 pm and fortunately it’s on my deck.  I had my card ‘dinged’ and we had about a 15-20 minute safety instruction.  So easy to walk back to cabin as it was at embarkation, just one deck above the gangway.  I have an Oceanview cabin on lower promenade with a nice outdoor wooden deck that goes completely around the ship.  A nice and roomy cabin especially for a solo.  I purchased the premium (streaming) internet package ($139) as I want to watch both NCAA championship games this week.  I’m also in middle of binge watching the seven seasons of The Closer so I can get a couple of those in as well.  I watched us sail away from Terminal Six about 4:15 pm, it’s great having a deck just outside my window, I’m next to the doorways so it’s really like a huge balcony for me.  I finished cabin set up then about 6:30 I went up to Sky deck to watch us sail under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.  Very cool, I was told 21 foot clearance, it was interesting, but Golden Gate Bridge is my favorite so far.  I have 8:00 pm dinner in the MDR (main dining room) and assigned a six top table, four ladies and one empty tonight.  I ordered the Salade Niçoise (an entree as a starter) and the Beef Short Rib Stroganoff entree.  For dessert a small slice of Key Lime Pie and Crème Brûlée.  All good.  After dinner I retired to the cabin. It was a very easy and nice embarkation day on the MS Rotterdam.  Baylor women won their National Championship game tonight too.

Day Two—Monday—April 8—Key West Florida
Custom eggs this morning
Smooth seas overnight although it wasn’t a completely restful night, but I watched an episode of The Closer until I could fall asleep again.  I was up and around about 8:30, but too late to go to the MDR that closes at 9:00 am so I went to the Lido Buffet and had a very nice eggs to order breakfast.  They load your plate for you so just say more bacon please until you get what you want.  My 3 fried eggs sunny side up were perfect and the hash browns and bacon were also very good.  I could see us approaching Key West as I ate so we were ahead of our 11:00 am scheduled arrival time.  The weather is beautiful today with blue skies and scattered clouds.  We are docked at the Naval Station and have shuttles into town, not the best choice, but it’s what we have. I went off about noon and the shuttle dropped us at Mallory Square.  The Carnival Freedom is docked here today and there are a LOT of people in Key West today both cruisers and tourists.  I walked by the familiar sites and ended up at the First Flight Bar and Restaurant or what used to be Kelly’s Caribbean Bar located in the old Pan American Airways building. It was very busy with live music and I sat at the familiar airplane wing bar and had two craft beers.  On my KW walk about I found a place selling everything for $5 so I got some sunglasses and a hat.  With the humid heat, so many people in town, and since I have seen all the KW sites and most of the bars, I took a shuttle back to the ship about 3:00 pm.  I went straight up to Lido and the Grill where I ordered two Nathan hot dogs and fixed two tacos from the Taco Bar while I waited…a large late lunch as it turned out.  I really enjoyed my cooling shower and nap once I returned to the cabin.  I went to the MDR this evening as I noticed that they had Prime Rib on the menu and it was very good too.  They have a Comedian as the entertainment tonight in the theater, but I returned to the cabin in order to watch the NCAA National Championship basketball game.  It was a fun day in Key West and on the MS Rotterdam.
 
Day Three—Tuesday—April 9—at Sea
Very smooth seas overnight and I slept very well…until 10:30 am in fact.  Fortunately we turn back our clocks one hour so I was able to go to the Lido in time for breakfast.  I had a western omelette from the omelette station plus extras.  It looks like another perfect beautiful day for us.  I really like the HAL app Navigator.  You can use it both on your iPhone and online on your laptop.  The app has the schedule of the day, ship maps, cruise information and even the daily menus for the MDR.  A very helpful application and no you do not have to purchase an internet package to use it.  I’m having a nice cabin day streaming TV, but I went up to the Lido Marketplace for lunch, a nice Turkey on the carving station.  I had a nice walkabout around the ship and guests are really enjoying the pool and outer decks today.  More relaxation on deck three most of the afternoon.  Tonight is the Captain's Gala Dinner, and the food was very good in the MDR.  I ordered the Orange Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Escargots Bourgignon, the entree of Cracked Pepper Tenderloin with sauteed greens, carmelized pineapple, & green beans, and Black Forest Cake for dessert.  A very enjoyable dinner.  Our table service has been excellent as well No more than one hour for complete dinner service.  Music throughout the ship tonight, as most nights with three primary groups who rotate among the lounges.  It was a very relaxing day on the MS Rotterdam.

Day Four—Wednesday—April 19—Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala
San Felipe Fortress Guatemala
Calm seas overnight and I slept very well.  I set an alarm since I had an early excursion, but since we set the time back again I was up in time.  I really have never been on a cruise that change the time twice in the Caribbean…very unusual.  I went up to the Lido Marketplace for a custom breakfast as we were docking this morning in the industrial port of Santo Tomas de Castilla.  I had an 8:15 meet time for my excursion:  San Felipe Fortress & Scenic Drive so debarked soon after 8:00 am.  We were on the bus and on our way by 8:30 for the 1.5+ hour drive to our destination.  The industrial area around the ports are really nothing to admire but once in the countryside it was interesting.  We saw Rubber trees, Mangos, Banana trees, Pineapples, and more.  We went through some mountains until we reached the Rio Dulce river valley and soon afterward the San Felipe Fortress.  The Fortress built in 1644 is a Spanish colonial fort at the entrance to Lake Izabal. Lake Izabal is connected with the Caribbean Sea via the Dulce River and El Golfete lake…a very strategic location.  It is now located in a park area and today seemed busy with local school groups.  It’s a smaller fortress but many unique towers or bastions and fully restored.  I enjoyed it.  I had time for two Gallo beers before the bus began its return.  Once back at the port I went through the nice large facility built for area Guatemalan crafts, stage, tours, wifi, and more.  I was able to get a Guatemalan belt I’ve been wanting for 15 years, but could never find one in 'barn' size before today.  I had to go to the source and now pleased to have one.  Once back on the Rotterdam I went to Lido for a burger and coney… both very good.  Then it was to the cabin for rest, relaxation and a nap.  I was going to skip dinner in the MDR as I usually do on a long excursion day, but with the nap and reviewing the menu I decided to go.  Tonight I ordered the Calypso Shrimp Cocktail, Spaghetti All'amatriciana (my pasta as starter), and Chef Rudy’s Classical Wiener Schnitzel “Wienna Style” entree.  All was very good, best Wiener Schnitzel since I was in Wien last year.  I had a nice look around the beautiful and very large Library area on deck five.  Lot’s of Games, three jigsaw puzzle tables, reading areas, lots of books, and more.  It was a great day in Guatemala and on the MS Rotterdam.


Day Five—Thursday—April 11—Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras
MS Rotterdam from lagoon bridge
Fair seas overnight and I slept very well.  About 8:00 am as we were docking at Mahogany Bay  I went up one deck for my first breakfast in the MDR. I usually prefer an MDR breakfast when sailing and it didn’t disappoint.  I ordered a unique Fruit plate (mango, banana, apple, cottage cheese) and classic Eggs Benedict with side of bacon and hash browns.  It was very good.  I soon noticed that we were the ONLY ship docked so changed my plans to go over to the beach a.s.a.p.  Usually there are two large Carnival ships and the beach gets very crowded, but with just our small ship it was like a private beach break.  I was able to get a lounger in the shade of palm trees…hard to do.  The water was great and I later splurged the $ I saved by not having to rent an umbrella on a nice large Pina Colada.  A nice beach outing although I did get too much sun on my face while in the water.  I returned to the ship about 2:00 and had a burger and coney from the Dive Inn Grill.  I spent the rest of the day with cabin time relaxing and watching some online video.  We sailed away a bit early as everyone was on board and I noticed that the large old shipwreck that was in the middle of the bay has been moved west and towards the shore…that will make it safer for the ships on a windy day.  I went to dinner at 8:00 pm as usual.  Tonight I ordered the Rustic Home-Made Lasagna (my pasta as starter) and Chef Rudy’s Classic Yankee Beef Pot Roast entree.  Very good with excellent service as usual.  For dessert I had the Mango Creme Horn and a Blueberry Sundae.  They have an evening Happy-hour as well as the afternoon one in the Crow’s Nest, second drink is $2.  My face was rather red from the sun so I retired after dinner.  It was a Fun day at the beach today.

Day Six—Friday—April 12—Costa Maya, Mexico

My deck 3 with Mahahual lighthouse in background
Smooth seas over night and I slept very well.  The waves are really pounding us as we are docked on the outer pier.  We were probably lucky to get docked this morning and I'm worried about getting away.  We are the only ship here today.  I went up to the Lido about 9:30 for a nice custom breakfast.  I’ve never had a wait, they have several stations set up and the chefs are filling several orders at a time, similar to short order cooks at a diner.  You do get hot fresh eggs this way.  After breakfast I walked around deck three and watched the waves smash into the pier, I hope we will be able to push away later today.  I’m not getting off and I'm going to have a ship day today, I was just here a few weeks ago.  I had not had lunch in the Lido Marketplace until today, I was amazed at the food choices for a port day.  They had a sushi bar set up it the international food area and two meats in the carving stations, I went with the Fat Back or Pork Belly selection with Mashed potatoes.  Then I took some Bread Pudding for dessert back to the cabin.  I discovered that my new Verizon unlimited plan includes Mexico and although we are as far south as one can go in Mexico and in a remote area I was able to call the DW and check on things.  Nice to have.  I watched streaming videos most of the afternoon then went outside on the deck to watch us attempt a sail away.  As I suspected this morning we couldn’t get off the pier, the winds were too high.  Soon the Captain made an announcement that the wind gusts were up to 30 knots and they would attempt to leave again at sundown.  About 7:00 pm we again tried to get away from the pier and on the second attempt we made it off…it was touch and go but we began our return to Tampa.  It was the second Gala Dinner tonight.  I ordered: Roasted Beets and Orange Segments, Ricotta and Spinach Tortelloni (my pasta), and the Surf and Turf entree.  The Lobster was OK, but the Tenderloin was tasty.  For dessert I had the Passion Fruit Cheesecake.  We turned our clocks forward for the second night so we will be on Tampa time tomorrow morning.  A great day in Costa Maya and on the MS Rotterdam.

Day Seven—Saturday—April 13—at Sea
Mariner's Club Luncheon & Captain
Rolling high seas initially overnight but much smoother by morning and I slept well. I went up to Lido about 10:00 am for a lighter breakfast then took a walk about to enjoy the perfect weather this morning. Stopped by the Crow’s Nest to watch us still fighting a bit of headwind.  I was invited to the Mariner’s Luncheon today at 1:00 pm.  The Captain and Officers attended and they had a nice menu, I ordered:  Spiced Chicken & Okra Gumbo, Braised Beef Brisket with Plantains, Mashed Yucca, Root Vegetables and Coconut Pie for dessert.  We had a Champagne toast and brief remarks by the Captain.  The rest of the afternoon was cabin time and videos.  I did finish my binge watching of LAPD crime based The Closer, seven seasons, 109 episodes over two weeks.  I really enjoyed it.  I laughed, I cried, I was on edge…binge-watching is the 21st century version of a good book and perfect for this cruise.  I went to the final dinner in the MDR and it was agin very good.  I ordered: Spinach Salad, Fusilli Primavera, and the Sauteed Pork Chop entree.  After dinner I went to the cabin to pack my luggage. It was easily done then I placed them outside the cabin for the midnight pick up.  A nice final day on the MS Rotterdam.

Debarkation—Sunday—April 14—Tampa Florida
Smooth seas overnight and we were docked on time despite leaving Costa Maya late.  I went up to the MDR for a very nice breakfast at 7:00 am then returned to the cabin to pack backpack.  DW & Friends are picking me up at 10:00 so I just chilled until my color was called.  Debark is very smooth on this ship, not that many use self-debark, most wait for luggage color process.  Very easy debark and pick up in Tampa and especially this smaller ship.

Ship
MS Rotterdam is the lead cruise ship of the Rotterdam class (R class) in the Holland America Line. Built in Italy in 1997, she is the sixth Holland America vessel to bear the name. She is named for SS Rotterdam of 1959, and also named after the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. Rotterdam carries an art collection onboard worth over US$2 million and features fine art and antiques.
Tonnage    61,849        Speed      25 knots  (29mph)
Length       780            Beam       106
Capacity    1404          Crew        600

Cabin
I have cabin 3397 an ocean-view cabin mid-aft on deck three on port side.   Also close to elevators, stairway, and outer doors to promenade deck. The room is a standard+ size interior with: key pad safe, hair dryer, makeup mirror, small couch, full chair at vanity/desk, small bath with shower, TV, and good lighting. Very well designed.  The air conditioning & water pressure was only average, I wish I brought my personal cabin fan for circulation.  Very pleased with location although some door slamming of outer doors on final windy day.

Food
I found the food to be very good, well above average for most cruise lines. Service always above average to exceptional.  Plenty of room for tables in both MDR and Lido…you are not hitting or bumping into adjoining chairs or tables. 

Comments
I really enjoyed this slower paced relaxing cruise.  Yes guests are older.  I didn’t attend any shows although there were not many offered.  I also never purchased a cocktail on the ship…I think that may be a first.  Overall the crew & staff were very good.  My cabin steward Nopi from Indonesia was very adequate as I always had ice and clean cabin. My MDR waiters were also great.  It was a great cruise.