First of all, Holland America cruises are usually fantastic. We booked this cruise for the itinerary and were not disappointed.

We began in Amsterdam and it was the "Sail In 2010" on our embarkation day - the final of a race? of tall ships. We were taken to a temporary facility as the tall ships were parading around our usual dock. The line to get into the tent went pretty quickly. Once inside we were given a number and told to wait until it was called. After a considerable period of time, I noticed that the numbers being given out were four numbers lower than we had been given. People who had just arrived were being called up to the check-in counter and we just kept waiting. I finally asked the lady with the tickets if I could exchange for a lower number (which she had) and was told no and to wait my turn to check-in and, I might add, she was not very pleasant. Well, we waited for a very long time, a little over two hours. I became very nervous as there were way too many people in a small space for my comfort. Elderly people were standing for too long and seating spaces had been exhausted. I did not feel safe - if a fire had broken out, it would have been disastrous! I wish I had taken pictures...

Our first port was Edinburgh, Scotland and we saw the International Tattoo in the courtyard of the castle in Edinburgh. It poured down rain, but we were prepared. It would have been better to have better weather, but oh well, we can't change that! It was a fantastic performance! Read more