Arrived at Cruise Ship Centre at Canada Place May 27, 2012 at 10:40 A/M. Handed over two large suit cases to a longshoreman, next to be seen in my cabin 2579 around 1:30 P.M. Proceeded into the embarkation room and joined an already long line for U.S. Customs & Immigration. Once done there was directed to a Holland America lounged and check-in. Received my room key and reminded about Lunch being served in MDR on Deck 4 for Mariners.

Embarkation started at 11:30 A.M. and I was in my cabin at 11:40. Was delighted with the convenient location of this cabin and its spaciousness. Much prefer the Zaandam [R Class} to Vistas Class and S Class ships. The centre bank of elevators is a real bonus. Checked out the Crows Nest and Ocean Bar, then headed to the MDR for a very nice lunch. Was seated with other passengers at my request. After lunch went to cabin to check on status of luggage. Still not there but cabin steward, Mario came and introduced himself. Told him I had requested twin beds so window would not be blocked. He said no problem. Went up to Crows Nest to kill some time waiting for luggage. Met bar tender, Lauro -- very attentive. Went back to cabin after one drink & found bed had been made into twins and luggage was there. Proceeded to unpack. I had 2 large suit cases packed to the extreme and still had one cupboard unused. Also didn't need the cupboard in the table at one end of the sofa. There was no round stool to use at the desk. They have been discarded over the years. I like to sit at the desk to do my hair and make-up. Only fault I found with cabin 2579 was the lighting at the desk. Really would have appreciated a brighter higher wattage light bulb in the light fixture mounted on the mirror.

Passenger safety drill was at 4:15 and was conducted without a hitch. After muster I headed up to Crows Nest for Sail-away. Can't stand the Sail-away party on Lido deck with the Hal Cats. Music is much too loud for me. We pushed away from the dock promptly at 5:00 P.M. The ship's horn did not sound at Canada Place. However she gave 4 good toots as we sailed under the Lions Gate Bridge. After hearing those toots, I really felt like I was on my way. Once on our way I went down to Ocean Bar and met a very attentive Nestor -- great guy & had my middle name down pat after first order. That ended up being my favourite bar on this cruise. Jerry also worked this bar and was a hoot. When I left the ship on June 10 he had 4 weeks to go to the end of his current contract. Then he was heading home to Manila. Read more