We traveled on the Amsterdam on several Grand cruises after we retired. We live in Colorado and both had full time and responsible jobs -it seems FOREVER. So when we retired we decided cruising was "The" way to see our World". And we began with slower/less LONG flights etc - but to enchanting places. We'd "done" Alaska - the Panama Canal - Islands off Florida north AND south......WHERE was our next cruise but Australia and New Zealand in 2002 on Volendam. We flew into Singapore and decided; "NEVER fly when you can cruise!" after a 27 hour travel day[s].

So here we are in 2013 on a Grand cruise itinerary into Asia. On the Amsterdam. We travel by ourselves because most people say "You WHAT? You cruise for OVERRRRRR two MONTHHHHHS?" However the people who actually DO cruise -OFTEN cruise just like we do and we have made solid friendships on these cruises. And we ALWAYS look forward to them -understanding that EVEN cruising has it's limits and we feel we've been given "A Window of opportunity" to learn about "our" world; after careers and BEFORE death!

The Amsterdam is a favorite ship amid other favorites MOST in the Holland America fleet; the ships aren't SO huge you get lost for over 24 hours AND not SO small you can hang your feet in the water as you catch fish! Most are between 1200 and 2000+ passengers; COMFORTABLE. Read more