We are in our mid 60's - Baby Boomers! This was our 4th cruise on Holland America. We also traveled with another couple which added to our enjoyment. This cruise was a back-to-back Western Caribbean 14-day cruise on the Ryndam, Jan 23 to Feb 6, 2011. Ports of call were: Week 1 - Key West; Ocho Rios; Grand Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico. Week 2 - Key West; Belize City; Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras; and Costa Maya, Mexico.

We flew down the day before and stayed at the Hampton Inn in Ybor City (Tampa). This was an excellent hotel - large rooms, quiet, very friendly and efficient. They also provided shuttle service to the pier. We wanted a restaurant within walking distance of the hotel and the desk clerk suggested The Laughing Cat - an Italian restaurant. What a great suggestion. You must try it when in Tampa.

Our embarkation was so smooth, it was unbelievable. I don't think I ever want to sail from Ft. Lauderdale again as there is no comparison in the efficiency of the two ports. We were on the ship by 11:30 a.m. We immediately went to see the maitre d' in the Explorer's Lounge about "As You Wish Dining." He assigned us a 5:15 p.m. seating in the Lower Dining Room where we sat every evening and enjoyed the service of the same stewards for the entire 2-week trip. We then enjoyed the Mariner's Lunch in the dining room in lieu of the Lido. Read more