Amsterdam/Boarding the Jewel
After a great buffet breakfast at the Holiday Inn, we went across the side street to the Jumbo Foodmarkt.
“An extraordinary concept in an extraordinary location” definitely applies to Jumbo’s newly opened Foodmarkt in Amsterdam Noord. The store is located in Stork’s old ship engine factory on the River IJ. The building dates from 1920 and Jumbo has retained many of the original features, such as the winches and the cast iron windows. In this antique, characteristic building, the visitor encounters a brand new store concept. We talk to Herman Beldman, manager of Building and Shop development new concepts at Jumbo. He explains the store concept and the interior design created by Van Keulen Interieurbouw.
I believe that we went for Tom to get shoelaces but, of course, we looked around a bit.
As soon as we walked into the store, I spotted in on an endcap – Lime curd! – I haven’t been able to find this here in the states and lemon is ok but nowhere as good as lime.
Naturally, I veered the cart over to the display. I wanted to bring home more but Tom convinced me that 2 jars was a good number.
Product details
Traditional English-style Dickinson’s Curds are creamy delicacies made from real dairy butter, fresh eggs and pure cane sugar. Use this versatile indulgence as a refreshing spread to replace preserves…fold into whipped cream to create a frothy dip for fruit and ladyfingers…use as a glaze for fresh summer berries…or embellish tarts, cakes and cookies with elegant fillings and toppings.
We bought some other stuff, none of any importance, and went back to the hotel to finish packing. In an Uber and we were on our way to Cruise Port Amsterdam.
Cruise Port Amsterdam is your entry to the world class tourist destination and capital of the Netherlands: Amsterdam. Our unique terminal on the river IJ is just a stroll away from the historic Amsterdam City Center. Ideal for the independent traveler who can start exploring the city by foot. As well as strategically positioned to start an excursion to visit the famous Dutch highlights.
The Uber driver got us to the terminal and there was a T intersection. Different company cruise to the left, Royal to the right. Of course, he went left and couldn’t – or didn’t want to – understand why he should have gone right. Finally, we convinced him to make a Uturn and go the other way.
Check in was very easy and we were on the ship. Lots of people were wandering around the Centrum confused. I saw a guy sitting at a desk. Turned out he was the one who knew where we should go. We had The Key so it was off to the main dining room for a special lunch.
The Key Guests will enjoy the following exclusive benefits during their cruise vacation:
- Priority access during The Key designated arrival time (to be communicated via email). Other benefits may apply at specific ports.*
- Carry-on bag drop off with delivery to your stateroom. **
- Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring The Key signature menu.***
- Access to the fast lane at onboard activities (activities vary by ship)and private time at the Flowrider*. Didn’t use
- Priority departure at tender ports of call from ship-to-shore.Didn’t use – no tender ports
- Dedicated seating at shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70.****Didn’t use, there was enough seating.
- VOOM® Surf & Stream 1 of Device high speed internet per person who purchases the package. This is why I get The Key if the price differential isn’t much more than regular internet
- On debarkation day, enjoy an exclusive á la carte breakfast and choice departure. Didn’t go to breakfast but we had a special exit off the sip and avoided what looked like a massive line
When you receive your SeaPass card, it will have an icon confirming your purchase of The Key. If you don’t see it, ask your Stateroom Attendant or go to Guest Services to apply the icon.
After a nice, relaxing lunch, we headed to our cabin, then off to muster. Muster is getting easier and easier. I remember the old days when everyone would have to be at a specific location at the same time. You had to walk down the stairs – no elevators. Even before that, I remember lining up in rows in front of lifeboats. Someone would always be missing and we’d have to wait. He – almost always a he – would sho up late, drink in hand. Now you just have to watch a video or tell the crew that you watched it.
On this trip, I tried out yet another system for traveling with Omnitrope Growth Hormone. I actually tried the one I talked about in this post and it worked! As it turned out, I never actually used the electrical connection – more on that later. I filled out the RCL Special Needs form and they had a small cooler with massive charging cable. Eventually, I moved this refrigerator to the floor of the closet. Somehow, the cable had a light on it that would come on at inconvenient times.
This refrigerator also took up a much-needed outlet. The Jewel is an older ship and had only 2 US outlets. Luckily, we had a European to US adaptor, so we used that, too 🙂
We left port at 4:30, came back for a medical emergency, headed out again and another emergency so was 7:30 pm in Amsterdam and we were back where we started!
I wasn’t quite sure if this was a club or what.
I’m not sure why they brought chocolate-covered strawberries – or so many. Unfortunately, I’m alergic to strawberries. Tom gave it his best shot but we eventually threw too many away 🙁
Checking out the very small library on the side of the Schooner Bar. There were two bookcases like this. Few of the books were in English. Even though small, it was still way better than the Wonder where all the books were behind glass and no easy way to look at them.
And, we sailed on…
We went to the Boulevards show (oldies from London – fantastic group) the first night.
Introducing The Boulevards! A brand new 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll band performing the greatest hits from the golden era of music. The Boulevards are a 5-piece line up – Lead vocal and rhythm guitar, Lead guitar, bass guitar, piano and drums.
The rock ‘n’ roll band features a lineup of some of the UK’s finest musicians, comprising a wealth of television and west-end theatre performance experience. The Boulevards have been seen in productions and shows such as Dreamboats & Petticoats, The Buddy Holly Story, Sister Act, X Factor and All Together Now. The band members have all performed extensively within the wedding and party circuit and are experts in 1950’s Rock and Roll.
The Boulevards play all the classic rock ‘n’ roll hits from the 1950’s – from Elvis Presley to Chuck Berry; Cliff Richard to Little Richard; Jerry Lee Lewis to The Everly Brothers and Eddie Cochran to Buddy Holly. They deliver an authentic, uncompromised and electric performance of the greatest feel-good music of all time. Their barnstorming set is guaranteed to thrill everyone, leaving you rocking and rolling all the way home!
The Boulevards have a tremendous repertoire of rock ‘n’ roll music. They are experts at tailoring set lists to each event they perform in order to help create the perfect party atmosphere. Whilst taking guests on an exciting and exhilarating journey through the magic of 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll. Not only do The Boulevards play with such panache and energy, they are also styled authentically from the 1950’s era not simply just to compliment the music, but also to bring to life a truly remarkable entertainment experience for everyone.
It is their authenticity and attention to detail that sets The Boulevards apart from other bands. They choose to play rock and roll how it was intended – with a raw intensity, energy and passion that is wholeheartedly honest. They want people to relive the magic of the golden era of music in a refreshing and energetic way that inspires everyone to get up, dance and party the night away.
Each member of The Boulevards is proud to play such great music and they all take huge pleasure in entertaining people with it. Ladies- I’ve been buying this Too Faced brand mascara or Younique’s brand. They’re very expensive so I buy a cheap mascara just to wear everyday.
We learned that Daniel Gilham was the cruise director. Turns out he was in Jersey Boys so we may have seen him in that.
Throughout the cruise he wore a different tux every night except the night of the Arctic Circle when he wore a a Viking outfit,
Off to bed and looking forward to a sea day on our way to Geiranger, Norway
Travel to RCL Wonder of the Seas, January 2023
Thursday, January 5, 2023.
After a hectic week of work and trying to get as many things done early for work – so I wouldn’t have to do as much on the cruise – I finally got packed for this trip.
Somehow, I wasn’t thinking, and typed the wrong street number for the Uber. I realized when I saw him pull in 5 houses up the street. Oops!
Other than that, the ride to National Airport (technically Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) was smooth. JetBlue check-in was pretty smooth, security a PITA, the hike to the terminal endless. We had thought we were way early but it ended up not being that much.
Throughout the airport, they were still playing Christmas music. I guess it was ok since Epiphany isn’t until January 6.
The flight to Orlando was uneventful except that I started a movie I want to finish at home – “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans”
In Hugh Laurie’s clever adaptation of Agatha Christie’s beloved novel, the mysterious death of a stranger prompts amateur detectives Bobby Jones and Frankie Derwent to set out to find the meaning behind the dead man’s final words: “Why didn’t they ask Evans?” Starring Will Poulter and Lucy Boynton.
I have been a huge fan of Hugh Laurie since House, Blackadder and Jeeves and Wooster.
Anyway, we arrived at Orlando Airport and they were also playing Christmas music and had some decorations up. I wonder if there’s a code of some kind which dictates when airports will decorate for holidays and for how long.
After locating our checked bags, we called the GoPort Shuttle. I can’t say enough about this service. They seem to be only in Orlando – they picked us up at the airport, dropped us off at out hotel (Holiday Inn Orlando-International Airport). On Saturday, they picked us up and delivered us to the cruise. When the cruise was over, got us back to the airport.
While we were on the shuttle, someone called from a different terminal bo be picked up, so we circled back – no rush.
This hotel was pretty nice and the room bigger than I thought. There was a refrigerator (I could have brought my Growth Hormone!). There was also a nice pool, hot tub, gym. We never used any of those – but we could have.
The bed must have been really comfortable and/or I was exhausted because I slept 7:13 – unheard of these days.
Friday, January 7, 2023.
We had gone to Florida early so we could do some sightseeing. Um, no.After breakfast at the hotel, Tom was trying to find his back brace. No such luck so he called CVS. It took a long time to get someone to find one and they set it aside for us.
We Ubered with Timothy (from Maine) to CVS. I was stunned that CVS in Orlando, FL, home of Disney, Universal, nearby Cape Canaveral had no t-shirts or sweatshirts! I was a tourist and I needed this stuff. I did get some new earrings so all wasn’t lost.
Tom found a couple possible back braces and took them to the counter where one was set aside for him. That was the one he chose.
After ubering back to the hotel, I immediately lost the back to one of the new earrings. And Tom, of course, found the original back brace so he now has 2.
I took a nap while Tom did laundry.
We walked the street to look at gift shop (still looking for cheesy Orlando t-shirts). There are no sidewalks here. Everything seems to be a ride away. None of their souvenirs were acceptable at a price I would pay so no new clothes from here.
In the hotel before the cruise – I couldn’t figure out what airline they were with but there were more headed to the elevators and some sitting. The tags around the luggage say Azul on them. I haven’t seen stewardesses (cabin attendants?) with hats for a long time.
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Unfortunately, I work up too early not about the excitement of getting on the ship but my knee is killing me. I keep telling myself it would be awful at home, too, but it’s not quite working. LOL
After breakfast, we followed instructions (Imagine that!) and got into the lobby for the GoPort shuttle. they were running 5 busses for 200 people at 5 different ships – all from our hotel. It seemed like we waited for our bus for quite a while, so I was checking Uber availability when our shuttle arrived – and we were off!
