On to Rome, May 20, 2017

On to Rome, May 20, 2017

This is one of those hurry and wait days.

The Prinsendam docked 7-ish and then then the disembarking procedure began. You're given luggage tags to correspond to where and when you're going next. Those with flights after three could take excursions in and around Amsterdam that included an airport transfer. Our flight to Rome leaves at 2:25 and even though we all know perfectly well that those excursions would get everyone to Schipol by noon and probably earlier, the excursion manager wouldn't budge so the 9:15 shuttle to the airport it is!

It was a nice crossing, despite the detour. We never encountered any rough weather, thank you very much. As per usual the HAL crew is most accommodating. The Dutch running the front desk and excursions can be a bit stiff, but the cabin stewards and wait staff in the dining rooms are cheerful and enjoy interacting with the passengers. HAL is slowly updating onboard technology and now has the same offline info system as we had on Princess. You set up an account off line that takes you to a nifty website that lists all activities available each day both onboard and on shore, your specific itinerary, your account, restaurant reservations, etc. It's quite handy to have on phone, tablet or laptop.

Now we're in one of the very expansive KLM lounges (Delta medallion perk) with fabulous and free wifi as the breakfast buffet is changing to the luncheon buffet. This lounge is for EU destinations so many languages all around us. Maybe I should search for some Italians and get a crash course...Three hours until our flight so plenty of time to learn a phrase or two, Please, Thank You, How much?

I still cannot get pictures to link with this but I have been editing as we go along so plan to upload to Shutterfly as soon as we get home.

I just must take advantage of this wifi and send this now.