The Journey Begins

 

The time has come to get started.  We FedExed four bags to the ship a few weeks ago.  Now we are loading the last bags into the rental car.  We leave tomorrow for one night in Fort Lauderdale and then sail on Saturday.

All the visas, shots, medicines, currencies, and planning are in order.  Right now our two big side trips are a five day excursion through interior China (off the ship in Hong Kong and back on in Singapore) and a five day safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa (off the ship in Durban and back on in Cape Town).  We also plan on washing/feeding/riding elephants in Thailand and taking a camel safari in Gambia.  Noreen has a soft spot for camels and rides them when she has the opportunity.  But I must admit I have no idea what a camel safari is????  I’ll set my SCUBA dive plan once we are on board and I meet with the other divers.  Other than that we’ll just play it by ear and see what each port offers as we step off the ship.  We’ll be traveling with many experienced world travelers who have cruised this route before.  There will be no shortage of advice and local tours being planned.

We’ve started paying closer attention to world events in the countries on our itinerary.  Nothing is too hot right now.  There is a ongoing civil unrest in Thailand.  Four people were killed in a demonstration on December 13th in Bangkok.  But the two political sides seem to have reached a truce and all is quiet right now.

We’ll be sailing on the MS Amsterdam:

Ship's Registry:  The Netherlands

Passenger capacity:  1,380 (This is maximum capacity.  We never sail with that number)

Crew members:  615

Gross tonnage:  62,735grt

Length:  780 feet

Beam:  105.8

Maximum speed:  22.5 knots

Dedicated:  October 30, 2000, by Mrs. Janet Lanterman

This is a picture of our veranda cabin.

Floor Plan

The best way to reach us is by e-mail.  We’d like to hear about you and your family fun and adventures as we travel.  Send us any questions or comments from the blog.  We’re glad you are coming along.  Have a great and healthy New Year.

Ken & Noreen