Welcome Home!

Day 1, Grand Asia 2017

Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017

When I woke up this morning, the first thing I did was look out the hotel window to make sure the MS Amsterdam had arrived at the San Diego harbor pier overnight. She was right where I expected her. Now just to fill the time until late morning and boarding.

The banner on the MS Amsterdam said “Welcome Home!” Not “Welcome Aboard,” as I might have expected. Holland America turned the phrase in a clever approach that caught our attention and set our expectations for the next 80 days.

I indeed felt at home almost immediately. I have sailed on the Amsterdam once before and spent a good deal of time on Holland America’s other smaller ships (Maasdam, Volendam, Statendam, Ryndam). The physical differences are subtle. Within hours I had re-familiarized myself with the layout of the public areas and wouldn’t need to carry the pocket-sized deck plan map.

First-day festivities included a poolside reception for Mariners (anyone with a previous Holland America cruise – virtually everyone on this ship) and later a sail-away party on the aft pool deck.

We didn’t immediately sail away. It turns out that when passengers sail for 80 days, they bring a lot of luggage, and it takes hours to load. My cabin attendant delivered the last of my three bags shortly before I went to dinner. I had seen it in a cart on the pier earlier, so I wasn’t too worried, but it’s always good to actually have it in the cabin.

By 10 p.m. I had unpacked and somewhat organized everything I brought. It was good to fall into bed after a long-anticipated and exciting day. It’s already feeling like home.