Guests were allowed to store their carry-on luggage in a holding room once onboard the ship, and the Lido was open for a buffet lunch. There was an announcement at 1:00 p.m. that the staterooms were ready and that passengers could proceed at their leisure. I unpacked my carry-on, then reacquainted myself with the ship.
While taking some white zinfandel to the cabin of another Cruise Critic passenger, I encountered my cabin steward Jerrol from New Year's. It was nice to see an "old friend," and we chatted for a few minutes. My luggage was delivered to my stateroom (1043) at about 3:00 p.m. As I unpacked, my steward Saepul appeared and introduced himself. Saepul turned out to be extremely helpful and pleasant throughout the week.
Lifeboat Drill:::
The lifeboat drill was at 4:15 p.m. and was the regular "muster drill." As always, some passengers didn't show up immediately and names were called from a list. No matter how many times, I sail I NEVER tie my lifejacket correctly. However, I'm open to the fact that it may be my subconscious hoping that a handsome, smiling HAL crew member will tie it for me! One interesting spin was I saw a gentleman in a power wheelchair with a service dog onboard at the lifeboat drill. His Australian Shepard even had a lifejacket! Holland America is "quite serious" about the lifeboat drill - more so than any other cruise line I have sailed. In light of the recent news regarding the fire on the Star Princess, I appreciate the care and concern of Holland America for passenger safety.
Mexican Riviera Sail Away:::
The Oosterdam set sail for the Mexican Riviera at 5:00 p.m. After the lifeboat drill, members from the Cruise Critic roll call met in the Lido Poolside (9 midship) area for the "party." We were joined by Mr. James Deering, the Hotel Manger and had a nice introduction "chat." We had a little extra excitement as one of the activity staff ("Short Michelle" as her peers affectionately refer to her) took an unexpected dip in the pool due to the mischievous behavior of one of her co-workers! A green apple martini put me in the "cruise mode!
Pinnacle Grill Dining:::
Since I was cruising alone, I wanted to experience the Pinnacle Grill with some members from our Cruise Critic roll call. Marie and her sister Debbie had made reservations for the first evening, and they graciously allowed me join them for their 7:30 p.m. reservation. I had planned to attend the "Single & Solo Travelers Meet," but I opted for dinner instead. (Gee, could I have passed up my chance to meet "Mr. Wonderful?) The Pinnacle Grill restaurant is indeed beautiful and the food is tastefully prepared. Since I'm not a big meat eater, I enjoyed the halibut. It was delicious! However, I could have made an entr�e of the crab cake appetizer. The perfect ending to the meal was the signature volcano cake (with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side). The three-flavor cr�me br�l�e (I had a taste!) was equally scrumptious! My long drive and running around in San Diego finally caught up with me and I called it an early night. It was a perfect ending to a busy day.
Saturday Entertainment:
Vista Lounge - Oosterdam Cast: Up Front
Vista Lounge - Comedy: Janine Gardner
Queen's Lounge - Movie: Elizabethtown
Crow's Nest - Contemporary: Cruise Control
Ocean Bar - Classic Dance Hits: Crossover
Explorer's Lounge - String Favorites: Rosario Strings
Piano Bar - Piano Player: Jeff Warren
Northern Lights - DJ Dancing: D. J. Matt Green
Signature Cocktail: Blue Coco Mojito
Martini of the Day: Green Apple Martini
