The Northern Isles Day 3
The Northern Isles
Day 03 - Saturday, July 12, 2003 - Boston & At Sea
We got up at 7:15 and met Bob and Susan at the coffee shop downstairs. We had a bagel, Starbucks coffee and chatted. Gennie went to the shop next door and found a Maine quarter (P) for her collection. We had a map of Boston so we set off on our morning excursion.
We saw that the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal within walking distance and decided to walk there. Less than half a mile away, it was a good walk by the Boston Fish Pier and many seafood restaurants.
We arrive at the Black Falcon and saw that passengers were disembarking from the Rotterdam. As we were not to board until Noon, we decided to walk to Boston Commons using our map of Boston.
We walked up Summer Street and passed the new Convention Center that will be finished in a year. We also saw the monstrous vents that provide fresh air to the new network of tunnels (Big Dig) in Boston.
We crossed several bridges, passed by large brownstone buildings, and walked on sidewalks that had been built many years ago. Boston is noted for their walking tours, and seeing the history and heritage of the urban environment was intriguing.
We arrived at South Station and decided to take the Red Line to Park Station and Boston Commons. We went up the stairs and came out into bright sunlight, the early morning fog had lifted. We looked at a few historical markers and then walked just a few blocks toward downtown and saw the famous Filene’s Basement.
Gennie could not pass-up the opportunity so we went in and each of us found a few bargains. A blue flowered shirt for me, a nightgown for Susan, two belts for Bob and a sweater and red suede clogs for Gennie. WHAT A DEAL!
We made a quick stop at a liquor store and bought a few libations to carry with us to the ship. We walked back to the Boston Commons and caught a cab back to the hotel. We had about 30 minutes to clean up and get our luggage and check out by Noon.
We had asked for a van to take us to the ship - lots of luggage - but after waiting for 30 minutes, We decided just to take two taxis for the short 7 minute ride to the Rotterdam. Our driver was very surly/crabby (too short a ride). As we stepped out of the cab, a porter appeared and took all of our luggage and freed us of that responsibility.
There was no line because we were about an hour and a half earlier than the recommended two o’clock boarding time. So we breezed right through the check-in stations and security. One interesting aspect was a questionnaire we had to fill out about SARS.
We walked up to the ship and were warmly greeted by the crew of the Holland America ship. We went to our room on the 6th level (6208) and Susan and Bob went to theirs (6220).
After leaving our few pieces of baggage there, we went to the Front Desk to try to redo our ship identifications as Susan and Gennie were to be in one room and Bob and I in another. Again, super helpful staff.
We then decided to go out and explore the ship - from the Crows Nest (an enclosed area overlooking the prow (front of the ship) to the stern where we could look out onto Boston Harbor.
We had a small lunch at the Lido buffet - salads, pizza, desserts, and beverages - and then returned to our exploring. I found their internet room (.75 per minute or $55 for 100 minutes). They also have a wireless capability in some areas of the ship so I will be able to use my laptop with my wireless card to get on the net. They were so busy that I decided to do the sign up later.
We met our steward, a young man named Tony, from Indonesia. He is very accommodating and was very helpful as he placed a bottle of Champagne in Bob & Susan’s room for us - he even chilled it!
At 4:15 we had a lifeboat/emergency drill where we had to go to our rooms, get on our life vest and report to our life boat (#10) and listen to the procedure.
Once the all clear sounded we returned to our rooms, took off our life jackets and went up on deck for a little reception party. As the sun was beating down on the deck, it was a very warm and humid area in this portion of the ship.
After an hour, we went down to our room to unpack. The room has a lot of storage space so it was easy to put away all of our clothes. While we were dong this, the ship sailed, about 1:15 late as one of pier cranes was broken and they were delayed in loading all the luggage on-board the ship.
Stepping out onto our veranda, we were able to see our exit from Boston Harbor with the sun to the west. Many sport and sailing boats were returning to port and they would wave and shout greetings to us as we passed.
We had agreed to meet Bob and Susan at the Crow’s Nest for a glass of wine and a few appetizers at 7 PM. At 8 PM we went down to the La Fontaine Dining Room and were seated at Table 17 for dinner.
We are sitting right by a window, facing the east as we sail north. As the sunset occurred, the near full moon came up, saluted and accompanied us through dinner. After a five course meal - appetizer, soup, salad, main course, and dessert with coffee, we left the dining room about 10 PM.
We took a turn around the deck and discussed seeing a first run movie. As the ship was rocking/rolling a bit and we have not yet gotten our sea legs, we pitched about the deck a bit. At about 10:45 we were getting tired so we said goodnight and went back to our rooms to get ready for bed.
ms Rotterdam
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