Holland America's Ryndam

Saturday September 26, 2009

This was a repositioning cruise from Alaska through the Panama Canal. We were taking it only from Vancouver to San Diego. However, it made one stop in Victoria and we were able to board here. Apparently this is something that some companies have been allowing just recently.

I didn't take a lot of pictures of the ship. We've done enough cruises that one is similar to another - this is my third with Holland America - and to me they've become just a way of getting from point A to B.

This was the easiest boarding on a cruise ship I've ever experienced, and so convenient to hop on board in Victoria rather than in Vancouver a day earlier. We walked through to the ramp, boarded the ship, had our our carry-on luggage scanned, went to the front desk and got our room key cards. That was it! We were told that customs / immigration was handled at the San Diego end.

The Ryndam is due for a refit next year. The interior certainly needs refreshing as it is looking rather worn and tired but our room was comfortable enough. It had a couch, small table and a balcony. Our cabin attendant, "Gus" presented us with a cloth Holland America bag and a little vase of flowers. Nice touch.

Standard issue atrium sculpture. I've always liked those little wind faces (centre photo).

I couldn't figure out what the theme of this ship was supposed to be. Apparently it was 'worldwide exploration' with artifacts from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

After a coffee break on the Lido deck, we toured outside. This is a small outdoor pool. I didn't take any photos of the indoor one because they all look the same.

This is an unusual view of the point, breakwater and Dallas Road for us. We've never been on a cruise ship here before.

Off we go, leaving the Celebrity Mercury behind. It was on its way to Nanaimo. (Nanaimo?)