Heading South

SOUTHERN ATLANTIC OCEAN

Onboard the MS VEENDAM   

Wednesday 21st March 2012

After a lovely start to the day with clear skies and smooth seas, the morning was spent initially watching a cooking demonstration and then out on the deck enjoying the sea air and suns rays, whilst watching some of the bird activity on the open seas. 

But, as the clouds slowly started to move in as the afternoon came, the temperature started to drop, so it was time to move inside to the "Explorer Lounge" and to sort out some of the photographs and write a little text for this travel blog.

This evening was the first "formal" evening on board the "MS VEENDAM" and required getting all "dressed up" in a suit, shirt and tie to go to dinner in the Rotterdam Dining Room.  

In the early evening just before dinner though, Captain Frank van der Hoeven hosted a "Welcome On Board" champagne reception so as to introduce the passengers to the ship and the journey being undertaken and also the various officers and several of the directors on board.

SOUTHERN ATLANTIC OCEAN

Onboard the MS VEENDAM   

Thursday 22nd March 2012

Waking up early as daylight broke to grey cloudy skies and rolling seas, producing quite the swell, it was breakfast in the privacy of the cabin.

But as the day went on, the wind got stronger heading slowly towards gale force and giving time in the stateroom.

At one point in the afternoon though it was almost impossible to open the balcony door of the stateroom to get onto the veranda.

But life onboard continued regardless with such a variety of things to do, see, eat, read, drink, watch and play. From deck games to fitness classes and from wine tasting to Spanish lessons.

The magician "Devlin" performed in "The Showroom" this evening after dinner. Apparently he is a winner of the New York "Magician of the Year" award, although it was hard to fathom out how, as his performance was very mediocre.