Wednesday, August 21. We had a very leisurely morning packing, eating a huge breakfast. It was a good thing we ate a lot because it was not free like we thought it was, 24Euros each. After a taxi ride, we were at the embarkation hall. Holland America has the process perfected. We checked in, got on board, found our state room, and wandered the ship for a while getting our bearings. This is the 6th time on a Holland America ship, the so called "Ms dam" ships. All of their names end in dam. This time we are on the Ryndam. They all have the same floor plan so it is bit like our summer home.
There is always a sail-away sing along led by Garrison along with some of the performers on board. Here is the crowd sitting around the pool.
Garrison is not fussy about how he looks. In fact it is fair to say he is a bit eccentric in his dress. He loves to sing. The tradition on his cruises is that the first song on leaving the dock is "God Bless America." He also sings "Sweet Caroline" and every one sings along with him. After that, it's whatever comes into his mind. Everybody is happy, perhaps even giddy as we get underway.
Robin and LInda Williams are frequent performers on both the radio show and regulars on the cruises. Robin fell off a shed and among other injuries did something to his eye. It makes him look quite debonair. (Or a sea pirate)
After a BBQ supper around the main pool (not the one in the picture), we saw two shows. Heather Masse is a cabaret jazz singer. She and her piano player make great music together singing standard jazz songs, her take on modern songs, and some of her own compositions. Chuck finds her style wonderful; Caroline finds her songs a little too slow and laid back, but likes her otherwise.
The DiGiallonardo sisters, (everyone calls them the DG sisters) are a trio from NY who sing incredible harmony. Plus, they just have a great time singing and performing. This is two of them (the third one was hidden behind the piano). The one on the left is a professional singer. The one on the right is a school teacher. They are lots of fun to listen to.
After that, we headed for bed as the ship sailed to Marseilles.