andeesue

I enjoyed reading your detailed report. How was the renewal of your vows? Sad that the floral arrangement was already turning brown, hope the rest of the package was better!

Good for you to venture out and cruise. You can spend as much time with people as you like, or go to your cabin for some quiet time. I find that the anytime dining worked better for me. I like the flexibility of eating when I wanted, not having to be at the dining room at a specific time. And, as others have stated, people often book specialty dining or make other arrangements. I find that I prefer tables of no more than 6, as it gets to be too many people to converse with. Take advantage of your Roll Call, a good place to connect ahead and then meet on board. I loved my Baltic cruise and am sure you will, tool

How refreshing to read your trip report! I love the detail and your great sense of humor. Lucky passengers that you meet up with- I have a feeling you bring out the best of those around you. Thank you for sharing! And Happy New Year!

So you're not worried about having to eat cat food in your retirement, but you are worried that you may not like an inside cabin? ;) Glad you have your priorities straight! Do as others have suggested, try an inside and see for yourself. I booked a 3-night to see if I would find an inside tolerable and was upgraded to a verandah. I tend to just sleep and change clothes in my cabin, so I think I'd be fine. And, a good reason to get out and keep busy (or just enjoy sitting on the deck or in the Crow's Nest or Library or wherever!).

I'll be the odd one out here! My favorite PG meal is at lunch: The blue cheese encrusted filet, scalloped potatoes and asparagus. Preceded by their yummy onion soup.

Yes! Love that, too! I order the shrimp bruschetta for the appy, so yummy!:p

On the Westerdam in September, there was a meeting time for Mah Jong players. My friend went and the game played was Chinese style, not American. Sure it depends on who shows up.

So loved your wonderful review! I am also impressed with your quick disembarkation and trip home. You and your DW certainly know how to travel well.

We stayed for a week at the Hotel Estheria. It's right on one of the old city canals (the Singel I think) and it's lovely. I'd stay there again in a heart beat. All of Amsterdam is very flat and very walkable, bearing in mind to watch out for bikes! Estheria is near the floating flower markt, up the street from Davio's which we think is a grand restaurant, around the corner from Golem (if you like beer and hard cider in a pretty unique setting) and not too far away from everything else.

This go-round, since our cruise is a bit on the spendy side for us, we are staying at the Ibis to save a few bucks. We know that chain from Denmark and find it to be clean, if a bit spartan.

I, too, can heartily recommend Hotel Estherea. It's a lovely hotel, close to much sightseeing, and easy to board the tram. I've stayed there on my past two trips to Amsterdam.

Some people are talkers and some are good listeners. Listeners learn more.:)

So true, though a give and take is a nice balance. I always am amazed at those that talk, talk, talk without ever asking the others a question. They love the sound of their own voice, I suppose:p