California Coastal Cruise 2021

  We were so excited to finally get onboard a cruiseship! And I have to say it was was one of the quickest and smoothest check-ins. Holland America is assigning check-in times, so although there were several stations to go through for health checks, and we had to show our vaccine certificates and negitive covid tests the line kept moving and before we knew it we were onboard Koningsdam! Staterooms were available immediately and luggage soon showed up. I love the new lifeboat drill. You listen to the safety video in your cabin, then go down to your muster station and have your keycard scaned. That's it! Koningsdam is a beautiful ship, the largest Holland America ship I've been on so far. Usually carries about 2600, we haven't heard how many are on board for this voyage. Our cabin is an obstructed view Verandah. Great central location and very quiet. The lifeboats obstruct part of our view, but for this cruise there isn't much to see most of the time.We spent some time ex...

  A lovely 3 day break in San Diego before the cruise. As my sister and brother in law live here we have been many times. So this time we mainly relaxed and enjoyed the sun and mild weather, such a change from Vancouver! We did some nice walks, a little shopping, and had some great meals. It was so nice to see family and old friends in person!

  There are certainly a few extra checklists to go through prior to travelling these days! But we've got our passports, vaccine certificates, negative covid tests, insurance, boarding cards..... I think we're ready!

  This cruise has been quite a while in the planning process. It was originally booked for the fall of 2020. Well, we all know what happened , and that cruise along with so many other things was cancelled. I rebooked for spring of 2021 thinking travel would surely be okay by then (not!) So this is the third try, lets hope third time lucky! I figured for my first out of country trip in nearly 2 years to keep it simple. So direct flights, not too far away, and very relaxing!