And the Journey Begins!!!

2023 HAL World Cruise

Thursday & Friday, December29 -30, 2023

Finally, embarkation day has arrived!!!  We are packed and ready to go with our 14 boxes, 2 large suitcases, 2 garment bags, 2 rollaboards, and 2 tote bags.  It is good to travel light, but when you’re talking 133 days, let’s face it—-you just gotta have your “stuff”!!!

We are ready to go with our 14 boxes, 2 large suitcases, 2 garment bags, 2 rollaboards, and 2 tote bags!!!

We arrived at Port Everglades for our appointed check-in time of 11:40am.  The process was smooth and efficient.  By noon we were in our cabin unpacking the roll-aboards and totes before going out to meet up with friends and explore the ship.

The embarkation process ran smoothly and efficiently. We were in our cabin before noon!!!
Our cabin was ready!!!
The room looks comfortable but we are concerned about the storage space. Remember, we brought STUFF!!!
We had carried our rollaboards and tote bags on board ourselves and quickly unpacked them before heading out to explore th ship.
No problem putting away the small stuff.

The MS Zuiderdam is larger than the previous Holland America ship used for World Cruises, so we now need to familiarize ourselves with the layout.  We need to find the dining venues, the theaters, the spa, the pool and game courts, the shopping; and, of course, the lounges and bars.  After all, this will be our home for the next 133 days!!!

The first discovery was the Explorations Cafe and Crow’s Nest.
There is a small coffee stand/bar located here as well as books, games, and display screens to witness our progress traversing the sea. This just might become a favorite hang-out!!!
From here, we can track our progress.
We set sail right on time!!!
This portion of our journey takes us into the Caribbean where we will celebrate theNew Year at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. We’ll then return to Fort Lauderdale for the start of the world cruise.
The adventure begins!!!

More to come in the next post!!!

Tomorrow is a sea day before arriving in Amber Cove. We’ll have a lot more to show you!!!

10 thoughts on “And the Journey Begins!!!”

  1. Thank you for sharing your blog – I always enjoy your writing and especially look forward to this adventure! Safe travels and good luck finding space to store all your “stuff” 😉

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  2. How we envy you. We are so disappointed our health does not allow us to do the world cruise that we have for the past 20 or so years. Have a great time. We will be thinking of you

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  3. Ok, we have to ask- what is in the 14 boxes? Love the organization. How much do you think will be coming back?
    Saw pictures of you from the WC get together posted by Sharon Johnson. You guys never look any older.
    The hard part is over and the fun begins.
    Wendy and Steve

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    1. We are embarrassed to confess those boxes contain the mundane–mouthwash, toothpaste, hairspray, etc. But also, one of the boxes contains our favorite snacks!!! And another the “costumes” for theme nights.

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  4. Yay! Not much to take onboard, amazing how you narrowed it all down! Hahaha. Actually, this is quite good, compared to some who presumably pack the kitchen sink. Bon Voyage to you and best wishes for 2023, starting with the first 133 says !

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  5. Room looked great!! Just need to hide everything or dehydrate and add water later!!

    Happy New Year!! Have a Great time!!

    You both look fantastic!! Enjoy!!

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