Now on the mainland of Spain, our first stop was Cadiz. Here we engaged a private driver and tour guide to take us on a trip to a Bodega in Jerez (close by) and old town Cadiz. First we drove through Cadiz and to Jerez, toured Sandeman Bodega where they make Sherry and then came back and walked around the old town of Cadiz.
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” ― Jacques Yves Cousteau
Nieuw Statendam – a 4 year old ship (or boat as I so incorrectly have called it in the past) is one of the newest in Holland America’s fleet and is to be our home for the next 3 weeks! We will be traveling all the way to Rome via the following ports:
We also have a total of 10 sea days.
While we have sailed on Holland America previously, this is an upgrade to previous ships as it has better accessibility for people with mobility concerns (specifically more accessible washrooms), additional restaurants (Nami Sushi, Tamarind and Rudi’s Sel de Mer) and a better entertainment area – especially the Lincoln Centre where I like to listen to the artists.
The biggest changes however we have found has been in the dining room and Lido Deck. No more tables of 8-10 in the dining room – all tables of 2 and 4 mainly with a couple of tables of 6. This is much better socially as I prefer a smaller table as I really disliked eating at a table for 10 people and having Celiac Disease. Some people are so nosey and ask way too many questions! Also often I was served first or late depending on how the allergy kitchen was doing and if it was late, people thought they had to wait for my meal to arrive… On the Lido deck – EVERYTHING is served to you now. No more self service! That totally makes sense with what has gone on in the world and I am totally fine with that!
Oh and there is one other change – the Promenade deck – on other ships like the Noordam, I love to sit on the Promenade Deck in the lounge chair and watch the world go by while knitting. On the Nieuw Statendam the life boards are on the deck instead of being suspended so cabins get better views. So no more lounge chairs – just high speed walking! Three circles equals a mile!
Here are some pictures that I have taken getting onto (COVID testing for all) and around the ship – more to come in other posts!
