Day 53 - at sea sailing towards Africa (day 3 of 7)

 Saturday was another quiet day on the Zuiderdam. Seas were fairly calm and wind was light. After sunset pictures I have included a little info about the reunion of many of the passengers who's 2020 world cruise ended suddenly  in Perth, Australia because of Covid-19.


First light of the day.




Close-up of the bright spot,

Sun was hiding behind the clouds but was peaking out



After the sun had risen higher





Some pretty clouds today.

Sunshine on the water prior to sunset.

Sun in fog as it fell lower. The ship was in light rain.


Then it started hiding behind clouds on the horizon.

After sun had set, a little color started to re-appear.













2020 Grand World Voyage Reunion

The last Holland America World Cruise before Covid-19 was in 2020.  It ended up being a Half World Cruise as it ended in Fremantle / Perth on March 25, 2020.  All the passengers were forced to fly home with only the luggage that they could take with them. The rest of their luggage stayed on the Amsterdam until they could get it back to the USA. The Amsterdam stayed in south-east Asia for awhile as the tried to figure out what ports would accept them for refueling and supplies.  Then Holland America decided to sell 4 of their older ships, including the Amsterdam. The luggage was taken off  and put into containers for shipment back. Many got their bags in Oct/Nov.

In the past few days there were functions  for the about 450 passengers Off 100+ on that cruise) currently onboard that were on the 2020 cruise to have a reunion, reflect on the  and celebrate continuing on from Perth. The itinerary this year is different but there were a number of stops in  Africa like we are doing this year.

We did not attend any of these functions as we were not on that cruise but I am borrowing a few pictures from others.


Some of the crew who were on the 2020 World Cruise when it suddenly ended








Cruise Critic organize function

Day 52 - at sea sailing towards Africa (day 2 of 7)


Today, the seas were smoother than yesterday. The winds were down some. Todays, I took pictures of the floral arrangements around the ship. I also shot some of the artwork and sculptures.


A few rays shone through

























Seas were smoother today



I attended another  mixology class today, They showed us how to make 4 drinks involving champagne/sparkling wines. I had never heard of any of them.




The drinks we made.

Western skyline getting lighter. Wind was less than yesterday so I was able to get out on the front deck


The sun peaked out a bit but never appeared.