So, we kind of got off to a rocky start, no problem that is all behind us right? Well not exactly.

Today we were to go and board the Maadam a Holland America Cruise ship that was going to take us on our journey.

At noon our hotel shuttle dropped us off at the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. Now the Black Falcon is no Port Everglades or Port of Miami. It is one berth surrounded y the normal maritime commerce you would see. So it is not the best thing to look at. But no worries.

Our bags were taken on board the ship and we were ushered to the check in line.

My wife, daughter and I opted not to do full the online check in (I just filled out the passport and personal information). I choose this route because Holland America wanted to charge $420 per cabin as a deposit.

We were told at check in that the ship was being cleaned and that we were unable to get on until 3 p.m. The previous weeks cruise had 15 people come down with the Rota virus and they wanted to disinfect everything. But to our surprise Holland America, did us right. They gave each person a $15 credit on their on board account and had tour buses to take us to town for lunch. Since we were not able to see much of town last night, this was a great thing as we had an extra 4 hours there today.

Finial Hall is three old buildings that house shows and restaurants. One of the neat things is the Food Court. A city block long food court. And they have everything, from BBQ to Indian Curry, to Sushi. So after some great food and some shopping we boarded a tour bus and got on the ship. We were finally on our way.

The Maasdam. I knew going in that all of the Holland America ships were geared towards the older crowd.And this is what I found when I got on board in Boston. Kids are welcome but most of the people on board are not happy they are there. And most everything closes early. The shore excursion desk is open maybe 3 hours a day, the coffee bar closes at 8:30, and the library closes at 9. Seriously, walk around the ship at 10 p.m. and it is a ghost town. The late night buffetts (yes not midnight like other ships) ends a midnight and is usually dominated by the staff grabbing something to eat. You want to rub elbows with the dancers or tht comedian you saw at the show, well show up for the late night buffett and they will be there.

They have a kids program called Club HAL. But it is only open 1-1/2 hours a night during port days. And IMHO, that sucks. The kids on board are people to and they payed as much as other passengers did, so why not give them some extra play time. Really, we had plently of dirty looks from people becuase we were having fun, cracking jokes and goofing around. This is a serious, laid back relax ship. And I do not know why they would not keep the kids program open longer. Think about it, the longer the kids program is open the less kids they ae running around the ship.

Oh well, the ship is beautiful and there is plenty of space even for a smaller ship. They do not slack on anything.

Tune in next for day Three (Bar Harbor, Maine)

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