Cruiseport Boston from the Veendam
Sailing out of Boston Harbor was the highlight of the trip, so far. Especially, after a fight with Boston traffic to get to the Black Falcon Pier and a last minute super-quick stop at P.J’s optometrist because a lens had fallen out of her glasses frame. It was a gorgeous day, as we watched the Boston skyline slowly recede into the distance.
Castle Island, Boston, from the Veendam
Boston Skyline Receding
Pilot Boat Alongside the Veendam
Before we went to sleep last night, we saw the beautiful full moon over the ocean. Sunday morning we woke up to another beautiful day. The ocean was placid, with a persistent long swell that hits us sideways, rocking us gently back and forth.
Our Vista Suite Stateroom
P.J and I noticed that just by stepping on board we significantly lowered the average passenger age. Around the dinner table, people’s past adventures turned out to be primarily medical. With over one thousand elderly people on board, I am wondering what the odds are that everyone will actually make it to the other side!
The age range was somewhat of a surprise to us, because on our Alaska cruise, people seemed to be younger. But then it occurred to me: that cruise was only seven days, and working people cannot afford to take forty days off.
Some of the elderly are a little cranky, but the staff is infinitely patient. One of my friends, Tom Peterson, responded to my “Trip Log” email by writing, “Be nice to the commoners! Remember, you started out as one, too!”
I am reminded of that when the staff greets me, always smiling and wishing me the best, probably because they are trained to. They work seven days a week, 10 to 11 hours a day. So I make it a point to respond equally cheerfully. I hope it makes their day a little better, and it makes me feel better too!
Photos © 2014 P.J. Gardner. All rights reserved.