The clocks went forward an hour overnight so we lost an hour’s sleep. Even so, I was up early so went for a walk around the deserted ship. It’s a real treat when it’s totally empty.
Even Rob The Robotic Bartender was still asleep. While out, I visited Guest Services to try and remedy our lack of Voyager Club status which was great at that time of the morning because there wasn’t a queue. Apparently, our club status hadn’t been linked to our booking but the situation was quickly rectified and new cards were issued with Diamond Status attached. I then grabbed a quick coffee at the bar before taking one up for Nicole.
Breakfast in the MDR was okay but didn’t really live up to expectations, certainly not as good as what Costa is providing for special dietary needs. The best thing about it was the view from our table looking out over the wash.
So we have made the decision that it is going to be a better option to use the buffet from here on.
We enjoyed the sail into Rotterdam along the Nieuwe Maas with arrival at 11:00. Once the early excursions had departed we made our way off for a walk. We headed for Markthal and had a quick walk-through and then around a few of the adjacent shops eventually stopping off at a vegan café for a snack prior to heading back to the ship.
On arrival back at our cabin we discovered some chocolate-coated strawberries and a bottle of Prosecco which are a perk of our Diamond Status. Better late than never. 😁
Judging by the number of people back on the ship and using the open decks, it would appear that Rotterdam didn’t hold much appeal, perhaps the weather and the drinks packages were a stronger draw.
I managed to find a quiet shady spot while the boys and their entourage went off to the Savannah Aquapark for some watery fun. The two of them had a fun time and were both feeling very tired and hungry come 5:30 so it was quickly back to the cabin for a wash and brush up before heading off to the buffet for something to eat. Everyone ate really well and we even managed to find a table outside at the back of the ship so were able to watch sailaway as we ate. Nicole was on babysitting duty this evening so I relaxed in our own cabin with some welcome beers in front of the TV. No doubt it will be another early morning tomorrow.
I’m sure it was good to have the ship all to yourself in the morning, only if for a little while.
I think it’s definitely a positive thing for MSC to offer status matching, it will be interesting to hear what other ‘perks’ there are now you’ve fixed the problem with your Voyager Club status.
Enjoy your quiet night in!
I didn’t realize how new that ship was and how big. It’s huge. Not quite Wonder of the Seas but in the ballpark. I love the ceiling in the promenade. And I love your British words for things. When you said you were sitting at the back of the dining room looking out at “the wash” I was looking for a clothesline hanging off the back of the ship. We would have called it the wake. I am guessing that your lovely bride was able to find something to eat besides salad in the buffet?