Atrium

Today passed by in a pleasant relaxed haze after a tour of the Rotterdam Dining Room’s galley in the morning (I love seeing those acres of gleaming stainless-steel and industrial-sized pots and pans).

I had a fabulous facial in the spa and resisted the beautician’s attempts to encourage me to spend another US$400-500 on Elemis products, however luxurious (and possibly effective for ageing complexions) they are.

Later, I happened to be at the Front Desk at midday when the ornate organ in the Atrium started playing – it does this only at 10am and midday on sea days.

The miniature figures of drummers and conductor came to life and the charming show was a timely reminder that Zaandam has a musical theme.

We can now tick off seeing Bill Clinton’s alto sax; a beautifully decorated harpsichord; an acoustic guitar signed by Iggy Pop and David Bowie; and three electric guitars signed by the members of Queen, a bunch of famous names including Eric Clapton and BB King, and the Rolling Stones.

Our group met for an early dinner in the Canaletto (part of the Lido buffet in its evening guise) and through the floor-to-ceiling windows next to our table we saw dolphins cavorting in the icy sea.

Our maitre d’, Hendry, told us he’d been with HAL since 1993 and had somehow squeezed in a degree in Sydney, where he’d lived in Rockdale.

Apparently Geoff and I are two of a small handful of Australians on board this cruise, which is pretty much fully booked with 1,430 passengers who mostly hail from the US.

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