There’s an old saying that goes something like this, “it’s not the vodka, it’s the olives that get ya.”
I’m saying something along those lines this morning, although I’m not sure if it’s the “Panama Cough” that metamorphosed into something else during the night or the Pub Crawl.
The second to last day of the cruise through the Panama Canal on the ms Zuiderdam was a very lazy sea day. I was up at the crack of 10am, wide awake and ready to take part in the “On Deck for a Cause” 5k non-competitive walk. This walk is held fleet-wide, once per cruise with monies raised going to support cancer organizations in North America, Europe, and Australia. A group of about 75 of us donated $20, donned our “On Deck for a Cause” t-shirts, and took over the Promenade Deck as cancer survivors and others cheered us on.
Those participating had the opportunity to do the walk in memory of someone. I did it in memory of my mother, Dorothy, who passed away from breast cancer nearly 20 years ago shortly after I graduated from college. A year ago I would have never been able to do one lap around the Promenade Deck, let alone nine. So, mom, I hope you’re proud of me for that at least!
Since embarking on my weight loss journey, exercise has become a major part of my life. When I started over a year ago, I could barely walk the half mile from one end of the beach to the other without having to stop and wonder how the hell I was going to make it back. I gradually pushed myself more and more, eventually moving to the treadmill where I now do about 3 miles a day, at 4.0 mph at a 12% grade.
I’ve kept the momentum going while on the cruise, although as someone who loves to walk the Promenade Deck, I’ve replaced the treadmill with it, walking 3 miles a day around the deck. In the case of today, I did 6, as I regarded the “One Deck for a Cause” walk as a bonus, and did my afternoon jaunt as well.
Besides that, there’s not much to report other than the time I spent reflecting on how amazing this trip has been, how I can’t wait to get home and take a shower with some real water pressure, and how much I dread seeing the total on the slip of paper that will be shoved under my door Friday morning.
I stepped on board over a week ago resolving to stick to my diet as best as I could. Food-wise, I have to admit, I did pretty damn well despite mouthwatering delectables being everywhere you turn. Drink-wise is another story. Let’s just say that the “Friends of Bill W” started to recruit me.
The group I meet every night for pre-dinner cocktails talked me into coming along for the Pub Crawl. A four-bar journey through the ship where you get a different drink and an “experience” to go along with it. The first stop was in the Crow’s Nest where something that was neon blue and tasted like what remains in a bar mat at the end of the night was served. With puckered looks on our faces, someone had to ask what was in it.
Vodka, gin, Blue Curacao, rum, and the list went on.
The next stop was at the Lido Bar where a game of Beer Pong was waiting. I missed my target but my opponent made hers, so I got the honor of chugging down a lukewarm Miller Lite followed by the drink of that bar… another lukewarm Miller Lite.
Onward and downward where we did shots of Johnny Walker Red and other assorted liquors in the Signature Shops – an apparent stop to remind us that “everything you drink here can be bought duty-free before you disembark.”
Next, it was a short private performance in the B.B. King Blues Club for us pub crawlers who had to shake off some of the fuzziness and get ready for the final round, which took place in Northern Lights, the ship’s disco where dancing ensued followed by Sex on the Beach.
The night ended with the event leading up to its name, as several of us did indeed crawl back to our cabins.
In the middle of the night is when I awoke to feel that the Panama Cough decided to turn into something more. Unfortunately, I’m ending the cruise with a bit of a head cold that has me hoping I kick it before Christmas.
And speaking of Christmas! I wrote earlier in the week about how Christmas decorations aren’t anywhere to be found on board due to some crap about people complaining about them. Well, in preparation for the branded “Christmas Cruise” that sails tomorrow, decorations are popping up here and there, so we get to sample some of them before we disembark.
I’m writing today’s entry from my balcony where we’re just passing Cuba with our arrival in Ft. Lauderdale pegged at 6:45am Friday. Luggage tags have been delivered, my laundry has been returned all wrapped in neat little bundles which makes packing it up so much easier, and the feeling that this whole thing is coming to an end is beginning to settle in.
And like the toilet I wrote about yesterday, that sucks.
Personal Day-By-Day Zuiderdam Cruise Review:
Photo Tour of the Zuiderdam:
Capturing memories through photography is an integral part of any vacation, and my voyage aboard the Holland America Zuiderdam was no different. Throughout my journey, I snapped countless photos, highlighting various aspects of the ship such as the stunning interior design, the inviting swimming pools, and my own cozy cabin. If you’re interested in viewing these snapshots, you can check out the Zuiderdam Photo Tour or browse the daily cruise review, both accessible through the links provided above.