Boarding formalities for the cruise started for us at 12 noon after the ship Noordam had arrived and was ready to receive passengers. We are in Stateroom 10002, i.e. Deck 10 out of 12 and room 002 at the front, port side. Safety features and evacuation procedures have just finished (3:00 p.m.) and we are free to roam! To be this close to a city on ships like this because of their size one usually docks at the container port. Departure at 5:00 p.m. saw us slowly navigate between the small volcanic islands, yachts and ferry traffic to open water.
