Worried sick when we got to the airport. The queue for bag drop was awful. At 6.10 got taken to the front of the queue fortunately. Finally got to security at 6.20 and boarding was supposed to close at 6.30! Then I beeped going through the scanner and had to queue to go through the full body scanner. Was worried sick. Thought we'd miss the flight. Didn't get time to take my tablet or get to the toilet before I got on the plane. While still in the queue for bag drop got the text to go to gate 2. At least we knew where to go. Finally reached the gate at 6.35 but we were not last. Final call was flashing. Just as well it wasn't Ryanair. They'd have just closed the gate whether there were people in the queue or not. Next time I am getting to the airport at least 2 and a half hours before! Since then everything went very smoothly. Good flight. 15 minutes early. Car was waiting for the two of us. We were expecting a minibus to the ship but it was a Merc limousine. Although we were not supposed to get on board till 3 they let us leave our luggage and we went for a walk round Amsterdam. Then got on board in time for the welcome talk.

Lovely cabin. Interesting as the bottom of the porthole is just above water level and we have been told that when going through the locks we will be below the waterline. Might see some ducks feet or fish. We'll know what it feels like to be in a submarine. Lol.

Managed 4 cocktails before dinner. After dinner had a lovely evening of live music for dancing. Now going for an early night. Dinner was quite nice. Not Michelin star but acceptable for first night. Love this having cocktails whenever we want. After dinner ( with a glass of wine of course) had a Mai tai. So that was 1 sex on the beach, 3 French 66 and a Mai Tai tonight. George had a few beers and cocktails too. Might try a liqueur after dinner tomorrow.

Engines have just started. About to sail.

Now off for an early night. Looking forward to the rest of the trip.