That was a different sort of Sunday - MS Zuiderdam

Sunday morning, very early, alarm goes off, then I remember, a ship visit, my favourite topic - cruise ships. I am off to the Port of Tyne, good drive, checked in and we are all given a self-tour guide, straight up the gangway, a bit steep, the tide is in.

The Captain is there to say hello in the Atrium with the beautiful crystal Sea Horse, slowly circling.

First stop, Pinnacle Bar and Grill, through the Art Gallery and the Explorers Bar.

Holland America Line, has been sailing for 140 years, their itineraries cover over 400 ports to all corners of the globe and have exciting partnerships with BBC Earth Experiences, their ships are 5 star premium and medium sized with clever uses of dark colours with contrasting works of art and fresh flower arrangements

The Greenhouse Spa & Salon offers a relaxing environment with the Thermal Spa, Heated mosaic beds, saunas and steam rooms, with very good prices $49 per day or $299 per couple for the duration of the cruise. This is where you will find me.

As we were in port the shops were closed and generally the ship was quiet, even though every stateroom was taken, most people had disembarked to see the delights of the North East of England.

I found 3 card rooms and a screening room with very comfy seats and popcorn.

From there I wandered onto the traditional teak promenade, this doesn’t go right round, but quite suitable for jogging, as is the well-equipped Gym.

Love the glass fronted lifts in the centre of ship, taking you up to the 2 swimming pools, one with a retractable roof, overlooked by a very large white polar bear?

Not mentioned the food yet! There’s the main dining room, where I had lunch, superb, or there’s the help yourself buffet restaurant “Lido Market”, which looked wonderful and for something extra, Cannaletto’s Italian food and Pinnacle Grill’s seafood and steaks.

Another wander around, checking out the Casino, Northern Lights Night Club and Sports Bar, these last 2 will be vanishing later this year to be re-vamped into Galley Bar and Billboard On Board with duelling pianos. A quick look at Club HAL for the children facilities, they cater for 3 – 17 years old.

The crew were some of the happy, friendliest and professional I have ever met.

Holland America Line appeals to those looking for itinerary intensive cruises, on a premium, medium sized ships with many overnight and longer stays in port.