10-01 Athens, Greece

Arrived in Athens around 12:30 p.m.  Had no problem getting our luggage and finding the HAL representative for our transfer to the ship.  We boarded a bus and about 30 minutes later we were at the port, Piraeus.  We were surprised we didn’t have to go through customs or anything leaving the Athens airport.

We are doing an Athens excursion when we come back at the end of the 12 day Black Sea Medley (what they call the first part of our trip.)  So, we didn’t do more than see the city from the bus going to the ship.  We were surprised that there are 5 million people in Athens – much larger than we thought.

The check in process at the port was quick and easy (Holland America’s part).  We then stood in line for about 40 minutes to go through Greece’s security.  It was for several ships, so took a long time – both crew and passengers.  I had to argue to not have my Forteo med go through x-ray, and the lady kept saying, “put your bag on, put your bag on” and I just kept saying no, no, I can’t.  Finally in exasperation, she just said go through – with all my carry ons!  Of course it beeped, but no one said another word.   How secure should we feel?!?!

We boarded our “home away from home” for the next 6 weeks, the ms Westerdam.  It holds about 1900 passengers compared to the 1200 of the Amsterdam.  We went to our cabin (6123) and then headed up to the Lido for a quick bite to eat.  Our luggage arrived quickly, so we unpacked.  Did the mandatory life boat drill.  Doug called it a day and went to bed without even eating dinner – way tired!   I went up to the BBQ on the Lido deck around 7:45 and found it to be almost empty.  After a very quick and small dinner, I joined Doug.  I did enjoy our balcony and being at sea before turning in.