In the final planning stages for flights and port excursions

Just a few more planning comments:  We were able to book Economy Comfort seats to and from Amsterdam - in the hope that we might get some sleep on the way there and back.  And Delta just announced that they are reinstating free snacks and alcoholic beverages on international flights in Economy Comfort.  More about the reality when we have had the experience.

I have been in frequent touch with Alla re: our tours and in email contact with our new Cruise Critic friends who are touring with us.  And doing lots of reading and online research to decide the best way to enjoy our days in the other ports.  Emails to some of the free Walking Tour companies have not received answers yet, but there is a a lot of info re: walking tours 'on our own', so we can certainly do that.  Trip Advisor and friends who have done this trip have provided good tips re: restaurants and sight-seeing in Amsterdam and things to do in the other ports

I purchased our admission tickets to the Anne Frank Haus for 9 AM on our 2nd day in Amsterdam.  All the advice I've read indicated that the early time is best for decreasing crowds and there is a special line for people who already have tickets.  Also, one less charge to deal with when we get home :)

It was fun to watch International HouseHunters recently to experience the search of a young couple moving to Amsterdam looking for an apartment.  Like a free travelogue - maybe we should pay them a visit while there!

We are looking forward to meeting a couple from our Cruise Critic Roll Call group that is arriving on the same day as we are and staying in the same hotel in Amsterdam!  Several other members of our Cruise Critic Roll Call are also at the hotel and we plan to share a taxi to the port on embarkation day with one.