We are nearly at the end of our 12-day Mediterranean cruise aboard Holland America Line’s ms Oosterdam, and I have to say that although I have missed my husband and regular communication with our daughters, I could really grow attached to living like this. I mentioned a few weeks ago that because of overbooking in certain categories, HAL asked if the four of us sailing together would be willing to give up our two verandah staterooms for one deluxe verandah suite. Hmmm, let me think for a second . . . okay!!! Yes, we had to use the sofa bed and a roll-away, but we gained so much more! First, our living space is ridiculously spacious. The verandah boasts two tables, four chairs and two ottomans on the seventh (of ten) decks. The weather throughout the cruise so far has been unseasonably warm with little wind, so we’ve spent plenty of time out there. Inside we have lots of closets, drawers and cabinets to accommodate what we brought and what we’ve bought. A long sofa and three armchairs offer comfortable seating for checking out movies on the flat-screen TV or sharing the day’s events (and purchases). The bathroom features a tub with shower plus a separate shower and a dual-sink vanity; and there are plenty of thick, soft towels (including one each evening that the cabin stewards fold, origami-like, into the most clever and charming critters!) and Elemis Aromapure bath products. Such an arrangement allows us plenty of room to get ready in the morning for our excursions or primp before dinner without having to develop a complicated schedule. A huge plus for us has been the free dry-cleaning and laundry service, and we’ve also enjoyed access to the Neptune Lounge, offering amazingly patient and helpful concierges and luscious snacks and canapés throughout the day. These and other thoughtful little perks (like the Bushnell binoculars in our room) have added a level of pleasure and refinement to what would have been a delightful interlude anyway. One aspect of our cruise that we have enjoyed the most is one that is available to every guest here: the warm, thoughtful and welcoming service and attention every member of the crew offers. Arriving for dinner, we are greeted by our stewards who inquire about our day and share stories of their homes and families as we share ours. Later, they graciously wish us a good rest and a wonderful day on the morrow. Our cabin stewards respond to requests for everything from extra laundry bags to a suggestion for an onshore Internet café quickly and with a smile. It is the kind of pampering and attention that all of us—most of whom are wives and mothers on top of our day jobs—just don’t get in the “real” world. So, yes, having someone else doing the laundry, cooking and cleaning up while I’m treated like royalty is definitely a lifestyle I could get used to! -Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader