Rotterdam "secrets" or secret locations

[iamaqt2]

Saw a great thread about this for the Eurodam, and have searched to no avail to find something similar for the Rotterdam.

I'm hoping the regulars on here can post some great tips about places not to miss, or little "hidden" locations that would make for a nice cozy retreat. Not talking about the "new" Retreat:mad:

Thanks!

[ziggypup]

Saw a great thread about this for the Eurodam, and have searched to no avail to find something similar for the Rotterdam.

I'm hoping the regulars on here can post some great tips about places not to miss, or little "hidden" locations that would make for a nice cozy retreat. Not talking about the "new" Retreat:mad:

Thanks!

They wouldn't be considered "secret/hidden" if people starting writing about them now. You will have to wait until you get on board and then use the secret handshake.

[Cinder Again]

There used to be a very quiet covered verandah aft that was a nice place to get away and read, that hardly anyone knew was there... my guess is that it is now someone's stateroom... I get on her next week, and I am looking forward to finding new spots...:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

During the day time the Explorer's Lounge is still a quiet place to read.

[iamaqt2]

They wouldn't be considered "secret/hidden" if people starting writing about them now. You will have to wait until you get on board and then use the secret handshake.

I don't know the secret handshake!:eek: :eek: Good thing I have my secret decoder ring though :D

I'm really just looking for little "gems" that others may have come across and are willing to share.

Also, can anyone recommend a lower dining room table for 2 with a view? We have AYWD and I'd like to reserve one when we board.
Thanks!

[RuthC]

Also, can anyone recommend a lower dining room table for 2 with a view? We have AYWD and I'd like to reserve one when we board.
Everyone has AYWD. If you are downstairs it sounds like you have open seating.

[iamaqt2]

Yes Ruth... we have open seating. I'm hoping to be able to reserve a table for 2 next to the windows.. I only want to reserve for the first 2 days, so would like to do it shortly after embarkation.

[iamaqt2]

I think next time I start a board, it will be about smoking or any other hot topic. At least then I might get enough traffic that people will reply.

[velvetred]

Perhaps there is not a lot of traffic on your thread because the Rotterdam just came out of of a major dry dock and people aren't answering because they don't know the answer to your question. The Rotterdam is one of the flagships and typically has not sailed Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, etc which are routes getting higher passenger traffic from US cruisers. You have received responses from persons having actually sailed the Rotterdam such as RuthC. You can see the new pictures of the Rotterdam on Dutch by Association's blog or at www.hollandamericablog.com From these boards, it seems there are some problems with leakage from the new Retreat shallow pool into the cabins below. Reports are that the pool has been drained. Cruise Critic has updated their review of the Rotterdam so you may want to check it out if you haven't yet. Also, watch for new member reviews of the Rotterdam post dry dock. Hope this helps.

[RuthC]

Perhaps there is not a lot of traffic on your thread because the Rotterdam just came out of of a major dry dock and people aren't answering because they don't know the answer to your question.
Excellent point. I disembarked from the Rotterdam the day she went into drydock, with 129 sailing days on her in her previous configuration. I wouldn't dream of suggesting any "hidden spots" since I don't know how it all feels now.
I know that one of my favorite places was sitting outside on Lower Promenade; but those seats are private now. My favorite outside space, "The Office", is gone, gone, gone. :( I loved sitting out on a sheltered spot on Navigation Deck when it was cold and stormy, but that, too, is gone now.
My favorite indoor spot was in the Piano Lounge. Oops. No longer there. I liked sitting on "the shelf" in the show lounge, but have no idea whether or not that was changed.

So, iamaqt2, there's no need to get snippy. We just do not know the answer to your question any longer.
Perhaps you would be best off to just read the threads from people posting from the ship, or right after disembarking. Ask them some pertinent questions.

[bob brown]

My favorite spot is not really a secret, but it is sort of off the beaten path. The Rotterdam (and all 'S' and 'R' class ships), has a neat little spot on the deck behind the bridge wings on both sides of the ship, where you can peak into the bridge. It is always open, unlike bridge viewing windows on some other ships that are covered up at night. I like to compare the ship's instruments with my little hand-held GPS.
To access these spots, you must go down a stairway from the Lido Deck above, after passing through the fitness center. Refer to the deck plan.