First Cruise - Volendam this summer/Questions

[mearsfansinboise]

Hi there - we're taking our first cruise this summer....have questions on the dining situation and more.

7 day cruise, 2 nights are formal, is that right? How formal? - - women would a skirt and top be OK? Men....Dockers and a dress shirt? More formal than that....?

Also in the dining room - - chairs...do they have arms on them....?

And $ - - other than the $11 per person/per day, what else do we have to pay for on the ship?

Anyone know of any panning for gold places along this cruise that you can do on your own and not as part of the cruise package - ie. cheaper....?

TIA!

[RuthC]

Hi there - we're taking our first cruise this summer....have questions on the dining situation and more.

7 day cruise, 2 nights are formal, is that right? How formal? - - women would a skirt and top be OK? Men....Dockers and a dress shirt? More formal than that....?
Depending on the style and fabric of the skirt and top, what you've described sounds like the dress code on smart casual nights.
On formal nights men are requested to wear a tux or dinner jacket, or a dark suit. A sports jacket w/tie is the minimal acceptable level of dress. HAL describes the dress for women as a long gown, or a cocktail dress. A long black skirt or slacks in a dress fabric, and a glittery top fills the bill.
Also in the dining room - - chairs...do they have arms on them....?
The dining room chairs do have arms. Some people are more comfortable in chairs without arms, and those are available for the asking.
And $ - - other than the $11 per person/per day, what else do we have to pay for on the ship?
There is a 15% service charge on drinks ordered from a bar, in addition to the price of the drink; soda also has a charge. You pay extra for the Pinnacle Restaurant, the spa/salon, photos, Explorations Cafe specialty coffees, the Internet.

[startwin]

Hi there - we're taking our first cruise this summer....have questions on the dining situation and more.

7 day cruise, 2 nights are formal, is that right? How formal? - - women would a skirt and top be OK? Men....Dockers and a dress shirt? More formal than that....?

Also in the dining room - - chairs...do they have arms on them....?

And $ - - other than the $11 per person/per day, what else do we have to pay for on the ship?

Anyone know of any panning for gold places along this cruise that you can do on your own and not as part of the cruise package - ie. cheaper....?

TIA!

If you go to the Ports of Call board for Alaska, you'll find lots of info there. As I recall from my last trip, there were vendors on the dock that you could do tours and excursions with, not sure if gold panning is included but probably.

We've been to Alaska a couple of times - our favourite cruise - and going on the Volendam in September. Never sailed on her before, so please post your comments when you get back!

[IRL_Joanie]

Hi there - we're taking our first cruise this summer....have questions on the dining situation and more.

7 day cruise, 2 nights are formal, is that right? How formal? - - women would a skirt and top be OK? Men....Dockers and a dress shirt? More formal than that....?

Also in the dining room - - chairs...do they have arms on them....?

And $ - - other than the $11 per person/per day, what else do we have to pay for on the ship?

Anyone know of any panning for gold places along this cruise that you can do on your own and not as part of the cruise package - ie. cheaper....?

TIA!

All your questions have already been answered by others so I will not elaborate, except to point you to a photo of the dining room chairs for the Volendam:
http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Volendam/Volendam_Rotterdam-Dining-Room-1.jpg

Joanie

[mearsfansinboise]

Good information - thank you....OK, some more.

You said soda has a charge...that's not at dinner, right? - - just like at a bar or away from dinner?

Depending on the weather - daytime attire....shorts and jeans and t-shirts are OK? It's just at night in the dining that there are specifications...yes?

[caltnl]

And if you will go to the Skagway web cam you can see the Volendam sitting at the dock.

http://www.wpyr.com/explore/webcam.html

Enjoy

[Krazy Kruizers]

Good information - thank you....OK, some more.

You said soda has a charge...that's not at dinner, right? - - just like at a bar or away from dinner?

Depending on the weather - daytime attire....shorts and jeans and t-shirts are OK? It's just at night in the dining that there are specifications...yes?

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

There is a charge for soda no matter where on the ship you order it -- dining room, lounge/bar. It is never free.

Yes you can wear shorts, jeans and t-shirts during the daytime.

Dinner in the dining room does have the specifications: smart casual on 5 nights and 2 formal nights -- that includes both levels of the dining room -- top level which is the fixes (traditional) dining and bottom level which is the open seating dining.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Also in the dining room - - chairs...do they have arms on them....?



TIA!

The dining room chairs do have arms on them.

But you can request a chair without arms -- they have several of them.

[RuthC]

It's just at night in the dining that there are specifications...yes?
The evening dress code is for the inside areas of the ship, with a few exceptions. The Lido Restaurant, including Canaletto, entire Lido Deck, Club HAL.
Expect the dining room, lounges, and show lounge to be areas where it is expected people will dress to code.

[mearsfansinboise]

Gotta pay for sodas? - ack!
OK - do you have to pay for refills?
Does the beverage card save you $?
I read somewhere, not sure if it was HAL-related - that you can take a cooler with your own waters and sodas...and maybe buy refills in port....?

[Australian family]

Gotta pay for sodas? - ack!
OK - do you have to pay for refills?
Does the beverage card save you $?
I read somewhere, not sure if it was HAL-related - that you can take a cooler with your own waters and sodas...and maybe buy refills in port....?

You can bring on your own soft drinks (soda), an ice bucket is provided in your cabin.

And yes you can buy a soda card, cheaper than buying sodas by the glass.

[mearsfansinboise]

I think I read somewhere about internet being a fee too. Is this like a hotel where you can buy the $9.95 a day or $25 for 3-days, something like that? Anyone know the fees on that?

[RuthC]

I think I read somewhere about internet being a fee too. Is this like a hotel where you can buy the $9.95 a day or $25 for 3-days, something like that? Anyone know the fees on that?
It costs $3.95 to set up an Internet account. Beyond that you choose a payment option:
$0.75 per minute. or
$55.00 for 100 minutes. or
$100.00 for 250 minutes.

The package plans have 10 & 20 bonus minutes if purchased the first day. On the last couple of days of the cruise there will be smaller package plans of 15 or 30 minutes; they have the same per minute rate as the larger packages.

[RuthC]

OK - do you have to pay for refills?
Does the beverage card save you $?
Yes, there's a charge for refills.

The soda card costs $20.70 for 20 sodas; each soda being about 1/2 can. The price for a can of soda is $1.95, plus the 15% service charge, for a total of $2.24.
Therefore, 10 cans of soda will cost $22.40, and the equivalent in a card costs the $20.70---a savings of $1.70 with the card.

Australian family has already told you that you can bring soda aboard.

[mearsfansinboise]

Ruth - you are so helpful, thank you.
Think we'll leave the laptop at home at those rates - makes it a REAL vacation when one isn't connected to e-mail anyway!

We're on the cruise on the 4th of July - - I don't suppose they'll shoot fireworks off a ship?

[RuthC]

We're on the cruise on the 4th of July - - I don't suppose they'll shoot fireworks off a ship?
Might be a fire hazard, eh?

I was on some dam ship in the middle of the Atlantic on the 4th of July one year. Think it was the Rotterdam in '04. Anyway, there were lots of pool games that day, with a nice cook-out. It was a fun afternoon. I don't recall anything else done as a celebration. Maybe there were decorations on the ship???

[mearsfansinboise]

Still trying to wrap my head around the drink thing; pardon my novice ignorance, please....

In the dining room - and anywhere else on the ship - the ONLY drink that is FREE is water....coffee, milk, soda....you pay for?

But the FOOD is free everywhere...except that Pinnacle place...right?

[VAtravelers100]

No doubt someone more knowledgeable will reply, but I think one way to think about drinks is that all are free except soft drink, specialty coffee drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

[sapper1]

Still trying to wrap my head around the drink thing; pardon my novice ignorance, please....

In the dining room - and anywhere else on the ship - the ONLY drink that is FREE is water....coffee, milk, soda....you pay for?

But the FOOD is free everywhere...except that Pinnacle place...right?
Coffee, tea, milk, juices and hot chocolate are also free----except for the specialty coffees in the Explorations Cafe.
The Pinnacle has a charge of $20pp. The rest of the restaurants are free.
If you ever travel on the Eurodam or Nieuw Amsterdam, the Tamarind has a charge.

[RuthC]

No doubt someone more knowledgeable will reply, but I think one way to think about drinks is that all are free except soft drink, specialty coffee drinks, and alcoholic drinks.
You pretty much have it. :) The only other thing I can think of is there's no charge for espresso and cappuccino in the dining room.

[mearsfansinboise]

OK - I think I'm good on the clothing now...and the dining/drinks....

We have 2 little ones - sounds like people don't like kids on cruises though, sorry! - - they're not that little...they don't cry anymore ;) Room service as I understand it - you order the night before for some breakfast the following morning? What about if you wanted some random sandwich or something from room service at any time of day - - you can do that...? - - and it's FREE too but you tip the waiter....correct?

[RuthC]

Room service as I understand it - you order the night before for some breakfast the following morning? What about if you wanted some random sandwich or something from room service at any time of day - - you can do that...? - - and it's FREE too but you tip the waiter....correct?
You can also call and order breakfast in the morning if you are "spur of the moment" that day.

In your cabin there is a booklet which will include the room service menu. There are some items available 24hours/day, others between certain hours only. If the dining room is open, you may be able to order off that menu, too (there are time restrictions at dinner time). If you don't see something you want listed, ask if it can be delivered. If it's something fairly simple, they may be able to put it together for you. They certainly try their best.
There's a direct line button on your cabin telephone when you want to call in your order.

You are free to tip the steward who delivers your order, but have the $$$ out, and pick it up before you open the door---the steward will place the tray and be gone before you know it.

[mearsfansinboise]

....and now comes the million-dollar ding dong question.

Inside Passage cruise to Alaska....how much will I FEEL? I don't fly because....I'm chicken. But I want to see all 50 states...so this is the way to get to Alaska...and maybe Hawaii someday. I've heard that I should just keep myself on regular doses of Dramamine. I reckon that helps with the nausea. But is there a lot of movement on this cruise? I mean, will I feel it 24/7? Completely ignorant on all things cruise and don't know what to expect at all. Took a ferry from Vancouver, WA to Victoria, BC once...that was a rocky ride....

[RuthC]

....and now comes the million-dollar ding dong question.

Inside Passage cruise to Alaska....how much will I FEEL?
That's a highly individual question. Some of us can barely feel that the ship is moving at all. Others think they are in rough seas while the ship is still tied up at the dock. :rolleyes:

It's water. It moves. Most of the time the Inside Passage is fairly calm. There's a gentle rocking, like being back in your Momma's arms. There will be a point after you leave Vancouver when you feel a rough patch. It gets a little bumpy early that evening, but then it calms down again.

I suggest Bonine, rather than Dramamine. Start it the day before to get it in your system. At the very least start it a couple of hours before you sail.
Take it morning and night until you think you don't need it any more, then taper it down to bedtime. You might get your sealegs sooner than you think.

[mearsfansinboise]

A rough patch to a seasoned sailor like yourself Miss Ruth is probably the end of the world to a novice like myself. How long does said rough patch last....?

And this Bonine - it's over-the-counter like a Dramanine....?

[RuthC]

A rough patch to a seasoned sailor like yourself Miss Ruth is probably the end of the world to a novice like myself. How long does said rough patch last....?
Others can probably give a better answer. Most of the first evening, maybe?
All right, I'll tell the truth, I do stop feeling it after a little while, but I notice when it starts.
And this Bonine - it's over-the-counter like a Dramanine....?



Yes. I used it on my first few cruises, and was very happy with it. It kept me feeling pretty well going by Cape Hatteras, which can get wild, and I was able to drink with it. :D

Remember, the ship has stabilizers, and is probably a great deal smoother than the ferries will ever be.

[Debbie&Chaz]

I would like to suggest that you take along the laptop, just don't use the ship internet. There is free wi-fi at almost every port - for sure in Ketchikan, Juneau, & Skagway. We haven't tried at Sitka or Seward. Debbie reads the emails and responds as necesssary, so it only takes a few minutes of port time, and we still feel connected. By having the laptop we both kept our own blog for memories of the trip - the best reading during the long Kansas winters.
Chaz

[mearsfansinboise]

LOL @ you can drink with it. Miss Ruth is a sassy gal - love it!
OK - Bonine is on the Walgreen's list...and lots of it.

Good info on the wi-fi, Chaz...didn't think about that. Will the laptop fit in the safe in our room?

[RuthC]

Will the laptop fit in the safe in our room?
No, but your nightstand has a drawer that locks, if you want it locked up. You could also keep it on a shelf in the closet.

Many people report that they just leave their laptop out, and never have a worry. But if the ship were to start rocking, you may want it confined.
My grandgirl brought her laptop on our recent Westerdam cruise; it was in a padded case. It fit easily on the shelf with the safe, so it wasn't going to slide too far if the seas had gotten rough (they didn't).

[mearsfansinboise]

Thought of another one of my ding-dong questions....: When we stop to have port days...are we getting directly off the ship or are we doing those....what are they called when you take a little boat ashore?

[RuthC]

The ship will either dock, or it will anchor, and you'll take a tender ashore.
When you board there will be a shore excursion order form in your cabin. That form will have noted by each port as to whether the ship is docked, or at anchor. (That's a good form to keep handy for that info, and port times).
Also, the Daily Program should note if you are docked or at anchor. (I think.)
In any case, you'll know when you look outside.

If you are docked, you may go ashore as soon as the announcement is made that the ship is cleared. That announcement will state where the gangway is. If you are on a HAL tour, the tour ticket will tell you where to meet.

If you have to tender in, there are two procedures. If you're on a HAL tour, your tour ticket will tell you where to meet. The tour will depart to the tenders as a group. (In rare cases you meet ashore. If so, follow the next procedure.)
If you are not on a HAL tour (or are on a tour that meets ashore), you will have to report to a different meeting place, which will be noted in your Daily Program. You get a tender ticket, then proceed to the tender platform when your ticket number is called.

After most of the passengers have gone ashore, and the demand slows, the ship will go to "open tender". That means you just report to the tender dock, and don't need a ticket.

[mearsfansinboise]

And tenders are like little boats, right? - - but you obviously don't go far....

And then did I read somewhere that you're not supposed to take the hanging clothes kind of luggage? How do you keep your fancies from getting wrinkled?

[RuthC]

And tenders are like little boats, right? - - but you obviously don't go far....
Right. They're the larger of the lifeboats.
And then did I read somewhere that you're not supposed to take the hanging clothes kind of luggage? How do you keep your fancies from getting wrinkled?
I don't know about restrictions on hanging luggage, because I haven't paid attention to that. I don't use it.

You have several choices about wrinkles:
On the Volendam, there are several laundry rooms; there's irons and boards in those. You can send things out to be pressed (for a charge). You can pack your clothes in plastic dry cleaner bags. Some people swear by Downey Wrinkle Release; just spray, tug, and hang. You can hang wrinkled clothes in a steamy bathroom.
Last, you can just not worry about it.

[PandasRUs]

First time on a cruise and to Alaska for us. I don't think your questions ding-dong. I love them. They have helped me ALOT. Thanks for asking them.

[adkkev]

Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan on our Volendam cruise ... are these ports all "docking" ports, or do any of them require a tender to reach shore?

Thanks!

[markpark]

Juneau and Skagway are docking ports for sure. I have seen them on webcams. I am 99% sure Ketchican is also. Seems like I've seen a photo on CC.

[RoupMom]

Another option to prevent sea-sickness are the acupressure bands, which I believe are called SeaBands, and are available in pharmacies, at least here. You may have to look or ask, though, because they don't sell many so they tend to be on the bottom shelf and harder to see. They are a snug-fitting elastic band with a button that you place on the inside of your wrist. They press on an acupuncture/acupressure spot and seem to work very well. Our first trip to Alaska was from Seattle, and those ships go to the west of Vancouver Island and therefore in some open sea. Though many people on our ship were ill, we had no problem, having put them on the night before. The trip from Vancouver, BC, goes on the east side, and should therefore be calmer; that's one reason why we're taking this itinerary with our family
I'm enjoying all the questions as it reminds me of how many I had before our first cruise. :)
One other thing that may not have been mentioned is that most suitcases fit easily under the beds, leaving more room for clothes and for moving about.
You'll be a pro after one or two days! Enjoy.

[tcv cruiser]

Gotta pay for sodas? - ack!
OK - do you have to pay for refills?
Does the beverage card save you $?
I read somewhere, not sure if it was HAL-related - that you can take a cooler with your own waters and sodas...and maybe buy refills in port....?

Juices and iced teas, etc. are free so we just passed on soda for most of our cruise and drank juices.