Looking for some tips aboard Noordam

[Chief10]

Hi, I'll be first time sailing on the Noordam on 16 Feb. I'm sure my questions have been asked many times, so I appreciate your patience in giving me a few answers in order to make my cruising a bit more enjoyable.
1. When do you need to book dinner meals?
2. Do you have to sign up for the evening entertainment? if so when?
3. Do you book shore activities in advance, with the ship board activity coordinator, or head out on your own when you get ashore?
4. I've booked an inside room since nearly everyday is in port and I didn't think I'd spend night hours looking out a veranda window. So how can you tell when it gets light in an inside room? Should I bring a digital clock along that I can read without turning on the light.

Any recommendations anyone would have would certainly be appreciated.
Ron :)

[Bill B]

1. When do you need to book dinner meals?
2. Do you have to sign up for the evening entertainment? if so when?
3. Do you book shore activities in advance, with the ship board activity coordinator, or head out on your own when you get ashore?
4. I've booked an inside room since nearly everyday is in port and I didn't think I'd spend night hours looking out a veranda window. So how can you tell when it gets light in an inside room? Should I bring a digital clock along that I can read without turning on the light.

Any recommendations anyone would have would certainly be appreciated.
Ron :)

1. http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Dining.action
2. No.
3. Either way.
4. All inside rooms get light when you turn on a light. ;) If you want to see if it's light outside, tune your TV to the 'Bridge Cam' channel. If you want to read your clock in the dark, make sure it's self-illuminated.

Re: Your thread title - I recommend you leave any tips you find for the crew.

[jtl513]

Welcome to Cruise Critic! :)

1. For the Pinnacle Grill, book as soon as you know what day you want to go, either on-board or by calling ship services 800-541-1676 with a credit card in hand. You can only book the Canaletto on-board, either by phone or in person with a steward standing nearby. No need to book any other dining.
3. If there is a particular HAL excursion that interests you and it is marked as "limited capacity" then you should book it as early as possible, again by calling ship services with a credit card ready.
4. Be sure you clock is battery powered, as there are only limited outlets (none next to the bed) and some plug-in clocks don't run correctly on ship power. Do not bring a power strip. If you need more outlets, ask for a HAL approved one at the front desk. I believe there is a refundable deposit required.

[Love the beach]

Chief 10--- Welcome aboard! Come on over & join our roll call for the Feb 16th cruise---here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1249240


you can also find us under the Roll Call section of the boards.
Marge

[GeriatricNurse]

Welcome to Cruise Critic! :)

1. For the Pinnacle Grill, book as soon as you know what day you want to go, either on-board or by calling ship services 800-541-1676 with a credit card in hand. You can only book the Canaletto on-board, either by phone or in person with a steward standing nearby. No need to book any other dining.
3. If there is a particular HAL excursion that interests you and it is marked as "limited capacity" then you should book it as early as possible, again by calling ship services with a credit card ready.
4. Be sure you clock is battery powered, as there are only limited outlets (none next to the bed) and some plug-in clocks don't run correctly on ship power. Do not bring a power strip. If you need more outlets, ask for a HAL approved one at the front desk. I believe there is a refundable deposit required.

Yes, bring your own power strip! There is a very limited number of them onboard! The refundable deposit is $25!

[catl331]

Yes, bring your own power strip! There is a very limited number of them onboard!
DO NOT bring your own power strip. Ask early enough to get one, or do without. :mad::mad::mad:

If more outlet space is necessary, only Holland America Line provided power bars are to be used. Please contact the Front Office for more information.