Amsterdam ?'s

[mattR]

Friends of ours are taking the ms Amsterdam to Alaska this Aug so trying to gather a bit of info for them.

Can someone explain the traditional/open seating options.

Do they have unlimited soda cards? cost?

Do they have lighted alarm clocks in rooms?

Any secret open deck areas that are not used much?

How much dose self serve laundry cost?

Anything not on the room service menu that you can still order? eg ice cream bar (DCL)

Any suggestions for tours in - Icy Strait - Anchorage - Homer - Kodiak

Or any other info would be great Thanks

[Krazy Kruizers]

There are no unlimited soda cards on HAL -- but there are these cards:

$50.00 Beverage Card (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/gift/gift/giftMoreDetails.action?giftCatalogItemId=195)cost $45.00

$50.00 Non-Alcoholic Beverage Card (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/gift/gift/giftMoreDetails.action?giftCatalogItemId=193)cost $45.00

$100.00 Beverage Card (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/gift/gift/giftMoreDetails.action?giftCatalogItemId=196)cost $90.00

$50.00 Soda Card (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/gift/gift/giftMoreDetails.action?giftCatalogItemId=547)cost $25.00

The soda card costs $25 but has a face value of $50. Each time you buy a soda with it $2.24 ($1.95 + 15%) is deducted from the value. $50/$2.24 = 22 cans, with $0.72 left over. You can use that $0.72 with $1.52 on your room key card (or another soda card) to get another can.

There are no alarm clocks in the cabins -- the telephones can be programmed for wake-up calls. We prefer to take our own travel alarm clocks.

The self service washers cost $2 -- push the button once to release the special bio-liquid soap. The dryers are $1 -- bring your own fabric softner sheets. You can get quarters at the front office.

You can try ordering ice cream from room service -- but be worned -- it may be somewhat melted when delivered.

Icy Straight -- great port for whale watching.

Haven't been to Homer or Kodiak yet.

Years ago we went to Anchorage several days precruise and just did independent tours on our own.

[Assateague Island Princes]

I went on this itinerary last May 31st and am booked again for the Aug. 5th sailing. Hop over to the Roll Call section, click on Holland America, then on the Amsterdam. You will see different sailing dates (are they going Aug. 5th or 19th?), then click on the sailing date in question. Also check out the thread on the Roll Call dedicated to 2011 tips, sites, excursions, etc. of all Amsterdam sailings for this year. Plenty of great info about tours.

That being said, I can answer some of your questions:

No clocks whatsoever in the cabin. Tell them to bring a travel alarm, or they can tune their tv to the ship's channel which shows a bow view and all kinds of info from the bridge (including the time).

Ask them to consider the Unlimited Laundry package - just $99 per cabin (not per person) for the entire 2 weeks. Best bang for the buck - sent clothes out every single day and sometimes they came back that same evening, sometimes the next morning - all beautifully pressed and hanging or folded nicely w/tissue paper between in a wicker basket. Pack for one week, and take advantage of the service, then they'll have more room in their luggage for souveniers!;)

Yes, they do have beverage cards - $50, I believe, but could be wrong. Don't drink soda, nor do I drink enough alcohol to make it worthwhile to purchase a card. Sorry.

Secret decks? Oh my yes! Last year, we stayed in cabin 7056 (7055 right next door, same type of cabin), which is an oceanview on the aft of Deck 7 (Navigation Deck). Our large window overlooked the secret deck on 7, just four steps out our cabin door to the deck that was little used by anyone other than us, our friends from our Roll Call, and the few inside cabins along that deck. It was wonderful! The views were spectacular, we did a LOT of whale watching back there and were well rewarded for our efforts! Just one flight of steps up to the aft Lido deck, the SeaView Bar and pool. Easy to get a snack, a drink, or even a complete meal to bring back to our secret deck or enjoy in our cabin. LOVED IT! There is also a secret deck down on the aft of 6, and from what I understand, on the aft of the Main deck as well. This year, I'm traveling w/my niece and her boyfriend and we've booked an oceanview near the aft of the Main deck, so I'll get to experience that. Of course, evertime I walk by 7056, I'll feel like stopping in because its MY cabin:D:D!

Wonderful itinerary for Alaska - can't be beat! Depending on their interests, there is plenty to see and do in each port. These are the things we've done in our three previous trips to AK:

Juneau - whale watching w/Harv and Marv (harvandmarvs.com). Highly recommend! Small 6 pax boats, personable and interesting long-time Juneau residents for captains, great time! This year, we're renting a car from Rent-A-Wreck, going out to the salmon hatchery, the Mendenhall Glacier, the Chapel, and just "out the road" to do our own thing.

Kodiak - Booked a 3 hour excursion w/Dake from Memory Makers. No deposit required, $75 per person, he takes you around to all the sights or wherever you want to go to see whatever you want to see. Highly recommended by some we sailed with last year, looking forward to it. Its been great communicating w/Dake, he seems like an interesting and enthusiastic guy!

Sitka - 3 hour marine wildlife tour w/Capt. Davey (www.puffinsandwhales.com (http://www.puffinsandwhales.com)) - this was fantastic! Another 6 pax boat, saw our first gray whale with Davey! Very personalized, you can go see the puffins on St. Lazaria Island if you like, or just search the shores for bears and eagles and othe wildlife, watch for whales and sealions, and sea otters, etc. Unfortunately, he was booked this year, so we're just winging it in Sitka (tied for first as my fav AK port along w/Homer). Sitka is a gorgeous little town perched on the edge of an island studded harbor surrounded by mountains. Very walkable - the stroll to the Totem Park, the small non-profit aquarium and the Raptor Center is a great way to spend the day.

Homer - Last year we rented electric bikes and zoomed up and down the Spit. Had such a great time! Alas, no electric bikes that I've been able to find this year, so we're renting a car, will tour the Spit first, then hit the Islands and Oceans Center and Pratt Museum in town. Then its off to Howling Huskies Iditarod Camp w/a scheduled 2 1/2 hour tour with the musher, Linda Chamberlain. Looking forward to this one! Homer is just gorgeous and there are plenty of options there. The Time Bandit was in port last year, so if your friends are fans of the "Deadliest Catch" tv show - that is a real thrill! We are and I had my photo taken with Eddie, one of the crew members, right in front of the ship. Awesome!

Anchorage - Rented a car last year, drove north to the Iditarod Museum, Hatchers Pass, Independence Mine, then over to Big Lake for a 2 1/2 hour tour at Martin Buser's Happy Trails Iditarod Kennels. We LOVED that! (Big dog fans, can ya tell???). Only one other couple on our tour, by the end of the day, we felt like Martin was family, he is so sweet, congenial and has plenty of stories to tell about like on the trail. Cuddling the puppies and spending time w/his beloved dogs didn't suck either!;)

Ketchikan - we've gone flightseeing over Misty Fiords w/Michelle of Island Wings (www.islandwings.com (http://www.islandwings.com)) which is just spectacular! Last year, we did the "Romance Package" w/Ketchikan Outdoors (google it to see what its all about). Three hours on an island in the harbor with no one but us - a tent, table and chairs, two-way marine radio in the event of emergency, an Alaskan picnic complete w/6 pack of Alaskan Amber for DH, and the entire island to beachcomb and hike to our hearts content. it was wonderful - despite the pouring rain! Afterwards, the captain took us for a personalized tour of Ketchikan from the water learning all about life there, following some Orcas - just great!

ISP - First time there, booked a whale watch w/Misty Bay Lodge - really looking forward to this port, it does not appear to be touristy at all - my kinda place.

Ok, I've chattered on long enough. Also check out the Alaska boards for other ideas for excursions in ports. Wishing your friends smooth sailing, and if they're on our Aug. 5th trip, please have them join our Roll Call and sign up for our Meet and Greet!

[Krazy Kruizers]

"As You Wish" dining -- offers several options for dinner.

The Lido -- open from 5:30 - 8 (times may change for Alaska) -- all buffet - menu nearly the same as in the main dining room.

Canaletto -- Italian food -- FREE -- located in the Lido -- you can not make reservations until you are on the ship.

Pinnacle Grill -- $20 per person for dinner ($10 per person for lunch) -- can make reservations for dinner either online before the cruise or once you are on the ship.

Traditional Dining (fixed dining) is at 5:45 or 8 PM - upper level of the dining room. Your TA needs to request this right away -- fills up quickly.

Open Seating -- lower level of the dining room. Open from 5:15 - 9 PM. You can make reservations for times between 5:15 - 6:15 and 7:30 - 9 PM only -- and for any size table you want -- can make 3 days reservations at a time. The time between 6:15 and 7:30 -- you just show up and make your table size request then.

[RuthC]

There are two "Do not miss" things in Homer, as far as I'm concerned. You must start at the Pratt Musesum. It would be considered excellent in any locale, but considering the size of the town, it is exceptional.
Then, you have to stop in for a drink at the Salty Dawg Saloon out on the spit. Sit at the bar, and start chatting with some of the locals. It's a real fun place.

[epixx]

We sailed the 14 day MS Amsterdam Alaska cruise last August.

Our favorite port was Homer, and our favorite excursion on the trip was the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Guided Natural History Tour in Homer (http://www.akcoastalstudies.org/guided-tours/57-guided-natural-history-tour.html). It's a true Alaskan adventure.

We really enjoyed Kodiak, as well. We caught a cab at the pier and drove to Abercrombie State Park for hiking. We asked the driver to pick us up at an appointed time, and he was there waiting for us when we arrived 10 minutes early.

[picture]

in Homer what is the Spit??

[RuthC]

in Homer what is the Spit??
As you leave the settlement, heading back out to the ship, there is a very long stretch of narrow land. It's got beach, and in season it's full of RVs where people live while making a living for the summer.
That's the Spit. The first time I was there it reminded me of Cape Cod, except for the mountains in the distance.

As you head back to the ship there's a turn off. If you had continued straight on the road you just left, you would have quickly come to a built-up area of tourist shops, some businesses. Oh, and The Salty Dawg Saloon! :D

[picture]

thanks so much for that detailed explanation on the "spit"