Cruising on the Volendam in 1 week, any secrets you'd like to share?

[kjpabl]

I have been 'lurking' or reading these boards for almost two years now as I counted down to our Alaskan cruise. I got lots of great advice: from packing tips to recs for excursions. I seem to remember a thread from quite a while ago about special 'secrets' on board the HAL fleet. Can't locate now (of course, LOL). Does anyone have special memories or places on board they'd be willing to share info on for our trip? Maybe some things specific to the Volendam? Thanks for all the help! I can hardly believe we leave for Seattle and then Vancouver this Friday:).

[erewhon]

Have an absolutely fabulous cruise on the beautiful Volendam.

Hope you will report back here after your cruise?

There are small decks at the stern on both Verandah and Navigation Decks. Good places from which to take photos.

[DaveOKC]

Not a big "secret", but more of a small tip. Use the mid-ship elevators during busy times. They are much less used and therefore less crowded.

The Volendam is a great ship and the AK cruise on her is one of the best HAL offers.

DaveOKC

[markpark]

Our favorite places were the Lower Promenade every AM for a "guided walk" and many other times on our own, the Crows Nest especially when sailing into and out of Glacier Bay. The Canaletto was a special section in the Lido and not largely advertised (at least last year before dry dock).

[kjpabl]

So very grateful for all the help from these boards. And yes, we do plan to post an after cruise review. I'm hoping to cover all the questions I, as a newbie, have had over the course of my inaugural cruise preparation. My DH will be in charge of pics -- and I mean of everything I can think of, LOL!

[northernphoenix]

I was in the thermal spa upon entry to Glacier Bay. The mountaintops were glorious. As a special bonus, I was totally alone, not another soul in sight

Marilyn

[ironin]

So very grateful for all the help from these boards. And yes, we do plan to post an after cruise review. I'm hoping to cover all the questions I, as a newbie, have had over the course of my inaugural cruise preparation. My DH will be in charge of pics -- and I mean of everything I can think of, LOL!

Well, you said everything, so here goes ... :D

Keep an eye out for Aelita Holovcsák. If she is aboard ship when you are, she may still be an Asst. Dining Room Manager. I've heard she is now the Pinnacle Grill Manager - hope so because she's remarkable, professionally as well as personally. An engaging personality. If you do happen to meet her, and think of it, please pass along best wishes from "Randy and Willie (December 2010 Amsterdam Sea of Cortez sailing" (and congratulations if she is now PG Manager!)

As I just said above, we didn't meet Aelita aboard the Volendam, but while she was the acting Pinnacle Grill Manager for a couple of weeks on the Amsterdam in December. (The regular manager went on vacation.) The ship went into drydock after our cruise, so Aelita returned to the Volendam in January.

Here's what we said about her then:

While it is true that some of the top staff were on well-earned vacations, we didn't feel we were the least bit short-changed by their replacements. Aelita Holovcsák did an outstanding job managing the Pinnacle Grill as well as overseeing the Amsterdam's first-ever presentation of the Le Cirque dinner. I doubt anyone who didn't know could tell she arrived aboard ship the same day we did. We dined in the PG six times including both special evenings and the first and last nights, and almost everything about every meal met or exceeded our expectations. The Volendam will be lucky to get her back when she returns in January.

BTW, here is a picture of Aelita (http://lh5.ggpht.com/_L-A9YGIHM8E/TSMpJD9x21I/AAAAAAAAAII/QTegAqxtJ8c/s400/IMG_2786.JPG) from that cruise.

Have a great time on your cruise!

[kjpabl]

Well, you said everything, so here goes ... :D

Keep an eye out for Aelita Holovcsák. If she is aboard ship when you are, she may still be an Asst. Dining Room Manager. I've heard she is now the Pinnacle Grill Manager - hope so because she's remarkable, professionally as well as personally. An engaging personality. If you do happen to meet her, and think of it, please pass along best wishes from "Randy and Willie (December 2010 Amsterdam Sea of Cortez sailing" (and congratulations if she is now PG Manager!)

As I just said above, we didn't meet Aelita aboard the Volendam, but while she was the acting Pinnacle Grill Manager for a couple of weeks on the Amsterdam in December. (The regular manager went on vacation.) The ship went into drydock after our cruise, so Aelita returned to the Volendam in January.

Here's what we said about her then:



BTW, here is a picture of Aelita (http://lh5.ggpht.com/_L-A9YGIHM8E/TSMpJD9x21I/AAAAAAAAAII/QTegAqxtJ8c/s400/IMG_2786.JPG) from that cruise.

Have a great time on your cruise!
I printed this out to make sure we look for Aelita in the PG or the dining room. We will be very glad to pass on your good wishes! Thanks, it's really nice to know a little bit about the crew who take such good care of everyone.

[Copper10-8]

Come on down Kjpabl, and be prepared for some incredible scenery and wild life (the animal kind) on a great ship with a friendly crew! We'll leave the light on for ya!;)

PS

Aelita is the PG mngr here onboard VODM - Be sure to make a reservation for lunch and/or dinner and enjoy the good food + friendly service, all run by an awesome mngr!

[erewhon]

Copper10-8,

Will Aelita be on board the Volendam, while the ship is based in Australia later this year?

[INSIDERS CABIN]

As soon as i am done with boarding, lunch, appointments, etc, i get the art ipod tour from the library. This is a good orientation!

[Himself]

I have been 'lurking' or reading these boards for almost two years now as I counted down to our Alaskan cruise. I got lots of great advice: from packing tips to recs for excursions. I seem to remember a thread from quite a while ago about special 'secrets' on board the HAL fleet. Can't locate now (of course, LOL). Does anyone have special memories or places on board they'd be willing to share info on for our trip? Maybe some things specific to the Volendam? Thanks for all the help! I can hardly believe we leave for Seattle and then Vancouver this Friday:).

I hope you are enjoying your cruise on this great ship. I hope the inside is clear today as you make your way back to Vancouver. The problem with this cruise or any cruise is that it ends all too soon.