Noordam Carribean 2012 -- first time cruiser questions

[mjtwin]

Query regarding.....
1. Laundry -- self-serve laundrettes on board?
2. Can we bring a small 6-12 pk of water on board to stow in fridge? (we are taking a verandah-level room)
3. Re. Reservations for dinner at Restaurant ($) - have previous cruisers experienced disappointment with high demand or are tables readily available?
We would probably be booking 6-6:30pm
4. Beverage Cards? We enjoy a special coffee mid day/afternoon -- What exactly is included in a card and is the value/price worth it. We are not referring to alcoholic drinks.

I really appreciate any advise.... new to boards, so please excuse 'silly questions' or if these topics were covered in other threads.... /mj

[Krazy Kruizers]

There are no self-service llaundries on the Noordam. You can either do the laundry by the bag -- as much as you can stuff into a bag -- $20 (price may have gone up to $26 as a couple of people here have reported) -- or unlimited laundry (Call Ahip Services at 1-800-541-1576 for a price for your cruise) -- or you can send out laundry piece by piece (very expensive).

You can get a $50 Non Alcoholic Beverage Card for $45 -- can be used for coffees, etc.

There is also the soda card: $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.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Are you talking about the main dining room? The speciality restaurants?

If you have Opern Seating in the main dining room -- you can make reservations for 3 days at a time -- but only for certain times: 5:15 - 6:15 and from 7:30 - 9 PM. This is done once you are on the ship. No Charge to eat in the main dining room - you paid for this when you paid for the cruise.

Speicality Restaurants -- Pinnacle can be booked before you cruise for dinner only - now $25 per person -- or you can wait until you are on the ship. Pinnacle also has lunch -- $10 per person. One night will be set aside for Le Cirque -- $39 per person.

Canaletto - dinner only -- free -- can not make resevations until you are on the ship.

[CruiserBruce]

Your other questions have been answered. Water can be brought on board, but you don't need to. The water on board will be the best water you have tasted.

[mjtwin]

thanks so much for quick responses.... will not hesitate to return and enquire further about the ship closer to sailing.