Seeking Infomation On the Volendam

[Zacksmimi]

I am sailing to Alaska on the Volendam 5/11/2005. This is my first time on a HAL ship and also first time to Alaska. Any tips would be appreciated. I am very interested in reading info on the Volendam. I am reserved for a Verandah A category, center of the ship room. Shore excursions are booked and I will make reservations for the Pinnacle Grill for one evening, however, I would prefer to know the schedule of the dinning room events before I do this. Is there any way to find out this information in advance?

[readytocruiseagain!]

I got off the Volendam yesterday, but I'm not sure what you mean by schedule of dining events... If you mean formal, informal, etc., it will change with the Alaskan cruises. We were on a 10-day and the formal nights were 3 of our sea nights.

The pennicle was open every night -- never full, so really no need to book in advance.

I like the DR on the first night (to meet table mates), formal nights and last nights. if you are at a table alone, that wouldn't really matter, I guess.

[Zacksmimi]

Yes, I did mean formal vs casual for dinning room events. I would not want to miss the formal nights and as you point out the first night is a good time to meet table mates. I will be at a table for 8. I have read some negative things about some of the HAL ships and I am a little anxious about the changes in the tipping policy having a negative effect on the staff attitude. The other comments I have read do not concern me as much, things can go wrong on any ship.
Thanks for the info. I will hold off making advance reservations to the Pinnacle Grill. If you don't mind, one more question. Did you use the spa services?