Just booked Rotterdam 5/26 Europe - Any Tips?

[oopsie-daisy]

My DH2b and I just decided to take the plunge and book our honeymoon now instead of waiting a few months after our wedding, and he fell in love with the Rotterdam's 5/26 itinerary. However, cruising is relatively new to both of us. I have been on Carnival 2x with girlfriends who were in charge, so I just sort of did what they suggested with the whole pre-trip forms and getting off at the end. They won't be with us this time (kinda ruins the whole "honeymoon" vibe) so I am was hoping some experienced cruisers could give us some tips.

First, anything we need to be sure to do pre-trip? We booked through a TA online (reputable accd to our research). Do you find TA's info is thorough? Would you book excursions pre-trip? Are there excursions offered on-ship that we won't see until boarding?

Also, Boarding and debarking - We are departing fr Athens. Any tips there? We get in the day before and we will just hotel and cab it - nothing fancy. I just want to make sure we can figure out how to get to the ship. And we end our trip in London. Due to work, we won't get to spend time in London. We figured we would just get the ship's transfer to Heathrow. Good idea? Bad? Indifferent?

Thanks for putting up with the long post and all the Qs. Any thoughts, suggestions or comments are welcome!

[grannynurse]

Hi Oopsie-daisy!
Welcome to the HAL board and congratulations on your marriage.

Even if you've arranged your own air you can request a HAL transfer to the pier if you arrive on Day of sailing. If you're coming in early and stay at a HAL hotel you can get a transfer to the pier.

We've been on the Rotterdam twice in Europe and HAL does Europe very very well. The in-Europe cruises tend to be very port-intensive so try not to wear yourselves out trying to do everything. We were on for over 60 days on our combined Rotterdam transatlantics and absolutely love her. Lots of neat nooks and crannies and as much privacy as you crave. We did our renewal of vows onboard, neat ceremony! Try dinner at the pinnacle grill. You can reserve now thru ships services or book onboard. Dress code is the same for all of the ship that night. (formal in DR, formal in pinnacle).

Rotterdam has a true ocean liner feel and is very elegant. If your DH2Be doesn't want to pack a tux, rent one from cruiselineformalwear.com. Europe tends to be more formal and you'll have 3 formal nights. A dark suit and tie will also work. You don't need a ball gown but something along the lines of dressy, like a long black skirt and fancy top, or dressy pantsuit. No one will notice if you just change tops. We had to pack for 35 days with 8 formal nights so I've been there, done that, and have the tee shirt to prove it.

HAL excursions are more expensive than the on-your-own options. Check the roll call boards for your sailing and the port boards for more port info on excursions. If you book online you will need to pay by credit card when you book. Usually all the Europe shorex are listed online. The only ones that are usually only bookable onboard are the debarcation options (tours on way to airport, airport transfers etc.)

Europe can be rainy in the summer so pack rain gear and travel umbrellas.
Many of the streets are cobblestone and hilly so wear comfy shoes.

Plan to do your currency exchange in ATM's onshore. HAL offers currency exchange but it's expensive (but convenient) Check your ATM network before you leave home for compatibility with cities you're visiting. Also check the exchange rates for euros before you leave so you'll know if you're getting a good deal. There are also Euro travelers checks available but we've never used them. I don't know the Greek currency but Britain uses british pounds. You may need some if they charge a departure tax at Heathrow.
Oh, and let your card company know you'll be using the credit card on a HAL ship, how long you'll be gone, and where you'll be in Europe.
Hope this helps,
again, welcome
GN

[Jules1]

We sailed out of Southampton last year and booked private transfers to/from the airport. It was nice - we were able to have a stop at Stonehenge on the way to the ship and toured Windsor Castle after the cruise on the way to the airport. And, it was cheaper than the cruiseline transfers! Of course, doing something like that would depend upon your flight times. But, it certainly worked out well for us and might be something you would want to consider.

[Wini18]

Welcome aboard. Congratulations on the wedding, also. Go to the Holland America Roll Call board and then Rotterdam. We have an active group already signed up for our cruise on 5/26 - love to have more.

See you over on the Roll Call Board!

[mrskmirolla]

Welcome and congratulations. We took the Rotterdam last May and had a great time but I think our itenary is different from yours. I booked our air separate with Swiss Air, fly from LAX to Zurich and then took a Fokker 50 to Venice. We booked with an on line TA and it went well. I did alot of research and booked our hotel for 3 nights prior to leaving Venice and then 3 nights after we got off in Rome. We booked all of our excursions ahead of time and paid by credit card, one expense down. We got books from Barnes and Noble, read alot on line CC and actually went to the different ports to see what each port had to offer and made our plans. HAL had really great excursions and we went on the 4 hour ones with highlights of country and we thoroughly enjoyed it. My husband has a digital camera and he took 2000:eek: yes 2000 pictures the most he has ever taken. He put them under each stop and we sit in the family room and watch a slide show on our tv and relive it all. We want to go back soooo bad and maybe 2007 or 2008 we can.

Have a great time,

Kathy