Eurodam 3-day Introduction cruise!

[ekerr19]

The Eurodam 3-day introduction cruise is open for booking. I just got an email from my TA and we are confirmed for the 3-day in the same cabin we have for the 10-day inaugural.

I just went to HAL's website and categories and pricing are listed! :)

[purplenorway]

You are so lucky! Wish I could go! Does Eurodam need a second godmother? I'm available. :)

[ekerr19]

You are so lucky! Wish I could go! Does Eurodam need a second godmother? I'm available. :)

I'm still trying to find you a roommate!!!! :D

[RuthC]

I had an e-mail from my TA when I signed on this morning. :( HAL's just a day late and a dollar short. More or less.
I am a disappointed woman that I won't be aboard her the very first time she sails with paying passengers. After all, that's the maiden voyage.

[Jade13]

I had an e-mail from my TA when I signed on this morning. :( HAL's just a day late and a dollar short. More or less.
I am a disappointed woman that I won't be aboard her the very first time she sails with paying passengers. After all, that's the maiden voyage.

What happened? Did you already buy airline tickets?

[RuthC]

What happened? Did you already buy airline tickets?
That's it in a nutshell. Two weeks ago I bought the round-trip tickets to go to Copenhagen. Plans are made. Even if I could change them around I don't want to go to the trouble of doing it over again.

[ekerr19]

Ruth -

I'm sorry you won't be able to either...:confused: I almost bought air last week, and I got busy with other things.

[Mary Ellen]

I am a disappointed woman that I won't be aboard her the very first time she sails with paying passengers. After all, that's the maiden voyage. Ruth - try to look on the bright side - all 'traditional' dining times are waitlisted. Only thing available to be confirmed is the AY(don't)W dining. We were interested, as we don't yet have our air, but we're going to pass.

[sail7seas]

Don't let dining times dissuade you. It seems to be working fine that they will be fluid cruise to cruise. Everyone will get what the dining they want.

If on a particular cruise, more people want Traditional, they will use part of the lower level if they have to.

On the next cruise, if more people want AYW, they will spread out to the upper level if they have to.

Almost all Traditionals are going to show as waitlist I have been told.

[RevNeal]

Booked, same cabin for all three cruises.

Ruth ... it's a bummer. Why don't you look into what kind of penalty you'd have to pay to change your flight? It would be worth it to you.

But ... as is ... you're aboard for the full 20 days!!! :D

[bepsf]

I just paid the additional deposits for M&D and myself today - convinced Scotty to come along too.

C'Mon Ruthless: Stein will be aboard and I'm certain there's something you'd like to say to him...
;)

[RevNeal]

I just paid the additional deposits for M&D and myself today - convinced Scotty to come along too.

C'Mon Ruthless: Stein will be aboard and I'm certain there's something you'd like to say to him...
;)


Oh, my ... I had forgotten ... we might have to hold our dear Ruth back. :)

[bepsf]

...we might have to hold our dear Ruth back. :)

Oh, I'd never want to be the one to hold our Ruth back from anything....
;) :)

[jhannah]

Oh, my! Ruth and Stein together? It could just make him cower over to Costa! ;)

[RuthC]

Gentlemen! :eek: I'm in the room, as it were.

[pris993]

I am considering cruising on the Eurodam in 2009. Am curious, does anyone know what the menu will be for the specialty restaurant on the top of the ship? Will be cruising for my husband's birthday, he is a fussy eater and I thought it would be nice to have dinner there if the menu is something he might like. When you cruise would you let the rest of us know. Would appreciate it. :)

[RuthC]

Pris, I can practically give you a double your money back guarantee that there will be a "live from..." thread on the Inaugural cruise.
If your question isn't addressed in that thread please, pose the question during the cruise, and it will be answered.

[sail7seas]

Ruth definitely has that correct.

With the number of CC'ers that will be on that cruise (those cruises), it is just about carved in stone there will be plenty of threads loaded with info! :)

[RevNeal]

Ruth definitely has that correct.

With the number of CC'ers that will be on that cruise (those cruises), it is just about carved in stone there will be plenty of threads loaded with info! :)

LOL ... we probably should all agree to just having ONE thread from the Eurodam ... where everybody who wants to post from the ship can make contributions and everyone will know THIS is where we should go for data. :) That thread will be BURNING. :D

[Copper10-8]

LOL ... we probably should all agree to just having ONE thread from the Eurodam ... where everybody who wants to post from the ship can make contributions and everyone will know THIS is where we should go for data. :) That thread will be BURNING. :D

"Burning" as in the Spanish Inquisition?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gldlyTjXk9A

"No one expects the Spanish Inquisition"!

[RevNeal]

"Burning" as in the Spanish Inquisition?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gldlyTjXk9A

"No one expects the Spanish Inquisition"!


LOL!
"Bring out the Holy Hand-grenade of Antioch and consult the Book of Armaments."

[Crazy]

I just went to the HAL website and couldn't find the 3 day cruise that everyone seems to be talking about. Is it closed now or should I call my TA and have her look into this. I have already made my flights to Copenhagen.

Emily

[RevNeal]

I just went to the HAL website and couldn't find the 3 day cruise that everyone seems to be talking about. Is it closed now or should I call my TA and have her look into this. I have already made my flights to Copenhagen.

Emily, it's there ... go to search for cruises, then select Eurodam and July 2008. It's the cruise from Rotterdam scheduled for July 2.

Here it is: http://www.hollandamerica.com/dest/itinerary.do?selectedItin=20080702:D829:ED8003&dest=E

[jtl513]

scratched - Greg beat me to it ...

[Crazy]

Well I looked at the prices and since I am in a VA -- the price was going to be a little over $2,000. I am coming in to Copenhagen a couple of days before we cruise on the 5th. It's something to think about for sure.

Emily

[Grumpy1]

We're booked!! We added this little 3 day to our July5 inaugural. Now I have to start working on air arrangements. We're in a Cat V on deck 8. Looks like we should have a pretty good group of CC'ers.

[bepsf]

Now I have to start working on air arrangements. We're in a Cat V on deck 8. Looks like we should have a pretty good group of CC'ers.

My TA suggested waiting till after the 1st of the year - She said that there were great air deals to be had at that time last year...

[ekerr19]

Does anyone have a hotel recommendation for Rotterdam?

[sail7seas]

Last time we were in Rotterdam, we stayed in The Hilton. It was a good location and the hotel was okay. Not fabulous but adequate.

[Copper10-8]

Last time we were in Rotterdam, we stayed in The Hilton. It was a good location and the hotel was okay. Not fabulous but adequate.


Agreed, we stayed there also two years ago. There's a metro stop right in front and to the right (in front of City Hall) and the train station is a five-ten minute walk the other way. There's a little restaurant right out front (by the metro entrance) called the "Sate House" with great Indonesian food!

Some tips about things to do in Rotjeknor (that's what the locals call it) prior to the cruise:

If you've never been there, you can take a 1/2-day boat trip to a place called "Kinderdyk" where they have several "working" windmills that can be visited.

There is a restaurant on top of Rotterdam's Euromast, the large tower on the water front. Good food with a view.

For those into it, Rotterdam has a pretty good maritime museum plus...............by July next year (if all goes to plan), the s/s Rotterdam V will be "at home" there and open to the public.

Take a boat tour of Rotterdam's harbor, one of the biggest in the world.

Since Holland/the Netherlands is a relatively small country, day trips pretty much all over the country by train from Rotterdam are easily accomplished. Trains are safe, fairly cheap, fast, run regular and just about everyone speaks English. Places like Delft, Leiden, Scheveningen (Madurodam), Alkmaar (cheese), Edam (same), Volendam, Marken, Enkhuizen (all in the western part of the country) can be reached by train/bus. Even places further away like Arnhem, Maastricht in the deep south, Leeuwarden in the north, or even Brussels (Belgium) are a great day-trip!

Looking forward to going back and meeting this group of "infamous" CCers:)

[Copper10-8]

Another option besides the Hilton. Right smack across from Rotterdam's Centraal (central) train station is a huge Westin hotel. Lots of glass, very big and modern looking. Never been inside

[sail7seas]

Or Hotel New York. That is the 'old' HAL headquarters building now converted to be a hotel.

[Copper10-8]

Or Hotel New York. That is the 'old' HAL headquarters building now converted to be a hotel.



Yep, lots of tradition there but not sure about public transportation since it's out on the pier. Taxis, rental car or foot speed Mark I might be the only alternatives to getting around from Hotel NY

[Jade13]

Does anyone have a hotel recommendation for Rotterdam?

I have not been there in a while. I usually like smaller unique type hotels.. If picking a large chain type hotel, I have always liked Hilton (Hilton or Embassy Suites which is Hilton brand, if the city happens to have one.)

[RevNeal]

LOL ... I asked this question on the Roll Call thread. Should have known that it would be asked and answered here. :)

I DEFINITELY want to be there early enough to tour the SS Rotterdam V. Would love to go aboard her again.

[Copper10-8]

I have not been there in a while. I usually like smaller unique type hotels.. If picking a large chain type hotel, I have always liked Hilton (Hilton or Embassy Suites which is Hilton brand, if the city happens to have one.)

Jade, no Embassy Suites (one of our favorites) in Rotterdam, or for that matter, in all of Holland, sorry

[bepsf]

I DEFINITELY want to be there early enough to tour the SS Rotterdam V. Would love to go aboard her again.

That's on my itinerary as well - planning to go for a tour the day before the christening - You should join us...
:)

[Copper10-8]

She's looking pretty good in grey! (pics taken in Wilhelmshaven, Germany)

http://www.stoomschiprotterdam.nl/pics_Wilhelmshaven020906/9KKrijnenWilhelmshaven020906.jpg

http://www.stoomschiprotterdam.nl/pics_Wilhelmshaven020906/6KKrijnenWilhelmshaven020906.jpg

http://www.stoomschiprotterdam.nl/pics_Whh08/KKrijnenWhh08_9.jpg

http://www.stoomschiprotterdam.nl/pics_Whh0607/H.Westenburger130607a.jpg

[ekerr19]

Another option besides the Hilton. Right smack across from Rotterdam's Centraal (central) train station is a huge Westin hotel. Lots of glass, very big and modern looking. Never been inside

The Westin is rated #1 on Tripadvisor.... pictures look nice.

[ekerr19]

Yep, lots of tradition there but not sure about public transportation since it's out on the pier. Taxis, rental car or foot speed Mark I might be the only alternatives to getting around from Hotel NY


Those are also the comments on tripadvisor... though it's rated #5 and given lots of credit for historical significance, it's not close to anything.

[sail7seas]

What a difference in how Rotterdam looks today vs when last we saw her tied up and rusting in the Bahamas. It was sooo sad but now she looks fabulous! I so hope tours are possible when we are in Rotterdam next year.

Thanks for the photos, John.

[sail7seas]

US, TOO..............


So excited! We are confirmed in our same cabin for the three day Introduction Cruise. What a blast this is going to be!!!

I would have hated if we had to move from one cabin to another. We're in our usual location....... Love it!

[ekerr19]

US, TOO..............


So excited! We are confirmed in our same cabin for the three day Introduction Cruise. What a blast this is going to be!!!

I would have hated if we had to move from one cabin to another. We're in our usual location....... Love it!

Sail -

This is great news!!! I was hoping you'd be joining us!!!!:D

I have been looking at hotels, and the Westin Rotterdam (rated #1 by tripadvisor) is quoting me a price of EU$280 for their superior room using our AAA membership. They also have Executive/Club Level which is higher priced and not eligible for AAA discounting...

[RevNeal]

Judy,

I'm so very pleased that you're going to be aboard for the 3-day Introduction Cruise. This is just GREAT.

Gonna pour sparkling wine on the Eurodam's Bell, too???? :D ;)

[Copper10-8]

Took a while but now also booked for the 3-day Rotterdam-Copenhagen and then the 10-dayer. Looking very much forward to it!:)

[ekerr19]

Took a while but now also booked for the 3-day Rotterdam-Copenhagen and then the 10-dayer. Looking very much forward to it!:)

Oh my Gosh!!! It just keeps getting better & better!!!! AWESOME :D

[sail7seas]

Thanks, everyone. We're really excitied. It's going to be a great group.

We haven't booked hotel(s) yet. Still deciding.

What are you all doing about transfers from Amsterdam to Rotterdam?

[RevNeal]

What are you all doing about transfers from Amsterdam to Rotterdam?

That's a good question. Given how close the cities are, a Taxi might be an option. Copper ... any suggestions?

[sail7seas]

It's a fair distance, Greg. Taxi is possible but not practical. We have made that transfer several times but the last few, we did HAL hotel which included transfer. Actually, that is WHY we did HAL hotel!! :) Train is too hard to manage with luggage IMO

IMO.....it's a nice ride as it goes by small farms, canals, beautiful scenery. No place we visited in Europe brought down to a personal level, a single individual person feeling WWII being fought in one's homeland, as did that early morning ride from the hotel to Schipol airport. We had a nice gentleman aboard who really was just supposed to get us luggage carts and all but he gave a nice talk as we rode along. He told of the hardships many suffered during WWII. I looked out the bus window at farm houses that surely existed and were occupied during that time, and my heart broke for the pain I knew many suffered.

[Copper10-8]

That's a good question. Given how close the cities are, a Taxi might be an option. Copper ... any suggestions?

We used a car and driver two years ago. The guy was waiting for us at the "Meeting Point" (a red & white checkered tower) inside the Arrivals Hall at Schiphol Airport. Ride to Rotterdam in a nice BMW X5 SUV took about 50 minutes (depending on traffic). We're probably gonna do that again! I'll start looking for their website and post it here

Ine (and Ton) is/are currently on a land vacation here in the US (AZ, NV, UT, Colo). When she gets back home, she'll be a great source for this type of info!

[ekerr19]

I was also wondering about this and was going to ask some of you... according to the Westin's website, Schiepol (sp?) Airport in Amsterdam is only 55 kilometers away. It would be much cheaper for us to fly into Amsterdam.

I wonder how feasible it would be to hire a car (or van, if we get enough of us) like we do in Civitecchia...

[sail7seas]

Count us in, Laura. We'd happily share with you if we can coordinate our arrival times etc. DH is 'in charge' of doing our air. I don't know which flights.

What day are you arriving?
Anyone know when we will be permitted to board Eurodam?
I have sent a list of questions to a friend. Hopefully, as time goes by we'll start to gather all this sort of info.

At the moment, though.....seems hotels and air are the priorities.
Then there's DINNER the night before we Board!@!! Party Time! :)

[ekerr19]

Sail - We are hoping to arrive on Sunday June 29, 2008 and spend a couple of days in Rotterdam. My very good friend (officer from Noordam III) lives there and we hope to see him. We also met (and stay in touch with) another family we met on the final voyage of the NIII who lives in Rotterdam.

We would definitely be willing to coordinate a car & driver - especially if a BMW X5 like John and Maria had. :)

I am really going to try and keep luggage to a minimum - we had so much last summer in the Med, it was just more of a hassle than ever.

[Copper10-8]

Laura, Rotterdam has a nice int'l. airport but not like Amsterdam-Schiphol. Rotterdam has international flights from the UK, Belgium, Germany etc. but does not have trans-Atlantic flights from North America.

The ride from A'dam to R'dam is basically takes you south-bound on the "snelweg" (or freeway - Dutch freeways are not as wide/have as many lanes as those in North America). When you leave Schiphol, you'll see a lot of farm land as S7S explained with the occasional village/town in between until you reach the city limits of Rotterdam, Holland's #2 city;) .

Options are:

#1 Stay in Amsterdam and reserve the HAL bus from Schiphol to Rotterdam on embarkation day
#2 Take a cab (expensive since the meter will be running!)
#3 Hire a car and driver (not a bad option)
#4 Take the train from Schiphol's own subterreanean train station (good one but not so easy if you have a lot of luggage especially during rush hour since there is limited space above your head)

S7S's story about the gentleman in the bus talking about WWII is right on! The Dutch who lived through the war will never forget the Brits, Canucks and Yanks who liberated them. One of the stories that always stayed with me is my mom and dad talking about the B-17s, B-24s and RAF Lancasters dropping tons and tons of food out of their bomb bays to the starving Dutch!

http://users.interstroom.nl/~heijink/hungerwinter.html

http://users.interstroom.nl/~heijink/images/b17kaart.jpg

[RevNeal]

It's a fair distance, Greg. Taxi is possible but not practical. We have made that transfer several times but the last few, we did HAL hotel which included transfer. Actually, that is WHY we did HAL hotel!! :) Train is too hard to manage with luggage IMO

55 km is a "fair distance?" That's about 35 miles. Or, about as far as it is from my house, in Mesquite Texas, to DFW airport on the other side of Dallas. That's why I suggested Taxi or some kind of Car transfer ... ala Copper's suggestion ... it's not THAT far.

I will be interested for Copper to post that Car and Driver transfer company's contact information. That sounds like the way to go. :)

Later Edit: John's post went up while I was writing ... good suggestions, all, in my opinion. The hired car sounds like the best option for me. I would rather stay in Rotterdam, I think, and especially if we fly over early enough to do some reasonable touring in Rotterdam.

[ekerr19]

55 km is a "fair distance?" That's about 35 miles. Or, about as far as it is from my house, in Mesquite Texas, to DFW airport on the other side of Dallas. That's why I suggested Taxi or some kind of Car transfer ... ala Copper's suggestion ... it's not THAT far.


Greg -

I was the one who posted that the Westin is 55 kilometers from Shiphol Airport (which I got from the Westin's website)... Sail could have been staying elsewhere and I have no idea if the Westin is close to city center. After reading some of the reviews on tripadvisor, it appears it is only 20 minutes to the cruise ship port too, so I think we're going that route. The savings with a AAA card on a superior room are about $50EU per night. Pretty substantial if you stay more than one night. :)

[Copper10-8]

Both the Westin and the Hilton are right smack in the center of Roterdam and two metro stops away from the port. We took a cab from the hotel to the port two years ago which took about 10-15 minutes tops.

Rotterdam's port usually has a band playing music when a cruise ship, especially a HAL cruise ship, departs the city. You can count on one or two fireboats escorting Eurodam out with their water cannons spraying in the air plus, since this will be an inaugural, many, many Rotterdam citizens ("Rotterdammers") waiving from shore! Should be fun!

[ekerr19]

The Dutch who lived through the war will never forget the Brits, Canucks and Yanks who liberated them. One of the stories that always stayed with me is my mom and dad talking about the B-17s, B-24s and RAF Lancasters dropping tons and tons of food out of their bomb bays to the starving Dutch!

http://users.interstroom.nl/~heijink/hungerwinter.html

http://users.interstroom.nl/~heijink/images/b17kaart.jpg


John -

We've been watching the PBS series "The War" and I just got done reading Leon Uris's Armeggedon again after all these years (which details the food and supply drops by the Yanks and Brits on Berlin). As Sail also mentioned, it's a heartbreaking part of history, though one we also interested in learning and hearing about, especially by those who experienced it first hand.

[Crazy]

My travel agent was able to take care of everything, I didn't have to pay extra to change everything. I arrive in Amsterdam at 9:20 a.m. and right now am having HAL get me to Rotterdam -- the last bus leaves at 2:30 p.m. But, I am driving my travel agent crazy because I just left her a message that I might want to come in a day early. I have a great niece that lives in Amsterdam and would like to visit with her.

I have my same VA "aft" balcony. I understand they were holding these for the people who had already booked.

Auntie Em

[ekerr19]

My travel agent was able to take care of everything, I didn't have to pay extra to change everything. I arrive in Amsterdam at 9:20 a.m. and right now am having HAL get me to Rotterdam -- the last bus leaves at 2:30 p.m. But, I am driving my travel agent crazy because I just left her a message that I might want to come in a day early. I have a great niece that lives in Amsterdam and would like to visit with her.

I have my same VA "aft" balcony. I understand they were holding these for the people who had already booked.

Auntie Em

Auntie Em - I'm glad to hear you'll be joining us!!!! I would definitely try and get in to Rotterdam a day early, even if you have to take a cab or hire a car from Amsterdam... the piece of mind alone will be worth it. :)

[Copper10-8]

I will be interested for Copper to post that Car and Driver transfer company's contact information. That sounds like the way to go. :)



http://www.schipholtaxi-bus.nl/indexeng.html

Plus some tourist info:

http://www.vvv.rotterdam.nl/uk/ (http://www.vvv.rotterdam.nl/uk/)

http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=3GN01LJT0Z2TGCSGBIW2VCQKIYF CVUUC?ctyhocn=RTMHITW (http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=3GN01LJT0Z2TGCSGBIW2VCQKIYF CVUUC?ctyhocn=RTMHITW)

http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/gbr/dyn/controller/mapPerformPage?strLocation=Rotterdam&strCountry=eur&google=1

http://www.chinaboat.nl/ (http://www.chinaboat.nl/)

http://www.euromast.nl/ (http://www.euromast.nl/)

http://www.royaldelft.nl/ (http://www.royaldelft.nl/)

http://www.vvv.rotterdam.nl/uk/Themapagina/topattracties/Rebus.asp?ComponentID=71656&SourcePageID=1469 (http://www.vvv.rotterdam.nl/uk/Themapagina/topattracties/Rebus.asp?ComponentID=71656&SourcePageID=1469)

http://www.virtualvisit.nl/webcam/index.htm (http://www.virtualvisit.nl/webcam/index.htm),

http://www.madurodam.nl/ (http://www.madurodam.nl/)

[RevNeal]

I was the one who posted that the Westin is 55 kilometers from Shiphol Airport (which I got from the Westin's website)... Sail could have been staying elsewhere and I have no idea if the Westin is close to city center. After reading some of the reviews on tripadvisor, it appears it is only 20 minutes to the cruise ship port too, so I think we're going that route. The savings with a AAA card on a superior room are about $50EU per night. Pretty substantial if you stay more than one night. :)

Laura, I pulled 55 km from a website Atlas of the Netherlands. It's the distance from the Airport in Amsterdam to the Holland America Pier. I'm going to wait until John has a link for that transfer company he's used before ... it sounds like a reasonable way to do it (a flat rate, rather than a meter, is always a good idea ... and, you can pay it ahead of time).

John ... thanks for the heads up on the location of the Westin and the Hilton. I'm looking at the possibility of either and probably 2 nights stay ... 1 night for sure. But ... I'll wait until I book air before I make up my mind about hotel arrangements.

[RevNeal]

LOL ... again, John posts the links while I'm writing my post. :D
Thanks!!!!!!!

[ekerr19]

Laura, I pulled 55 km from a website Atlas of the Netherlands. It's the distance from the Airport in Amsterdam to the Holland America Pier. I'm going to wait until John has a link for that transfer company he's used before ... it sounds like a reasonable way to do it (a flat rate, rather than a meter, is always a good idea ... and, you can pay it ahead of time).

John ... thanks for the heads up on the location of the Westin and the Hilton. I'm looking at the possibility of either and probably 2 nights stay ... 1 night for sure. But ... I'll wait until I book air before I make up my mind about hotel arrangements.

I agree about paying a flat rate, Greg. Definitely better, imo. Have you checked tripadvisor for hotels yet?

It's easier for us to leave on a Saturday and arrive on Sunday, so we're going to look at that, but it could always change. :)

[ekerr19]

LOL ... again, John posts the links while I'm writing my post. :D
Thanks!!!!!!!

John, you are awesome!!! thanks so much! :D

[readinglady]

We stayed at the Westin Rotterdam prior to our Vikings and Czars cruise in July 2006. It's a beautiful large hotel and we were pleased with the service.

[RevNeal]

I agree about paying a flat rate, Greg. Definitely better, imo. Have you checked tripadvisor for hotels yet?

It's easier for us to leave on a Saturday and arrive on Sunday, so we're going to look at that, but it could always change. :)

We won't be able to leave that early ... we'll either depart Sunday June 29th in the afternoon/evening or Monday morning ... so ... probably only a July 1 overnight (unless we can get in on the evening of June 30th. I'm going to be missing either 3 or 4 Sundays for this cruise as it is anyway ... so ...I can't miss the morning of June 29th. It's going to be fun getting home in time for July 27th ... but it's do-able.

[Crazy]

Auntie Em - I'm glad to hear you'll be joining us!!!! I would definitely try and get in to Rotterdam a day early, even if you have to take a cab or hire a car from Amsterdam... the piece of mind alone will be worth it. :)

Flying into Amsterdam a day early. My travel agent arranged for me to stay at one of the hotels that HAL recommended. HAL will get us to Rotterdam the morning of July 2. Staying in Amsterdam since I have a great niece living there and will be visiting with her.

Did you know you can pay another $500+ (per person) to attend somekind of special ceremonies -- think I will pass on that.

Looking forward to this trip.

Auntie Em

[Grumpy1]

Since a few of you had success getting your same suite for the 3 day as the one booked on the 7 day, I decided to see if I could get our SB. The first answer was "No, all suites are listed as unavailable". So I asked if it was actually booked or if it was being held on the chance that I might want to do the three day in the same cabin. I guess he figured out it wasn't actually booked and after a conversation with ships' inventory he was able to confirm that we are now in the SB for the 10 days. Thought I'd let you guys know. Now maybe I should go tell Slinkie.:D

[jhannah]

You guys are killin' me!

I was so excited to be going on the inaugural. And now, HAL pops in and says, "Oh, yes. You may also sail the pre-inaugural ... the true maiden passenger voyage." So what am I to do? Let you all be standing on deck or your verandahs as you enter the Port of Copenhagen, watching me, Mr. Sad Sack, standing on the pier wondering what marvels I have missed the last few days?

NO WAY!

We're booked ... and also in the same cabin as the inaugural. :D

[sail7seas]

JIM............WONDERFUL NEWS!!! So happy you decided to add the three day Introductory cruise.


GRUMPY.......YIPPEE!!!! Great that you were able to get the same cabin for the whole 13 days. We were told all Inaugural Booked cabins were being held until October 15 to see if folks wanted to add the three days to their cruise. Happy you called and it worked out!

[ekerr19]

You guys are killin' me!

So what am I to do? Let you all be standing on deck or your verandahs as you enter the Port of Copenhagen, watching me, Mr. Sad Sack, standing on the pier wondering what marvels I have missed the last few days?

NO WAY!

We're booked ... and also in the same cabin as the inaugural. :D

OH, I am so happy to hear this!!! Jim, you won't regret it - even though it's NO deal fare-wise, lol!!!!!

Grumpy - Big "Congrats" on getting moved to your SB!!!!! The way I hear it, inaugural pax have first option on their cabins for the 3-day for another week or so... Now we just have to see if Martha has been successful. :)

[Grumpy1]

We were told all Inaugural Booked cabins were being held until October 15 to see if folks wanted to add the three days to their cruise.

I wonder when they were planning to let the reservations department know? It seems to be a deep dark secret known only to ships inventory... and CruiseCritic:D

[sail7seas]

AMAZING the number of things we know first. :D

[ekerr19]

I wonder when they were planning to let the reservations department know? It seems to be a deep dark secret known only to ships inventory... and CruiseCritic:D

Grumpy - I agree!! When I first mentioned the 3-day sailing to my TA months ago - she said she called her HAL contact and was told that HAL was getting more requests for booking this segment and couldn't figure out how so many people knew about it!!! My TA knows I post here, but didn't let on that I'd heard it here... :D

[sail7seas]

:) I think they had a 'sneaking suspicion' where we were all hearing about the 3 day cruise. :) ;)

[Copper10-8]

I wonder when they were planning to let the reservations department know? It seems to be a deep dark secret known only to ships inventory... and CruiseCritic:D

Ain't that a fact, Jack! As of late last week a certain lady employed by HAL pretty high up did not know about it!

Glad you, Mrs. Slinkie and Mr. and Mrs. Hannah are joining all of us. Should be a memorable cruise worth sending advanced warning out to the Dutch, Germans, Danes, Norwegians, Scots and English;)

[sail7seas]

The info was just distributed....... may be some who are just now getting wind of this.

[WeLoveCruising]

Ain't that a fact, Jack! As of late last week a certain lady employed by HAL pretty high up did not know about it!

Glad you, Mrs. Slinkie and Mr. and Mrs. Hannah are joining all of us. Should be a memorable cruise worth sending advanced warning out to the Dutch, Germans, Danes, Norwegians, Scots and English;)

No kidding, sometimes I learn more from all of you than from my HAL connection, too!

I want so badly to go on the 3-day, but DH needs to confirm some work responsibilities first. I can only nag him so much to get it straightened out - but I am willing to kick it up a few notches ;)

[ekerr19]

No kidding, sometimes I learn more from all of you than from my HAL connection, too!

I want so badly to go on the 3-day, but DH needs to confirm some work responsibilities first. I can only nag him so much to get it straightened out - but I am willing to kick it up a few notches ;)

Oh Joanne, I really hope you can make it too!!! You have booked the inaugural??? For sure? Kyle asks me every day, it seems...

[Copper10-8]

No kidding, sometimes I learn more from all of you than from my HAL connection, too!

I want so badly to go on the 3-day, but DH needs to confirm some work responsibilities first. I can only nag him so much to get it straightened out - but I am willing to kick it up a few notches ;)

Need any help kickin'?;)

[sail7seas]

NAG...... BEG...... BARTER........ Do whatever is necessary!@!@! :)

Hope it is possible for you to add the 3 days, 'WeLove"........

[bepsf]

Friday, June 27: SFO/Dulles to Amsterdam
Sat, June 28: Arrive Amsterdam: Jet Lag Day
Sun, June 29: Sightseeing in Amsterdam
Mon, June 30: Train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam
Tues, July 1: Sightseeing in Rotterdam - Tour Rotterdam V Ship Museum
Wed, July 2 : Christening in Rotterdam - Boarding for Prelude Cruise
Thurs, July 3: Hamburg
Sat, July 5: Day in Copenhagen: Tivoli Gardens/Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Castle at Noon - Re-board ship in the afternoon for Inaugural
Sun, July 6: Oslo, Norway
Tues, July 8: Alesund, Norway
Wed, July 9: Vik and Flam Norway
Thurs, July 10: Stavanger, Norway
Fri, July 11: Newcastle on Tyne, England: Private tour - Alnwyck Castle or Castle Howard?
Sat, July 12: Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle
Sun, July 13: Invergordon, Scotland
Tues, July 15: Disembark Copenhagen - Afternoon in Town
Wed, July 16: Home to SFO

[ekerr19]

Brian -

We are also contemplating spending the 29th in Amsterdam and leaving for Rotterdam late on the 30th...

[bepsf]

Brian -

We are also contemplating spending the 29th in Amsterdam and leaving for Rotterdam late on the 30th...


Laura--

You and your family are more than welcome to join our merry band if you'd like.
:)

[RevNeal]

Brian,

You schedule looks good ... I'm sure you and your parents will have a blast! Wish Christopher and I could join you for the pre-cruise portion. As it is, we'll be lucky if we have July 1st in Rotterdam to relax and see a few sights (and aren't arriving that morning and crashing to recover from the trip).

[ekerr19]

Laura--

You and your family are more than welcome to join our merry band if you'd like.
:)

Thanks Brian! That would be fun! We are also looking at flights from DEN through either Baltimore or Dulles... wouldn't that be too funny if we all ended up on the same international flight??? :eek:

[sail7seas]

Brian/Laura....... You're planning on spending one night in Amsterdam before arriving in Rotterdam?

[ekerr19]

Brian/Laura....... You're planning on spending one night in Amsterdam before arriving in Rotterdam?


Sail -

We are seriously considering it.... just talked to Sonny about it and though we don't want to stay in the RLD or anything, lol - I have mixed feelings about even a visit there - we'd like to see that gorgeous city. :)

[sail7seas]

Laura........ Amsterdam is a great city to tour. We've been there three times or we certainly would plan on at least a day or two.

And YES......we toured the RLD. How can you not? :D

DH took me to the fabuously elegant dining room in the Hotel Excelsior. Very baroque. Spectacular food and service. Totally enjoying until we are finishing our coffee and I can see he was getting 'edgy'. We'd had a leisurely dinner but we are accustomed to dining and didn't understand.

Then it dawned on me. Duh!!!!!

This hotel is very near the RLD and he thought it could be fun for a 'look see'. He wasn't sure I'd agree it was such a great idea.

We had a Blast! Most Americans want to see it once. And trust me, once is enough. It's natural to be curious but your curiousity will be quickly sated. There is so much more to Amsterdam than just that.
Take a canal tour. Sounds real touristy and hokey and maybe it is but we enjoyed it.

We also have photos showing our amazement at seeing marijuana plants for sale in the flower markets!!! :)

[ekerr19]

Oh, Sail - I agree, we would most definitely like to see it - afterall, it is a part of the history of the city and I understand some of the most magnificent architecture is in the district.

I wouldn't be opposed on a moral ground or anything, trust me. :)

I've just heard conflicting information regarding crime and wondered how safe it would be.

Seeing that you've been, I think I'm not going to worry about it. :)

Now taking the kids - well Katie, we probably wouldn't - she is far too sensitive to what she perceives are "injustices" in the world and would want to adopt homeless, panhandlers, etc.

[Copper10-8]

Let me know if you want a tour of the A'dam RLD!;)

Seriously, if this is your first visit, make sure you take a "rondvaartboot" (boat trip) through the canals and harbor. It's worth it!

Also, the Anne Frank House is a very memorable/emotional experience.

[sail7seas]

Make sure the canal tour you take includes seeing the 'seven bridges'. There is a spot where seven small canal bridges are all lined up straight from closest to quite distant. Photographers have spent a career trying to capture a view of all seven.

DH snapped three pictures as we glided by and got them! We went beserk when we got those photos back from developing. Wonderful pictures.
:o I'd have to search through all our old photos to even find it now. DON'T mention it to him. :D He'll have me searching for it. Of course, we should have blown it up and framed it at the time and I'm sure he asked me to, but......... :D

Might not be a good idea to take Katie to RLD.....certainly it's your decision and not mine but she might be a little /impressionable for it???

[ekerr19]

Let me know if you want a tour of the A'dam RLD!;)

Seriously, if this is your first visit, make sure you take a "rondvaartboot" (boat trip) through the canals and harbor. It's worth it!

Also, the Anne Frank House is a very memorable/emotional experience.

Thanks John! Are you planning any time there pre-cruise? We most likely will be Sunday and Monday... I'd love to see some of the museums and heard it was best to a museum pass - also we'd definitely want to do the canal boat trip. I am still researching hotels and ordered a couple books on the city from Amazon. :)

[ekerr19]

Might not be a good idea to take Katie to RLD.....certainly it's your decision and not mine but she might be a little /impressionable for it???


I hear you - but if we tell her "No" she'll want to see what the "fuss" is about, though I'm sure she would be turned off by the "windows"... she will be 15 1/2 when we sail, so we'll have to see. :)

I think I'd have to check it out first... or perhaps Sonny will "volunteer" for that task. ;)

[jhannah]

Just be sure to wear extra bright red lip gloss! ;)

[sail7seas]

What day is everyone planning to arrive in Rotterdam?

Thanks.

[jhannah]

We plan to arrive on June 30th. Probably early- to mid-afternoon. That will give us that evening to acclimate, then July 1st to do some sightseeing.

If anyone is interested in sharing a van Amsterdam to Rotterdam in this timeframe, e-mail me.

And be sure to check out the stateroom installation photos on the blog! It's getting exciting-er and exciting-er! ;)

[Copper10-8]

What day is everyone planning to arrive in Rotterdam?

Thanks.


Haven't made up our minds yet. It'll either be the same day we arrive at Schiphol, get a car and driver and hotel in R'dam or spend a couple of days in A'dam and then a couple in R'dam. I definitley also want to see ss Rotterdam V since we've never been on her. Maybe that'll be a good meeting place for the group!;)

[sail7seas]

What a good idea, John. If we could all meet at Rotterdam V. We, also, really want to see her.

[jhannah]

That sounds like a wonderful plan. Let's do it!

[ekerr19]

What a good idea, John. If we could all meet at Rotterdam V. We, also, really want to see her.


We would love to see her as well - especially since she graces the sitting area of our bedroom. :D Thank you, Stephen... :)

[sail7seas]

Laura.....

A Model?
A Painting?
A Photo?

Inquiring minds want to know. :D

[Sunshine91]

Weeeeelll, we're looking into it.

We both really, really, really WANT to be on that 3-day prelude cruise. I've been in contact with our TA for pricing. The issue now is time off work. :(

July is when it's HOT. John is a heating A/C professional & folks tend to get kind of cranky when their A/C doesn't work. He needs to find out if he can take those extra days in the middle of the summer.

And me too. At my company we do our billing in quarterly cycles. The first 3 weeks of each quarter are our busiest.

So, hopefully before the end of the week...................... :)

[bepsf]

We would love to see her as well - especially since she graces the sitting area of our bedroom. :D Thank you, Stephen... :)

I have a couple of Stephen's prints of Rotterdam V as well - one is framed and hanging in my hall, and the other is waiting for me to schlep it to the framing shop...
...that's the one that was given to pax on her last cruise for HAL.

[bepsf]

That sounds like a wonderful plan. Let's do it!

I agree - Can't think of a more appropriate place for us all to meet up the day before the Christening.
:)

[Copper10-8]

Hope you and John can make it Susan!

If ya'll want to do that meet at Rotterdam V, me thinks the best day would be on the day before the cruise so on the 1st of July. Maybe have dinner somewhere after?

[ekerr19]

Laura.....

A Model?
A Painting?
A Photo?

Inquiring minds want to know. :D



It's a signed print...

Here is a link...
http://family.webshots.com/photo/2907606790060949994DmsXjJ

[RevNeal]

I hope Christopher and I can make it to Rotterdam in time to meet up with everyone aboard the Rotterdam V. It will depend upon flight schedules.

[ekerr19]

Hope you and John can make it Susan!

If ya'll want to do that meet at Rotterdam V, me thinks the best day would be on the day before the cruise so on the 1st of July. Maybe have dinner somewhere after?

John - Sounds wonderful!!!! Count us in - all four of us....:D

Susan, please, please work it out!!! I understand where you are coming from - it'll be memorable though. :)

[shipcafe]

I am now also confirmed for both the 3 day and 10 day cruises of the Eurodam. . . .

Just off the Mercury (X) on Sunday and definitely missed HAL. One day while I was in the ship's gym, the Ryndam was sailing parallel to us as she emerged from dry dock and it was so bittersweet.

[jhannah]

That's fantastic, Steve. Glad you're going to be with us on the maiden voyage.

[sail7seas]

Happy News, Steve!! What a great group this is!

Susan and John......I hope you're able to work it out. Fingers crossed for you. :)

Laura........ Beautiful print. Thanks for the link. She looks fabulous on your wall.

[jhannah]

Looks like we're up to 28 for the maiden voyage!

[ekerr19]

Laura........ Beautiful print. Thanks for the link. She looks fabulous on your wall.



Thanks Sail. I was hoping I could get a better picture of it, but for some reason pics in our room have so much glare - and I was just fiddling with my camera and found a new feature I didn't even know existed that fixes that sort of thing!!! ....wow, I learn something new everyday. :D

[ekerr19]

Looks like we're up to 28 for the maiden voyage!

I can't believe it... and just last week Calm Seas looked like she was going to be alone... :D

We are goling to have a blast, no doubt. I've been reading the books I got from Amazon about Holland non-stop since they arrived. There is so much I want to see.

Sonny wants to spend an afternoon at the Scheepvaart Museum - it looks amazing. Hopefully we'll be able to see some of it.

[Copper10-8]

Sonny wants to spend an afternoon at the Scheepvaart Museum - it looks amazing. Hopefully we'll be able to see some of it.


Laura, tell Sonny there's a pretty good (small, but good) Royal Netherlands Marine Corps museum in the center of Rotterdam, close to the harbor.;)

[sail7seas]

It would be a shame to be in Amsterdam and not visit the Rijksmuseum to view The Night Watch by Rembrandt. Incredible!

[jhannah]

Yes! It's really something to see. And the Anne Frank Haus is nearby and well worth visiting.

[ekerr19]

Well, those of you who have been there should give me a list of 5 things not to be missed! I want to see Rijksmuseum, no doubt! Just not sure how much time we'll have... :confused:

I guess we'll just have to plan on going back! :D

[Jade13]

Well, those of you who have been there should give me a list of 5 things not to be missed! I want to see Rijksmuseum, no doubt! Just not sure how much time we'll have... :confused:

I guess we'll just have to plan on going back! :D

Go to the Van Gogh Museum. I have been to Amsterdam at least 3 times and visited the Van Gogh Museum 3 times.

[jhannah]

Okay, Laura. Here are some more neat things to do while you're in Amsterdam:

Go out to Allsmere and visit the flower auction house. The goods come there from all over the world. Fascinating.

Get up to the North Sea and visit one of the picturesque fishing villages. Quaint and charming.

Motor over to Zaanse Schans to see the working windmills, wooden shoe carver, and other neat things.

Somewhere along the line stop at Madurodam and see the miniature Netherlands you can walk through.

The Peace Palace at The Hague has played a key role in history many times over. And the cigar shop where Churchill purchased his stogies is nearby! ;)

Yes ... you'll have to go back.

[Copper10-8]

Okay, Laura. Here are some more neat things to do while you're in Amsterdam:

Go out to Allsmere and visit the flower auction house. The goods come there from all over the world. Fascinating. (Aalsmeer)

Get up to the North Sea and visit one of the picturesque fishing villages. Quaint and charming. (Volendam, Marken, Enkhuizen are a few)

Motor over to Zaanse Schans to see the working windmills, wooden shoe carver, and other neat things. (A must for windmills - or go to Kinderdijk but that's closer to Rotterdam)

Somewhere along the line stop at Madurodam and see the miniature Netherlands you can walk through. (Both it and the Peace Palace are in the The Hague/Scheveningen area - closer to Rotterdam)

Canal/Harbor tour in Amsterdam

Anne Frank House in A'dam

Rijksmuseum and the Nightwatch

Van Gogh Museum

Heineken Brewery

Walk from A'dam Centraal Station via the Damrak to the Dam where the royal palace, new church, and national monument are, continue on through A'dam's premier shopping street, the Kalverstraat. This will get you to the Singel and ultimately, to the Rembrandt Square with lots of restaurant's and outdoor terraces. Off the Kalverstraat is "het Begijnhof" with the English Reformed church (My sis got married there)

The Peace Palace at The Hague has played a key role in history many times over. And the cigar shop where Churchill purchased his stogies is nearby! ;)

[ekerr19]

You guys are giving me too much to do!!!!! We might have to go back, post cruise - I'm sure airfare would be cheaper.

I got my Eyewitness Travel (I like lots of pictures) Amsterdam book yesterday. I opened it and just caught this snippet:

"Smoking coffeshops are ones where cannabis is openly sold and smoked. Although technically illegal, the sale of soft drugs is tolerated by Dutch authorities if it remains discreet.

If tempted to smoke, ask for the menu listing what is on sale. The cannabis is strong, especially the local "skunk". Be wary of hash cakes and cookies as there is no way to gauge their strength."

Talk about a "travel advisory", lol!!!!:eek: This just struck me as hysterical last night, I mean I knew it was allowed and all, but to actually GET advice??? From a travel guide? Too funny!

[jhannah]

Be wary of a "brown cafe." Or, go right in and pull up a toke! Whichever trips your trigger! :)

[ekerr19]

Be wary of a "brown cafe." Or, go right in and pull up a toke! Whichever trips your trigger! :)


Jim - I think I'll pass, lol!!! I might have been tempted back in HS, but these days... nah.

[Bill S]

. . . .until today! WE BOOKED THE 3-DAY TODAY! :D

I just didn't want to get depressed reading about all the fun plans all the "early" cruisers were making, but now I feel a whole lot better!

We haven't made any air or hotel plans yet but meeting up on the Rotterdam sounds like a great idea! I guess we will look at flying to Amsterdam on June 29, and heading to Rotterdam from Schipol. We have been to Amsterdam twice (great city) so visiting Rotterdam sounds interesting.

Thanks to all for the great information on hotels.

Can't wait to meet everyone!

[sail7seas]

GREAT to hear you are booked for the Prelude Cruise, Bill. What a great time this is going to be!

[ekerr19]

. . . .until today! WE BOOKED THE 3-DAY TODAY! :D


Can't wait to meet everyone!

Bill -
I am so happy to hear this!!!! :D I was really hoping you would!!! It's going to be a blast!

Maybe we can all meet somewhere for dinner the night before the cruise...

[Dutchman010]

Both the Westin and the Hilton are right smack in the center of Roterdam and two metro stops away from the port. We took a cab from the hotel to the port two years ago which took about 10-15 minutes tops.

Rotterdam's port usually has a band playing music when a cruise ship, especially a HAL cruise ship, departs the city. You can count on one or two fireboats escorting Eurodam out with their water cannons spraying in the air plus, since this will be an inaugural, many, many Rotterdam citizens ("Rotterdammers") waiving from shore! Should be fun!

Het Rotterdamse "Shanti koor" is the playing band at the Rotterdam cruise terminal.
RESTAURANT LA VILETTE
Westblaak 160, Rotterdam is a good place to eat ( Formal/Informal dress )
The Westin Rotterdam and the Hilton Rotterdam are the best hotels in the city ( ***** )
I live in Rotterdam, know the Places to Go & Things to Do.
I`m also on the three-day prelude cruise and looking forward to 2 july.

[Copper10-8]

Het Rotterdamse "Shanti koor" is the playing band at the Rotterdam cruise terminal.
RESTAURANT LA VILETTE
Westblaak 160, Rotterdam is a good place to eat ( Formal/Informal dress )
The Westin Rotterdam and the Hilton Rotterdam are the best hotels in the city ( ***** )
I live in Rotterdam, know the Places to Go & Things to Do.
I`m also on the three-day prelude cruise and looking forward to 2 july.

Hartelijk bedankt voor de informatie!/Thank you for the info!

Hartstikke leuk om u dan te ontmoeten! Ik weet dat er nog twee Nederlandse CCers (Ine en haar echtgenoot Ton) op zitten!/Looking forward to meeting you then! I know that there are two more Dutch CCers going (Ine and her husband Ton)

U moet even naar de Eurodam Inaugural Roll Call gaan en uw naam aan de groep toevoegen/You should go to the Eurodam Inaugural Roll Call and add your name to the group!:)

Het beste met Feyenoord!/Good luck to Feyenoord (Rotterdam's #1 pro soccer team)

[ourlol]

We're coming too... two couples from the UK... just for the prelude sailing.

None of us have sailed previously with HAL so are very excited about the trip (albeit for only 3 days... as we are unable to join you all for the inaugural itinerary).

Our current plans are to fly into Amsterdam on the 1st, stay overnight and then transfer either by car of train to Rotterdam on the morning of the 2nd. In Copenhagen we've noticed that there is an excursion which finishes at the airport so we may opt to do that instead of making our own independent arrangements.

Out of interest for those of you planning to stay in Amsterdam pre-cruise... does anyone have any personal recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

Happy New Year

Laura

[Ine]

Although we have "registered" ourselves on the Roll-Call for this sailing, I missed this posting for the Prelude-sailing. Maybe because were touring in the USA in October.
We will sail on Eurodam only from Rotterdam to Copenhagen as last May we made a cruise to Norway already..

As you know it seems the dedication is planned for July 1st, sailing for July 2nd from Rotterdam to Copenhagen. My best guess is that the ship will sail for that 1 night with only invited VIP's on board, like was done when Oosterdam was dedicated.
Eurodam is supposed to arrive in Rotterdam on June 29. There will be presentations etc. on board for VIPS, Travelagents, Press etc.
The cruise-terminal is next to Hotel New York, which was once HAL's headoffice.

Since we live near Amsterdam, but are familiar with Rotterdam too, we may be able to help you with any questions. I have posted some links for excursions, links for map of Rotterdam etc on the Roll-Call.