what not to miss on a cruise?

[Fyly]

i feel that i am posting like crazy today :-)

We are leaving in a month for our first cruise on the HAL Westerdam.
What would you say we absolutely have to do or see while on board?

thanks,

Fyly

[Host Sheila]

Have you read this section of Cruise Critic ? http://www.cruisecritic.com/ftc/

It's purpose is to inform first time cruisers. You might want to start there and then ask for more specific information on the board for your cruise line. Have a good time exploring.

[Fyly]

yes I did this the pre-req reading ^_^.

I was hoping to get more specifics for HAL cruises (like do the tea! have their waffle or I don;t know what...), but wasn't sure if I should post under HAL or general.

Fyly

[jhannah]

Plan to spend some quiet time in the Explorations Cafe. It's an internet center and library with very nice listening stations. Lots of books, magazines, and newspapers. Great place to sit and relax. Oh, grab a specialty coffee, too!

[terrydtx]

Spend time in the gym to work off all the food you will be eating.:eek:

[GmaPajama]

Find a quiet spot on deck, close your eyes, and soak in the sound of the sea.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Go to the Crow's Nest on sea days and as you are leaving the various ports -- watch the view and maybe have a cocktail.

[maxout]

For me it's going out early, grabing a cup of coffee and heading out on deck to watch the sunrise and the ship coming in to port or ordering a breakfast from room service and enjoying it with DW on our verandah.

[NapTown Jim]

For me it's going out early, grabing a cup of coffee and heading out on deck to watch the sunrise and the ship coming in to port or ordering a breakfast from room service and enjoying it with DW on our verandah.

I'll second that! :cool:

[Copper10-8]

Try some of the Indonesian food onboard in the dining room (at dinner) and/or in the Lido for lunch: Sate ayam with peanut sauce, Nasi goreng with rice and krupuk, etc.

See the Indonesian (or Filipino) crew show

Try the Pinnacle Grill

[maxout]

Oh, and the Bread Pudding in the Lido! :D

[lka1012]

The Dam ship itself!

[maxout]

Also, meeting your fellow travelers can be very rewarding, after all, you already have something in common. :)

[Nutrioso]

My absolute favorite: those recliner chairs right in front of the window in the Crows Nest. Also, the iPod art tours. And, never miss trying any of the Indonesian dishes at any food venue. Penny

[cnvh]

Try some of the Indonesian food onboard in the dining room (at dinner) and/or in the Lido for lunch: Sate ayam with peanut sauce, Nasi goreng with rice and krupuk, etc.

See the Indonesian (or Filipino) crew show

Try the Pinnacle Grill

I second the recommendation for the Nasi Goreng... not many people seem to order it, but it's OUTSTANDING, and your dining room steward will be delighted that you chose it. :)

[jtl513]

I second the recommendation for the Nasi Goreng... not many people seem to order it, but it's OUTSTANDING, and your dining room steward will be delighted that you chose it. :)
If you like spicy food, ask your waiter for Sambal to put on it. It's a very hot Indonesian chili sauce, and the waiters love to watch your reaction when you try it! Try only a very little at first!

[Harry1954]

relax, take it all in stride, ask questions of appropriate personnel if you have a problem, continue to relax, meet some wonderful people .. and if i forgot to mention, relax.
harry

[mamaofami]

Stop and smell the ocean.

[osiebosie]

I think you know to try eating while on board.

The Pinnacle Grill is very good. I guess Westerdam has the restaurant that Maasdam has.

Relax and have breakfast delivered.

Use the unlimited laundry option. Pack less. Stress less.

Enjoy.

Shay

[ore-ee-gun]

Take time to check out the art pieces and floral displays throughout the ship... Notice how the lights on the glass elevators change color as they move from one floor to the next... Order room service... As far as food items, go, another vote for the Lido bread pudding, and the chilled fruit soups in the dining room. Enjoy your cruise - you'll be planning your next one before the week is over.

[lorekauf]

If you like spicy food, ask your waiter for Sambal to put on it. It's a very hot Indonesian chili sauce, and the waiters love to watch your reaction when you try it! Try only a very little at first!

Love that sambel.....go through lots of it at home. It's so good but really hot!

[lovn2liv]

Hit the lido right before midnight for a slice of pizza or a bowl of pasta. And if you really plan ahead, get the bread pudding during lunch and put it in your refrigerator for a midnight snack later on.

My husband and I would go to the lido late, and I'd have a coffee and he'd have his bowl of pasta. It was fun!

[osiebosie]

Oh, Oh, and check out the rugs in the elevators! (If they are the same as Maasdam.)

Some of the best hamburgers ever on Lido deck.

Shay (again)

[Fyly]

thank you! I love all those :-)
I had no idea about the Indonesian food.

Fyly

[Seavoyage]

Hi Fyly:
Wow - this is our 6th time on HAL - loved every cruise and looking forward to the sail on the 24th! Wooo Hoooo it's getting so close....ok with that

My favorite things not to miss...
The stars - don't miss the stars at night! There are more than you will ever imagine! Go on deck - you'll be surprised how many people are not out there - sometimes it's like your alone. Amazing!

Depending where you will be sailing - we usually sail the (Eastern/Southern)Carribbean..

DH and I have seen dolphins following the ship - they seem to come around in the afternoon more than morning (perhaps that is when we seem to be looking?)

Flying fish - they jump in the ships wake

Double rainbows that is if you are lucky enough to catch some rain in the distance.

Of course a sunrise and a sunset!

The pizza - it's actually pretty good!

Soup - if you like soup - my experience - it's all great!

Try dining at the lido one night instead of the dining room - we tried it on the last cruise and was really nice - they had most of the same fare as in the dining room and they even deliver your meal to the table.

Ice cream in the afternoon - I think 3pm is cookie time :-) A must do!

Coffee? Espresso and Cappaccino!

Treat yourself to a spa visit - can be somewhat expensive but service is good.

Is this the kind of stuff you are looking for?

[off2ctheworld]

Love reading all these ideas for us to try!

[yellowbird23]

(Don't miss)....Going!

[Cruising-along]

The dessert and/or chocolate extravaganza!!! It's a work of art even if you don't eat much of it :p

[trvlcrzy]

Ice cream and bread pudding (with the must have warm vanilla sauce)... yumm! Our schedule didn't work out for our next sailing to be with HAL, but we sure wish it had! We're still fussing about missing out on the ice cream and bread pudding.

I also agree on the Nasi Goreng! yummy, too!

[RetiredMustang]

Without looking it up, I'm guessing W'dam is sailing Caribbean out of Ft. Lauderdale. Watch the water. Find a quiet spot (balcony if you have one) and watch. Look for the color to change from the dun color near port to star sapphire and then tourquoise as you head south and into the Caribbean.

Look for the flying fish; watch as the ship's wake spreads out -- the fish sense the pressure and think it is a predator and take to the air. If you are very lucky, go to where you can see the bow or near it and maybe, just maybe, you will see dolphins dancing and playing in the bow wake. It may be a stretch to attribute human attitudes like "dance" and "play" to a marine mammal, but I can't think of better words to describe what seems to me the joy they take in their movements!

Get up before dawn and go to the eastern side of the ship to watch the sunrises; they are often spectacular. If you find yourself near sunset at sea on a day with clear air and no clouds on the horizon, watch (carefully) to the west as the sun sets; again if you are very lucky, you may see the green flash. It is real, and not just an old sea story (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_flash or if you are really into it http://mintaka.sdsu.edu/GF/). As the sun sets on a true horizon, its color will climb through the spectrum and the final flash as it disappears below the horizon is the most beautiful emerald green light. The flash is also possible at sunrise, but it happens very fast and unless you are looking at exactly the right spot, it is easy to miss. Sunset is easier because you know exactly where the sun is and when it is almost set. Even if the flash does not occur, the sight of sunset at sea is awesome to me, and you may find it worthwhile as well.

Dave

[prescottbob]

Ahoy!

I agree with most of the previous posts. I also find adjusting my camera (F stop, zoom and that sort of thing) on the 'topless deck' an advantage to creating quality pictures for family and friends.

Bon Voyage and Good Health!
Bob:)

[Seavoyage]

Hi Prescottbob:
Ok, this may be a risque question (apologies if I offend anyone) is there in fact a topless deck on HAL ships?

[Copper10-8]

Hi Prescottbob:
Ok, this may be a risque question (apologies if I offend anyone) is there in fact a topless deck on HAL ships?

Not officialy!;)

[maxout]

Not officialy!;)



Unless of course you are on one of these... ;)

http://www.bare-necessities.com/aacruises.html

[manbehindthecurtain]

The stars - don't miss the stars at night! There are more than you will ever imagine! Go on deck - you'll be surprised how many people are not out there - sometimes it's like your alone. Amazing!

Double rainbows that is if you are lucky enough to catch some rain in the distance.

Of course a sunrise and a sunset!



Stars, you'll be able to see the milky way among other things

Double rainbows, absolutely. If it's a moonlit night, and a rainshower occurs, you may be really lucky and see a moonbow (rainbow from moonlight)

Sunsets: if you're really lucky, you might even see the green flash, this occurs if the horizon is really clear (typically when the sun is not 'red'). Just after the sun sets below the horizon you will see a small 'flash' of green light. Really cool!

[ldog]

drinks and dancing before dinner in the Ocean Bar. Even if you don't dance watching is fun!

[cruisinjudy]

Don't miss the fresh squeezed OJ in the lido!

[KAYEF]

By sheer coincidence, we were IN a glass elevator JUST as the sun disappeared into the sea...............spectacular. Try to be IN one at sunset.........what a treat. :)
Be sure to not only "notice" all the art, sculptures, etc. on the ship.......make some time to do a field trip to really look at ALL of them. Besides the IPOD tour, there's usually a large book that tells about each piece.
Just outside the upper dining room in the .........?.......... lounge they have truffles, chocolates, etc. sitting there after dinner............grab one or two on your way to the show. ;)
Bread pudding in Lido at lunch............muesli at breakfast.............
cappaccino bombe dessert at dinner in the DR..........
Club sandwich from the room service menu.............someone recommended that to us and it's DELICIOUS...........
Just keep walking and walking so you see the WHOLE ship............if you do this the first day or so, you're set and you (maybe) won't get lost.:rolleyes:
ENJOY!!
You will be planning your next cruise as soon as you get home.

[jerseygirl3]

thank you! I love all those :-)
I had no idea about the Indonesian food.

Fyly

Make sure you pay a visit to the "Future Cruise Bookings" desk. You are going to love the Westerdam, and you'll be wanting to book another cruise while onboard!!! Welcome to the land of the addicted!

[Seavoyage]

Dear MaxOut -
I never would have imagined :eek: looks like a really fun group!

[Seavoyage]

Retired Mustang - probably a stupid question (sorry) -
Since we are taught not to look directly into the sun...do you know if this green flash can cause eye damage?
Thank you for your response - I really want to see this!

[Solo Cruiser]

Unfortunately, I missed many of the above things when I took my first HAL cruise on the Westerdam last month, but I've already got another one booked so.... I won't miss them again. Here's my suggestions:

Thermal suite and hydropool pass - get one for one day (a sea day) for $40 a person or for the whole week for $139 for one or $250 for a couple. The hydropool is like a gentle weightless massage and the ceramic loungers in the thermal suite are the BEST places to nap (thanks Merced Mike)

Kory Simon in the piano bar. This young man is terrific and will ensure that you have an entertaining evening. The white russians are excellent in that bar as well.

Your CC roll call and the meet and greet onboard. Wonderful people who love to cruise and talk about cruising. Great sources of information.

A stop by the table of the yum yum man outside the main dining room after your meal. Delicious mints.

Have a super cruise!!

[bobnsandi]

Love that sambel.....go through lots of it at home. It's so good but really hot!

We were thinking of bringing our own, as we do on other cruises. We may bring some anyway, just "in case". Can't be without it.

[djhsolara]

Fyly:
My partner and I sailed on the Westerdam last October and loved it. Loved it so much that we will be on the same sailing with you in just about 4 weeks.

Some of the things that we enjoyed:

Yum Yum Man - Do not miss the Yum Yum Man on your way out of dinner in the Vista. We don't know how, but this delightful gentleman knew our names after the first night.

Entire Ship - We did a deck or two each day and went over the entire ship. Since it was our first cruise we wanted to see the whole ship and we walked from bow to stern on each public deck (even those that were only cabins).

Dining - Have a meal at the Pinnacle Grill. It was a great diversion. Also, do not miss the special nights in the Vista Dining Room - Formal nights, Dutch night. It was rather funny that on Dutch night we walked into the dining room and wondered why the women had their napkins on their heads...until we realized what it was. Also...do not miss the special non-dining room events like the Dessert Extravaganza and any special meals that they may have. The bottom line it that (as I'm sure you're probably heard) you can just eat your way through the cruise and don't be afraid to do so. Try everything even if it is just a bite.

Lastly - Don't be afraid to talk to anyone. Everyone is there to relax and have a great time, so don't be afraid to talk with anyone else. Don't let anyone bother you either...just relax and have an awesome time!!

Looking forward to meeting you perhaps at the Meet & Greet.

[richnorto]

Get involved in something you would never do at home!!!! Enter a shuffleboard tournament, do the trivia games, play Bingo, learn to line dance, watch the cooking demos! There is so much available - do something different!!! IT'S ALL FUN - Laughter adds years to your life. Go, have fun!!!

[Fyly]

Looking forward to meeting you perhaps at the Meet & Greet.

yep we will be there. :-)

[sail7seas]

SeaVoyage...... I'm not an Optomitrist or Othomologist but we've looked at the sun setting many times at sea and have never suffered any eye damage watching that beautiful sight. When the sun is setting, it is low in the sky as it sets into the horizon.

[cruzinnluvinit]

The dessert and/or chocolate extravaganza!!! It's a work of art even if you don't eat much of it :p
To add on to this. Bring your camera and go early. There are great pictures to be had but you need to get there before the eating frenzy.. LOL

Linda

[mamaofami]

What not miss when on a cruise?

The ship! Be sure she doesn't leave port without you.

[Shir Hayam]

What great suggestions! We're leaving for our first HAL cruise this coming Sunday on the Westerdam and will get to try out some of these wonderful ideas. Indonesian food and yummy bread pudding sound great to me. But that means I'm going to have to check out (and use) the gym. Does anyone know about the gym facilities on the Westerdam? Thanks.

Sheila

[RetiredMustang]

Retired Mustang - probably a stupid question (sorry) -
Since we are taught not to look directly into the sun...do you know if this green flash can cause eye damage?
Thank you for your response - I really want to see this!

Seavoyage,

Sorry for the late response -- I have been busy and not checking CC for a few days. Yes, you must be careful when watching for the green flash (that's why I said to carefully watch the sun as it sets.) Do not stare at the sun for the whole time! Glance now and then to check how far it has set, and only when it has only a sliver above the horizon should you watch closely!

By that time, the amount of the sun's disk visible is small, and you should be able to watch it safely from that point. A quick rough rule of thumb -- if you look at the sun and close your eyes and still see a big bright spot, it's too soon to watch it full time. It is a wonder, but not worth ruining your eyesight for, so please do be careful.

Dave

[manbehindthecurtain]

Seavoyage,

Sorry for the late response -- I have been busy and not checking CC for a few days. Yes, you must be careful when watching for the green flash (that's why I said to carefully watch the sun as it sets.) Do not stare at the sun for the whole time! Glance now and then to check how far it has set, and only when it has only a sliver above the horizon should you watch closely!

By that time, the amount of the sun's disk visible is small, and you should be able to watch it safely from that point. A quick rough rule of thumb -- if you look at the sun and close your eyes and still see a big bright spot, it's too soon to watch it full time. It is a wonder, but not worth ruining your eyesight for, so please do be careful.

Dave

In addition: on higher latitudes the 'flash' will last longer, as the sun sets slower. Downside: on higher latitudes there is often less chance of a clear horizon.
I've seen a 2,5 second flash in Alaska this summer. Saw one last week too (closer to the equator), this one lasted maybe 0,5 seconds.

[kakalina]

We have seen the green flash once, amazing sight. What a beautiful world we are in.

[Seavoyage]

Hi Retired Mustang:
Thank you - This flash sounds amazing - I hope to view this amzaing site this coming week! We are so excited - and I cannot wait to experience this! I'll report back...Happy and safe Thanksgiving wishes to you and everyone!

[KAYEF]

If the W's gym is like the O's gym, it was fantastic.................large, across the front...................watched the porpoises "racing" us for a long while when on the treadmill..............open, sunny, glorious.:)

[fuzzywuzzy]

We have seen the green flash once, amazing sight. What a beautiful world we are in.

Yes, what a beautiful world !! Let's protect it to the best of our abilities !!!

[fuzzywuzzy]

Gazing at the star lit sky at night from on deck with the soft Caribbean breezes blowing - SO BEAUTIFUL !!

[Susie51]

I didn't know about the green flash. I hope in Jan. while cruising, I will get to see it.

Relax in a deck chair on the Promenade deck near the bow. Close your eyes. You can feel the sea breeze and hear the waves hitting the bow.

Another vote for cold soups, bread pudding, ice cream, fresh-squeezed OJ, and being on deck at night and no one else is there. Awesome!!