Dining room and Cash Questions

[Cookwise]

Hello,
We sail on the Zuiderdam this weekend- first time on Holland America.
1) If you skip dinner in the dining room for whatever reason, whom do you notify, if anyone?
2) When shopping/eating in St. Thomas,Tortola, Nassau is a credit card or travelers checks the best way to pay or do you need cash?
3) Should I bring all the cash I think I'd use or can I get some onboard? Where would I go to get cash on board?
4) We are not in a suite. How fast is the laundry turnaround if you send it out in the morning?

Thank You!

[doone]

In answer to a couple of your questions, when I don't go to the dining room, I just let our waiter know the night before that we won't be there the next night, but will return the night after.

I have always used cash on the islands for drinks or meals, I use charge cards for shopping, but I am sure charge cards are accepted as well.

[gliles]

Hello,
We sail on the Zuiderdam this weekend- first time on Holland America.
1) If you skip dinner in the dining room for whatever reason, whom do you notify, if anyone?
2) When shopping/eating in St. Thomas,Tortola, Nassau is a credit card or travelers checks the best way to pay or do you need cash?
3) Should I bring all the cash I think I'd use or can I get some onboard? Where would I go to get cash on board?
4) We are not in a suite. How fast is the laundry turnaround if you send it out in the morning?

Thank You!
I base my answers on the Oosterdam.
1) No one, doesn't matter. I guess if you wanted to pop into the dining room at the start of dinner and let your waiter know it would be nice but I don't think it matters. We went to the Lido one night and he asked us the next night where we were so he remembered that we weren't there but don't think he was upset.
2) I would plan on cash. CC and Travelers checks may work but may limit your options.
3) I would bring all you think you need. You can get an advance on your shipboard account onboard but I think you pay a fee. We brought back cash, woo hoo!
4) 3 days. Actually one place I read that if you do the $12 bag, it takes 24 hours but if you do the unlimited then allow 72 but the steward told me 72 hours no matter what. I always bring woolite so did a little laundry in the sink but didn't end up using the service but I do think it's a good deal.

Have a great trip, we did and the weather was lovely and HOT HOT HOT!

[RuthC]

I'll take a stab at #1 and #3 for you.

It's customary to notify your steward or tablemates if you do not expect to be at dinner that night. That way your tablemates don't wait to order and your steward can go about his business. You can also drop by the maitre d's office and leave a message.

Travelers' checks can be cashed at the front desk and are safer than cash. An advance on your credit card carries a 3% charge.

[Tatka]

Unfortunately if you taking cash (even in casino) from your account you'll pay a fee 3%.

[RaffinOrganGrinders]

On our first night on the ms Statendam we had plans for the Pinnacle Grill, but took the time to stop by the dinning room and meet our fellow diners along with our waiters. After a quick hello, we departed and returned the next evening.

George

[gliles]

It's customary to notify your steward or tablemates if you do not expect to be at dinner that night. That way your tablemates don't wait to order and your steward can go about his business. You can also drop by the maitre d's office and leave a message.
Wow, thank you. I didn't know that. The night we missed dinner in the dining room it was a last minute thing and I didn't really think it was necessary to let them know. We were alone at the table so we didn't really have to worry about table-mates. I kind of feel bad for not letting the waiter know now. You live, you learn eh? In the future I will let them know.