Oosterdam - First Time

NCL has been my main choice of cruise lines for the past 20 years and really enjoyed all my cruises taken with them, especially in the suites. They have some really nice perks that comes with the suites.

But I always wanted to try another line and getting ready to take that next step to book the Oosterdam sailing to Alaska. I’m really excited to see what they offer and how it compares to NCL.

I’m really had no idea what to expect and just trying to get as much information as possible before sailing. So I have some questions. I understand that there is no refrigerator in the cabins (unless it’s a suite)? If I bring wine on board or soft drinks how do I keep them cold? Are there wine glasses in the cabin? Can I take the glasses out of the cabin?

I’m used to dressing smart casual on NCL as there is no formal nights. On formal nights, can I get by with dressy black slacks and a nice shirt? For DH, does he need a jacket and tie?

Any other advice is appreciated.:) Thanks.

I’m really had no idea what to expect and just trying to get as much information as possible before sailing. So I have some questions. I understand that there is no refrigerator in the cabins (unless it’s a suite)? If I bring wine on board or soft drinks how do I keep them cold? Are there wine glasses in the cabin? Can I take the glasses out of the cabin?

 

I’m used to dressing smart casual on NCL as there is no formal nights. On formal nights, can I get by with dressy black slacks and a nice shirt? For DH, does he need a jacket and tie?

 

Any other advice is appreciated.:) Thanks.

Welcome to HAL.

There are minibars in all Vista and Signature-class ships' staterooms. Although they are not as cold as refrigerators (~47 vice 37 degrees). You may request that the contents be removed to make room for your sodas. You may bring all of the sodas that you wish.

All of my staterooms have had wine glasses (all categories of suites) but not sure about other staterooms. Your Room Steward can provide them if you ask.

Formal night is a minimum of a jacket and tie for males. Nothing is said about shoes so some wear hiking shoes. Ladies have much more latitude with many just wearing a sparkly top/shawl. Many wear their sport jacket on the plane and have a tie rolled-up in a pocket to save luggage space.

Here are the current scanned menus for Specialty Restaurants, Beverages, and Room Service (free 24/7) to help in your planning:

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/specialty-2/hal-regular-and-specialty-restaurants/

There is no limit to how much soda you can bring onto the ship. But you are limited to one 750 ml bottle of wine per adult person in a cabin without being charged a corkage fee. If you bring more than that, then you will be charged $18 per bottle corkage fee. Wine must be brought onto the ship in your carry-on luggage.

... and the corkage-free wine is only for consumption in your cabin. If taken elsewhere it is also subject to the corkage fee.

We have had wine glasses in various levels of outside and veranda cabins. We've never had an inside, but my guess is that they have them also.

Enjoy your HAL cruise on Oosterdam. The wrap around promenade deck is wonderful and better than any of the 8 NCL's ships that I have cruised on.