Questions for my first cruise

[Alunan]

I am planning on taking the April 29th Holland America cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver. It's three days long and it will be my first time cruising since I was about eight. I was hoping someone might tell me what to except in the way of specifics.

I understand alcohol costs extra, but how about non-alcoholic drinks? I am told most cruiselines include food in your price, is that the case with HAL, how about room service?

I was told there would be no formal night since it is a shorter cruise, do I still need to pack a formal outfit for anything in particular?

I booked a Penthouse Suite on the ms Amsterdam, does anyone know if I can plug in a DVD player or a console into the television I hope will be in my room? Is there already a DVD player? What kind of amenities can I expect, the nice man told me something about a neptune lounge but he wasn't very specific.

Can I tip with my shipboard account or do I need to bring copious amount of legal tender?

The room apparently comes with a king size bed, and a bed-couch setup? Is it rude to request that the steward (?) make up the couch bed, unmake it in the morning, and remake it later in the day?

I really appreciate any help and clarification!

[patseacruiser]

Non-alcoholic drinks other than juices, milk, coffee, hot and cold tea cost extra.

You do not need to pack a special outfit for any other occassions if there is no formal night.

I don't know about your tv - I'm sure someone here will.

You can tip on your account - you will need large amounts of legal tender if you gamble in the casino!

You want the steward to make and unmake a sofabed that you are not sleeping in?

[uppitycats]

Originally Posted by Alunan

I am planning on taking the April 29th Holland America cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver. It's three days long and it will be my first time cruising since I was about eight. I was hoping someone might tell me what to except in the way of specifics.

I understand alcohol costs extra, but how about non-alcoholic drinks? I am told most cruiselines include food in your price, is that the case with HAL, how about room service?

Soft drinks, bottled water, and some specialty coffees cost extra. Other than at breakfast, fresh juices cost extra.

There are some specialty restaurants on board where there will be a surcharge to eat there. If you don't know for certain, ask before being seated. The main dining room, buffet, some other casual dining venues will be free, as will be room service. But you might want to tip the person who brings you room service -- usually somewhere between $1 and $5, depending on the quantity of food.


I was told there would be no formal night since it is a shorter cruise, do I still need to pack a formal outfit for anything in particular?

Probably not. Just know that HAL is a bit more formal than other cruise lines.
I booked a Penthouse Suite on the ms Amsterdam, does anyone know if I can plug in a DVD player or a console into the television I hope will be in my room? Is there already a DVD player? What kind of amenities can I expect, the nice man told me something about a neptune lounge but he wasn't very specific.

Sorry..can't help with this. Haven't been on this particular ship.

There may also be a spa aboard. You can use the gym for free, but if you use the spa, you will be charged for spa services, like hair, makeup, facials, massages, etc.

Can I tip with my shipboard account or do I need to bring copious amount of legal tender?

You'll have to see how HAL handles tipping. Usually this is spelled out on their website. Or you can go to the HAL board on this site, where I'm sure people can spell this out for you.

The room apparently comes with a king size bed, and a bed-couch setup? Is it rude to request that the steward (?) make up the couch bed, unmake it in the morning, and remake it later in the day?

I'm not at all clear what you want here. Why would you want the couch bed "unmade" during the day? The bed will have a spread on it, and the couch will be set up as a couch when you first enter the cabin. If you want the couch to be opened as a bed at night, that can be done..and then the next day the steward will put it back as a couch for daytime use, and make the bed, if that's what you mean. If you return to the cabin and use the bed during the day, he'll re-make it (or at least straighten it up) when you leave the cabin.

If you mean something else, you can explain what you want to your room steward..and be prepared to tip him extra..and he'll do as you request.

I really appreciate any help and clarification!

Head over to the HAL board where folks have cruised on this ship, and your specific questions will be answered better. Have a great cruise!

[Liz54]

I think I understand about the pull out sofa bed. If the pull out is used at night the steward will put it back into a sofa during the day and in the evening will pull it out into a bed made up with sheets.

[karenem]

I did basically the same cruise a couple of months ago on the Veendam. It was a nice weekend away (even though the ship had a *LOT* of problems--bad luck all around but I'll stop there since your cruise won't have any of that going on).

A couple of things: first, get one of those little maps and walk all over the ship so you don't discover your perfect spot 3 hours before disembarking. Be ready for wind and waves for a day or so outside San Francisco. If you're prone to seasickness, it's much easier to avoid it than to stop it once you're feeling bad.

Also, bring warm clothing. It will likely be pretty cold on deck, esp. when the sun goes down. Since it's only 3 days long, bring a carryon and plan on doing the self-debarkation. Much quicker and easier!

The passage into Vancouver is really spectacular, so be sure to save some camera space/batteries, and go outside. If you're looking for a roll call to join (on this board) check out the cruise before yours because a lot of people book back-to-backs up the coast (they'll be the ones with all the luggage :-).

Enjoy!