TV Dad

I'm just going to speak to this question. Wine Stewards and bartenders are covered by the drinks package, so no worries there. EXCEPT, if you order a bottle of wine, or drink not covered by your drink package. You will pay gratuities on that.

We have exactly the same issue with our daughter. I just called HAL and they linked all our reservations.

Yes

1987 Premier Big Red Boat -- Bahamas, 1987 HAL Niew Amsterdam -- W. Caribbean, 1989 Regal Cruises -- W. Mediterranean 1992 Regal Princess -- W. Caribbean, 1993 RCCL -- Pacific Coast, 1993 Princess Regal -- Alaska, 1994 HAL Westerdam -- E. Caribbean, First cruise was at age 29. Fell in love with it.

I booked specialty dining on Oosterdam 6 months out.

I just tried on my Navigator app from Tampa, FL. The breakfast menu and wine list came up. But not lunch & dinner.

Book NOW! If prices go lower, HAL usually honors the lower price. Afterall you can always cancel and rebook tours. I do it all the time.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Neptune suites on any HAL ship. If you can afford it, it's a marvelous luxury for several reasons: 1. Large comfortable room. Great for relaxing or entertaining. 2. Breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill. It's a quiet intimate spot for breakfast and is reserved exclusively for premium suite guests. 3. The private lounge is great for a quick snack or coffee. The concierge there has done everything for me from booking shore excursions to currency exchange. Unfortunately, on our upcoming cruise we are waitlisted for a Neptune Suite. Currently in a Signature Suite, which is also quite nice.

I have not heard of Peet's down here in Tampa. I drink Starbucks decaf and love it. I'll have to look for Peet's. Thanks

I'm going to offer a completely different take, but I have to admit I'm a bit of a wine snob, so forgive me. The packages are fine and each has very drinkable wines. But, none have truly outstanding wines. I prefer high end Cabs, Bordeaux's and champagne. None of them are available with any of the wine packages. So, we purchase by the bottle at dinner each night. We always get exactly what we want, but admittedly we usually spend $80+ per bottle. All three packages have very drinkable wines and are great values. However, if you want the best the ship has to offer, you won't find them in any of the packages. If you are worried about cost and value, the packages are the way to go!

Thanks Kstings1. Quick question: Was there enough time to do the dolphin swim and make it back to the beach party for caviar in the surf? Did they drop you off at Carambola Beach? Or did you have to return to the ship first? Thanks, in advance, for your guidance.

In my opinion, you will LOVE Holland America. The cabins are gigantic, compared to NCL. The Main Dining Room menu is far superior to NCL. The entertainment is designed for folks your age. You will not be disappointed.

I know it is up to the captain's discretion but, we will be cruising in March, 2025. Does anyone know where to expect Caviar in the Surf? We went in 2015 and it was in St. Kitts. So, I'm guessing Carambola Beach, St. Kitts again Has anyone been on that route recently? Can you help? Thanks, Don

I cruised Viking Sky last October and enjoyed myself. But after reading this report, I will never cruise Viking again. The crew's incompetence put people's lives at risk. Totally unacceptable.

Cunard and Regent offer great entertainment on an upscale ship. So do Silversea and Seabourn.