bucky21

We were on the Rotterdam last January with the Have it all promotion. On several, and by that I mean SEVERAL' occasions we ordered OJ for breakfast in the MDR only to find out later in the day on our  in stateroom screen folio on the TV that we had been charged the $6 plus 18%. On each occasion, a trip to guest services would prove successful in removing the charge, citing a computer glitch and that it was being addressed. Possibly a way around this problem is to order a "virgin" mimosa which would be within the drink package pricing, but have your waiter leave out the prosecco!!!!!

Thank you all for the valuable input to our question. Some of you provided links and places to find in depth info. We appreciate each and every one of them and are very grateful for you to take the time to reply. Best wishes to you all!!!!!!

Does anyone have any experience and\or recommendations that you are willing to share about self exploring in and about the following ports of call.

1. Corfu, Greece. 2. Cephalonia, Greece. 3. Sarande, Albania,4. Cartagena, Spain 5. Malaga,Spain. 6. Seville, Spain.

     Is it possible and safe to explore any of these ports on our own or is cruise ship shore excursions the preferred way to go??

  Is there an area on the Rotterdam where cruisers can do some ironing once on board???

Does anyone know where I can find out if large groups have booked on future cruises. We were on one where a huge group dominated the dining rooms and main shows on the center stage. I would love to avoid this happening on future bookings/

I agree all the way. I am a huge fan of the aft view. It seems to me that it provides more privacy and is much more quiet because the wind is less of a factor while sailing. Thank you so much for your insight and input. Very grateful for your thoughts/

I appreciate your input and knowledge sharing.  Thank you so much!!!

Rotterdam

Can anyone shed light on the differences between a vista suite vs an aft balcony considering the fact that they are located next door to each other and there does not appear to be a significant size difference? The cost difference is so substantial, there must be some upgrades.

   I've heard that Holland America is now charging guests in the Main Dining Room extra for additional entrees should a cruiser decide to have more than one choice on a given night. Although I find that situation hard to believe, I have heard about this happening on more than one occasion. Does anyone out there have any knowledge or experience about this subject?

What a cluster this is turning into. We are booked on a back to back starting late Feb. on Nieuw Statendam and need to make final payment Christmas day. Wouldn't it be nice to get clarity as to what will happen test wise before this date?????

We will be sailing February 2022 with the "have it all" promotion. Included in this is the "Signature Beverage Deal". Is there somewhere that I can find a pricing menu for drinks so that I know what drinks are included, and which are priced over the maximum allowed amount??  Any help in this area would really be appreciated.

To:   rodndonna:   No, we have booked our flights ourselves. I am relieved to see shebag post because I feel certain that a PCR test is required. Not too sure if an Antigen test will suffice to fly internationally. 

Taxmantoo makes a valid point as well, but our final payment is scheduled for late November. I will have to make a final decision at that time at the latest.

Thank you all::    Very poignant and relevant responses. I appreciate the feedback:   Fair winds to you all.

TY for the reply, Kathy:   Hopefully an antigen test is enough to get us on an international flight☺️

  We are planning on flying home to Canada the day after disembarkation from our planned cruise in February 2022.(Fort Lauderdale). We have concerns about getting covid  test results back on time to make our flight. Does anyone from Canada have any experience on whether this is possible? Where to take test?? Length of time to get results back??   Price?  Etc....

Vmax1700 is my favorite poster. I look for that name several times a year for his (her) postings about large groups on future cruises. If anyone has ever had their own cruise affected, or sometimes downright ruined by these large groups overtaking the ship, then you can appreciate what I am talking about. I always look to the Vmax future groups on board posting before I book any future cruise. It is the most important and comprehensive information on the cruise critic site, IMHO. My personal thanks and extreme gratitude to you for all of the work that you do to make many cruisers decisions so much easier. 

Your advice is appreciated. Thank you Bruce.

Really enjoyed the post by maysdot. Many of the insights really resonate with us as we have cruised NA pre drydock. Loved all that was pointed out, as we will again be on board in less than a month. Just wondering if the retreat cabanas were left intact, or if they were butchered up ala Westerdam. Anyone have an opinion on this????

My wife and I (aged 60 plus) have stayed at the Oceanside Best Western a few times now and plan to stay again very soon. We find the location ideal. It is close to the cruise port and within walking distance to many restaurants and shopping. The hotel is clean and comfortable and good value in the realm of what Florida accomodations charge to stay. We have walked to restaurants in the evening on numerous occasions and have always felt safe and never threatened in any way. I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to anyone. I hope that this post will be of use.