unclerich

Not sure why people are so reluctant to accept this upcoming change.

This from a cruise info website:

The Holland America Signature of Excellence enhancements and new features include striking new public areas, a plethora of stateroom upgrades, and an expanded enrichment program. New décor, soft goods and carpeting are featured throughout, as are completely renovated bathrooms. But the biggest changes to Volendam’s accommodations are new Spa staterooms and the Holland America’s innovative Lanai staterooms. The Lanai staterooms access directly onto the walk-around lower promenade, while the Spa staterooms are located near the Greenhouse Spa and offer Holland America exclusive amenities such as organic cotton bathrobes, yoga mats, fountains, special room service menus and wellness treatments.

No problem.

According to an older post by Copper10-8, drydock is scheduled:

08-21 DEC 2014 Volendam Singapore

Richard

Just found this in the small print:

NOTE: Category CA, Lanai staterooms

are not available until Dec 22, 2014.

Until then, they are Category D.

http://www.hollandamerica.com/main/DeckPlans.action?ship=vo_2&deck=lp&deep=0

http://www.hollandamerica.com/assets/deckplans/vo_2.pdf

Here's some info for you:

Category: Category IQ - Large Interior Spa Stateroom

Description: Interior Spa staterooms feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed and private bathroom with shower. All staterooms include bathrobes, Elemis bath amenities, complimentary fresh fruit, flat-panel TV and DVD player, personal safe, telephone, and hair dryer.

Spa Stateroom Amenities: Yoga mats, iPod docking station, countertop water feature, exclusive spa treatments from the nearby Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

Deck: Panorama Deck

Occupancy: Can accommodate up to 2 guests in this particular cabin

**********************************

Category CQ - Large Oceanview Spa Stateroom

Decks: Panorama Deck

Occupancy: Sleeps 2 guests

Description: Oceanview staterooms feature a picture window, two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, and private bathroom with tub/shower combination. All staterooms include bathrobes, Elemis bath amenities, complimentary fresh fruit, flat-panel TV and DVD player, personal safe, telephone, and hair dryer.

Spa Stateroom Amenities: Yoga mats, iPod docking station, countertop water feature, exclusive spa treatments from the nearby Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

Square Footage: 169 - 267 sq ft

**********************************************

Enjoy,

Richard

Where did you find the tour file for download?

http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Activities.action?tabName=Art+Tours[/url]

Scroll down to locate Noordam.

We stayed at Hotel 1898 on La Rambla. Doesn't satisfy your shuttle option, but cabs are plentiful.

Comfortable hotel. Great city!

Many thanks for outlining various offers pertaining to the internet service.

Most helpful

Be well

You're very welcome, easyport.

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

Quick answer - Yes, but slower than you're used to on land, and can get expensive. Cabin WiFi connection less reliable than public hotspots (usually). Keeping your cabin door open will usually improve connectivity.

Here's the info from Holland America

Internet Access

Guests can connect to the internet via satellite link 24 hours a day, satellite conditions permitting on each ship in the Holland America Line fleet, either by accessing a 24/7 wireless connection "hotspot", or utilizing the resources of the Explorations Café or Internet Café located on board.

Wireless Internet Service

Each Holland America Line vessel offers wireless internet service in most public lounges throughout the ship. Guests may use their laptop computer or other wireless internet enable device to connect to the wireless internet service on board. IPhone and Android phone users will enjoy our easy-to-navigate mobile friendly login. Internet Plans vary in price to accommodate individual needs and are interchangeable between the private computer terminals available 24-hours a day in the Explorations Café and your wireless device.

Explorations Café or Internet Café Internet Service

The Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times offers a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can access the internet via the onboard computers or via your own wireless internet device, such as a laptop computer, iPad or iPhone.

Explorations Café or Internet Café pricing below is subject to change without prior notice. Please inquire on board for current prices.

One-time Activation Fee of $3.95 applies to each user.

Basic time charge $0.75 per minute, pay as you go, or purchase a Discounted Time Plan

250 minutes for $100.00, $0.40 per minute

100 minutes for $55.00, $0.55 per minute

Time Plan minutes can be used anytime throughout the cruise.

When I post a question and see that RuthC has responded I know that I will receive some very good information.

I really enjoy and learn a lot from reading her postings. Love CC

Ruth,

There are LOTS of us who are avid CC readers, but only occasional posters. We know whose opinions we can take on face value as accurate, unbiased, and clearly stated.

There are others, of course, whose contributions are excellent. All of you are very much appreciated.

Richard

GREAT DETAIL, WELL DONE. My brother-in-law took the same picture as your second picture, your is much better. lol

Have a chance to check out Graham Houghton free ebook, my post before yours.

Tom :cool:

Thanks, Tom.

Appreciate the feedback.

Richard

Thanks to the Jett's, here it is:

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/here/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Tamarind-Dinner-Menu.pdf

Enjoy!

Richard

(The source was faster than I was!)

It looks like you're 28-29 days before crusing. Here's the info from HAL's website:

Caribbean (except Rotterdam); Panama Canal; Mexico; Canada & New England; Pacific Coastal; Pacific Northwest; Alaska and Alaska CruiseTours; Europe (except Prinsendam Europe, 30+ day Transatlantic and segments of 30+ day Transatlantic) and 27-day or less Hawaii sailings

75–57 days before commencing travel: an amount equal to deposit requirement;

56–29 days before commencing travel: 50% of gross fare;

28–16 days before commencing travel: 75% of gross fare;

15 days or less before commencing travel: 100% of gross fare.

Given that the resale of cancelled space will likely result in a lost opportunity to sell other space, these fees are due regardless of resale. Fees incurred as a result of cancellation cannot be applied to future bookings. Refunds will normally be made to your travel professional.Travel professionals may impose their own cancellation fees. Agency fees of any nature are a matter to be decided on solely by the agency and guests.

***********************

We wish you all the best for good health.

Richard

This is a close-up from the Passion Façade of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Even a novice can take decent photos with this camera!

This flower was near the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Richard

We just returned from Celeb Equinox med cruise in October. Although we have been to the area several times, we chose to book our tour through Papillon Service. At our Livorno stop, we had time for Pisa, Florence, including Accademia, and a stop at a vineyard on the return, with wine, cheese tasting. We've used Papillon previously and toured with them in Rome this trip as well. Recommend without reservation for efficient use of your time in port.

Richard

Does anyone recall how late the Murano glass factories and shops are open? We'll be in Venice for an overnight in October and trying to get to Murano late in the first afternoon. We wouldn't want to waste a trip if they close early. Does anyone have a 'favorite'?

How about a favorite Venice restaurant for dinner?

Thanks for the help.

Richard

For our March 2014 Noordam cruise, HAL applied the $50 pp bev card. Retained FCC and amex plat OBC, but lost $37.50pp Mariner Appreciation OBC. No re-booking. Pretty much a wash (+$ 25).

Meclizine (chemical name) is also known as Bonine (OTC) and Antivert, and other brand names. It is available in 12.5mg, 25 mg, 50mg strengths.

The OTC and rx products are chemically identical as far as active ingredients.

Go figure!