WeissGal

What does VA, VB and VC mean?

What is the cost of the unlimited beverage package? We are looking at a 7 day cruise to Canada. Thanks!

When we sailed her in September, I remember there being USB outlets next to the bed. I had to use a CPAP and requested an extension cord but the closest electrical outlet was next to the Verandah door on the shelf where the TV used to sit.

How did you plug in your CPAP? I put in a request with HAL about this but am concerned that my husband will not be able to use his.

Sorry I guess I should have titled this Westerdam Questions!

I am new to blogging and I get confused with all the different threads here. :halo:

In addition to my magnet question. We are cruising Alaska in 3 weeks.

Is it worth it to rent a family cabana for the Glacier Bay day at sea? It seems it would be just as cold as standing anywhere else on the deck but I like having a reserved space for viewing? Are the views good from there?

What is the Explorer Lounge?

I see there is an additional cost but what do I get for my money? How much is it?

I have magnetic hooks which should hold up to 18 lbs. Will these work on the walls on this ship? I have read that some ships need very strong magnets to stay on the wall and hold anything.

On an Alaskan cruise, there's lots to do. Generally there are few sea days and there are more port stops. If the 18 and 21 year olds are willing to be adventuresome, there's no end of things to do in the ports. If you provide your port stops, I could suggest activities to consider. On the ship, there's sightseeing, swimming, exercising, lectures, trivia of all types, stage shows, music, late night music if that is of interest.

 

As for us, we're a couple in our early 70's and our 15 year old granddaughter could not keep up with us while we were on an Asia cruise last year. I wouldn't begin to characterize the ships as "floating nursing homes" although the clientele are generally more mature in age. On the Alaskan cruises, the average age definitely drops.

 

Tim

Thank you! That is exactly what I wanted to hear!

I keep running across posts on other threads about the typical passenger on Holland America cruises. This morning I saw one that referred to HAL ships as "floating nursing homes". DH and I are retired and in our early 70's. We'd rather tour and attend lectures than stay up late for the disco. We're too old to burn the candle at both ends, but we're not escapees from a nursing home.:evilsmile: Would we fit in?

My family of 7 are cruising to Alaska in June. My 18 and 21 yo are with us. Will there be anything for them to do? A "floating nursing home" doesn't sound good.

Contact HAL's Special Needs Department. Most lines will provide an extension cord and distilled water for CPAP.

I filled out a form yesterday. If I have time later today I will follow up with a phone call.

Thanks for the help!

Thank you all for your replies. It appears I need to call Ship Services at HAL. My husband must use his CPAP, it is good for both of us!!!

I just left the Westerdam after a fantastic week in Alaska. I generally worn dressy white jeans with a dressy top, including Gala nights. On the last night I wore nicer jeans with a dressy top. You really saw it all in the MDR.

Thank you! This is what I was hoping for as with also spending time in Seattle (I am imagining that it will be warmer) I am not sure how to pack!

I am so excited about this trip, I can hardly sit still!

I have my signatures off and the thread is 100 pages long! Love love everything in here. Lots of great ideas and advice.

Thanks everyone!

How does one turn off the signatures?

Not sure of the dress code. We are a very casual family and don't dress up much and with this being an Alaska cruise with hiking, etc. we are packing mostly jeans, a pair of khakis and collared shirt for the men and dress pants with nice top for the women--which I understand would be OK for gala night(?).

Can we wear jeans to dinner? I am trying not to pack too much as we are already going to be gone for two weeks and for several different climates. I find this a complicated trip to pack!

Thanks!

I've been reading the very long (127 pages so far beginning from 2009!) but very useful thread for new cruisers called "I wish I knew before" https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=56064428#post56064428

Many suggest that folks pack a power strip and an extension cord to use in their room. The reasoning seems good especially considering my husband uses a CPAP machine and will need access to an outlet.

In one of the 2013 posts someone said that a power strip was confiscated from the luggage.

1. Does the cruise open and search your luggage?

2. Does HAL allow the use of the power strip?

3. If not, can we borrow one so we can use it for the CPAP machine?

We are sailing on the Westerdam in Alaska in June!

You may not want to bring a power strip. A lady we cruised with this year had hers confiscated, making her luggage late to her room. Instead of a power strip, get an outlet plug that's smaller in size and has place for two more plugs.

 

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Forums mobile app

Loving this thread! I have a entire list of things to bring!

With respect to the power strip, are they allowed or are they not? My husband has a CPAP machine and of course we need to charge phones (for photos) and batteries for the proper camera!

I am cruising on HAL this June for an Alaska cruise and none of the 7 of us has been on a cruise before.

With respect to threads on Internet packages on the Westerdam. I just called ship services and they gave me the following prices:

Social (only access to social media sites like Facebook) $14.99/day or $69.99/wk

Surfing (same as social but one can surf other sites like email, news, etc.) $24.99/day or $99.99/wk

Premium (all of the above but one can stream video) $29.99/day or $139.99/wk

Only one person at a time can use it.

from my desktop...

 

HollandAmerica.com>The Experience>Our Ships>ShipName>Scroll Down to Deck Plans

I don't see anything like Deck Plans, just activities and find a cruise.

Thank you! That was actually my next question. I am going to call HAL and ask them the difference between the plain old $250 card and the signature beverage card, other than the price!

I believe it's $299/pp or $499 per couple. Go to the spa upon boarding when they have them on offer.

Is this in addition to any treatments you might want to get?

Be aware that the Beverage Card comes in $50, $100, and $250 denominations. Some of the bars don't have all 3 of these, but they can be obtained, usually, at high traffic bars, i.e. Ocean Bar.

 

I use it for the same reason as others have said. One does not need to save the charge slips, using the Card avoids cluttering the final bill, and any amount not used on the Card is refunded as a credit on your final bill. For me, using it is a no-brainer. Obtaining one is among the initial things I do upon embarkation.

I now have a question, please forgive my ignorance, I've never cruised before. I'll be on HAL Westerdam in Alaska in a month.

What is the difference between purchasing the more expensive Signature Beverage Package and the $100 Beverage Card? The description for the Beverage Card says it includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Are there restrictions to using the beverage card?

The printed boarding pass is like your tickat to get on the ship. You will need that, plus proper identification. You will also print out luggage tags. These will have your name and cabin number on them so your luggage gets to the right place. You fold them up and put them on your luggage, but if you are flying to port wait til you get there to put them on. When you check in you will be issued a plastic card. This will be your room key, your onboard charge card, and your ship ID for getting off and on the ship

Thank you! That is exactly what I wanted to know!!

Thanks. I am not sure I know how to do that, this site has a lot of info and I find it very confusing. However, I am taking an Alaskan cruise on Holland American June 17th, if that helps.

New to cruising.

I understand that I will print out the boarding pass. Is this the same or separate from what I need to put on my luggage? I am planning to purchase some luggage tags for cruises.

I also understand that I have to take my boarding pass with me when I get on and off the ship. Again, is this a separate document If so, what is the best way to preserve it so it doesn't get wet, etc.?

Sorry I know these must seem like stupid questions but I have 7 people in my group and not one of us has been on a cruise. I am trying to keep us organized!

Unable to contact the server. Please try again later.

As of 12:19 pm East Coast. I am trying to log into the itinerary for my cruise. This seems to be a common occurrence with this site.

Again, the HAL Website is useless. I tried to log in and I get Unable to contact the server. Please try again later.

another question? Is there an additional fee for room service?