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cruising Katie

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Everything posted by cruising Katie

  1. Enjoy your trip, my trip is already on your list. I hope your pain levels are down and you can enjoy all the cruise has to offer. Ivan will miss you but your neighbour will make up for your being away with toys and treats I am sure. take care Kate
  2. I was on the Noordam 2022 Circumnavigation and it was amazing. Every stop was so interesting and fun. Of course the heat was something you had to beware of. In Broome it was over 100F, and when I returned to the ship, a cool shower was needed. We missed Komodo Is. due to some ship mix up. In Freemantle I got off the ship, walked along the dock to the ticket office, and took a ferry to Rotte Is. Most amazing day. The quakas (little marsupables ) not rats, everywhere and so cute. Bus trip around island and only wished I could have stayed longer to try out fabulous snorkeling sites. You see more of Australia than locals. Kate (please excuse my spelling, no coffee this morning yet)
  3. I have not been able to get any emails from Cruise Critic since Friday? Is there something wrong with their site? anyone else having the same problem Kate
  4. I was on the Noordam last year for 69 days, on 8th deck. It took me the whole trip to get used to the chairs, trolly's, food carts and staff every early morning and late evening. We had several nights of rough weather and although I was not sick, woke next mornings, to find ipad, stuff on the floor after a good rock and rolling. Will never take that deck again.
  5. In Ontario, in Major Cities, we have currency exchanges. If they don't have what you want for whatever country, they can order, only takes a few days. You can return any paper money, for a refund, but no coins. I always ask my cabin staff if the South Pacific is their regular route and if so, leave coins for them, along with extra tip. They are so amazing. Only big stores will take Credit cards, and in places, it is just locals, selling their crafts. Kate
  6. Roy, I am lerker and sometimes poster. I have enjoyed for many years your posts. Your wealth of world information, photo's and of course your menu selections have been one of the many reasons I continue to read CC every day. Part of my morning routine, coffee, toast and CC. Your latest illness on cruise was quite a concern to many of us, and your recent prostate treatments. Please continue if you can, to post, we all love your sunrises and sunsets.too. Kate
  7. I am sorry for your loss. I have been widowed for 18 years,, and some things never get better. I started solo cruising on smaller ships, Azamara and Emerald River Cruises. I loved the size and the number of cruisers. Once I had a few under my belt I tried bigger ships, like Hollands. I am not into the glitz and glam of other lines ships, and prefer the elegance and familiarity of Holland. I have made wonderful friends over the years, and cherish them all. I have found that when dining in the MDR I always ask for a 6 person table with others. Each night is fun, meeting new people, and by the end of the cruise you have another great bunch of new friends. A table of 8 is a little too big, harder to talk across. Holland ships have lots of quiet places to be alone if you want to be or your stateroom can be a haven for sad memories. Kate
  8. I agree with Crystalspin, I have always used the same PCC and as a 4 * now would never consider a TA. She always calls me back if I email her. She gets me the best price, with the best credits and bonus's. Sorry you have had an unfortunate experience. They to me, have been a wonderful company to deal with, when I have had the occasional issue. I hope it works out for you. Kate
  9. Hi Jacqui Could you please add me to the list for July 20 24 to Aug. 24 24 35 Day Voyage of the Vikings. So looking forward to this trip, There are a number of stops I have not been too. Hope volcanic eruptions and repair to their infra-structure in Iceland allows us to travel there. Thanks for all you do, big hugs to Ivan. He seems such a gift to you and your hard work. Cruising Katie
  10. Hi Jacqui Please add me to the list, already there, for the July 20 - Aug 24 35 days Voyage of the Vikings. Looking forward to many ports i have not been to. Hope Iceland is still able to accept travelers, after all the volcanic disruptions. May you find this difficult holiday season gives you some peace and good memories. I too have my sad times, even 18 years later. Thanking all who report, share and all those wonderful photos. Take care Kate
  11. I used wheelchair assisted boarding last year, after knee surgery. I was thankful I had requested it, as it is a big warehouse sort of setup and long lines. You can only use the port wheelchairs, and there was not many. They take you to the ship and then have to wait to get assistance and a Holland wheelchair. It took quite a long time to board, but maybe standing in line would have taken quite some time too? Kate
  12. I guess no one uses the library on the Zuiderdam? I am also interested in this topic, as I am on this ship July 20th to August 24th. I am an avid reader, and really don't like my kindle. On last years trip, South Pacific and circumnavigation of Australia. I checked out Nordams library each day, and had enough to read. Kate
  13. I am also one, that hopes I will be long gone before this type of ship goes under the name of Holland America. The whole reason I have been sticking with Holland, is I love the smell of the wood, no glitz and glam, just a beautiful sailing vessel. Kate
  14. This August, I took my 12 year old grandson on the Volendam to Alaska. We had a great time, Had wonderful weather everyday, quite hot for Alaska. In Juneau we went whale watching in the morning, then to Mendenhall glacier. The trip was a great experience for both of us. I have three other grandchildren who are checking out the Holland web sites to see where they will get to go? Take care and stay safe Kate
  15. was just at Mendenhall glacier this August, this option of an ice cave was not available for us? They had a huge storm a few days after we were there, the Mendenhall lake flooded, and river overflowed going down to the town Juneau. We were lucky to miss it.
  16. , Like Jacquie in New Brunswick, I too, because of loosing my husband, travel alone. I will never take a cruise in a single inside cabin. Life is too short, and as long as I can afford to, I will be in a balcony room. I spent 69 days in my signature suite last year on the Noordam and did not regret one penny. (even the 6 days of quarantine with covid) I am always sure my cabin stewards are not short any tip money. I have been on other cruise lines, with some sort of single reduction, but find in the end it is the itinerary. I have just returned from an 8 day Alaska trip with my 12 yr old grandson. We had a blast, and my first double occupancy in many years. But single travelling is not scary and I meet the most amazing people. Kate, Newmarket, Ontario
  17. @kazu Hope Ivan is feeling better, our fur babies, no matter how long they have been with us need our love and support. Thanks for the lovely statement about widows. How true Since Jerry my cat passed away, I could not stand the quietness in the house, no one to talk to. So I have adopted 2 rescues. Should have looked into the rescue team a bit more. I especially asked for a rescue but not any feral cats. Poppy is lovely, loving and sweet, however is being stalked, chased etc. by Blossom. Rescue team gave me a false story about her, and since taking her to my vet found out her age is different, and she has a heart murmer. Left off this information from vet that did the spay, as it would make the adoption harder for her. I would never give her back, Blossom is part of the family now. Hope with love and attention she will be better and be best friend to Poppy. take care Kate
  18. RIP Fluff Others will meet her over the rainbow bridge. sorry for your loss Kate
  19. I spent 69 days on the Noordam in a Signature suite on deck 8. To say that I got used to the noises from above would be a lie. Early morning clatter of dishs/glasses, chairs being pulled out and in. The evenings were just as bad with trolleys back and forth. I tried to change suites but all was booked. I just learned to live with it. I put the tv on a little loader and the music station. Never will go on that deck again.
  20. I was signed up to go to this luau on 69 day trip last year, however was cancelled, no reason given, but perhaps covid related. I was disappointed as no replacement was offered. HAL did have local dancers and singers on board as we toured through the islands, which performed in various venues.
  21. Hi may your surgery go well today, and not too painful recovery. I hope your trial with new dog goes well. (toys look good) He seems like a good match and will give you lots of love. A little distraction for anniversary of your dear husbands passing. After loosing my cat Jerry a number of weeks ago, I have put in an application for a new kitten (or 2) at our local rescue. House is too quiet. Take care and stay strong. My best wishes for those on the care list, and celebration list. Kate
  22. It is the Volendam, Vancouver to Alaska and then back down to Vancouver, After pouring over the tours we decided on Glacier and whale sightings, White train and BBQ and the Lumberjack show and crab fest. Funny, a friend of his had gone on a celebrity cruise March Break, and said he had lots of fun, and Logan was just going on an educational cruise. Logan spoke up and said "you don't know my Nana, my trip is going to be fun and educational." Thanks for listing us. Kate
  23. Hi Jacqui Myself and my 12 year old grandson Logan going on Volendam Aug. 2 - 9 2023, Our first trip together, and very excited. Please add our names to your list. thanks Kate
  24. I was on the Noordam 2022 for the Pacific/Australia 69 day trip. Moorea port was a wash out. It rained the whole time. A number of CC snorkelers had booked a private tour months before, and we were picked up by our guide, taken to his home and we got on his speed boat to try and outrun the storm. Although we stayed out for quite some time, rocking and crashing through the waves, we never got to snorkel. We all gave him gas money. Very disappointed. I was the only one that got in the ocean, I fell off the back of the boat, getting in. Kate
  25. I was last year on the Grand Voyage Pacific and around Australia. Geraldton was one of our ports. It was a lovely, hot sunny day. I took the shuttle into town, and then onto a hop on hop off bus. Our bus driver was a stand in, as the town was not prepared to have so many visitors. He was not a very good driver, and side swiped a parked car. There was considerable damage, and he just yelled at us to get off, and drove off. Leaving us on the sidewalk. Another bus came along and we continued our tour of lovely Geraldton. It was a steep trek to the war memorial and glad I was on the bus. The whole town was lovely and well worth a visit. Kate
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