shippmates

Remember when checking for price drops check what amenities you already have and what are available on the new pricing. If they are different, you will lose the one you have and get the new ones. Make sure the price drop is worth it. I have checked many price drops and I would lose so much if I changed my price.

When I have been on QM2, we meet in the Carintha Lounge everyday at 3PM. It was listed in the program for every sea day. We had knitters, crocheters, cross stitchers and women who just wanted to see what we were doing. We had a great time meeting and getting to know everyone. The one TA we had an young gentlemen come and join our group just because he wanted to talk to us and to get away from some of the kids on the sailing. Cunard did not have a host for this group but they did reserve several tables for our group. If you are on the ship and see us crafting, please stop by and chat awhile.

It is never too early to book a cruise. As many have said you can call and have your booking refared if it is less than what you paid. Just take into account, when you refare you get the amenities that are available at that time. If you booked when they were offering an onboard credit and that onboard credit is not offered or is less than what you have you could lose all your original amenities and get what is being offered at the time of refare. Just something to think about.

I have had them 2 times on deck 5 for my TA's. The cabin was nice and I was able to use the balcony during some rainy weather without getting wet. The only thing I did not care for is you can not see the water when you sit down. I would bring the cushions from the cabin and sit on them, it would help a little. I enjoy the added daylight in the cabin and love to watch the sunset from there.

I recommend either a Capital One or Discover Card for travel. Neither charge a foreign transaction fee and have no annual fee. I take the cash back option and safe it until a nice amount and use it to pay for my cruises. Discover rewards can be used on Amazon and Amazon gives you a bonus for using the cash reward option.

I am sorry about your issue but I do not think the $1 deposit sale had anything to do with your not getting a handicap cabin. There are so few cabins available on the ships that if they are not booked as soon as the itinerary is release they are not available. I had friends that were on a waitlist for a handicap accessible cabin for 1 year on another cruise line and never did get a cabin on that sailing.

Loreto, I am so sorry I have been reading so many responses that I got you confused with JesterWA. Congratulations on your 54 years. JesterWA I am sorry for the loss of your husband. Hope you enjoy your cruise.

Loreto That was on the Queen Mary 2. Have not sailed solo on Holland America. If you are traveling with friends or other singles, you can cross reference the bookings and you will be seated at the same dining table. I am sorry about the loss of your husband and I know what you are adjusting to as I lost my husband of 50 years in 2021 very suddenly. I am on the Rotterdam in October and wondering how they do with solo cruisers.

Loreto, I am also sailing on the 42 day Atlantic Adventurer as a solo. This will be my 4th solo sailing buy by far the longest. I have always requested fixed early dining due to some dietary issues. I am hoping Holland does a good job with matching table mates. I am usually but with a table of mostly solo cruisers about the same age. I have always been happy with them and have enjoyed dinner every night.

No thank you I will just return on the QM2.

I am sure it startling to awoken by that noise, but maintenance must be done even when the ship is sailing. I know this sounds harsh but sometimes this kind of thinking is why the young people and kids feel they are owed something for every issue that occurs.

We used DHL to ship our luggage to the ship. It was in our cabin when we arrived on the ship. The only disadvantage is they have to pick your luggage up 7 days before you board the ship.

Hope you can figure out how to take your formal wear as you would miss out on many things on the ship due to the dress code. Enjoy your voyage.

I have never gotten a beverage package and trying to figure out if it is included in my price. When booking I got the notice that it was included but when I look at my booking summary it does not list it.

I just booked the 42 day cruise on the Volendam for November 2024 for $1.00. It gives me a little time to think about it and I have a cabin that I like. Good luck everyone.

Many years ago when we cruised on the Maasdam one of the flavors of the day was Coconut ice cream. It was yummy and had lots of coconut. Have you seen the coconut ice cream.

You can never have too many cruises booked. I am of the mindset once a cruise is completed you must book another one to take its place.

Steve4031 the next time you book a sailing make sure you tell the cruise line about your dietary needs and they will be aware of that when you board the ship. The crew take wonderful care of me with my dietary needs. So glad you are enjoying your adventure.

MrsPeel55 you would not be disappointed if you changed your itinerary and did a TA's. To really get a great feel and experience do a roundtrip TA from Southampton.

It sounds like HAL does a great job with this. My husband's last wish was also to be buried at sea on our 50th wedding anniversary celebration on the Queen Mary 2. It was very hard but Cunard and the Captain made it a wonderful celebration of our love for each other and our love with the ocean. The Captain had a beautiful memorial service along with several bouquets of flowers. I had picked a biodegradable urn at the time of his cremation. It was so fitting it was a sun setting on the ocean. Cunard gave me a copy of the service and also a certificate as to where the burial took place. This also was at no charge to me. You will be glad you did what your husband wanted. So sorry for your loss.

We also have many memories from our many cruises. The beautiful ocean, the different countries, the wonderful friends we made over the years and especially the one I still see. I am still making memories but of a different sort. I still have the memories of the cruises with my husband and now I am making memories on my solo cruises. Enjoy life's journey and make lots and lots of memories with family and friend.

Enjoy your first crossing. We did our first crossing back in 2008 and did not do another until 2022. I am hooked and have my third roundtrip crossing booked. Looking forward to hearing about your sailing. Good job on the tux. The piano player is the commodore club is very good. I would listen to him most nights after the shows.

So sorry for your loss. I lost my husband of 50 years 18 months ago. We had a TA on the Queen Mary 2 to celebrate this milestone and he made me promise I would go on this trip. I did go 8 months after his passing because I had promised him I would and he wanted to be buried at sea. It was very hard but I met some wonderful people who were so understanding and helped me with this process. I have since sailed on 3 more solo cruises and have several more booked. We loved to cruise many times a year so I continue that only going to Europe instead of the Caribbean. You will know when you are ready.

Cunard has onboard lecturers on their sailing. I have done several TA's from NYC to Europe and they have been so enjoyable. They have a few oceanview solo cabins that are very nice. They have live music all over the ship everyday and ballroom dancing in the Queens Room. They also serve a tea every afternoon that is an experience you must do at least once.

Cunard does a great job with solo and dining tables. When you have fixed dining, they try and put you at a table with all solo travelers. You have the option to share a table or sit by yourself in the main dining room for breakfast and lunch. I try to avoid the buffet as I have found it hard to find a table to share with anyone.