debcruising

Hi, I had a Total Knee Replacement mid-August and as my long-awaited NieuwAmsterdam 11/18 – 25 cruise approaches, I wanted to get feedback on the use ofan Electric Scooter on the ship. Booked in a Neptune Suite, so I know I will haveroom to store it.

My question is how easily it is to get around the ship with it. (Startedusing the scooter at work in April when the ACL gave out as I work in a large 3floor, 3 wing building. But I thought 3 months after surgery, the pain ofhealing would have subsided some and I could stop.) As a “local”, the scooter comes apart foreasy transport to PEG, which is a plus.

Can anyone let me know some “ins-and-outs” of scooter use on the ship?It will help me make up my mind to take it along or just “grin and bear it.” Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas.

Kate45, sure will. I had changed a few weeks ago to the NA instead of the Rotterdam cruise out of Tampa cruise. I'm 1/2 from Port Everglades and didn't really want to drive to Tampa right now.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

Thanks for your reply. I see that it is Dec 20th. - I had tried to look it up before I asked -- then found it.

COPIED AND PASTED:

Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

Dates: December 20, 2017

Details: Refurbishments possibly include replacing Explorers Lounge with Lincoln Center Stage; replacing Northern Lights Bar with the Gallery (Arts) Bar and doing away with the traditional piano bar (replacing it with with "Billboard Onboard.") Parts of the casino will be touched as well the spa and some other public areas. Suite upgrades and improvements will include new furniture, modern fixtures and new carpeting. Crow's Nest lounge will transform to become a new, interactive trip-planning and enrichment center called Explorations Central.

Hi, I have been reading about the recent remodeled Westerdam and wondered if the NA has had her "Face Lift" yet. I sail on 11/18 on NA and want to know what to expect.

There are three phases in the cycle of Domestic Violence and it does not happen overnight:

•Tension building phase—Tension builds over common domestic issues like money, children or jobs. Verbal abuse begins. ...

•Acute battering episode—When the tension peaks, the physical violence begins. ...

•The honeymoon phase—First, the abuser is ashamed of his behavior.

and then it sadly repeats itself.

In reading this story in the Daily Mail - which tends to sensationalize the news but they do give a lot of information. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4734962/Federal-authorities-announce-charges-cruise-ship-death.html

It is very heartbreaking to hear about the women's death, her name, photo, job info and photos of her three children and husband.

What is sickening is the reaction of some of the passengers - Such as "Passengers were kept aboard the ship for much of the day Wednesday, prompting some grumbling," and "My kids were so bored.."

A sad commentary on our times.

Hi, in reading this thread about the Libraries. I have to ask - does Rotterdam still have its library? I'm sailing in November and it is my "go to" place!! Thanks!

Great, thanks for the quick reply. I wanted to make sure I "'Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain" like in the Wizard of Oz!

Hi, I just booked a P3 Penthouse on Caribe Deck on Grand to Hawaii for 3 people. I'll be on the couch. Is there a separate entry from the seating area to the bath, or do I have to "invade the space behind the curtain" to get to the bathroom? When I went to Princess website - the big disclaimer on room diagram about "not being it" made me wonder, so I'm asking here!! Thanks in advance for the info!

On the 11/16/15 Oosterdam 11 day sailing, they had the first "T Shirt Sale" on the 3rd day (a sea day) on the Lido Deck. They had a wide range of Caribbean and South Pacific designs and some in women and children sizes. They even had some Men's 2XL and a lot of 3XL shirts in some of the designs.

Question 1 - I did not get my 2 Star Mariner Discount on my Lido Desk and in-Shop purchases. Does one have to remind the sales person as they didn't end show the discount automatically.

Quest 2 - Do they also have T Shirt sales early on the Transatlantic Eastbound? If they do, then I can pack less!

Thanks for reading (and responding) -- Debcruising

11 Days, not too far off. Maybe the Upsell Fairy will stop by. Let us know what cabin you were assigned and have a WONDERFUL Cruise!

Hi, I was deciding between two March 2016 TA trips from Port Everglades on either the Oosterdam, 3/21 to Rome or the Eurodam, 3/27 to Barcelona. My HAL PCC quoted me the following one way flights, referred to "Flexible Fares."

Barcelona to MIA, British Air nonstop economy for $478.08

OR

Rome to FLL, American Airlines, economy - Rome to Philly, then PHL to FLL cost was $539.92. (Non stops from Rome to MIA are available and are less expensive, but I didn't save that quote.)

Hope this helps out. (I chose the E'dam cruise as it leaves Easter Sunday, instead of the O'dam which sails during Lent.)

Keep Calm and Sail On

Debcruising

Thank you everyone! The cruise is 7 days away and since I live 25 miles from Port Everglades, I want to drive down there TODAY and get in line!! Too soon???! :eek:

Fellow Oosterdam cruisers, have a GREAT trip! :):)

ps - I received my Stateroom 13 days out. Booked VF guarantee, received VB. Oh Happy Days!

--Debcruiser

Hi!! Will you please put me down for the Nov 16th Oosterdam Southern Caribbean Wayfarer. It's 13 days away, booked VF Guarantee and still waiting for my stateroom assignment (insert anxiousness here)

-- Keep Calm and Cruise On -- Deb

Have a WONDERFUL cruise!!!

Debcruising

DebCruising. My daughter and I will bring you some snacks while you are in the hydra pool if you would like. Will be sailing with you on the Oosterdam. :)

Why thank you MrsCopper, that is very sweet of you. Don't forget you can use your Ice Bucket Tray from your room, since there are no trays in the Lido. :D

Oh, have you gotten your stateroom assignment yet? My friend and I booked a VF Guar and so far have not even been offered an "Upswell" (as I once mis-typed to my HAL PCC and have been using ever since.) The 11 Day off the beaten track Itinerary must be a popular one.

Thanks!! Deb

Cheaper to book on board. They will refund you the difference on board if you booked on line at the higher price.

So glad I read the follow up on the Thermal Spa Package that I paid $499 for two people. I will make sure I get to the Spa on the first day to get the reduced price. Thank the poster who clarified this. I just love cruising and all the helpful HAL posters.

Keep Calm and Cruise On -- Deb

Hi again! Thanks for the quick reply. The Spa Retreat sounds so delicious! I just called HAL Ships Services and signed me and my travel companion up for it. Cost was $499 for two of us for the 11 days. Now, my roommate said, if one could just order Room Service to deliver to the Spa, we can call it Nirvana!! (The feeling, not the grunge group!)

Hi, sounds like you had a GREAT time on the Oosterdam! (who wouldn't?)

I am booked on the Nov 16th Oosterdam trip and 20 days away, the excitement is building.

Can you elaborate on the $249 Spa Package you purchased on the first day?

Exactly what does that include? I checked the HAL Brochure and it didn't really say. THANKS in advance for your reply!

Hi, Veendam will be in Dry Dock 04/14 - 04/21. How can I found out what changes are being done? Is there a way to find out?

I have booked the Veendam after the drydock and would like to know.

Thanks in advance, Fellow HAL cruisers!!

Here is an article posted today from the Sun Sentinel, the Ft. Lauderdale newspaper website and an interesting comment from a passenger who was on the cruise.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-coast-guard-ends-cruise-ship-passenger-search-20121201,0,2385711.story