RuthC

I believe the one with the ships listed by name is older. I have several of those, but they were much, much older ships listed, that have not been around in decades. IIRC, the names were replaced with the 'Holland America' so HAL wouldn't have to keep designing/replacing the bags so often. This was in the days when the four S-class, followed by the four R-class were coming out in quick succession.

I would sail her with no hesitation. Category for category, her cabins are larger than each successive newer class of ship. I can comfortably stay in an inside on the R-class ships, while needing to go to a Vista to get decent room on a Pinnacle class. The ship, being smaller, is easier to get around easily; there's no need to pack a snack to go back to your cabin for something you forgot. You will meet the same people over again, as there are fewer passengers than the larger ships, and can get to know them better than on larger ships. The crew gets to know you, what you like and how you like it. No need to keep saying the same thing over and over again just to get your drink the way you like it. Service is excellent. There is plenty of outdoor deck space from which to enjoy the sea. Lots of port days on that itinerary, with fewer people to get off and on the ship. MUCH easier than the larger ships. Just because the Volendam is older than some of the other ships in the fleet does not mean she can't offer a good cruise.

How nice for you that you found a line you like. For some of us, though, sailing Oceania also means putting up with the rest of what sailing on them means. No thanks. Once was enough. I'll find my musical entertainment elsewhere.

Like others who know about cruising and the PVSA, I have no sympathy for the woman. What I don't like is that she published her rant, and people who don't know about cruising, or the law, will feel some sympathy for her. She is misleading people who don't know any better---which amounts to a lie. I can't tolerate lying.

I see most of your other questions have been answered, but didn't see an answer to the question about decaf coffee. Yes, decaf is always available in the Lido. It is also available in the dining room at meals served there. I don't recall I ever ordered it in the specialty restaurants, but can't believe it isn't available. The problem with coffee is getting light cream or half & half to put in it. Even if you ask specifically for one of those, you are likely to just get milk. Ick. So, unless you want milk in your coffee, be very specific about asking. Or, drink it black.

Which is funny, since Greenland is actually on the North American continent, so it isn't exactly by 'different continent', either. Iceland is on both the North American and European continents. 'Distant' is what the government decides it is.

'Bigger' isn't necessarily 'better' when it comes to how smooth the sailing is. It can depend on the cut of the hull, the wind direction, and the direction of the sea movement. To some extent, the larger ships, if at the wrong angle to the wind, can act as sails by catching the wind and rolling more than the smaller ships do.

Actually, it has to do with 'by definition'. The government makes rules, then defines the terms used in the rules. Those terms don't always have to make sense. I worked for the government long enough to learn how to just go with the flow. Fewer headaches that way.

The disabled are allowed to bring an attendant to assist them in boarding.

A round trip merely requires a foreign port; it does not have to be a distant foreign port. The original question was about a cruise from San Diego to Vancouver to Seattle. Those start/end ports are not a round trip.

The Volendam has larger cabins, in comparable categories, than the Zuiderdam (currently being used for this year's World Cruise) has. It is also true that there is more storage in the various cabin categories. Last year, World Cruisers on the Zuiderdam had a hard time storing all the things they need for a complete World Cruise. This year, the Hotel Manager ordered some additional portable stacks of drawers to help alleviate the storage problem, but not all cabins have room for them, and there aren't enough for every cabin. Storage matters a lot on the World Cruise, as there are formal nights in addition to the customary dressy and smart casual nights. There are also special events, such as balls, costume parties, and of course there is Orange Night. I encourage you to read The Inside Cabin's blog of the cruise, and there is also an excellent one by Writer On Deck. I also read a couple of others that are not posted to Cruise Critic, but could be also be helpful. One of them is very thorough, by John & Sharon Good. Perhaps you can locate it with a search; I get it by email, so don't have the URL for you.

Thanks, yes! Those are the right words that I could no longer remember: Bras d'Or Lake and Baddeck. It was a lovely day. The ride out and back wasn't too far, either. If I ever get back to Sydney, then I want to go to the Fort.

On one of my trips there I took a HAL tour that included a sailing vessel out on a lake, quite a distance from town. It was so long ago that I really don't remember too much about it, other than it was a gorgeous day, perfect for sailing, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I believe it was out near the Bell Museum. On another stop I went to a cultural presentation in the shopping center right across from where the ship docks. There was a song and dance show particular to the area. Again, very enjoyable time. I had plenty of time for looking at the shops downstairs afterwards, and was able to chat with some of the natives. THAT part of the day was especially great! Very friendly, knowledgeable people who loved to talk about the history and life there. There are also some vendor stalls outside the building, if either you or your mom like shopping. The last time I was there I just drove around a little on my scooter, and got into downtown, which I found a bit overwhelming driving in. Can't help you there. I like the port, though. It's quaint.

She is, IIRC. It's been a long time since I sailed on the Zaandam. You don't have to be in connecting cabins to have balconies that open. That's how the cleaning people get through.

Exactly as Sea42 explained. I would be speaking to someone at the Front Desk about it, which is what I meant by being 'proactive'. IF you will have the actual 100 days during the cruise, you should be sure you are on the list to get your medallion on that cruise.

So long as you are counting true 'heads in beds' days, you should. Which doesn't necessarily mean you will unless you are proactive about it. If I were you, I would be asking about how your copper medallion will be delivered to you on that cruise---placed in your cabin, or presented at a ceremony. That will at least open the door to a conversation that you should get your medallion on that cruise.

Hope they work out well for you, and you have a great cruise. Packing shoe clips was one of my better ideas over the travel years! A LOT less weight than extra pairs of shoes.

How I loved sailing on Royal Viking, and wish they were still in business today. I didn't appreciate them enough when I sailed on the Royal Viking Sea, but sure do now. I miss them to this day.

Not only does it count, if we are vying to see which poster first sailed longest, you may just be the winner!

If I'm going away to a generally warm weather area (not hot), I will take 5-6 dresses for evening, plus a couple of cocktail dresses for dressy nights. One pair of low-heeled pumps to go with all the evening clothes, plus stockings, and a slip. Add in 5-6 pair of shoe clips to make the pumps look a little different with each dress. Repeat outfits as often as necessary. I'll take another 5-6 sundresses for daytime, with slip-on walking shoes, and undies. One pair of slacks with maybe two tops to wear boarding tenders. All of this fits in one suitcase, along with a jacket for cooler days/nights, for as many as 39 days. For a shorter trip (14-25 days), I take less, of course. The trick is bringing very lightweight fabrics. For cool/cold weather destinations, I swap out the dresses for another pair of slacks (or two), and swap the T-tops for sweatshirts.

Yes, the laundry package can be purchased when you use it the first time.

My first cruise! (we weren't on the same cruise, though. we compared notes once before on this.)

Yes. I always shower and change for dinner. This is especially necessary when sailing in a warmer climate.

Yippee! I am happy for you, that (as of now, at least) you feel well enough to do this long cruise. And I am happy for those of us who can't take the cruise that you will be reporting on it! (it's the next best thing to being there.)

1978. Does it matter?