oakridger

This itinerary is near the top of my "next cruise" list! Have fun John and I'll be reading along on this next adventure. Thanks for posting! ~Nancy

Happy day! Enjoy your trip and I will, as always be following along. I also had a heck of a time logging onto the internet on my laptop on Rotterdam. I ended up at the guest services after the lines were gone and could log on there, but not in my cabin! I ended up connecting intermittently through the 21-day cruise. I don't understand why the laptop had problems, but my iPhone had no problems at all. (When the internet itself was working anyway) Let the fun begin! ~Nancy

It looks that way based on what @philliesphanreported about the recent Grand Africa cruise. Thanks. ~Nancy

What is WN please?

Smart move @oldbluff!! Be careful driving in the Central Valley tomorrow. There may be some fog. ~Nancy

Possibly! I haven't heard or seen them called Formal Night in a while. Has anyone else here seen one called Formal within the last six months?

I think you misunderstood my comment. I was referring to Carnival Cruise Lines not HAL. HAL is owned by Carnival Corporation & PLC as are several other cruise lines such as Princess, Cunard, Seabourn, Aida, Costa, etc. "Carnival Corporation & plc provides travelers around the globe with extraordinary vacations at an exceptional value. The company’s portfolio of global cruise line brands includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard. Carnival Corporation also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon." ~Nancy

Never. They now have what are called "Dressy" nights. Approximately 2 per week (depends on length of cruise). ~Nancy

Guess what? Carnival Cruise Lines serves lobster tail on one dressy night and shrimp cocktail every night. No extra charge. That fact won't make me run out and book a cruise on them, but they are doing it. NEW Carnival Menus, Updated May 2022! · Prof. Cruise (profcruise.com) ~Nancy

@AFNavigatorthank you for posting your experience with the bathroom vent/AC!! I haven't had an AC problem on HAL but it ever I do, I'll check that vent first. I wonder how often this has happened, but no one (including the ship staff) thought to check that vent. Very useful information. ~Nancy

Westerdam doesn't have a dedicated CO dining room like the Pinnacle Class ships do. (Konningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam) You will eat in the MDR anyway with one additional entree choice. No other specialty meals are included with CO. As 5* you already have the priority embarkation and tendering. I'll let those that like to use CO for the cabin upgrade let you know the details about that. For me, I wouldn't get CO on non-Pinnacle ships. ~Nancy

They really ought to get the dancing "Maiden" a better wig!!! 😉 I loved the Flamsbana and scenery!

I don't know about calling but I booked online under "My Bookings" where you find all the info about your currently booked cruises. Very easy and quick! Remember to click on the "complimentary" box if using your HIA or it will charge you. ~Nancy

I have always been able to book specialty dinning when it becomes available to everyone even though I had only put down the required cruise deposit. ~Nancy.

Yes, but not in glass containers. From HAL website "Know Before You Go FAQ" Frequently Asked Cruise Questions - Know Before You Go (hollandamerica.com) "Plastic water bottles are not allowed. However, an allowance of six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less) or six (6) cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom. Any amount in excess of this allowance will be not be allowed onboard. Water in plastic bottles will not be allowed onboard in any quantity, including in ports of call." ~Nancy

Merry Christmas you two! (I'm not using your names because I don't know if you prefer to keep them private). I just love the pictures and can't wait to hear what happened latter in Costa Rica. We know about the tour group that got left behind, but I know that didn't happen to you! ~Nancy

Same to you Keith! You are up early as usual and I'm still up from today! I'm going to bed soon so hopefully Santa will stop by! ~Nancy

Thanks for sharing this! It shows that it sure takes a village to make the village! It's fun that they showed the video of this! Merry Christmas @RedneckBob and Happy Hanukkah to all the readers out there! ~Nancy

In Alaska, on Volendam June cruises tendering will likely not be used, so priority tendering isn't an issue. Really, the main difference I see is the breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill for Neptunes only. ~Nancy

I love the showers in the veranda cabins on Rotterdam! They are very large compared to other cruise ships I've sailed on. The water pressure was very good. The cabins are pretty standard size, but the balcony appears to be a bit larger than pictures (no firsthand experience) I've seen on Princess. There is a good amount of storage also. Have a look at Halfacts.com to see pictures from real cruisers. 6203 – Rotterdam | HAL Cruiser Information (halfacts.com ~Nancy

The Christmas flower arrangement you gave to your friends is very pretty! I was given three different arrangements on my HAL cruises this fall, and I thought all of them were very well done and the flowers were nice and fresh. ~Nancy

You can choose early or late set seating when you make the booking, if you want. Or you can have open seating and show up when you want. About making reservations on the app, it wasn't working when I was on Rotterdam in October/November but I think some people have said theirs worked on other ships. You can find out when you board.

Back to backs are wonderful!! The feeling of not having to leave after that first segment is total bliss! No need to be apprehensive. Gather your information, ask questions then enjoy! ~Nancy

I have been on two B2B Mexican Riviera trips from San Diego and both times the Immigration inspectors came on the ship and checked our passports in one of the small rooms on turn around day. It was great except for this night owl having to meet at 6:30 am was painful!! Luckily, I did get to go back for a nap after breakfast! I would love to go on one of the longer cruises that go to La Paz, etc. so I'm looking forward to hearing your experiences there. ~Nancy

I totally agree with @ATSEAMYLIFE! I don't use BART these days because of the safety issues. Too bad because I now have Senior fares and it's really cheap. Luggage on MUNI would be a huge hassle. Try not to go during weekday rush hour to reduce time/charges.