Scallywag703

I cruised Hal Rotterdam in 1977 and 1978 loved that ship and taking a Hal cruise is a little bit like going back in time to 70's and 80's, which is good is some ways not that good in others

I was in Rotterdam last year and the fifth generation SS Rotterdam is parked there on the river as a hotel, refurbished to 1950s style. Fantastic.

I was on the Koningsdam in Norway last year and the ship was much brighter and had more food and entertainment venues than previous ships. In some ways looked like Celebrity, especially around the 2-level pool area, though much of the ship retained the classic Holland look. I've heard that many of the repeat cruisers don't like the "new-fangled" look and amenities of the ship, but cruisers on our sailing loved it.

My first Holland America cruise was part of an Alaska cruisetour about 20 years ago and I remember that in Alaska then they didn't want kids under 15. Now of course everyone has kids-oriented shore excursions. I would say it's not the most kid-friendly cruise line, so are there "get off my lawn" type cruisers there? Sure. But not everyone by any means. Lots of kids on the Koningsdam as it was summer and Amsterdam is a drive-market port in western Europe. Didn't see most of them until the last day when it was sunny enough to have the pool cover open and they were playing in the pool.

Pretty much everyone goes there now, but Holland and Princess still have the best infrastructure in Alaska. As others have said, the onboard service is top-notch - gracious would be a good word for it - and the food is outstanding. Nice size cabins. You will enjoy it.

Cruising on Crystal Cruises is a fantastic experience. If you are still interested in the Azamara sailing though, there is a Canadian Dollar promotion scheduled for Feb 22-29. Not sure if it will include this sailing but you may want to check it out.

Note insurance companies are not in the business of paying claims on illnesses you don't have yet, though this is a good reason to consider cancel-for-any-reason coverage when you are buying insurance. They are looking for the end product provider to waive restrictions - cruise lines, airlines, hotels. Those companies have their own commercial insurance to cover any losses (or not, up to them). This is why airlines and cruise lines have been the first to put out remedies for pregnant women, it's their product. Intermediaries like tour companies are waiting for resorts and other providers in the affected areas to set their policies, something that is not happening quickly.

I expect it was this service:

Hertz Terminal Drive Back

In a hurry and don't want to wait for the bus? Let Hertz take you directly to your terminal!

It's easy: Just bring your car to the Hertz Return Area, and a representative will deliver you and your luggage to the terminal for your flight. No worries or hassles!

Purchase Price only $20.00. (Varies by airport) Applied to your final rental charge by choosing “Select Now” below.

SELECT NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Act now this service is subject to availability.

This is not the courtesy transportation, it is a private car directly to your terminal for a fee. If you are in danger of missing a flight, or at an airport that is godawful for returns like MIA, I can see why some would pay it. But at FLL, the courtesy bus is quick and I don't know why renters would pay the additional. Did you get an email offering it? Or did the person handling the return prompt for it?

I just drove to Cape Liberty in a rental car and saw the signs on the turnpike saying Bayonne Bridge closed until 3pm (Wednesday). Then my Neverlost in the car told me to get off at exit 13 instead of 14A so I thought the bridge must be the one at exit 14. Nope. And then the detours sent me in circles. Thankfully it was just before 3pm so at the last detour loop before I was going to give up and go back to the turnpike the bridge opened.

So take 14A. There is some construction but it's fine. We left that way, just a bit of AM traffic congestion.

I agree about taking the coach, or even driving yourself. I love the train - Acela or regular service - but the downtown Newark station is a hefty taxi charge and the EWR airport station is a PITA. I wish they would offer a coach stop at Metropark; I believe it would be very popular.