MoeMoe55

can I really carry on Diet Coke in my carry on? I’m bringing two bottles of wine but I thought I read somewhere that I could bring drinks....thanks, we board tomorrow!

Thanks KK, I knew about the dry dock but never really thought about it taking more time for the crew to get the ship ready, makes total sense so I better follow the rules....missing one lunch won’t hurt us on this long cruise!

It’s the Panama Canal out of Fort Lauderdale on April 18. I’m thinking of just ignoring the message and arriving around 11.

I should have included the full message. Looks like they don’t want us there before 1:00at the earliest.

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION:

In order to facilitate a smooth start to your voyage, ms Eurodam will operate a progressive embarkation starting at 1:00pm. Guests with priority boarding may check in any time between the allocated check-in times. Those who've booked a transfer or hotel package with Holland America will be provided a check-in time at the airport or hotel. Guests who travel on shared transport or arrive as a group will be checked in together. Boarding will commence shortly after check in. We ask that our independent travelers on this sailing arrive at the terminal and board the ship per the below schedule:

Just received an email from HAL re our upcoming cruise on the Eurodam. I’ve never seen this before on HAL but I guess it makes sense. I hope the Lido buffet is open late....

Boarding:

At your leisure - 4 & 5 Star Mariners and Neptune & Pinnacle Suite guests

1:00pm - Deck 7 & Deck 8 (Rotterdam & Navigation)

1:30pm - Deck 4 & Deck 10 (Upper Promenade & Panorama)

2:00pm - Deck 5 & 11 (Verandah & Observation)

2:30pm - Deck 6 & Deck 1 (Upper Verandah & Main)

I should say this is a 17 day cruise and I don’t want to give up my free gratuities.....

I just noticed the priced dropped on an April cruise after I paid in full. In the past when this happened, HAL always gave me more on board credits or upgraded me. This time when I called they insist if they give me an upgrade or more on board credits I have to give up my free gratuities that were available when I booked. I booked this cruise a year ago. I feel that HAL is punishing me for booking early with good promotions.....

Thanks. We are going to Mr Sanchos Beach so it is a bit further to go but that port looks more built up than the other one.

Does NCL Escape dock at Puerta Maya pier or Punta Langosta downtown pier? Thanks.

I’m looking at a private snorkeling tour in Roatan and pick up is at the pier, 30 minutes after the ship docks! I’ve never been on a large ship like the Escape but I’ve been on smaller ships with around 2,500 passengers and I’ve seen the congestion when everyone wants off the ship at the same time. Should I be worried about making the pick up for 30 minutes after the ship docks? Estimate docking time is 10:00am.

Does NCL dock at Mahogany Bay? Apparently there is another option of maybe docking downtown? I was there last year with HAL and they docked at Mahogany Bay. Thanks

NCL webpage says we can book vibe for the day or the week, $25/day or $99/week...although this may be an old price.

How mane vibe passes are allowed on the Escape?

And they are only booked at Guest Services, I imagine they book quickly. Guest services is on deck 6, does anyone know which deck we enter the ship on?

I'm a newbie to this ship and based on the number of passengers a vibe pass would be a bo us.

Thanks

I know there are a lot of posts on this subject already but it appears there is a lot of confusion.

When we booked with NCL we selected the ultimate beverage pkg and the specialty dining, we paid what was described as a "Choice Promo Service Charge" and it was $299 Canadian.

I believe this is in lieu of any gratuities on both our drinks and our specialty dining, is this correct?

I know I might have to pay gratuities on drinks when in the port of Miami but I'm hoping this is all.

Cruising in December 2014 and we have a stop in Barbados. I'm a Ottawa Sens fan so need a trip to Berts Bar.

What's a reasonable amount for a cab there? I'm assuming from Google it's about 20 miles....could be wrong though.

And will there be cabs near there to get me back to the ship....don't want to be late for that.

Any help is appreciated....thanks:)