AKJonesy

We were on the Oosterdam right before this cruise. We were one of the first to tender in to Port Stanley. I found a tour operator for Volunteer Point and they had space due to some cancellations. There were several operators going to Volunteer Point. It was pouring down sideways but we had rain jackets and pants. It was good that it was raining because we didn't have to deal with the smell.

@friendswithdave In your first post you suggested booking a small balcony room, then upgrading with Club Orange. Did you actually get to pick your (Club Orange) room, or was that chosen for you? We have never done that yet, but sounds like a good way to get an upgraded room for less.

We were on Oosterdam right before this sailing. The World Stage was packed for nearly all of the port talks. I asked about having those re-broadcast on tv and they said they don't do anymore. Not sure why, but this would solve the problem. I was sitting on the steps or standing against the wall a few times.

I give credit where credit is due, but they don't have the milkshake thing down. Sorry, but I previously came from the dairy state and anything less than premium ice cream and whole milk doesn't cut it. I got one and could not drink it...tasted like fake syrup or powder. Yuk.

Just got off 31 day SA on Oosterdam. Attire for dressy was all over the board. Our cruise director wore a short sleeved polo shirt with khaki type pants so goes to show. I saw just about everything except shorts. A few women and men were really dressed to the nines, but they were the exception. I'd say most women wore dressy tops with skirts or dress type slacks and men mostly wore dress shirts...some with ties, most without, some with suit jacket.

Mary, we are in Manta, Ecuador now on Oosterdam. We've had 2 DRESSY nights. That is how they refer to it in the program. They provided a Gala menu in MDR last night. Dress was widely varied from men with short sleeve polo shirts and Khakis to summer dresses and tennis shoes, dress shirt with and without ties, shirts with sport jackets, dressy blouses and slacks, and few going all out with sparkly outfits and dress shoes. I saw no tuxes. Hope this helps.

I mostly don't like to sit with other people at dinner because I've heard all of my husband's military and airline stories over and over and over. On HAL, they've had the military meet ups and I'm glad that he can go to these meetings and talk with other military veterans. 🤣

Due to crazy prices, I buy Coke when I'm in port if there is a store that is nearby. I don't want to lug a 12 pack or anything like that, but usually buy about 4 cans. I ALWAYS ask the security people about bringing some cans back onboard when disembarking and it's always been yes. So, that might be an option. Now, some people may automatically post that you can't do that, but yes you can do that. As I said, always ask security when leaving the ship at port.

We recently disembarked from Koningsdam and I think all of the Pinnacle Class ship have similar casinos. Not sure but here is the craps table.

There are no deck chairs outside on the Promenade Deck on the Pinnacle ships. That is because the Promenade deck is shared with the lifeboats.

I read on a FB post they were going to open Nov 1. This is great to hear because I board her on Nov 15 to South America! I will be sure to bring the book I am currently reading and put it in the exchange bin.

Yes, it will be. Totally agree with post #5. If you want low key try taking a longer cruise that is NOT a back to back.

@Mary229 I'll make a note to myself when I arrive home 12-17 to let you know what the dress situation is. We are on Oosterdam from Ft. Lauderdale Nov 15 to Santiago, then down around the horn over to Falklands then up to Buenos Aires disembarking Dec 16.

These posts do conjure up my own mixed feelings about cruising and the impact on communities. I see it for myself here in Alaska; yet I cruise. This topic is a double edged sword for sure. I do cringe somewhat when I say, "you live by the sword; you die by the sword". That is, once these communities, or their powers at be accept the cruise industry in their community, they don't just reap rewards, but they also have to deal with what many people have posted here. I am also mixed about the people that are hired to serve us and where they come from. Serving cruise passengers may be "a" way for some people to care for their families back home, but the sacrifice is big. On a recent cruise, I talked to one of my Lido servers on what they would like in their contract, and the answer was fewer months. I know they have to be tight lipped and smile all of the time. I do go out of my way asking about them and letting them know I appreciate them. Sure, I tip big, and it is greatly appreciated, but still it doesn't make me feel good that other people, due to circumstances have to make decisions that I don't. It's complicated. At times, I think that we cruisers are giving people opportunities, and then other times, I see the impact on communities. As I said, it's a double edged sword.

Stateroom location is critical. Make sure you DL the ED pdf doc which you can find by googling Holland America Staterooms and look for the pdf document. Stay away from the World Stage, kitchens and Lido. The Eurodam has a wonderful promenade deck and during the day they will put out the deck loungers along with the blankets and you can have that "verandah" there if you decide not to upgrade. Of course, there are deck loungers at the pools too, but also on the higher deck which is usually empty.

Bucket list trip so do it! Yes, you will have to cross the Drake shake or the Drake lake. Our crossing was somewhere between. You will never forget this trip, and you are already so far south and you may never be there again. It was amazing. It was cold and cloudy and we saw so much wildlife without stepping a foot onto ice/land. Right in front of us on the side of the ship we saw the bubble net feeding by the whales. The size of the ice is difficult to comprehend unless you see it for yourself. One aspect we really enjoyed was having a group of people come out from one of the scientific research stations. People were standing on the side of the promenade watching them come in a boat like a dinghy. When they left, everyone waved them off and it was a great time. They did a number of talks on the world stage. For me, the highlights were: seeing the huge ice blocks, all of the whales, penguins, seals and birds, and the scientific research group. If you go, have a decent camera, binoculars and very warm clothes so that you can spend a lot of time on the promenade deck.

This reminds me of Pre-Check at the airport. In the beginning Pre-Check was great. Right now, CO reminds me of Clear until it really starts catching on, and then it will end up being like Pre-Check.

@Roz I'm hearing you. We are leaving on 31 day SA cruise in Nov and just turned 4 star this week. Having the laundry will be so great and not having to pack so much.

YES. Near the main pool.

IMHO, HAL does amazing bread, and I wish it was the same for desserts. I do want to quality my response by saying that I'm not one of those Americans that requires a ton of sugar in the desserts because I don't like that. I recently had what they called "cheesecake", but I don't know what that was...kind of a cross between cheesecake and custard more like. I know people rave about the bread pudding, and honestly I don't get it. Their tiramisu and creme brulee is very decent. But, if you are a dessert snob like me (beer snob also), then go with the Gelato in the Canaletto or at the Gelato station near the pool (depending on what ship you are on) or the Tiramisu.

7 am Dutch cafe for coffee and same for Explorations Cafe for coffee in the Crow's Nest. It's the food that starts at 11:30 at Dutch Cafe. If you are not picky about coffee, then you can get regular coffee in the Lido at just about anytime. Explorations and Dutch charge for the coffee.

I was kind of surprised to read the age groups with mobility issues. I thought Boomers would've been the highest. I recently watched a program online regarding a cruise ship with state of the art technology for environmental responsibility. Very interesting. The only thing I'm left with wondering is if the communities will continue to allow cruise ships in their ports as there seems to be SOME pushback on this. I guess we will see.

This is kind of related, but also check windalert dot com to see how strong those winds are out there. It's not a forecast, but it's now and that is going to tell you how rough it might be. The winds out in the pacific can be rough and wind create waves. I just used this on my recent trip down the coast from Vancouver to San Diego. Sure enough, once we popped out into the open ocean from Vancouver, we had some pretty high waves. I was up in the Crow's Nest and after a few hours I was feeling a little woozy 🙂 (technical term) so I just went down to my stateroom for a bit and was fine. After reading these posts over the years regarding the Circle Hawaii cruise some people have reported it was like glass; nice and smooth and others reported there were times when it was rougher. Just letting you know because some people, like my husband have no problem with it no matter how rough it is and others are very sensitive.

I don't know if this will help you, but we planned to take the train from FCO to Civitavecchia. These two guys show how easy it was and it can be done in reverse also. One is a YT vid and the other is the train schedule. IDK, just a thought in case your bus doesn't work out. and here: https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Civitavecchia/Rome-Airport-FCO#r/Train

I think the convo was going in a couple of directions. I was responding to SFO Peter's post #9