GramaFran

Thanks for the information about store and diet coke -

The diet coke I am looking for says right on 12 pack box

sweeten with Splenda - that is not aspartame.

I will try the Save-on-foods and hopefully they have it.

Otherwise while on board - just regular old diet coke for me.

Thanks,

Francine

Is Diet Coke with Splenda available in Vancouver? We are staying

at the Hilton Metro town and have a rental car and need to buy

a 12 pack to take on board 9/15.

Any stores sell this?

Thanks Francine

My wonderful parents are taking my brother's family and mine for a trip to Alaska on Westerdam. We will be a party of 6 adults plus 3 children ages 12, 8, and 6. We have As-you-Wish dining but I am wondering how this will work for a table of 9. Will we ever be able to sit together? Should we change it to fixed seating so we can make sure we get one of the few large 10-top tables? Also, am I right in understanding that you can make reservations for dining times outside of the peak but that all peak-times are walk-up only? Kimberly

We just got off the Oosterdam and as a family of 8 we were worried about AYW dinning too. But it worked out great. We called early 8am to make a set time - Normally 7:30 to 8 pm as we like to eat late. A couple of nights we did not have a reservation (forgot) and just walked up - We waited about 15 minutes or less for a table and never sat with anyone else. When we called for a reservation we also asked for table 308 with Moshi for our waiter and got it. We liked the AYW as we do not always want to eat at a set time and liked being able to walk up - I guess if you like earlier dining that might be a problem.

Francine

this is our itinerary for June 7 cruise on Oosterdam (this is 2nd cruise to Alaska - family/ my 3rd cruise)

June 6 fly Virgin America SFO to SEA stay overnight at Doubletree SEA/TAC on a pre cruise package includes transportation to pier 20

June 7 - 10am pickup Bus to Dock - Board Oosterdam

June 8 - CC party 11am - Spa - Bingo - Formal night

June 9 - Juneau - pick up Rent a Wreck Van for driving all of 50 miles of roads seeing Mendenhall Glacier, Salmon Hatchery, Eagle Beach - take Mt. Roberts Tram - Dinner in Juneau

June 10 - Hubbard Glacier - Spa - Bingo

June 11 - Sitka - Salmon Fishing - Visit Raptor Center - Sightsee downtown

June 12 - Ketchikan - Zip Line tour for part of family - Trolley tour for rest walk Creek Street

June 13 - Victoria - pick up Discount Rent a Car (Van) go to Butchard Gardens and Empress Hotel - dinner in Victoria (English Pub)

June 14 - Seattle - pick up Thrifty Rent a car (Van) sight see downtown Seattle - Pikes Place, Pioneer Square - Stay at SpringHill Suites - go to Mariner Game evening - Lunch at CheeseCake Factory - dinner at game

June 15 - Seattle - Sightseeing -

June 16 - fly back to SFO

I have gone through so much luggage in the past 40 yrs that when I switched to Travel Pro I have not bought any since. As a retired airline employee we travel extentsively and have checked our large suitcase many times. We have used Atlantic, Samsonite, and others that did not hold up to all the baggage handlers - from tears, major scruffs, handles falling off.

I love the size of the large Travel Pro (not the extra large piece) and have 2 - rolling carry on pieces. We check the large piece, my DH golf clubs (in a rolling bag cover) and carry on the other 2. When we are traveling together, of course. Because we never know if we are going to get on because of stand-by status our carry on have most of what we would need for extra days away from home. I do not pack light as the large piece weighs nearly 50lbs every trip. Plus I add shoes and clothes to the golf bag cover's pockets.

Yes, I would and will buy more Travel pro luggage, looking at the rolling garment bag now for my next cruise. Since I am traveling without my DH I need the extra space for clothes and such.

Hope this helps you make a decision.