49erteacher

Caution for this transfer and a noon flight.  Last March we disembarked in FLL and had the HAL transfer to MIA no tour.  We sat at the port for 50 minutes for the bus to fill, when we got to MIA there were buses from three other ships unloading at the same time.  It took us 2 hours to get inside the terminal waiting in the long lines outside and still had to go through TSA security.  The buses don't drop you off at the main terminal entrance it is a special area just for the buses.  I would check how many other ships will be in port (FLL & MIA) if more than 2 I would change my flight to mid-afternoon.  If you take a cab or Uber from the port it might be quicker and you could make your noon flight if off early.  The cab or Uber for more than 1 person may be less cost than 2 -3 people on the HAL transfer.

I will be doing this trip in 8 days, 11/25/18.  Planning to write a follow along. 

I am booked on the Rotterdam for the November 25, 2018 sailing I have the excursions pdf 

the Tikal tour is $649.95

There is a 5 hour tour called Ak-Tenamit People and the Garifuna Village of Livingston for $119.95

Quirigua Archaeological Ruins 4.5 hour tour is $89.95

I will be on the Rotterdam 11/25-12-16, Western/Southern Caribbean. 

Anyone currently onboard or who will be back before 11/25 who could tell me who is in the Mix (Piano Bar) or Billboard? 

jhsocial, I suggest checking out sxm-tours.com they do a great job and are local. Also check the ports-of-call board for more specifics. I have used them a couple times and had really good experiences.

NSWP, I have done open seating for many cruises and have dietary restrictions. The wait staff usually have a tablet which will show your restrictions, additionally the manager at the door should also have a notice to inform your server. I haven't run into any problems, I just tell the server I pre-ordered my dinner and they look it up. At times you may need to remind them to bring the menu for the next day when ordering dessert.

The wait for a shared table is usually non-existent or just a few minutes.

You may want to review your restrictions with the dining room manager right after boarding, at this time is may be possible to get fixed seating, if available.

Hope you enjoy HAL.

Most room service is free. Some items that carry a charge, most don't. You can have coffee delivered for free anytime, I usually give a small tip. The 2 Lido beverage stations (Coffee, water, ice only ) are open 24/7 one on each end of the Lido. Sometimes during non meal hours one is closed. You may take beverages out of the Lido. HAL is a relaxing, casually elegant cruise line with great itineraries and the most helpful crews. I hear the K is a bit livelier than the other ships in the fleet, but I haven't sailed her yet, prefer the smaller ships. Have a great cruise!

I will be leaving from San Diego on the Amsterdam next year. As a senior solo traveler who uses a mobility scooter, I am wondering about getting my luggage to the ship. Usually I have an Uber or taxi from the hotel to the pier and just drop the luggage with the HAL porters at the terminal. This time I am considering booking a hotel across the street from the pier. Problem: I can’t get to the pier with my luggage by myself. For those who have sailed out of San Diego do you think I could pay a hotel porter to go with me to the pier or might it be better to stay further away and take an Uber/taxi to the port? Thanks in advance.

Fun corn, Thanks. This will help with planning,

I like your pictures. A quick question. Did they keep the self-service laundry on the Amsterdam? I have a 51 day trip booked. Thanks, I know the self laundries were removed from most HAL ships.

Hi Tuolumne, I am on that cruise. Will be on for the 7 day Western before. I am a bird feeder. Love to watch them in the yard around my many feeders. I don't call myself a birder because I still can't ID a lot of the birds I see. Looking forward to 21 days on the Rotty again. Hope to see you there. The roll call for this cruise is very slow.

kparis47, I have always felt the interior temperatures to be a bit on the chilly side even in the Caribbean and South Pacific. Maybe around 70 - 72. Your cabin temp can be individually set, but the MDR, Queens Lounge and showrooms tend to be especially chilly. Was on the Eurodam for 36 days last fall, great ship and crew. Have fun!

I think it is about $2.50 per can and they usually bring you a glass of ice with it. I always ask the room steward to empty the fridge, when I have one. Several reasons, I like cold water (bring a refillable bottle) and soda, I sometimes bring a snack back from the Lido, and there is no chance to be charged for something I didn't consume.

Enjoy your cruise.

jshli, Happy Anniversary. On most HAL ships you can make a reservation, up to three days in advance, in the main dining room even with open dining. Just ask the manager at the door for what you want and why. They will usually make sure everything is good for your special evening or make a reservation for the (extra cost) specialty restaurant. Enjoy your cruise.

I would check with the concierge first, then go to the MDR if needed. I travel in the cheap seats so don't have access to those perks, but I won't give up exploring the world just because I don't have a window. The 49er is for UNC Charlotte in North Carolina where I taught before retirement. Enjoy the perks that come with the "suite life."

Mlbl4Chris On all my cruises including the Westerdam, open seating was on the lower level. The best bet would be to go to the MDR the afternoon you board. The dining room manager is usually set-up to accept reservations. You can reserve a two top for specific times for that day and sometimes up to three days in advance, it varies with the manager.

Enjoy your cruise - Alaska was my first many years ago. I agree the search tool on CC could be a lot better.

Aloha3, The safes are keypad. Make your own 4 digit code. Have a great cruise, love the ship.

suemiks,Welcome back to HAL! I have done the September Hawaii trip twice, in 2017 on the Eurodam. Great ship, good size, crew is very attentive. The overnight in Honolulu allows a lot of time to really explore. I travel solo so haven't enjoyed suite life yet. If you like to learn check the Navigator for "Good Morning Eurodam" a talk 9 AM each sea day. The Cruise Director interviews staff and performers for 45-60 minutes. They also have coffee and pastries if you want. The promenade is a relaxing way to spend some time reading and people watching. Enjoy your cruise, the relaxing sea days, and HAL pampering.

VAtravelers100,

I would call guest services at HAL to arrange for a vegan menu. I know they have vegetarian not sure about vegan. I have seen humus in the Lido. The 24/7 room service menu does have a crudites option. If you will have a minibar in the room (varies by ship if you do) you could probably pick up what you need in the Lido. Some ships have had prepackaged peanut butter some have had a small dish with peanut butter. When you get on board have a talk with the dining room manager, they tend to really like catering to kids. You may also want to ask Club HAL staff once on board about kid friendly vegan options. Since HAL doesn't see the numbers of kids as on other lines the staff seems to really like treating them very, very well. Have a great fun cruise.

Chrissie, Your status on other lines doesn't transfer over from what I have read on CC.

99% of the room service menu is free. If you want what is being served in the MDR you can call during the first hour of dinner service, otherwise it is the 24 hour room service menu. Burgers are extra charge room service but very good.

Ice and water dispensers may be found in the Lido market. They are located on both ends of the Market along with hot water, tea, and coffee urns. Please don't refill bottles directly from the dispensers, use a glass to transfer ice to your bottle. I do this at least once a day after breakfast with no problem.

The post 11/2017 dry dock deck plans show the Lincoln Center Stage (LCS) on the Upper Promenade (Deck 5). The did remove BB King but kept LCS and Billboard (Dueling Pianos). Won't be on the Rotterdam till 11/2018 but looking forward to LCS.

I love visiting local museums when in port.

Problem - I now use a mobility scooter.

The Antigua/Barbuda museum in St. Johns looks close to the terminal.

Are the sidewalks/street between the pier and museum fairly smooth?

It looks like there may be a hill to go up, estimate of the incline (think handicap ramp - more or less incline)?

How about the Cathedral behind the museum?

Losnab, You may make MDR reservations for a specific time early in the day with anytime dining. You can make them up to three days at a time. Just ask at the door. If there is a wait they have beepers, but seldom is there a wait unless you want a table for two. Enjoy your cruise.

Looking forward to joining the ship on Saturday in Seattle. See you at the Meet & Greet on the 2nd after leaving Vancouver.

Sue