aotmc

I am 12 years post-op, so my advice is more general than that directly for someone recently sleeved, but some thoughts:

- I am always much more comfortable if I don't drink 1/2 hour before meals, and nothing to drink with meals and nothing to drink after meals for about 2 hours.

- The way I look at a meal: if I am full, I don't care how much is left at the end, it isn't about quantity, just quality. Cruises provide great options, almost anything you want. Healthy foods are readily available and prepared for you! Take advantage. So many times I've thought to myself how nice it would be to have a personal chef, a cruise affords you the luxury of having almost anything you want! Lots of fruit and veg options I don't buy at home.

-In the main dining rooms things are prepared buffet style and plated in advance. I don't like waste either, but at the end of it, all the food will be thrown out that is plated in the kitchen, so I don't feel bad just eating what I want. I will ask for app or half size portions, if they have it great, if not, I will still order what I want to eat, and will only eat to comfortable level. I also have just ordered side dishes if that is what I want.

-Some asked about protein bars... My favorite high protein bars are Pure Protein pb & chocolate. My favorite snack bar is Special K Chocolate Peanut Pecan Protein Bar. I also like all the Nutrisystem breakfast bars. Their lunch bars are more meal-replacement, but do taste good too.

-I try not to snack, at home and on a cruise. My portions are pretty controlled, but eating all day is easy if I go slow enough, so to avoid gains, I just have to tell myself I can eat whatever I'd like during my meal just a smaller portion. Sometimes on vacation that means chips & chocolate for lunch, but at least it is instead of my meal and not in ADDITION to it.

Please let me know if you have other questions :)

Question has been answered, but I thought I'd add individual drink prices so you can properly budget and compare...

Cappuccinos - 12 oz are $2.50, 16 oz are $3.25

Cocktails- vary, but are around $9 per drink

Glass of wine- vary, but I'd say are closer to $10 a glass (some more, some slightly less)

Dinner at the Pinnacle- $35 per person. It does have fish options, and usually one vegetarian option.

Hope this helps. Not exact calculations, but to give you an idea.

Not big boozers. I have a 2-cappuccino-a-day habit and other than that we would have one cocktail and a glass of wine with dinner. Looking at Nieuw Statendam Amsterdam to St Petersburg and back, a 14-day trip. Would cost around $700 for this over Advantage fare, which is $300 over non refundable fare. Includes a meal at the Pinnacle Grill. Spouse does not eat meat but does eat fish. No idea how much cappuccino and alcohol would cost otherwise. Advice appreciated!

I love the HAL breakfast room service.

Currently, if you are not in a Neptune or Pinnacle suite, there is a charge for the following:

$7.50 Smoked Salmon Bendict two eggs poached, smoked salmon, red onion, capers, English muffin, hollandaise sauce, roasted potatoes, sliced fruit

$9.50 Steak & Eggs- two eggs over easy, 8 oz. New York strip loin, crispy onions, roasted potatoes, white and wheat toast, sliced fruit

$4.95 Kick Start Smoothie- fresh fruit smoothie with vanilla Greek yogurt, honey, banana, pineapple, berries, peaches

____

Everything else is no charge. The new breakfast cards just have pre-set meals (to make it easier I am sure for prep/staff). I haven't had any issue getting anything I have written in.

First, I have no idea what is wrong with your original question. :rolleyes: Seemed reasonable, sorry some didn't understand it and felt so compelled to respond for no reason.

To answer you:

This is personal, but I like the America Test Kitchen Demos, Triva, and the dueling pianos

I like the Tamarind ($25 per person). Upscale Asian.

The burgers & fries at Dive In (no charge)

The Salad Bar in the back of the Lido Buffet (*unique to Holland is almost everything is served to you even in buffet, the staff will put food on your plate- cleaner, safer, etc)

Egg Benedicts in the lido are great

Hi everyone,

 

My parents are going on their first cruise on MS Koningsdam. I've only ever traveled on Carnival, so I was hoping the good people of this forum could give the best tips and tricks to making sure their cruise is the best it could possibly be.

 

Thanks in advance!

Yes, there is a charge for a cruise-long pass to the hydro pool/thermal suites. Included are the cold showers, the hydro pool (various jets and sprays), the thermal loungers- with floor to ceiling windows/views, and a few different wet sauna rooms offering different aroma therapies. It is unlimited, you can use every day multiple times.

For week long cruises we have paid $250 a couple. I hear if they don't "sell out" of the cruise long passes they will offer day passes at $45 each per person, though I have not seen that promoted by ship.

As mentioned, the Lido pool will most likely be covered and will be heated. There are also general use Jacuzzis by both pools, free of charge.

Lastly, I like to say nothing is free ;p It may have been included in your fare or held no additional charge, but it was paid for, lol. :')

We are looking at a Westerdam cruise of China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines in March 2019. Of course the weather will be cooler in the northern ports (9C/48F) so I can't imagine using the outdoor pools.

 

Is there a cost to use the Greenhouse Spa Thermal Pool & Hot tubs?

 

We were on the Celebrity Millennium in January 2018 doing a Hong Kong to Singapore cruise and spent a lot of time in the Adults only Solarium area; especially in the northern Vietnam ports.

 

Thanks

Betty

It seems you are interested in the on ship info- I did this cruise 2 years ago and quite a few ppl stayed on board, much more so than on other itineraries. So, I wouldn't expect an empty ship.

In Cabo, we did our own thing and returned early... it was obviously less busy then normal and noticeably quieter, but still enough ppl for it to still be social at the pools and bar if you are looking for company.

Even though this is not what you asked for, it might be useful for others reading thread who will be taking this cruise:

I loved the ship sponsored full day PV excursion to Las Caletas beach. It was a direct to catamaran, 1hr ride out to a private island that had beach drink waiters, an adult area, floating oasis, hammocks, nature walk, and a buffet lunch. Then ride back. We were out there all day. Company was Vallarta Adventures (they have a great website).

In Cabo we took a taxi to The Office restaurant on the beach, then hired a private boat to take us out to the arches and back to the pier/dock after, it was fun/safe/affordable.

I have a cruise to the Mexican Riviera departing 6 April for 7 nights. I have looked and looked at shore excursions and nothing is jumping at me. This is not to say they are bad excursions, just nothing pops out at me and I don't want to book one just to book one. I am traveling solo this trip and have been to these ports before (yawn). What all is open and closed on port days? Shops and casino I know are closed.

Are there any activities other than the pool?

I haven't been on the Zuiderdam yet (counting down the days till I do get to in Dec!)... but I have been on sister-ship Westerdam.

My favorite spot for the views was the aft pool area, they usually have plenty of seating (or you could stand at railing). In a close second is a seat in the front of the crows nest, this is indoors so no breeze in your hair, but with your destination this could be preferred. The specialty coffee is up in the crows nest area too, so that might nudge you there as well.

If you happen to buy a thermal suite pass the heated loungers offer floor to ceiling windows, but are only one side of the ship and policy is 20 or 30 min time limit to the loungers.

Enjoy the views & the voyage!

Actually, how much coca cola can one consume during course of a day? All that needless sugar, even if the choice is sugar free. YUK!

Actually, to answer your question, one can consume as much sugar or sugar-free coca cola they want to. Into their body, not yours. The offer is for unlimited drinks. Thank you for asking.

Gala nights are set by the Ship Captain. Typically, there will be two on a week long cruise. Usually they are the first full sea day and the last full sea day, or an early set sail if no full sea days remain.

Also, the MDR menu is "stepped up" not only in types of fare/food offered, but your menu will expand from a 3 course standard to a 5 course selection. (Though, you are welcome to order as much or as many plates as you wish always).

In my opinion, they are so much more than what attire someone decides to wear. They are an nicer night out and to me always feel more special, regardless of outfits around me.

Enjoy!

We are going on our first cruise July 1 in Alaska on Westerdam. I've seen Gala Night mentioned in a few threads. What exactly is it and when is it? First night? Random night? I understand dress may be up a notch or two but since Alaska typically seems a little less formal is it also less formal on Gala Night?

Here are my favorites/stand-outs:

MDR:

- Eggplant roll-up things (not sure of their name, they're stuffed with cheese).

- Asian noodle dishes, there have been a few different variations and all good.

- The French Onion Soup is veg (no beef broth), or so I was told, not sure if it changes according to ship/chef.

- There is usually a cheese plate offered as dessert, but I often will order it as an appetizer with my salad.

- Note: I have not enjoyed the veg Indian inspired dishes, and typically do not on HAL.

Lido:

- Breakfast- muesli (cold oatmeal) is so good! It is also offered in room service. (I always note I'd like a bowl of it, otherwise have been served a small glass).

- Eggs benedict, they will offer a veg version with mushrooms or spinach.

- Pasta bar, you can tell them what you like, they make the pasta to order.

- Salad bar is top notch, tons of options.

- If your ship has the Dive In portabella is great and the NY Pizza out at the sea view pool has make-your-own options.

- The room service menu caprese sandwich is quite good.

Wanted to add that on my last Eastern Caribbean HAL cruise (Dec 17) finding soda in ports was hard. There was none to be found in some ports. Now, that could have been due to the hurricane recovery/delivery issues. The cruise before (Mexico 2016) I had no trouble finding a few bottles in the shops in port.

If you are an addict like me, I'd suggest carrying on just in case. Now, it was never an issue buying on ship, just a bit overpriced.

Room service offers this in the morning with breakfast...

"Kickstart" fresh fruit smoothie with vanilla Greek yogurt, honey, banana, pineapple, berries, peaches

It's $5 for most, no charge for suite guests.

And during the day, these drinks are frozen/blended- $5 each

Banana Blast: banana and piña colada

Non alcoholic strawberry “daiquiri”

Pineapple Passion: sweet coconut milk and pineapple juice

My husband and I make morning smoothies. With vegis, fruit and added fiber and protein. On our last cruise, there was no problem having them made for us. But that was a different line. Are they available on HAL? Or should I bring a small, portable blender and make them up in our cabin? I know... sounds extreme. But it’s that important.

Thanks!

Hi Dolby1000!

I am not sure where there is a common place with this information, until after you book and then you can "enhance" your cruise and purchase many of these things online beforehand from your Holland account online in their store.

I can tell you a common list for what I have spent on, or considered. These are all for weeklong cruises; so some might be a bit more for a 10 day.

Soft Drinks: $64 unlimited card

Hotel Service Charge (aka gratuities): $13.50 per person, per day. $15 per person, per day for suite guests

Thermal Suite Access: $249 for two people, unlimited access to hydro pool (giant indoor Jacuzzi), heated tile loungers, aromatherapy saunas (wet & dry), spa shower room, spa relaxation area.

Laundry Service: $20 to fill a bag

Specialty Coffees: $3-6 per drink

Specialty Room Service Items: $7-10 per plate, $5 for smoothies

Italian Specialty Restaurant: $15 per person

Stake House Specialty Restaurant: $35 per person for dinner

Asian Specialty Restaurant (only on some ships) $25 per person for dinner

Cabana Rental: thought I would list this, even though I don't know the fees, but they are on some ships near the pool and on top decks. If you google you can find the info sheet for what's included and costs. They are sold in advance for the cruise duration, and if not sold out then they offer them first-come for daily rentals.

Hope this snapshot helps. Also, prices might vary due to increases or being ship dependent.

I often pack something easy to wear that isn't involved or fussy to travel with and then kick up the outfit with jewelry and how I do my hair/makeup. It is hard to pack sequins, or a wrinkle prone fancy fabric, so I don't blame anyone for not wanting to bother. But jewelry/accessories are very small and easy to pack.

Different strokes for different folks. That's the catch with scented products, you'll never find one everyone loves. Personally, I like mint scent and the bath gel offered is good for me. Have you requested an alternative? I imagine due to allergies they might have an unscented option they could replace ? I really don't know, it never hurts to ask and if someone on this board knows, please share so we can all plan for our next sails!

Elemis Sharp Shower and Bath Gel is the WORST product ever. Who the hell would want to smell like spearmint toothpaste the entire day??? I've been using the shampoo as body soap the whole time on this cruise and will probably bring my own in future.

I am in my mid thirties and prefer HAL to other lines that cater to a younger demographic. I also did the Eastern Caribbean seven day in December and had a fantastic time. Assuming you disembark for each port, you aren't on the ship for an abundance of time anyway.

While on the ship you can expect better music & food than other mass market lines in my experience. You can also expect less hustle & bustle and an overall more relaxing and quiet experience.

My days on board were filled with the thermal spa, lounging poolside, enjoying sunsets, attending lectures, going to trivia, enjoying the cooking demos, and time in my cabin/balcony. My nights would be dinner, entertainment, bed. I am not a party or dancer/club person.

That said, I am a night owl and the ship pretty much shuts down after 10pm. They open the lido for late night and there are a few bars open still... but nothing much else. Which worked for me. I would usually just order room service (no charge) if hungry or I would take to my balcony or the top deck to do some star gazing if the weather was nice.

I don't think you should be worried. You seem to know what you like, and I think you will find it on HAL.

What you *may* miss is the mega ship feel. You wont find a rock wall, or a waterslide. No zip lines or huge shopping malls inside. No real courtyard/giant atrium. Limited poolside "entertainment" (Though, I never found the belly flop contests on carnival entertaining... more annoying).

You also will find people your age, just not many, but you will probably be more like-minded since you all choose to sail with HAL over other options. I chose more adventurous excursions thru the ship and they were filled with younger people. If you are looking to be more social in your age range.

I hope this gives you an idea of what to expect.

I believe they do the "chocolate parade" on one of the gala nights. It's new and I haven't attended one, but it's on deck 2 or 3 (main entertainment decks) and they have all sorts of passed dessert bites in the areas where there is also live music.

Speaking of, on the cruises I have taken on gala nights the music is kicked up a notch to be a little more refined in selection. The pianos might add more classical, the on stage entertainment is usually something like a musical instead of a magic show, things like that.

On my last HAL cruise (Eurodam, December 2017) during muster my mother was permitted to go to special seats for accommodation due to physical limitations. It was made perfectly clear that I was absolutely NOT allowed to accompany her. (Which I didn't have a problem with and went out on the promenade). *The way they told us made it seem that many who are well abled try to go with their travel companions who need the accommodation and that it is just not going to happen.

As others mentioned, the servers now serve almost everything to you for the entire cruise, not just the start... though this has been in place a while and I think has made it more efficient and streamlined.

It solves some major problems I have with buffet-style:

-No more waiting behind someone who is slow as molasses

-No more concern of where hands have been touching the serving tools and the food itself

-Glass encasements are more encompassing so people aren't breathing their hot germs onto the food.

-Items don't run out as often. The staff keeps better track of what's needed and you can request as much as you'd like, but I find people usually take what is given and thus there isn't the one person taking all of something and having to wait around for a refill of whatever is now gone by someone who probably had bigger eyes than stomach.

I haven't had any issues with having absurd wait times or not getting what I wanted.

Also note, some dry/cold food items are still self-serve. The rolls/breads, the cheese plates, pre-plated appetizers, sandwiches at lunch, cereals in the morning, desserts are all "grab and go".

As you may know, the Ready Set Sail promo is happening now. It is a little different each time. Right now they are offering: 50% reduced deposits and prepaid gratuities... and OBC for suites, amount depends on cruise duration. This sale is used for bookings made until mid-June. Later in the summer they will most likely run "Explore 4". Again depending on the year it has offered different things, if you google it you will see the various sales.

They also have "top 10" sailing sales on their website that are usually directly through HAL and come sometimes with low NONREFUNDABLE deposits, often though for sailings that are soon.

They do adjust their cruise price for some (not all) during a sale to basically make it actually the same or a higher price overall. You have to do the math and rebook if you find the value isn't there.

I booked through a promo last year and it was a great deal of savings in the long run. After the promo was over the price of the fare did decrease, but I still saved hundreds... because the perks were things I would have spent -- internet, obc, etc. I personally wouldn't book e4 because I don't drink so the beverage package is worthless to me even though it's a pricy perk.

Good luck, there are good deals to be had. Some get discouraged because the "sale" isn't a value to them, but the promos can be worth it, you just have to assess your needs and keep on eye on the prices and refare if possible.

I've only done one guarantee with HAL, and it was last winter for a Signature Suite as well.. though I did a lot of online research beforehand and can tell you my experience, which seemed to match the majority...

I received my cabin assignment about 10 days before sail. It showed up on my luggage tag (acted as though I was going to print them off, it would say "guar" until instead it had the cabin number). I got an email with the notification of assignment the day after it showed on the tag.

We paid for a SY and we were an SS. We had a standard SS in a perfect mid-ship location. It seemed to be the trend that some got assigned to unsold accommodation (handicapped) cabins, but when this happened it seemed they would almost always be a stateroom class jump (ie. ocean view to veranda, or veranda to suite, etc).

As someone mentioned, the longer you wait for assignment the better yours might be.

Also, seemingly rare, but I did read a few stories were a cabin was assigned the week before and then a different cabin was given at check in. So it can happen.

Signature Suites are lovely, I am sure you will enjoy your cabin! Good luck! Report back when you hear :)

No patty, just the mushroom cap (I’ve gottwn it a few times - sometimes there is one cap, sometimes two). The way it is on menu is delicious, but I have also swapped out a burger with a mushroom (I’m veg) and they have all been great! My fave is the one with the onion straws :)

Not then, but they did offer a complementary glass of champagne (or ginger ale) the first full day at the captains toast (right before the nights show in the theater)

getting ready to go on another HAL cruise aboard the Eurodam. Was wondering if there are any spectacular spa treatments I should indulge in?

I do buy the thermal pass but have yet to have a treatment.

Not sure I understand your last sentence. I assume "guarantee people" pay the least and that "upsell people" pay more (guarantee price + upsell cost). So who is paying less than guarantee people?

Someone with a completely different category who takes an upsell offer - so if you are in a balcony and get a very good (inexpensive) upsell offer for a neptune suite you could potentially be paying far less than someone who booked a guarantee neptune who wouldn't get an upsell offer to a neptune, since that is what they have booked. When offered the upsell they also get to select their cabin (location). Where as a guarantee booking doesn't select their cabin, they are assigned after the upsells are sold.