DessertDiva

According to my TA and ship services the Noordam is due for a major dry dock around September 2019. That is when it will get the interactive TVs, updating in the rooms etc. I switched my cruise on the Noordam to the NA until her dry dock is completed. Also, I really want to try the Tamarind and NY pizza!

I sailed on the Oosterdam (Alaska) September 2017 in 5190 the deck is huge and completely covered, we heard no vibration, no noise issues, or had any soot issues. The room was not super dark, it has lighting so that isn't an issue. We sat on our deck to watch as we sailed by the glacier, saw lots of sea life during the week, it was amazing! The room was updated with the new interactive tv, bathroom, etc. The couch is smaller in 5190 than a regular NS.

I know this is silly but you also get free dry cleaning in addition laundry and pressing. I have anything that needs dry cleaning done before disembarkation!

I'm book on the October 5th Panama Canal 16 days cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam starting in San Diego. On the time of the booking, I didn't realise that this cruise was part of a longer cruise, the September 30th Panama cruise starting in Vancouver.

 

It's my first time being in this situation. Usually, on the first day on NCL (first time on HAL), you can go book your specialties restaurants, your excursions, they have tours showing the boat, buying wine bundle and mostly you can go buy the thermal suite pass.

 

Is it going to be the same experience or all of that will be already be done in Vancouver? Are we going to have sail away party?

 

I'm most interrest in the thermal suite pass. Is there any chance that there is still some spot available? We doesn't seem to be able to reserve it online. I would have prefer booking it inboard as to use some of my OBC. What do you suggest?

 

Also, I read that San Diego can be a difficult port to embark. Do you think that would be the same if many people will embark on Vancouver?

 

Thanks!

I booked my thermal suite for my upcoming 7 day Alaska cruise with ship's services. I would do that if you want to make sure to get it. There is a limited # that they sell. Make sure they email you a receipt and take a copy with you on the cruise.

If you want to make sure you get these items you can book specialty restaurants on the HAL website, shore excursions, wine packages, and most spa services just not the thermal suite

We disembarked in San Diego is was easy! Vancouver embarkation is no fun! I have read many posts that San Diego is easy embarkation.

Did you ever find the Daily Programs? I would love to see a copy, too. We are sailing on August 27th

These were the only 2017 "When and Where" The new name for daily programs I could find. But it is missing a few days

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/specialty-2/on-locations-specific-cruises/alaska-2017-noordam-when-where-daily-activities/

https://digital.cenveomobile.com/publication/?i=410008#{"issue_id":410008,"view":"articleBrowser","article_id":"2795867"}

Here is some information from the 2017/2018 brochure. I love the free laundry and the king size bed! Everything else is just an added perk!

Thank you!

I was wondering if anyone has the when and where aka daily program and/or menus for the Sunday-Sunday 2017 Alaska cruise on the Oosterdam? DH and I are going in September. I wanted to have an idea of culinary classes, ship tours, formal nights, teas, BBC Earth Experiences. Any help would be appreciated. :)

These pavlovas were delicious!

When and where is pavlova available? That is one of my all time favorites and so hard to find. Traditionally it is also lower in calories since it was created for the famous ballerina that was watching her figure.

Check out the Lido at lunch time they always had tons on the Amsterdam, 1 day kiwi and 1 day mandarin!

The baked meringue pavlovas are very good, and there is a dense chocolate wedge that had a caramel crispy crunchy base that was worth the calories, but I have not seen it lately. There are plenty of good desserts on HAL ships, so chose your poison carefully.

 

You know the trusty French Women Don't Get Fat rule, eat only three bites of anything. Three long, well-savored bites. Then push it away. (Okay, sure)

I saw them up at the Lido on the Amsterdam during lunch hours they make a great dessert after the dive in :D!