Benh

We're already booked on an Alaska cruise for 2023, but haven't made final payment. If the Black Friday offer is better for our sailing, do you think our TA might be able to work out with HAL for us to get that deal as well, such as the pre-paid gratuities? Thanks in advance.

I'm almost overwhelmed by all the dining options on the Eurodam. Any suggestions as to which to do when? Thanks in advance. Some background. My 85-year old Mom and I are taking a 7-day cruise in May to Alaska. My Mom actually was on Holland America before, way back in 1960 and 1961, when she crossed the Atlantic twice with my late father, on two ships of that era, the Rotterdam and the Statendam. They loved it, and she still recalls fondly the 10 cent Heinekens lol! But she hasn't been on since. I've never been on Holland America, but cruised twice with Celebrity, in 2006 and 2016. When I was on Infinity and Solstice, however, we never went to the specialty restaurants, because the main dining room and buffet were so good. For this 7-day Eurodam cruise to Alaska, however, we each got $250 in on board credit with our balcony stateroom. After the c.$110 of tips for crew that leaves about $140 for the speciality restaurants. Plus with the "have it all" pkg we also have one more specialty restaurant. My Mom enjoys good food, although she tends to order lightly and skip dessert. I'm hoping to get her to indulge a bit on this cruise. Anyway, any suggestions on where to eat and when? For instance, if we first embark around noon or so, will we have time for a late lunch the day of boarding? The Lido will be open, I'm sure, but is the main dining room open as well? Is Pinnacle open for lunch the first day? My guess it that the specialty restaurant that will be my Mom's favorite is Tamarind. We might reserve two nights there. But for the specialty dining credit with HIA seems like we should reserve Pinnacle, because it's the most expensive. We lucked into getting a large balcony, and I'm wondering about maybe having a few room service meals out there, although I know it will be cold. Can we order the main dinner dishes from the MDR for room service? And I apologize in advance for this probably silly question, but I assume the specialty restaurants don't do room service? Thanks again for any insights and suggestions. I'm already wasting way too much time thinking about this cruise. But it is a nice distraction. Ben PS On another topic, my Mom likes to be a good tipper. So we'll pay in advance the $15.50 per day pp, of course, but she told me she's also planning to slip people an extra five or ten spot sometimes for good service. Any thoughts on that? Is that considered slightly weird, much appreciated, both?

What time in the morning does the Explorations cafe open?

I've never traveled with Holland America before, but in 2006 and 2016 did two cruises with Celebrity that I liked. Just booked a cruise on the Eurodam to Alaska (May 20th sailing) with my 84-year old Mom. Got the Have it All package, even though I don't drink alcohol. My Mom does like wine and beer with dinner, and it was a case of if one gets it the other needs to get the package too. Is fresh orange juice offered? And where will I be able to get premium coffee, like a morning latte? Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.