kdakda

We also just returned, and the forecast for weeks ahead was cold and rainy. Found out the forecast changes very quickly in Alaska. We had some BEAUTIFUL sunny days in the low 70's, and I was hot walking around Juneau and Skagway. The next day in Glacier Bay was 56 and total cloud cover for at least 6 hours as we were near the glaciers. Quite chilly. I appreciated having a hat and gloves if I wanted to spend much time out on deck or on the balcony. Had minimal rain. We didn't do any boat rides or visits on a glacier, so didn't need waterproof clothes, boots, or anything super warm. The husband wore t-shirt, flannel shirt, and light sweatshirt on the coolest days. It was challenging to pack because had to bring clothes for warm and cold weather. If the sun isn't out, 70 degrees feels cool. And when the boat was traveling faster on sea days, I needed a jacket to be outside. Layers worked for us.

We're currently on the Koningsdam and have only had 2 dinners, but these menus are nearly the same ---- a couple selections weren't offered to us, or were slightly modified.

I would have done exactly what you recommend (because I'd just read about this situation somewhere on the Boards), but Dear Hubby chose to get involved and thought I was giving the driver a hard time. We were both very tired and just wanted to get in the hotel. It never crossed my mind that Vancouver drivers were any different from in other cities------ just wanted to let others know of this potential situation. Next time I'll verify the rate when we first get the cab and be sure I can use a card. Thanks for all that you share and educate!

I just read a post in the past few days about a cab driver asking to be paid in cash (and very willing to take US dollars). It's clearly posted at YVR that fares from the airport are priced by zone and YVR to the Pan Pacific hotel/Cruiseport zone is $38. I'm assuming that's Canadian, which would be approximately $28.50 US. I had my credit card out and he asked if we didn't have cash. I said only US dollars and how much would that be------ he said $55. I can't make this up! I just stared at him and said it was posted at the airport that there was zone pricing and that would be less than $30 US. At one point the driver said he'd take $40 US. Dear Husband, being totally exhausted from minimal sleep and an early morning flight from the East Coast (and not having read these Boards), was all set to pay what the driver asked PLUS tip. Neither of us wanted to get into an argument, and were so glad to finally be at the hotel, so I just got out of the cab and let him handle it.......

The 3 Neptune Lounges we've been in all had an honor system for alcoholic drinks and sodas. There was a clipboard with a paper to fill out, with name and what you took. When we had a drink package, we were never charged.

We were in Neptune Suites in November and January and definitely did NOT get any sodas free in the mini fridge or in the Lounge. It was the honor system in the Lounge----- DH had the Quench package and we signed for it whenever picking up Diet Coke. We removed all beverages from the mini fridge and he stocked it with cans of Diet Coke he picked up, using his drink package. If he needed to take one from the supply in the fridge, we were charged for it. If soda and water is complimentary, that would be a HUGE improvement in perks for suite guest, but it's not on the Holland website. About a year ago there was a short term "experiment" on one ship, when complimentary drinks were offered in the Neptune lounge for a few hours pre-dinner. That wasn't implemented on other ships.

Thanks so much, Jenhilmc. Not opening until 6:30 means I need to re-think my plans, and may decide to do room service, or pick up something from the Lido the night before and keep it in the refrigerator.

Thanks so much, everyone! Had no idea the Lido would open that early, but I should have known the if there are 7:30 excursions, people will need to eat. Will be ready to get off as soon as ship is cleared.

We're due to be in Skagway, AK at 7 am, and I'm considering an early excursion. Never did anything this early before. Any idea when the Lido will open for breakfast? Any chance Club Orange will be open early???? I know I could order room service, but didn't want to wake the husband up. 🙂 I maybe underestimating how long it will take to get off the ship. Was planning to leave at 7 am to meet the tour at the dock at 7:15. Maybe I'm not allowing for hundreds of people trying to get off at the same time. Thanks!

I used the app several times on two cruises this winter. When I clicked the box to "contact me", I was contacted within 24 hours. When I told cabin stewards and Neptune Suite staff that I'd noted their excellent work, they said they had been told already, and thanked me. So I have no doubt the comments on the app are read and communicated in a very timely manner.

It looks like there's an extra "t". I tried cartagentour.com and got to Dora's site.

Thanks so much! That sounds very convenient. I liked all the info on the website.

Thanks to both of you for the info. I've read good things about Chilkoot charters. How far was it to get from the ship to where you boarded?

I'd like to do the White Pass Rail excursion and Klondike Highway, but we booked this cruise late, and the only shorter choices on Holland America are: (1) round trip on the train, (2) White Pass Rail, Klondike Highway and Liarsville Gold Camp, and (3) White Pass Rail & Klondike Highway: Multilingual-- you wear headphones. The one-way rail and return via bus isn't available. Booking a shorter excursion is important---- I really do understand that going to the Yukon or Bennett Lake sound phenomenal, but I'm not up for a 6-8 hour excursion. I know I could get a local excursion to do the train and bus, but it sounds easier if I just board the train at the port. So........ I could use some guidance, since we're leaving soon. How far and how difficult is it to get to the train by myself, if I book direct with them and can get the bus also?? Would I get the worst seats---those left after people boarded at the port? Any thoughts on the Multilingual trip (using headphones)? This doesn't sound comfortable to me. Is there a live person who speaks English, so I could skip the headphones? I'm assuming that information is usually given out over a loudspeaker. I really don't care about the Gold Camp, and that tour is longer than I'd like, but I'll consider it ------ any feedback on this part of the tour? Thanks so much!!!

It's YOUR vacation and you can do whatever you choose...... and do whatever you think you need to relax and get rejuvenated. To me, a cruise is a wonderful opportunity to do this. We're doing our first Alaska cruise, and booked last minute. Due to mobility limitations, we're also not looking for real active adventures, and also don't like the idea of committing to a 6-8 hour excursion. So we're planning to enjoy the scenery we can see, explore the town, book a train ride, sample some local food and support the economy by buying fudge and T-shirts. And if we get inspired to book something else once we're there, we'll hope something is available. There's probably lots of people who think we're missing out, but we don't see it that way.

You can get Harney teas at certain places --- the Dutch Cafe has them. Most room services items are no charge, but there are some selections from specialty restaurants (steak, sushi, Dive-In burgers) that cost.

I agree that it SOUNDS like all adults in the room need to purchase these packages, but that hasn't been our experience. Husband is addicted to Diet Coke, and has had the Coca-Cola package twice (including the Koningsdam, with the machines---- which weren't always working) and the Quench package twice (to give him the chance to get fancy coffee drinks). So, we have purchased a package on line just for him on four separate cruises. No, we don't share, because I'm not interested in soda or coffee drinks, and neither of us drink alcohol. 🙂

It happened to me a month or two ago, and was fixed within a day.

We've been in 7124 on the Koningsdam (same location as 7117, but is port side) and in rooms very close to the Neptune Lounge port side on the Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam. All were wonderful rooms, and we wouldn't hesitate to stay in any of those again. If you like to be closer to the aft adult pool (and smoking area), you might prefer 7117. Once we stayed closer to the Lounge, we use it ALL THE TIME. DH has the quench package and we can get sodas there and sign for them. We take advantage of the fresh OJ from there in the morning, plus the wonderful coffee machine and premium teas. And it was so convenient to drop in for a snack, or to ask a question.

I didn't put that accurately ---- it doesn't include ALL the pastries and deserts that we saw in the display case.

We had it on the Rotterdam in November and Nieuw Statendam in January. It was very good, but didn't look like the typical round American pie. The menu posted doesn't include pastries/deserts

There's definitely been some quirks on the website for me in the past week. One day I had no history of cruises (and we have 5) and no cruises booked (and we have 2). But it correctly showed our points. By the next day, everything was back to normal.

We did this for our Thanksgiving dinner, and it was wonderful. The concierge in the Neptune Lounge will also take care of this, so check with them. I thought I'd read that orders were to be phoned in within the first hour the dining room opened, but not sure about that part.

You can request to permanently be assigned to early dining. We're with a group on B2B on Nieuw Statendam and the group was assigned a table for the 5:15 seating.

There were crossword puzzles and Sudoku on the Rotterdam in November. I, too, enjoy them.