happytotravel

Thanks, I've booked my 2 excursions for the first week and since I'll be visiting the same towns again I think I'll wait a week or so and see if anything else is added.  In the meantime I've written down the ones that interest me.

I have a $200 credit to spend each week so I'm looking for the ones that interest me within that budget!

I don't need to spend more than that as I've been to all those places before.  Still looking forward to everything.

happytotravel

Hi,

The excursions for my June 01 and June 08 cruises are now being shown.  Will HAL be adding more in the upcoming months?

Thanks, happytotrvel

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to these pages.  I started on the last page and have worked my way back to page 233 so far.  As this will be my first Hal cruise (a b2b) in June it is really helpful to learn from you all.

I will be on the Volendam and am really looking forward to sailing on her.

happytotravel

2 hours ago, AV8rix said:

There is no "Music Walk" on the lovely old R-class ships, one of which is Volendam on which you are sailing.  It is only on the Pinnacle-class ships.  It is a series of musical venues (Rolling Stone Rock Room, BB Kings blues,  Billboard Onboard).  I avoid it because it is LOUD.

Thanks to you both.  It sounds like I won't miss it at all.

happytotravel

1 hour ago, syesmar said:

Yes, there is still daily Afternoon Tea and a “Classic High Tea” once per cruise. I was reminiscing about the elaborate Royal Dutch Tea that was beloved by many passengers that is no longer offered, as well as the Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza. They do now have a “Chocolate Surprise” one evening with bite-sized chocolate treats that stewards will bring out to the Music Walk and other venues.

Enjoy your cruise!

Hi,  Yes, lots of things from the past have been scaled down by the cruise lines but we have nothing to complain about.  There was lots of waste by the passengers especially during Chocolate buffets.   There are still so many things to enjoy!

What is the Music Walk?  Thanks, happytotravel

11 hours ago, syesmar said:

@happytotravel back in the day, HAL offered a Royal Dutch Tea once per cruise that was excellent. They also used to be famous for their late night Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza once per cruise by the pool on a formal night. It was quite the event!

 

I know the Asian crew has local dishes available to them in their dining area. Does anyone know if the Dutch crew also has local fare cooked for them onboard?

According to their website they still have Tea each day and once High Tea on a sea day.  Looking forward to it as the last time I had Tea was on the SS Norway many moons ago.

I didn't see anything about the Chocolate EX as many cruise lines have done away with that type of excess.

Enjoy the day, happytotravel

Thanks again,  My husband was Dutch so that's one reason I was hoping to eat Dutch food.  Nostalgic reasons.   I remember we had raw herring with onions near the dockside when we were in Amsterdam in the 80's.  Pea soup sounds great too!  I'm starting to get hungry.

happytotravel

Hello OlsSalt,

Thanks for that info.  I will certainly be visiting the Lido.  I enjoy the buffet very much onboard as there is such different varieties of food to choose from.

Happytotravel

Thank you.  Perhaps on some days they might have something Dutch.  I'll wait and see. I know I won't go hungry at any rate!

happytotravel

Hi,

Since the Volendam does not have the Dutch cafe as the other ships do which dining venue has the most Dutch specialty items?

Thanks, happytotravel

Thanks for all your replies.

I'll check it out once onboard.  The mock cocktails look very interesting.

Hi,

I have the above package which includes the Quench package which includes mocktails from the have it all promo..  Am wondering if non-alcohol wine is included in one of these packages.

As this is my first Hal cruise each day seems to bring up new questions.

Thanks, happytotravel

Hi,

I also booked my cruise using the number on the website and booked with the person who answered.  I phoned back to ask a question and got someone else.  The next day I received an email with a PCC's name.  I phoned her and left a message and she returned my call within 30 minutes.  Very pleasant lady.

I like to have a PCC rather than speak to someone randomly.  She can answer questions and give info you may not be aware of.  I have used a PCC whenever I booked my cruises wtih NCL in the past.

Have fun planning your cruise as much as I do.

happytotravel

23 hours ago, Sandscout said:

Hi happytotravel 

Did you read the link in crystalspin’s Post #3 regarding Amsterdam Cabin #2645?

Thanks, yes I did.  I'll keep it and see what happens.  Noise does not bother me too much.I will enjoy the extra space.

happytotravel

Hello All,

I just booked a b2b on the Volendam for June 01 and June 08, 2024 and booked cabin 2645 for both legs as 2619 wasn't available.  Thank you for helping me decide.  I've used that type of cabin before and liked it very much.

This will be my first HAL cruise as I have always done NCL before but didn't want the hassle of flying etc. so I checked what cruises left from Montreal and was happy to see HAL did.  Have also been an avid user of CC and all its great information!

Have watched a "walk through" youtube video on the Volendam and it looks like I will enjoy it very much.

Enjoy planning your next cruise as much as I will.

happytotravel

3 hours ago, dbrown84 said:

The NCL press release this will be on all 19 ships, up from the current 9 

Sorry if I wasn't clear.  I meant to say the ships that do not have a solo lounge already will not have one but will have the new "solo" cabins.

happytotravel

Hi All,

Forgive me if someone has already stated this this morning but Cruise Radio website states that ships with the solo lounge already available will the only ones offering that perk.

Don't know what perk NCL will offer for the other ships.

Enjoy planning your next cruise.

happytotravel

Had you had travel insurance your problem would be less of a problem.

Why no insurance?  Everyone should have travel insurance no matter what age.  You never know what will happen while on the cruise.  What would happen if your aunt got ill while onboard rather than at home.  Lots of money out of your pocket.

Just some thoughts for your next cruise. 

Take care, happytotravel

Hi,

Which ever one you choose it is very interesting to see some of the behind the scenes of a ship.

The majority of people have no idea want goes on or how really hard the "behind the scene" crew work.  If you have never done a tour taking the paid one would be good to see the bridge and engine.  Something I believe worth seeing.

Enjoy your cruise, happytotravek

HI,

I've seen that as well at a Miami hotel.  Also on the Joy in June but you can ask for milk and the waiter will gladly bring it.   At the buffet there was milk and half/half in the tanks.

Enjoy life, happytotravel

Hi All,

Just an update on my request for reimbursement of charges for not returning my key card at the Comfort Inn in Miami. Today I received a credit for my two separate stays. 

In the future I will return my card.

happytotravel

On 7/6/2023 at 3:53 PM, latebuyer said:

Thanks both. I do find the thread on missed ports very concerning. Really i consider it 3 ports as i’m not that interested in stirrup cay. Good to know they are pushy in puerta plata. May be best to take a ship excursion there.

HI,

My cruise was in June on the Sky and I took the Sustainable Dominican Coffee excursion in the Dominican Republic and found it really interesting and fun. We even had a chance to do some coffee bean planting. A typical DR Lunch was prepared for us there as well.  Our bus tour guide was absolutely fantastic.  Wish I could remember his name.

Enjoy whatever you decide to do.

happytotravel

On 6/21/2023 at 9:50 AM, Reina del Mar said:

Always ask for a zero balance paper receipt when checking out of any hotel. Hand in keys at the same time.

 

$2 doesn’t sound excessive but on first reading I thought it said $20 which would be another story !

Hi,

I know $2.00 x 2 isn't the end of the world but I prefer it in my pocket than the hotel's.  If I can get reimbursed I'll be happy and if not at least I tried.  But in the future I will drop off my key/card at the desk.  

I stayed at a Comfort Inn in Dorval, Quebec in September 2022 and there was no charge for not dropping off the key. So, is this something in the US only?

Thank you all for your responses, happytotravel

Thanks for your replies.  In the future I will know to turn in my key/cards.  I am usually more observant when it comes to bills but the first time I was trying to get to the cruise port and the 2nd time to the airport.  No excuse but that's what happened.

I will let you know if Choice Hotels reimburses me.

Take care, happytotravel

Hi,

My bill during 2 recent stays at the Comfort Inn Miami International Airport showed a charge of $2.00 each time for the hotel key because I didn't turn it in.  The front desk made no mention of this charge.  I didn't notice this until I got home.

I've never encountered this before.  I've contacted Choice Hotels for a refund and they are looking into it.

Have you noticed this at other hotels?

happytotravel