Modern_Viking
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Posts posted by Modern_Viking
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I haven't yet tried SuperShuttle between FLL and Port Miami, but I plan to do so in the future:
They have a shared van service and also have a private car service. I used a private car of theirs to get from Houston to the Galveston port, and that worked well. I've also used their van service in the LAX area. It was OK, but nothing special/great.
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While it doesn't seem to be an option now, I would have suggested arriving an extra day early or possibly staying a day after the cruise to add a visit to KSC or Disney Springs or the like.
The KSC visitor center may be too much for children 4 1/2 and almost 2 years old unless they really are into science type museums, especially the ones that aren't really hands on. Also, one thing about the KSC visitor center is that perhaps the best part is the bus tours, but I think those take at least 2 hours each. You might be able to swing a visit and a bus tour the day you get off the ship, but that day is likely to feel rushed and tiring giving the early morning usually associated with disembarkation day.
One suggestion I have is that instead of visiting KSC (NASA), you could visit Cape Canaveral (the US Air Force). Especially since the Cape Canaveral visitor center is closer to the Disney Port Canaveral pier than the KSC Visitor Center is. Plus, the USAF museum is free (well, donations accepted). Here is a link to their website:
http://afspacemuseum.org/historycenter/
You won't be able to see as much there as on a bus tour, but if you are interested in the space program, you may well really enjoy yourself. I assume your cruise departs on Saturday, and if so, the museum appears to be open 9-5 on Saturdays.
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Hopefully I can post this link here:
It is based on information I extracted from the HAL web site. It seems consistent with other posts in the thread.
Some other information from HAL:
Cruise Port Rotterdam
Wilhelminakade 699
3072 AP Rotterdam
http://www.cruiseportrotterdam.com/contact/index.html
Holland America Line has hired SMS International Shore Operations as the local representative in Rotterdam. Should you find yourself needing assistance while in Rotterdam please contact them at 0031‐6‐41545599 or email to: netherlands@smscruises.com. They can also assist you should you become separated from your luggage. SMS International Shore Operations can also be reached at + 44 207 341 5398
Please note that this office cannot answer questions related to reservations, shore excursions, or upgrades.
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It is my understanding that the HAL vista class ships, like the Zuiderdam, and possibly the newer ships as well, have an active damping system to counteract vibration caused by the propellers / azipods. Without that system working, I understand there is considerable vibration at the aft end of the ship while she is underway.
In the older S-class and R-class ships, I don't notice huge amounts of propeller vibration, but there is noticeably more engine vibration over the engine room. I don't really mind it, but it is there. The Oosterdam is the only vista class ship I have sailed, but I didn't notice any vibration over the engine room area.
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It seems that different people have different preferences. I have tried a few different variants of cruises and find I like about an 50/50 mix. For example, a 7 night cruise with 3 ports of call and 3 sea days.
Bonus points if the sea and port days are spread out. It seems many cruises have sea days at the start and end with the ports bunched up in the middle. That certainly isn't bad, but not my favorite either.
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You didn't mention which ship you are sailing. But, based on the cabin number and itinerary, I agree with DaveOKC that it sounds like you will be on the Maasdam.
As he pointed out, that cabin is below a public sun deck with deck chairs. There is certainly a risk you will have noise when the move those around and when they wash down the deck (which could be every morning). Also, it looks like you lose a bit of space to the emergency escape stairs located there.
It seems your only window will be facing out the port side of the ship. Were you hoping for a stern / wake view? There is an open area open to the public aft of that cabin. I doubt it would often be used, so you could go out there, but will be in a public area.
If it were me, I might look into a B category near the forward elevators. They might not be much more expensive.
It looks like cabin 220 does have a full sized couch, whereas some of the cabins on that deck have a love seat and end table instead of a couch.
The Vista suits on the Maasdam aren't much bigger than a typical outside cabin, so calling it a suite is a bit of a misnomer. Then again, I believe the typical Maasdam outsides are bigger than the outside cabins on many Royal Caribbean ships. The Maasdam vista suites do have a small fridge/mini-bar, which can be handy. The verandas are a decent size for two people to site out there at once, which is nice. The bathrooms have tubs equipped with a shower head (it can be used in a hand-held method if desired), which is a good size.
It's a nice cabin overall, but the location isn't what I would pick, but that is something open to personal preference (especially if you like a stern/wake view).
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Found this on Facebook :D Her Horn sounds Fantastic!!!!
Thanks for the link!
It looks to me like the shipyard has repainted the Koningsdam funnel with the new HAL logo. I'm guessing the bill for that was bigger than what Capt. Card changed to update his painting to be placed on board Koningsdam. ;)
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Which dock does the Disney Wonder use in Galveston, CCL or RCL?:)
The Port of Galveston has a schedule on their web site. You can look up the schedule for docking there:
http://www.portofgalveston.com/index.aspx?nid=80
It looks like November 13 was an exception and that Disney Wonder normally docks at the RCCL (Royal Caribbean) dock, which is TERMINAL NO. 2 or PIER 27/28.
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At last I hope I can show what I have been up to in my studio for the last four and a half months.... with no weekends off and TWO cruises cancelled!
Here are the two new paintings for the KONINGSDAM to be hung in the Crows Next.
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My work is complete. Have a good Christmas..... I'm sailing on Monday for a 35 day cruise .... UK to Caribbean and back.... in the SAGA SAPPHIRE.
Stephen
Thanks for sharing your work with us! It is a pleasure, as always, to see it.
I hope you enjoy your Christmas holiday. As it turns out, I am booked on the Maasdam and it appears we are scheduled to be in Grand Turk along with you and the SAGA SAPPHIRE on Boxing Day. It would be fun to meet you, but I expect you might be busy with other things.
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My 2 favorite ships (Westerdam and Zuiderdam) are not doing Alaska cruises in 2017. What are your thoughts on the Amsterdam and how does it compare to my favorites?
Have you sailed on a HAL S-class or R-class ship, and if so, what did you not like about them compared to Westerdam and Zuiderdam? That information might help others give you advise on the R-class Amsterdam. Otherwise, we would need to guess and/or tell you what we prefer about a given ship based on our preferences vs. your stated preferences. :)
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If you mean the 14 day with all different ports in Alaska, that will be the Maasdam.The cruise is in July, 2017. Only ship listed is the Amsterdam.
Ah, OK. During summer of 2016, the Maasdam will be sailing the 14 night itinerary, round-trip Seattle, with Monday departures. In 2017, it does appear to be the Amsterdam scheduled for that itinerary, with Sunday departures.
In the past, depending on the year, the Amsterdam or the Statendam have been assigned to that itinerary, as I recall.
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Awesome! Looks like it's the Disney transfers, in large part so we can wait in the terminal. As a former cast member, the tipping thing on Disney cruises is interesting. I can totally understand the tipping on board. That's industry standard. However, when I was a cast member, we could NOT accept tips. So, I could see that rule possibly being applied to the US based employees.
Some things to keep in mind about tipping:
- The bus drivers for the DCL buses, and also for Disney's Magical Express are not Disney cast members, but are employees of Mears Transportation.
- I know many cast members cannot accept tips, or can accept them only if immediately turned in to a designated charity (for example tour guides at the Animal Kingdom park turn tips in to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.) Some cast members on DCL evidently cannot accept tips either from what I have heard (but not directly experienced) with examples being officers and staff in the kids' clubs.
- It is my experience that Disney cast members working in Guest Services are not allowed to accept tips. I suppose that a means of saying that guest service at Disney is meant to be freely given and is not to be considered a special treat to those who pay extra for it. Then again, the job of Guest Services cast members is usually to dispense information and advice, and not to perform physical labor such as transporting luggage.
- Waiters, bar staff, and stateroom hosts are in positions that typically accept tips and therefore are allowed to do so both with DCL and as Disney cast members at the resorts. I say this based on direct experience. Valet parking attendants would be another example of people allowed to accept tips. I expect Disney resort bell staff (i.e. people who provide luggage assistance) are allowed to accept tips. I know the employees of BAGS, Inc who collect luggage at Disney resorts for transport to the MCO airport certainly accept tips.
Tipping or not is up to you. I just thought I would add a bit of extra data to the conversation.
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Hi,
Our family is new to HAL (Disney converts!!:o) and I have some questions :confused: and I'm hoping for answers from the experts :D
We will be on the Amsterdam.
1. For the kids (ages 3-9) what do they drink all day? Are beverages included in the meals or do I need some sort of drink card. My kids drink milk, water and juice if they are lucky so soda is out of the question. And how do they get the drinks? There doesn't seem to be a self serve drink station from what I can see.
2. For adult drink packages it shows that it is $939 or so per adult. So basically we would need to drink like fish every day to make this worth while!! What would a rum and coke run at? $8ish??
Also, at dinner any beverages including wine or just a coke will be paid for on my drink card?
What if I just want to drink some water at the pool, how does that work?
3. On Half Moon Cay, if I rent a villa or cabana the beach ares in front of me will still be packed with the rest of the ships passengers correct? So it isn't really a "private" beach area, but the joys that come with the villa or cabana. Correct?
On Half Moon Cay are there only lounger chairs or are there short chairs too? I like to take my chair down to the water so I can sit while the kids play.
Is there a bike rental place that I can just rent a bike and kids bikes or does it have to be part of a package
Last Half Moon question, how far are the Cabana/Villas (closest ones) from the play area? Average walking pace, 5 min?? 20 min?? It is a paved path to walk on?
What is the difference between "limited" and "1 space left" on the villas. Also do the letter's mean anything when booking online?
4. On the outside decks, and pool areas like say the seaside pool, is there plexiglass in between the railings? It is hard to tell by the pictures I have seen and the HAL site. I just don't need to lose a passenger so would like to know my areas to avoid before we start!
5. Is there a charge to go in the fitness room and use the treadmill? I guess I would need to bring my waterbottle so I can hydrate during a run correct?
6. For the spa, I like those heated stone like lounge chairs to go lay on - how can I figure out how much these cost?
Any other family info would be awsome to see as I have been reading on here as much as possible to be in the know!!
Thank you so much!!
I will try to answer your questions as best as I can.
1) At all times in the Lido (buffet), coffee, hot tea, ice water, and sometimes ice tea are provided for free. Ice water is also available at the "Dive In" and for free from bars. Bottled water costs extra, but I don't bother. (I just bring a water bottle with me to refill). During breakfast time, milk and some fruit juices are free in the Lido, via room service, and in the main dining room if open. Coffee, hot tea, and milk are also provided for free at all times in the dining room and via room service.
There are no free sodas served in any venue.
2) A basic / house rum and coke or the like costs about $6 plus 15% tip. All drinks are charged to your room card (unless you buy a separate beverage card) in the dining room, in a bar, from roving servers by the pool or in the Lido. Wine by the glass can be similar or much more expensive, but the selections don't often impress.
Again, for water by the pool I would use the dispenser that is part of the taco bar, which is located near the "Dive In" by the mid-ship pool. Note: there are solid windows surrounding the mid-ship pool so since you are worried about young-ones trying to squeeze through railings, you will want to use the mid-ship pool vs. the aft pool.
3) Yes, the beach areas in front of the Half Moon Cay villas are open for all guests to use. The villa gives you a covered, comfortable, potentially cooled, and somewhat expensive place to relax within site of the ocean but not close enough for direct bathing.
I don't remember any regular beach chairs, only loungers.
The villas are identified by color, with only one of each color available. Thus they all show up as only one left. There is a paved path from the tender dock to the buffet and toward the villas but not all the way there. I don't remember which colors are closest to the dock.
I've never tried to rent a bike on the island.
4) As I mentioned before, your best bet is likely the mid-ship pool.
5) Gym access is free, other than for instructor led classes or seminars.
6) Spa access is extra. Access to the stone loungers is only via a pass that is purchased by the day or for the full cruise.
Other) The drinks served at the coffee bar in the Explorations Cafe are extra cost. Please note that this room is near, but separate from the nearby Explorer's Lounge. Both are on the Upper Promenade deck. The casino is also located nearby, and unfortunately the casino tends to have a smokey smell, so you might want to avoid it. (You can still get to the Explorations Cafe and Explorer's Lounge from the aft or midship stairs/elevators and avoid the smoke. (Just avoid walking aft from the forward stairs or forward from the middeck stairs.)
The Explorations Cafe also has a library that includes a collection of board games and jigsaw puzzles for use at no extra cost.
The Crow's Nest at the forward end of Sports deck often provides great sea views. The Disney Magic and Wonder don't currently have a forward facing lounge like this (although there can be similar views from the gym on those ships).
I hope this information helps you enjoy your cruise. :)
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When changing from a domestic US flight to a outbound international flight, you will need to show your passports when your boarding passes are scanned at the boarding door. Otherwise, there isn't much difference leaving the USA vs. flying domestically.
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Thanks S7S.
The next one up will be a winner! If not I will have to scrap and get rid of that 'idea'!
Stephen
Have you ever painted a scene involving a modern HAL ship departing via the Port Everglades channel with the condominiums in the background complete with residents waiving HAL flags? That is a scene I have enjoyed in person and would seem like a fun idea for a new ship painting.
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When we took our first HAL cruise to Alaska in July 2007 there were four fixed seatings. When we took our Mediterranean Cruise in September 2008 the change to two fixed dining times and Open Seating had occurred.
Hope this helps.
Terri
My last HAL cruise with the choice of 4 fixed seatings was on the Amsterdam in December of 2007.
My first HAL cruise with the 2 fixed seatings plus open seating was on the Maasdam in December 2008.
Thus, I think the changeover happened in spring/summer of 2008, but with each ship changing on a slightly different date.
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From what I remember it was at half hour intervals.
Early early was at 5:45
Late early was at 6:15
Early late was 7:45
Late late was 8:15
My memory is that this schedule was used for Alaska cruises mostly, in the time frame of 2006-2007. By 2008, there were two fixed seatings plus open seating.
For cruises in regions other than Alaska, the standard 4 dining times were all 15 minutes later than what you listed (6, 6:30, 8, 8:30).
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I have heard that the next scheduled refurbishment / dry docking for the Maasdam is early January 2016, but that was not from an official HAL source.
I have been on a variety of sizes of HAL ships and I would say the experiences have generally been more alike than different. The smaller ships are easier to get around (fewer flights of stairs to go from bottom to top, shorter walks from bow to stern, etc.). With fewer passengers tendering seems to happen faster (on average), lines for security at the gangway to get on and off are often shorter.
Although, on the S-class ships (like Massdam), since there is no public mid-ship stairwell there is a slightly higher probability that you might have to backtrack a bit to get to the stairs or elevators to change decks vs. the newer ships with the 3rd set of stairwells and elevators.
Dining room, room service, and Lido menus are basically the same regardless of HAL ship class. Bar menus are similar or perhaps identical. The standard activities and types of entertainment are the same, although the smaller ships have the bigger movie theaters.
The smaller ships have, on average, larger cabins with more storage room, but the larger ships have a larger percentage of balcony cabins.
I hope these general comments are helpful.
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I understand that the Lido Restaurant (well, mostly the kitchen areas for the Lido) have been reorganized on ~2 HAL ships, so perhaps something similar will happen to the Eurodam this December.
But I have no way of knowing for sure that will or will not happen.
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We were on the Jet ski excursion in May at CC and had a BLAST. As long as you can climb up the back of the jet ski in shallow water you'll be fine. Chances are extremely slim that you will fall off "for some odd reason" in deeper water and require to climb back on. You do play follow the leader, but the leader went plenty fast. I highly recommend this tour.
I had a similar experience.
The ride was 40-45 minutes. We did go fast, and while we "followed" the leader, we also were encouraged to spread out to avoid each others wake.
If it gets too windy, all rides are cancelled, but of course then you won't be charged for the excursion. Perhaps the weather might be better earlier in the morning than later in the day.
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Does anyone know what the Prinsendam will be doing on May 5 - May 19, 2016?
I see it arrives in Ft. Lauderdale from Europe the first week in May but does not depart from Ft. Lauderdale until May 19 for the TA to Amsterdam.
What's the story?
It looks like you aren't the only one curious if the Prinsendam is scheduled for an upcoming dry docking:
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Have all HAL ships now converted to the vastly superior new Canaletto menu and added the equally superior Dive Inn lido grill format? Or just some lucky ships.
Our last HAL trip on the Zaandam (2014) had both improved menus. Hoping we see both of them also on the Amsterdam this Fall. Loved them.
As of December 2014, the Amsterdam had the new Dive Inn grill, but seemed to have an older Canaletto menu.
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Based on what I read in the news on Monday:
The 4 newly announced ships to be built by Meyer Werft are for European based lines. The first two will be built in Germany for Aida. The other two will be built in Finland, with the branding not announced. Going to Costa seems likely, but it could be Aida or maybe even P&O. The press seems to have exaggerated them somewhat as they are expected to have 5,000 lower berths (i.e. 2,500 cabins). If more than half (but not all) have a third birth, and/or some have a 4th berth, we get the listed 6,600 passenger limit. Ships are usually listed based on double occupancy only. Also, size was listed as over 180,000 tons. So, if the ships are 200,000 tons, that could be a space ratio of 40, based on double occupancy, which is not bad (at least on paper). Anyway, it seems the details are missing for now.
In other (older) news, it looks like a sister to the Kdam is being built in Italy by Fincantieri for HAL. Delivery is scheduled for around November of 2018. I expect she will be about the same 99,500 tons as the Kdam.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2014/12/19/carnival-holland-america-order/20629477/
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I've used Already There Town Car Service before in Seattle and had good luck with them. Although, the last time was almost 4 years ago. Definitely make a reservation in advance with them. For an airport pickup, you tell them when your flight is scheduled to arrive, and then when you are in baggage claim with all your luggage, you tell them what exit door you are near and they drive to the curb at that spot to pick you up. I paid via credit card.
I did not try using them from the pier to the airport.
I also tried Seattle Express on a different trip. It worked OK, and was cheaper, but felt cheaper as well. The ride from the hotel to the pier was fine, although on a crowded bus, and there was an intermediate stop or two for me. The way back, it was strait from the pier to the airport in a van, but I had to wait for the van to fill up before we left. The parking spot for Seattle Express buses and vans, at least at the time, was the longest walk away from the terminal of all the ground transportation options. The pier area isn't nearly as big as SeaTac, but it was an unexpected surprise. Going to the pier I had to make a reservation, but I don't think I needed one to get back to the airport (although having one could help). Had to pay in cash with no reservation.
There did seem to be a long line of taxis waiting for a fare at the pier when I disembarked, so that seemed to be an option as well.
Eurodam-Venice Cruise Ship Terminal
in Holland America Line
Posted
My only time cruising out of Venice was in 2009 and the Oosterdam docked at the Stazione Marittima.
There is another, smaller pier a ways away, but that seemed to only be big enough for maybe one Seabourn sized ship and not something Eurodam sized.
The Stazione Marittima is a U-shaped harbor and seemed to have room for perhaps 4 large ships to dock, although all passengers were routed through the same shared terminal building at the base of the U.