KAKcruiser

They seem to be there now. Maybe you had a filter on that excluded March.

I just saw an article which said that the Panama Canal Authority will restrict transits for the next ten months. I guess that's why the spring 2024 Panama Canal transits are being cancelled.

Why would they cancel a cruise stop that is six months away? How could they know what water conditions would be like so far away?

So, are you agreeing with me?

I don't think the Nieuw Amsterdam has had a drydock in over five years. We were on the ship almost a year ago and there seemed to be a number of issues that needed to be fixed.

Never mind. I confused the dates.

You can always try. They could move you if another balcony cabin is available and you get a reasonable customer service rep.

The people in ships services used to be very competent and reliable. But I think the calls are mostly being handled by a call center these days. So, lots of luck with the information they give to you.

I agree with the poster who mentioned the limited Caribbean ports on the Rotterdam. This is this best and newest ship and the itineraries are not appealing. The nine day only goes to 4 ports one of which is Bonaire which is limiting cruise ships resulting in last minutes port cancellations. The twelve day Panama Canal only goes to six ports and one of them is Key West, again a port that is limiting cruise ships resulting in last minute port cancellations. Not everyone likes all those sea days.

I answered too fast. It was working last night but not today. Maybe the system goes in and out.

I cleared my browser history and that worked.

But the Rotterdam is nicer. It was carpet on floor and very comfortable seating.

Does anyone know if the Nieuw Statendam will get a Club Orange makeover during drydock? It would be nice if it was updated to be like the Rotterdam.

Does anyone know if this AARP promo is combinable with the other community promos like teachers and health care providers and military?

This is one of the reasons I stopped using a travel agent even though it is cheaper. I like to be in control of my own booking.

The lower priced cabin that you originally booked is the controlling price. They will adjust the price to the current price but perks may change. Your upgraded cabin will stay the same. Whoever you get on the phone will tell you "no" but you have to demand to speak to a pricing specialist who will fix it in one minute.

Do you know the promo requirements? Sometimes anyone can get the $1 deposit and sometimes you have to book the HIA fare to get it.

I also would recommend a signature suite on a nonpinnacle class ship (they are too expensive on a pinnacle class ship).

The pork schnitzel was available in March on the Rotterdam on an 11 day Caribbean cruise. It was almost as big as the plate.

They are supposed to contact you if the waitlist clears. Mistakes do happen and it is possible that you would be overlooked as happened to me one time. They insisted it was an error and the spaces showing availability for booking were not really available. In any case, once onboard spaces became available and they cancelled my existing tour and confirmed me on the more desired tour. Always check with shore excursions when you first get on the ship.

In the old days they always charged double for HIA for solo but for the past few years I have been lucky to get just one HIA charge.

The trouble is that there are different HIA packages. The one that you can purchase as an add-on for 50 percent off does not include gratuities. You have to book the HIA fare to have the gratuities included and that is much more expensive.

Could you cancel your current reservation and start again? Then you could book a VH, buy Club Orange and upgrade to VQ. Or are you already in the cancellation phase?

I once got a print out at the customer service desk on the Rotterdam. But, it didn't contain much information.

The CO on nonpinnacle class ships allows you to get into a separate line for open seating and have priority seating. If you have fixed dining there is no need for CO because you will have a fixed table and fixed dining time.