MaiTaiMary

Does Holland America take an embarkation photo when you first board? 

Any suggestions for something in the morning at Santa Barbara? We have a tour mid day, but will have a few open hours in the morning.   Looking for something low key, as we have people in the group with mobility issues.  Perhaps a nice coffee shop on the water.   Walking will need to be minimal.   We could do something that is a quick Uber ride away. Our tour will stop at the Mission, so no need to do that twice. Thank you. 

11 minutes ago, AKJonesy said:

then go with the Gelato in the Canaletto or at the Gelato station near the pool (depending on what ship you are on) or the Tiramisu.

 Will there be Gelato on the Koningsdam??

First time sailing with HA coming up soon. I'm a big (EARLY MORNING) coffee drinker and I was wondering what the options will be. Koningsdam. I heard of the Dutch Cafe, but just read they don't open until 11:30am, so that's out.  I've been on other cruise lines and there is some sort of coffee available 24/7. True with HA?  Will be there any kind of speciality coffee shops open at, say 7:00am?  Not interested in room service as I like to be out and about early for sunrise. Thank you! 

 I’ve never sailed HA before. Which desserts should I keep an eye out for?? 😁

I don't want to purchase an internet package. Just looking for something free. I don't think I'm going to use the chat feature much, but would be nice to have it. 

Just now, YXU AC*SE said:

 I find using Whatsapp on board to be much more practical as a chat facility.    Scott. 

I can use that in airplane mode?

Is there a fee to use the chat in the Navigator app?  After boarding, I put my phone in "airplane mode", then I can use all of the features? Thank you. First time on HA (and first cruise in a while.) 

27 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

I was able see them at least a month out.

Thanks! I didn't realize I could see them on the app. I'm just under a month out, and they're not there yet, but I'll keep checking. thanks for the tip. 

58 minutes ago, badtwin said:

There are three recent reviews of Rotterdam sailings with lots of menus from northern European sailings posted - MDR as well as lido.

oh nice! Thank you! 🙂

Again....  Just wondering if anybody who has been cruising recently on a 7 day Holland America cruise had copies of the menus to share.  (if you don't know, really no need to post, just to tell me you don't know 😉 ) 

Just trying to get an idea of what is currently offered. Not looking for anything set in stone or "exactly the same".  (Also, I'm not sailing the Caribbean)

1 hour ago, Crew News said:

The seven-day Caribbean menus have yet to be available.  I will be posting the new menus before the end of this month.

I'm not sure what you mean about "yet to be available". Just wondering if anybody who has been cruising recently on a 7 day Holland America cruise had copies of the menus to share. 

Does anybody have a copy of the current 7 day menu? Thanks. 

I'm able to bring one bottle of wine in my carry on, correct? And I'm charged $20 before I board? Just want to make sure I'm understanding the procedure. thank you. 

It's been a while since I've cruised. I'm going to be assigned a time to arrive at the pier to board, correct? Any idea approximately when I will receive that? And how do they notify me? Thank you. 

We selected 5:30p for our dining time. If we don't make it to the MDR by this time, can we just wait for open seating? Or how does that work? Thank you. 

Are the doors on the Koningsdam magnetic? We have a small cruise door decoration we would like to bring and I'm wondering if I should put magnets on the back or the command strips (leaves no residue).  thank you! 

Thank you. Just odd that they (multiple cruise lines) would continue to book cruises with Monterey, if they no longer stop there. Not a big deal to me, but I'm just curious as to what the replacement will be. We are already stopping in Santa Barbara. 

I can't find solid information on the cruise stop in Monterey. Is the port completely closed now to cruise ships and it's just a matter of "when" they are going to cancel or is there a chance the cruises in November will stop there?  Have any ships been stopping here this year?  Thanks. 

On 6/4/2023 at 1:01 PM, ATSEAMYLIFE said:

Do the ship excursion it will be less stressful with fewer moving parts and probably cheaper.  

I agree. A very busy weekend and too many people to keep track of. The double decker bus will be a nice little ride and sometimes it pays to put out a little more money for less stress, even if it isn't the cheapest option.  Also, consider taking the bus tour within the zoo if you have people with mobility issues. It's a fully narrated tour. 

Looking for restaurant suggestions in Santa Barbara. Something with an ocean view, mid-range price. Thank you.

Ensenada will be our last port on our 7 day cruise. I've been there many years ago, but never on a cruise. How easy is it to get into the main area where there are restaurants/bars? Is there a shuttle? I will be traveling with an elderly passenger who can't walk long distances.  Just looking to get off the ship for a few hours, have a bite to eat and a margarita (or two), and then head back on board.  How difficult will that be with somebody who has limited mobility? Thanks. 

Thank you. Even with the service charge (I'm having a hard time calling it a "corkage fee" if we are opening it ourselves), it seems like it would be worth it, judging by the prices of the bottles. At first glance there appears to me much more of a $20 price hike on the bottle prices. 

Can somebody please clarify the rules for bringing a bottle of wine on embarkation day? If I want to drink it in my cabin, do I will have to pay $20? Or is that just if you bring the bottle to dinner? Thank you.