RMLincoln

I'd say that 75 Euro for a cab is a good deal for 2 people considering the hassle of trying to lug your way through multiple transfers. Even a ship transfer is likely to cost that much for 2.

 

Just my thoughts, fresh from a multiple stopover 9-weeks trip in Europe including 3 cruise legs. We used every conceivable mode of transportation. We were very lucky to find a shared shuttle to the port from Rome (90 Euro) ... maybe you could search for one in Netherlands?

Best of luck to you. m--

We just got off Maasdam, had an H room but in the bow, #306. H is partially obstructed. You will be able to see the sea looking across the walk-around deck outside your window. You will have a better view looing in one direction than the other direction.

 

You will want to keep your curtains closed in the evening/night so that folks outside your window can't see in. The windows are coated with a reflective coating and work well for keeping people from seeing in during the day.

 

As Ruth indicated, the room is bit small than a J, actually shorter in length so you will only have a 2 seat loveseat instead of a 3 seat couch.

 

#379 is mid-ship and will have a nice ride. MM 821 is quite far aft and might have engine noise and vibration.

 

Happy deciding! m--

We'd been working on getting a house ready to sell for more months than I care to admit. The tile guy made a mess working on a bathroom floor, munging up the wallpaper to the extent where I had to take the wallpaper off and re-do the wall.

 

I used some sort of gooey wallpaper removal gel. It worked pretty well. After I let the gel soak I was able to use a putty knife to strip the paper off the wall. But the paper strips fell back onto me... my hair, my face, it curled behind my glasses...yuck. At that very moment I told myself "A cruise! yes, a cruise would be nice!! My exact, vivid thought burned into my memory:D

 

As we drove home from the closing where we sold that house I told DH I had a stop to make, a business called "cruise something or other...." and we booked our first cruise. It was the last sailing to Alaska that season and left in 3 weeks from the day we booked it. 2003.

 

Had no idea what we were doing. We took our 5th wheel RV to Washington state, visited some family, left the trailer there with them, borrowed some rolling duffle bags (which collapse and make storing them in the trailer easier) and packed a brand new digital camera (our first ever) my wedding dress for formal night (it was silver gray floor length from 10 years before) and DH's suit and off we went with our passports to a Vancouver departure.

 

Had a fabulous time experiencing everything new, agog at the ship, the scenery, the FOOD, the music, the shows... even thought the inside room assigned to us on a guarantee was cute! We paid way too much for that room but we had a blast!

 

Embarkation took us 2 and a half hours waiting, during which time we ate our sandwiches that we'd made in the trailer that morning... everybody else was complaining that they wanted their lunch. We didn't know we might get a lunch.

 

The rest is history. m--

 

PS Didn't discover cruise critic until late 2007. That changed history and cruising for me:D

Does the energy-saving feature turn off the outlet(s) also or just the lights when the card is taken out of the slot? Thanks, m--

For what it's worth, we arrived in Budapest Hungry from Slovakia at midnight. We did not have a passport check face to face upon crossing the border. This was on viking embla, out of Amsterdam Nov 3 - Nov 17.

Was the paprika in paste form? If so then yes it would be limited to 3oz or less. Powdered paprika should not be a problem.

 

I bought paprika in a gift shop, little sacks of powder, some come with a tiny wooden scoop. Great for sharing with my girlfriends. I think the triple pack was equivalent to $4 or5, I used a credit card so didn't heve to have local currency, 50grams per sack in the tripl , double and solo sacks can be hot or sweet and are larger. Haven't used it yet. Enjoy, m--

Just back form Rome... stayed 4 nights in a HouseTrip apartment. It was on the Metro, 33 stops southeast of Termini. Not sure what mid-price is but we paid about $550 for 4 nights on a 1 bedroom apt with full kitchen and washer, living room with fold out couch too; wifi although it was a bit slow it did what we needed.. Metro 2 blocks, grocery stores within a block, ATM also. It's off Appia Nuovo. You can google HouseTrip. I'd do it again but it may not be for everybody.

 

We used shared shuttle from FCO airport to apt and from apt to ship... all door to door service. check out www airportshuttle dot it We paid 31E (for 2) from airport, and 90E (for 2) to port, door to door, didn't even need a port shuttle bus, so very easy with the luggage. The hike through termini is about half a kilometer, stairs with the Metro, hike on the port side... we were not up to it and I'm ever so thankful for the shuttle!

 

I also recommend the Roma Pass, covers all transportation systems and admission to first 2 major sights plus discounts to others. We used the Metro a lot!

 

If you plan to go into the Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel be sure to have a pre-paid reservation. The line can be hours long otherwise. Have a fun trip! m--

 

Sorry about the error. Our apt was 3 stops from Termini station. m--

We have no issues with either re-pricing (downwards) or changing cabins....prior to final payment.

 

 

We monitor the prices, we call our TA, and she happily makes the changes. No service fees involved.

 

The only thing that may change with a re-price is a slight reduction in the TA provided OBC. Never heard of a TA who would not reprice outside of the final payment window though we have heard of a few that do charge an admin fee for doing it.

 

It's easier for PCCs than TAs to make adjustments after final payment date. Adjustments might be more OBC or upgrades. m--

Our last cruise we booked through a PCC, first time. They apparently have more flexibility if the price drops. Have booked many with a large TA but they would never reduce or offer upgrades when the prices dropped. We usually got some OBC and a bottle of wine from the TA. I tried a new approach and the PCC gave us more OBC than the TA offered for this cruise, plus a PG dinner for 2. The price didn't drop but we were happy.

 

Next time I'll probably ask each of them what their best offer is and then weigh in the possibility of a price drop. We book inside or outside most of the time, sometimes a guarantee so we are not getting huge OBC like those who book much more expensive cabins might, but we can always hope for an upgrade... and sometimes we get one :) m--

Love Open Dining! We prefer a 2-top not only for our own company but for a speedier dinner - 90 minutes is plenty for us - and we have zero problem getting a 2-top as we eat early. Usually I make reservations for the first two nights then we are usually asked by the dining captain if we would like to have that table for the whole cruise. If we want another location, that is a good time to ask what else may be available.

 

But the real flexibility in this process is that even though they are expecting us at a certain table at our usual time we have at least 15 minutes before they give the table to someone else, and we can show up later. So if we are delayed by a late shore excursion and don't show up, no problem, we can eat later in the MDR.... if you have traditional dining and come in late for your Early Dining seating they don't want to seat you late, you can eat in the buffet.

 

Hope your experience is good. m--

[quote name='buggins0402']Our muster station was indoors in the theater. During the drill we were led outside to the lifeboats...I don't remember that being done on Marina this past summer, but we may have been.

We were in port and it just didn't occur to us to bring our vests...but I do recall some had them. Leaving our cabin, I had gotten halfway down the hall when I heard someone in another cabin doorway say get your meds...so I ran back to DH a who was still in the cabin and put the Meds in the handy dandy O bag.

Back home today. We beat the luggage. I was kind of worried that it would be delivered while we were still in Miami and no one could sign for it if they needed a signature. We hide a condo key and had our maintenance man hide another in case the first had gotten misplaced. DH had the foresight to not take the car keys (we didn't drive to the airport). Even my work keys are with the luggage (ok, I was really stupid to have those with me) but, manged to get another set when I went in for a few hours today. The issues with keys was another thing many of us learned. Only take what is necessary and put those in the safe.[/quote]

Many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I'm trying to learn and envision the process, knowing that even though every emergency is unique there are commonalities, which is why we train, train, train in Fire and EMS.

So happy that all the passengers are safe and recovering, luggage on it's way no less - very impressive I think; but so sad for the lives lost, the grave burden on their families and for all the crew including the officers; it's traumatic to all.

Oceana may be lucky the ship was in port and avoided the long, drawn out misery of other ships with engine fires while at sea, but they will be scrutinized for having been warned by similar previous events. Time will tell but we may never hear the full tale.

Again, Blessings to all involved. m--

Just back form Rome... stayed 4 nights in a HouseTrip apartment. It was on the Metro, 33 stops southeast of Termini. Not sure what mid-price is but we paid about $550 for 4 nights on a 1 bedroom apt with full kitchen and washer, living room with fold out couch too; wifi although it was a bit slow it did what we needed.. Metro 2 blocks, grocery stores within a block, ATM also. It's off Appia Nuovo. You can google HouseTrip. I'd do it again but it may not be for everybody.

 

We used shared shuttle from FCO airport to apt and from apt to ship... all door to door service. check out www airportshuttle dot it We paid 31E (for 2) from airport, and 90E (for 2) to port, door to door, didn't even need a port shuttle bus, so very easy with the luggage. The hike through termini is about half a kilometer, stairs with the Metro, hike on the port side... we were not up to it and I'm ever so thankful for the shuttle!

 

I also recommend the Roma Pass, covers all transportation systems and admission to first 2 major sights plus discounts to others. We used the Metro a lot!

 

If you plan to go into the Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel be sure to have a pre-paid reservation. The line can be hours long otherwise. Have a fun trip! m--

+1, exactly my thought. First Bravo, looked out into hall and saw housekeeping going into drill mode.

 

The only way out was the same exit we used as passengers. They could have gone down a crew stairway....but the only way off was through the usual gates, so that story is debunked.

 

The actual muster...which took place after the second fire, crew was in full drill mode. Knocking on doors, sending people to the stations, with crew holding the boat numbers at the assigned muster stations.They took a cabin census, but soon realized that it didn't make sense, half the people were already off the ship. So they made announcement for the people holding the numbers to go to the dock. Then they told us to calmly exit the ship, taking cabin numbers At the exit. We stood at our muster number at the dock for a while...until we asked if we could go downtown.

 

I think reporting to muster stations was a good idea....rather than letting people make a mad dash for the exit. It was just an unusual muster with the ship being in port.

 

Just curious, did they have you take life vests to the muster? And were the muster stations outdoors? I have only been on 1 R-class ship, Ocean Princess, and Princes has indoor muster stations.

Thanks so much for your personal reports. Glad you are recovering. As an EMT/firefighter I have learned the stresses of emergencies, especially when there are fatalities. Be very, very kind to yourself.

Blesings to all affected by this tragedy. Maureen

Welcome home, Maureen! Your cruise sounds so exciting.

 

Settle back in; deal with the holidays; and sometime (soon?) please do tell us all about it! I am especially looking forward to the Hurtigruten & Viking cruises, but the Maasdam matters, too. ;)

 

Thank you Ruth! Right now I m enjoying the snowfall as I prepare to start laundry. I will post a short comparison of the 3 very different cruises. But just as an appetizer, and I know you had asked, the hurtigruten had amazing food, not so the viking, imho, and to my great surprise. Enjoy all your holday celebrating. m--

Hi Joanie and Roger!

We just got home a few days ago from a 9 week tour across Europe that included 3 cruises: first Norway's Hurtigruten, then Viking river cruise and the last one on Maasdam from Rome to Ft Lauderdale. It was another amazing trip for us but pretty busy, not like your wonderful relaxing vacation. And I'm checking in on the Boards now and so happy to see that you two are living the life! Love following along with you. Joanie, don't let that deck chair cool off! And special joys seeing the photo of Roger proudly waving our Zia sun symbol. Thanks Roger! We brought snow home to the NM mountains, got 5" Sunday and expect another 5" tomorrow... so good for us, and town is getting some moisture too!!

Stay well and Enjoy it all! Feliz Navidad....

Maureen

Hello BHL,

So glad to hear that you are having a good cruise and have had the thrill of the Northern Lights! Standing under that dome of shimmering green light was a highlight of our 9 week trip... just got home! In retrospect, I have to say that I think the food on Hurtigruten was way above my expectations and the cruise was so relaxing, unlike any other type of touring. So glad to have had the experience.

Enjoy it all! m--

Thanks so much for all the useful tips. Can you tell me where the electrical outlets are located in the cabins? I need to plug in my CPAP and don't want to carry a heavy extension cord, if I don't have to.

 

Leaving in 18 days and so excited.

 

Sorry this is late, just got back! I'm pretty sure the outlet is at the vanity, which was across from the fold-down bed in our room. If you might need an extension cord call ahead to see if they can provide you one.

Have been washing out socks and undies. Bought Exofficio brand undies for dh and me and we love them. Dh now has exofficio t-shirts too, all great. I can't imagine dragging laundry off the ship into town. I washed 2 light tops of mine and a dress shirt for dh, dried overnight on inflatable hangers- they have the advantage of width to keep the shirt front and back separated so the shirt dries more easily. The hair dryer is good for finishing any dampness out of an item. I do one big item per night.

 

Also check out Travel Smith or other companies for light weight travel clothes. We each have a travel shirt, part rayon which dries super fast. Great pockets with zippers for security. m--

Fresh fruits are readily available. Big bowls of them. Every dinner in the dining room has a cheese plate option for dessert, probably could ask for fruit instead of crackers with it. But i have not seen anything marked 'no sugar added' as I usually see on ocean cruise ships. m--

We are using the Quiet Vox on viking now and think they work great. Cross over has not been occurring. The ear piece does not fit into the ear canal opening but over it, hanging on a loop that loops around the ear. This design allows for use with hearing aids. I like them. m--

We left midnatsol today. We had heavy rain all day but only light rain in bergen, but did take advantage of bus transfer from the pier to our hotel, comfort holberg. It was easy. 90 nok, about $14 each... was it worth it? for us today I'm glad we did but we could probably have walked it with good directions of the roundabout way because the direct way is very steep with luggage, so bus was good for us.

 

After chech in we walked to the fish market area to find the bus stop for the airport express for tomorrow. Not so eaxy to find at first so I'm very glad we chrcked it out because the tourist information center was closed and no one to ask except store keepers, who were helpful to us. The bus takes 90 nok cash or credit card. We have a 200 nok bill remaining so will use that up.

 

The southbound journey on midnatsol was relaxing and pleasant but rainy and dark. Although we entered Trollfjord it was pitch dark so we really couldn't appreciate it. The meals continued to be very enjoyable featuring as much local foods as possible which they pick up at stops along the way.

 

so that is the quick overview. We had a relaxing cruise, saw very good northern lights, experienced a bit of the culture, history, the flavor of many towns and good foods..... so we feel we got a good spectrum of Norway. But are disappointed that we didn't get to see the scenery in better weather but such is nature and perhaps the time of year.

 

I am not sure if we would use huttigruten again, maybe, I wouldn't say no.

 

We are moving on to other places but I will check in here for questions.

 

bon voyage to bhl for 1 month from now, may you too have a good coastal cruise. And many thanks to sl and others for all the help and encouragement along the way :) m---

I spent a lot of time reading the brochure of the cruise line.

 

Apparently, hot and cold drinks, are not included in the fare?

 

Also, are meals included in the fare?

 

The excursions are very expensive. Are there any options doing it yourself?

 

How long are the ships in port for the main cities? The timetable is just not clear when ships arrive and depart.

You can read some details i posted on the Enjoying Midnatsol thread a few days ago.

We have hot and cold drinks with breakfast, hot drinks with lunch and nothing free with dinner but coffee and tea after dinner upstairs in the lounge. This is on full board.

 

There is a thread about water issues that you may want to read too. So far they seem to be sticking to their policy. There is a water package, a wine package and a coffee package. Somehow we have managed without any of them... just enjoying the relaxing trip.

 

I will say the food has been very good! I wouldn't want to be trying to scrape up food in the ports as a passenger without a food plan. Half board skips lunch. Not sure how much it saves.

 

You can bring alcohol aboard to drink in your cabin but if you buy it locally it's very expensive too. m--

Yes, I, too, am enjoying reading your posts. Brings back many delightful memories...

 

Very glad to share, as I enjoy reports from so many others also. m--

I'm just enjoying hearing about your activities and how you are keeping warm.

Now I'm thinking about the cleats issue...

I have a long waterproof down coat which I expect to need in December,

and for our river cruise on the Rhine that follows. Also have merino long johns and shirt and several fleece shirts and vests. One question: is there a safe in the cabin? thanks!

 

We do not have safes in our rooms, reception will arrange for safe keeping of valuables.

 

several fleece shirts and vests sounds like overkill but one of each would be good flexibility. We too are connecting to a river cruise, Amsterdam for us.

 

I have a light, gauzy scarf that has been most useful both on ship and off. So glad to have it. Gloves are essential... i have 2 pair, one is thin silk glove liner, small and easy, other thinsulate lined.

 

My Sorell thinsulate lined low booties have been excellent, they have a knobby agressive sole. Footing on the ship good, surfaces are all nonslip.

 

Last night's midnight concert was charming. Weather is brighter as we move south, sunset 3.30pm and may be too early for us to view thr narrows this afternoon. Off to another ecxellent lunch... dinner tonight is delayed until 8pm due to late return of overland excursion passengers. This afternoon, after it gets too dark to enjoy viewing will be time for napping, reading and writing. Later, m--

 

Bring a small flashlight or better yet a headlamp with a red light position for camera work at night... i got one at walmart for $5 or so, very handy.

Possibly too late, but turn right out of the port and walk up to the little church. It's beautiful inside.

 

Yes, we walked directly to the church. I enjoyed its geometric patterns. Stopped also at the reconstruction museum and a delightful shop. We get town maps at the ship's reception desk... very handy with their lists of points of interest. m--