VMax1700

That was our worst embarkation ever! It does seem that there was a protest at the terminal building this morning, that caused delays to the disembarkation process and those who were taking tours. We were in no rush away from the hotel as check in was listed as starting at 12 noon, even though we were told to check in at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure time of 3pm. So 12 noon to 1.30 to check in everyone........good luck with that! Our taxi took us over the Erasmus Bridge and the line of traffic trying to get down Wilhelmenakade was all they way back on to the bridge. So he drove straight on, did a U turn and pushed his way across the junction and down to the terminal. However the line of passengers waiting to hand over their suitcases stretched from the end of the terminal building down to the bridge. There was very little signage and no one was offering any guidance. Also there was a cold wind blowing. I left Ellen opposite the terminal main door and headed down to join the end of the line. It was long and it was 11.50 am. Eventually they called 5 star mariners and they were guided into the building. Then 4 and 5 stars were called. It started speeding up then, and once inside the terminal building the process moved quickly. Eventually we were onboard by 1.10pm.

I did not notice any taxis, but I was not looking for them. I think the taxi point was located in a slightly different area.

Thanks to everyone for the 'Bon voyages'. I tried to 'thank' everyone, but either CC or HAL internet is not cooperating, so please accept our gratitude for your good wishes. It was not a good embarkation, at least I now know the reason, thanks to Tony's post about the protesters. @JazzyVwishing you a successful procedure tomorrow. @bennybearCongrats on your 50th I am just about to update my live from thread, and then hit bed, as its been a long day.

I found the worst part of the journey was the disorientation after arriving at Rotterdam Centraal. The most important thing is to follow declining platform numbers towards platform 1. Marriott is straight ahead and Hilton is turn left as you approach the Marriott.

Have a great cruise Jacqui.

Today has turned out ok. a few showers and sunny spells, but still that cold wind. We need to go south!

Although the Marriott is adjacent to the train station, the Hilton is no too far to walk. DW has walking difficulties and it was a cold wet night, but she managed no problem. We did not pre purchase train tickets, but used our debit cards to tap in and tap out. The train departs from the station underneath the airport. We used a luggage trolley and descended to the track level by elevator. The train to Rotterdam departs from track 5 or 6. Keep an eye on the tv monitors above the platform for updated information. Also ensure it is an Inter City Direct train that you board - only 25 minutes to Rotterdam. There are a couple of steps up to the carriage, but they are manageable. When you arrive in Rotterdam Central, exit the platform (elevator/escalator) and turn right. You should be heading towards Platform 1 which is the nearest to the exit that you need. At the station exit (remember to tap out if using debit/credit card) and cross the square and tram tracks in front of you. You should see the Marriott. When you reach the pavement turn left and it is a straight and level walk to the Hilton. You cross two streets, but there are crossings. The fare was charged to our debit card today of 14.50 euro each.

Last couple of times that we were onboard on April 27th was not really different of a normal day. A mention in the Captain's daily update and a few staff wearing orange ties, but really low key on a Dam ship when compared to Dam Square!

Good evening from the 10th floor of the Rotterdam Hilton. It is cold, wet and windy here this evening. Our flight from Cork was 25 minutes late departing but only 15 minutes late on Amsterdam arrival. We had no delays at passport control and collected our bags quickly and then headed down to platform 5 to board the 9.10pm Inter City Direct train to Rotterdam. It was only 35 minutes from Schiphol to Rotterdam Centraal. Remembering to 'Tap out' of the train journey it was only a short walk to the hotel. Now it is time to catch up one the 'Sprint Qualifying' for the F1 and then to bed. Good night from Rotterdam.

Here is the itinerary......

Thanks! Next year they are offering a similar itinerary from Dover. Visits Funchal, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Casablanca, Agadir and Porto. It sails from Rotterdam too.

The 2024 European cruise season is starting and we are booked on Nieuw Statendam's first cruise as she has just transversed the Atlantic and will be home porting in Rotterdam for a couple of cruises. This is an interesting itinerary and one that I have not seen offered previously. April is just a nice time to hit Las Canarias as the temperatures should be in the early 20'sC (that is 70°F for the unconverted!). Here is the route: More to follow........

I did that transfer pre covid and as far as I remember there were a couple of different departure times dependant on the flight time. I am boarding Nieuw Statendam on Sunday on a Rotterdam/Rotterdam return trip cruise. I will check out the timings when onboard and will post them, if you can wait two weeks.

By following the signage in the Terminal? 🤣 Sorry! Let me put it this way....... Although my family could drive me to our local airport in 10 minutes and I could fly to USA with transfers in LHR/AMS/CDG etc, I would prefer to drive to Dublin (160miles/250kms) and park at the airport for an exorbitant price and use the pre clearance facilities in Dublin Airport meaning that I arrive in the USA as a domestic flight with not having to join the long line for immigration at the US airport. No further procedures after pre clearance is 'priceless'.

You can use Global Entry at the pre clearance, but you can also get the dreaded SSSS on your boarding card. If your online checkin does not issue you with a boarding pass then the chances are you have been selected for Seconary Security Screening Selection

Most post cruise transfers are simply a coach transporting you from the cruise terminal directly to the airport terminal, so you will collect your bag in the port terminal and go through customs (if present) and place your bags in the coach. At the airport you will take your bags from the coach into the airport terminal for checkin for your flight, where the bags will be tagged to final destination.

Nieuw Statendam has just departed Cobh on her way to St Peter's Port. It was really strange standing beside the ship and knowing that we cannot board her until Sunday! We met @Vict0riann Ann and Pat at the Cobh Heritage Centre which is just at the exit of the port gates and shares a building with the train station. We drove up to St Coleman's Cathedral for a visit and then went to the Titanic Memorial Gardens. Then a light lunch before they returned to the ship. We actually paused for a photo op at the Annie Moore statue at the port gates, which commemorates the first arrival processed at Ellis Island in 1892 I just noticed that Ellen was getting very friendly with Pat 😄 Here we all are after our lunch, posing against the mural inside the restaurant. The mural represents the actual outside of the restuarant and neighbouring buildings @kazu Jacqui, we really hope that you can overcome your pain and anguish. Stay strong. Have a great day everyone!

I have added the link to the latest update as a signature, now I just need to remember to update the link each time I post an updated thread. Hope someone finds it useful.

😱 The salary does not cover that amount of research 😉 But, I have rarely seen reports from cruisers regarding groups onboard, nor any indication as to size or intrusion level. It would be a bit like food and difficult to quantify the perception of others.

Not on a BHB yet but boarding on Sunday. Next update was scheduled for end April/early May as there usually is not enough new information to warrant monthly updates. Hope to post the update in Mid May. I am looking to see if I can add a link to my avatar to link to the latest post.

Let's be honest.......if you had asked the question about boarding time a few months ago the general advice on this forum would be to ignore the time given to you by HAL and turn up at 11 am or thereabouts. So, I reckon HAL just cut out the instruction that everyone was telling people to ignore. Now you are told to check in at 12 noon, but boarding is a different story and will only start whenever the ship is ready to receive pax and then boarding will be based on priority or allocated boarding group at the terminal.

Interesting! Perhaps, following the re organisation they have repurposed some of the staff to directly support UK customers.

It is par for the course in North America, but I have not come across it in UK/EU. Out of interest was it a UK contact phone number or dot CO dot UK email address? I also have booked directly and used the UK office for telephone contact until the recent change. Now the UK number goes to a call centre somewhere out in far east/Asia, so I call the Rotterdam office.

For the dining I suggest you go to the desk located on deck 2 opposite Pinnacle Grill and Rudi's Sel de Mer restaurant and ask them to change it. I have successfully done this last year.

I have seen numerous restaurants with signage stating that only one payment card will be accepted. Perhaps when you ask for the table, you could ask the host if they will accept multiple cards for payment, otherwise take turns or transfer payments to each other.