oakridger

@crystalspin prices for my last Alaska cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam in September 2022 were actually $30/bag. In Caribbean later on Rotterdam it was $20/bag, so it does vary. Either way, it's still a good deal, I think. If I had two or more in the cabin, I would seriously consider the unlimited on a hot weather cruise. ~Nancy

Thanks for the "white space" pictures @Copper10-8. ~Nancy

@Copper10-8I always watch for the pilot leaving Puerto Vallarta! Love his wave. He seems like a happy guy! ~Nancy

@AFNavigatorI sure hope so! ~Nancy

Many thanks @Crew News! Your detailed reports are so appreciated by folks already vary familiar with Cruise Critic as well as all the incoming new cruisers who don't even know yet how helpful your reports and website are! ~Nancy

I was also very pleasantly surprised by the reasonable (to me) volume of music at the pool and in the Lido. I am VERY sensitive to sounds that I don't control and had heard past reviews of other ships about canned music being too loud. This cake was recommended by my waiter in the MDR early in the cruise and it was also my favorite cake type dessert! They served it in the Lido too when it was offered in the MDR. ~Nancy

@erewhondo you know anything about a HAL office phone or email in New Zealand?

Ah ha!! Now I can see that with glasses on! Thanks for pointing it out @sandiego1 ~Nancy

You will get a refund of port fees for sure. Any other compensation is legally not required per the cruise contract you signed but past experience is that HAL will offer something such as OBC or Future Cruise Credits......the ship should be sending a letter to everyone if that has been decided. Is there a typhoon coming? I'm very sorry your cruise has been so impacted. It's a huge disappointment, I'm sure. Please let us know what happens. ~Nancy

Holland America Line Cruise Ship Fleet (cruisedeckplans.com)

However, @Josie201was just told today on Konnigsdam that the Elite package was 15 drinks total (alcoholic and nonalcoholic)!! 🤷‍♀️ HAL is indeed being inconsistent which seems to be consistent!! ~Nancy

@marshhawkI want to thank you for mentioning The Milk Carton Kids. I'd never heard of them and googled. I think they are great! They remind me of Simon and Garfunkel with the harmonies. I'll be finding out more about them. New music! ~Nancy

I honestly didn't realize just how much larger the Vista Class (Zuiderdam) ships are than the Rotterdam (Volendam) Class! Wow! Thanks to @Essiesmomfor posting. ~Nancy

Interesting info @Josie201 You might want to show the beverage manager this, which is on the HAL website right now! It's under "Terms and Conditions" on the link below. "The Elite package has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages with a menu price of $15 or less. Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.The Signature package has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks with a menu price of $11 or less." Cruise Drink & Beverage Packages | Holland America Line ~Nancy

I had to laugh when I read this because on the Rotterdam in November I did the exact same thing!! I have a bad knee, so walking is painful. My cabin was aft on deck 5 so I took the aft elevator to deck 3 or 9 depending on where I was going and walked the length of the ship there. I could sit down in various spots along the way to rest then carry on. Worked great for me! ~Nancy

Cute Tuxedo Junction sign Pete! I love seeing everyone all dressed up. ~Nancy

I'm sure everyone was much more comfortable in separate rooms.....especially with a 6'3" young man! Two bathrooms is always good also!! ~Nancy

The spa balconies are shallower than other verandas on Nieuw Amsterdam. The seating area is closer to the main door. I personally prefer the couch and desk to be next to the balcony door, but some people prefer the other way around. Look at the pictures below and decide for yourself what you think. Spa Veranda 11001 – Nieuw Amsterdam | HAL Cruiser Information (halfacts.com) Std. Veranda 7013 – Nieuw Amsterdam | HAL Cruiser Information (halfacts.com) As @oaktreerbmentioned, halfacts.com has pictures of the spa balconies and regular balconies to show the difference. ~Nancy

If your cruise doesn't require vaccination, you don't need it and they don't check it at Port Everglades. I was there 3 times in October and November 2022.

To add another data point, my friend just went through the same thing with Princess yesterday. She was on hold 1 1/2 hours to finally get her Covid Quarantine related FCC from a September cruise. Good luck to you. It's very frustrating!

All HAL ship's Lidos have food in stations that you walk up to and in some sections, you tell the staff what you want, and they serve it on a clean plate for you or in other sections the food is individually portioned on small plates that you pick up and take to your table. A few places you serve yourself. Drinks will be served by waiters at the tables. Included drinks are ship water, lemonade, iced tea, coffee and tea. They will serve alcoholic beverages for charge. ~Nancy

Yes, From post #2 and #3 just above your most recent post: From @Hlitner: "All transfers between FCO and Civitavecchia are done via bus or van." From @1ANGELCAT: "I did it twice by bus from the airport to the port."

Rotterdam has berthed in Bonaire several times including with me on board in November. Something else must be going on with Bonaire with the port authorities/scheduling. But the point is well taken that of course smaller ships can go to more out of the way ports.

I ask for double meat on sandwiches I get on board at the Lido. I'll bet you can get it on the Ruben too if you ask! ~Nancy

Never saw that before, but there it is on the website. Only other two stops on that 7 day are Amber Cove and Grand Turk. Hmmm......not a bad itinerary though for a "just floating around the Caribbean" trip!