julia

The most "family owned" and well-loved Italian eatery in San Diego's Little Italy is Filippis. 15 minute walk from the ship, casual, iconic, good food. Google it. Go. You're welcome.

In actuality, you do NOT need a lot of gear to enjoy Alaska, and it doesn't need to be bulky (eewww, puffer coat!). With a thermal underlayer and a hooded rain jacket, you'll be fine. A scarf & gloves take very little room.

So, let's just talk pricing for a minute? We are booked on the Regatta in September, Pacific coastal, r/t from San Pedro, A2 category, with the basic beverage package included. Two adults, $3398 total. Out of curiosity, (and Elite on X), I just did a mock booking on the Eclipse... nearly identical itinerary, concierge class cabin, no perks, yet almost $300 MORE than Oceania! We shall see how the two compare....

From one Buckeye to another.... Yes, the above advice is very helpful regarding conversion rates, ATM's etc. However, the cash was a gift, intended to enhance your cruise (per your first sentence). Now that you are onboard, you will begin to see your FIL's intention as the cruise progresses. Take the cash to guest services and apply it to your onboard account and ENJOY it! Perhaps a bottle of champagne with dinner, or some special cocktails, or some casino fun, or a couples massage in the spa, or flowers for your cabin, or a portrait of you both, or.... well, you'll get the hang of onboard spending very quickly! Trust me, your FIL will enjoy hearing how you spent his gift. And, if there's any cash left at the end, it will be fully refunded.

Well, I would have killed for some "QUIET" on our recent 35 night Koningsdam! The non-stop, loud, techno-crap music played 24/7 EVERYWHERE, and most sadly, in the Crow's Nest. There was no peace and quiet, aside from our balcony. It was grating and annoying, and many were complaining (including myself). I was fed the excuse that "this is what Seattle wants" (basically ignoring the older demographics of a lengthy cruise). So... good luck with that Seattle, our next cruise is on Oceania.

Chuckling at this thread.... As a LONG time member of Cruise Critic (who remembers AOL dial-up?!) 😲, I am very familiar with the various boards. I've often said that in a "blind test", I could probably identify which cruise board I was reading in less than five posts! 😅 With that said, here's my first post on O, (having just booked the Regatta) and this board is quite delightful!

So, Pete.... truthfully, are you looking forward to getting back home, or would you rather have a few more weeks (or months) onboard?! Inquiring minds want to know... 😅

"Nastygram?!" Really? It was a straightforward reply to your complaint. Holiday sailing + more kids ÷ stupid parents = unsatisfactory cruise. Sorry, but that's reality.

Thank you SO much for a clear, concise review... very well edited! My jaw dropped at the "makeover" of the Crow's Nest... WHAT IN THE HOLY HECK HAPPENED?!? 😲🤮 It looks terrible, and I can only imagine the noise and distractions with the bar, coffee shop, AND excursion desk all going on! The Crow's Nest was always a quiet getaway to read, relax, sip, and enjoy the views. Oh, and here's what it looked like on the sailing before dry dock (plush chairs and sofas). 😪 While Koningsdam was not our favorite ship, (we won't sail that class again), it was BY FAR, our favorite crew. I recognized several in your video... thx!!

Your posts and pics and anecdotes are so MUCH fun!! Thanks so much for sharing your GWV with us! Oh, here's me with Presty on the Noordam... he's wonderful!

My choice would be the Noordam, no question.

Club Orange dining on Pinnacle class is to the right of this glass-walled corridor on deck two, aft. It looked very bright inside, with some up-tables towards the back and an open kitchen concept.

Also, you might consider a good old fashioned hot water bottle... still does the trick!

Absolutely.

Thanks for sharing your story. If I may ask, (now that it's been four months), has your travel insurance settled all the costs? Was it an easy process or was it a hassle?

Wishing you all a wonderful, memorable evening of celebration!!

Hi Lisa: We were on that South Pacific voyage and I honestly did not hear one peep about noro being on that sailing. There was some covid, but nothing to be concerned about.

Everything onboard is tied directly to your ship card, which will have the letters "HIA" at the top. All servers and bartenders will see this and you will not be charged (but you may be presented with a slip to sign). Also, check your onboard account on your stateroom TV, as occasionally a charge might appear. If so, a quick trip to guest services will remedy the charge.

Nope, it's not your imagination... X's Lido is so much quieter, nicer, and better laid out with the square stations. On their E-class ships, there's a higher ceiling, and in the evening the lights are dimmed, creating a nice dining experience. Conversely, on the Koningsdam recently, the overall noise level and constant tech-pop loud music made the Lido unpleasant. (Not to mention those ridiculously heavy, ugly, peeling chairs!) 😲

Rich: Hi... the viewing stands aren't actually for a parade, but rather the "processions" that are put on by the various parishes. They are really incredible to watch, as they display their elaborate alters to the public.

Yes, you will most probably hear noise from deck nine above, as well as the loud ding from the elevators.

Our door on the Koningsdam recently, and I received a LOT of compliments from neighbors and passers-by. There were many fun and meaningful decorations on doors throughout the ship!

Pete.... despite a disappointing loss by the San Diego Aztecs on Monday, your thread has been a real joy to follow! Your group certainly knows how to have fun onboard, and your tours are so interesting! Thanks again for sharing the GWV with us!

Taking the Light Rail from SeaTac to the WestLake Station, then walking one block down 4th St to the Mayflower Park Hotel and requesting the valet to call a cab worked well for us. Pier 91 was not too far, but the traffic was heavy.

Just spent 35 nights on the Koningsdam, and while she's visually pleasing, we would NOT sail this class again. Very crowded in places, very loud (with canned techno-music in every venue), weird promenade deck, and the Anytime Dining was anything but. Although the staff and service was outstanding, we prefer the smaller ships.