SusieKIslandGirl

On the Nieuw Statendam, Tamarind is on Deck 10, Aft. The easiest way to get there is to use the AFT elevators. We didn't when we went ahead of time to check on the location and had to walk outside and climb a set of stairs and then hope someone notices you at the outside door-or keep walking around the aft to find a set of stairs to go down and then the aft elevator back up to 10. A real hidden gem???

After spending 4 days in Amsterdam after the Norway cruise, I'm very tired of all the cigarette-and other-smoke. And so many cigarette butts all over the sidewalks. But we loved the buildings and canals. It has been over 40 years since we were last here. At the airport hotel now, ready for our early-morning check-in for our flight to Seattle. Take care everyone.

Just got off the Nieuw Statendam Sunday. Dutch Cafe on Deck 3 was our favorite place for morning coffee. There is a charge for the coffees and bar drinks (if you don't have a package) but all the tasty goodies are included in your fare. Yummy pea soup and pastries. The Dive-In burger and hot dog location on Deck 9 by the Lido pool has great French fries as well as the main items. On Deck 10 above the Lido pool you can get good pizza and salads and panna cotta. One other trick that our table mates didn't know about-take an old hotel or similar card to use in the slot that turns the power on in the cabin. Your devices won't charge if you take the card out while you're out of the cabin. Just be sure to turn the lights out when you leave. And having a European adaptor will give you additional plug-ins if the device has a built-in transformer (just be sure it can handle 220v).

Have a great time. The crew is wonderful and I hope Captain O'Driscoll is still running the ship.

It’s probably my Comcast security but I just tried to check in on line and was told I didn’t have authorization to access the website! Sheesh……

Are they able to drive to the port or will they need to fly? If driving, maybe take one of the wedge-shaped foam backrests you can find on Amazon? Or look for one in the port city if going in early.

Thanks for the heads up about checking in with Delta at the airport. I think we'll do the same tomorrow afternoon for our Thursday flight (although we have to leave the hotel around 6:30 am-ugh!).

We were told the educator benefit was per cabin, not per person. I'm not sure if that applies to 2 people with military benefits.

I suppose another thing to consider is that now you can just pay the difference if your beverage is above the limit of the basic plan. 

We called for an Uber yesterday at the Amsterdam cruise terminal around 9:30 am and it took about 20 minutes. 18 Euros to our city center hotel.

On our South Pacific cruise, the weather was against us and we weren't able to tender in to Rarotonga. A year later we found a great price for a 10-day stay from the big C box store that included airfare, car rental and a beach bungalow. It was fantastic. The bus takes just under an hour to make a complete circle of the island so you should be able to get one every 30 minutes. I think we bought a multi-ride ticket when the rental car was returned.

Sort of sad day tomorrow-they're kicking us off the Nieuw Statendam. It's been a great cruise with fantastic weather for Norway. 4 days in Amsterdam and then fly home June 1.

Just finishing 14 days on the Nieuw Statendam. After final payment prices did go down. I had my TA call and ask about an upsell from a balcony to a Vista although I knew the price was actually lower. I was able to get the Vista cabin for no additional money and kept all the perks I already had. (I did have a refundable deposit.) It never hurts to ask but just be sure to verify if there are any changes to the package.

It has been a wonderful cruise with fantastic weather. I'm just sorry that we weren't able to meet everyone who has been adding to this great roll call. Safe travels home everyone to those of you who aren't staying onboard (and we're are part of the unlucky ones who have to go home).

@cruising sisterThanks for sharing the photos of the zoo. We didn't get up early enough I guess, to see them. I read your statement about organizing for a long cruise. I have a couple of things that I've found very helpful. Could you give me a call so maybe we can get together before we arrive in Amsterdam? Cabin 7098. Thanks, Susie

Thanks for all the wonderful Geiranger photos. We'll be there Thursday. Yesterday and today (in Honningsvag) it was around 60 degrees and blues skies. We left our coats on the bus at North Cape. How crazy is that?

@kazuWe just returned from the tour to the North Cape with Sebastain. He was a wonderful guide and was on our bus at 9 am.  I thanked him for hanging in with us after last year's cancellation and letting us all be on the bus as a group. Thanks one more time for all the initial organization for the tours. This one was outstanding. (In contrast to the terrible ship tour yesterday to the Polar Bear Club ☹️.)

@fusion927Jose is the lead entertainment host and does most of the regular and music trivia. He’s a riot and keeps things moving-he doesn’t drag out every question.

@kazuTruly thought of you today as we had the tour in Alesund. All went well and Paul kept us organized. Thanks for all the original planning you did last year.

@AllTheSun But TimTams are available in the states. I found some at Safeway/Albertson’s and I think you can find them at Cost Plus/World Market. 🤗

@kazuI thought you brought the wrong dog back from the groomer. What a difference!  I don’t lose socks, just buttons. I manage to lose the bottom button on most all of my shirts. Lots of safety pins until I get ambitious enough to get sewing.

Just about finished packing for the flight to Amsterdam Friday. Finally found my warm jacket which was a relief-Norway is bound to be a bit cooler.

2 hours ago, highscar said:

As a novice wine maker, DH first batch was in a new plastic garbage bucket with a garbage bag tied as a lid, cooking away. On the cedar chest in the bedroom to keep it away from the pets.  In the night the yeast did its thing and blew the bag of it and left us with purple stalagmites on the ceiling. Forgive the spelling. 

You reminded me of our experience with making beer. DH was in the Air Force and we were in Fort Walton Beach, Florida for a year. Beer was made and put in a tall Rubbermaid trash container. We stored in the back of the closet. Middle of the night-Kaboom! What a mess😮.

40 minutes ago, gigianne said:

Have a wonderful cruise everyone, so sorry we weren't able to join you for such a great itinerary.

Thanks everyone but sad that Georgina and Jacqui won’t be with us.

What a beautiful day to view the glaciers. Thanks for the photos!

4 hours ago, cruising sister said:

Good evening from Barcelona,

I had a full day of walking ending with a tour in the Gothic region with 4 members of  our roll call. It was nice to meet them and  I hope to see them on the ship. I had my requisite hot chocolate and churros today so I am set.  I board tomorrow and I am excited to see the ship.

 

Prayers and well wishes for all.

See you in a little over a week when we board in Amsterdam. You can be our ship's guide. 😊 Looking forward to meeting. (How's your toe dealing with all the walking?)

@cunnorl When looking at air fryers, I would like to suggest you check out the style that has French doors, like the refrigerators, instead of a door that opens down from the top. (If you don't go with the basket style). When I pull the wire shelf out to turn the food, crumbs fall on the hot glass door and is then hard to clean. 

Add me to the cancelled cruise club 😢 but at least it's not because of a medical issue. Just received the quote on a new roof, gutters and a paint job-$25,300. It was our Sept. Alaska cruise so will be easily replaced in a year or so.  Happy May everyone-and my sister turns 92 tomorrow.

We have a non-stop to Seattle. We are also staying at the Hilton at the airport but just on the 31st. Have a more central hotel after we get off the ship on the 28th.