Oosterdam Questions

[crazy4cruzn]

We are heading to Alaska on the Oosterdam and I have a few questions ...

 

· Is there a charge for the pastries at Explorations Café?

 

· In a post somewhere I think that I may have read about the possibility of Chocolate Dipped Strawberries at one of the cafes or bars in the evening. (This must have been one of the first things that I read about HAL or maybe I’m just imagining it because my notes are not very clear about this one…) If they are available, do you know which café or bar has them?

 

· Is Hot Chocolate available from room service? (I am particularly thinking about the day at Glacier Bay – not necessarily at breakfast time…)

 

· Will HAL cash Traveler’s Checks at the Passenger Services Desk or at the Casino?

 

· Is there a limit to the size of carry-on luggage that you can carry onto the ship yourself?

 

· If I am taking a soft-sided wheelie cooler with a couple bottles of wine and soda, would you recommend carrying that on or checking it?

 

· We are looking forward to our cruise - is there any other last minute advice that might be helpful for the Oosterdam?

[Modern_Viking]

My responses are embedded in green.

 

We are heading to Alaska on the Oosterdam and I have a few questions ...

 

· Is there a charge for the pastries at Explorations Café?

I'm told the official rule is that food is free when you buy a beverage. At times I have been able to get an item for free without buying a drink. I have not seen official signage at the coffee bar on this. NOTE: most of the items are sandwiches and energy bars but with some desserts too.

· In a post somewhere I think that I may have read about the possibility of Chocolate Dipped Strawberries at one of the cafes or bars in the evening. (This must have been one of the first things that I read about HAL or maybe I’m just imagining it because my notes are not very clear about this one…) If they are available, do you know which café or bar has them?

- I'm not sure about about strawberries, but there are usually various chocolates available in the Explorers' lounge in the evening.

 

 

· Is Hot Chocolate available from room service? (I am particularly thinking about the day at Glacier Bay – not necessarily at breakfast time…)

- It is certainly available in the Lido all day.

 

· Will HAL cash Traveler’s Checks at the Passenger Services Desk or at the Casino?

- Yes, as long as they are in US currency, the Front Office will cash them.

 

· Is there a limit to the size of carry-on luggage that you can carry onto the ship yourself?

- As long as you can carry it, I think it is OK.

 

· If I am taking a soft-sided wheelie cooler with a couple bottles of wine and soda, would you recommend carrying that on or checking it?

A soft sided case holding expensive breakables? I would carry it on.

 

· We are looking forward to our cruise - is there any other last minute advice that might be helpful for the Oosterdam?

 

- I hope you can kick back, relax, and enjoy your trip!

[jkrislc]

It looks like the PP answered most of your questions. However, your carry-on luggage has to be able to fit through any airport-style x-ray machine when you pass through security to board; thus, there are size constraints to what you can carry on. As for chocolate covered strawberries, I didn't see one other than the ones I bought precruise as a treat for my DS. I couldn't even find them at the big dessert presentation even though they advertised that they'd be there.

[foodgirl]

I ordered chocolate covered strawberries for our cabin, but did not see them anywhere else last year when we were onboard. I loved the Oosterdam and Alaska....I wish you a wonderful cruise.

[crazy4cruzn]

Thank you all for your responses!! :) That is very helpful information for our planning. We are definitely looking forward to kicking back and relaxing.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Each evening your cabin stewards will leave a chocolate on your pillow when they prep your cabin for the night -- one per person.

 

Also in the Explorer's Lounge -- when the Adagio Strings are playing in the evening -- there is usually milk and white chocolates.

 

Lately we have noticed that there were very few chocolate covered strawberries offered during the dessert extravaganza.