Live and Happy from Eurodam October 6 to 30

[Darjeeling]

Can anyone who flew into Venice Airport please suggest an airport meeting place for two couples who (hopefully) will arrive within 30 minutes of each other via different airlines (Delta from JFK and Air France from Amsterdam)? The last time my husband and I visited Venice (2013) we came by train from Padua. Thanks!

[rotjeknor]

On 10/8/2021 at 8:27 AM, Vict0riann said:

 

Tony and Martha said to say hello.

Please say Hello to Tony and Martha from Jaap and Patty !

[rotjeknor]

3 hours ago, highscar said:

Billboard is very loud.   Take earplugs for time in the casino.   

I played the slots closest to the Billboard on Board while they were performing. Didn't bother me at all, I am not deaf or anything. But maybe the ( winning) sound that the one -armed bandit made played a role in that 😀

[Vict0riann]

1 hour ago, Darjeeling said:

Can anyone who flew into Venice Airport please suggest an airport meeting place for two couples who (hopefully) will arrive within 30 minutes of each other via different airlines (Delta from JFK and Air France from Amsterdam)? The last time my husband and I visited Venice (2013) we came by train from Padua. Thanks!

Everyone picks up their bags in the same area, I think.  I sat on a bench near our carousel while I waited for Pat to locate our bags.  You might just stay there until your friends arrive, or you could go through the green line into the main concourse, but I don’t know if there was a lot of seating.  There must have been some, there were a couple of places they were doing testing and people were waiting.  It’s not a huge area, and I think they were only using one of the exit doors.  
 

Maybe someone else who knows the airport well will have a better idea.

[VMax1700]

6 hours ago, whogo said:

Noordam.

 

I'm enjoying this thread immensely.

Correct!  🏆

The Noordam is the only remaining ship with a dedicated 'nightlub' aka Northern Lights.

The others 'spin the platters' at a location such as Queens Lounge/BBK.

Edited October 12, 2021 by VMax1700

[VMax1700]

6 hours ago, NCTribeFan said:

I have assured them there would be plenty of activities, including a disco.

On NA and other ships (exc Volendam and Zaandam) the assistant CD presents 'Dance to the Hits' from the end of the last BBK set of the evening.

[VMax1700]

@puppycanducruise@Cruising-along @kazu @rafinmd

Thank you for the kind thoughts.  I am feeling much better this evening.  I spent most of the afternoon in bed and slept for most of it.  The Solpadol seem to be working as the pain is not so debilitating at the moment.

I hope another nights sleep will put me on the road to recovery. 🤞

 

[kazu]

43 minutes ago, VMax1700 said:

@puppycanducruise@Cruising-along @kazu @rafinmd

Thank you for the kind thoughts.  I am feeling much better this evening.  I spent most of the afternoon in bed and slept for most of it.  The Solpadol seem to be working as the pain is not so debilitating at the moment.

I hope another nights sleep will put me on the road to recovery. 🤞

 

 

I sure hope so.  I’ll have some Robaxacet on our cruise in November and if you need it, just come calling.  It’s wonderful if it’s muscle strain/pain.  Not a pain reliever per se although there is some in it but a muscle relaxant that helps relieve the pain.  

 

Hope you are feeling much, much better tomorrow 🤞 

[NCTribeFan]

1 hour ago, VMax1700 said:

On NA and other ships (exc Volendam and Zaandam) the assistant CD presents 'Dance to the Hits' from the end of the last BBK set of the evening.

On Koningsdam, we had a DJ that played after the BBK set was over.  My dance partner (someone I met at a table with a bunch of solo cruisers one night in the MDR) and I were just about the only people there and since we'd been dancing all night, it was okay that he shut it down.  I was tired by then!  I'd like somewhere else to have some dance music.  I may be a woman pushing 70, but I still get out there and dance.  By myself, if I have to.  I just cannot sit when there's good music being played!

[mapleleaves]

4 hours ago, Darjeeling said:

Can anyone who flew into Venice Airport please suggest an airport meeting place for two couples who (hopefully) will arrive within 30 minutes of each other via different airlines (Delta from JFK and Air France from Amsterdam)? The last time my husband and I visited Venice (2013) we came by train from Padua. Thanks!

I would suggest the coffee shop on the Ground Level, the same level as the Luggage Carousels. 

There are only 2 food & bev sites on the Ground Level;  the coffee shop has pastries, salads, drinks and the other one has more substantial food like pizza, sandwiches, etc.  At least you'll have a comfortable place to sit and wait.  

[Mary Seas]

15 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

We had a letter this morning about our return to Italy.  If we don’t get off the ship in Venice we don’t have to update our PLFs, bu

VictOriann,Surprise you are not ging to venice on october 18 it appears!

WE just got notificatin that the Eurodam is not coming to Venice but is in Trieste for our boarding after going thrugh the Venice cruise terminal.  

They warn that the bus is 2.5 hours with no stops They do not mention your comments about food.

The other news I find outrageous.  HAL announces it is charging for the COVID testing required to get off the ship in Italy,  France and Portugal.  $25-$35 depending on the test required by the government.  I do remember the HAL  statement that COVID testing would be complimentary. WEll some "upper management "  genius considered the lost revenue . Now to get off the ship you must get a new COVID test  before Naples, before Cannes and before Lisbon . Is any one outraged by this new cost thrown in less than a week from embarkation? 

 

[taxmantoo]

44 minutes ago, Mary Seas said:

 Is any one outraged by this new cost thrown in less than a week from embarkation? 

I am not passing judgement on anyone, but anyone getting on a cruise ship during a pandemic must be willing to roll with the punches and expect ever-changing conditions and disruption of planned expectations.  Cruising during a pandemic does not appear to be for the faint of heart!  

[Vict0riann]

We have not heard any of this, @Mary Seas - yet.  We’ll have to see what happens.  I do believe some of these countries are nervous of us and that protocols are going to change as we go along.  We are having a good time, regardless.  
 

And yes, that bus ride is no fun, especially without water.  Do be sure to have some with you.  Actually, I think we made it in 2 hours and 5 minutes, but we saw a couple of accidents on the other side which would have held us up for a long time if they had happened on our side of the road.  

[Vict0riann]

Good morning from Santorini - it looks like it’s going to be a nice day.  There are two other ships with us in the caldera, and we’ll be using the local boats to get to shore.  We were told we wouldn’t need tender tickets as we are 5 -star, but we’ll find out when we get down there.  We’re in no hurry anyway.  And open tendering has just been announced.

 

Last night we had dinner in the MDR for the first time.  It was alright, not great, and we realize now how superior everything is in the specialty restaurants.  
 

We have put out laundry twice, in the evening both times.  The first time the laundry came back the following afternoon, the bag from last night is back this morning after breakfast.  
 

I am missing being able to see the back of my head!  There is no mirror that swivels in the room, and I think now I used to bring a hand mirror.  Another thing is that the USB ports don’t seem to have much oomph (technical term) and I’m finding it better just to use an electrical outlet to charge things.  I seemed to be having to charge my Fitbit every couple of days.  We’ll see how it lasts after doing it in the electrical outlet.  Maybe it’s just getting old….

 

 

[0bnxshs]

4 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

Another thing is that the USB ports don’t seem to have much oomph (technical term) and I’m finding it better just to use an electrical outlet to charge things.

This is simply because the USB outlets near the bed likely have a very low output of 2.5 watts which may provide up to 1.5 amps.  That charges anything very slowly (by today's standards.)  Your 120V converter likely puts out more than that.  It's not your fitbit.

[Florida_gal_50]

5 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

Good morning from Santorini - it looks like it’s going to be a nice day.  There are two other ships with us in the caldera, and we’ll be using the local boats to get to shore.  We were told we wouldn’t need tender tickets as we are 5 -star, but we’ll find out when we get down there.  We’re in no hurry anyway.  And open tendering has just been announced.

 

Last night we had dinner in the MDR for the first time.  It was alright, not great, and we realize now how superior everything is in the specialty restaurants.  
 

We have put out laundry twice, in the evening both times.  The first time the laundry came back the following afternoon, the bag from last night is back this morning after breakfast.  
 

I am missing being able to see the back of my head!  There is no mirror that swivels in the room, and I think now I used to bring a hand mirror.  Another thing is that the USB ports don’t seem to have much oomph (technical term) and I’m finding it better just to use an electrical outlet to charge things.  I seemed to be having to charge my Fitbit every couple of days.  We’ll see how it lasts after doing it in the electrical outlet.  Maybe it’s just getting old….

 

 

There used to be a small mirror in the desk on the side “cabinet” for lack of a better word unless that has changed.  It used to be in a hal cloth bag.

[VMax1700]

Good afternoon from Santorini!

 

This was the view this morning from our veranda-

 

 

 

It has been a beautiful day so far and I am happy to report a marked improvement in my back problem.  Another good night's sleep and a few more painkillers have reduced the pain level to a low ache, rather than the sharp stabbing pain of yesterday.

We did not go ashore as I was much too apprehensive of boarding the tenders and being 'bumped' in narrow, crowded streets.

There are two other ships in the caldera with us, Viking Sea and Jewel of the Seas.

 

It was a very relaxed morning on board, very similar to mornings in the Caribbean when the hordes have invaded HMC and left the ship to the others.

[VMax1700]

Just like Ann, we have heard nothing yet about a change to the docking in Venice/Marghera/Trieste.  I did post earlier the 'Disembarkation Form' which did specify Marghera.   Yesterday afternoon the Captain, in his evening briefing, did mention that all passengers disembarking in Marghera or those passengers on HAL tours would be required to take an antigen test prior to disembarkation.  He stated that there would be no charge for this test.

 

I needed to visit the Front Desk last evening (they had charged our account for a bottle of Prosecco whereas we ordered one glass!) and queried the antigen test requirement.  The girl said that ALL disembarking guests would be required to take it.  I asked her to provide details of the requirement as EU citizens are not required to take a test if they hold the EU vaccination cert.  She said ALL must produce Italian PLF, Vax cert AND Negative test result.  I again stated that requirement was for American, Canadian and UK pax, among others, and that EU Passport holders required PLF and EU Vax Cert OR Negative test.  Shall we say that the discussion ended with the two of us agreeing to differ and my parting comment was to ask "what are you going to do if I don't take it?  Keep me on board?).

 

[Brite Eyes]

Re Venice - Trieste on Oct. 18.  I asked the front desk and they said they had no idea of what I was talking about as they have had no official notice.  

I also asked  Gretchen(shore excursions), and she said I was spreading a very bad rumour re docking in Trieste.  I asked if they would still have tours from Trieste for Venice shore excursions and she said of course.  I then asked if on Oct. 6 if all the Venice shore excursions went ahead and she really didn't answer, saying she had to tend to shore excursions guests.  I do not know if any shore excursions did go, but I have talked to a lot of passengers that stayed on that their shore excursion into Venice was cancelled and of course no one could get off the ship.

Would it be possible to post a copy of the e-mail from HAL stating the berth location change?  I would love to show the Front desk as they said no way off board future customers would know where the ship was docking before the ship knew. 

 

RE charge for COVID Test:  Oct. 13- Angelic (front desk) said that "We (HAL) will not charge for any COVID testing as they are done on board as required and will be complimentary"

 

Really enjoying the cruise, meeting new great people and enjoying the almost 1 to 1 passenger to crew ratio.  

 

Terry & John

 

 

 

 

[VMax1700]

I have just rediscovered why I do not want to cruise RCI...............

I can hear the music playing on Jewel of the Seas while sitting on our balcony.  Why do they feel it is necessary to pollute the aural environment?

[Mary Seas]

59 minutes ago, Brite Eyes said:

Re Venice - Trieste on Oct. 18.  I asked the front desk and they said they had no idea of what I was talking about as they have had no official notice.  

I also asked  Gretchen(shore excursions), and she said I was spreading a very bad rumour re docking in Trieste.  I asked if they would still have tours from Trieste for Venice shore excursions and she said of course.  I then asked if on Oct. 6 if all the Venice shore excursions went ahead and she really didn't answer, saying she had to tend to shore excursions guests.  I do not know if any shore excursions did go, but I have talked to a lot of passengers that stayed on that their shore excursion into Venice was cancelled and of course no one could get off the ship.

Would it be possible to post a copy of the e-mail from HAL stating the berth location change?  I would love to show the Front desk as they said no way off board future customers would know where the ship was docking before the ship knew. 

 

RE charge for COVID Test:  Oct. 13- Angelic (front desk) said that "We (HAL) will not charge for any COVID testing as they are done on board as required and will be complimentary"

 

Really enjoying the cruise, meeting new great people and enjoying the almost 1 to 1 passenger to crew ratio.  

 

Terry & John

Terry and John,

This is the email I received last evening

October 12, 2021

 

Dear Valued Holland America Line Guest,

 

We look forward to welcoming you on board Eurodam.

 

We wish to advise you of a change to our scheduled departure. Due to operational reasons, Eurodam will set sail from Trieste, Italy, rather than Venice. Guests should proceed with their arrangements to the Venice terminal as planned, where COVID-19 testing will take place before we depart for Trieste. Please be aware that the motorcoach ride to Trieste is approximately 2.5 hours and local authorities have mandated that no interim stops will be allowed. To help you prepare for the ride, please ensure that you use the restroom prior to our departure for Trieste. Also, please remember that masks are required for all guests both in the terminal and on board the motorcoach.

 

In preparation for our upcoming voyage we also wish to ensure that you are aware of updated requirements that have recently been enacted by government authorities.

 

Passenger Locator Forms

• Italy - All non-EU guests are required to complete the European Union Digital Passenger Locator Form (EUdPLF) prior to entering Italy. The EUdPLF application form for Italy is available at https://app.euplf.eu. Please click “start here” at the top of the page.
• Greece - All guests are required to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) prior to entering Greece. The form for Greece is available at https://travel.gov.gr/#// You will receive an email confirmation with a QR code once you have completed and submitted your PLF. Please have the QR code available on your phone or smart device when going ashore.

 

Both forms must be completed no later than 24-hours prior to arriving into either country.

 

COVID-19 Testing Requirements

 

• Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival into Italy is required for entry into the country. Guests should check for the latest requirements on the destination official government website to understand what documents and tests may be required upon arrival.  https://app.euplf.eu/#/
• All guests going ashore in Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome), and/or Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy will need to complete a PCR test within 72 hours of disembarking. Non-EU guests disembarking in Cannes or Marseille, France will need to complete a PCR test within 3 days of arrival. Non-EU guests disembarking Lisbon, Portugal will need to complete an Antigen test within 48 hours prior to going ashore.
• Regardless of vaccination status, guests will likely have a viral COVID-19 test administered 3-5 days into their voyage . The test will be scheduled and administered by the onboard medical team and will be provided on a complimentary basis. This testing policy will be reviewed on a regular basis as the global situation continues to evolve.
• Required testing to go ashore in Italy, France and Portugal will be available on board and charged to guest accounts for the cost of $35 for PCR and $25 for Antigen on a per person basis.

 

Shore Excursion Requirements ALL guests

 

• Please be aware that the updated local requirements only allow in-transit guests who are participating in a Holland America Line shore excursion to go ashore in Italy. Self-exploration and independent tours will not be permitted. We invite you to go to our website or visit Exploration Central once on board to see some of the experiences we have available for you in our Italian ports. We will advise you of any applicable changes to the Shore Excursions Program in Italy.
• When embarking in Trieste or going ashore in Italy, please be sure to have the following available to present to local authorities: Original proof of COVID-19 vaccination, negative COVID-19 antigen test, and Italian PLF QR code for non-EU guests.

 

We very much appreciate your understanding regarding the necessary changes and updates to your cruise experience. Our highest priority is protecting the health and safety of our guests, our team members, and the communities we visit. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Once again, we look forward to hosting you on our journey together.

 

Best regards,

 

Holland America Line

 

 Pretty much what I tried to convey in my earlier email .  Sad .

Perhaps the front desk might appreciate that the customers are as blinded as they are by management 

Mary Seas

 

 

 

 

[Mary Seas]

October 12, 2021

 

Dear Valued Holland America Line Guest,

 

We look forward to welcoming you on board Eurodam.

 

We wish to advise you of a change to our scheduled departure. Due to operational reasons, Eurodam will set sail from Trieste, Italy, rather than Venice. Guests should proceed with their arrangements to the Venice terminal as planned, where COVID-19 testing will take place before we depart for Trieste. Please be aware that the motorcoach ride to Trieste is approximately 2.5 hours and local authorities have mandated that no interim stops will be allowed. To help you prepare for the ride, please ensure that you use the restroom prior to our departure for Trieste. Also, please remember that masks are required for all guests both in the terminal and on board the motorcoach.

 

In preparation for our upcoming voyage we also wish to ensure that you are aware of updated requirements that have recently been enacted by government authorities.

 

Passenger Locator Forms

• Italy - All non-EU guests are required to complete the European Union Digital Passenger Locator Form (EUdPLF) prior to entering Italy. The EUdPLF application form for Italy is available at https://app.euplf.eu. Please click “start here” at the top of the page.
• Greece - All guests are required to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) prior to entering Greece. The form for Greece is available at https://travel.gov.gr/#// You will receive an email confirmation with a QR code once you have completed and submitted your PLF. Please have the QR code available on your phone or smart device when going ashore.

 

Both forms must be completed no later than 24-hours prior to arriving into either country.

 

COVID-19 Testing Requirements

 

• Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival into Italy is required for entry into the country. Guests should check for the latest requirements on the destination official government website to understand what documents and tests may be required upon arrival.  https://app.euplf.eu/#/
• All guests going ashore in Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome), and/or Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy will need to complete a PCR test within 72 hours of disembarking. Non-EU guests disembarking in Cannes or Marseille, France will need to complete a PCR test within 3 days of arrival. Non-EU guests disembarking Lisbon, Portugal will need to complete an Antigen test within 48 hours prior to going ashore.
• Regardless of vaccination status, guests will likely have a viral COVID-19 test administered 3-5 days into their voyage . The test will be scheduled and administered by the onboard medical team and will be provided on a complimentary basis. This testing policy will be reviewed on a regular basis as the global situation continues to evolve.
• Required testing to go ashore in Italy, France and Portugal will be available on board and charged to guest accounts for the cost of $35 for PCR and $25 for Antigen on a per person basis.

 

Shore Excursion Requirements ALL guests

 

• Please be aware that the updated local requirements only allow in-transit guests who are participating in a Holland America Line shore excursion to go ashore in Italy. Self-exploration and independent tours will not be permitted. We invite you to go to our website or visit Exploration Central once on board to see some of the experiences we have available for you in our Italian ports. We will advise you of any applicable changes to the Shore Excursions Program in Italy.
• When embarking in Trieste or going ashore in Italy, please be sure to have the following available to present to local authorities: Original proof of COVID-19 vaccination, negative COVID-19 antigen test, and Italian PLF QR code for non-EU guests.

 

We very much appreciate your understanding regarding the necessary changes and updates to your cruise experience. Our highest priority is protecting the health and safety of our guests, our team members, and the communities we visit. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Once again, we look forward to hosting you on our journey together.

 

Best regards,

 

Holland America Line

 

 This is the email I received last night. The first time I posted it Cruice Critic dropped it. Let's try again

[VMax1700]

Interesting, we will see what is said here.

Already today Wednesday 13th at 4.30pm local, the Captain has made his daily announcement and nothing about change of port.

 

(As usual the above letter if factually incorrect, as ALL guest (including EU) require to complete the Italy PLF.  Only Italians would not need to complete it.

[Vict0riann]

Yes, we shall see what happens in Venice/Marghera/Trieste…..  I thought of asking about tours of Trieste, but decided against it if we have to have one more COVID test for that, another for Naples, then Cannes, etc.  
 

@Florida_gal_50, I found the mirror,  I lost my umbrella this morning (and my glasses) and during the ensuing search came across the mirror and a hair dryer (and the missing items) .  Very pleased.  
 

Santorini was beautiful today.  We took the ferry to shore and walked to a couple of churches and looked in shops.  Then we came back to the ship for lunch.  I’ll try for pictures.

 

 

 

 

[Vict0riann]

Some more drink menus from the Ocean Bar