First time HAL sailing tomorrow, Ft. Lauderdale

[Derbie]

DH and myself are sailing out tomorrow on the N. S.  Any last-minute suggestions?  We have two restaurants booked.  One excursion in place.  We have been to all of the ports several times in the past (except for Half Moon Caye).  I have been watching this board for several months, so I do have a good idea what to expect with Wifi, drink package, gala nights, etc.  So, I thank you all for the great information.  Anything else anyone can think of, please post.  I will be watching for your clever ideas and fore thoughts.  We fly out tonight and spend the night in Ft. Lauderdale and then the port at 11AM (assigned time).  If the snow storm in NY doesn't cancel flights for Nashville!

 

 

Thanks in advance!

[Derbie]

Sorry all!  It posted twice, and I can't figure out how to delete the second one!

 

[CruiserBruce]

Just relax and enjoy the cruise. Don't sweat the small stuff.

[doone]

29 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

Just relax and enjoy the cruise. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Ditto!!

[MichiganFisherman]

It's your cruise , do what you want .

[DaveOKC]

Check out the Dutch Cafe.  Great food items at no cost to you.  Especially the cookies!

 

[puppycanducruise]

Enjoy!

[rodndonna]

Walking the promenade.

 

Sounds trivial, but if you like outdoor walking and deck walking like I do, it really is hard to find a nicer promenade on a cruise ship these days than the ones we have had on HAL.

[*Miss G*]

Welcome to Holland America!  We really love the Pinnacle-class ships of which the Nieuw Statendam is the 2nd of three.  One of our favourite things about HAL is their Crow’s Nests.  On the NS it is top deck forward (Deck 12 - Observation Deck).

 

If you are looking for some shade on Half Moon Cay, take a walk past the cabanas towards the trees.  If you are lucky you might even snag a hammock!

 

Embarkation begins at 11:30am with the priority passengers.  Your room keys/ship cards will be outside your cabin door in the mail slot.  They will need to scan your boarding pass bar code to board.

 

Upon disembarkation you can remain in your room until your luggage tag # is called.

 

I hope your flight is not disturbed by the weather and have a wonderful time!

[rodndonna]

Don't forget about the Tamarind bar...

 

I say that because in 3 HAL cruises I have never remembered that there is a really nice bar there (small and great window seating) until we go to the Tamarind to eat and I see it and say to myself "wow, this is quite a nice bar, we must come here" and then I forget again.

 

We cruise in 2 weeks and it will be on my list to go there at least one evening for a pre or post sinner drink (even if we are not dining at the Tamarind that night)

[Seasick Sailor]

2 hours ago, rodndonna said:

Don't forget about the Tamarind bar...

 

I say that because in 3 HAL cruises I have never remembered that there is a really nice bar there (small and great window seating) until we go to the Tamarind to eat and I see it and say to myself "wow, this is quite a nice bar, we must come here" and then I forget again.

 

We cruise in 2 weeks and it will be on my list to go there at least one evening for a pre or post sinner drink (even if we are not dining at the Tamarind that night)

 

Yes the Tamarind bar is nice. Just be aware before dinner starts there is a mixology and it can get rowdy.. 😉 

[quilty964]

Enjoy and Bon Voyage.  Enjoy a cookie from the Dutch Cafe...heard great things about them, but never did get one!  Half Moon Cay is great...walk the beach as far as you can go, it's a great place!  The buffet lunch there is fun!  We were on the Rotterdam earlier this year, had a great time! 

[rodndonna]

1 hour ago, Seasick Sailor said:

 

Yes the Tamarind bar is nice. Just be aware before dinner starts there is a mixology and it can get rowdy.. 😉 

 

I have to check that out.... I am having a hard time imagining 'rowdy' on a HAL ship 😃

[PMGS247]

Just sailed my first HAL cruise on NS out of Fort Lauderdale last week.  Had a blast!

 

Just a couple things pop to mind....

• Embarkation is very busy 11am to Noon or so.  Doesn't seem to be a way to beat the crowds on the early side but by 12:30-1:00 you'll probably just walk right on board.
• Loungers by the pool fill up pretty early on Sea days.  We showed up at 7:45am each Sea day and had our pick, but by 8 to 8:15 the chances of finding 2 together were pretty slim, and by 8:30 even the random singles were snatched up.  Did notice a couple chair hog'd loungers that stayed reserved forever but never used, but not much.
• No ATM on board but if you need cash just deposit $ into your casino account at any slot machine then walk to the cashier and they will cash you out in cash even if you didn't gamble a dime.  No surcharge!
• Buffet breakfast is great.  Highly recommend the omelet station (they can do fried eggs to order) and the waffle station.

[crystalspin]

9 hours ago, DaveOKC said:

Check out the Dutch Cafe.  Great food items at no cost to you.  Especially the cookies!

To the OP: no charge for the beer or espresso drinks, either, if you have-it-all with Signature Beverage Package -- everything is under $11.

[Derbie]

Thank you all SO very much!  I do have one quick question.  Would you all recommend we head to the Dutch Cafe for lunch when we board or another spot?  You all are the best!  

 

[*Miss G*]

4 minutes ago, Derbie said:

Thank you all SO very much!  I do have one quick question.  Would you all recommend we head to the Dutch Cafe for lunch when we board or another spot?  You all are the best!  

 

 

Definitely!  Before others find out about it.  😂

 

But the MDR is nice, too, if you prefer a more formal experience.

[REOVA]

On Half Moon Cay, the clamshells are probably already booked but if you can, book 1 (comes with 2 chairs) and offers great shade as it's hot and sunny there. Get off early and walk past about 2 lifeguard stands and pick one near the lunch spot. Then you can head to lunch a few minutes before it opens (about 11 am) and grab lunch, find a table and eat before the crowds come and be back on the beach to do more walking. There will probably be 2 ships there so gets crowded. Also take pool towels with you (not the HAL beach towels) as someone stole my HAL towel while we ate lunch and they charge you for those. 

[DaveOKC]

15 hours ago, Derbie said:

Thank you all SO very much!  I do have one quick question.  Would you all recommend we head to the Dutch Cafe for lunch when we board or another spot?  You all are the best!  

 

Great place for lunch, especially on the first day when few people know about it and when most are in the Lido buffet area.

 

[Ellencruise]

Just got home from NS cruise. Lovely ship and staff. Food was great.

crowded but had a great time