Never cruised before Getting off the boat Q's

[uflouie]

On the Noordam can you get off the boat if you are not booked for excursions at the ports? Is there a fee to do this? Are there any hidden cost that I might be missing beside what HAL has listed on their website and info packets?

[Brumar]

you can get off at any of the ports and do anything you want . It might be helpful to read up on the places that your ship will be stopping to help you decide what to do.

[sail7seas]

On the Noordam can you get off the boat if you are not booked for excursions at the ports? Is there a fee to do this? Are there any hidden cost that I might be missing beside what HAL has listed on their website and info packets?

 

Every guest can leave the ship in every port. Doesn't matter if you have booked an excursion or not. There is no fee to leave and return to the ship each day in port and you can do so as many times as you wish during the port stay. Some folks do not wish to have lunch ashore and will return to the ship to eat lunch then go back ashore.

 

"Hidden costs" really aren't very hidden. The description of what is included shows that all food (except for lunch/dinner in the alternative restaurant named Pinnacle Grill) is included. Free beverages are iced tea, coffee, tea, cocoa in Lido (the casual buffet style restaurant) but all liquor and all soft drinks are an additional charge. Evening show is included in your fare and most shipboard activities. Some such as cooking lessons and some gym classes etc are an extra charge but it will be indicated whenever there is a charge.

 

The movies played in theater are no additional charge.

All shore excursions bear a fee.

[uflouie]

Thanks for all the info!!

[sail7seas]

Have a great cruise. Noordam is a really beautiful ship with a fabulous crew.