GeorgesGal

Lax, something to keep in mind if you end up on deck 4 forward: 4001 - 4008 the legend symbols (* and 'diamond'). The asterisk indicates shower only, while the diamond symbol represents steel balcony wall rather than the glass. 4009 through 4042 also have the steel balcony instead of glass. None of these s/r's can accommodate four, only three -' 'open circle symbol. The symbol for a quad cabin is the 'open' square. A good place to check the deck plans is vacations to go. Click 'ships and ratings', in next window scroll down to Holland America, then to your ship. Click on ship name, then 'deck plans' in next window. Deck names are represented there, so keep in mind that Main Deck is Deck 1 with succeeding deck numbers as you scroll up the list. Donna

Why not just contact HAL and ask them? I assume you should speak with Guest Services or whatever they are called at headquarters. This way you won't get any surprise at the pier. Donna

Just want to say 'Thank you' for your interesting take on this cruise. And I agree, there are some things you can't change but grin and bear it; others that you just tolerate or find a way around them. All things considered it sounds like you enjoyed yourselves on this cruise!

And right you are!!!

Salt caked. windows on a ship is a part of ships life for cruisers! You are on open waters after all!!! Any other complaints?

Jim, thanks for the info on the smoking 'lounges'. Thank God this isn't a cold weather cruise I'm going on! Donna

Well, it wouldn't hurt to ask anyway! Good luck, I agree with you about wasting food. Donna

Jim_Iian, thoroughly enjoying reading your live from as usual, though I've only gotten as far as page 22. Since I've not sailed on any of the Edge ships but am due to board Beyond on June 26 out of Civitavecchia to Greece and Turkey, please do let us know what you do and don't like about Apex. I'm on it with friends, one of which is celebrating a birthday, so couldn't say 'no'. I'm not a fan of ships any bigger than 2000 pax, so looking for your take on these huge floating cities! Luckily I was able to secure one of the aft veranda s/r with a true balcony and room for my lounge. Also, if you could, let me know where Iain goes for his smokes! Many Thanks, and now back to reading your travelogue. Donna

Or lift and shift which many on the 9-15-23 cruise seem to have done Donna

FYI all: Sept. 15 2023 pax are also being notified of overbooked ship thus cancelling bookings. Got word on the 17th from TA. Donna

That was very generous of you XB! Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Donna

Thank you XBGuy! Since it costs too much to send it by mail, may I ask that you donate it to a charity of your choice?

Just where are the three smoking areas for pax? Donna

Thank you both for your responses. I had been able to start entering data about a month ago but got interrupted and just finally got back to trying to finish to no avail! I think I'll wait till I get to the pier on the 21st and let them do it for me. Donna

Went to the Medallion app on my phone to complete the process and it would not load. The circle kept spinning and spinning for quite a long time - 5 minutes for an app to load is, to me, a long time. Any ideas out here? I cruise on the 21st of this month on Discovery. Donna