m921759

Hello ! Looking forward to our first Holland America cruise ! We'd like to enjoy both MDR and some shows. When can we expect most show times in the main theater ? I saw one set of journals from another ship and read a bit but some up to date info would help. If this helps we will be on the Oosterdam. Thank you

That's great to know, Uber available even in Punta Arenas, thank you !

Could you tell if taxis were available when you came by cruise ship ? We would like to do Nao Victoria Museum and via taxi it would be 10X less expensive than via tour for our small group. Thank you

What is your favorite food item on HAL ? Where did you get it ?

That is unfortunate. I will see onboard if any experience is offered and come back here if so.

Wanted to contribute a bit since I got great answers to my questions. For those wondering, it is possible to walk to the Southampton cruise terminal if you have an hotel nearby. We did it in June. Obviously only recommended for fit travelers, especially if it is hot. The taxi ride is cheap and everyone will recommend it, but if you want to walk, you can. To the Mayflower Terminal, google maps gives a pretty good itinerary, through Dock Gate 10, W Bay Rd, but you don't have to zig zag at the end, instead use Imperial Way. We stayed at the AllAccord Novotel, basic rooms, but ok for a night. Other hotels nearby. We walked from the train station. They were rebuilding the access to the train station but it was a very easy walk. There are a few simple restaurants nearby, we also walked to the SeaCity Museum and did the Stonehenge Stone Circle Experience via a prebooked transfer with Paragon Taxi, exceptional service and on time.

@AKJonesy yes same cruise ! On the 16 day Princess cruise we just arrived from there was minimal menu repetition in the MDR. Not sure about HAL.

@oakridger our cruise is 14 days (South America). I try to avoid Gala nights for our regular specialty restaurant bookings. On Princess it was worth it, on Holland not sure the food is that different on Gala nights ?

Hi ! We will sail our first HAL cruise on the Oosterdam in December and we are curious about special dining experiences. We really enjoyed Chef's table and Winemaker lunch on Princess, and similar experiences on other cruise lines. According to HAL's pdf "Ship at a glance", Sel De Mer, De Librije. Any other event or comments ? Also, I imagine the best way to be on the list would be to call dining reservations or go to the dining desk on embarkation day? Thanks !

Thanks for clarifying.

Hi ! First time Princess cruisers (many NCL, one MSC, one Carnival) and first time beverage package users (we will have Plus). 1. What is the beverage situation on the Island Princess? Are there better bars for *quality* and *variety*? For example NCL used/uses cheap mixes for cocktails at the pool bar. 2. Where are the juices served? Swirls? On the app? 3. I read that the controversial Premium desserts should be at Swirls, maybe there are premium cakes someplace else? 4. Looking forward to book the Chef's table as soon as we board (via app, phone or main desk), hope they do it. Also Bayou still seems to have an inspiring menu, maybe it will be a reminder or our trip to New Orleans. Any recent experience with either? 5. Any more Island Princess tips or recent patters? Have a nice one!