MO7

Because the Germans flattened the city center in WW2 Rotterdam is one of the ugliest cities in The Netherlands, but at sunset they made the best out of it. Last view from the veranda before we're heading home.

Music, speeches, applause, cake, drinks and more music. The decorations were really nice, but I've been at more spectacular party's.

I assume that we would have been in Plymouth far too early if we continued in that direction. We're on a zigzag pattern now with 10 knots an hour.

Tastes might be different as I absolutely hate the voice of the male pianist. He sounds like Graham Norton on helium to me. It's probably me as they have an audience every night. The Rolling Stone rockband is brilliant however, so I move through the doors every 45 minutes between sets to the BB King, as they are excellent as well.

I don't post too many things here, but I thought this one from our Vista suite was a little creative. Absolutely love this cruise so far.

We're back on our normal direction. I guess we'll be hearing the fog horn every few minutes this night.

Didn't see any, but heard them clearly a number of times. Not continuously above the ship though, more of a fly by. It's very foggy, no visual at the moment, fog horn has been in use most of the afternoon and evening. That thing is loud, by the way. Especially if you're in the Crows nest and the sliding door opens 🙃

We seem to go in a northwestern direction again.

Does anybody have any idea why we just made a sharp westerly turn towards Atlantic City and there are helicopters flying over/near the ship? Medical situation again?

Just walked down when the announcement came that the ship was cleared and we were on the first tender. They checked the cards and/or tickets at the stairs between deck 1 and A. Definitely a perk of CO, as we could choose the best chairs on the beach.

We're waiting for the ship to be cleared to use the tender to go to HMC, but the passengers with Club Orange can go directly to the tender where non CO's need to get a ticket for the tender first, so there is a priority system at HMC, at least at the Rotterdam today.

No, you can't. When you're traveling with a child the best option is to visit a ticket office (or a machine), because tickets for children or families are often cheaper and they can give you advice about the best suitable option. In The Netherlands you can use tap and go with your debit or credit card for transactions up to 50 euros at nearly all shops and restaurants. After 3 tap and go transactions the next one will prompt you to enter your pin. Same thing for every transaction above 50 euros. Tap is mostly on the side of the device (in ships and restaurants). If tap and go isn't activated by your bank you can always insert your card and enter your pin. Regular ATM's are yellow and are named "Geldmaat" ("Money mate"). Because all large banks operate these together they will all have the same fee (if any) and they do accept all debit and credit cards. You can choose between four languages, including English.

Rotterdam was flattened on May 14th 1940 by the Germans. This makes Rotterdam the only Dutch city without a historical city centre. It's a port city and has a blue collar/little rough vibe. There is enough to see and do, but I'd recommend to (also) visit The Hague and/or Delft. Absolutely more charming and it's 30 minutes by public transport at most.

Although there are slightly cheaper options the most convenient way to use public transport is just to tap in and tap out with a debit or credit card. Just remember that each person needs their own card and that you can only use this for the (regular) second class in trains. If this doesn't suit you: find a machine.

I'm Dutch and am sure the chances of HAL changing ports again are very slim. The only reason why this incidentally happened last year was because of a delay in finishing the new (biggest in the world) lock in IJmuiden. It's operational and there are no other reasons why cruise ships couldn't or wouldn't use the Amsterdam Cruise Passenger Terminal. Having a cancable booking is always a smart thing to have, but there is no need to get nervous. Trains, trams and metro will get you anywhere in The Netherlands, so you could save a lot of money by using those instead of a taxi. There are multiple tickets available, but all information is available in English at the machines and obviously in person as well. I think trains from Rotterdam to Amsterdam or vice versa depart every 15 minutes or so. There is a regular train, but also a slightly costlier higher speed option (only stop between Rotterdam and Amsterdam is Schiphol Airport). I believe it's 35 minutes in total. I'd absolutely prefer the train over any taxi or Uber on longer distances. It's quicker, reasonably priced where taxis (although metered) are way overpriced. Haven't used one in The Netherlands for decades. And if you really prefer personal transport only use official taxis or use the Uber app. Uber is definately better value for money than the metered taxis. The drivers of both don't have a very good reputation, by the way. By the way: From Amsterdam Central Station exit the station at the water side (not the exit going to the city center). Facing the water, turn right. Walk for 10 minutes and you're at the Cruise Terminal. Can't miss. The terminal in Rotterdam is a stone throw away from a metro station that will bring you to Rotterdam Central Station in minutes (and even as far as The Hague if you don't exit). Again, very self explanatory and if not then everyone does speak English and is helpful in general.

When and on which ship was this? Was this to and/or from the island? All I've heard and read is that CO-guests can go directly to the tender and that other guests need to get a ticket somewhere on the ship first.

You can get Dutch Pea Soup (Erwtensoep) in the Dutch Cafe. I'm not sure which ships have those (only the Pinnacle class?)

You really don't need to tip in Europe, but if someone carries your case or does something extra a tip is appreciated, but again, you won't get any ugly looks if you don't. And tips are rarely more than 2 euro, using US % will make people ask if you didn't make a mistake.

That's peak summerseason, so that means an absolute no. You won't make it. The only exception is if you're allowed to leave the ship in the first group AND if you fly business class. They have a separate line that is much faster, but even then you'll have very little margin.

I'm Dutch and the thing about white sneakers is absolutely true. I love people from the US, but I cringe at every topic where they fume about proper attire. I just can't understand the energy some Americans spend on fighting their "right" to wear tanktops, shorts and flipflops on formal night, to exaggerate a little. Underdressing would make you uncomfortable, wouldn't it? If you have the money to go on a cruise you'll probably have the money too to buy something decent. And wearing those will be awarded with at least more smiles. Bracing myself for the reactions, but so be it. Dutch are blunt, here's the proof 😉

When are you flying? The lines were horrible last summer, but they are non-existant this winter. But there are so many flights to the US daily, I'd take a later one just to avoid any potential stressful situations. And you could use public transport (the train) or a HAL shuttle, which would make it much more economical than a taxi. Traveltime from Amsterdam central station (the cruise terminal is a 15 minute walk) to Schiphol is 38 minutes by train. On weekdays count on approximately 40 minutes from the terminal to the airport by taxi.

https://www.amsterdamfoodie.nl/amsterdam-food-guide/indonesian-restaurants-in-amsterdam-rijsttafel/

On Reddit there is a all you want to ask about a swingers-cruise. It's hilarious. Thank God It's not a Carnival or HAL-ship.

I will be on the Rotterdam for 21 days and upgrading HIA just to be able to use the Freestyle is not a realistic option. Will consider to occasionally buy a single drink from the Freestyle, assuming that that is possible. Does anyone know how that works and what the price is? One of the things I like about Freestyle is experimenting with just tiny amounts of a strange combination, but I guess that's not an option here.

Can anyone confirm that you can use HIA with these Freestyle-machines? If so, how does that work exactly?