12Mermaids

Yes. Been on many cruises - just not alone. On the Royal Carribean and flying on British airways. Never flown on British Airways and I do have connecting flights. It won't be sad - my husband would have wanted me to go for it. Just don't know how I'll handle dining, etc. - always had someone with me. Trying to figure it out.

 

Excellent! There are lots of resources for you to research and prepare. I've never been on RCCL, but you should be able to ask your dining questions in the forum for the cruise line. People will be able to tell you how it's handled on that line. On the (only two) cruises I've been on in the past, dining wasn't a problem. On one, it was a scheduled seating and I opted for an 8-person table, because I wanted to meet new people. On the second, I could go to either seating and on a daily basis decided whether I wanted to eat alone or with others. That was for dinner (and lunch in the MDR). Buffets are not problem, of course. In specialty restaurants, I just made a reservation for one in advance. Again, I have no direct experience with RCCL, but there will be plenty of folks who can help.

 

 

Regarding the air travel, I highly recommend the forum at flyertalk.com. The posters there are not always as kind and patient as the majority are here, but the knowledge at flyertalk is vast. Look for threads about the airports which you'll be using. If you don't find anything with search, post your own questions. The posters at flyertalk are from everywhere and have flown everywhere, so they can tell you all you'll need to know.

I'd say go for it! However, I've been traveling alone for many years (since I was 24).

 

Just found this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2494682

 

I hope reading it will encourage you to try cruising alone. However, I know everyone is different. My sister, for instance, would not be comfortable traveling alone. And that's absolutely fine!

 

Just because we are enthusiastic solo travelers, don't let us pressure you.

 

Have you cruised before, just not alone? Did you cruise with your husband and think this will bring back sad memories? You are from the U.S. (Florida), right? Do you have direct flights or transfers? What cruise line and airline?

 

I'm not just being nosy--some airlines are better than others and some cruise lines are easier than others (embarkation, et cetera).

 

(edited to add the great solo thread)

OMG! Norwegian has Pepsi products? I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE Diet Pepsi!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Hello, my long-lost cousin! I'm the Duchess of Pepsi and excited to learn this about NCL. Helps me decided between an NCL and Carnival option later this year.

 

 

I'm sorry for the OP's DH, though.

Thanks, so much, Jay! This thread, reviews, answers, and commentary are great! I'm considering an itinerary on the Pearl and this really helped.

 

Where is your next cruise?

Writing to you from the Amtrak Cascades en route to Vancouver. This afternoon we embark on HAL's MS Volendam to cruise Alaska.

 

I'm very prepared, in large part, because of the helpful advice and suggestions from my fellow cruisecritic.com posters.

 

Have a great week, everyone. Don't know whether I will purchase an Internet plan onboard , but will try to check in from Alaska.

 

Just saw the first bald eagle of the trip outside Everett, Wasington :).

 

Thanks, everyone :)!

Writing to you from the Amtrak Cascades en route to Vancouver. This afternoon we embark on the Volendam to cruise Alaska.

 

I'm very prepared, in large part, because of the helpful advice and suggestions from my fellow cruisecritic.com posters.

 

Have a great week, everyone. Don't know whether I will purchase an Internet plan onboard , but will try to check in from Alaska.

 

Thanks! (Now I'm off to the Alaska forum to post something similar.

Not sure about your sailing week but the last sailing week we enjoyed 75-90% off all Alaska items. Smoked salmon in the nice wooden boxes went from $15 to $3. We definitely filled all of our spare luggage space with t-shirts, salmon, ceramic totem poles, crystal polar bears, etc. Sales in all of the ports were amazing, too.

 

I actually posted another thread in the Alaska forum about sales in the ports, haha.

 

Those are major discounts and sound great! Maybe my week will be 50-65%. Now I know I need to pack a duffel in my suitcase, so I can bring back bargain items :).

There are generally onboard sales on every cruise. The last few of the season should have some and maybe better ones. Watch your daily program and get there early!

 

Have a super time! Alaska is such a great cruise!!

 

Thank you! I'm very excited about this trip.

 

Had no idea there are sales on every cruise--have never sailed Holland America before (this is only my second cruise).

Good evening!

 

I've seen several offhand mentions of bargains in September, as the shops in port are at the end of their season. I leave Tuesday from Vancouver for 7 nights. That week is the second-to-last for the Alaska season, as far as I can see. Last cruise with any major line departs Seattle on 24 September, I think.

 

We will be stopping at Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.

 

Is the merchandise on sale merely souvenir t-shirts or is anything more unique available?

 

Thanks, in advance, for any insight you can provide!

I've seen mention of sales of merchandise onboard late in the season. I'll be sailing from Vancouver on 14 September (so soon!!) and that is the second-to-last sailing for the Alaska season.

 

Does anyone have experience with onboard sales?

 

Thanks, in advance, for any information you can share.

Thanks for all the great information! I'm glad that those I tip at the end of the cruise will get to keep their cash, since I'm not changing the HSC.

 

Less than a week and I'll be putting all your good advice into action!

Firstly, I want to disclose I haven't read the entire thread, so this may have been explained.

 

Secondly, my upcoming cruise on Holland America is only my second cruise ever and the first did not involve service charges.

 

Question 1. I've seen in a few threads the mention of people "making friends" with a bartender or room steward through tips. What is appropriate at the beginning of the cruise?

 

Question 2. At the end of the cruise, if I give cash to a room or dining steward, bartender, et cetera, is it true they are not allowed to keep it and must put the money in a pool?

 

Question 3: Is it better to plan on increasing the HSC (which is not a tip) or to plan on tipping with cash?

 

Thanks, in advance, for any insight you can offer.

Dinner at the Pinnacle Grill is only 25,000 points through the Holland America visa card. That translates to (very roughly) $25, which is actually a discount from the old $29 fee. Not sure when the price increase will work through the card system, but thought people might like to know.

 

That should read 2,500 points. Eeep.

On the Prinsendam, S-class (2 ships), and R-class (4 ships) you can do self-service laundry. On the Prinsendam there is no charge; on the other 6 ships the washer is $2.00, and dryer is $1.00. The machines take quarters, available at the Front Desk. Detergent is supplied; bring your own dryer sheets.

 

On all of the ships you can send laundry out. You can pay by the piece (if you have to ask, you can't afford it), send as much as you can stuff in a bag for $20. (higher in Europe), or purchase unlimited.

Unlimited is $7. per day, times the number of days in your cruise. Europe itineraries can be higher at $9. per day.

 

Thanks for this excellent information, Ruth! How great that HAL supplies detergent. I was wary about having to pack my own.

[quote name='Sequim88']I had asked about this in the Dummies thread and never got a a definitive answer. Since the menus tend to be the same all season (especially for 7-day or weekly itineraries) they should have them available but whether they "make them available" to view is another question.[/quote]

I'll make sure to let you know (and AlbertaQuilter, and Fannish, and zgscl).

[quote name='take us away']The 15% gratuity shows up on the receipt you will get for each beverage and if you have a beverage card, the drink + gratuity amount is deducted with each purchase and the remaining amount on the card is also listed on the receipt.

Have an awesome time![/quote]

Thank you, Take Us Away. Very clear and concise explanation.

[quote name='HALrunner']I think most of your questions have been answered, but just want to give you a round of applause for such a well researched, concise post!

Another stop we make on embarkation day is at the library as the best selection is always on day one....

A word of caution, the spa often has several drawings on embarkation day. If you chose to sign up for these, plan on spending about half an hour listening to spa promotions at the time of the drawing, which is often near sail away time. I would much rather spend that time at the Aft Pool activating my beverage card;)[/quote]

Thank you, thank you! I accept all applause very gladly!

The library!! I am so glad you mentioned it. It's now on my list.

Nice to know about the drawings coming with a catch. I'd much rather buy thermal suite access at embarkation day rates and then skedaddle.

[quote name='Krazy Kruizers'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]You will have to get that Beverage Card activated before you can use it. So when you give it to the any bar server, tell him it has to be activated -- they will ask for your ID card to do that.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=5]Be sure that you take copies of anything that you pre-purchase.[/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

Thank you for this information. I had no idea about card activation. Didn't realize I ought to bring proof of advance purchases (but it makes sense)!

[quote name='kazu']The best deals for the spa/hydrotherapy pool, etc. Is on embarkation day.

Depending on itinerary, it can fill up fast, so head up to the spa on embarkation day and get it booked ;)

There are specials for spa treatments (ie. Massage, etc.) during the cruise. They will either be in On Location or on a pamphlet in your mail box.

If you want to order a drink for sail a way, the bar stewards are at the aft pool, Lido, bars, etc. Sail a way out of Vancouver,the aft pool (sea view pool) is a nice spot.

Have a great time :)[/quote]

I appreciate the information about the spa and sail away. Thanks for wishing me a great time. At this point, I cannot imagine it won't be fantastic!

[quote name='zgscl']Checking daily menus and adjusting specialty restaurant reservations is a brilliant idea! We have found our favorite items in the MDR are always on the same night and there is at least one if not two menus that we are not very excited about and order something off of the available nightly items. Who did you ask for the week's worth of menus? Someone in the dining room, or the front desk (or Neptune lounge if it is available to you)? Thanks for the great idea![/quote]

You're welcome for the idea--if it works. I've received the impression that the menus are planned well in advance, so I don't know why I wouldn't be allowed to take a look.

I'll be sure to let you know what I find out. I'm not in a suite, but I agree the concierges should certainly be able to assist.

[quote name='carolmacey']On your last night, if you have extra, buy a friend a glass of wine.[/quote]

If I haven't chugged my way through the beverage card, I will do that very thing! Great idea.

Dear Sail7Seas and RichStowe,

I do plan to relax, honest! I also don't want to miss anything, so I plan ahead in order get things out of the way---clearing the way for relaxation (at least until the first port :).

Sail7Seas, please accept my condolences on your loss.

I'll be responding to some individual posts, as well, but I wanted to take time to thank everyone who has posted in this thread. It's really encouraging to be part of such a helpful community.

Very good to know about the computer classes and the line forming so early!

 

And thanks for the guestimate on the beverage card! I know I wouldn't get value out of the SBP, but wasn't sure about another card.

 

Thanks for wishing me a great time--I'm SO excited about this cruise.

I've been reading many threads here and love the "HAL for Dummies" pages. Thanks to everyone who contributes answers to us newbies!

 

Here's a list of what I should do, in what order--What Am I Missing?

 

0. Drop carry-on luggage if stateroom is ready.

 

1. Go to front desk (?) and ask for list of cooking classes. Registration fills up fast, so that's first on my list.

 

Question: Is it possible to register for computer classes in advance, as well?

 

2. Check daily menus, and rearrange my PG reservations if the MDR is serving something I like better.

 

3. Go to spa for tour and purchase pass for thermal suite (if I don't buy online in advance).

 

Question: are the best spa deals for services offered on embarkation day or later in the sailing?

 

4. Look for beverage steward and, maybe, purchase beverage something.

 

Question 1: Where do I find the beverage steward?

 

Question 2: I couldn't find a clear answer in my searches, is the 15% gratuity charged on a beverage card? It's like a pre-paid debit card for beverages, as I understand it, and the gratuity doesn't show up on the final bill.

 

Question 3: I have a $100 beverage card for booking during the anniversary sale--should that be enough for one person on a 7-day cruise? I don't drink much alcohol and no coffee. I'm the Duchess of Pepsi, but understand Pepsi products are limited on HAL (if available at all). I will have hot chocolate, bottled water, some soft drinks, and maybe a drink special if it sounds interesting. If I need more than $100, what do you suggest?

 

5. Find best location for sail away photos of Vancouver.

Thanks, in advance, for any advice and opinions you can offer.:)

 

Departing Vancouver on 14 September aboard the Volendam for a 7-day r/t Alaska cruise.