AnnieBelle

I usually buy the $25 soda card and a $100 beverage card pre cruise. In the MDR, I would usually get a can of soda and it cost more. I'm going to have to look into the unlimited soda - I can definitely drink 4 a day!

We flew into FLL the day of a cruise last year and I was a nervous wreck! We had a non stop flight but it was the weekend before Thanksgiving. Our next cruise I've already booked our flight to get in the day before we leave. We can enjoy a day at the beach in FLL?

I usually buy a beverage card (or two) and use this. As someone else said, you've paid for it early and sometimes that helps take the sting out of the end of cruise bill. We found the happy hours were bargains and last year the Silk Den on the Neiuw Amsterdam had drink specials every night. Much less cost than a package. Enjoy your Trip!

We've never had a problem finding loungers in as much or as little shade as you'd like.

Where will Holland America dock?

I'm thankful that I did the Eastern Caribbean last November. I am saddened about the damage to St. Martin. We're on the Eurodam in March 2018 and the only port I'm not sure about is Key West. Our first Caribbean cruise Key West was scheduled to be our final stop but due to high winds, we weren't able to leave the Dominican pier until th morning after we were scheduled to leave. This meant we had to skip Key West. I'm hoping that we can finally make Key West but I've learned to enjoy sea days and just relax.

Last cruise I purchased a soda card. If I did that again, could I bring my own cup and have the bar staff fill it? I would love having a larger glass than they provide.

Does anyone know if the Explore 4 will be offered again? We have a Caribbean cruise booked in March 2018 and would love to see if that would change our price.

POA1 did a review of his New Years cruise and had the alternating menus.

I've enjoyed reading about your adventures! I think about Marion Blumenthal Lazan heading to America on a HAL ship after she and her family were freed by Russian soldiers from a train headed to yet another concentration camp.

What we learned about anytime dining is to go ahead and make a reservation. We went to the embarkation lunch in the MDR and were able to make reservations for the first three nights - that's as far ahead as you can reserve. This saves you from waiting in line. When you get to the dining room, one side of the podium is for reservations and the other side (usually with a long line) is for walk ins. We found a waiter we loved and were able to reserve his table for the rest of the week. Enjoy your cruise!

I booked under this promotion and my refund is fully refundable until the final payment is due. I also have until then to decide if I want to purchase insurance. My PCC suggested I keep checking back with her for any future promotions to see if I can get a better deal.

I've been on the Nieuw Amsterdam but recently booked on the Eurodam for next spring. Sounds like they truly are similar. We also like staying in the same location as you did. Glad you enjoyed your cruise. Thanks for the review and pictures!

The pizza place is by the art pool and bar and the Dive In is in the Lido area.

I've been to the Caribbean on the NA twice and loved the ship. Breakfast on the balcony is what I most looked forward to. We only ate in the Lido when we were around during lunchtime so I could have sushi. We really enjoyed ending our evenings having drinks and listening to the BB King band. If I lived closer I would cruise more often!

We were in that same cruise and it was nice being the only ship in that day. The footage was great. This is my second time there and we drop our stuff on a chair and get in the water. I've never bothered to walk any further down the beach.

Our TA gave us each $25 shipboard credit and it does show up when I look at the itinerary.

We spent the night on the dock at Puerto Plata and missed our next port, Key West. The winds had picked up quickly during the day and didn't allow us to push off for fear we would be pushed back or beached. Many of us weren't happy about the delay but we know the captain had our best interests in mind.

We leave on the NA on Nov. 20th and we missed the upsell fairy. We have a verandah but thought they might want to offer us a SS. Just checked and the suites are all sold out. Guess I can enjoy more cocktails since I'm not spending money upgrading.

There is a lot to see at the MIA airport and some decent restaurants. Spent a few hours there, had a decent dinner and was not bored. You can check on this website.

miami-airport.com/food_beverage.asp

Which did you choose? We will definitely have dinner before we board our airplane.

Our post-cruise flight home was pushed back to 8pm so we're considering the FLL tour. We figured it would kill some time and leave less time sitting around a crowded airport.

It will be nice to have some extra space and sunlight! Have a great cruise!

If there's a BB King lounge, there were always people of a wide age range dancing through the last show.

I love the French onion soup and the petite filet in the PG was good.

You can now buy an unlimited fountain soda package. I drink a lot of soda and prefer fountain so I'm considering purchasing that. Then there isn't the 15% service charge with every drink.