ktjohin

i have a kindle...don't care for it....the libraries are a wonderful spot on the ship to sit and read whether you prefer a kindle or a regular book....all of the holland cruises i have done the library has always been one of the most well used areas on the entire ship....i am sure some of the bean counters hate the idea that all this space hasn't been turned into some revenue producing venues....be careful what you wish for with the kindles or it will encourage the demise of these special places....

No internet helpers on the Zuiderdam or Prinsendam last year. The printers in both libraries were either out of ink, paper, or something else. Called the front desk, they said they would "send someone"........

The Front Desk...no help ever. This was only our second cruise with HAL we were on the Westerdam before which had the library on the upper Forward deck with comfy chairs facing floor to ceiling windows. Very nice. But, I do have a Kindle. Just have to cover all the bases.

We were on the Noordam in December and it does have a Library. I believe it was on Deck 3. Look for the Explorer Cafe on the deck plan . The Library is nearby. I think the Librarians have been replaced by internet helpers.

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We were on the Noordam in December for a 14 day New Zealand and Australia cruise. We loved our cabin which had a rear facing balcony. It is a mid size ship and not fancy but not shabby either. If it’s all about the ship for you this is not a bells and whistles choice. But, if you have chosen an itinerary I would not hesitate sailing on the Noordam. We enjoyed it.

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I think it all depends on your personality. We just got back from a Cape Horn cruise Buenos Aires to Santiago 15 days. We had an aft port side balcony that offered the most spectacular views. After seeing glaciers and fjords on the upper decks it was great to sit on our balcony and continue seeing the sights. We use the balcony a lot. But, we only go on one Big vacation a year so we can splurge on certain things. If you enjoy spending most of your time in the ship common areas then a balcony may not be worth the extra money.

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I have been to Las Caletas several times. My daughter was married there and it was a fairytale wedding. We took a day trip there through Vallarta Adventures and it was fabulous. I'm not sure that any other tour operators go there. There is a whole section for children that includes exotic animals so I would not hesitate to bring a 6 yr old. The day includes a welcome meal , a delicious buffet lunch in a gorgeous outdoor setting and drinks. Snorkeling, hiking ,cooking demonstrations are included. For abou$40 you can get a 50 min. Massage. The day ends about 2 pm and the boat ride back to the marina is less than an hour. I always recommend this people visiting PV.

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