SLOTheta
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Here's what ship services sent me. Also, what's Tia Maria, Cointreau, and Drambuie, and Grand Marinuer. Can't spell any of them:mad:
Can anybody tell us the sweetest wine in that list?
Wine Selection from the Naviator's Choice
MONDAVI PRIV.SEL.JOHANNISBERG RIESLING
TOASTED HEAD CHARDONNAY
CALITERRA CHARDONNAY
DANZANTE PINOT GRIGIO
NOBILO SAUVIGNON BLANC, CA
HOUGE GEWURZTRAMINER
THREE BLIND MOOSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
LABOURE ROI, PINOT NOIR,FRANCE
VERAMONTE MERLOT,CHILE
RAVENSWOOD ZINFANDEL, CA
REMOLE I FRESCOBALDI, ITALY
ALICE WHITE SHIRAZ
From this list the sweetest wines are the HOUGE GEWURZTRAMINER and the MONDAVI PRIV.SEL.JOHANNISBERG RIESLING. They are both high in residual sugars. I've had both, both are fairly sweet (at least for me - I don't drink sweet wines typically), but they are not as sweet as a dessert wine such as Moscato.
The Zinfandel listed here, is Ravenswood. It is NOT a sweet wine (I know several growers who supply to Ravenswood). WHITE Zinfandel is sweet, traditional Zinfandel (red wine) should not be sugary sweet. It will be slightly jammier than other reds. Zins are sweeter than other reds, but a good Zin should not be at the sweetness level of a white wine. The Zin on this list, if you wanted to drink red wine, would be your best bet. But, don't expect the sweetness of white wines.
The HOGUE, Mondavi and Ravenswood are about $10-$12 retail and can be found at BevMo! and Total Wine and More (I'm not sure where you live, but you can probably find it). I would buy all 3 and see what you like!
I studied enology, teach wine appreciation and have over 1600 bottles of wine. I love my wine!
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I'm asking the same question about Holland America. We will be there in July, too!
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I understand what you're asking - comped beverages, credits for playing on a hotel card - there's no such thing in this casino; betting limits - I think that might be handled on an individual basis here...there aren't signs on tables...everything is quite discreet in the casino. As to drinks...it's not a place where no name/brand name alcohol becomes an issue - I believe I drank champagne and it was elegant and wonderful.
Thank you Host Bonjour! I really appreciate your thorough and thoughtful response.
In my research, I did find that the Casino De Monto Carlo does have its own players card, Cercle Monte-Carlo Players Card. I couldn't find if you could sign up prior, like in US based casinos (it helps with lines of credit and such).
You also mention that there's no such thing as comped drinks in the casino, but I've read various reports that if you gamble, drinks were complementary. I wanted clarification that if I asked for premium alcohol, if I would be charged and I didn't want to look like an idiot ordering an expensive drink, caught off guard, where I could have received a free one that wasn't as high end.
I love champagne and can't wait to get a glass, and it sounds like I will have to pay for it!
A few of us in the group speak a little French, hopefully that will help us make less mistakes.
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Does the itinerary say "Giardini Naxos"?
Yes: The Eurodam will anchor off Giardini Naxos.
I instant chatted with Holland America on-line. It appears our ship is anchored at sea and we will take a tender to and from the port of Taormina.
Not sure if this means we are anchored off Giardini Naxos or not, since I have no idea where anything is!
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Thank you. That's very helpful. I wonder why all the other port names match exactly what we have on our itinerary, but this one does not match. I've never seen or heard of Giardi Naxos and it's not in the HAL site. Do you know why there's a discrepancy for this one port?
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Does the itinerary say "Giardini Naxos"?
We sailed Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam last summer, and it anchored off Giardini Naxos. Yes, you can walk off the ship here and do your own thing. The town of Taormina is at the top of the hill above Giardini Naxos and is easy to reach via taxi url]
Our itinerary says Taormina. See photo
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We were very disappointed in the Casino experience. General reaction.... historic dump. Maybe there are private rooms with all the James Bond posers, but the main gaming is very ordinary.
Dennis
Did you gamble at the tables? Any insight into my questions?
Sad it's not the James Bond level of play, but still looking forward to it. It will be a nice change from gambling in Las Vegas. We go several times a year and it can be nuts. Having a quiet casino actually sounds nice, especially since we will be going as a group.
From the photos, it still looks amazingly beautiful
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Well, I guess it is possible. Are you on Prinsendam?
We are on the Eurodam
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On our cruise documentation, it says "Taormina - Tender Required" does this mean that we ARE docking in Taormina and not Messina?
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We went in and played a few slots. It was late in the evening. I was not wearing a jacket or tie. I was disappointed with the overall experience, as it is no longer what it once was. You pay just to get in, and much of it is unused. Neat building, but that's about it.
That's too bad. We would have loved to go at night, but we have to go in the middle of the day due to the wedding and time we have to be back at the boat. If it wasn't good at night, it probably won't be good during the day. We can hope for the best.
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I have an image of a group of James Bond posers marching into the casino and taking over a table. :)
Have fun! Hope you break the bank at Monte Carlo. :)
Haha. That might be our group, we will be working the glam of Monte Carlo for sure!
Hopefully we don't get fleeced, but at least we will look good in the process [emoji16]
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We are reserved for a signature suite and this package looks perfect. We always do laundry and a night in the Pinnacle. it isn't listed as an indulgence online so will have to call Monday for our 11 Day Mediterranean Tapestry cruise May 30th.
We are gong on the same Tapestry cruise in July. Please let me know what you hear back and can't wait to read your review when you get home!
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I guess if you buy a Million Euro in chips you will be treated like Royalty !
Won't be us! We are more the $25 to $250 a hand gamblers.
Hopefully we don't lose all our money in HAL's casino before we step off the boat in Monte Carlo!
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There is one casino the famous one requires suit with tie . I thought it was twenty Euros and doubt there are any tables less than twenty Euro min. There are other casinos no charge and casual. My wife won Nine hundred Euros on her second spin on the slots . The other casino is very stuffy not a place that is enjoyable for us comoners to gamble . At least thats the way they make you feel .
Yes. Sorry. I should be clear. I am interested in the gambling experience from cruisers who have been to Casino De Monte Carlo. It's $10euros to enter and a dress code is enforced. We don't have a problem with either and most of us are gamblers who don't have a problem with a $20 euro min, but wanted to know a bit more of the details and personal experience of people who have stopped for a few hours, while in their cruise.
Sorry the Monte Carlo casino didn't make you feel comfortable. I like High end gambling, but also enjoy casual gambling in Reno with $5 tables!
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As it has nothing to do with HAL, I would think the France board the better place.
Have you Googled the topic? May not answer all your questions, but some.
We have been there, but not gambled. Believe there is a dress code, and somewhat limited hours, IIRC. Like doesn't open until noon or 2pm. Again, Google would get you answers like this.
Yes, I have googled. And yes, I have posted on the France board, and as stated, people responded weren't actual gamblers. But, since Monte Carlo is a stop on HAL, I was hoping to find real responses from real cruisers.
I did not ask about hours or dress code. I already have that information. I asked about things I could not find via Google. I must have read through 300 posts on Trip Advisor, 99% of posts we're from people who were spectators and not players.
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I searched this board for things to go in Taormina and I'm confused as to where our ship will dock. We are in Holland America this summer and our itinerary shows Taormina. But, in this board, most of the threads are about tracking to Taormina from somewhere else, most posts are from Messina.
Can someone clarify?
If we are dropped off in Taormina, can we walk off the ship and do our own thing?
Thanks!
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Sure……. here is a link
http://www.sicilylimousineservice.com/sicily/index.asp
We were picked up in Messina, drove to Castelmola (above Taormina) and were the first and almost only ones there !!!!! Beautiful pictures with no one else in them ;)
We then went down to Taormina s !
When you state your were picked up in Messina, not Taormina, can you clarify? Our port listing shows our boat will stop on Taormina. Does is not stop there?
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This is what i used, strictly for transport. I got a 16 person mini van. I posted on the rollcall and we paid 560 for 16 of us. I believe you can get 8's as well. I thought it was a great deal.
This was back in 2013 though, so Im not sure what he is charging there now. Im using him again this year like I said, and he is very reasonable.
How did it go this thus past time? We have about 15 people who will also need Transportion.
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Thank you for your prompt responses. But, I still have a few unanswered questions. We only have a few hours before the wedding, so we want to make good use of our time!
Did you get a players card?
How were the gratis drinks for gamblers? Did you get to select from premium alcohols and wines for your "free" drinks?
Was it bothersome to have a bunch of people standing and watching?
How are the odds for Black Jack and craps?
What are the table minimums? Do they frown on you if you are small potatoes gamblers? We have some high rollers and low rollers in our group.
If you are betting above the minimums and want to go to the private areas, will they really make you pay the extra $10 euros on top of the $10 you paid to get in?
Thanks in advance!
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Hello,
I posted this on the France Port Board, but I didn't get any replies from people who are actual gamblers with real experience gambling in Monte Carlo (only observers or people who knew someone else was gambling). If someone has a suggestion as which board is best, let me know.
We have a group sailing in July for a wedding. Several of us are gamblers. We plan on going to the casino at 2pm when it opens in full formal wear (the wedding is at 6pm and is formal). I searched on this board and also Trip Advisor. Most reviews were from non-gamblers who were there to watch.
Can anyone share their gambling experience? Did you get a players card?
Are the dealers nice?
How were the gratis drinks for gamblers? Did you get to select from premium alcohols and wines for your "free" drinks?
Was it bothersome to have a bunch of people standing and watching?
How are the odds for Black Jack and craps? What are the table minimums? Do they frown on you if you are small potatoes gamblers? We have some high rollers and low rollers in our group.
If you are betting above the minimums and want to go to the private areas, will they really make you pay the extra $10 euros on top of the $10 you paid to get in?
Thanks in advance!
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Most ships have an area of slots that is non smoking. However, the Eurodam casino has gone 100% smoke free. Smoking is not allowed in any inside bars on any of HAL ships.
We will be on the Eurodam this summer and our group has some gamblers. I'm glad to hear that the bars and casino are smoke free. I'm hoping we don't have any smoker neighbors!
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Another view: On the Westerdam 7 day Eastern Caribbean this past January, we noticed no difference in formal attire by guests compared to previous years on the Nieuw Amsterdam (Caribbean). The NA had been very dressy in a wonderful, classy, east coast way. The younger crowd (under 20) were especially well dressed on formal nights when we were onboard. It was rather impressive and so nice to see !
The Westerdam was the same; tuxes and jackets/ties for men, and women in cocktail dresses with beautiful jewelry, etc. People were dressed. The only difference noted was no white slipcovers on the chairs in the MDR for late seating on formal night. This was very missed by many. Our waiter explained, "Only Captain's Table".
I'm glad to hear people are still dressing up. I love when a big group is dressed nicely. It adds to the fun of the evening.
We are traveling to the Mediterranean this summer. When we've traveled before, it was super hot. But, we've never been on a cruise. It's easier to go formal for women and still be cool, how's the AC and the temp on board? I'm worried about my husband heating up in a tux. He's bringing a tux for the wedding and will wear it for the gala nights, too.
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There weren't that many people who come back and post their experience with the Suite Amenities package. I'm interested in buying for 1. Can someone who's purchases this recently commented if they thought it was worth it and how it worked out for only buying for 1? Thanks.
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Thank you! Yes, the salon and features of it were excellent ! I did post a review of our cruise a few days ago ! Our room number was 5068 , and I also did a cabin review on it! It is titled New to Nieuw Amsterdam !!
Where can I find your review? I can't seem to locate it. Thanks!
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Suite Amenities Package, personal experience or info anyone?
in Holland America Line
Posted
All of those are liqueurs = sweet mixing alcohols for drinks.
Cointreau - orange-flavoured liqueur. Usually used as a mixer for Margaritas and Cosmos. Some people will use it instead of triple sec in cocktails.
Drambuie - scotch whiskey. I've seen it in Rusty Nails.
Grand Marnier - orange-flavoured liqueur. Similar to Cointeau that it's used as a mixer and also in place of triple sec in cocktails. Used in Margaritas, cosmos, sidecars, sometimes in bubbly.