unclerich

This is from Holland America's recruiting blurb for cruise director:

Required Skills

As a Cruise Director for Holland America, your Job duties will include:

Plans, schedules, produces and manages a variety of programming to ensure the entertainment of all guests.

Maximizes all revenue opportunities through programming, cross promotion, and guest communication including, but not limited to, public address, showtimes, events, parties, activities.

Manages, motivates and provides feedback to all department personnel regarding shows, events and operations. Evaluates and recommends changes and improvements. Monitors the details to achieve desired production values.

Achieves guest satisfaction goals for all department operations.

Develops and recommends innovative programming concepts.

Emcees and announces shows and events.

Special projects as assigned by the Hotel Manager and/or Seattle Entertainment department.

Provides industry leading customer service and guest interaction as a host on board.

Complies with all company operational procedures.

Successfully completes all required training programs.

Performs ship’s safety functions as required.

Required Experience

2 years management experience

Previous stage experience

Volendam had a 2 week dry-dock in Singapore in December 2014. Your supposition may be accurate.

Please tell those of us who don't know what a Wang Wang is. My curiosity is peaking. I hope ya'll have a fabulous cruise. We will be on the Eurodam for New Year's. Can't wait.

1/4 oz Vodka

1/4 oz Gin

1/4 oz White Rum

1/4 oz Scotch

1/4 oz Bourbon

1/4 oz Tequila

1/4 Triple Sec

1/4 oz Brandy

Top it off with Pineapple and Orange Juice

Add a splash of Grenadine

It's a small Budget storefront. Coming from the port, it's just past Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel. They're not the fastest moving folks in the world, and at least when I was there last week, it's not air conditioned.

But - hey - it's a car rental place.

Have a good trip.

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=140690&p=irol-sharebenefit

Here's the link.

Richard

Glen,

Thanks for the info.

Nice photos!

Richard

I've posted this on the Alaska boards, as well - but 'know' you folks better.

We're looking into the upgraded tour from Anchorage to Seward on HAL. We'd opt out of the train and have a Kenai cruise included.

This is the description:

About the Excursion

Upgrade your journey between Anchorage and Seward by adding on a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park—a majestic tidewater glacier on Alaska’s most popular wildlife and glacier cruise. Marvel as it calves. Feel its power and hear it roar! You’ll travel to the face of a tidewater glacier and witness one of the most active tidewater glaciers in the park as it thunders into the sea. Watch for humpback whales, orcas, seabirds, sea lions, otters and other wildlife. This trip is narrated by certified captains at the helm of the most modern fleet of vessels in the state. Enjoy lunch on board as you track your route on the flat-screen monitors displaying the map of this beautiful national park.

Additional Info

This tour is available to guests sailing Southbound Seward to Vancouver only. Guests that have an included cruisetrain will be opting out of this trip when purchasing this Kenai Fjords Cruise option. Dress in warm layers. Bring your camera and binoculars. This cruise will spend some time in open waters. If you think you may be susceptible to motion sickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medication the night prior to alleviate discomfort so that you can enjoy your sailing. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed. Tour operates Sundays only.

Has anyone does this? Do you still take a train first and then the Kenai tour out of Seward? How much time would the Kenai cruise be?

Thanks for any info.

Richard

We're looking into the upgraded tour from Anchorage to Seward on HAL. We'd opt out of the train and have a Kenai cruise included.

This is the description:

About the Excursion

Upgrade your journey between Anchorage and Seward by adding on a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park—a majestic tidewater glacier on Alaska’s most popular wildlife and glacier cruise. Marvel as it calves. Feel its power and hear it roar! You’ll travel to the face of a tidewater glacier and witness one of the most active tidewater glaciers in the park as it thunders into the sea. Watch for humpback whales, orcas, seabirds, sea lions, otters and other wildlife. This trip is narrated by certified captains at the helm of the most modern fleet of vessels in the state. Enjoy lunch on board as you track your route on the flat-screen monitors displaying the map of this beautiful national park.

Additional Info

This tour is available to guests sailing Southbound Seward to Vancouver only. Guests that have an included cruisetrain will be opting out of this trip when purchasing this Kenai Fjords Cruise option. Dress in warm layers. Bring your camera and binoculars. This cruise will spend some time in open waters. If you think you may be susceptible to motion sickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medication the night prior to alleviate discomfort so that you can enjoy your sailing. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed. Tour operates Sundays only.

Has anyone does this? Do you still take a train first and then the Kenai tour out of Seward? How much time would the Kenai cruise be?

Thanks for any info.

Richard

Here's the link to the aforementioned report by VictOriann:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2006719&highlight=volendam+memories

Agree with KK.

Last night of Chanukah -their gifts are either boarding pass or baggage tags (my preference). They'll have a lot of fun telling their friends in advance. Once they're on the ship, there's a limited time for free internet, texting, etc.

Have a wonderful time!

Richard

Hope this is helpful:

SUN 19JUN16 Sail from Seward (Anchorage), Alaska, US 8:00pm

MON 20JUN16 Sea Day

TUE 21JUN16 Glacier Bay 2 10:00am 7:00pm

WED 22JUN16 Haines, Alaska, US 6:30am 9:00pm

THU 23JUN16 Juneau, Alaska, US 8:00am 6:00pm

FRI 24JUN16 Ketchikan, Alaska, US 11:00am 7:00pm

SAT 25JUN16 Scenic Cruising The InsidePassage 2

SUN 26JUN16 Debark Ship Vancouver, B.C., CA 7:00am

Richard

Possibly to pick up passengers who have taken this shore excursion (rather than hydrofoil return to Corfu):

Albanian Adventure

Approximately 7 Hours

Leave the port of Corfu on a hydrofoil headed for Albania and the port of Saranda.

Switch to a motor coach and travel to the ancient town of Butrint. Ancient Butrint was an important Greco-Roman port city, and is now an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was inhabited continuously from the 7th century BC until it was abandoned in the 18th century AD. Its walls are reminiscent of ancient Mycenae in Greece, but its most noteworthy excavated remains are early Hellenistic and Roman.

Of special interest is the circular baptistery dating from the 6th century AD, paved with mosaics.

Enjoy lunch in Saranda; then, head back to the port to embark the hydrofoil for the return trip to Corfu.

Notes:

Travel time to Butrint is approximately 90 minutes each way. Hydrofoil schedule varies, which may affect departure and return time of the tour.

Just a supposition.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I'm still torn - can't seem to justify in my mind the cost differential ($299 vs. $449) for that one extra person. Any input on which specific cabana? I know there are only 2 family ones - is one better than the other? Also, which "regular" cabanas are better as far as breeze, location, size, etc. I tried finding a layout of the Retreat on the Eurodam but could only find one for the Noordam which I know is different. Thanks again :-)

Just google "Eurodam retreat cabana image" and you'll find a number of photos.

From the TSA web site:

Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than 4 inches are allowed, but blades longer than 4 inches are prohibited.

We're paying $449 for the larger Family Retreat Cabana for 7 days on the Eurodam (in the Carib) in December.

Richard

From HAL's website:

Persons under the age of 18 are not permitted to gamble or loiter in the casino and proof of age may be requested.

The slots are VERY unfriendly, in my experience.

Not sure why people are so reluctant to accept this upcoming change.

This from a cruise info website:

The Holland America Signature of Excellence enhancements and new features include striking new public areas, a plethora of stateroom upgrades, and an expanded enrichment program. New décor, soft goods and carpeting are featured throughout, as are completely renovated bathrooms. But the biggest changes to Volendam’s accommodations are new Spa staterooms and the Holland America’s innovative Lanai staterooms. The Lanai staterooms access directly onto the walk-around lower promenade, while the Spa staterooms are located near the Greenhouse Spa and offer Holland America exclusive amenities such as organic cotton bathrobes, yoga mats, fountains, special room service menus and wellness treatments.

No problem.

According to an older post by Copper10-8, drydock is scheduled:

08-21 DEC 2014 Volendam Singapore

Richard

Just found this in the small print:

NOTE: Category CA, Lanai staterooms

are not available until Dec 22, 2014.

Until then, they are Category D.

http://www.hollandamerica.com/main/DeckPlans.action?ship=vo_2&deck=lp&deep=0

http://www.hollandamerica.com/assets/deckplans/vo_2.pdf

Here's some info for you:

Category: Category IQ - Large Interior Spa Stateroom

Description: Interior Spa staterooms feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed and private bathroom with shower. All staterooms include bathrobes, Elemis bath amenities, complimentary fresh fruit, flat-panel TV and DVD player, personal safe, telephone, and hair dryer.

Spa Stateroom Amenities: Yoga mats, iPod docking station, countertop water feature, exclusive spa treatments from the nearby Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

Deck: Panorama Deck

Occupancy: Can accommodate up to 2 guests in this particular cabin

**********************************

Category CQ - Large Oceanview Spa Stateroom

Decks: Panorama Deck

Occupancy: Sleeps 2 guests

Description: Oceanview staterooms feature a picture window, two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, and private bathroom with tub/shower combination. All staterooms include bathrobes, Elemis bath amenities, complimentary fresh fruit, flat-panel TV and DVD player, personal safe, telephone, and hair dryer.

Spa Stateroom Amenities: Yoga mats, iPod docking station, countertop water feature, exclusive spa treatments from the nearby Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

Square Footage: 169 - 267 sq ft

**********************************************

Enjoy,

Richard

Where did you find the tour file for download?

http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Activities.action?tabName=Art+Tours[/url]

Scroll down to locate Noordam.

We stayed at Hotel 1898 on La Rambla. Doesn't satisfy your shuttle option, but cabs are plentiful.

Comfortable hotel. Great city!

Many thanks for outlining various offers pertaining to the internet service.

Most helpful

Be well

You're very welcome, easyport.

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

Quick answer - Yes, but slower than you're used to on land, and can get expensive. Cabin WiFi connection less reliable than public hotspots (usually). Keeping your cabin door open will usually improve connectivity.

Here's the info from Holland America

Internet Access

Guests can connect to the internet via satellite link 24 hours a day, satellite conditions permitting on each ship in the Holland America Line fleet, either by accessing a 24/7 wireless connection "hotspot", or utilizing the resources of the Explorations Café or Internet Café located on board.

Wireless Internet Service

Each Holland America Line vessel offers wireless internet service in most public lounges throughout the ship. Guests may use their laptop computer or other wireless internet enable device to connect to the wireless internet service on board. IPhone and Android phone users will enjoy our easy-to-navigate mobile friendly login. Internet Plans vary in price to accommodate individual needs and are interchangeable between the private computer terminals available 24-hours a day in the Explorations Café and your wireless device.

Explorations Café or Internet Café Internet Service

The Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times offers a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can access the internet via the onboard computers or via your own wireless internet device, such as a laptop computer, iPad or iPhone.

Explorations Café or Internet Café pricing below is subject to change without prior notice. Please inquire on board for current prices.

One-time Activation Fee of $3.95 applies to each user.

Basic time charge $0.75 per minute, pay as you go, or purchase a Discounted Time Plan

250 minutes for $100.00, $0.40 per minute

100 minutes for $55.00, $0.55 per minute

Time Plan minutes can be used anytime throughout the cruise.

When I post a question and see that RuthC has responded I know that I will receive some very good information.

I really enjoy and learn a lot from reading her postings. Love CC

Ruth,

There are LOTS of us who are avid CC readers, but only occasional posters. We know whose opinions we can take on face value as accurate, unbiased, and clearly stated.

There are others, of course, whose contributions are excellent. All of you are very much appreciated.

Richard