FloridaTourist

Take the ship tour. While we debated taking the train we ended up on the ship tour. When we got back to the ship they were waiting with bottles of water and sandwiches.

I agree. If the ship is leaving at 1am I wouldn’t chance it.

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I'm starting to plan a 2 or 3 day pre-cruise stay in Amsterdam for late May, 2019, for me and DH. I am a bit overwhelmed by the size of the city and I’m having trouble deciding what area to stay in. Hopefully the wise people here on CC can give me some advice......

 

 

 

We don’t have a lot of must-do items, but I’d like to see the Rijksmuseum, cruise the canals and admire the architecture, and get out into the countryside for a day trip. We’re really not city people and prefer nature over traffic.

 

 

 

So..... Staying near the cruise port is an option but would we end up spending a lot of time traveling to and from the city? Is there an area in the city that would be more convenient but not uber expensive? I’d like to keep it under $300 per night.

 

 

 

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

My wife and I just got back 2 weeks ago. We did 4 days pre-cruise at the Renaissance Hotel. Perfect location. Right between the Jaardan and the Relight. We were able to walk all over and we actually did that. 11 miles one day 9 the next. Excellent hotel and the concierge can get you all the tickets you need and make the reservations. Great staff!

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If the ship docks at South Queensferry, as it did for us, the train station is close to where the tender docks. We were told it was within 10 min. walking distance. At the other end, Waverly is the closest station and is around the same distance to the castle.

I saw the walk to the train station. Good luck! I wouldn’t do it. And the train doesn’t run late enough to get you back after the tattoo. You can take an uber for about $20US. Spend the money if you must go back that night.

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Hi any advise you can give us about getting back and forth to the tattoo?

Swine we actually got a hotel room at the Grassmarket and stayed over night. Was the best decision we made. DW and I just discussed this the other night and decided we would do it again that way. The people that went back didn’t arrive till about 1am. Since we had a tour in a Edinburgh itself the next day it just didn’t make sense to go back to the ship.

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Sorry everyone. This is the first cruise I did not get to do and complete this. Internet was awful and the time change killed us. But if anyone has any questions let me know

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Saturday was another full day. Woke up and had breakfast in the hotel restaurant as the concierge lounge doesn’t serve on weekends. It was buffet with cooked to order eggs. It was very nice. After breakfast we took a leisurely walk towards our 10am start time at the Anne Frank House. When we got there we could see all the setting up for the pride parade. Wow!!! Is all I could say. At the AFH they really control the crowd. 6 People are allowed in every minute. We already knew the story but to actually see where the families hid was different. Very moving. By the time we were done the festivities outside were heating up. The streets were becoming packed. We met my sister who has lived in Amsterdam at noon in front of the church next door. She has lived there for almost 30 years. It was great to spend time with here. She took us around areas the tour guides don’t take you. We saw some quaint little areas. Walked all the J’dam, Prince Island and the Westerbrook Park. Then back all the way to china town. Did a total of 9 miles. Had lots of fun. Saw so much. This is a pretty big city. Gay pride was everywhere. But the people here consider it more about celebrating diversity which I totally get. Diversity and all, the parade is still very gay oriented. But the people were definitely having a good time. the crowds were a little over whelming. They are very free spirited here. Also most police here are plain clothes which I find interesting. Maybe we should learn something from that. They consider it less threatening. After our walk we came back to the hotel to rest a little then got ready for dinner at a little places called Thai & Co. very small place but close to the hotel. We shared Pad Thai. But Sunday is the big day and we will finally board the Koningsdam. Can’t wait to board her as we are ready to begin our cruise.

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Hey Kiskowgirl we are on the non stop home the day we dock.

Today was a long day. Had breakfast in the concierge room of the hotel. Nice breakfast. Fresh pastries, scrambled eggs, bacon, cheeses and fresh fruits and yogurts. The room though is just to darn warm. They have fans all over. I hope it is just temporary.

After breakfast walked to meet our 1030 walking tour with FreeDam tours. This is a free walking tour. Free walking tours are a great way to learn a city and some history. Our guide was Sergio the CEO of the company. Kind of reminded me of a bald Jonathan Van Ness. If you don’t know how he is look it up. But Sergio did a great job. It was a very hot day and he tried to keep us in the shade. It was nice to get our bearings in the city. It is starting to get crowded for Pride day tomorrow.

After the tour we ate lunch *********s Singel Tea House. It was recommended by several people. It was really good. It was a short walk from the hotel and on the way to the Classic Canal cruise which is at 315 Singel. Anyway i had a BLT and DW had avocado toast . Both were really good and fare priced.

So after lunch we did the 90 minute canal tour. Amsterdam is one of those cities where you have to see it on land and water. Glad we did it Juart was our guide and captain. Young law student. He did a nice job. He was born and raised in Amsterdam and had a lot of pride in his city.

At this point we are hot and tired but the day was not done. Next stop was the Van Gough museum which we walked to. We pre bought our tickets online but really the place was not as crowded as we thought it would be. We are not museum people really. Don’t usually make a habit of visiting them. So dont get me wrong. We have been to the Hermitage, Philadelphia museum of art and some other great museums. We just dont make them priority. Anyway glad we got the head set. Chose the short 45 min tour which really was more than an hour. Glad we did it. Now I don’t have to go back on my next trip.

After the Van Gough I made my DW take a cab back. It would have been over an hour to walk back. She was glad we did. Well worth 15e. We don’t do public transportation in Europe. Just something we made a decision about when we decided to travel Europe 3 years ago. Just a safety thing.

After quick showers and a cold Heineken from the free mini bar in our room we went to dinner at Savini Italian right near our hotel. Shared a salad and a pasta special. So no pics. Was just enough to share for a lite dinner. Then back to our hotel to chill. Saturday will be another big day.

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Had dinner last night at de belhammel. Hotel had arranged dinner there for us. Excellent food and beautiful view on the canal.

Prices were actually very good even to American standards. We opted for the 3 course special and it was 35e per person.

Forgot to mention when we left the hotel for dinner there was a bottle of champagne outside our door on ice and a box of Dutch chocolate from the hotel customer service for us. Nice touch. They didn’t knock because we had the do not disturb out cause of our nap.

The Renaissance Hotel is a really nice place. Seems to be a good location. Rooms are an ok size. Not huge but not as small as some. The concierge and desk personnel especially Michael and Huw are all very helpful. It is also very clean and good beds.

When we returned to the hotel after dinner we talked to the bartender and let us open our champagne at a quiet table and indulge. The bottle was on the menu at 39e. So that was a nice gift from the hotel.

Today is a busy day. We have a 3 hr 1030 walking tour with FreeDam tours. At 3 we do a 90 min Classic Boat Tour on the canals. 530 we do the Van Gough Museum.

Well it is almost 8 am. Time to start waking the DW. She will definitely need more time than me to get her clock straight.

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Arrived in Amsterdam today. Boy was it nice having a non stop flight. Got through Bag drop and security and was at the gate in less than 15 minutes. That never happens. Flight was a about 40 minutes delayed due to lightening in the area. While sitting and waiting DW asked me if we could get a first class upgraded. I said no way. Won’t happen. After all I have no status with any airline. Marriotts yes. Airline no. I said go try. The gate agent put her on a list of the overbooked first class. 15 minutes before boarding she asked “should I check?” I told her please don’t embarrass me. It won’t happen. So she went back up to the counter and played the 35th anniversary card and wanted to surprise her DH. Guess what? We sat in 1 B and C. So lesson learned. It never hurts to ask. Funny, I preach that to the people that work for me but I wasn’t practicing the same. Can’t say the food was anything special except for the warm nuts and ice cream sundae but laying flat to sleep was nice.

The driver picked us up as planned. Arranged through the hotel. I do like nice service. Having the driver wait right outside baggage with a sign with our name on it is a nice feeling. No waiting for a taxi and off we go to the Renaissance Hotel. My Marriott status landed us a slight upgrade. Not so much in room but a free open mini bar. Now granted we are not big drinkers and we have the explore 4 package onboard this trip so we get drinks included. I also have concierge service so get breakfast etc in there.

We took a quick stroll after checking in and changing clothes. It is hot here. Even being from Florida it is hot. Had lunch at a baked potato place called Jackets right near the hotel. Wanted to order a local beer but why when free beer was a block a way in the mini fridge. Anyway lunch was good. We split a potato. Didn’t want to over eat as we have a special dinner tonight to celebrate our anniversary. But as writing this I am having some wine from the fridge. Never had the beer. First impression after just a short walk is that Amsterdam feels big. Has a big city feel. Very crowded as this is Pride week and that is all everyone is talking about and “where will you watch the parade”. Saturday should be an interesting day.

Anyway time for a shower. I’ll be back later

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Getting ready to head to Amsterdam today. I will do daily postings of our experience from the day we leave till we return. Come along and follow. Ask questions. Looking forward to this awesome trip.

Little bit about us. We are both in our mid/late 50s. This will be our 4th HAL cruise. HAL became our line of choice but will be our first time on this particular ship. Really excited as we will also be booking for next year while on board for the Nieuw Statendam. We will be departing today for Amsterdam on our first ever non-stop flight to Europe from our home airport of Orlando. I’ll try to be funny and inject some humor. I’ll admit to being a terrible Typer and bad proof reader. But non the less I promise a good read for you. Our flight out is at 730pm. We arrive in AMS approx 1030am local time in Amsterdam. We will be staying at the Renaissance Hotel. We arranged pickup at the airport from the hotel. I know it’s a little pricey but there is something about having that guy standing there with a sign with your name on it. Is still work. This is vacation and I want to feel “vacation”. Plus have to admit we don’t pack light. Our 2 big bags are pushing the 50lb limit and the 2 carry-on’s are packed to the top. Told my wife she might have to leave one of her 6 pairs of shoes. Thank god it was our 35th Anniversary last night. She was in a good mood and she just laughed. There was no way that was happening. It’s all about the shoes.

Anyway watch for the next post Thursday evening. We will be having dinner at a special restaurant to celebrate the big 35.

Marriott in the city center has a shuttle together with AC Hotel Bella Sky and Crowne Plaza (both in Ørestad near the airport)

We stayed at the Marriott last summer and the shuttle runs only certain days. Check with the hotel to make sure it is running the day you want it. It did not run the day we needed it although there were 3 ships boarding in port that day.

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While we really like Helsinki, would probably just stay on the ship because of the Trump-Putin meeting.

 

Protestors would be a major concern to us.

Why would protesters be a “major concern” if you can avoid them? Hey are not protesting against Americans. They are protesting against Trump and his policies. Unless you plan on protesting to voice your support I don’t see it as a big deal.

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We were very disappointed with Helsinki when we docked in 2015 on Serenade.

We found it the least interesting port on our Baltic cruise and probably won't get off the ship if we visit again.

If Mr Trump and Mr Putin are having a meeting there and with all the security involved and potential protesters unless you are on a tour my choice would be to stay on the ship.

I would agree with you. We were there last summer on the Zuiderdam. The market area was fun to walk around and the food hall there was a good place to eat but other than that there isn’t much there. We did the free walking tour and they didn’t have much to show us. So little that even they joked about it. If you like coffee there is a huge Nespresso store downtown always good for free coffee.

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When we were on the Zuiderdam last summer we booked 2 different cruises for this summer. The thought was it gave us time to decide and cancel the one we didn’t want. We made the choice and had our TA whom is also my DMIL call and make the final bookings. My TA is extremely though and makes excellent notes. Several months later she was checking on our cruise price. She called us since she had been out of the country and asked if we had changed the cruise and canceled the one we had originally selected. Making a long story short they had canceled the wrong cruise when she made the final booking. We lost our cabin in the perfect spot we wanted on the koningsdam this August. They admitted it was their fault after reviewing the records. They booked similar type cabin but up one level and gave us a $200 credit. Not OBC. They also agreed to put a bottle of wine in our room. ( didn’t really matter as we have a drink package). But they did admit and correct the error

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So I saw several people on earlier pages of this thread say that they own their CCL stock in their IRAs. Just want to confirm that you haven't had any problems getting your shareholder OBC when the owner of the stock is "Stephanie's IRA" instead of just "Stephanie." If I'm going to buy the stock, I would prefer to do so in my IRA so just want to make sure that this isn't going to be a problem.

 

Addressing something else from the thread, I went to a presentation given by the future cruise consultant on Maasdam in April, which wasn't about future itineraries but how to save money on your next booking, and she definitely mentioned buying the stock to get OBC.

 

Curious also if your OBC gets treated like a dividend for tax purposes (i.e. do you get taxed on that money)? Actually for that matter, isn't it problematic getting a cash benefit now from your IRA investment? I don't have enough in my ROTH to do it there and I'm not old enough for tax-free benes from my Traditional. I'm talking about the OBC, not dividends. Or am I just overthinking this? :)

I own my stock at park of my 401k. My receipt I sent them was just my last name on it. Could have been mine, my brothers or my late mother’s. I hade the credit applied within 24 hrs.

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Thats less than 6 months? Whats your point? Mine was that if sold you stock on say February 10, you would still be in the 6 month window. You don't have to own the stock for 6 months or own it 6 months prior to your cruise, you just have to own the stock, even for 1 day, within the previous 6 months from your departure.

Hmmm I thought you were saying you had to own the stock FOR 6 months. If that’s not what you meant Peace!

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Yes, in fact, unless things have changed, you only have to own the stock within 6 months of your embarkation date.

 

Obviously this has to be 6 months before, because it would be a little hard to get some OBC for a cruise thats already over.

 

I generally do it the weeks after final payment has been made, once the next brokerage statement shows up, as at that point we are always within the window.

 

Cheers,

That’s not true. I literally just bought the stock this week and my cruise departs August 5.

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HELP WITH CCL on board credit please!

 

Once you fax proof of your CCL stock as a shareholder and required information, how long before it is posted, AND, where can I find it on my booking on the new HAL website. I have looked all over without any luck. Thanks in advance for your help !

I just did it the other day. My TA, whom is also my DMIL, got notice in less than 24 hrs that it has been applied to my account. $250 for a 14 day Koningsdam cruise on August 5.

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Does anyone know the best way to get from downtown Stockholm to the cruise terminal at Frihamnen? I was told there is a #76 bus, but that doesn't run on Sundays. Any suggestions?

We walked it. Really wasn’t that bad. We even did it in the rain....twice!

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I agree. Do Tallin on your own. Do the free walking tour, get a great local beer at Karja Kelder, and buy some of the best chocolate you have ever had at the Kalev factory store. Walk the streets after your tour and get lost and explore. This is an amazing city. And the only truly affordable port In the Baltic.

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Good afternoon - I have just booked a HAL cruise and was unsure about their tipping policy. Are tips automatically added onto your final bill or do you just give cash at the end? If they are included, I probably would give extra anyway for such hard working staff. Thanks, Gail

Tips are added automatically to your bill for your room steward and the dining room staff. I still tip extra for room service and others that do a personal service.

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we are going on this cruise in August so I am researching and planning tours like you. We have booked the St Petersburg Grand Tour with Alla tours and they offered our Roll Call an additional discount (on top of the CC discount) if we filled a 16-person van. I'm working on it... but we have a slow Roll Call so far ! lol! Might be worth asking SPB if they would extend an additional discount for your Roll Call.

 

Right now, we are doing Copenhagen on our own, taking the "Friends of Dave " tour in Warnemunde (

https://www.fod

tours

.com)

, on our own for Tallin, and Helsinki. Using Alla Tours for St Petersburg and Stockholm since we will be docking in Nynashamn which is over an hour away from Stockholm.

 

I am using Rick Steves book too. I have used his books everywhere and never disappointed!

 

-Elaine

We did all these ports last year with HA. Copenhagen, Helsinki, Tallin and Stockholm are all very easy to do on your own. All those cities also have excellent free walking tours. We also did a food tour with Stockholm Food Tours which was amazing. We are rather newer cruisers so if i say it was easy it really was. In warnemunde we used the Berlin Expert to pick us up and tour Berlin with 2 other couples. The only issue there is that it is 3 hrs each way on the Autobahn. But was definitely a fun day. In SPB we used TJ Travel and couldn’t have been happier. Some tours add on the Faberge museum. We did that as well. Didn’t do the ballet. After very full days of touring the ballet was just to much.

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We always send out the laundry with specific instructions. “Cold wash”. “Dry on very low”. Have only had one issue when they lost a new pair of pants. Credit was applied to my account for the value I stated no questions asked. Great service!

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Florida tourist: Can you suggest a few good restaurants not more than about a 15 min walk from Marriott? We like quiet and relaxing places. (We're elderly.)

 

I think it probably makes sense to avoid Tivoli restaurants as well as hotel restaurants as they'd surely be more expensive.

One of our favorite places was a place called In translation “little yellow house” or something like that. Good place for a snack, breakfast or lunch.

We never did a really nice sit down dinner there. We went to a food hall across the river from Nyhaven that was very fun. But if you are elderly it might be difficult for you to walk there. For that matter you might want to select a hotel more in the center of Things. While the Marriott is close and walkable to many places you will have to do just that - walk. There is not much right outside the door of the Marriott. While the walks are not far there is nothing within a block or two. But that’s also why they make cabs. For us the Marriott was perfect. The rooms quiet without hearing all the street noise etc.

and there is always ice cream to eat

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I think any place within the city area will be walkable to most places. You will just have to decide what’s best for you

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