Stella1250

Is there anyplace to smoke a cigar on the Koningsdam?

Love the aft wraps. You can see for what seems like eons with no ship in view. I never really felt anything that different in one than a cabin midships. I agree that the walk is a bit long, but I like having it so I can hope my deserts can be walked off. LOL

Sounds like you had a good time. We are on the K 6/25 for the same cruise. Could you tell me if any of the pools are heated? Thanks.

I am cruising the Norweigen Fjords, so I don't think there will be any dicey places. After, we have a week in Amsterdam. I think I will bring a few pieces, and leave the rest home. Thanks everyone!:cool:

Hi everyone. I hear a lot of people talking about packing on the boards, especially how they pack their jewelry. I am wondering, how many people take their real stuff as opposed to costume?

I usually wear only what I wear everyday, such as wedding rings etc., and bring nothing else. I do not have costume jewelry, so would have to bring the real stuff if I wanted anything more. I am wondering what everyone thinks of this subject. Do you bring only costume or not? Thanks in advance.

We did a driving trip of Scotland in May. Had all four seasons in one day on the way to the Isle of Skye. We did have to take one extra bag for boots and warmer gear, and did use it all. Light layers worked the best, but still needed that warm jacket for the sleet and hail days. We did a lot of outdoor activities in all kinds of weather, and always turned to our double jackets, with a fleece inner jacket covered by a waterproof outer layer. We took the waterproof layer off when it was dry. That jacket alone got us through a lot of weather!

OBC that comes from a TA can and will be refunded. OBC from the cruise line cannot. I always get it from my TA, plus wine packages, picture packages etc.

OMG what a story. I was crying throughout. Couldn't imagine a worse nightmare for a cruise passenger.

Just a few thoughts here. First, cruise line excursions are usually $100 or $200 more, not $5 or $10. Second, sometimes you just want to wander around a port and see what you want, not what the trip has. Third, and this is not meant to be snippy, but American Express Platinum card. They once sent a rep from Tokyo to a small town in Japan to translate an ATM machine for me. No charge. One call to them, and all the planning is out of your hands. They will get you to the ship. Period. Also, if you do not want to carry your passport off the ship, at least carry a color copy so the embassy can access the account easier. Also, I always carry two passport photos with me where ever I go.

Glad everything worked out for you. This post should be required reading for all cruise passengers. Wow.

I take the cross packing a little further. With two suitcases, I pack exactly half of each with my clothes, half with his. This way, we both have enough for at least 5 days without the other suitcase. Came in handy in China when I got one bag 4 days late!

Hi Chris. Which sailing are you on? We are on Koningsdam 6/25 Fjords cruise.

In Aruba on a HAL Panama Canal cruise, we got off the ship and took a taxi. The driver stopped at a grocery store so we could get drinks and snacks and took us to Eagle Beach. We rented chairs for $5.00 each and sat under a tree. Had a great day and took a taxi back to the ship. Cost: $50.00 total. Cost of HAL Eagle Beach excursion: $120.00 each. Savings: $190.00. We had loads of fun talking to all the locals and saved quite a bit. Could have shopped on the way back, but it isn't our thing on vacation.

I am looking forward to hearing your impressions of Koningsdam when you return. I am on her 6/25 for the same cruise!

I completely love the idea of a "ship within a ship". For those who wish to pay more, they can have a different experience. Cruise ships are not like schools where everyone is required to have the same standard. It is a vacation venue and as such, should have different levels of price and service, quite like the airlines. That is like saying I will never fly on an airplane with a first class cabin because they get better seats and food. I am looking forward to trying The Haven on NCL.

I have a week in Amsterdam after the cruise. Now, with unlimited laundry, I can go with clean clothes instead of packing ANOTHER weeks worth.

Oh great. Another few thousand calories on my hips!

Well, I kind of hope the MDR isn't so great, because all of the other choices seem so good! Dive In, Dutch Café, Tamarind, etc, OH MY THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE ME OFF THE SHIP IN A WHEELBARROW

What a bunch of malarkey. Open or fixed, we all have a "right" to dine where we want. If my open presence interrupts any fixed diners, well I guess they will just have to get used to it. If they offer it , we will come. We may even have the nerve to take the two empty seats at your fixed table when someone goes to another dining venue. Just saying.

I think I will just bring my own wine and pay the corkage!

So, it is $307 for the "couples package"? More money, but still the same 5 bottles? How can that be?

I have also been looking at this. It does look good. I am wondering which wines are offered though. Do you know what the difference is between the "single package" and the "double package" is?

Sure, everything fits. Even though people say that they use hot water and dryers, I have never had something come back shrunk or ruined from HAL laundry.

Usually it will be the evenings of sea days.

We did aft suite in Alaska, which was just great! You get to see so much of the scenery from that balcony. You will love it.

How scary for you and your wife. I am glad that she is ok and you are home. Nothing like getting home after something like that!

Koningsdam is a brand new ship, so no conversion.