FirstTimerInMichigan

We prefer the retreat cabanas along the back railing, overlooking the lido pool roof. They've got more air flow, which we like.

 

 

Our preferences are the ones that aren't up against the stairway that leads up from the deck below. On the Eurodam, that's Portofino & Sorrento. We had one next to the stairs on the Nieuw Amsterdam and it wasn't a big deal.

 

I'd avoid Amalfi & Sochi because they're a little too sheltered for our tastes. However, the staff usually uses Sochi for staging, so it's probably not in the mix.

 

 

 

We got the email for the ship's coordinator and sent off a request for our top 3 picks a few weeks before the cruise. We wound up with our first choice. It's possible that your #1 selection won't be available if someone is doing a 14 day sailing the week before you, so that's why we try to have a few choices.

 

Wow, such an informed reply! Thanks much. You're the best!

I, too, am contemplating booking the thermal suite for our December cruise aboard the Eurodam. Do most of you book it for the week, or just for sea days?

Also, do the Lido Cabanas have windows that can be opened, or curtains that can be shut to offer more privacy from the pool?

Back to the Retreat Cabanas on the Eurodam (forgive me if I missed this):

What location/cabana do you prefer? I trust you implicitly and would pretty much follow any advice you offered in regards to HAL cruising. I'm seriously considering booking in the Retreat but just can't figure out which cabana is better, if any.

Another point - if something happens and you end up having to FLY back to the US from Mexico (or any other country), you will need a passport.

Yes, indeed. I am following the instructions on my contract explicitly. Passport is a must because HAL says it is! I'd rather be too prepared than not enough.

Talking about and planning this surprise is so much fun!

Alright, time for my next decision. I'm trying to decide whether or not to book a Lido or Retreat Cabana for the week, and which to choose if I do book one.

I have done some reading here on CC and see pros and cons to each. As I understand, the Retreat cabanas run the risk of being unusable on rainy days, but offer a relatively quiet escape. Lido cabanas may be a bit too close to the hustle and bustle of the pool for us, but they're able to be enjoyed during incliment weather. I even saw one poster who said they book one of each! I don't think that's the right course of action for me, or my wallet.

I'm slightly overwhelmed with all the extra features and perks I can choose to enhance the trip. What would you do?

Those are killer! My sister in Detroit sent me the recipe as it was first formulated at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1900's. I purchased the very pricy ingredients and made them at home, needless to say one is all that's necessary! Such an odd mix of ingredients with such a great flavor when combined.

 

 

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Yes! I commend your knowledge of cocktail history, sir! I could talk about spirits and cocktails all day.

Ha, I already am having a great cruise; this is all a lot of fun and actually helpful.

POA1, I think it was around 1:30 last night I read that your seating had gotten mixed up. What a fun account of your trip. Actually, you seem to be the perfect person to ask...and please don't take offense at this 😉...how well are the various bars stocked onboard? If I asked for a Last Word (equal parts London gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo and lime; shaken; up) will they know what I mean and have the ability to make it?

I contacted my TA this afternoon and we are officially in the later seating. We generally dine later up here in Traverse City, MI so why not do the same in the Caribbean?!

I do plan on taking advantage of the other restaurants on board (as well as our balcony one night!) and will absolutely contact the MDR as early as possible to give someone else a chance at our table, that's a good reminder. I've been in restaurant hospitality for 18 years (wow) so I appreciate that there are still people out there looking out for their fellow diners - thanks, Muffin!

As for the passport situation, my invoice clearly states that one is required so I guess that's that! I'd rather be too prepared than not enough anyway.

You're all awesome. It's so nice to come here and see excitement and sharing of advice and ideas. Such a pleasant departure from the mayhem of the world these days!

Welcome to HAL! You have chosen a wonderful line for your cruise!!

I've not sailed the Eurodam yet but wanted to comment on your ports, all of which I have been to with the exception of HMC.

Cozumel is quite safe and very built up for tourism; you will have no issue to DIY there. Georgetown, GC would be the same.

 

Falmouth is another kettle of fish though. I've been to Jamaica both by ship [calling at Ocho Rios] and on a land trip when I stayed in Falmouth. I see that you are a same-sex couple and Jamaica is one of the least friendly countries in the area for gay men [some others are only marginally better but c'est la vie]. I would highly recommend taking a ship's tour there as you will be in the comfort and anonymity or a large group; as long as there is no PDA you will not even be noticed when traveling with a group. I, personally, have not felt in danger there but it is something that was in the back of my mind on both visits [especially the cruise visit since I was with DH that time rather than a female friend like the first visit]. Usually the Dunns River Falls tours [highly recommended] are not that expensive through the ship anyway. LGBT issues aside, Jamaica also has some of the pushiest vendors of any place I've been [much like "RMSLincoln" stated above] so I even recommend ship's tours to my straight friends who travel there. The funny thing is, nature-wise, Jamaica is one of the prettiest islands in the region, IMO. Their beaches are lovely and many still have a rustic feel with tress for shade rather than just expanses of endless sand.

Hi there, I really appreciate your feedback on the matter. I didn't do too much research into HAL's policies, or lack thereof, regarding LGBT travelers. I'd just as soon be considered another guest than a gay one, but you bring up very valid points when it comes to Jamaica and I love you for it!

I'll plan a morning excursion or tour in Falmouth, then perhaps that would be a prime opportunity to sneak back onboard for a killer spa day. Thanks again.

Andy

Check the Roll Calls section for a thread for Eurodam on your sailing date. If you are lucky and have an active group it is often possible to arrange shared private tours. Even as spontaneous as hiring a taxi/van for the day right at the dock which split six ways (three couples) can be pretty reasonable and a much better experience than being herded on to a big motorcoach.

 

We too opt for late, partly because we eat at that time at home and partly so there is not a seating after us so no rush to leave the MDR. We also like having the same waitstaff every night. But we've done open dining too and liked that - especially when we planned to eat in specialty (extra cost) venues or the buffet frequently. opening dining can also be a plus on days with late port stops.

Thanks much! I've checked the Roll Call for that sailing but there is none (yet)! I really like your idea of renting/hiring a taxi with a fun group from the ship, thank you for that.

OlsSalt, I'm looking forward to sharing my trip planning with all of you! Great ideas on sneaky passport reconnaissance, I'll work on them and keep you posted. Right now I'm trying to decide between open and fixed dining. I am right on the fence on this one.

USN59-79, you are correct. I just checked my invoice and the fine print states "a passport that is valid for 6 months after your itinerary return date is required."

I'm pretty sure that this itinerary is photo ID and birth certificate in terms of documentation.

I've applied for mine just in case. My issue is trying to figure out if Joel's passport is valid 6 months after the trip. Not too sure how to work that into everyday conversation without tipping him off...

:hearteyes:

Wow, what a cornucopia of wisdom I've stumbled upon. Thank you all for your help and feedback! I will continue to consider the pros and cons of open dining vs set, and will wait until Joel knows about the trip to talk shore excursions and spa bookings since they can both be planned onboard.

POA1, reading your live report from last year kept me up until 3am last night in rapt anticipation.

Thanks for your expertise everyone!

Andy

:hearteyes:

Wow, what a cornucopia of wisdom I've stumbled upon. Thank you all for your help and feedback! I will continue to consider the pros and cons of open dining vs set, and will wait until Joel knows about the trip to talk shore excursions and spa bookings since they can both be planned onboard.

POI1, reading your live report from last year kept me up until 3am last night in rapt anticipation.

Thanks for your expertise everyone.

This December marks my first time on a cruise, HAL or otherwise, and I have a question about my stateroom guarantee. I am fine not knowing what room we will have until the week of sailing, but I've read lots of CC comments regarding stateroom location on the ship, size, etc. and how sometimes, 'upgrade' is in the eye of the beholder.

Are there SY (or above, as I'm guaranteed at least SY) suites in unfavorable locations onboard? Should I try to reserve a specific room to avoid any disappointment once onboard?

Thanks so much,

Andy

Hi everyone! My partner turns 50 this December so I'm in the beginning stages of planning a surprise cruise for him aboard the ms Eurodam. We depart December 17 for Half Moon Cay, Falmouth, Georgetown and Cozumel before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

I paid my deposit this week so it is starting to feel "real", and I'm looking for advice from people who have sailed with HAL/on the Eurodam in the past. I'm going to throw some random questions out there:

My travel agent somehow got us $600 onboard credits, can I use those to book spa treatments this far in advance? I've read that it may behoove me to wait until I'm onboard to take advantage of special deals, which is fine, but I would feel more comfortable knowing we had set spa reservations.

Once I book spa treatments, are we allowed access to the Thermal Suite and Thalassotherapy Pool? Or, more specifically, what does come with spa/massage treatments?

We are currently on the open dining plan. Pros and cons?

Shore Excursions are a daunting (and expensive) idea. I know we will want to take advantage of our ports, but would we be content hooving it on our own?

I think that's it for now! Obviously I'm very excited for this surprise and my mind is racing with ideas, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to throw in your own words of wisdom.

Oh, we are guaranteed at least a level SY suite while onboard.

Hi everyone! My partner turns 50 this December so I'm in the beginning stages of planning a surprise cruise for him aboard the ms Eurodam. We depart December 17 for Half Moon Cay, Falmouth, Georgetown and Cozumel before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

I paid my deposit this week so it is starting to feel "real", and I'm looking for advice from people who have sailed with HAL/on the Eurodam in the past. I'm going to throw some random questions out there:

My travel agent somehow got us $600 onboard credits, can I use those to book spa treatments this far in advance? I've read that it may behoove me to wait until I'm onboard to take advantage of special deals, which is fine, but I would feel more comfortable knowing we had set spa reservations.

Once I book spa treatments, are we allowed access to the Thermal Suite and Thalassotherapy Pool? Or, more specifically, what does come with spa/massage treatments?

We are currently on the open dining plan. Pros and cons?

Shore Excursions are a daunting (and expensive) idea. I know we will want to take advantage of our ports, but would we be content hooving it on our own?

I think that's it for now! Obviously I'm very excited for this surprise and my mind is racing with ideas, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to throw in your own words of wisdom.

Oh, we are guaranteed at least a level SY suite while onboard.