coachmouchet

So, I am back from a wonderful 9 day cruise aboard the Rotterdam! I, of course, was a little jealous of the cruisers who booked a b2b on the Rotterdam. Being a teacher, I have to get back to my job. The cruise was very relaxing. I know several of you (including me) have been on cruises in which you NEED a vacation for taking a vacation! This cruise allowed me to recharge my batteries to finish the school year. If I saw a problem with the Rotterdam, it would be the lack of staff. I know I always read about people complaining about the food, but no complaints from me! When I got home, I noticed I gained 4 pounds. The food, in my opinion, was delicious! I really liked that the staff always served you on the buffet. And they always had someone near the washing stations to encourage hand washings. I didn't really see anyone complain about this, but more of an appreciation to make sure sickness would not spread. Rotterdam = 5 STARS

So far so good! Really enjoying the Rotterdam right now! The food and service have been excellent!

This Friday will be my first time on the Rotterdam vii. So I am excited for this cruise!

This may be tough! You only get to choose your favorite one!!!

Well…there is just something about its perfect size, it’s quaintness, it’s just feels right. It was recently renovated with new carpets and some new furniture. It never feels crowded. Also, last July we booked a last minute Alaska cruise on the Volendam. I got a ridiculous great deal for an ocean view. Anyway we arrived at the Volendam to find out they automatically upgraded us to a Vista Suite at no extra charge! It was so awesome! So when you ask why, it’s just because it feels so right to me.

The Volendam is my all-time favorite cruise ship!!!!🚢

So I was thinking of purchasing the Club Orange package for our upcoming sailing on the Rotterdam. I noticed that our cruise is sold out. So, does anyone know what HAL gives you as an alternative benefit if they don't have any available rooms for the complementary upgrade? This is from their site: When you join Club Orange, you will be upgraded to the best available stateroom within that category*. You will receive an alternative benefit if a stateroom upgrade is not available. Thanks!

These pictures make me want to be on a DAM ship instead of getting my classroom ready for the school year.

Well my question has been answered!! I just checked my Mariner status and HAL gave me 7 days for the Quench Package! So, exactly the same as if I had the HIA or had bought the Signature Package!

We just got back from Alaska (July 26 - Aug 2) on the Volendam and loved her! I brought a small portable fan. Along with it and the AC, our room temperature was fine. The Volendam is probably my favorite ship in the fleet. There is something about its perfect size that suites me just fine! You of course will always hear of complaints due to the lack of amenities the larger ships have. But I don't care for this. The ship recently (maybe less than a year ago) received new carpet and chairs throughout the ship. The colors look great!! Check out this recent video on youtube:

If you can get an excursion in which you can visit the old town Panama City, take it!!! Of course people have their own opinions, however I had the most amazing time there!!!

So glad I didn’t add Club Orange! When I got to Vancouver to check in I noticed my cabin had changed. I was upgraded from ocean view to a vista suite without even asking!! I don’t know how I got so lucky but me and my family are extremely thankful and happy!! So far our cruise to Alaska on the Volendam is going great!!!

Also, how long of a walk is it from the Waterfront train station to the cruise port?

Being a teacher, I am limited to the length of cruise I can take. (I teach summer school too) With that said, my favorite all-time cruise was a 10-day Panama Canal cruise on the Volendam. I've been on six HAL ships and she is my favorite!!