emjayel56

Hi, I am also booked on Malt Shop 2020... I have stayed on 8th deck many times with no issue.  I think you will be fine.  See you onboard!   Maryjo

I've done this twice with my granddaughter (once when she was 5 and then when she was 6) and it was really enjoyable for her and my daughter and I.  It is pricey but I felt it was worth the money.  

Good Morning... I've been on several DCL cruises and never had a problem getting the tickets for the princesses meet and greet when the window opens.  I would book it the day it opens though.  It's a wonderful experience.  Enjoy!

Maryjo

What a thorough and enjoyable report... hope you are having fun

thank you

HI Everyone.

I am looking  to book a Star Wars cruise in 2020.  I see in 2019 they are on the Fantasy in January and February.  Does anyone know if they are always on the Fantasy during January & February or do they rotate on ships and months?  When can I expect them to announce when Stars Wars 2020 will be?  Thanks in advance for your help.  

Maryjo

I'm just starting to research a DCL cruise. We've cruised many other lines, but never DCL. Starting to plan a trip with daughter/sil and grands, ages 5, 10 and 13. My friend loved concierge deck and perks. Could someone please give me more information and tell me if you think the perks are worth the almost double costs.

I have booked both and would have to agree with all of the above comments. The main reason I book the concierge is for the very large cabins and priority booking. If you want a cabana this is probably the only way to get one. I have to say it was nice to be able to send an email to concierge with a list of what I wanted to book (cabana, tea party, etc.) and let them book it before it is opened up to everyone else. It was also nice to be escorted right onto the ship when I got to the cruise terminal and to have concierge available aboard ship to take care of anything and everything that I needed. With that said, spending the extra money (which is considerable) is a personal choice if you think it's worth it or night. All of my cruises on disney were amazing, whether it was concierge or not. You can't make a wrong choice... the cruise will be fabulous either way. Hope this helps.

Maryjo

Too many people who go to AK focus on what is happening ON the ship. In AK, the important thing is what you see OFF the ship. In other words, the important things are itinerary, itinerary and port times.

 

DON

This is 100% correct.

Thanks for all your replies but I haven’t see if the sell Disney Pandora necklace on the ships

 

 

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I was on the Fantasy last year and they had lots of Pandora charms and bracelets for sale. I believe the Dream also did.

Maryjo

SailorMarge submitted a long and detailed report of her family's Alaska cruise on the Eurodam. She said that they arrived at the terminal at 11:00 am and there were no porters so they had to wheel their luggage deep into the terminal. Was this because it was too early? If so, what time would porters be available? Asking because I am not able to walk long distances and have requested a wheelchair for embarkation and disembarkation.

Thanks for any information you can provide.

I arrived by taxi at Seattle cruise port 2 weeks ago and got there early around 10 a.m. The porters were waiting for the taxis to assist with luggage. no problem at all.

Maryjo

Thank you so much for your wonderful posts! We are *this close* to booking a couple Neptune Suites on the Eurodam in the end of Sept. Multigenerational cruise for us (myself, my husband, my 4yo daughter and my parents). You kept mentioning your daughter and she sounded about elementary school age? What was it like for her? Were passengers annoyed with you having a child around? Was she fully entertained? My daughter is quite mature and quiet. She likes to observe and watch things. I think she'll be fine and not a nuisance but just worried some folks could be annoyed at her presence (esp if she has some sudden burst of excitement). And esp in late Sept. there's likely to be VERY few children around so she'll stand out even more. Thank you!

I got off the Eurodam week before last. There were MANY children of all ages aboard and they were no bother to anyone. It was fun to watch them in the pool. They enjoyed themselves. Holland is no longer just for mature passengers but rather families and people of all ages.

Maryjo

I think I hit the jackpot last week with weather with all sunny days and average of 70-75 degree temps.

 

I had better weather on my Alaskan cruise then most of the Caribbean cruises I have been on. The onboard thermometer hit 85 when we were in Glacier Bay.

I was there the week before you, also great weather. We were extremely lucky.

Hi, do they sell the Mickey Ears hat on the ship or is it just sold at Disneyworld

Thanks:)

I always get my ears on Etsy before I leave. You can find some beautiful custom-made ears on Etsy.

Maryjo

We disembarked the Eurodam this morning after a glorious 7 day cruise to Alaska and I wanted to write a review as it is still fresh in my mind. The long and short of it is that we absolutely loved this ship. In order to not feel melancholy yesterday, our last day, I spent some time researching our next cruise, and it will also be on the Eurodam, to the Mexico Riviera out of San Diego. Almost everything about this ship was perfect for us...perfect size, perfect entertainment (except for their seating capacity, but more on that later), perfect service, perfect layout...yup, we loved it. It certainly helped that we had perfectly clear and sunny days the entire cruise with temperatures in the mid 70s. Even in notoriously rainy ports, we had golden sunshine. Thank you Universe!

We arrived at the Seattle port around 11:00 after having booked Seattle Express' round trip service, from our Seatac Airport hotel to the pier, and then from the pier to the airport at the end of the cruise. Seattle Express performed flawlessly and the cost was $30 per person round trip.

As we walked from the shuttle drop off area toward the terminal, I was surprised at the lack of porters, not shortage, but actual lack, as in there simply weren’t any. We continued into the terminal where we were directed to deliver our own “checked” bags deep into the terminal where they were taken by what appeared to be security personnel. We then retraced our steps back where we then entered the checking-in process area at the front of the terminal. In multiple Florida ports, at Baltimore's port, and at Galveston's port, there have always been a multitude of porters ready to take your “checked” luggage. This did not pose a big problem for us as we were physically able to roll our large suitcase in one hand, our carry on in the other, and our tote over our shoulders. For those less physically capable, this might pose a problem. It was the first time we've ever had to deliver our “checked” bag deep into the terminal. Maybe we were too early at 11:00?

Once entering the check-in area we moved smoothly though security, then pretty much walked right up to an agent who checked us in and provided us with our stateroom key cards that also act as your onboard “charge cards” with all onboard purchases being put onto your account after presenting this card. The agent also gave us a boarding group card which assigns you to a group with which to board. We were given Group J and our friend with whom we were traveling was given Group I. We were told to board as a group using the lower Group I card as there are not a number of passengers assigned to the group card. Surprisingly, the waiting area was already completely full, standing room only. They started boarding shortly after we arrived to the waiting area and even with Group I (I wasn’t really listening to who they boarded before Group A) we were only in the waiting area for maybe 15-20 minutes before boarding. There was no backup on the entry ramp as you so often find, instead a smooth and steady walk right onto the ship. There are people to welcome you aboard and direct you to the center elevators. Our cabins were just forward of the aft elevators, on decks 5 and 6, so we politely veered to the left. We proceeded to the aft elevators and immediately caught an elevator and were in our cabins moments later by 11:45. Definitely one of the smoother embarkations I’ve been a part of.

Our cabin was a Signature Suite, #6106, which is one of 2 category SZ cabins, and not so easy to come across as they can run a few hundred less than other Signature Suites, maybe because the cabins just aft of them have the balconies that jut out and can look onto the SZ balconies. Don’t know for sure, but I saw no reason to not book one if you come across it being offered. The cabin was absolutely gorgeous. The bathroom like a high end hotel. Look at the YouTube video of “Eurodam Signature Suite in English and in Spanish” I think is how they named it. That is the starboard SZ Signature Suite oposite our port side one.

Our cabin stewards were pleasant, efficient, and thorough. I’ve noticed in the past few years that the relationship one could develop with the stewards has been effected as the number of cabins they are responsible for has increased. They seem to have less time for pleasantries, although always pleasant. And they look so tired. I try to not disrupt their work, but always offer a friendly hello and am greeted back by name. I was shocked at just how far forward of our cabin I found our steward working. But I always returned to our cabin in the afternoon with it having been pristinely cleaned and in the evening with it having been turned down, refreshed, and decorated with a towel animal.

We had coffee delivered every morning at either 6:00 or 7:00. The delivery was punctual, pleasant, and was always followed up with a call 15 minutes or so later asking if everything was okay. Nice touch. I did follow others' advice and wrote in next to the coffee order “Carafe please, brew STRONG”. I also wrote next to the area I marked for half and half “Cream please, NOT milk”. The first morning they did in fact bring milk instead of half and half, and this was corrected after I mentioned it during their follow up call. I was assured it would not happen again, and it didn't. This morning, debarkation morning, was the only morning we ordered breakfast to the room. It arrived hot, on time, and delicious. We did not order any other meals with room service.

Lunch was ordered through our cabana steward by the Lido Pool. I will talk more about the cabana later. But our cabana steward would print out the Lido buffet menu every day around 11:00 and bring us whatever we chose from the Lido Buffet menu, from the Dive In Burger/Hot Dog place, or the Pizza Place when we were ready to order. We then ate in our cabana. The one day we chose to walk through the buffet line and find a table in the Lido dining room, we did experience a shortage of tables and had to wait for one to empty and be cleaned. The food at the Lido buffet ranged from average to great (Indonesian Nasi Goreng and Chicken Sate were some of the best I’ve ever had, thank you Indonesian chefs!).

Dinner in the Main Dining Room, 8:00 seating upstairs, was how I remember cruise ship dining from 15 years ago. And by that I mean elegant, with great service, tasty choices, and served hot. Unfortunately my reference over the past 15 years has steadily gone downhill as Carnival and Royal Caribbean have lowered their standard year after year until it has become the Golden Corral of the Seas. I have cruised Carnival and Royal Caribbean as they offer cruises leaving from Galveston which is a 3 hour drive for us. That convenience has kept us loyal to them, but no longer. I will now pay the airfare for Holland America cruises. I forgot how much I Ioved cruising until falling back in love aboard the Eurodam.

I was surprised at how much I did NOT enjoy Tamarind and Pinnacle Grill. I had consistently read great reviews for both but eating at both actually made me miss our Main Dining Room experiences. Our Tamarind reservation was late, at 9:00, as we made it for the evening we were in Juneau with a 10:00PM sail away. We wanted to stay ashore later, so we made reservations later. My entree, the sea bass, was served room temperature, and my side dish of stir fried cucumber/veggies was also cold, and it was meant to be a hot dish, I asked. The other dishes were not memorable. I know I'm in the minority here, but I just did not enjoy the food, and I’m a huge fan of all Asian foods. Good to know I can save that money next time.

As for Pinnacle Grill, the steaks, my rib eye and my husband's porterhouse were simply not good cuts of meat. My husband could not work through his, the gristle was overwhelming. Mine had a weird mushy texture....meat tenderizer? Our meal at the Pinnacle Grill was included with our Explore 4 promotion, so there was nothing for them to adjust, and they apologized profusely, but we just weren’t hungry for what they had to offer after this experience. Again, I know I’m in the minority here, but, we did not like like the Pinnacle Grill at all. Lesson learned for us. Stick with the Main Dining Room where the food and service were consistently top notch.

We enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails in the Ocean Bar listening to the sounds of the solo piano player. Lovely way to start our evening.

As for after dinner entertainment, the musicians and singers at B.B. King were outstanding, I mean really really good. As were the players/singers at the Billboard Onboard Dueling Pianos. Unfortunately I only got to enjoy them while standing in the back of the room or in the hallway outside the venues. We would go after dinner wanting to enjoy the great music and there was never a seat to be had. Never. One night my husband waited for one to be available and after 20 minutes he was able to score a single seat. This was my main disappointment on this cruise. I never got to sit down, have a cocktail, and enjoy these excellent musicians. I just wasn’t willing to arrive at the venues 45 minutes early to gain seats for 3.

The Main Stage Productions were good. Lots of energy and talent. A pleasant way to spend some time.

I almost don’t want to say it, because I want them to be available when I cruise, but the best buy of the cruise was the $200 we spent for a Lido poolside cabana for 7 days. It was comfy, cozy, had great service, cold water bottles, fruit, chocolate covered strawberries and sparkling wine served mid afternoon, and lunch orders taken and served in the cabana. It was a great place for the 3 of us to meet up, take in the views, and generally just chill out. Absolutely warm enough even in Alaska with the roof closed. If you can spare the money, spend it.

Disembarkation was super smooth. We used the Port Valet service offered aboard the Eurodam. You fill out the paperwork they provide you in the cabin one day and the day before debarkation you get an envelope with your airline boarding pass, a luggage tag if you have checked baggage, and an early debarkation Group, ours was for 7:45. You put the luggage tags on your checked luggage, leave your checked luggage outside your cabin before midnight, and it gets checked all the way to your final destination! No more searching for your bags among the hundreds in the terminal, no more lugging your own huge suitcase off the ship, and it costs nothing! The $25 baggage fee associated with 1st checked bag with Alaska Air was charged to our ship's account. Our luggage was on the baggage claim carousel at our final destination so this service was an outstanding option.

What did I miss?

Oh yeah, excursions. If anybody has any specific questions about what we did where, just ask.

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

 

I didn’t expect perfect, and yes the music venues are too small, and the paid restaurants disappointed us, but I have my next cruise already picked out, and it’s on the same ship. So yeah, I loved it.

Thank you for the review. I was on Eurodam 2 weeks ago so got to relive some of the experiences. I was in a Neptune Suite which was fabulous. Also, I got to the cruise pier early by cab and there were porters waiting to take the luggage.

Love the Eurodam

Maryjo

First off, the pros. The weather has been incredible, sunny and in the 70s every day and every port. I know this is unusual and we have been extremely lucky. The Eurodam is a beautiful ship, and very well laid out, and a great staff as usual, however,….The Lido is always always so busy at meal time it’s a nightmare to eat there. We have been eating dinner in the dining room every night and it’s been ok, the food is good, service adequate but just adequate. We will continue to eat there though because eating in the Lido as I said earlier is a nightmare. I don’t feel the Lido is any bigger than it is on the Westerdam or Oosterdam, but there are so many more people it is just almost impossible to find a seat even for two people. My grandson and I have always had to sit in the aisle where the two seaters are with people going back-and-forth back-and-forth. The entertainment is a joke there’s been no comedian one magician and then just a bunch of music stuff which I guess is fine for older people but I prefer something funny. Just a personal opinion.

This cruise is breaking the stereo type of old people if anyone is on with me they could verify that at least 60 to 70% of all passengers are under the age of 50. I have never seen so many children and young people on any cruise on Holland before. It’s fine, no problem, it’s just the way some of them dress, there is a lot of casualness. Lots of running children. It has a definite “Carnival Cruise “ vibe. I attribute it to the fact that every school district is on break now.

 

As to the observation deck, seems fine to me. I’m easily pleased. As long as there are comfy chairs by the front window, I’m good.

 

 

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So glad you are having a great time and the weather is ideal. I was on the Eurodam week before last and was also fortunate with the weather. No rain, sunny and 60s each day. This has been a great stretch of weather. I too avoided Lido altogether, way too crowded. Enjoy Victoria this evening. It's beautiful.

Maryjo

I’m so glad you had a great time!

Thank you; it was fantastic. It was my 4th trip to Alaska and each time was better than the time before. Thanks for all your posts it was very helpful!

Maryjo

If you recall, can you share what activities are available at night? Do they offer comedians or just music in various bars?

Just off the Eurodam yesterday and yes they have a comedian and he is fabulous... also two night they have the singers and dancers, also great. It's a wonderful week.

Maryjo

Yesterday we arrived in Sitka. We were running a bit late and arrived at the port about a ?half hr past what we were expecting.

We booked another excursion through HAL called sea otters and wildlife quest.

 

We ate at the pinnacle grill for breakfast, again, a wonderful venue to eat!

 

We made our way off the ship and met the group. It was a bit disorganized to figure out which line to go to or which area, maybe due to the ship being late.

 

The tour was excellent! We saw a whole raft of sea otters, bald eagles, sea lions and humpback whales. The little kids on the boat got sea sick.

 

It was really nice weather!

 

A plus was that the boat we went out on took us to downtown Sitka where we had a chance to eat and shop for some souvenirs. There was a free shuttle bus from the downtown back to the ship, clearly marked.

 

We got back to the eurodam and got ready for our dinner at Sel de Mer. Sel de mer was only offered last night.

 

 

 

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Thank you for all the great information. I booked the sea otter and wildlife quest for next week. Is this a very small boat? I thought it would hold about 80-100 people, is that not correct? Enjoy your last full day at sea and safe travels home. I am heading to the airport now making my way to Seattle and then will sail out on the Eurodam tomorrow. Thank you for taking the time to post this information all week. Maryjo

Another beautiful day in Alaska!

 

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Hope the good weather continues next week; I'm sailing out of Seattle Saturday... enjoy your cruise.

Maryjo

Thank you for your nice report. We will be on the Eurodam June 23-30. We're excited to have an aft, wrap-around deck! 3 more days and we set sail!

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

I'm on the same sailing as you! My friend surprised me last week with this cruise for my birthday. I leave for Seattle in the morning! Safe travels... SEA ya aboard!

Maryjo

 

Ok, just found out the best way to post pictures!

I did a search on cruise critic and found a thread that recommended Tapatalk.

I am trying it out right now. If I could only get my iCloud to work from my phone to my iPad, I can get scenic pictures!

 

Here’s a screenshot I took of the internet plans for those interested.

 

 

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Thank you for posting this and for taking the time to post daily updates. I read each one and am learning alot for my cruise on Saturday. Appreciate the updates! Enjoy your day. Maryjo

I am so excited to read your "live" trip report! My husband and I are sailing this cruise in two weeks and your posts have been great!

Have you experienced any of the nightly events yet? Shows, live music? The last time I sailed on the Eurodam was her inaugural year so I know many things have changed since then. Hoping to see some photos of the ship when you have a chance!

Looks like you will embark when I disembark.. I know how excited you are feeling. Can't wait to get there Saturday morning to start my journey. Hope you have a great cruise. Maryjo

As to the internet....

 

They have 3 tiers of WiFi: social for $14.99 per day, surf for $24.99 per day and premium for $29.99 per day. That’s what was on the informational flier handed out.

 

 

You can have more than 1 account per stateroom but only one device at a time used on each account.

 

We Bought premium, and it was 7 days for $139.99 for each account. Once you go to the buy page, it gives you that “deal” of a price for the entire cruise. It seems better than the 1000minutes for $250, maybe?

 

 

Premium Allows for audio/video, calling and streaming. We bought 2 accounts for our room, so we could have flexibility on who would have access to WiFi.

 

 

It’s a bit quirky as it keeps logging us out, not sure about the timeframe, but it’s ok for speed.

Hi...glad you are enjoying the cruise. Question on the internet. The premium package at $29.99 a day, is that for unlimited internet? If so I think that is a very good value. Look forward to your next report. Maryjo

well, we are first timers on HAL and are currently on the Eurodam, sailing to Alaska out of Seattle. I must say, we are really impressed by everything! I wanted to write this review contemporaneous with our travels so I don’t forget anything. These boards have really been so incredibly helpful in planning our trip so I just wanted to give something back with information to the next person doing research! Not sure how to add pictures, but I will try later.

 

Firstly, we flew into Seattle on Thursday afternoon. We stayed at the Pan Pacific. We took the link train system from SeaTac to Westlake station and walked with our luggage about a half mile to the hotel. It was not a difficult trip but the entrance to the hotel is a bit hidden in the Whole Foods Plaza.

 

Side Note: the pan pacific is really awesome! We usually stay at four seasons properties, and I have to say, the service at the Pan Pacific is on par with service you would expect to find at a four seasons! They also gave our little girl a stuffed panda (mascot of the pan pacific hotel).

 

We had been to Seattle before, so friday was a relaxing day for us, and we went to the zoo using public transportation and also walked to Nordstrom. This Nordstrom is the best! Huge, and can find things you would normally see at a Neiman Marcus not a Nordstrom!!

 

Saturday, we wanted to get to the pier at around 10:30 am, so we placed ourselves in the queue for the complimentary car from the hotel to Pier 91. They were so nice to let us know that there was a couple of patrons ahead of us, so I put myself on the list for the car. ( if the complimentary car did not work out, we were going to get an Uber from the hotel). They called me in the room and we went down to checkout and get the ride to the pier, very easy!

Thank you for taking the time to post this information; I am on the Eurodam this Saturday from Seattle and I also have a Neptune Suite. I am reading all your updates and enjoying it. Have fun and enjoy!!

Maryjo

If it's Monday, it is the Signature Sisters' visit. Eurodam will be at the AS dock and Nieuw Amsterdam at the CT dock. Both will be in port from 1300-2200.

 

 

Believe it or not, the Monday forecast is for partly cloudy skies (only 10% chance or precipitation) and a high of 75F/24C! Low will be 54F/12C. Sunrise is at 3:50 am and sunset at 10:08 pm.

 

 

It is a busy day in Juneau with three ships besides the HAL ones. Seven Seas Mariner will be tendering from 0800-1500. At the FKL dock will be Ruby Princess (1100-2200), and Solstice will be at the AJ dock from 1330-2200.

 

 

The PTZtv webcam can be found at http://www.juneauharborwebcam.com/.

 

 

Next up: Amsterdam on Tuesday.

Wow sounds great... I am leaving Saturday on the Eurodam and hope the weather is just as nice next Monday when I'm there. Maryjo