RustaRoo

On 8/12/2019 at 7:09 AM, *Miss G* said:

 

The time we missed was in April.  I have seen a few posts where they have missed that port because it’s a very narrow channel to the inner harbour. When the weather picks up they won’t attempt it.

I live in Victoria, cruise ships do NOT dock in the inner harbour, they dock at Ogden Point, which is on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  USA is right across the strait, you can see lights from Port Angeles, in the evening.  However, there are 2 ferries (one to Port Angeles and one to Seattle) that DO dock in the Inner Harbour, near the Parliament Buildings.

Of course, you can, I live in Victoria and I have done it.  The correct procedure is to contact HAL and ask for a 'deviation request'.  If approved, you will be given a disembarkation time AFTER all other guests have departed for their tours.  I was on a 14-day round-trip Alaskan cruise, which originated in Seattle.  Victoria, which meets the requirements for the Jones Act, was the last port prior to returning to Seattle.  It simply made no sense for me to stay onboard and then fly home the next day from Seattle.

The whole process worked like a charm 🙂

I was on the Veendam, Sept 3rd to 10th. I did an extended ship tour to Peggy's Cove. While there are other dining options available, if you get the chance and like delicious food and fast service - I highly recommend the 'hot dog lady'. She was super friendly and has a cart with a variety of gourmet dogs. It was my first visit to Peggy's Cove, which I loved!

Oops photo didn't upload :(

Is there steam or sauna in men's locker room on HAL NA?

What r showers like?

The saunas are not in locker rooms; there are free saunas on the Lido deck, one each for men and women. They are small, perhaps 4-5 people. You just walk in, hang your clothes on a hook, grab a towel to sit on and enjoy. There is also a shower stall in each area but no sink or toilet.

[PS - I have not been on this particular HAL ship but have been on her sister ships with the same layout.]

Thinking about a 14 day Alaska cruise on the HAL Amsterdam...

 

Anyone steamed on this ship?

 

:)

Sorry, not this particular HAL ship but several others, I have cruised exclusively on Holland America. Several friends and I are going to celebrate a birthday on the Sept 7th sailing (14-day return) via Seattle. We love the service on Holland America.

Happily I remember what got me hooked! - Nieuw Amsterdam, 1993, Mediterranean and here she is!

What was I thinking when I posted that!!!:o Caribbean is the correct word! Sheesh! I need a cruise!:)

Happily I remember what got me hooked! - Nieuw Amsterdam, 1993, Mediterranean and here she is!

What was I thinking when I posted that!!!:o Caribbean is the correct word! Sheesh! I need a cruise!:)

Happily I remember what got me hooked! - Nieuw Amsterdam, 1993, Mediterranean and here she is!

Happily I remember what got me hooked! - Nieuw Amsterdam, 1993, Mediterranean and here she is!

Why, Richard. You haven't changed a bit! :D

 

 

Actually, it does look like you.

Why, Ruth, are you saying I've never lost my baby fat??:eek: LOL

I was thinking more along the lines of having the picture show up in the post although the link is a good idea if you are posting a lot of pictures.

And that's what I, clearly ineloquently, meant:D [Now that we're sharing pictures in our youth!;) ]

I'm in line to find out the answer to your question, sapper. All I've ever been able to post are the thumbnails, too! So, you're not alone here.

When I do it, I first post pictures onto a website like Webshots and then I insert a link to that photo and voila, there it is! There may be other ways?

Taken on Alaskan cruise - May 2005.

Has anyone cruised on the Zaandam recently and can elaborate on their spa facilities?

Thanks!

Just a note to thank you all for sharing this most valuable information; it is greatly appreciated.

 

LYNN & WAYNE - I see you are from Calgary too; where are you cruising next?

(Sorry if this is the wrong forum! I'm only a 2-day newbie and trying to learn;) )

I have absolutely enjoyed reading ALL of these messages - thank you everyone for sharing!

 

I still remember an incident on my first cruise. I was travelling with a group of about 15 people, some of whom I knew better than others. Anyway, we would often get together for happy hour cocktails prior to dinner and this one woman arrived with her hair looking quite wind-swept and unkempt. Everyone listened attentively as she explained what a terrific day she had enjoyed, including getting her hair 'done' for tonight's formal dinner. My travelling companion commented to me, as we made our way together to dinner later that evening, "Yes, she looked lovely tonight - dress by Chanel, hair by Roto-Rooter!" MEOW!! ;) Could have been the wine talking....???

{Submitted with apologies to hairdressers out there! No offence intended!}

I am going on my 5th HAL cruise in March 2006. Have always enjoyed the use of their spa facilities. There have been changes over the years - now you have to pay daily fee to use steam room (which are also now co-ed) - but (so far) there has always been a sauna in the men's change room (ditto for the women's I imagine). If anyone knows about the Zuiderdam sauna and/or steam areas, kindly let me know - thanks!