Ineke

We always have fixed late seating, and really enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the Ocean Bar.

We were on the Nieuw Amsterdam in May - 14 day Alaska from Vancouver. Verandah cabin 8113. It was great. We could hear the announcements on our balcony. We spent far more time there than we had expected, great weather. The ship was very well maintained, food wonderful. We werd so glad we were able to resume cruising. We had a little bit of noise from the Lido above, but views were great, so was the location.

Of course, that makes sense. Great cause no matter what month or which country it is.

Daffodil day in August, that’s interesting! Over here (BC) April is Daffodil month, same great cause. Most folks wear daffodil pins during April. Thanks you for this daily post, I have been lurking and enjoying everyone's insights for months now.

Proper pronunciation: Ko- long o as in go - nings- pronounced as written- dum, as in thumb. Emphasis on the first syllable.

Yes, we were in that cabin back in 2019, and after a sleepless first night the very helpful staff found us another, similar cabin on the other side of the ship, but without the noise. After that we had a marvelous cruise. If we could not have moved, we would have disembarked at the first port and flown home, which on that trip would have been a short flight. Kudos to the staff for going out of their way to help us with this.

If you will be embarking on the Volendam, it is my understanding that its turn-around days are Wednesdays, when things are likely to be much quieter than on a weekend.

For us, it’s drinks at Kimo’s, followed by a visit to the artists under the banyan tree. We’ve been there countless times. I am so sad for her citizens, and future visitors, that it sounds like much of the fascinating historical buildings are gone. Thinking of all of you!

Is the Incan Empires still available?

Thank you for the video! It was very helpful.,

Of course, careless of me not to take that into consideration. Sorry about that.

Thank you, everyone! It took some doing, and I finally asked for a letter from my school, which was almost immediately accepted. Afterwards Dan at Sheer contacted me and let me know that both my previous documents were in fact also acceptable. Never mind, it’s done, it’s applied, and I’m a happy camper. Thanks to all of you for your input and encouragement!

Oh, good to know, thanks!

CrewNews- did the Volendam get a lovely new library like most of the HAL ships did? I notice the pictures of the Explorations Cafe showing all the bookshelves.

We had something similar happen in May on the Nieuw Amsterdam, but we’d already spent the day in Glacier Bay. Glad this passenger was able to get the appropriate help, so good to know that’s the care passengers receive.

Very helpful, thank you all so much! We’ve gone ahead and booked, yay!

My husband and I have a hold placed on a 56 day cruise. Our longest cruise till now was 35 days. He has a few questions: 1) How do people handle financial transactions when you don’t have a terribly stable or secure network? He will have to pay some bills etc. while we are gone. 2) About what percentage of men will wear a tux on dressy nights? We noticed on our 35 day cruise that there were more men wearing them than on say - our Alaska cruise (maybe one or two). I would love him to wear his tux, he, not so much.😊 3) We usually get the medium internet package - no streaming etc. But if possible I would like to be able to do some student support work which means watching some videos they have shared on Googledrive. Will this be possible on the medium Wifi program? Thanks for your help.

I was surprised that my last valid BC College of Teachers membership card (from 2015 when I retired) was not acceptable. My school was listed, so noproblem there. But a pay stub? I don’t think I have any old ones. I do have my 2015 T-4 slip, guess that’s my next attempt.

There is a retired option, so that’s all right, too. But I submitted the last College of Teachers membership card, and apparently that’s not good enough. So digging into old files I go, I must have an old paystub somewhere…

Thanks! Filled out the form - now we wait. Retired since 2015.

I understand there is a credit available for educators. Where would I find information about it? I’d like to apply. Thanks!

There are a lot of knowledgeable people reading these posts, I wonder if anyone can help me out. We have a 9:30 disembarkation time, which is great, because our daughter will be picking us up. Does anyone know where she can pick us up? Outside? Inside? I have no clue, so thanks in advance for your help!

We find them great as coasters, and use them all the time. The cork backing means no scratches on the table, and they are stable, no wobbles. However, now that I’ve seen this tray, I may have to dig out all the other tiles we have, a be a copy cat. I like your tray!

On our last cruise on the Zaandam? in 2018, waiters were circulating on the promenade deck with a cart, dispensing hot green pea soup to anyone who would like some. This was around 11:30 or so. It was delicious!

This is all very helpful! Thank you.,