YourWorldWithBill

Yeah, I'm getting a pretty clear message. Change is good! We're rebooking for the following day. There is an Indonesian restaurant in Amsterdam, Kantjil de Tijger, where I had one of the best meals ever. Since we're there for a couple of days before the cruise, at least some good dinner options.

I'll probably book the next day and then change to the port arrival day if the flight time changes, or it's clear that AMS got their act together. It's easier to do that that take a chance on booking the flight a day later. We're not really pressed for time, it's just that staying only one extra day is just another (slight) packing aggravation. Thanks for the note, so that I pay attention to flight changes. In my experience, flight changes by AA aren't very much.

Thanks for the quick replies with good advice! Haven't paid for the airline ticket yet, so I'll change it to the next day. I was in Amsterdam about ten years ago and stayed at the Doubletree near the port but wasn't cruising. Came and left by train.

If you choose one of the fixed dining times, you can tell them in advance that you'd like a table for two, and it should be no problem, and probably no wait.

We are cruising from Amsterdam to the Norwegian fjords on the Rotterdam next spring. The cruise ends back in Amsterdam, with arrival at 7:00 AM. For previous cruises, either we had some time to kill after the cruise or spent extra time in the city before leaving. The flight we want to take from Amsterdam leaves at 10:00 AM. It looks pretty safe to me. Although HAL recommends 4 1/2 hours, the airport is only about 20 minutes from the port, and disembarkation shouldn't take all that long. We are in a Neptune suite, so should get some consideration. We can certainly take an Uber or taxi to the airport if the transportation by HAL is slower. That's a lot cheaper than another expensive hotel night. Suggestions?

We just finished the third of three: Viking around Iceland September 2021 Viking up the Adriatic May 2022 Holland America in Alaska September 2022 We probably can't keep up the pace, but maybe twice a year.

Just a suggestions: After having acid reflux for many, many years, I was told by a gastroenterologist that I needed to take something or risk serious problems. Prilosec (Omeprazole) stops the reflux.

You're in a bit of a dilemma, as Holland America has the best itineraries and the most experience in Alaska, but also a bit of an older demographic. Not sure if that's the case in the middle of the summer with school out and everyone wanting to go to Alaska. But entertainment for kids would be better on the other lines mentioned. Holland America has a kid's club, but probably fairly small. I agree with 1025 that the itinerary is the reason for going to Alaska. Someone who was on a Princess cruise in Alaska this last summer said there were lots of kids on board.

Our first "real" cruise was 7 days around Iceland. A great start! I'm not counting, however, a three-day cruise on the SS Minnow--no, wait, that can't be right; I just don't remember the ship. It was south from L.A., I think maybe 1990.

Just an FYI: if you're a male and has bph - and there's good chance you do, if you're a certain age - all the seasickness medicines discussed here are antihistamines. Not good for bph. On a recent cruise, the last day we hit some rough seas, so I talked to the ship's doctor. This issue was new to him, but he looked it up and gave me Ondansetron. He said I was the first person to ask about the bph issue.

Another note as everyone considers weighing costs: the way items are considered drinks is calculated a bit strangely. For example, if you take a can of water, it's charged, so it would be part of the drinks package. We tend to stock up on water, asking our steward to bring extra, but sometime it's convenient to grab a can. And don't forget certain sodas! I think that the comments taking all the expenses into consideration make the most sense. At times gratuities were not included in some packages, but now they usually are included. Same for wi-fi. Now, if they would just include some chips at the craps table......

This was very interesting: we got back from a 7 day Noordam Alaska cruise that ended on Sept 11. We didn't hear of any reported cases, and almost all passengers were wearing masks on board! I wonder if we just didn't hear, or if there was a big outbreak later. Of course, during meals no one was wearing masks, and everyone is pretty close at those times.

Agree with everyone else: there's always some deal.

We were on the Noordam a few weeks ago, and ordered from the separate vegetarian menu. Some items are vegan. Although there were choices, it was the same menu each night, and most of the dishes, although good, were not very exciting. But we might have been spoiled by Viking. As twodjs said, for the vegetarian you should order the previous night. They will remind you. And if they are "more creative" now, I'm glad things are better!

Sure, I'd speak with someone, depending on the publication. Before a recent cruise from Greece up the Adriatic we debated doing a land package, but while we were on the cruise decided we were happy we chose the cruise. We've used tour companies, traveled solo, and now choosing cruises most of the time. Leaving for a cruise soon, and booking another.

I face the same issue. Don't know about Carnival, but we booked a Holland America cruise. The ship we're on (Noordam) has walk-in showers in suites, and I think the newer ships may have most or all walk-in showers.

Thanks. When I re-read your previous comment I realized that's what you said!

We were on a Viking cruise around Iceland last August, and another Viking cruise Athens-Venice in May. Both were great, and we had no problem booking the excursions we chose either time. The same goes for dinners in the specialty restaurants. If an excursion you choose is very popular, it might be necessary to go online the day that you get the email that excursion bookings are becoming available and make the reservation. But overall, we loved both cruises!

We are on the Noordam next month to Alaska in a Neptune stateroom. Two cousins cruising with us are in a verandah and will pay for Club Orange. Does that give them access to the Neptune Lounge? Thanks.

We are on the Noordam next month to Alaska in a Neptune stateroom. Two cousins cruising with us are in a verandah and will pay for Club Orange. Does that give them access to the Neptune Lounge? Thanks.

Thanks to everyone who posted clarifying where HAL docks. We are on the Noordam in a few weeks and really looking forward to the railway.

Thanks for the note. Did you do the four-device upgrade once onboard, or before embarkation?

Another suggestion: a few years ago a friend recommended the AmEx platinum card, specifically because of its travel insurance. For $64 extra I get something like 100k medical. Cancellation insurance is included with the card, but only up to $10,000. Even if it's an expensive trip for us, the cruise itself is usually within that range, and I can cancel hotels and air. The card has a hefty fee, but considering the insurance and other perks it's worth looking into. One thing not included: cancel for any reason; but for the reasons that I would have, it seems to be covered.

We are on the Noordam Sept 4. This is our first on HAL after Viking, where internet was included. Is there any advantage to purchasing the internet package before boarding, or is it better to wait until on the ship? Do we need to pay for two to access?

Just FYI, In the past year my wife and I have been on two Viking ocean cruises. Every ship holds a maximum of 930 passengers. Feels right.