WannaSea

As a solo traveler, I enjoyed dining in Club Orange on Koningsdam. I thought I'd prefer dining solo and it was fine, but I also ended up having conversations with those around me and several times sat with others I had met. The hosts were very accommodating and skilled at the social mix, and knew my preferences by day 2 of a 7 day sailing. CO ended up my favorite part of the whole cruise. I also enjoyed a much better view than I had expected through the frosted glass. 20231004 3 View from Breakfast Table.mp4 I had lunch in the MDR at embarkation and an anniversary brunch, and experienced what others have said, slow service, too busy for followup; woulda been nice to have some butter for my bread but waiter never came back and couldn't get anyone's attention. Busy and noisy.

Last year the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas was a good time to take an upgrade on the Eurodam. Not as many people traveling, so more cabins to choose from. Hope it works for you.

Bon voyage! And many happy experiences!

Fine print with the airfare offer, be aware: Air Credit Offer is based on Promo JX. Air Credit offer available on select flights booked through Holland America Line’s Flight Ease® program. Air Credit offer is available only to 1st/2nd guests in a stateroom on select 2024 Europe sailings. Credits are awarded as US$250 per leg of flight, per person. Europe Air Credits are in USD. Limit: One (1) $500 air credit per guest for 1st/2nd guests and up to US$1,000 air credit per stateroom. For transatlantic sailings, guests residing in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, will receive only a US$250 (total) credit per person for their flight home given that such sailings depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Pricing and availability are subject to capacity.

May all your travel dreams be fulfilled! Bon voyage!

Interesting to compare your cruise experience @crusinthrough, since after your one-day I hopped on the the next 4-day leg. Ocean Bar was quite popular in the pre-dinner hours with a nice 3-piece jazz band, Third Avenue West, playing. I noticed people lounging around the atrium on decks 1 and 2 also, to enjoy the laidback live music. And BB Kings was popular later, but not overcrowded. Casino didn't seem busy but maybe those on a much longer cruise were pacing themselves. Canaletto was excellent (meatball appetizer/short ribs/tiramisu) with only 4 tables occupied (?!). MDR dinners were great too (tenderloin & shrimp, salmon, beef bourguignon), an advantage of more days to graze. Overall a subdued atmosphere so short on excitement but restful.

@Hogladyrider I've completed my trip and happy to report the YWCA Hotel was great. Walked from the SkyTrain station to hotel in the afternoon, about 15 minutes, no problem. (I lucked out with sunny weather for my entire Vancouver stay, unneeded plan B had been taxi from the airport.) Uber from hotel to Canada Place was $9us, just a few minutes. Hotel was very clean with all needed amenities, check-in efficient, friendly and helpful staff. Not a lot of closet space but I was in the smallest solo room and not staying long so not a big deal. Good selection of restaurants just a few steps from hotel, so this would be great for a quick overnight. I stayed 2 nights and was able to catch the Hop On Hop Off around the corner in front of the Sandman after buying tix online, convenient start for a day's sightseeing. I'd definitely stay here again, I was very comfortable in the neighborhood and the room. And wow the price was easy on the budget.

I refer to this as my Hop On Hop Off cruise, boarding in Vancouver for 4 sea days to San Diego after an Inside Passage RT on Koningsdam. Watched for a big price drop which happened late and picked it up in lieu of flying home from Vancouver. Definitely got my money's worth cruise vs. flight. Word was the one nighters Seattle-Vancouver were, as a group, quite the party crowd.

I embarked Eurodam in Vancouver for the next leg of this trip, 4 days to San Diego. The NY Pizza didn't look appealing but had been completely different/much better the previous week at Koningsdam NY Pizza. On Koningsdam it was a whole personal pizza with a thick crispy crust and stacked with toppings. On Eurodam it was sheetpan pizza cut in single servings set under a heat lamp with soft crust and skimpy toppings. I was so surprised at the difference ship to ship. I'd order the K version again but not the E version.

Bon voyage!

This is the yankee version I picked up last week.

I'd been doing okay using the website for the last several months and since I got back from my recent cruise the only way I can see anything is in Incognito, not even the public main site. As a programmer myself I'm appalled at the complete lack of development management, testing and version control for this business, whether it's outsourced or not. My sympathies to anyone trying to prepare for an upcoming trip; totally understand the justifiable venting.

Find the secret elevator button to Deck 14:

Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for including me in the Daily bon voyage, and thanks to the Dailyites for a great sendoff. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated. I hopped off Koningsdam after a nice goodbye to Alaska for the season, and with a short overnight in sunny Vancouver (thanks for the weather!) I'll hop on Eurodam shortly to make my way closer to home. Will have to catch up with everyone's current adventures in a bit, looking forward to it. I wish you all well and add my prayers for those in need. -Sue

On Koningsdam now, all aboard scheduled at 7:30pm tonight. Confirm per Capt. Kan we were scheduled for tendering and weather too rough. Also left Vancouver 2-1/2hrs late waiting for charts, so it might have been anticipated.

Bon voyage! 🌅🛳️

Bon voyage!

Bon Voyage! Many happy adventures!

At least google knows, which is helpful. At first I was confused but I got used to it and now it keeps me on my toes when a new abbreviation comes along. I'm comfortable with it, "lol".

I'll be happy to return here and share my YWCA/Vancouver experience for you. 2 more weeks counting down.

I'm repositioning on the opposite route in a couple weeks! I'm a budget traveler and got 2 nights at the YWCA for half of 1 night elsewhere, so more Vancouver to enjoy. (Thank you @martincath from previous posts!) I made my reservation online but later called to adjust, and customer service was friendly and efficient. I'll let you know how it goes.

Pompelmoes Martini (after all I'm not driving), Banana Fosters Pancakes, Wild Berry Crisp and a little coffee to counter all that sweetness. Enjoy your final evening!

@blacklab16 take note that in the Navigator app there is a section called "Let us know" under "Connect". You can acknowledge great service by any crewmember at any time there, and it is valued as a gratuity. It's reported that crew receive tangible benefits from this feedback. Also, on my post cruise survey I was asked to mention any staff by name who provided exceptional service.

Bon voyage!

Wishing you a great cruise and happy adventuring!