Benh

A photo of the new library on Eurodam. Copied from a FB post. Thanks to the original poster.

At the HAL website they have taken the Lincoln Center Stage off the rotating list of things to do. But there's still a picture of it down below? https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/cruise-ships/ms-eurodam/7.html

We're cruising with Holland America for the first time this May to Alaska on the Eurodam. One of the draws for my Mom, who plays violin, were the quartets in the small Lincoln Center stage. We're sad that's going away in this renovation, but wondering what might replace it. Hoping for two things—the Dutch Café, and maybe a small library. Anyway, does anyone have any updates on what's being changed and updated on the Eurodam? Thanks in advance. The last info I saw was that the dry dock is scheduled for these dates: PLANNED DRY DOCKS Eurodam 18 February 2023 – 04 March 2023

They haven't announced that yet as far as I know. I hope you can tell us. I'd love it if they'd add the Dutch Cafe, but that seems unlikely....

I'm sad Holland America is apparently going to remove the Lincoln Center theater from the Eurodam during the dry dock this February. My Mom and I were so looking forward to it for our cruise to Alaska on Eurodam in May. I know they'll still have a couple of performances of classical music on the main stage, but that isn't the same as having classical music every night in a dedicated small theater. Sigh.

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/01/record-january-bookings-for-holland-america-line/

Thanks for that detailed review! Wow. I'm glad we're booked on Holland America instead.

Given that Holland America's parent company is struggling financially, because of the heavy debt taken on during the pandemic, it seems a good sign from that angle that things are often sold out. We also have HIA for a cruise to Hawaii in May, and I'm glad I already booked that dinner in Tamarind for our preferred night and time. I also decided to pay in advance for a dinner in Canaletto. Once I get on board I'll see if I can reserve a Pinnacle dinner with our OBC, and if not maybe we'll try to get something at the spa instead. For our cruse some of the shore excursions have also already sold out, which surprised me. Glad I got the ones that we wanted early!

What were the things that disappointed you about the food on your cruise?

I think some credit cards give you much more than $50 off, if it's an expensive cruise.

If you go to the main Hollandamerica.com page, and then scroll all the way down the end, you'll find this on the lower right.... https://cards.barclaycardus.com/banking/credit-card/holland/visa-signature/banner/30b02193-1c11-4979-b179-9ce170f9d6c8/?reffererid=PTRBAFOOTER122

Anyone have any thoughts on the Holland America credit card? It includes travel insurance. Is the insurance good enough that you don't need to get the Holland America insurance? Thanks in advance.

This is very interesting. And so even though their stated policy is no refunds for Club Orange, in fact (and as makes sense), they do (often?) give refunds. Is there a special Club Orange phone number, or is it just the regular Holland America number? I'm looking at the pdf right now, and not seeing a Club Orange number....

When including the room upgrade, Club Orange seems like a really good value. But one caution is that according to an agent I talked with in calling Holland America, Club Orange non-refundable and non-transferable. Is that true even if you have their travel insurance? Anyway, I guess only buy Club Orange if you're pretty sure you're going to do that cruise.

Thanks! Made a reservation for Tamarind for the third night.

Hi All, My Mom and I are going on our first Holland America cruise starting May 20th on Eurodam to Alaska. I want to make reservations two nights for Tamarind and Pinnacle, but probably want to avoid having those specialty restaurants on gala nights. Is there a way to figure our which nights on our seven-day cruise will be gala nights? Thanks in advance, Ben

Is it still possible to order a small cheese plate from room service, or in the main dining room? What about at the Pinnacle Grill?

My first time sailing on HAL is coming up in May, with a dream cruise to Alaska with my dear old Mom. We booked that early late October, and so far in advance. Our deal seemed fairly good and included OBC. Still happy with the booking and am looking forward to it. Since then I've been waisting some time fantasizing about other possible cruises, looking at the routes and rates on HAL's site. One thing I noticed, that I suppose is obvious, is that there are some really good rates on cruises that are about to sail but aren't yet full. What are the pros and cons of booking only a few weeks before sailing? One negative I can think of right away is that the savings on the cruise might be eaten up by higher plane fares. Any other pros or cons?

Wow, this is a fantastic and detailed review! Wonderful pix. And I enjoyed your perceptive thoughts on things. Many thanks. Here's a link to the review.... https://www.thepreismans.com/nieuw_stat1.htm

I read a recent review of a Holland America cruise that claimed that HAL no longer uses butter in making their pastries as a cost-cutting measure. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

Club Orange sounds good. Anyone here have experience with it? https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/dining/club-orange.html

Me too. The price was the same, but the OBC was bigger than the gratuities now provided.

A post on FB mentioned that Eurodam was going into drydock for a refresh soon. By any chance does anyone have any details on this?

I'd like to do the Skagway train some other time! But we decided to do Glacier Bay instead on Eurodam.

We're already booked on an Alaska cruise for 2023, but haven't made final payment. If the Black Friday offer is better for our sailing, do you think our TA might be able to work out with HAL for us to get that deal as well, such as the pre-paid gratuities? Thanks in advance.