LivetoTravel88

Thanks all for your answers to my questions. As a first time cruiser, this is extremely helpful. Another question. My boarding pass says, "Pack all necessary prescription and over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, Imodium) you may need in original containers and in carry-on." I travel with many supplements e.g. vitamins, allergy meds, and pepcid in a 7 day pill box and use a label maker for each compartment. I also throw extra Tums, and other supplements in a baggie in my purse for space in case I need it. Do they really care about original containers for non-prescription? Or is this only for carry-on when you embark? I've traveled all around the world and no one has questioned me. Carrying around the bottles would take too far much space. How do others manage this? If the Imodium is in the original unopened foil packet and not in the box, do they care?

Thanks all for your answers. This is very helpful. I have a few more questions: 1) I am reading on boards that I should bring a water bottle, but then I am reading that plastic bottles are not allowed. Does that include Yeti or Camelback hard plastic flasks? What is the rationale as I usually carry a small Arrowhead bottle that I refill when I travel because it is lighweight. 2) My husband and I have a signature beverage package that was included in our Costco cruise purchase. It says any drink under $11 and up to 15 drinks a day. Is that 15 per cabin or per person? 3) I am assuming self-disembark is carry-on only. Is there a way to request earlier disembarkation if you are in a later group and have baggage? How would one go about that? 4) We will be disembarking in Copenhagen, I assume that there will be lines for Ubers and transportation into town with so many people disembarking. Any best practices for ensuring we can get to town without delay so I can get to my business meeting on time? TIA.

First time cruisers on the upcoming Niew Statendam trip to the Norway Fjords in August: 1) Tips: I keep reading that we need to tip our steward, room service, and others. How much is appropriate? What type of currency should we have on hand (Euro, DKK, USD, NOK...?) How often and when? When is something covered by the gratuity that we pay for the end and when do we use cash? 2) What electrical plugs adapter do we need on the ship? European? British? 3) Is there a safe in our room for placing our passport etc. 4) The ship arrives at 7:00 AM on Aug 9. How quickly can we expect to disembark? I have a business meeting that morning in Copenhagen. 5) Is there self-service laundry on board? If so, do they supply soap? My apologies if this has been covered elsewhere. I searched and could not find it easily. TIA

Follow on question: Are there large hot tubs by the pools? and do they get crowded?

Thanks @*Miss G* and @Haljo1935 for your helpful responses to my questions about Niew Statendam cruise through Norway. I've noticed that the port side balcony cabins are more booked than the starboard side cabins on the Beethoven deck. Is there a reason why? We are currently booked starboard but wondering if we should move to port side. We want to see everything possible from our balcony in the fjords. Is there a "seat guru" for cruise ships so you know which staterooms are best and which to avoid?

Hello, Active traveler, but new to cruising. Was on Cunard QE2 transatlantic 30 years ago. This board is very helpful but a bit overwhelming to a newbie like me. We are interested in joining family for a cruise this August on the Nieuw Statendam but have a number of questions: 1) When is the ideal time to purchase on HAL for lowest cost and max benefits? We are close to the 90-day to check-in mark but haven't purchased yet because everything is "non-refundable." Is it better to buy now before 90 days? or wait for last minute deals? If last minute, when is the ideal time and where to look? 2) Room placement on Niew Statendam. We are considering a balcony room since this is a fjord cruise but may opt for OV depending on the price and placement. We would like a room near the aft half of the ship to have the most stability and reduce sea-sickness risk. Our family is on the Main Deck with an OV room. Which decks are the best? I want to avoid being under or close to the noisy pool and other noisy areas such as smoking areas. 3) What other costs should we be aware of on top of stateroom that could significantly add to the cost of the cruise? We fly on points so airfare and positioning hotels are not a problem. TIA for your responses.