btobey

Thanks John! I know I want to go hungry; I just wanted to start imagining all the goodies that are awaiting me. :D Also thanks for the bathroom info--our last ship had 2-in-1 shampoo (no separate conditioner), but with swimming in salt water, that just didn't cut it. No matter what, I'll definitely be bringing my own this time.

I have a few random follow-up questions:

1) Does HAL do "express" disembarkation (ie, you get off the ship with your own luggage)?

2) Are the self laundry facilities coin-operarted or free of charge?

3) Are the hairdryers in the cabins in the bathrooms or else where? Are they attached or movable?

4) What products are included in the bathroom (soap, shampoo, etc.)?

5) Outside of meals, what type of (free) food/snacks are available? For example, when we sailed Celebrity, there was a sushi bar open just before dinner each night, there were pastries available in the lobby in the afternoon, etc.

For reference, we are sailing Amsterdam and have booked an outside cabin on the Main deck. I'm sure I'll have even more questions as our sailing date gets closer!

Apparently the deal on laundry and dry cleaning varies from cruise to cruise. You should ask at the front desk as soon as you have the time and they will tell you what is available. Earlier this year, on the Noordam, we purchased the unlimited laundry package and had everything laundered from the first day of the cruise to the next to last day. They wash, iron and fold everything.

How much did that cost? I don't think we'd want to do this? But $14/bag seems well worth it to reduce the amount of laundry we bring home with us!!!

The very, very, very comfy beds on HAL!

That's a nice "secret" to know about! :)

So, any "secrets" for the Amsterdam? :)