DoggyDaddy

The charge for glasses and cans of soda are different. I think the glass is $2.25 and can is $2.50. You can usually specify which you want and can get unopened cans.

DD

FWIW, the Koningsdam does not go through the Panama Canal, something about the location of the lifeboats. We e will be going the long way around!

DD

I always keep a small flashlight on the nightstand. I shield the light with my hand so it doesn’t bother the DW. The little LED flashlights don’t take up much room in the suitcase or carry ons, If you use lithium batteries, they cannot be in checked luggage.

DD

If it’s that cheap we will probably take the shuttle.

DD

Which would be more convenient/cheaper/faster from a Hotel on 16th Street (Embassy Suite) to the Holland America dock, Uber, Lyft, or. Taxi?  Would the same apply from the Airport to the Hotel?  The hotel has a shuttle service, but I assume it is $$$ per person, but can consider it.  I have never used Uber or Lyft before but have an account for both.  What is normal for tipping, if any? If so, would it be in cash or via the app? I would feel funny giving a driver a $1 bill for an inexpensive ride.
 

Thanks in advance.

DD

What is wrong with what the OP posted, if it is factual? 

We had early fixed dining on the Princendam (was all one level dining) last year. I think you have a 15 minute grace period for your table. One night we were about a half hour late and when we went to our table, it was occupied by someone else! We went to the desk, explained what happened and they apologized profusely and brought us to a table next to “ours”. I explained that it was entirely our fault for being late and they should not apologize. When we were going to the Pinnacle or Cannoletto we told our waiter the night before. 
 

DD

DW has me buy sugar free tonic for my G&T’s. It tastes the same. I may buy a squeezable lime the next trip.

DD

On past Holland America cruises, there was usually a chilled soup appetizer option. I understand that this has been discontinued. However, in the current World Cruise I noticed that they are on the menu. Is this fleet wide or just for the World Tour? We are taking a 44 day cruise in March and DW would be very happy if they are back.

DD

I think I heard that the ship photographers were contractors, not HAL employees. Their income might depend on how many photos they sell. If so, this is probably why they are so aggressive. Personally we aren’t too bothered by them, we just politely say “No Thanks”, and they go to someone else.

DD

I did what TomO suggested, but did it a few days ago. Curious, would a soda card work for cans of tonic water (at the half price)?

DD

Can you get stroopwafels in the Lido and/or MDR? We first had them on a trip to The Netherlands several years ago where they made them on site and have become addicted to them (only slightly so). 🙂

I imagine they have them in the Grand Dutch Cafe But is there a charge?

DD

Just curious, what did HA charge for your baby, In respect to fares, gratuity, port fees, etc. our Son and DIl sailed on a cruise, based in Orlando, and had to pay full fare for their one year old. 
 

DD

I went to the site last night and sure enough the gin and tonic package I usually buy (with plain Bombay Gin) had gone up significantly. However, a bottle of Bombay Sapphire had not gone up at all, and was now cheaper than the G&T mix. Guess what I did?

DD

The $6000 excursion is on the 44 day trip around South America. It is an excursion from Rio to Igazu Falls and returning to the ship in Buenos Aires. It is a five day excursion at $3000 each. Hopefully all expenses are included.

DD

I would need two towels o wrap around me.  🙂

DD

Just to add my two cents, I thought the snorkeling area was to the left, as you faced the water. That’s where we went, and there is like a rock jetty going pretty far out. I went without fins (too bulky to pack) and we did see some fish, but it was not great. All in all, I’m glad we went though. 
 

DD

I wasn’t aware that lobster and scallops was a choose in the Pinnacle. Was it good? 
 

DD

We had a pair of binoculars in our  Vista cabin in the Princendam. Also a balcony and double cruise credits.

DD

Ours were a blue and white stripe pattern. They are large beach type towels.

DD

We have a 44 day cruise coming up. I have not seen anything on the HAL web site about laundry. Where should I look? Any special prices for an extended trip?

DD

We were at an airport to get our cruise when we got a call from our TA about an upgrade to a balcony (paid). They changed our tags at the cruise checkin - no problems. It was nice to have a balcony for the 36 day cruise!!

DD

We are taking the 44 day Koningsdam cruise from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego. We only need 32 credits to get our four star level. 
 

DD

When would they be credited, before embarking or after disembarking? We have a $6,000 excursion coming up and it may affect our star rating.

DD

My question has been answered. Thank you very much.

DD