DoggyDaddy

We are thinking of taking the 44 day Voyage of the Americas on the Koningsdam in March 2020 and would like to take a side trip to see Iguazu Falls. One option is a multi-day overland from Rio for $2999 pp and meets back to the ship in Buenos Aires. The other option is a day trip from Buenos Aires for $1099 pp. The one problem with the short trip is HA states that the total viewing time at the falls is from 1/2 to one hour, which is not very long.

Has anyone done this excursion from a HA ship, and if so, how was it. 

DD

On our last cruise (14 day to Norway on the Princendam) we had a reservation for early seating at a 2 top. One night, due to getting back about 30 minutes late, we went to our table and it was occupied! We went to the desk and they were very apologetic but I told them that it was entirely our fault and they should not apologize for our lateness. They then gave a table right next to our assigned one so we had the same wait staff. They also said that there is usually a 15 minute grace period before a table is reassigned. 

DD

We had decided to go on the 33 day cruise around South America (ending in Rio) due to the HA “we will pay your gratuities” promotion. We only wanted to pay for an OV cabin, thus my original post. Apparently HA will not honor the promotion with this cruise per various HA people, so we have decided not to take the trip. It is too bad as it would have bumped up to Four Star status. 

DD

Does the Dolphin Deck on the Zaandam have windows, portholes, or both? If portholes, how big would they be? 

Thanks id advance for responses.

We were on the May 20th cruise to Norway on the Princedam and had a great time. We really liked the Princedam and would have sailed with her again if we could.

DD

On our May 20th cruise on the Princedam I asked for two entrees twice. It was no problem and they were very good.

DD

I also pre-purchased it. I also pre-purchased a Gin and Tonic package which was fairly reasonable. At the end of the 14 day cruise, I finished the Gin and Mrs. DD had $1.10 left on. her soda card. She had a mix of glasses and cans. They also gave you unopened cans if you wanted to bring them back to your room.

DD

On our last cruise - to Norway on the Princedam- cans of soda were 2.25 and glasses of soda were 2.00 (+ 15%). If you bought a soda card for $25, you got $50 credit and the cans were essentially $1.125 and the glasses were $1.00 each. Best bargain on the ship!  We didn’t bother bringing any soda on board.

DD

Just curious, what is the typical commission a TA gets on a cruise booking (in %). Does it vary depending on volume?

DD

Does anyone know how much the Taxi rate is from the Amsterdam airport to the Amsterdam Cruise Terminal?  The TCA taxi link was very unfriendly to me. Also, is there any difference between a taxi and Uber or Lyft when returning to the airport after a cruise? I was told that the rates from the airport are the same but is the reverse the same?

Doggy Daddy 

Thanks for all the information.

If the rates are the same (taxi vs Uber), it is probably more convenient to use a taxi from the airport to the hotel.  Does anyone know the approximate current fare to the hotels around Central Station (Doubletree)? I assume that the taxis all use Credit Cards - is this true? Also, what is the norm for tipping taxis in the Netherlands?

Doggy Daddy

We will be flying to Amsterdam to join the Princedam for a cruise to Norway next week. We will be staying at a hotel very near the cruise docks. Does anyone know if we can use Uber from the airport to the hotel? I know the train is easy but we have our bags to shlep and we are not as young and agile as we used to be. Also, is it reasonable to use Uber for a very short ride (from the DoubleTree near Central Station) to the cruise terminal. If I had thought about it, I may have picked another hotel. 

I have ave never used Uber so it may be an adventure. 

Doggy Daddy

No problem with pouring a drink in your room and then wandering about the ship with glass (or thermal mug) in hand. We have done this in the past.

Doggy Daddy

We did a 35 day cruise from SF to Auckland a few years ago. We bought the thermal pool etc. for the portion from SF to Sydney as they were sea day extensive. 

DD

KAZU, will you be on the Princedam until she leaves Holland America? We will join her for the May 20 sailing.

DD

KAZU, will you be on the Princedam until she leaves Holland America? We will join her for the May 20 sailing.

DD

I have been hearing about the new Pinnacle Menu but have not seen one. Do all ships have it. We will be on the Princedam for the May 20 sailing. 

We have been to Kelly’s Landing twice, but for New England type seafood (fried whole clams, scallops, fish). It was very good both times.

DD

We got ours (100 day) last year on our cruise from SF to New Zealand. It was a nice ceremony with a drink of our choice. We were then individually escorted to the dining room for the Mariners lunch. I got the old style and Mrs. DD got the new style. It was a nice ceremony. 

DD

We have brought on multiple 12 packs of diet soda for our extended trips, both on embarkation and ports. No problems. As Regnig pointed out, the cans in the mini-cooler are not free, you will pay for them. We usually have the room steward empty out the cooler so we can put our own stuff in it.

DD

Due to the recent cyber sale, we will be getting a $25 beverage card for an upcoming cruise. As we are 3 star Mariners, will our specialty coffees be full price, discounted, or 25% OBC given afterwards?

DD

Interesting that Heineken (a premium beer) is cheaper than a Miller Light. Could it be that the Heineken is considered a “local beer” (brewed in Holland) while the Miller Light is considered an import?  🙂  😄

DD

Yes, you an bring on non-alcohol mixes. We have done this in the past with no problems. 

We just got free gratuity plus two $25 drink cards but had to make our deposit (already paid) non refundable.  We did it. Going on the Princedam to Norway in May.

DD

Sorry, I took the OP’s question as to which deck AND if it was inside or outside. Thank you for the answer. We will be on deck 8 so it will be easy.

DD