*Miss G*

Yikes! Thanks for the heads up! 😂 That’s great info and very helpful, @VMax1700. Thank you. I will book for 10:00am and if they’re early, that will work too. 👍

- Go to google maps and enter “Newcastle Central Station”. It should give you the one in the UK as first pick. - Click on “Directions” (1st pic) and enter the destination you have in mind. - Click on the walking person icon and it will show you the distance and directions. For instance, I chose to walk from the station to the cathedral et voilà. (2nd pic)

In the Neptune Suites on the Koningsdam, the chairs reclined and had foot stools.

Thank you, @VMax1700! Yes, the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal. I REALLY did not want to disembark on King’s Day but it was like herding cats trying to get six of us from three different countries, all with jobs and obligations, to get on the same cruise. 😂 I figured there’d be surge pricing for the taxi. 😠 Not happy that we have to reserve because that’s one more thing to coordinate. (And mess up.) What time did you reserve yours for? Not sure what time to tell them with trying to get us all off the ship and grab our luggage. Maybe the taxis dropping people off want to pick people up! (There’s always hope.)

A couple of times my NEXUS renewal was approved and the card sent to my house while I was out of the country. Never had a problem using the old card upon reentry.

That’s where it was in 2023, as well.

When I used a TA, I never received them. The first time I started using a PCC, I received one, and have continued to receive them to the present day. If you use a TA, you may want to ask them, because they are the ones who receive the offers and need to forward them on to you. And, yes, as @Nickelpenny says, they do send them to guarantee people. I am currently on a guarantee and have received one.

I wonder if your roll call will have the answer? I would be willing to bet that the shuttle takes you directly to the city centre. Perhaps it says in your booking under the excursion list for that day? Or maybe ask on the HAL board.

I got left behind for breakfast! I have been on only one HAL cruise where the clock wasn’t adjusted for port time. When we arrived at the Pinnacle Grill, the Maître d‘ told us they were closed and we had to go eat in the Lido. 😭

I went to @Nickelpenny profile and clicked on her badge. Hers was for a Holiday Sharing… which I guess explains the use of the gingerbread man. Mine are for live reviews, although not all of my lives were included so it’s anyone’s guess why only certain ones are chosen. If you go to this thread it will explain the different badges: FAQ: Badges

Without knowing what ship you’ll be on, I don’t know how helpful this will be, but… Last year we arrived in Newcastle by train. Our shuttle was directly across the street from the train station, so right in the city centre. You may want to ask on your cruise line’s board to get a definitive answer, though.

Absolutely I can do that! And thank you. You too! 🙂

I didn’t take it! I’m gambling on a better deal knowing that if it doesn’t come through I am good with what I have. (Except I don’t know what I have because I have a guarantee. I may be wrong! 😂)

Preferred location for the Family Cabana, for me, is port side. Preferred location for the 2-person cabana is port side ocean view as opposed to aft view. Port side: because it’s furthest from the entrance to The Retreat, so there is less traffic. Ocean view: because I prefer to look at the sea as opposed to the Lido Pool and jogging track.

I received a paid upgrade offer 7 weeks from sailing! That is the longest stretch I’ve received to date. Normally they come about 1-2 weeks prior.

I went ahead and chose the Rotterdam because it’s my next ship. I haven’t sailed on it, yet, but I’m an optimist. 🙃

And it also fits my night light! My experience is the same as Ruth. My husband uses it for his electric toothbrush and waterpik with no problem.

We were in a mini-suite on a Princess cruise and there was no pen or paper in the room. I went down to Guest Services and they gave me what I required. (Didn’t even occur to me to ask our wonderful room steward.) I spend a lot of time in hotels (currently in one now) and there has always been a pen and paper provided. Also, thanks to @nooligans for the Social Bar menu. All I have to say is … wow. (Actually, I had more to say but changed my mind.)

Here is a pic of the outlets by the desk. There is also a USB port over the nightstands on each side of the bed.

Would you be sailing on the same ship or ship class? They are very different. Have you checked HAL Facts to compare rooms? Scroll down on this page for a comparison chart: Holland America Suites & Staterooms

Yes, I completely agree. I know exactly what you mean. 😂 (I grew up in Oakville.)

Seat Guru has been abandoned and left to die. These are the new go-to’s: Seat Maps: Porter E195 Aero LOPA : Porter E195

We’ve just booked a last minute sailing disembarking at Rotterdam so am now beginning the research process. (Which is why I have resurrected this thread.) My kids have booked the HAL transfer to AMS for that same 12:15pm flight on AC. What option did you choose, @Barwick Cruiser? The rest of us will be making our way to the train station to pick up the P&O shuttle to catch an overnight ferry to the UK. @puppycanducruise, did you notice if there was a taxi stand at the terminal with cars waiting? Also interested in any insights you have for the area around the train station. The coach doesn’t leave until 5:00pm so we’ll have a bit of time in the area. Was thinking maybe a HOHO but it’s King’s Day and… you know. Thank you!

I wouldn’t call it “rights” so much as “consideration”. Just as one has consideration for small children who aren’t situationally aware; one would/should expect the same consideration for the elderly. As an in-betweener who has finished raising children, I now find I am using those same skills when travelling with my elderly parents. It’s just common decency.

Yes. Passengers are required to check in no less than 90 minutes prior to sailing. Passenger manifest goes out no later than 60 minutes prior to sailing.