boatmad

We enjoyed that cruise last fall. Stayed at Springhill Suites, Marriott which was good choice. Walking distance to restaurants. We took Uber from airport to hotel and also from hotel to port. Only glitch we had was the marathon race with 20,000 runners in our hotel area. Many streets were blocked off and we had to walk a block to reach our Uber ( May have been Lyft). Fun to watch the race before we headed to the port, and there were lots of runners/ spectators in the town, so lots of excitement. We were glad to have 2 days there before cruise. Hope all works out well for you.

Welcome back. So glad you are cruising again. I’ve always followed your postings!

We found a charger on the base of a table lamp on one of the HAL ships. Could have been a signature suite on Nieuw Amsterdam. Almost the end of the cruise when we discovered it.

We have cruised on the Zaandam many times in cabins below the promenade. It is miserable when someone decides to jog just over our heads. Usually it would be a 6 am early bird. Just a thoughtless person who didn’t follow the signs or care for others. Hate to think the signs have been removed.

We have flown multiple times to Schiphol and immigration, luggage pickup is pretty good. Grab a free cart for luggage which helps. It’s actually a fun airport for shopping and people watching.

Take the 5 pm flight. If you have extra time in an airport, Schiphol is a good choice for food and people watching. However, you may not have as much extra time as you think. That airport is a bear with lines and security. Last trip took us 4 hours to get through.

Great question which someone who has experienced it should answer so we all are educated. Thanks for addressing the topic.

Have always had table for 2 for fixed late dining. Never have had any difficulty getting that.

Zaandam in October we asked for and received a glass of wine for coupon. Same on Rotterdam earlier cruise.

Regarding the room service tray. In the past, cabin stewards did not handle these when finished. There was a number to call and they would pick them up. Don’t know whether or not things have changed since last winter.

Loved the fall repo on the Zaandam this year. Warm in Montreal, cold and windy in Quebec. No rain at all. Loved the ports,especially Norfolk. Surprised there was no fall leaf color at all. I’d do that itinerary again in a heartbeat, in the fall.

You might want to confirm with them which seating. You can choose which one you want when booking. Usually fixed late dining should be available.

We generally use self explore unless in countries where we have specific areas we want to visit. In that case we book with HAL. Last cruise in Jamaica reinforced why we would never do a walk-a round in that country. Way too unpleasant and dangerous outside the port gates.

I wouldn’t try to take a suitcase of beverages onboard. Seems like a sure way to visit the naughty room or have them confiscated when boarding.

Just off the Zaandam from Montreal cruise. Great crew. Enjoy! Still our favorite ship— 7 cruises on her beginning in 2003. I’ll be following along on this cruise as Have your others.