boatmad

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.

Thanks for the information about disembarking tomorrow as well as embarking. Tourist information gave us a map showing most streets around our hotel closed. I do suspect that may be why the later boarding time. Our driver is coming at 11:00 if he can find a way through! Anxious to get back to our favorite Zaandam.

Urgent for those disembarking in Montreal Sunday. Marathon with 20,000 runners. Streets around port closed. We will be trying to board. Looks like a mess!

Thanks for the replies. We have had pre-punched cards a few times and I loved them. Saved me a trip to the busy desk and I could hook it on right away. No matter what, will be happy to be back on Zaandam. 7th cruise on her.

Thank you so much. I had to buy a larger one with pocket on the ship last cruise and I much prefer the easy, hook-on one that can hide under shirt when we get off at ports. Trying to limit luggage and weight as much as I can this trip. Connecting through JFK and will try to carry on more than usual in case luggage goes missing!

Thanks for the info. I wonder if the desk would punch them if asked, as they used to do. Such a nice service.

Can anyone on the Zaandam or recently cruised tell me whether or not the keys are pre-punched? Rotterdam in January could not be punched. Boarding on Sunday and wondering which lanyard to bring. Thanks

I enjoyed your comments and your balanced remarks.

The Lido staff will bring orange juice ( from a pitcher) when they offer you water and coffee. Might have to track them down at a station if they are busy clearing tables, etc. most of the time they will also offer refills. sorry you experienced this. I wouldn’t be happy in the morning without my oj. Fresh squeezed is available for no cost with HIA.

I would guess about 2010. We were going on a Mariner Society cruise when they mailed them to us. Used them for a number of years. Now just have them on carry ons.

Nothing wrong with the cabin with the port holes, but it was an Alaska cruise and really missed the large window and ability to see some sights in our cabin. It also was a complete surprise since HAL didn't used to disclose those. Now they are very clear about where they are. Cruise was still wonderful as they all are. I just wouldn't choose that cabin again if I had a choice. If it's go- or- no- go--go with the port holes!