joeyillinois

That gives me encouragement and I'll look about the documents being on line!!

Thank you so much for the information -- I didn't see anything about that - They e-mailed for the final payment and haven't heard anything since then. Guess I'm not going to be offered any upgrades, beverage tickets or anything like that since it'll be 50 days in a couple of days. :)

Our cruise to Alaska on the Volendam leaves the end of May - how soon can I expect tickets to come to our home, or any correspondence/info from HAL?? We purchased online. We will leaving our home about 5 days before the cruise.

Thanks all, Looking forward to it!!

We'll arrive to Vancouver a day early and stay overnight - Haven't made reservations yet. I just realized there are 2 cruise terminals. Does anyone know if Volendam 7 day round trip leaves from Canada Place or the other begins with B, but can't spell it :)

Thank you Want to find an inexpensive place near the terminal.

Thank you all so much for the information!! I was trying to recall from a cruise we took on Carnival from Galvaston to Mexico about 4 (5?) years ago. Just remember lines and hectic... I guess I was thinking 2 hours ahead .. I'm so glad I asked this will work out better for us. Now I just hope my "train" gets there in time from Seattle. :)

For the Mariners Lunch -- do I have to have a "number" or some sort of proof.

Going on Volendam in May (Alaska). The ship leaves at 5 p.m. how soon are we allowed to get on the ship. And, if early are there any advantages to do that?

Thanks

I have not heard of quick shuttle -- sounds good - only thought about the thruway bus because that's the way I'm getting to Vancouver from the Amtrak Train that gets to Seattle. I will have an extra day going up Vancouver since the Train/bus won't arrive within the right time to take the cruise. I don't want to take a chance of missing the ship!! I will use some of the suggestions of things to do in Vancouver for the time I have the day ahead, too.

How long to get through customs & lines? The ship HAL Volendam gets into Vancouver at 7 AM. Would I have enough time to catch a 11:30 AM Thruway Amtrak Bus (from Vancouver to Seattle) after going through customs. Is this close to public transportation, or would I need a taxi to get to the bus?or maybe it's at the train station?

One of our choices were the N1802 area in the front of the ship near the infirmary that didn't look good; Also, Main Deck G2706 or 2713 (which looked about the same at the time), since both in same general location noise might be the same. We also looked at the Lower Promanade Deck 3382 I think but we thought there might be more noise. I think we should have went with the Lower Promanade Deck. Oh, well.

Wondering if we chose the right location G2706 on the Volendam. Been reading about pitching of the ship... Not sure I would get seasick or not? Been on 2 other cruises - different cruise lines (once minor case - maybe just excitment) second cruise no problem even in rough sea.

There were other cabin choices of locations (not a lot -at least in our price point), but this location (end of hall) seemed like there might not be as much noise?

Wondering if they Holiand America offer an upgrade if we should take?

I really don't know how (why) they would do this. We ordered directly from Holland America so really not sure how that would work?

How do they determine who is offered upgrades of cabins?

Reserved for Volendam (7 day Alaska - Vancouver). We had terrible time deciding on cabin, but between middle of Lower Promanade, and the Dolphin front (which from what I read would make me sea sick). Hope our choice of G 2706 on Main Deck will be good.

Maybe there are no Bad rooms?

Who knows maybe they will offer changes?

Another thing I noticed is there is a main dining (with no set time anymore and some sort of flexible dining) It all sounded the same.

Any advice about Holland America & ship would be appreciated. Haven't sailed with them before.

On cruise critic?

Volendam ship Vancouver RT, So many choices G.2706 Main, or H3382 Lower Promanade. Anyone know anything about these. The N ones (interior were all to the very front -- not for me)

Thanks

Sounds great, thanks

Got it thanks -- At first I thought it went to both Tracy Arns & Glacier Bay. Then saw the service call and completely thrown. Wonder if the excursion would be worth it.

Looking at the Volendan schedule. I thought that it would tour Tracy Arns, but says service call 10 - 10:30 a.m. then for same day is Juneau 1 pm - 10 pm. Don't understand what this service call statement means. Thanks

Are there advantages to going through cruise line for excursions rather than on our own?

ports are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. We like to hike, nature/animals, and interested in history. Can't handle flying so no airplane, or helicopter. We're on a tight budget so wondering if tours or something on our own in these ports?? Willing to spring for cruise excursion if it is a "must do".

Looking at the HAL Volendam since it also includes Glacier Bay. Want to have a day ahead in Vancouver if for no other reason to unwind from the train trip. :)

Thanks for the info. I have been leaning toward Vancouver, though I had friends that left from Seattle and enjoyed the trip.. I "lean" toward sea sickness so think Vancouver would be better. I thought the only way to get from Seattle to Vancouver was by the bus -- I didn't realize that Amtrak had a train that went that way -- I'll check that out.

Looking at 7 day round trip (would really like to do a land tour, but doesn't looking like it'll work). We don't fly (will arrive via train). Amtrak goes to Seattle & then there is a bus to Vancouver so there is no problem with leaving from either port. What are the pros/cons of sailing from either port, if there are any.

Looking at HAL? First Trip to Alaska.

Thanks