Alphen

No desire to try something else. Both remaining R class ships are a league of their own and I am more than comfortable with that. Obviously, there is something out there for everyone, luckily we all have different desires and things we like, that is why there are so many different ships out there. If you like a different product, fine. Decor on both the former S and R class have had many satisfied guests and still do. Decor changes over time, introduced in new builds. Chances that much money will be spent on drastic decor changes, are pretty slim. There is no profit to gain there. There are still many guests that prefer smaller and maybe more older feeling ships, that still have great itineraries and great crew and still look like ships. As long as it is still profitable to run these ships, I am confident they will stick around, without drastic changes. Comparing the Volendam and Zaandam with ships of Explora and Ponanant is trying to compare products that are miles apart, in price range, purpose of these ships and size, just to name a few.

You can choose to have it delivered in your cabin, or consume it at dinner at any of the restaurants on board, it will be served by dining room stewards, sadly almost all of the sommelier’s have been discontinued. If you don’t finish the bottle, they will keep it for you.

Why, to what? Bumper cars and waterslides? Ship is fine as it is! No one says you have to sail here, plenty of other ships in the sea!

Between January 25th and February 8th, which includes transit back and forth, so regular docking period.

Just disembarked Volendam a week ago and yes she is 25 years old, but not at all in rough shape, especially considering her age. Nothing major wrong with her, but I don’t waste my time looking for possible minor flaws!

Just off a Dam ship today, had a Cellar One, 8 and 4 bottles packages and these prices were as expected, with the mariner discount and service charge at respective $154,87 and $ 84,31.

Have just disembarked in Montreal, there is indeed a very friendly luggage storage option inside the terminal after disembarking, CAN$ 7 per item, or US$ 5.

Nothing heard about that.

Not a veteran, nor an expert, HD stated normal docking would take 12 to 14 days, so this is not normal. Also they were expecting over a thousand workforce and or contractors to be involved.

Think they said it is moving to starboard.

Volendam will undergo a 21 days docking period this October with an investment of 8 million dollars. Work will include: All cabins on deck 1,2 and 3 will get new carpets, as well as all the corridors and hallways. New drapes throughout, all cabins to be fitted with USB outlets Major Spa refit , Library relocation, Lido pool midship refit as well as a big Technical refit including work on steam and piping. Also ADA accessibility adjustments throughout the ship will be done, all according to the current HM on board, Florin.

We are from mainland Europe and today departing for Canada/New England and making use of our Travel Wifi, with a package for north America, that includes both US and Canada, for up to 3 devices.

I know, this is my earlier attempt!

On board they will be able to assist you at the front desk, maybe an advantage in stead of updating at home.

Version 4.40 is now available. To find your current version press "Experiences" in the center bottom banner with the ship and then press "about". Quote "Update is about some minor performance enhancements and fixed some bugs below deck to make your experience even better." Unquote

Hello Jaap, would be interested in if and how you succeed and also what cabin you end up in, which would be a lotery naturely. Follow up would be appreciated.

Thanks for the info!

Just learned that in Montreal during the weekend we will have our cruise departure (the weekend Aug 29 - Sep 2), there is something called the Montreal Fetish Weekend going on. Anybody any information what this is about?

Thanks

We have never bought the Quench package nor any other package, but are now considering buying this package on embarkation day. Will this be available in the Navigator App after checking in, or do we have to buy this via frontdesk or something like that? I have tried to do a search in this forum, but couldn’t come up with the right search criteria.

Thanks Tony, I also have special link with all 3 Rotterdam's. We both have cruised on Rotterdam VI and the new Rotterdam VII, but I also was honored to get to visit the SS Rotterdam while she was still actively cruising in 1983. The Dutch Navy ship I was stationed on, met the SS Rotterdam in the Caribbean and we were docked together in La Guaria, Venezuela. I was lucky to be among several Dutch crew members who were invited to take a tour on board SS Rotterdam, including a visit to the bridge, a very nice gesture by the SS Rotterdam crew! Greetings from both of us !

You can find all of the history of the Holland America Line tiles over here; https://tonrijppaert.nl/en/

Be sure to not only look at the map of the cruise, but also the itinerary. If for instance you are looking at the August 31st 2024 departure from Montreal, the map shows Rockland, but the itinerary actually shows Portland, so are the official port authorities for Portland indicating, so don't always believe the map on the website!

Depending on the number of cruise ships on that day, you will be docked downtown, so you are right there!

Nothing new and also not port dependent, got them in 2021 and 2022 season in Alaska and Mediterranean. Text wasn’t there during 150 year anniversary season, but has returned now. We have early printed tags for upcoming 2024 and 2025 cruises with the 150 anniversary logo without the text and if we print tags today for the same cruise, logo has disappeared and disembarkation text reappeared, same as in 2021 and 2022. These tags are for Canada and Fort Lauderdale.