mslindz

Our cruise on the MS Koningsdam has also been moved to here from San Juan. They haven't offered any shore excursions as of yet. And I can't seem to find anything here either. We're also going to Amber Cove. I have been on a land trip to Puerto Plate. Was excited to see Punta Cana side. But losing that excitement fast not finding anything.:(

We are on the same cruise. Scape Park looks interesting and seems to have a lot of options, but worried about navigating that on our own since I can't find a whole lot of information on how to get there from the port and taking a taxi seems intimidating. Hoping HAL offers something soon for this port.

this sounds great! and if Bonaire is safe, im not worried aobut going off on my own, but how do you get snorkel gear?

I would like to know this as well! I'd love to get a chance to snorkel while here in November.

Will have to report back about this issue and what happened and so forth after sailing, but that won't be until next March!:o

 

I'll just keep reading and researching until then.

I sail at the end of October and will report back. I did hear back from Ship Services who said they noted my reservation that I need gluten free meals and assured me this should not at all be an issue. I still plan to take on prepackaged food to have some options for early mornings or port days.

So then I asked if it were possible to bring my own gluten free bread on board (since I have to have my "toast" in the morning) and I was told that I could! YAY! What I have to do according to HAL is make sure it is store bought (as opposed to home baked) and that it is within the original packaging and that said packaging has not been opened when I board and I am good to go.

Would the same go for any prepackaged snacks? For example, since I'm not much of a bread person anymore (I do like some good gluten free bread, but it isn't a deal breaker for me and I can't always eat much in the mornings), but have celiac and am sensitive to cross contamination, could I bring something like Kind Bars or other options for quick snacks? Thinking about days where we might need to be off ship early and can't work it out to be in the MDR for breakfasts. :confused:

I'd be worried about cross contamination at a buffet no matter what because despite people's best efforts, things happen in a busy environment like that. For a buffet, unless there was a totally separate section dedicated to gluten free that didn't have any gluten near it, it's just too difficult to manage properly for the really sensitive folks (like me!). It's easier to manage that risk in a kitchen where you don't have passengers around needing things or interrupting to ask questions like the buffet would.

I'm curious about this as well from anyone with experience. I also have celiac disease and have to eat gluten free. I've heard really good things from others across the web that it wasn't at all an issue and they were accommodated on other HAL cruises, so I doubt it won't be much different on the Koningsdam. I emailed HAL per the information found here on page 8 to request gluten free accommodations. I just emailed yesterday (I have 5+ months til we sail) and haven't heard back yet.

https://www.hollandamerica.com/assets/cruise-vacation-onboard/KBYG.pdf

Special Diets and Meals: Kosher*, Passover Seder dinner, salt-free, fat-free, baby food, diabetic and other special dietary needs can be accommodated only with advance notification. For special meal arrangements, please contact the Ship Services Department at 1-800-541-1576 (or email: hal_ship_services@hollandamerica.com) at least 90 days prior to departure.