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I have been eyeballing driving down through the Lofoten Islands in Norway for several years but they are considerably more north than Molde. I'm trying to figure out logistics for a land trip next year and this Atlantic Road route might be a simpler alternative. Hmmmmm......................Thanks for the idea. Those Twizy cars look fun from Flåm too! ~Nancy

Yes, unless the suite was booked as an upsell/upgrade from a non suite cabin.

Since outlets are limited, you could bring a battery fan. ~Nancy

OP said their ship does not have Tamarind. ~Nancy

I don't know about the Princess morning schedule, but here is the fast ferry to Moorea schedule. First trip is at 06:40. Fast Ferry between Tahiti Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea | Votre navette rapide Moorea Tahiti (terevau.pf) ~Nancy

It's not the usual practice in the US, in my experience to charge for keys not returned. I normally return mine when leaving but have forgotten a few times and never got charged. ~Nancy

I had to google....it's in Peru! Only about 13 miles apart. Sorry I can't help @Btimmer but I'll be watching to see if you do a Live From report. Good luck! ~Nancy

Everyone (almost) on the ship is on vacation! I believe we all should get good service on the ship without paying extra and creating a separate "class" system like on Cunard. That's my pet peeve about it. I would rather see the fares go up a bit in order for all the ship to get a good standard of service. Some other lines have a ship within a ship system, and I hope HAL isn't drifting in that direction. Off my soap box now...................... ~Nancy

I was on a Crystal Cruise one time on a private excursion of 12 people. Our tour guide was just shooting the breeze with us on and off as we motored along (in a boat) and I heard him ask one very funny guy in my group what he did for a living. (It was germane to the conversation; he wasn't being nosy). The guy said, "I fix things, kind of like an auto mechanic". Yes, he was a medical doctor! 😁 ~Nancy

Welcome to Cruise Critic @Kiwicake! Cute CC handle! You will find a wider audience for your question in the Alaska Ports of Call Forum linked below: Alaska Cruises Q&A: Find Tips & Recommendations - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums Good luck and enjoy Alaska! ~Nancy

You pay for Club Orange for each cruise you would like it. Club Orange Program Benefits | Holland America Line The cost is listed in the link above. There are many current threads discussing the benefits or non benefits. Have a look at them and try a search on the HAL forum then come back with any other specific questions you may have. I just don't want to "reinvent the wheel" on all the reasons that have already been posted lately.

Your wrap up was so well thought out and I got a few points to consider for my next cruise even after the many cruises I have taken. Well done! I'm so happy to hear your family had such a good time. The Panama Canal transit is so interesting. Please come back and share with us when you are on that one. 😉 Thank you, ~Nancy

That's possible but I've been to Alaska 3 times on HAL and it wasn't that early then. If you find out from the dining room staff please let us know. It's not a huge deal, I'm just curious. Thanks, ~Nancy

I'm not the OP, but on Nieuw Amsterdam it was dry and tasteless. Only 2 puny apple pieces. 😞 I think it would be better if they served more than one piece because Pannenkoek are more like the size of a Crepe. (per Google images!!) ~Nancy

Bon Voyage! I'm a bit surprised that 7:30pm is the Late Fixed dining time on this cruise. It seems a bit "early" for Late dining. Has it ever been as early as 7:30pm in the past? I recall 8pm as a normal late time. Thank you, ~Nancy

Thank you for this detailed and multilingual report! It's 2am here so I think I'll come back tomorrow when I have plenty of time to read through everything! ~Nancy

Yes, the Oosterdam had them the two times I had a Signature Suite. Your steward was incorrect unfortunately. Did they have umbrellas by the gangway for people to use? I have seen that offered. ~Nancy

The YouTube videos I could find all show the separate tub and stand up shower stall with glass door on the Koningsdam. According to Halfacts.com Rotterdam has a gorgeous big shower only in the SS!! It even has a bench and it looks like maybe some extra shower sprays?? I have no first hand knowledge, just the picture! 7101 – Rotterdam | HAL Cruiser Information (halfacts.com) ~Nancy

I loved your report and writing style. It's nice to get a different perspective on things to do and see in the future. Thank you, ~Nancy

If you carry your own luggage off you can get off with the self debark group first when the ship is cleared by authorities. When I was there last fall there were taxis lined up and I took a Lyft the second time I was there. Easy. As you know, the airport is only about three miles from the cruise port so you "should" be able to get there on time IF the ship arrives on time. Traffic of course will depend on the day of the week and how many ships are in port that day. Good luck! (I am a stress avoider so would personally book later if possible) ~Nancy

Oh darn @Haljo1935! Mine worked just now. Who knows??? At least you know the current price now! 🤷‍♀️

If you are booked, the unlimited laundry will show up in your "My Booking" under "Purchase Packages" then "Packages and Gifts" then "Packages" (Whew, lots of clicks!!!!). People reported that the rates went up recently. My 14 day Trans Atlantic on Zuiderdam in May 2024 is listed as this so $10.50/day: ~Nancy

@erdufylla answered about the luggage. Welcome to Cruise Critic and HAL/Cruising! One practice I love on HAL is that they plan to have the cabins available as soon as you board so you can drop off your carryon luggage before going out to the muster station and lunch or exploring. Occasionally there may be a slight delay getting into the cabins but it's my experience that most of the time they are ready. Have a great time! ~Nancy

Uh oh. My apologies for posting false information! I guess my memory is not working properly. I need to always double check the details before posting. Thanks for the heads up @kazu! ~Nancy

OBC will be on the first page under "Guest Information" of your Booking Confirmation from HAL I believe Club Orange (not shown here), as well as other HIA add-ons is on the last page of the Booking Confirmation.