oakridger

In Norway how common are pay toilets? I seem to remember reading that some pay toilets do need coins. Is this still the case since the helpful Norwegians and frequent visitors here on Cruise Critic report that most people use cards for everything. A couple hotels where I will be staying even state on their website that they are "Cashless Hotels" and don't even have any cash on the premises at all. Thanks for this very important information!!! 😉 ~Nancy

On Oosterdam I haven't been in a veranda. I've been in Signature Suites twice on deck 6 closer to mid ship. I can't remember the cabin numbers though! I really do like the size of the Vista ships. What cruise are you taking on her? ~Nancy

The miracle of Google Image Search found the answer! They are enclosures for mobility scooters! What a great idea. I don't need a scooter, but these look slick! ~Nancy

Rich, I'm curious about those little covered car/scooter vehicles in the second picture above. Are they rentals for tourists or do locals have them? I've never seen something quite like that! I'd rent one to get around on in a small town in the UK! Thanks, ~Nancy

You're welcome. The other pictures of similar cabins on HalFacts are old showing the outdated soft goods in the cabins. The link above has a 2023 picture with the new furniture. Those deck 4 cabins have a nice deep balcony! ~Nancy PS- good website for checking decks above and below your cabin is here: Oosterdam Upper Promenade Deck Plans (cruisedeckplans.com)

Welcome to Cruise Critic @Mongeral! On the great website, HAL Cruiser Information | Information for Cruising on Holland America (halfacts.com) Halfacts.com there is a picture of sister ship Zuiderdam #4042 which is the same type and similar location (on port instead of starboard side) as your cabin. It's a start, but hopefully someone has the exact cabin as you are looking at. 4042 Zuiderdam | HAL Cruiser Information (halfacts.com) ~Nancy

Thanks @CruiserBruce. I was confusing them with the 4 Vista Class ships that have the Rock Room instead of BB Kings now. I found this handy chart that someone posted (it's on the website). It's going to change frequently, I'm sure. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=1378994&key=2a761c451ab098c5c3b2283f499f0b8a I hope that more ships roll out the Third Avenue West soon. It's a more low key band for dancing that is quiet enough to converse. A good option for those that find the Rock groups too loud. I wonder if the Volendam isn't a good choice for the OP. I imagine they would like the Pinnacle ships though, but they don't go to the Amazon. There's the choice....Amazon will always be smaller ships no matter what cruise line. ~Nancy

It's a question that many people would be interested in. I appreciate your bringing it up! ~Nancy

I know most of the cruise lines I have read about here on Cruise Critic sure could use your help!!!! Maybe they would hire you in exchange for free cruises!!! 😁 ~Nancy

Does the Volendam have the Rolling Stone Room now @StLouisCruisers? Their last set usually goes to about 11:00pm on other ships. ~Nancy

Thanks @RuthC. Yes, I did. Yesterday. ~Nancy

Suggest that this thread should be under the general cruising questions forum. Link is below. Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community

Armadillos kind of give me the creeps but this really is a cute picture!! I passed it along to all my Texas relatives. Thanks, ~Nancy

Did Old Crystal World Cruises offer complementary laundry? ~Nancy

There are two "pots" of money in the HIA. "Credits" and "OBC" (Onboard Credit) As the others have said, the credits are for dining and shore excursions only. If you get OBC in your HIA, as sometimes happens, then it can be used for spending on the ship for anything. (Maybe not Medical Center?). You are right that each line has different terminology for lots of things, so you need to do your research! Heck, even on the same cruise line the terminology changes!! For example, different HIA promotions have different inclusions. Some have Crew Appreciation and/or OBC and some don't include either! 🤷‍♀️ Glad you have it straightened out and have a great trip! ~Nancy

Yes. Crew Incentive will be subtracted from OBC that is available. ~Nancy

There are pictures of cabin #5145 on cruisedeckplans.com but to view them you must be a member. I did look at them and with that large and deep balcony, I can't see why the lifeboats would be a problem regarding a reflection at all! You can't see the boats while looking straight out either, only when standing at the railing looking down. It is a connecting room if that bothers you. I have had connecting rooms on Nieuw Amsterdam and never had any noise problems, but some people have reported hearing noise from neighbors. That big balcony sure is nice though!! ~Nancy

@cruisemom42 I hope to meet you on a cruise someday! We can hang out at the bar until the wee hours talking about the history of the world!!! 😎 ~Nancy

They really need to have at least one venue/bar open later. My first HAL cruise on Zuiderdam in 2006 I was at the disco until almost 2 am most nights. The bartender said he was to stay open until everyone left! I left when the last of the others left because I didn't want him to stay there just for me....but he would have!!! If there's music I want to stay up!! ~Nancy, the Night Owl

That's disappointing Pete! That must be some big storm off the coast of France to cause the cancellation. ~Nancy

The bartenders are in a separate group from the Crew Appreciation group. They get a portion of the 18% beverage gratuities. Additional cash they can keep. As mentioned, when I asked it seems each ship had a slightly different way they shared the additional tips. I have tipped some of the bartenders/waiters that I had a lot of interaction with during my cruise. There seems to always be a couple like that on each cruise!! 😁🍷🍺🍹🍾 ~Nancy

Good question! I haven't ever had Sake cold, how is it compared to the warm version? ~Nancy

EUROPE & MEDITERRANEAN MARSEILLE LISBON 12 NIGHTS FARES FROM $6,900 PER GUEST * DEPART JUL 31, 2023 ARRIVE AUG 12, 2023 ABOARD CRYSTAL SERENITY

They haven't sailing started yet. The inaugural cruise on Serenity is July 31, 2023. I'm sure there will be several live reports here on CC when it's underway! ~Nancy

I hadn't thought of that scenario. Thanks for answering my question. ~Nancy