Radbooks

I haven't done that cruise with Holland, but have done it twice with Princess. For me, it was incredibly relaxing and I loved every minute with my Kindle and going to an occasional trivia game or fun event. However, I did notice that some of the Princess passengers who were traveling with kids had a tough time and some of the kids got a bit wild. Maybe a bit stir crazy? 🙂 But, I enjoyed it enough to do it again and to sign up for a similar cruise in January of 24. 🙂

On the N. Statendam this summer, the NY Deli was not open for breakfast. 😞 I had enjoyed that last Christmas on the Koningsdam and was disappointed. I know I can get the same things in the Lido, but I liked the quick service and sitting up in that area enjoying the quiet mornings. 🙂 I am hoping it's open this Christmas!

Oh, also... you don't have to print out the boarding pass for the cruise. I fill out the info online or on my phone and you should be able to save a copy of the page with the barcodes and stuff on your phone or tablet. I usually take a picture of it it in case the wifi isn't great.

Your luggage tags should be ready to print several months ahead of the cruise. Not the boarding pass, but the luggage tags are available pretty early. I just went and looked at a cruise I have for May and I can print the tags.

You should be able to print out both sets of luggage tags before you leave home.

I had pretty good hot chocolate at the Dutch Cafe last summer on the N. Statendam. But I always had a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream to enhance the taste! 🙂

I found it pretty easy to use this summer on our Europe cruise. Don't know if it's needed, but may be nice to have.

You can also rent a boat and do it yourself. There were 4 of us and it was cheaper to rent a boat at Mokumboot for a 3 hour tour. Didn't get the guide to tell us what you are seeing, but they give you a map to follow and it was a wonderful experience.

I haven't been on the Rotterdam yet, but sailed this summer on the N. Statendam and there was pre-dinner music in the Ocean Bar almost every night. I don't remember the name of the group, but people were dancing and sitting and having drinks, etc. At least someplace to check out!

We stayed there last December and enjoyed it, but we're at the Intercontinental this time due to points. 🙂

Thank you for the information! We're on the Koningsdam in December and will wait and cross the street at our assigned time. 🙂

I like to feel like I'm on a ship and not at a theme park. Love the crew service too. It just fits us.

I think that next year there are some longish trips round trips from San Diego that go to Hawaii and the South Pacific, so I think you can make it! To me, the best thing about having 4 stars is the free laundry and specialty restaurant discount. I'm not sure if that is worth it for you.

Okay, the Volendam is a much smaller ship and does not have the Club Orange separate dining area. It also doesn't have all of the specialty restaurants.

Yep!

This summer when I was on the Nieuw Statendam crossing from Europe, we ordered milkshakes at the Dive In and didn't pay for them even though they were made in the Gelato place. I was glad I didn't realize that until later in the cruise. LOL

I had that happen too and called and got upgraded to a balcony from my oceanview room. I was satisfied, but it is very frustrating too.

Tim, Any word on possible changes to some of the South Sea islands? I saw a note on FB that said that Carnival is having to changes stops. I can't remember if you are going to those... Isle of Pine and Mare.

Oh, I look forward to following along on your blog!

I was on Deck 4 (4135) for an 18 day crossing from Copenhagen to Boston. I liked the location, but we were near the quarantine cabins. It was pretty quiet... it was a huge balcony, but was partially obstructed.

Thank you, Hallasm, for all of your wonderful advice and help in this and other threads! We loved our time in Copenhagen and can't wait to go back. We stayed at Hotel Skt Annae and it was perfect for us. Very centrally located for what we wanted to do.

We flew into Amsterdam on June 22nd and got quickly through immigration and grabbed our luggage without any delay. It really seems to vary day-to-day.

I never need a nightlight. I just use my Kindle or tablet and it's very bright! 🙂

Yes, I just checked my paperwork and it says it's operated by Cityjet!

Thanks for the info! We're flying from Amsterdam to Copenhagen on July 1st. We book directly through SAS so hopefully we'll be taken care of!