SplitRaindrop Posted December 31, 2011 #1 Share Posted December 31, 2011 We're going on our first cruise in January (HAL -Westerdam, Week 2 of the Smooth Jazz Cruise). I have a couple of questions about what happens when you're in ports. Is it possible to get back on the boat (say you forget something) and back off again. I realize it may not be easy and make take some time but I'm just wondering if it's possible. We are in one port for 20 hrs. Also do they serve food on the ship during port days or should we plan/budget to eat on shore? On our cruise there is no "as you wish" dining just an early and late seating. We are the early seating so I wondered if that mean't we'd miss out on dinner on those days. Thanks for your friendly and thoughtful answers :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted December 31, 2011 #2 Share Posted December 31, 2011 You can get on and off quite easily. Food is served at almost the same schedule on sea days and port days. You won't miss any meals if you are in port. If you are on an excursion at dinner, you may eat in the Lido buffet when you get back on board, or make a reservation at the alternate restaurants for a little later when you will be on board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talisker92 Posted December 31, 2011 #3 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Welcome to Cruise Critic! You can come and go from the ship at will. If you have an overnight port, you will certainly be able to eat on board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisin' Chick Posted December 31, 2011 #4 Share Posted December 31, 2011 You're not even required to get off the ship (many cruisers who are repeating an itinerary often just cruise for the on-board experience) until the disbarkation day, of course. The only real requirement is that anytime you leave the ship in port that you're back on board by the required time. As for meals on port days for your ship, you may want to inquire on the Holland board. I can only speak for Princess -- you can eat in the buffet on port days at lunch if you don't want to eat in port. Same thing for dinner too if the ship isn't sailing until later. You don't have to worry about food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SplitRaindrop Posted December 31, 2011 Author #5 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Thanks for all of the quick responses! Is getting on/off the ship a lengthy process? I realize this depends on a lot of factors but I'm just wondering realistically how easy it is. For example if we went swimming and wanted to change on board. Went sightseeing...got on for lunch and then got off again for the afternoon. Completely hypothetical, just trying to figure out what's possible due to some unique personal needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare John Bull Posted December 31, 2011 #6 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Once the ship has been cleared by immigration, you can get on and off as often as you like until back-on-board time, usually 30 mins before sailing. There's been times I've had to get off a ship every time I wanted a smoke, due to re-fuelling :rolleyes::D Your boarding card (cruisecard/sailcard/whatever) will be swiped each time. Can be very quick & easy in some ports, not worthwhile in others, depending how far you roam. Only time it takes a while is at tender ports, where you go ashore by boat. Food is available as usual on sea days, though nothing special such as bbq lunches on deck. Pretty-well everything is up-and-running except shop & casino, and daytime entertainment will be absent or pretty dire. We opt for late seating to avoid the rush to get ready for dinner on port days. If you're on fixed first sitting & you're gonna be back too late I guess you could ask if there'll be spare seats on the late sitting. But Westerdam, like most cruise ships also has a buffet option. This is not the same as "my time" / "as you wish", which is serviced in the main dining room just like your fixed dining. It's casual serve-yourself buffet dining in the Lido restaurant, the food & surroundings are usually pretty good & you can turn up anytime during its open hours. A sensible option if you're running late or you can't be bothered to dress for dinner.There's no charge to eat in the Lido. You could alternatively book a time to suit yourself in one of the extra-charge speciality restaurants, but generally best to save that for any special occasion. Its common courtesy to let tablemates know you may not be joining them. 20 hours in port.:) Gives you the opportunity to stray a long way - and I think I'd take the opportunity to sample the local food, but its your vacation & you've got plenty of choices JB :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare John Bull Posted December 31, 2011 #7 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Thanks for all of the quick responses! Is getting on/off the ship a lengthy process? I realize this depends on a lot of factors but I'm just wondering realistically how easy it is. For example if we went swimming and wanted to change on board. Went sightseeing...got on for lunch and then got off again for the afternoon. Completely hypothetical, just trying to figure out what's possible due to some unique personal needs. There's usually a line of folk anxious to be first off the ship, but after about 15 mins the line is gone & getting off is very quick, your boarding card is swiped as you walk past. Usually no line to get back on board, unless you arrive at the same time as a couple of tour buses. Your bags go through a scanner & again your boarding card is swiped. Even if you timed it wrong, 10 minutes would be unusual. The real crunch is how far the ship is from the shops/beach/whatever - its often a taxi ride. But quote your ports & folk can give you a general idea. And tender ports, where off & back on just once can take a while - though middle of the day there's no line. JB :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted December 31, 2011 #8 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Basically it is as easy as walking in and out of a hotel. Except you have to scan your boarding card, and any bags or packages may be scanned when you come onboard. If there is a crowd it might take up to 5-6 minutes. As I stated before, it is very easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted December 31, 2011 #9 Share Posted December 31, 2011 We're going on our first cruise in January (HAL -Westerdam, Week 2 of the Smooth Jazz Cruise). I have a couple of questions about what happens when you're in ports. Is it possible to get back on the boat (say you forget something) and back off again. I realize it may not be easy and make take some time but I'm just wondering if it's possible. We are in one port for 20 hrs. Also do they serve food on the ship during port days or should we plan/budget to eat on shore? On our cruise there is no "as you wish" dining just an early and late seating. We are the early seating so I wondered if that mean't we'd miss out on dinner on those days. Thanks for your friendly and thoughtful answers :D HAL Has wonderful room service meals should you get hungry between meals. The Lido and Terrace Grill will always be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So should you miss your dinner -- go to the Lido -- if you miss that dinner time -- call room service. I'll post the menus for room serice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted December 31, 2011 #10 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Available 24 hours: Smoked Atlantic Salmon - pickled red onion, capers & cream cheese Mesclun Garden Greens - tomato, cucumber, alfalfa sprouts & blue cheese crumbles Triple Decker Club Sandwich - sliced turkey, ham, bacon, tomato & lettuce served on toasted bread of your choice All American Hamburger - broiled 1/4 pound beef patty on a sesame bun with dill pickle & coleslaw - add cheddar or Swiss cheese Open faced Omelet - ham & cheese or vegetables Selection of assorted cheese with crackers Apple tart with whipped cream Chocolate cake with raspberry sauce A plate of chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk Fruit salad - selected fruits in season Available from 12 noon until 10 PM: Appetizers & Soups: Bay shrimp cocktail with cocktail sauce Smoked Atlantic Salmon French onion soup baked with Gruyere cheese Soup of the day Salads: Mesclun Garden Greens Chef salad - mixed greens, ham, salami, swiss cheese, turkey, hard boiled egg - choice of Italian or blue cheese dressing Caesar salad - tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons & parmesan - add bay shrimp or grilled chicken breast Sandwiches & Burgers: All are served with a choice of potato salad or potato chips Triple decker club sandwich Broiled California chicken breast sandwich on multi=grain bread with avocado & honey mustard sauce Grilled tuna melt - tuna salad & Swiss cheese on rye bread with pickle spears Thai Vegetarian wrap - eggplant, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts & cilantro rolled with rice & green curry sauce in a tomato tortilla Steak sandwich - sirloin steak on sourdough bread sauteed with onion & bell pepper All American Hamburger Entrees: Seared salmon steak - dill-lime fusion, broccoli florets, carrot batonnet & country mashed potatoes Penne Primavera - tossed in marinara sauce with Italian roasted vegetables - add grilled chicken breast Pizza: margarita (tomato sauce & cheese) Pepperoni Vegetarian (mushroom & bell pepper) Desserts: Apple tart Chocolate cake Creme caramel surrounded in berry compote Fruit jello fruit salad Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce Selection of assorted cheese with crackers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdvmd Posted December 31, 2011 #11 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Available 24 hours: Smoked Atlantic Salmon - pickled red onion, capers & cream cheese Mesclun Garden Greens - tomato, cucumber, alfalfa sprouts & blue cheese crumbles Triple Decker Club Sandwich - sliced turkey, ham, bacon, tomato & lettuce served on toasted bread of your choice All American Hamburger - broiled 1/4 pound beef patty on a sesame bun with dill pickle & coleslaw - add cheddar or Swiss cheese Open faced Omelet - ham & cheese or vegetables Selection of assorted cheese with crackers Apple tart with whipped cream Chocolate cake with raspberry sauce A plate of chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk Fruit salad - selected fruits in season Available from 12 noon until 10 PM: Appetizers & Soups: Bay shrimp cocktail with cocktail sauce Smoked Atlantic Salmon French onion soup baked with Gruyere cheese Soup of the day Salads: Mesclun Garden Greens Chef salad - mixed greens, ham, salami, swiss cheese, turkey, hard boiled egg - choice of Italian or blue cheese dressing Caesar salad - tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons & parmesan - add bay shrimp or grilled chicken breast Sandwiches & Burgers: All are served with a choice of potato salad or potato chips Triple decker club sandwich Broiled California chicken breast sandwich on multi=grain bread with avocado & honey mustard sauce Grilled tuna melt - tuna salad & Swiss cheese on rye bread with pickle spears Thai Vegetarian wrap - eggplant, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts & cilantro rolled with rice & green curry sauce in a tomato tortilla Steak sandwich - sirloin steak on sourdough bread sauteed with onion & bell pepper All American Hamburger Entrees: Seared salmon steak - dill-lime fusion, broccoli florets, carrot batonnet & country mashed potatoes Penne Primavera - tossed in marinara sauce with Italian roasted vegetables - add grilled chicken breast Pizza: margarita (tomato sauce & cheese) Pepperoni Vegetarian (mushroom & bell pepper) Desserts: Apple tart Chocolate cake Creme caramel surrounded in berry compote Fruit jello fruit salad Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce Selection of assorted cheese with crackers Thanks for posting this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted December 31, 2011 #12 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Thanks for all of the quick responses! Is getting on/off the ship a lengthy process? I realize this depends on a lot of factors but I'm just wondering realistically how easy it is. For example if we went swimming and wanted to change on board. Went sightseeing...got on for lunch and then got off again for the afternoon. Completely hypothetical, just trying to figure out what's possible due to some unique personal needs. Come and go as much as you want. Often when you return to the ship when it is docked, you will simply walk up the gangway, have your ID card scanned and you go on your way about the ship. Sometimes there's a short line but it is very rarely a lengthy process for a docked ship. We often get off for an hour or two and reboard. Sometimes we don't leave the ship at all for days. We have sailed Westerdam and really enjoyed her. She's a pretty ship IMO Hope you have a great cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayenu Posted December 31, 2011 #13 Share Posted December 31, 2011 "Is it possible to get back on the boat (say you forget something) and back off again." - yes, as many times as you want. Forgot something, for a nap, for lunch, for... just for fun ;) "Also do they serve food on the ship during port days or should we plan/budget to eat on shore?" - the hours may be limited, you will get the schedule the night before, but there will be food as usual. You can also make a sandwich at breakfast in the buffet and smuggle it on shore :rolleyes: There are also some activitied during the day, also limited. "We are the early seating so I wondered if that mean't we'd miss out on dinner on those days." - you can eat in the buffet, or order room service (a few dollars tip will be expected) "Is getting on/off the ship a lengthy process?" if the ship is tendered, may take a while in the morning only. If docked, you just walk off any time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Kat Posted December 31, 2011 #14 Share Posted December 31, 2011 When the ship is docked, I often pop back to drop off bags, change clothes, grab a quick bite, and leave again. It depends on how long you are docked for, and what else you are doing. Unless you are boarding close to departure time, there should not be a line to get on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted December 31, 2011 #15 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Don't necessarily rush back to the ship for lunch. A lot of the fun of travel IMO is eating local cuisine. Find a nice place and enjoy a lunch ashore. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 1025cruise Posted December 31, 2011 #16 Share Posted December 31, 2011 ""Also do they serve food on the ship during port days or should we plan/budget to eat on shore?" - the hours may be limited, you will get the schedule the night before, but there will be food as usual. You can also make a sandwich at breakfast in the buffet and smuggle it on shore :rolleyes: Don't smuggle a sandwich ashore. Each port will list the do's and don'ts with regards to food, but generally, nothing that isn't prepackaged is allowed off the ship due to agricultural rules. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdvmd Posted December 31, 2011 #17 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Don't smuggle a sandwich ashore. Each port will list the do's and don'ts with regards to food, but generally, nothing that isn't prepackaged is allowed off the ship due to agricultural rules. Good advice that people seem to keep forgetting. Do not take anything off the ship if it is not in a sealed package. Boxes of cereal would be fine. Or bring some crackers/granola bars with you from home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SplitRaindrop Posted January 7, 2012 Author #18 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Thanks everyone for all the advice! The menus are making me hungry! It's good to know there are lots of options. We're actually going on a Smooth Jazz Cruise on the Westerdam so we also have to worry about getting back on board for concerts in the evening! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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