a few more questions

[Bohrski]

Zaandam ,June 9th ,Alaska, 1st cruise- its getting closer!! I read this board everyday to help with the waiting! I have some small questions if you can help me: Are there decaf drinks - coffee, tea, soda available? When in port can you disembark and return at any time during the stay or are there special times? I assume that you have to be checked in and out? How early can I get a cup of coffee? (I don't think I am going to be able to sleep!!) Are there pool towels or do I need to bring one from the cabin? Do I keep it for the duration? When you talk about being dressed up in public areas at night does that mean the promenade deck too? Can I sit on a outside deck chair in jeans at night? I think I am going to spend lots of time watching the beautiful scenery all day and night (I might be wrong!)....Does the ship move much on this trip? I mean for sea sickness - not forward motion - ha ha!

 

many thanks....

[WindyCity]

There is decaf coffee available, but I don't know about tea and soda. Yes, you can disembark and embark whenever it suits you in port. In Skagway, we went on a morning shore excursion, came back to the ship for lunch and then went for an afternoon excursion. I would not recommend this - very exhausting. We had room service dinner that nite because we were too tired to dress. Pool towels are available at the pool. As far as wearing jeans on the promenade deck - I am sure no one will throw you off the ship for not adhering to the dress code there. There was a woman next to me in the casino on formal night who was in jeans - whatever floats your boat!

As far as motion - during the day the ship moved slowly, after 10 p.m., the captain sped up and you could feel the motion, but it really was not bad. Enjoy your cruise - the Zaandam is a lovely ship and Alaska is a great itinerary. Make sure you stand at the railing from time to time and look down into the water - we saw whales, dolphin, sea otter

[RuthC]

Windy City answered most of your questions. I'll add:

Coffee/tea is available 24 hours/day in the Lido and via room service.

There's caffeine free Coke available. I drink the caffeine free diet Coke.

No one's going to object to your wearing jeans on the Promenade Deck at night, but they should not be worn in the public areas.

[Slinkiecat]

I'm confused now. Isn't the Promenade Deck public? I just wish HAL would come up with a definition that lets us know where we can go if we don't wish to dress up on formal nights.

 

Slinkie

[WindyCity]

I think Ruth means the interior of the ship. Very few people are out on deck in the evenings. When we were in the Caribbean, we only saw a few people wandering the deck at night. In Alaska, where it will be a lot colder at night, you will be lucky to see another person.

[carole52m]

I think Ruth means the interior of the ship. Very few people are out on deck in the evenings. When we were in the Caribbean, we only saw a few people wandering the deck at night. In Alaska, where it will be a lot colder at night, you will be lucky to see another person.

 

WE went to Alaska a few years ago on Celebrity - at the end of August. The only time the ship really rocked was when we hit a storm going to Glacier Bay. If you start to feel sick - the best thing to do is to eat an apple and some breadsticks. Do not skip food if you feel quesy - it will only make the stomach juices slosh more.

[elmorejj]

You can always get sea sickness pills from the front desk if you feel queasy, also tylenol, and they are free......jean:cool:

[RuthC]

I think Ruth means the interior of the ship. Very few people are out on deck in the evenings. When we were in the Caribbean, we only saw a few people wandering the deck at night. In Alaska, where it will be a lot colder at night, you will be lucky to see another person.

I did mean that jeans would be all right on the outside promenade deck---but not inside in the public areas.

Yes, in Alaska it can be cold outside at night, but the OP was speaking of sitting outside on a deck chair in jeans. That's what I thought I was answering.

[Bohrski]

Yes, I meant sitting outside - I am not much of a socialite and do not drink or dance and although I plan to enjoy everything offered on board ship I also forsee lots of sitting and looking at nature. I have never been on a cruise before and have dreamed of Alaska for years. I read all your wonderful posts and am counting the minutes! Of course I am a HS chemistry teacher who is very tired and in need of a rest - school finishes May 25th for us here in Florida!!