? about the Veendam (2 threads merged)

[onlyparrotlets]

We are leaving on the Veendam on July 3 for the Gems of the Baltic cruise. As the countdown approaches, folks in my group of 6 are becoming quite nervous thinking of this and that.

 

In particular, my dh is worried about the amount of cash that we may need to travel with. Our 2 days in St Petersburg with Alla alone will cost about $800 cash.

 

When we took a cruise last year on RC to the Med, at the casino, you were allowed to take cash (up to $2000) from your credit card...cash advance...for a small fee. This would work out beautifully for paying Alla and then not having to travel with so much cash in our pocket.

 

Does anyone here have any experience with this on the Veendam? I realize that there will be ATMS onboard, however, our experience on the Med cruise was that every day we were in port, it was out of order.

 

Thanks in advance to any who can help me with this cash situation!

 

Margie

[onlyparrotlets]

We are leaving on the Veendam July3 from Copenhagen for a 10 day Baltic cruise.

 

My husband is concerned with the amount of cash that we will be traveling with as the 2 days in St Petersburg alone will be about $800.

 

On other ships in the past, you were allowed to get cash from the casino of $2000 per day and it was charged to your credit card for a small fee.

 

We were just wondering if this was allowed on the Veendam as it would suit our cash needs perfectly!

 

I understand that there will probably be an ATM onboard, however, on our last cruise to the Med, the ATMs onboard appeared to be always out of order.

 

thanks in advance for any information!

Margie

[grammyc]

Margie,

 

DH and I (along with 12 other family members) cruised the western Caribbean on the Veendam this February. I am unfamiliar with Alla and unsure what that is, but I can tell you first hand that I was also concerned about the amount of cash we needed to carry with us on-board. I opted to take $2000.00 and put them into $100.00 denomination traveler's check's at my bank before our cruise began. I was able to take a few of them per day and cash them in at the front desk in the lobby of the ship. I never visited the ATM on the ship. I also was able to sit at any table in the casino and give a traveler's check and my room key to the dealer at that table and she gave me the same amount back in gambling chips. This saved me from borrowing against my credit cards during the entire cruise. I put the majority of them back in my pocket and cashed them in at the casino cashier which gave me pocket money for shopping while in ports. Of course, our ports did not require the amount that you state that it is going to cost you. Each stateroom on the Veendam has a safe in the closet area which you lock with any credit card. I was able to lock away any cash, credit cards or valuables while we were away from our stateroom. I hope some of this information helps and hope you have a safe and enjoyable cruise on the Veendam. It was our first cruise ever and enjoyed the daylights out of it!!! Would love to sail on her again. Just have to start saving up!! What stateroom and what floor are you going to be on? We were in cabin 48 on the Navigation deck. It was a deluxe verandah and I will definately opt for it next time if it's available. If you get to the casino, ask if Valentina is dealing. She is a hoot and we enjoyed playing at her table. She may be on her break at home. Can't remember how long she said she was going to be on the ship. If you do see her, tell her "Dennis and family" says hello and wish her well.

 

Happy Sailing,

 

Cindy

[Islandbuoy]

There are usually ATM's onshore in all ports as well as getting money in the casino. Of course you'll get euros , but that's what you need anyway.

[doone]

Last I knew, there were no ATM's onboard the HAL ships.

[doorcountydi]

I was just on the Veendam in May...didn't see an ATM, but my sister and I each charged $400 in cash to our credit card/room. It's not $800 each, so I don't know the limit; but I do know you can still do that with some cash at least

 

Diane

[Jemima]

No ATM. Travelers checks work well on HAL cruises. These can be cashed at any time while credit card advances may have limits or cut-off times. Money given to you will be US. If you want non-US money, you then need to do an exchange either on the ship or ashore.

[RuthC]

The first thing that needs to be cleared up is that there is no ATM on any HAL ship. Please do not board thinking you will have access to one. Be prepared for that.

I suggest you bring the Alla payment in Travelers Cheques and cash them at the Front Desk before you leave for your tour. That's how I handled my Red October transaction when I went to St. Petersburg.

If you want to take a cash advance from your credit card you can do that, too, at the Front Desk. But be aware---there will be a 3% charge to do so.

Have a great time in this most beautiful area. I loved my time in the Baltics.

[dakrewser]

In most ports other than St. Petersburg you will find ATMs in or near the port to get currency to use in the port. And you'll use lots of different currency on a Baltic cruise! (check with your bank for exact locations, or check the visa web site if you use a visa debit/atm card). Alla will take dollars or Euros, so (if you'll be in a Euro-using country) you can get some at an ATM, but Ruth's suggestion of Traveller's checks cashed at the front desk is the best idea. There are many sources of fee-free travelers checks (such as AAA, even American Express for platinum and, I believe, Gold cardholders, your bank or credit union may also offer them.)

[LMac]

If you get to the casino, ask if Valentina is dealing. She is a hoot and we enjoyed playing at her table. Cindy

 

I can't answer your question about cash...we just took what we needed and kept it in the safe.

 

But I do want to say our group also had a ball with Valentina. Oh my goodness. I was laughing so hard I didn't even notice all the money I lost! She made it not quite so painful. We all tipped her extra every time. We were on the V in May, but I can't remmeber when she said she was going on vacation. Tell her "Alabama" loved her. That is what she called all 12 of us.

 

The Veendam is a lovely ship. Just be careful and don't ruin your trip by worrying about the money!

 

Leslie

[catl331]

One thing we found useful in Russia were Am. dollar bills for souvenier purchases here and there. They all welcomed the dollar bills. If you have larger money and expect change, I don't know what they will give you back. you can't take Russian money out of the country. (who would?) We took ship tours of st. pete and they worked out well as could be. Just remember to look where you step as there are many uneven streets and potholes

[onlyparrotlets]

:) Thanks to you all for your wonderful advice!!!

 

margie