what not to miss on a cruise?

[Fyly]

i feel that i am posting like crazy today :-)

 

We are leaving in a month for our first cruise on the HAL Westerdam.

What would you say we absolutely have to do or see while on board?

 

thanks,

 

Fyly

[SheilaNC]

Have you read this section of Cruise Critic ? http://www.cruisecritic.com/ftc/

 

It's purpose is to inform first time cruisers. You might want to start there and then ask for more specific information on the board for your cruise line. Have a good time exploring.

[Fyly]

yes I did this the pre-req reading ^_^.

 

I was hoping to get more specifics for HAL cruises (like do the tea! have their waffle or I don;t know what...), but wasn't sure if I should post under HAL or general.

 

Fyly

[jhannah]

Plan to spend some quiet time in the Explorations Cafe. It's an internet center and library with very nice listening stations. Lots of books, magazines, and newspapers. Great place to sit and relax. Oh, grab a specialty coffee, too!

[terrydtx]

Spend time in the gym to work off all the food you will be eating.:eek:

[GmaPajama]

Find a quiet spot on deck, close your eyes, and soak in the sound of the sea.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Go to the Crow's Nest on sea days and as you are leaving the various ports -- watch the view and maybe have a cocktail.

[maxout]

For me it's going out early, grabing a cup of coffee and heading out on deck to watch the sunrise and the ship coming in to port or ordering a breakfast from room service and enjoying it with DW on our verandah.

[NapTown Jim]

For me it's going out early, grabing a cup of coffee and heading out on deck to watch the sunrise and the ship coming in to port or ordering a breakfast from room service and enjoying it with DW on our verandah.

 

I'll second that! :cool:

[Copper10-8]

Try some of the Indonesian food onboard in the dining room (at dinner) and/or in the Lido for lunch: Sate ayam with peanut sauce, Nasi goreng with rice and krupuk, etc.

See the Indonesian (or Filipino) crew show

Try the Pinnacle Grill

[maxout]

Oh, and the Bread Pudding in the Lido! :D

[lka1012]

The Dam ship itself!

[maxout]

Also, meeting your fellow travelers can be very rewarding, after all, you already have something in common. :)

[Nutrioso]

My absolute favorite: those recliner chairs right in front of the window in the Crows Nest. Also, the iPod art tours. And, never miss trying any of the Indonesian dishes at any food venue. Penny

[cnvh]

Try some of the Indonesian food onboard in the dining room (at dinner) and/or in the Lido for lunch: Sate ayam with peanut sauce, Nasi goreng with rice and krupuk, etc.

 

See the Indonesian (or Filipino) crew show

 

Try the Pinnacle Grill

 

I second the recommendation for the Nasi Goreng... not many people seem to order it, but it's OUTSTANDING, and your dining room steward will be delighted that you chose it. :)

[jtl513]

I second the recommendation for the Nasi Goreng... not many people seem to order it, but it's OUTSTANDING, and your dining room steward will be delighted that you chose it. :)

If you like spicy food, ask your waiter for Sambal to put on it. It's a very hot Indonesian chili sauce, and the waiters love to watch your reaction when you try it! Try only a very little at first!

[Harry1954]

relax, take it all in stride, ask questions of appropriate personnel if you have a problem, continue to relax, meet some wonderful people .. and if i forgot to mention, relax.

harry

[mamaofami]

Stop and smell the ocean.

[osiebosie]

I think you know to try eating while on board.

 

The Pinnacle Grill is very good. I guess Westerdam has the restaurant that Maasdam has.

 

Relax and have breakfast delivered.

 

Use the unlimited laundry option. Pack less. Stress less.

 

Enjoy.

 

Shay

[ore-ee-gun]

Take time to check out the art pieces and floral displays throughout the ship... Notice how the lights on the glass elevators change color as they move from one floor to the next... Order room service... As far as food items, go, another vote for the Lido bread pudding, and the chilled fruit soups in the dining room. Enjoy your cruise - you'll be planning your next one before the week is over.

[cruz chic]

If you like spicy food, ask your waiter for Sambal to put on it. It's a very hot Indonesian chili sauce, and the waiters love to watch your reaction when you try it! Try only a very little at first!

 

Love that sambel.....go through lots of it at home. It's so good but really hot!

[lovn2liv]

Hit the lido right before midnight for a slice of pizza or a bowl of pasta. And if you really plan ahead, get the bread pudding during lunch and put it in your refrigerator for a midnight snack later on.

 

My husband and I would go to the lido late, and I'd have a coffee and he'd have his bowl of pasta. It was fun!

[osiebosie]

Oh, Oh, and check out the rugs in the elevators! (If they are the same as Maasdam.)

 

Some of the best hamburgers ever on Lido deck.

 

Shay (again)

[Fyly]

thank you! I love all those :-)

I had no idea about the Indonesian food.

 

Fyly

[Seavoyage]

Hi Fyly:

Wow - this is our 6th time on HAL - loved every cruise and looking forward to the sail on the 24th! Wooo Hoooo it's getting so close....ok with that

 

My favorite things not to miss...

The stars - don't miss the stars at night! There are more than you will ever imagine! Go on deck - you'll be surprised how many people are not out there - sometimes it's like your alone. Amazing!

 

Depending where you will be sailing - we usually sail the (Eastern/Southern)Carribbean..

 

DH and I have seen dolphins following the ship - they seem to come around in the afternoon more than morning (perhaps that is when we seem to be looking?)

 

Flying fish - they jump in the ships wake

 

Double rainbows that is if you are lucky enough to catch some rain in the distance.

 

Of course a sunrise and a sunset!

 

The pizza - it's actually pretty good!

 

Soup - if you like soup - my experience - it's all great!

 

Try dining at the lido one night instead of the dining room - we tried it on the last cruise and was really nice - they had most of the same fare as in the dining room and they even deliver your meal to the table.

 

Ice cream in the afternoon - I think 3pm is cookie time :-) A must do!

 

Coffee? Espresso and Cappaccino!

 

Treat yourself to a spa visit - can be somewhat expensive but service is good.

 

Is this the kind of stuff you are looking for?