Last batch of questions before first sailing on HAL!

[NAUdebo]

Thanks to all the information on these boards, I think I've managed to figure out the answers to almost every question I had before our cruise this Sunday. We're on Westerdam headed to Alaska, first cruise on HAL and first since RCCL in 2002.

 

That being said, there are a few small questions I still don't know all the answers to. We have an SB cabin, so some of them are related to suite perks. Any help you can provide is appreciated.

 

How does priority tendering work, exactly? I know you don't have to go downstairs to get a pass, so do we just jump into the line without the tender ticket? Or is there a seperate line for suite pax?

 

When does the final tender from the shore go back to the ship? We depart Sitka at 5 - when should I plan to be in line to catch the last group of tenders?

 

What types of draft beer do they serve in the bars and lounges, other than the standard Miller/Bud/Coors?

 

We can order hors d'ourves every afternoon/evening in our suite. What kind of choices are there? Is it too much food before dinner?

 

I've seen references to a Royal Dutch High Tea and an Indonesian Tea. Are these one in the same, or different events? If different events, what is the difference, and are either of them worth setting time aside to attend?

 

I know that laundry has a 48-hour turnaround, but what if I just want to get a few shirts pressed on the first or second day? Is the turnaround faster for pressing? We'll have everything in suitcases, and I hate ironing. :p

 

There's a sports bar next to the casino, but I haven't seen any posts on it. Anyone have experience? Is there a good variety of live games being shown throughout the day? I was hoping to see some of the Stanley Cup finals.

 

Thanks!

[Mary Ellen]

How does priority tendering work, exactly? I know you don't have to go downstairs to get a pass, so do we just jump into the line without the tender ticket? Or is there a seperate line for suite pax?

You'll go to the end of the line when you want to tender ashore. Instead of a tender pass (numbered card), you'll just show your room key when going though security.

 

We can order hors d'ourves every afternoon/evening in our suite. What kind of choices are there? Is it too much food before dinner?

There will be a daily selection. How many you eat is up to you.

 

I've seen references to a Royal Dutch High Tea and an Indonesian Tea. Are these one in the same, or different events? If different events, what is the difference, and are either of them worth setting time aside to attend?

Different events. I've never seen both on a 7-day cruise. IT will be held on a sea day. We enjoy them.

 

I know that laundry has a 48-hour turnaround, but what if I just want to get a few shirts pressed on the first or second day? Is the turnaround faster for pressing? We'll have everything in suitcases, and I hate ironing.

Sorry, I've never done pressing only.

 

There's a sports bar next to the casino, but I haven't seen any posts on it. Anyone have experience? Is there a good variety of live games being shown throughout the day? I was hoping to see some of the Stanley Cup finals.

I don't know about the variety, but something major like the Stanley Cup will probably be shown. I know last year we were off the coast of South America during the Super Bowl. The Rotterdam had a special 'event' including munchies for those watching the game.

[NAUdebo]

Thanks, Mary Ellen!

[JDinWA]

I know that laundry has a 48-hour turnaround, but what if I just want to get a few shirts pressed on the first or second day? Is the turnaround faster for pressing? We'll have everything in suitcases, and I hate ironing. :p

 

We sent a few things for ironing only on the first day, and got them back before dinner the following day (fortunately, since my mother's formal skirt was one of the items).

[jmk22574]

NAUdebo - we'll be on this cruise with you. I'm THRILLED to find out that catching the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the cruise may in fact be a possibility. I was under the impression that since the games are televised on NBC, they would not be available on the ship. I remember on our last cruise, we caught a Michigan State football game (September cruise) in the Sports Bar, but it was on ESPN. There were a couple of couches and tables on the opposite side of the bar with a big-screen TV.....that would be the PERFECT spot to catch some hockey. Hope to see you there! GO RED WINGS!!!! :)

 

Jill

[takemewithyou]

I'll elaborate on some of your questions.

 

Since you are in a suite, you get priority handling of your laundry and pressing needs. There will be a laundry form in your room - usually found in the closet with a blue laundry bag - just fill out the form indicating you want pressing done and on what items. Some time that first day, give the form and the items to your room steward or simply call the Neptune Lounge concierges and they will see that it gets taken care of. You should get the items back the nexy day.

 

The Indonesian High Tea is very special. The waiters dress in their native outfits and there is Indonesian music playing. They come around with several varieties of loose tea and you pick the type you would like and they serve you. Then the waiters come around with trays of exotic tidbits to go with the tea. It is a very nice experience and I would choose the Indonesian tea over the Dutch High Tea, if you get a choice.

 

As far as what time the last tender runs....check your daily program and everything will be outlined in there - it will say when the last tender is....probably 30- 45 min before your scheduled time to leave. Sitka is my favorite Alaska port. Enjoy! :)

[takemewithyou]

As far as appetizers to be delivered to your room - they are usually quite heavy - fried foods. Not the best, IMO. I prefered going into the Neptune and picking up cheese, little sandwiches, etc for appetizers in the afternoon. They also serve hot appetizers in the Ocean Bar before dinner. Those are usually good.

 

Watch and see if you get any 2 for 1 drinks or half priced drinks in the Ocean Bar during Happy Hour. That was a good deal in Feb on the Noordam and Dec on Zaandam. It may be mentioned in the daily program.

[Boytjie]

I know that laundry has a 48-hour turnaround, but what if I just want to get a few shirts pressed on the first or second day? Is the turnaround faster for pressing? We'll have everything in suitcases, and I hate ironing. :p

 

When we unpacked on the Zuiderdam in 2008 we gave our formal shirts to our steward to be pressed for the next night's formal and had it by lunch the next day. (We were not in a suite).

[NAUdebo]

NAUdebo - we'll be on this cruise with you. I'm THRILLED to find out that catching the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the cruise may in fact be a possibility. I was under the impression that since the games are televised on NBC, they would not be available on the ship. I remember on our last cruise, we caught a Michigan State football game (September cruise) in the Sports Bar, but it was on ESPN. There were a couple of couches and tables on the opposite side of the bar with a big-screen TV.....that would be the PERFECT spot to catch some hockey. Hope to see you there! GO RED WINGS!!!! :)

 

Jill

 

 

Go Wings! We might see you there... I know there's a game on Sunday!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Westerdam -- just did 21 days on her.

They tried 2 for 1 drink specials a couple of nights. But since it was for house brands only, domestic beer and no house wines -- it flopped. So don't count on it. Rarely were appetizers brought out until 5:30 so if you have the early dining time you won't get any.

There were times when we had to wait 3 days for laundry to be returned -- and we were in the Penthouse.