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Interior Staterooms
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approximately 151–233 sq. ft. Stateroom amenities include ...-
Large Inside Stateroom - Category L
LAUD $1,422
total per person -
Standard Inside Stateroom - Category N
NAUD $1,422
total per person -
Large Inside Stateroom - Category K
KAUD $1,432
total per person -
Large Inside Stateroom - Category J
JAUD $1,442
total per person -
Large Inside Stateroom - Category I
IAUD $1,451
total per person -
Inside Spa Stateroom - Category IQ
IQAUD $1,461
total per person
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Ocean-view Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approximately 175–282 sq. ft. Stateroom amenities...-
Oceanview Staterooms - Category F
FAUD $1,626
total per person -
Oceanview Staterooms - Category E
EAUD $1,645
total per person -
Oceanview Staterooms - Category D
DAUD $1,665
total per person -
Oceanview Staterooms - Category C
CAUD $1,684
total per person -
Oceanview Spa Staterooms - Category CQ
CQAUD $1,704
total per person
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Family Ocean-View Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons & 1 upper bed. 2 bathrooms — one with... -
Verandah Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows....-
Verandah Stateroom - Category VH
VHAUD $1,975
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VF
VFAUD $2,111
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VE
VEAUD $2,140
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VD
VDAUD $2,169
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VC
VCAUD $2,199
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VB
VBAUD $2,228
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VA
VAAUD $2,257
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category V
VAUD $2,286
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VS
VSAUD $2,315
total per person -
Verandah Spa Stateroom - Category VQ
VQAUD $2,344
total per person
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Vista Suites
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower, sitting area, private verandah, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling... -
Signature Suites
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, 1 murphy bed for 1 person, bathroom with dual-sink vanity, full-size... -
Neptune Suites
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower &... -
Photo coming soon
Pinnacle Suites
Bedroom with 1 king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, living room, dining room,...-
Pinnacle Suite - Category PS
PSAUD $9,243
total per person
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Interior Staterooms
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approximately 151–233 sq. ft.
Stateroom amenities include
- Luxurious beds featuring Sealy® Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens
- Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerheads
- 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
* The configuration of Accessible Staterooms may vary from the non-accessible stateroom shown here.
Ocean-view Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approximately 175–282 sq. ft. Stateroom amenities include
- Our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring finely woven cotton linens
- Luxurious bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerhead
- 5X magnifying make-up mirror and salon-quality hair dryer
- Room safe
- Mini fridge
- Fragrant soap, lotion, shampoo from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Flat-panel TV with video-on-demand
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
- Corner bar unit
- Bedside USB ports
* The configuration of Accessible Staterooms may vary from the non-accessible stateroom shown here.
Family Ocean-View Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons & 1 upper bed. 2 bathrooms — one with bathtub, shower, sink & toilet, one with shower & sink. Approximately 222–231 sq. ft. Stateroom amenities include
- Our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring finely woven cotton linens
- Luxurious bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerhead
- 5X magnifying make-up mirror and salon-quality hair dryer
- Room safe
- Mini fridge
- Fragrant soap, lotion, shampoo from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Flat-panel TV with video-on-demand
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
- Corner bar unit
- Bedside USB ports
* The configuration of Accessible Staterooms may vary from the non-accessible stateroom shown here.
Verandah Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 228-420 sq. ft. including verandah. Stateroom amenities include
- Our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring finely woven cotton linens
- Luxurious bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerhead
- 5X magnifying make-up mirror and salon-quality hair dryer
- Room safe
- Mini fridge
- Fragrant soap, lotion, shampoo from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Flat-panel TV with video-on-demand
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
- Corner bar unit
- Bedside USB ports
* The configuration of Accessible Staterooms may vary from the non-accessible stateroom shown here.
Vista Suites
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower, sitting area, private verandah, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 260-356 sq. ft. including verandah. Include all the verandah stateroom amenities, plus
- A variety of firm, medium and soft pillows
- No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining
- Priority luggage delivery
- Personalized cruise stationery
- Oversized Egyptian cotton bath towels
- Premium duvet
- One-touch telephone concierge service
- Fresh flowers
- Umbrellas for use on your cruise
- Corner bar unit
- Teak-lined private verandah
* The configuration of Accessible Staterooms may vary from the non-accessible stateroom shown here.
Signature Suites
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, 1 murphy bed for 1 person, bathroom with dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 393-400 sq. ft. including verandah. Include all the stateroom amenities, plus
- A variety of firm, medium and soft pillows
- No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining
- Priority luggage delivery
- Personalized cruise stationery
- Oversized Egyptian cotton bath towels
- Premium duvet
- One-touch telephone concierge service
- Fresh flowers
- Umbrellas for use on your cruise
- Corner bar unit
- Teak-lined private verandah
* The configuration of Accessible Staterooms may vary from the non-accessible stateroom shown here.
Neptune Suites
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 465-855 sq. ft. including verandah. All the Signature Suite amenities plus
- Use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private place to relax with refreshments served throughout the day
- Personalized concierge service
- Priority dining reservations
- Priority boarding in tendered ports of call
- Priority disembarkation
- Complimentary airline boarding pass printout
- Complimentary e-delivery of assorted newspapers
- Clothing brush, lint remover and shoehorn for keeping clothing immaculate
- Wall bar unit
- Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning throughout your cruise
- Exclusive daily breakfast service
- Afternoon in-suite tea service
- Cold hors d’oeuvres served before dinner each evening
- Complimentary sparkling wine upon embarkation
- Fragrant bath salts and exfoliating loofah mitt for an invigorating shower experience
- Binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise
* The configuration of Accessible Staterooms may vary from the non-accessible stateroom shown here.
Pinnacle Suites
Photo coming soon
Bedroom with 1 king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, living room, dining room, dressing room, private verandah with whirlpool, pantry, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, microwave, refrigerator, guest toilet, private stereo system, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 1357 sq. ft. including verandah. Include all the suite amenities, plus
- Use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge and personal concierge service
- Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning throughout your cruise
- Complimentary sparkling wine served in the Neptune Lounge upon embarkation
- Complimentary bottled water provided in suite at embarkation
- Gorgeous corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night
- Cold hors d’oeuvres served before dinner each evening on request
- Binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise
- Wall-unit bar
- Priority boarding for tendered ports of call
- Special disembarkation service
- Priority dining and seating requests
- Exclusive daily breakfast service
- High tea service in suite on request
- Elegant wooden clothing brush, lint remover and shoehorn for keeping clothing immaculate
- Fragrant bath salts and exfoliating loofah mitt for an invigorating shower experience
- Neptune Lounge: A very special amenity exclusively for guests cruising in a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite, the industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy the personalized service of a concierge. The fleet-wide lounges provide worktables, large screen television, library, sofas and chairs, and refreshments throughout the day. One-Touch 24-hour Concierge Service is available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.
- Our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring finely woven cotton linens
- Luxurious bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerhead
- 5x magnifying lighted make-up mirror and salon-quality hair dryer
- Room safe
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
- Mini fridge
- Bedside USB port
* The configuration of Accessible Staterooms may vary from the non-accessible stateroom shown here.
Multiple Decks
Large Inside Stateroom - Category L
Deck 4 - Beethoven Deck
Standard Inside Stateroom - Category N
Multiple Decks
Large Inside Stateroom - Category K
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Large Inside Stateroom - Category J
Multiple Decks
Large Inside Stateroom - Category I
Deck 10 - Panorama Deck
Inside Spa Stateroom - Category IQ
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Oceanview Staterooms - Category F
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Oceanview Staterooms - Category E
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Oceanview Staterooms - Category D
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Oceanview Staterooms - Category C
Deck 10 - Panorama Deck
Oceanview Spa Staterooms - Category CQ
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Family Oceanview Stateroom - Category FB
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Family Oceanview Stateroom - Category FA
Deck 4 - Beethoven Deck
Verandah Stateroom - Category VH
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VF
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VE
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VD
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VC
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VB
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VA
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category V
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VS
Multiple Decks
Verandah Spa Stateroom - Category VQ
Deck 8 - Navigation Deck
Vista Suite - Category B
Multiple Decks
Vista Suite - Category BC
Multiple Decks
Vista Suite - Category A
Multiple Decks
Vista Suite - Category AS
Multiple Decks
Signature Suite - Category SY
Multiple Decks
Signature Suite - Category SS
Deck 6 - Mozart Deck
Neptune Suite - Category SC
Multiple Decks
Neptune Suite - Category SB
Deck 7 - Schubert Deck
Neptune Suite - Category SA
Deck 10 - Panorama Deck
Neptune Spa Suite - Category SQ
Deck 7 - Schubert Deck
Pinnacle Suite - Category PS
Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Fort Lauderdale Depart: Sun, Feb 2, 2020 @ 17:00 -
Day 2
At SeaMon, Feb 3, 2020
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Day 3
Amber CoveArrive: Tue, Feb 4, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Tue, Feb 4, 2020 @ 15:00
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Day 4
San JuanArrive: Wed, Feb 5, 2020 @ 13:00
Depart: Wed, Feb 5, 2020 @ 23:00
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Day 5
Saint ThomasArrive: Thu, Feb 6, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Thu, Feb 6, 2020 @ 17:00
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Day 6
At SeaFri, Feb 7, 2020
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Day 7
Half Moon CayArrive: Sat, Feb 8, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Sat, Feb 8, 2020 @ 15:00
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Day 8
Fort Lauderdale Arrive: Sun, Feb 9, 2020 @ 07:00
Onboard experience
The Dining Room - For breakfast, lunch or an unforgettable five-course dinner, the elegant Dining Room is your destination for sophisticated dining, with menu selections from classic favorites to vegetarian options, to dishes inspired by the regions you’ll visit.
Lido Market - Lido Market provides a fresh, new approach to casual dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with a panoramic view of the sea. A modern marketplace with different themed stations, the Lido offers a curated selection of delicious options to grab on the go or to have quickly made to order.
Dive-In - Dive in to a grilled burger on brioche or a Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog. For alfresco dining by the pool, Dive-In has it all, including lighter fare like our grilled chicken breast sandwich and vegetarian-friendly portabella mushroom stack.
New York Pizza - Served up poolside: crisp Italian salads and personal pan pizzas made with a thin crust and a sauce so savory it does New York-style pizza proud.
24-Hour In-Room Dining - Sleep in and have breakfast delivered. Enjoy an early dinner on your verandah before an evening excursion. Order a salad, sandwich or entrée any time.
Tea Time - On port days relax at Tea Time. On sea days attend a High Tea Dance, featuring live music and traditional fare.
Pinnacle Grill - Enjoy dishes inspired by America’s Pacific Northwest, such as king salmon from Alaska and choice, responsibly raised beef from Washington State’s Double R Ranch. Complement your meal with a selection of boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and other celebrated vineyards from around the world.
Cost: $35 per person
Canaletto - This authentic Italian restaurants offers a menu that celebrates spartire (Italian for "sharing"). Try Braised Chicken Cacciatore "al Forno," Branzino ai Ferri or a classic Italian pasta: spaghetti pomodoro or garlic shrimp-infused ravioli, perhaps. Buon appetito!
Cost: $15 per person
Tamarind - Tamarind delights with exotic menus evoking the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. Menus created by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin feature dishes honoring the elements of water, wood, fire and earth. Praised by Condé Nast Traveler for cuisine "that rivals the top restaurants on land."
Cost: $25 per person
Sel de Mer - Sel de Mer ("sea salt," in French) is an intimate seafood brasserie offering a contemporary twist on French seafood classics, with à la carte dishes ranging from fresh oysters to salt-crusted whole fish to bouillabaisse.
Cost: A la Carte
Dinner at the Culinary Arts Center - In the evening, the Culinary Arts Center transforms into a new dinner concept, an immersive farm-to-table experience where master chefs prepare simple, artisanal dishes in full view of the diners.
Cost: $39 per person, includes wine
Grand Dutch Cafe - Inspired by our Dutch heritage and complemented with blue-and-white Delftware, the Grand Dutch Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a fine pint of lager or your favorite coffee drink, along with a traditional savory Dutch snack.
Cost: A la Carte
Gelato - Enjoy this classic European dessert on ms Koningsdam, made fresh on board in a variety of delicious flavors and styles.
Cost: A la Carte
Club
Direct from Beale Street, the B.B. King’s All-Stars Band brings the best of Memphis music to sea. From funky and fast to soulful and smooth, this eight-piece band performs nightly in the Queen's Lounge.
Bars and Lounges
Whether you’re enjoying the amazing views of the Crow’s Nest, a cocktail menu created by Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff in the Gallery Bar, or a different option every night, our wide selection of lounges and gathering spaces bring your nights to life.
Crow's Nest - Enjoy cocktails and breathtaking sunsets in this unique lounge, which features sweeping panoramic views.
Ocean Bar - Enjoy cocktails and ocean views while listening to live string music.
Gallery Bar - In this unique art-themed bar, order from a menu created by Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, a 2015 James Beard Who's Who Inductee.
Tamarind Bar - Partake in exotic cocktails and sakétinis amid wraparound ocean views.
Lido and Seaview Bars - Sip refreshments poolside in shaded seating around the bar or delivered to your sunny chaise lounge.
Notes - With its impressive collection of more than 130 labels, Notes, a dedicated whiskey bar on ms Koningsdam, is an aficionado’s paradise.
Casino
From perennially popular slot machines and blackjack tables to the latest in sophisticated gaming, the Casino offers games for all levels, staffed with professionals eager to help you learn new skills.
Kids & Teens
Holland America Line’s youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They’ll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.
- Kids’ Program (ages 3–6) - Highlights for kids ages 3 to 6 include “Painting Picassos,” and “Sing-Along Storytime,” as well as theme parties, such as “Dino-Mite Night” and “Ships Ahoy Pirate Treasure Hunt Adventure.”
- Tweens Program (ages 7–12) - From ice-cream eating contests to gaming tournaments and theme parties, tweens will have plenty to enjoy.
- Teens Program (ages 13–17) - Teen cruisers enjoy mocktail parties, karaoke and trivia contests, jewelry making, video games, staff vs. teens volleyball tournaments, themed events and more.
Port Day Activities - Club HAL activities are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on port days. Lunch is available for participants between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children must be registered and signed into and out of programming by a parent or guardian.
Special Needs - Children with special needs are invited to attend Club HAL activities based on their chronological age.
Safety Comes First - Club HAL is accredited by Praesidium and exceeds national standards of care.
Gallery
HAL takes great pride in their onboard art collections. Now, fine art goes high tech. Take a self-guided walking tour highlighting your ship's eclectic collection, valued at tens of millions of dollars.
Spa & Salon
Refresh, Relax And Rejuvenate
During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon and Fitness Center. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.
- Treatment Rooms - Relaxing treatment rooms offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body, and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials.
- Hair & Nail Services - Open your mind to the creativity of HAL international stylists and leave the salon today with a hairstyle that will put a bounce in your step and your locks!
- Signature Service: Well-Being Package - Prepare for wonderful pampering as you enjoy a select combination of rejuvenating spa treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, along with other healthy amenities
Activities
America's Test Kitchen - Join special guest experts from America's Test Kitchen for engaging onboard cooking shows, a multimedia recipe development presentation and culinary trivia--with prizes!
Blend - Create your own wine at BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle.
Digital Workshop - Guests on Holland America Line cruises can learn how to display and share their vacation memories in free Digital Workshop powered by Windows® classes.
Stage Shows
In an exclusive partnership with the world’s leading center for the performing arts, Lincoln Center Stage showcases outstanding live chamber music performances.
With its two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen surrounding you in high-definition, our World Stage is a dazzling, trendsetting theater where innovation meets entertainment.
Movies
Complimentary films and popcorn are waiting for you in your ship's movie theatre. Movies can also be enjoyed from the comfort of your own stateroom or suite. On ms Koningsdam, step out on the Lido Deck to enjoy a movie on the giant LED screen.
Shops
Merabella Luxury Shop & The Shops - Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in the Signature Shops such as Merabella, a luxury jewelry boutique featuring high-end watches and pieces from noted designers.
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness Center on deck 9 - Stop by for indoor cycling classes or Pilates, as well as the latest cardio and weight machines.
- ogging Track & Sport Court on Deck 11
Ship info
Holland America Line’s newest Pinnacle-class ship, Nieuw Statendam is preparing to make her debut! A sister ship to ms Koningsdam, this spectacular new vessel combines classic style with contemporary appointments, engaging new experiences and carefully crafted itineraries.
- Vessel: Nieuw Statendam
- Year: 2018
- Gross Tonnage: 99,500
- Onboard Currency: USD
- Passenger Capacity: 2650
- Swimming Pool: 2
- All main meals onboard included
- Basketball & Volleyball Courts
- Casino
- Fitness Centre
Decks
Nieuw Statendam - Deck Plans
Cruise code: J012
7 nights
Eastern Caribbean Cruise
- Departing from Fort Lauderdale
- Nieuw Statendam
- Private ensuite
- TV for in-cabin entertainment
- In cabin safe
- Most meals and entertainment onboard
- Latest release movies (in cabin and on big screen)
- Choice of Bars and Lounges
Frequently asked questions
Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.
All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.
Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.
One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.
NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.
The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.
There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.
The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.
IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.
Terms and conditions for this cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.
Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.
Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.
When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.
Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.
Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.
Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.
NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.
Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.
Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.
When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.
If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.
Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.
The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.
Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.
Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.
Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.
These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.
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