Amsterdam Boarding Time

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2m2cruz

Guest
Just got our docs last week for our family Alaska cruise on the Amsterdam sailing out of Seattle. HA says that the boarding time is 3pm for a 5 pm departure. It has been a few years since we sailed on HA and that was out of Ft. Lauderdale and we boarded about 12:30 then. There will be 9 of us, including 2 children, so we want to arrive early enough to take care of all our baggage without being rushed and 3pm sounds like it is too late.

We would appreciate any information about boarding time/procedures and pier area parking from any Addicts who have sailed on the Amsterdam out of Seattle this year.

Thanks, Mike
 
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ShipMaven

Guest
They probably will start boarding around 1:00 or 1:30pm - wheelchair passengers first, then suite passengers, then general boarding (sometimes, they will allow families with small children to board first within the general boarding group if you don't fall within the other categories).

Bon Voyage!
 
T

Tampa Mike

Guest
Mike,

I sailed Amsterdam from Seattle last September. If you get there before 3pm, you will likely be waiting to board. They started check in around 1-1:30pm, and give boarding numbers to sit and wait. If you arrive around 3pm, the majority will be in que to board (those that have been camping out in the terminal all day). Arrive about 3:30, you will likely go aboard with little wait.

They actually started suites and pre boards about 2:30. The mass boarding was in groups of 50, started right at 3pm.

The boat drill was about 4:45, and sailed promptly thereafter. Not much fuss once you get aboard. Wait till dinner time for any front desk business...it is slammed on boarding.

Have a great trip...I'll be on Prinsendam same period. Perhaps our ships will cross.

Mike In Tampa
 
2

2m2cruz

Guest
Thanks ShipMaven & Mike,

The HAL docs also stated there was no parking at the pier. I just got on the Seattle Cruise port web site and it says there is 700 car parking available at pier 30 that can also handle RV's and campers. Cars are $12 per day.

They also have good maps of both cruise terminals showing the location of the pier terminal parking lots and the entrances to the Princess and HAL areas of terminal 30.

It also has good information on transportation and distances to tourist attractions and the Seattle Airport.

Looking forward to Amsterdam and Alaska and just booked the Statendam to The Sea of Cortez in December.

Mike & Mary Ann in hot, dry Colorado
 
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ShipMaven

Guest
Mike & Mary Ann (that's my name and spelling, too)...

Have a great cruise on the Amsterdam.

I think you'll LOVE the Sea of Cortez cruise. Several of us did it last October on Ryndam - it's a real "sleeper". One of the most peaceful, tranquil cruises I've taken. The port of Loreto hasn't been overrun with tourists; La Paz reminded me of THE Riviera in France and Italy and the ride there from Pichilingue is very picturesque. And you'll be cruising the Sea of Cortez at the start of THE wildlife-viewing season. Cabo is very trendy...and interesting.
 
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wendyandbarry

Guest
Which Sailing are you on for the Amsterdam??
I've been so ready to do the document dance with our group that are going on the 20th of Sept. Since we are so spread out across the US most of our group are arriving in Seattle from a week early (and they'll vacation on land for a week) to us who are arriving by train on the day of sailing. We arrive by train around 1 o'clock and by the time we arrive at the terminal we were told we'll be able to board but we have a wheelchair person with us.
As everyone has said the ship will start boarding right around noonish as soon as the ship is emptied and cleaned from the past cruise. I was really hoping they would start the, " you can board early but just can't go to your cabin" like they are doing on other cruises. I was waiting till after we all got our documents to ask about it. It wouldn't hurt to call guest relations at Holland America and ask them that.
We have people in inside cabins and Suites and some will have to leave their Hotel/Motel by 10:00 and some by 11:00. It would sure benefit them to go from the lodging to the ship and not have to worry about what to do for so many hours before they can board the ship. And what to do with their luggage since it's not as close to downtown as Pier 66 was.
I haven't seen the parking at Pier 30 but I do know they have a parking lot there. We didn't drive up because there are 4 of us coming by the train and that amount of luggage just doesn't fit well in any of our cars unless we went separate and how much fun would that be?
Happy Sailing.

Wendy (Not Barry who always posts here)



Post Edited (08-17-03 13:39)
 
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