Hi Wanna Travel,

There are a lot of little things you will learn just through experiencing it.  I was a newbie on the last cruise.  This is what I experienced, at dinner we ordered, ate and wasn't sure if we were just suppose to leave or pay a tip.  By the end of the trip, I figured out that if you don't like what you ordered you can get a different dish.  If you feel something isn't going to be enough, order both.  You can order as much as want, there are no rules.  You don't need to tip.  We were told you didn't have to tip your stewards, however we loved our steward!! He treated us so well.  We would come back to our room and there would be a different towel critter every day, at night he dimmed the lights and turned down our bed.  There was always fresh ice.  He even picked up our delicates off the floor and folded them (after that experience we made sure we didn't leave them on the floor). So we rewarded him with a nice tip.  This time I am more prepared I know what to expect.   

here...how about this

sleddog.... I need one that captures extra time too.  Need to magically add hours to my vacation allotment at work so I can take more of these

vacation piggy bank

Hey Leonie, hope you didn't throw away your 241, they are like gold dust, many on this site and friends you meet will split the cost of the payment for what is one person on a 241. That way you both get a much more affordable holiday. Jacke

Jackie,

no regrets - just anticipation.... and I think I'm already in trouble.  I almost booked one of the resort comedy trips when the two for 1 special coupon showed up in my email.  I think I better work on that vacation bank!!

Thanks again for the info.

Leona

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Hi Wannatravel, when the holiday gets nearer Olivia send you a link to the cruise ship line with your boarding info, you need that code to go to the cruise line excursions for the Olivia trip. That's when you are able to do the online check in process and print your luggage tags. Book the excursions and leave a credit or debit card info. Once aboard you get a ship card which essentially opens your room, and is tied to your credit card so you use that to pay for anything.

 You'll be disappointed you waited so long, and disappointed you started....Olivia holidays are kind of addictive...be sure to save extra hard between now and going cos you will want to go again soon after coming home..sorry but it has grabbed us all. The all female environment really is something else. You have been warned lol. Jackie

Thanks Sled dog - actually got your post on another thread about bringing on the bottled water that made me think about asking. I wouldn't have even thought about that.  I don't drink and drink primarily water -I can easily go through 2-3 cases in a week.  That could have been an unexpected chunk of change at a couple bucks a pop.

 Thanks for helping share your insights.  Hopefully we'll be able to connect at the bon voyage party or something before hitting the boat.  I booked into Hyatt coming in on Friday right now.

Leona

Hey Jackie - thanks for the info.  I'm really excited for this.  I've been thinking about doing one of these for a long time but always had higher priorities.  Finally decided to just go for it this time.

You mentioned the solo excursions at the end of the holland america site info.  I've never seen the site, could you post the link? 

Thanks,

Leona

To be honest...Judy only gives a couple of talks during the week...but not everyday.  And the time varies...depending on the trip and the day.  You get a new raffle ticket each time...and a few 2-for1's are given out through the talk.  At times there is no ticket...just the person's name is picked out...it can even happen right before a show!  And sometimes Judy (gotta love her!) collects one shoe from whoever really wants to go and does a "shoe-for-one".  But...no matter how it's done...you have to be there to win the trip.
We'll see you soon Leona on this fantastic cruise!

 

Another thing wannatravel, Everyday Judy has her talks about 11 am and you want to be sure to go. You will get a ticket to hold onto and after the talk if your number is called you will win a 2 for 1 trip. It's a very exciting way to travel with Olivia....

Hi Wannatravel, the ships crew post a daily list of activities in your room or just outside from Olivia, which lets you know what's happening, where and what time. The solos sit together at meal times so you may hear/be invited along to different things. There is a meet n greet for the solos for the first few days so we all know who we are. The shows we have solo seats so we are never alone. We get Dog Tags so we can spot one another. One excursion each day has been designated for solos so you won't be alone their either if you choose them. The solo trips are marked at the end of the info on the Holland America site. There are always Olivia staff in reception who will guide you and we have a designated Solo Olivia person. Just turn up, relax and have fun. Jackie

Hi,

this will be my first cruise ever - and first Olivia gathering.  I'm actually coming solo  as well.  I've seen a few tips about stuff I wouldn't have even thought about asking.  Wondering if any of the more experienced crowd can help provide a guide list for those of us doing this the first time?  And timelines when we should be watching out for things?

 Thanks for the help - looking forward to the trip.