holland america dublin excursions

Dublin, Ireland

This capital city is an intimate one. On your own, stroll along St. Stephen's Green or down Grafton Street, through Phoenix Park or Merrion Square, resting at one of the city's charming pubs. City tours usually feature Trinity College, the classic Georgian mansions, the 12th-century St. Patrick's Cathedral and Abbey Theatre.

Driving Directions and Parking Information Alexandra Quay York Rd Dublin 4, Ireland Once you leave the airport, take the M1 ramp towards City Centre/M50. Stay on the M1 for 2km, then continue onto M50 for 6km. Continue onto E Wall Rd/R131 until you reach your destination, Alaxandra Quay.

• Holland America Line

Dublin excursions

By 5bestyears , April 5, 2019 in Holland America Line

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Has anyone found a great deal on Dublin excursions / tours, instead of the Princess excursion? 

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#1 This is the Holland America forum. Are you taking a Princess cruise?

#2 You will probably find lots of good information on the Ports forum instead of the general cruiseline forum.

We just went off on our own starting at Trinity College for the Book of Kells. Definitely well worth it. After that DW made it a shopping excursion, not the usual thing for her to do.

9 hours ago, oceanmom said: #1 This is the Holland America forum. Are you taking a Princess cruise? #2 You will probably find lots of good information on the Ports forum instead of the general cruiseline forum.

DeepWaterMariner

There are free walking tours in many cities including Dublin.  They work for tips.  I've done one in Dublin which was very good.  You can reserve a spot online but they gladly take walk ups too.

Don't miss Kilmainham Gaol (Jail).  They give a tour and so much history!  You can do it on your own if you decide to see Dublin without a Tour.  We had it added to our Tour as a stop years ago and so glad we did!

I would recommend you use the hop on hop off bus.  You can visit multiple historical sites for a very low price.

VacationCharlene

We will be in Dublin in August 2019 and plan to use Day Tours Unplugged - Damien O'Reilly- for an 8 hour excursion to see Newgrange, Monasterboice, Hill of Tara and Hill of Shane.....check them out.  WE are excited to be using them.

https://www.daytoursunplugged.ie/

Have a great cruise :-)  Safe travels

cruisequeen4ever

Regardless of which cruise line you’re going on, Dublin is very easy to DIY. If very mobile, you can walk the city after taking a taxi or the cruise line shuttle from the port to the main area; that’s what we did. If not so mobile, it’s pretty easy to taxi around. Pre-Purchase tickets to see the Book of Kells and the Guiness Storehouse as those can have long lines. 

1 hour ago, cruisequeen4ever said: Regardless of which cruise line you’re going on, Dublin is very easy to DIY. If very mobile, you can walk the city after taking a taxi or the cruise line shuttle from the port to the main area; that’s what we did. If not so mobile, it’s pretty easy to taxi around. Pre-Purchase tickets to see the Book of Kells and the Guiness Storehouse as those can have long lines. 

When we got off the ship, we went straight to Trinity College for the Book of Kells. Since it had not opened yet, the line was fairly short and moved well once it opened.

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26 Things You’ll Want To Know Before Cruising Holland America

Endless allures and unbeatable luxury accentuated by mesmerizing views of the open sea. Some travel by air, others prefer embracing the perks of cruising escapades. After all, it is a floating island of abounding culinary fares, out of this world fun, boatloads of entertainment options, and an awesome time with some of the friendliest people on Earth!

Holland America offers a no-nonsense cruising experience with premium amenities and deluxe packages. It’s a perfect way to relax in style and indulge in culinary pleasures. However, if you are new to the world of cruising, you might have questions on what to expect, and what is included in your cruise fare.

If you picked Holland America Lines(HAL) for your next cruise adventure, here are 26 things you’ll want to know before your set sail. This way, you can really make the most out of your cruise without missing out on any of the fun.

#1 Travel Documents

Travel documents vary depending on the requirements of your nationality and the ports you’re visiting. Regardless, don’t forget to bring all your travel documents otherwise you will be denied boarding and no refunds will be given.

For US citizens, you must bring one or more of the following travel documents for closed-loop cruises: a. Valid passport with at least 6 months from expiration (Note: This is the recommended travel document for travel on land, air & sea) b. Passport card c. State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License d. Certificate of Naturalization with a government issued photo ID e. US Birth Certificate with photo ID

#2 Dining and Beverage

Whether you are satisfied with what’s complimentary to your fare, or treat yourself to new culinary heights at specialty dining venues, the choice is yours.

Complimentary Dining Options:

a. Lido Market –  Casual buffet dining b. Dive-In  – Burgers and Hotdogs c. 24 hour in room dining d. New York Pizza  – Thin crust pizza and salads e. The Dining Room –  main dining room (MDR) with dining served a la carte f. Tea Time –  perfect spot for an afternoon cup of tea

Specialty Fine Dining Options:

a. Pinnacle Grill –  Steakhouse restaurant b. Canaletto –  Italian fare c. Tamarind –  Pan Asian flavors d. Rudi’s Sel De Mer –  Classic French cuisine e. Nami Sushi –  Japanese restaurant

Specialty Casual Dining Options :

a. Grand Dutch Cafe –  cold beer, coffee and snacks b. Gelato –  ice cream parlor c. Explorations Cafe –  fresh pastries and specialty coffee

The Dining Room options:

Choose your dining preferences while doing your online check-in. a. Pre-Set Scheduled Seating and Dining Times(Early at 5:44pm or Late at 8pm) b. Flexible Open Dining or “As You Wish”(5:15pm-9pm)

Dining Packages:

These packages help you save you money dining at specialty restaurants. a. Signature Dining Package

• $35 per person
• Good for one night at the Pinnacle Grill and one night at Canaletto

b. Distinctive Dining Package

• $50 per person
• Good for one dinner each at the Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto & Tamarind

c. Evenings at the Pinnacle Package

• $52 per person
• Two nights at the Pinnacle Grill

Beverage Packages:

a. Signature Drink Package

• $51.69 per day if purchased pre cruise, $57.44 if purchased on board
• unlimited alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages valued at $9 or less

b. Elite Beverage Package

• $63.19 per day whether purchased pre cruise, or on board
• unlimited alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages valued at $15 or less
• On Koningsdam, this also includes the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines

c. Quench Beverage Package

• $17.95 per person per day
• unlimited nonalcoholic beverages and specialty coffees

d. The Coca-Cola Package

• $8 per person per day
• unlimited fountain drinks

e. The Water Package

• 12 one-liter bottles of water for $32

f. Cellar Master Package

• $ 252 per person
• Choice of 5 wine bottles
• Standard and Premium wine tasting
• One dinner at Pinnacle Grill
• Wine accessory gift set
• A Holland America commemorative bottle of wine

Notes:  a. Prices include 15% gratuity b. Available for purchase on board on the first 48 hours of cruise only c. If someone buys the signature or elite beverage package, everyone in the stateroom ages 21 and above must also buy one d. Maximum of 15 drinks per day. Drinks are served one at a time.

#3 Luggage Tags

Luggage tags are for those who would like to check in their luggages to be delivered to your stateroom. Printable luggage tags are available at the Online Check-In start page. You may select to print as many as you need for your vacation.

Generic HAL luggage tags will also be available for you at the airport or the pier prior to your final check in. Be sure to print your name, stateroom number, and sailing date. Luggages without tags or owner identification may not be loaded on the ship.

#4 Holland America Line Connect

HAL allows you to stay connected via satellite internet with the following WiFi plans:

a. Social Plan

• Limited access that allows you to get connected via Facebook or WhatsApp
• Priced at $14.99 per day, or a discounted $69.99 for a 7-day cruise

b. Surf Plan

• Allows you to check your email or surf the web.
• Priced at $24.99 per day, or a discounted $99 for a 7-day cruise

c. Premium Plan

• High speed internet that allows you to stream videos, music and so much more.
• Priced at $29.99 per day, or a discounted $139.99 for a 7-day cruise

#5 Dress Code

On most evenings smart casual attire is appropriate.

On Gala Nights in fine dining restaurants, collared shirts and slacks are required for gentlemen. For ladies, elegant dresses, skirts, or slacks are all acceptable. Jeans, shorts and T-shirts are only allowed in the casual dining restaurants.

You can pre-order formal wear for gentlemen for your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at (800) 551-5091 or (305) 252-6565 . Your formal wear will be in your stateroom when you board. (Edit: Cruiseline Formalwear is no longer in business so you will have to bring in your own formal wear during formal nights.)

#6 Laundry Services

In your stateroom closet, you will find laundry bags and price lists for HAL’s laundry services.

Onboard coin-operated self-service launderettes consisting of washers, dryers, irons and ironing boards are available on the Amsterdam and Maasdam. Iron and ironing boards are provided at no cost.

For safety reasons, travel irons, and electric water heaters/kettles are not allowed in your stateroom.

#7 Limited Electrical Outlets

All staterooms are equipped with standard 110 AC and 220 AC outlets. All staterooms are equipped with hair dryers. Electrical devices such as small fans , power strips , multi plug box outlets/ adaptors , and extension cords without surge protectors are allowed onboard when used with proper caution.

#8 Ground Transportation

Transfers from the port city airport to the ship and back are available for purchase by calling Holland America Line at (877)724-5425 .

For guests who purchased the Fly Cruise Plan and transfers through Holland America Line, Holland America Line representatives will be stationed in the airport baggage claim area or outside the customs area.

Confirmation of transfer reservation and flight arrival information is required at least 14 days prior to their sailing date.

#9 Excursions

Shore Excursions are available to book online up to three days before sailing or by calling (888)425-9376 to book by phone.

For avid cruisers who would like to heighten their cruising experience with a specialized set of excursions available at select ports, there is a number of collections available for you. You can click here for more details.

a. Medallion Collection – exclusive excursions with small groups b. Encore Collection – showcases hidden gems and inside stories for attractions you’ve already seen c. World Wonders Collection – focuses on natural treasures, architectural marvels and even the seven wonders of the world d. Signature Collection – independent travelers who want to customize their time by reserving their own private transportation e. Cruise with Purpose Collection – cruise with a deeper purpose of giving back and improving our planet

#10 Cruise Cabin Types

HAL offers staterooms with ample closet space, secure safe for your valuables, flat-screen television, and a hair dryer.

Types of Cabins on Holland Ships:

a. Interior Staterooms – cheapest but smallest and without natural light. Perfect for budget cruisers.

b. Ocean View Staterooms – rooms accentuated with gorgeous views of the open sea

c. Verandah and Lanai Staterooms – all the perks of an Ocean View cabin with a private furnished balcony and small sitting areas

d. Suite Staterooms – Holland America has four types of suites differing both in accommodation size and luxury: Vista, Signature, Neptune and Pinnacle.

All suites contain premium duvets, sitting areas and a furnished balcony. Suites can easily accommodate families and larger groups thanks to extra beds or sofa beds.

Neptune or Pinnacle Suite bookings come with private concierge services and the Neptune Lounge, which features a library, a flat-screen TV and refreshments throughout the day.

e. Spa Stateroom or Suite – while similar in size and amenities to rooms in the same category, these rooms earn a “Spa” label thanks to their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Perks include extras like yoga mats and iPod docking stations. Exclusive spa services can be booked for an additional fee.

#11 When & Where Newsletter

When and Where is the HAL’s daily program newsletter. It is sent to your room at night and contains a detailed breakdown of next day’s schedule.

Information it contains: a. Schedule of onboard activities b. Times and location of musical performances c. Onboard dining venue, seating times, dress code and surcharges d. Special offers and discounts on shops e. Important announcements f. Weather forecast g. Ship’s anticipated arrival time and the time of the last tender back to the ship on port days

#12 Beverages On Board

Guests are allowed to bring in bottled water and soda as long as they carry it on board during embarkation.

Wine or Champagne Guests 21 years and older may bring one bottle of wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) onboard in carry-on luggage during embarkation. No corkage fee is charged if consumed in the stateroom. Additional wine or champagne bottles are welcome, but will incur a US$18.00 a corkage fee each, regardless of where they are intended to be consumed.

Purchased Wine or Champagne in Ports of Call Wine and champagne bottles (no larger than 750ml) purchased in ports of call can be brought onboard and subject to a US$18.00 corkage fee each, regardless of where they are intended to be consumed. Guests can opt to have these bottles stored and returned on the last evening of the cruise at no charge.

All other alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports of calls as well as all alcoholic beverages purchased from onboard shops will be stored and returned on the last evening of the voyage at no charge.

#13 Infants & Pregnancy

According to HAL policy, “Infants 6 months or younger at the time the cruise commences and women who will be 24 or more weeks pregnant during the course of their travel are not permitted to participate in the cruise.”

Note:  Pregnant women must provide a medical note from your physician stating your expected due date and medical fitness to travel.

#14 Muster Safety Drill

Muster Safety Drill is a mandatory drill instigated by the US Coast Guard so guests will know what to do in an emergency situation at sea or when the alarm is sounded. This is done before the ship leaves the dock at the port of embarkation.

Guests will be provided with clear instructions including the following pertinent information: a. Location of their muster stations b. Essential actions to take during an emergency c. How to put on a life jacket

#15 Key Card

Your stateroom key card also serves as your onboard charge card. With the exception of the casino, cash is not accepted for individual transactions on your cruise.

To keep them from getting lost, check out these  nautical-themed water resistant badge holders  you can use.

Notes: a. You can register a debit or credit card as part of your online check in. On embarkation day, HAL places an initial hold for $60 per person per cruise day on your card. b. Alternatively, you can visit Guest Services and deposit $60 in cash per person per cruise day. Excess deposit will be refunded at the end of the cruise. c. Traveler’s checks may be cashed at Guest Services. Personal checks, however, are not accepted.

#16 Souvenir Photos

At the Photo Gallery, HAL’s talented photographers are available to assist you with all your photographic needs.

Joe Craig Black Label Art Photography An exclusive portrait service offered by HAL to guests onboard the ship. Sittings are limited, so make sure to book early.

#17 Online Check In

Online check-in must be completed through the website at least 72 hours prior to your sail date.

Note: If Online Check-in was not completed at least 3 days prior to departure, you will still be able to print your Express Docs, including the boarding pass, up to the departure date. Guests who have not completed the required check-in prior to departure time may be denied boarding.

#18 Hotel Service Charge

HAL charges an automatic Hotel Service Charge of $14.50 per guest per day for non-suite stateroom guests and $16.00 per guest per day for suite guests. A 15% Bar Service Charge is automatically added to bar and Dining Room wine purchases.

Note:  Hotel Service Charges are paid to HAL crew members as part of their compensation.

#19 Luggage Transport Services

Save time and enjoy the perk of not having to handle your bulky luggages when you travel. HAL has the following luggage handling options for guests:

a. Luggage Forward –  this option allows you to have your bags picked up at your home and delivered to your stateroom. Upon disembarkation, your bags will be delivered back to your home.

Advantages:

• International service
• No unpredictable checked bag fees
• No risk of airline losing your luggage
• Full money back plus $500 on-time guarantee

To Book:  You can book online by clicking here , or call them directly at (877)466-2247.

b. Luggage Direct –  this option gives you the extra convenience of receiving your airline boarding passes and checking your luggage in to your flight while still onboard the cruise ship.

TSA-approved partners will take your luggage directly from the ship and deliver it to your plane. You will claim your luggage at your final airport destination.

• Priority disembarkation
• No need to locate your luggage or wait for a porters assistance in the terminal
• Avoid lines at the airport

To Book:  You can book online by clicking here , or by calling them directly at (877)847-0045. Cost is US$25.00 per person.

#20 Mariner Society

The Mariner Society is HAL’s loyalty program that rewards you points for each day you cruise and for purchases made onboard. You are automatically enrolled after you book your first cruise.

Mariner Society Reward Tiers: a. Star Mariner – 2nd cruise up to 29 cruise points b. 2-Star Mariner – 30 up to 74 cruise points c. 3-Star Mariner – 75 up to 199 cruise points d. 4-Star Mariner – 200 up to 499 cruise points e. 5-Star Mariner – 500 or more cruise points

Click here to know more about the perks of each tier.

#21 Communication

Here are some ways you can communicate onboard HAL ships:

a. Holland America Line Connect

• Simply register through HAL’s Navigator App, select “Paid Internet” and choose between a Voyage and a Daily plan.

b. Fax Service

• Contact the Front Office if you wish to send a fax.

c. Mail Service

• Letters and postcards may be mailed from the ship while in ports of call.
• Stamps can be purchased in port or from the Front Office and charged to your shipboard account.

d. Mobile Phones

HAL has a mobile cell tower while cruising on international waters. This way, you can make calls and send text messages while ‘roaming’. Charges and fees are based on your carrier’s international roaming plan.

Note:  If you have AT&T service, you may choose from a selection of packages offering discounted rates for international calls, texts and data while on board. Click here for more details.

#22 Babysitting

Club HAL After Hours offer babysitting services for children 3 years and up between 10pm and 12 midnight. Cost is $5 per hour per child.

At other times and for children under the age of three, limited babysitting is available through the Front Office on a volunteer basis. Cost is $8 per hour for the first child and $5 per hour for each other child.

#23 Boarding

Here’s a quick summary of the boarding process: a. Complete your online check-in b. Print your boarding pass c. At the pier, present your boarding pass and all your travel documents d. Have your picture taken e. Take your stateroom key and you’re good to go!

Note:  Please remember that you must be on the ship at least one hour before departure.

#24 Seasickness

When you’re on a cruise, getting seasick is a sure way to ruin the cruising experience. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent you from being seasick.

Here’s a few of our recommendations that helps: a. Scopolamine patch (Prescription – prevents motion sickness) b.  Dramamine  (Over the counter but get the less drowsy kind) c. Zofran (Prescription – helps with nausea) d. Ginger Pills (Natural way to prevent motion sickness) e. Seabands (Naturally prevents motion sickness by applying pressure to certain point on your wrist) f. Choose a stateroom on a lower deck and located mid ship.  Rooms closest to the front or the stern of the cruise ship experience most of the rocking motion.

#25 Club HAL Youth Program

Holland America Line’s Club HAL offers an impressive array of entertainment options and age-appropriate fun for kids and youngsters aged 3 – 17.

Programs include arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties. To know more about Club HAL, please click here .

#26 Smoking Policy

Smoking is only permitted on certain designated, outside decks. The designated smoking areas for all ships are as follows unless otherwise noted.

Check out HAL’s designated smoking areas by clicking here .

Notes: a. Cigar and pipe smoking

• Not allowed anywhere inside the ship except for the Oak Room on the Noordam; it is only permitted on the outside decks where smoking is otherwise allowed.

b. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices

• Permitted in staterooms but are not permitted on stateroom balconies. These devices may be used in all designated smoking areas listed above.

c. Any guest caught smoking inside staterooms will be charged US$250 per day of violation.

To learn more about cruising, check out other articles on our site:

1. 33 Things To Pack For A Cruise Besides Clothes 2. Things to Leave Behind When Packing For Your Next Cruise 3. 18 Hidden Costs That Bump Up Your Cruising Budget

Why Yellow For Summer

July 26, 2019, my arenal volcano costa rica travel essentials, august 2, 2019.

Just an update, Cruiseline Formalwear has gone into bankruptcy and is no longer available for people to rent their tuxedos, etc. Also, suggest Bonine or the generic meclizine as a seasick remedy – it works well and doesn’t provide drowsiness as other methods so.

Thank you for this update Geraldine. I will add it to our post.

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• Holland America Line

Ship Excursions

By madera1 , October 18, 2023 in Holland America Line

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We have booked a May British Isles cruise and I would say the majority of excursions are already waitlisted. Have others found this happening and if so does Holland America add additional busses to accommodate the interest?

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My May TA on Zuiderdam already has many of the excursions waitlisted as well.  I have read here on CC that they do sometimes add additional excursions if the demand is high, but have no direct experience with that one way or another.  If I wanted to go on a particular excursion type, I would look into a private one.  Since HIA, the excursions seem to be filled up much earlier than the past, which I understand.

1 hour ago, madera1 said: We have booked a May British Isles cruise and I would say the majority of excursions are already waitlisted. Have others found this happening and if so does Holland America add additional busses to accommodate the interest?

No need to wait for Shore-ex, most British ports have a great selection of excellent private tours that are generally cheaper and superior to shore-ex. Just takes a little research.

2 hours ago, madera1 said: We have booked a May British Isles cruise and I would say the majority of excursions are already waitlisted. Have others found this happening and if so does Holland America add additional busses to accommodate the interest?

We're going there in August. Not a majority, but a lot are already sold out.

We were on both a British Isles cruise in August and Baltic in September.  In both cases we waitlisted cruises and some time later received confirmations.  Also we noticed when onboard that there were more tours available than had been originally offered.

We were on a European cruise last summer and wanted one particular shore excursion through the ship -- however, it was sold out and we were waitlisted.  After about a month of watching and waiting, they added a second departure for that same excursion and suggested that I quickly purchase that excursion before it becomes sold out, which I did.  It all worked out for us!

We just returned from a MSC cruise to Scotland and Ireland. We called on four of the ports that you are scheduled for. 

•   Edinburgh and Dun Laoghaire (for Dublin) are both tender ports that can easily be reached using       public transportation (bus and train respectively) and much cheaper than an excursion.
•  Stornoway you might want to try for an excursion. It will be a long tender ride as the new pier won't be   completed by then. The town is small, and Callanish Standing Stones are located after about a 45   minute drive on the island. We had booked a Viator excursion originally but then MSC finally offered a 2-1/2 hour excursion so booked it instead. 
• Cobh (for Cork) is something for you to decide on. Our ship docked in Ringaskiddy instead of Cobh. It is the container port for the area so nowhere to walk to. We used the ship's excursion to Kinsale and Charles Fort which was well worth it.
• 2 weeks later...

On 10/17/2023 at 9:58 PM, madera1 said: We have booked a May British Isles cruise and I would say the majority of excursions are already waitlisted. Have others found this happening and if so does Holland America add additional busses to accommodate the interest?

With the change in itinerary announced, you may have better luck booking excursions if people cancel their cruise.

The change for Edinburgh (Newhaven) does bring you closer to the city. The tender landing is by the Fishmarket and the tram line has just recently been extended to nearby. The stop is about a five minute walk. The tram will take you to the Princes Street stop. The "Royal Mile" is then about a ten minute from there.

53 minutes ago, Heartgrove said: The change for Edinburgh (Newhaven) does bring you closer to the city. The tender landing is by the Fishmarket and the tram line has just recently been extended to nearby. The stop is about a five minute walk. The tram will take you to the Princes Street stop. The "Royal Mile" is then about a ten minute from there.

I am on the same cruise as  the OP.  Not aware of any change for our Edinburgh stop.  As far as I know, we are still tendering off of South Queensferry.  Where did you get this information?

17 minutes ago, Iamthesea said:   I am on the same cruise as  the OP.  Not aware of any change for our Edinburgh stop.  As far as I know, we are still tendering off of South Queensferry.  Where did you get this information?

I am booked on the August cruise and received an updated itinerary today via email. I thought the change was for both.

1 hour ago, Iamthesea said:   I am on the same cruise as  the OP.  Not aware of any change for our Edinburgh stop.  As far as I know, we are still tendering off of South Queensferry.  Where did you get this information?

South Queensferry isn't too challenging, as it is a fairly short walk up hill from the tender dock to the train station. They have numerous direct trains into Edinburgh taking about 20 - 30 mins. Trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverly. Make sure you take the exit for Market Street and across the street is a set of stairs and alleyway up to High Street, which is the Royal Mile. 

fruitmachine

6 hours ago, Heidi13 said:   South Queensferry isn't too challenging, as it is a fairly short walk up hill from the tender dock to the train station. They have numerous direct trains into Edinburgh taking about 20 - 30 mins. Trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverly. Make sure you take the exit for Market Street and across the street is a set of stairs and alleyway up to High Street, which is the Royal Mile. 

Even easier is the X99 Cruiselink bus, which is only scheduled for days when a ship is tendering to South Queensferry.  https://www.lothianbuses.com/cruiselink-x99/   It runs from the end of Hawes Pier where the tender stops, and leaves every 20 minutes or earlier if full.  The ticket sellers also sell HoHo tickets, to which you can add Edinburgh Castle (and other attractions) entry if you've not got that already or if it's sold out online.

For the first time this year, the return ticket on the bus was actually a Network DAYticket, which give free access to every bus across their wider network, and on the tram.

6 hours ago, fruitmachine said: Even easier is the X99 Cruiselink bus, which is only scheduled for days when a ship is tendering to South Queensferry.  https://www.lothianbuses.com/cruiselink-x99/   It runs from the end of Hawes Pier where the tender stops, and leaves every 20 minutes or earlier if full.  The ticket sellers also sell HoHo tickets, to which you can add Edinburgh Castle (and other attractions) entry if you've not got that already or if it's sold out online.   For the first time this year, the return ticket on the bus was actually a Network DAYticket, which give free access to every bus across their wider network, and on the tram.   If you still want to take the train, be aware that there are some gaps in the timetable, especially mid morning.  Here's the schedule for 7:30-12:30 this Monday as an example (though do your own research nearer travel, as it could easily be different). 

How is the traffic these days into Edinburgh, especially early morning. I concur the bus is more convenient to the tender dock, but for all my trips into Edinburgh, unless heading to Tynecastle or Easter Road, I always opted for the train, rather than driving the car.

2 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:   How is the traffic these days into Edinburgh, especially early morning. I concur the bus is more convenient to the tender dock, but for all my trips into Edinburgh, unless heading to Tynecastle or Easter Road, I always opted for the train, rather than driving the car.

The traffic in the early morning is  much  less than pre-pandemic, though the busiest bits are as busy as ever later in the day.  For the bus from South Queensferry, much of the route has a bus-lane that's in-force until 09:30; after that it's not going through areas with major congestion, so I'd expect it to be a similar transit time to the train.

24 minutes ago, fruitmachine said: The traffic in the early morning is  much  less than pre-pandemic, though the busiest bits are as busy as ever later in the day.  For the bus from South Queensferry, much of the route has a bus-lane that's in-force until 09:30; after that it's not going through areas with major congestion, so I'd expect it to be a similar transit time to the train.

Thank you for posting all of the information about the bus and train. This allows me to visit Edinburgh without doing a tour, which I really didn't want to do. 

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Holland America ship

Of the seven big lines that account for the majority of cruises taken by North Americans, Holland America is the brand most known for far-flung, globe-circling itineraries.

You'll find Holland America ships in almost every corner of the world at some point during the year, operating itineraries that are unusual in their diversity of routes and specific port calls.

Still, the line's heaviest presence by far is in Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean. In a typical summer, the line will deploy around half of its vessels to Europe while sending the other half to Alaska. The two regions are often the line's entire focus for summers.

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During the winter, the line will move at least half of these ships to the Caribbean, while also sending some on far-reaching voyages across the world to Asia, Australia and South America.

For the coming winter, seven of the line's 11 ships are scheduled to sail in the Caribbean, and there will be at least one ship each in Asia, Australia and South America. There also will be one ship operating an epic, around-the-world voyage — a long tradition at the line.

In all, Holland America ships sail to 98 countries, hitting all seven continents. They visit more than 470 different ports and cruise destinations. These are much larger numbers than found with such rival lines as Celebrity Cruises . The latter boasts voyages to around 300 ports in 79 countries .

Among Holland America's itineraries, you'll find everything from one-night sampler cruises between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., to 128-night around-the-world voyages that feature stops at dozens of countries. That's a much broader range than most other big lines, including Celebrity, Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line .

Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an epic voyage, you can't go wrong with these five top Holland America cruise destinations.

Related: The 4 classes of Holland America ships, explained

Some of Holland America's most popular itineraries are in Europe, where the line has traditionally been a significant player. In a typical year, Holland America will deploy around half of its vessels to the region from spring until fall, making Europe one of its biggest focuses for more than half the year.

The itineraries that Holland America offers in Europe are wide-ranging, with a diverse set of routings in both the Mediterranean as well as across Northern Europe.

In the Mediterranean, sailings include everything from seven- to 28-night voyages that offer the chance to see such iconic destinations as Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, Florence and Naples, Italy, on a single cruise.

Some Holland America cruises in the Mediterranean also include visits to Istanbul and Kusadasi in Turkey (the latter a gateway to the famed ruins of Ephesus), and Haifa and Ashdod in Israel (for visits to Jerusalem and other iconic destinations in the country).

In Northern Europe, Holland America will take you to such well-known Baltic cities as Stockholm, Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; Helsinki, Finland; and St. Petersburg, Russia, in a single sailing (note that Holland America's calls in St. Petersburg are on hold for now due to the war in Ukraine). There also are itineraries that will bring you to Iceland, Greenland and the Norwegian fjords.

Related: The ultimate guide to Holland America cabins and suites

Among the longest sailings Holland America offers in Europe is a 35-night "British Isles, Spitsbergen & Iceland Fjords Explore" trip that brings a complete circumnavigation of England and Scotland, several stops along the coast of Norway, and calls in both Iceland and the Norwegian-controlled Arctic island of Spitsbergen.

In Northern Europe, Holland America ships mostly sail out of Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands (a nod to the company's Dutch heritage) and Copenhagen, Denmark.

In the Mediterranean, the line's hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice in Italy; and Piraeus (the port for Athens).

2. Caribbean and The Bahamas

You usually won't find a single Holland America ship in the Caribbean and the Bahamas over the summer, when the line turns its focus to sailings in Europe and Alaska. However, come winter, Holland America will reposition quite a few of its vessels to the Caribbean and Bahamas sailings.

For the coming winter, for instance, Holland America currently has seven of its 11 vessels scheduled to sail in the regions — including its two newest and biggest ships, the 2,660-passenger Rotterdam and the 2,650-passenger Nieuw Statendam.

Holland America offers a broad range of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from a single home port in the regions — Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades .

If you're looking for something short, the line has you covered in the form of quick, three-night cruises out of Port Everglades to its private island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay. The line also offers four- and five-night voyages out of Port Everglades to the Bahamas and Key West, Florida. However, Holland America is best known for longer sailings in the Caribbean. These include lots of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean and Southern Caribbean, but also a large number of even longer, 10- to 21-nights Caribbean voyages.

The latter trips offer the chance to see a broader mix of Caribbean islands than is typical on Caribbean sailings.

Related: The ultimate guide to Holland America's Mariner Society loyalty program

Among the most elaborate of the itineraries that Holland America offers out of Port Everglades, for instance, is a 21-day "Southern Caribbean Wayfarer/Seafarer" voyage that brings calls at the islands of St. Martin (specifically, to the Dutch side of the island known as St. Maarten), St. Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, Hispaniola (for a visit to the Dominican Republic), Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

The voyage is actually a combination of two shorter, back-to-back sailings that are designed without repeating ports.

Holland America is particularly known for voyages to Alaska, where it dominates the market for cruises along with sister line Princess Cruises.

In recent years, Holland America has deployed as many as eight ships to Alaska in the summer — far more than most other lines. In the wake of a significant downsizing over the past two years , the line is cutting that number back a bit. However, it's still planning on deploying at least six vessels to Alaska in the coming summers — a huge number.

Holland America also operates its own wilderness lodges in Alaska, as well as tourist trains and buses. It uses the lodges, trains and buses to offer an extensive range of nine- to 14-night Alaska "cruisetours" that combine a cruise with land-based touring.

The Alaska cruise season is a short one, lasting roughly from May to September. For 2022, Holland America plans to deploy six ships to the Alaska market:

• Eurodam : The 2,104-passenger vessel will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Seattle. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. It'll also visit Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing.
• Koningsdam : The 2,650-passenger ship will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Vancouver, B.C. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Tracy Arm and Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing.
• Oosterdam. Like Eurodam, the 2,388-passenger ship will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Seattle. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan; and Victoria, British Columbia. It'll also visit Alaska's Hubbard Glacier for glacier viewing.
• Zuiderdam . Like Koningsdam, the 1,916-passenger ship will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Vancouver, B.C. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing.
• Nieuw Amsterdam: The 2,106-passenger ship will primarily operate one-way voyages to Alaska between Vancouver, B.C., and Whittier, Alaska. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing, as well as either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.
• Noordam : Like Nieuw Amsterdam, the 1,924-passenger vessel will primarily operate one-way voyages to Alaska between Vancouver, B.C., and Whittier, Alaska. It'll call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It'll also visit Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing as well as either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

The appeal of the one-way sailings on Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam is that they can be combined with stays at the Holland America lodges mentioned above to create the longer "cruisetours" of Alaska that combine a one-way cruise with a land tour.

The land tour portion of such trips brings visits to such well-known interior Alaska locations as Denali National Park and the town of Fairbanks. Holland America is also unique among cruise lines in offering cruisetours that include a land tour into the Yukon Territory of Canada.

4. Panama Canal

Have you always wanted to experience a transit through the Panama Canal? Among major cruise lines, Holland America has one of the biggest array of sailings through the waterway.

In a typical year, the line will operate more than two dozen voyages to the canal, some of which are round-trip sailings from Florida's Port Everglades while others are one-way trips between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, California.

In the case of the former sailings, Holland America ships only transit part-way through the canal after entering it through the Gatun Locks on its Caribbean side. Such trips typically include a transit into the canal through the locks, cruising in the canal to Gatun Lake and a transit out of the canal through the locks before a stop at nearby Colon, Panama.

Among the shore excursions available from the port of Colon is a bus tour to see the locks in action from observation areas on land.

Other port calls during such Panama Canal cruises typically include the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.

In the case of the one-way voyages between Florida and California, Holland America's ships will make the full journey through the canal's three sets of locks from the Caribbean to the Pacific or vice versa.

Other port calls during such cruises typically include Puerto Vallarta and Hautulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia.

5. The World

In addition to focused voyages in a wide range of cruise destinations from Europe to Alaska, Holland America has long been known for epic around-the-world voyages that include stops at dozens of destinations in four, five or even six continents.

These trips typically take place on the line's smaller vessels and can last four months or longer, allowing Americans to travel across the globe without ever getting on an airplane.

Normally, Holland America's around-the-world voyages begin and end at Florida's Port Everglades.

The line plans one such trip for 2023 — a 128-day voyage from Port Everglades starting on Jan. 3, 2023, that includes stops in North America, Australia, Africa and Europe.

Taking place on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam, the trip includes a transit of the Panama Canal, multiple stops in French Polynesia including Bora Bora and Moorea; visits to multiple destinations in New Zealand; and calls at Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Gambia and Senegal.

In addition to its around-the-world cruises, Holland America is also known for full circumnavigations of South America that begin and end in Port Everglades.

For 2023, the line plans one such journey — a 74-day cruise on the 1,432-passenger Volendam that starts on Jan. 3, 2023.

Bottom line

Holland America offers an incredibly wide range of itineraries in cruise destinations around the world, from South America to Asia. However, you'll find the most choices among Holland America itineraries in Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean. The line is also well-known for voyages through the Panama Canal and for its epic around-the-world cruises. Its annual around-the-world sailings, in particular, are something that sets it apart from other big lines.

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