On the HA Olivia cruises I have been on they don't check out towels.  They just have them poolside in a bin and you take what you need.

and room service is free!

bathroom spray everyone, don't forget your bathroom spray!

It does not matter how exclusive the cruise line, or how expensive your cabin, the bathrooms always smell. It's just a function of plumbing on a floating city! 

 On other cruises we've been on. If you check out a beach towel at the pool and didn't check it back end they charge you, also probably any beverages that are in your room are not free, they charge your room at the end of the cruise. I'm not sure if it's the same on Olivia. Just beware, Room service for food is free though.

First time Olivia

Thanks for the great tips Poet!!  That is some good info to keep in mind...  All of this helpful information is great, we're getting so excited.  I hope that we don't forget anything!!  Anyone else have any good tidbits?

For the First-Timers Who Asked--

You might like to know that:

1. You WILL get lost on the ship. Nine cruises later, I do. On the last day of the cruise, you will have it all figured out. Not before. There IS a little map of the ship you can carry around in your pocket; one or two former Girl Scouts make use of them. Most of us just laugh and enjoy being at sea together.

2.  The onboard shops and the casinos are usually closed while we are in port. (Avoids competition with the local focal.)

3.  If you're a Coke-drinker, remember there is a charge for that. For each Coke, you sign your name on a little slip; you pay at the end of the cruise. Depending on the size of your habit, it can add up. Ordinary coffee and tea are free. Fancy coffee costs.

4. There will be special photo and signing ops with the Talent. If you can resist taking candid shots or asking for autographs while your favorite comedienne is trying to wake up over coffee or have a quiet moment with her beloved, you will be doing A Good Thing. (If, on the other hand, you see Martha Stewart, go for it: she's a stowaway.)

5. A lot of people you would not expect it of are shy. When you pass in the corridors and smile and say hi to these people, it really warms their hearts. (Don't ask me how I know that.)

For people asking about clothing,

I was told that in addition to the white party and the one formal night, there is also pajama party bingo. So those of you who weren't planning on wearing jammies might want to bring a pair. 

On previous cruises I've had to check-in online during the week before the cruise and print out my boarding information complete with a bar code and stuff.

Do we have to do that?  Do we do it through this website or Holland America?

 

You can find the online order forms for beverage cards, wine, spa packages, flowers, etc on Holland America's site under "Onboard Gifts".  Here's the link:

http://www.hollandamerica.com//cruise-vacation-planning/OnboardGifts.action

Not exactly a first timer but I can not find the pre-payed drinking cards on the HA web anymore. Can someone help me ?

Last year we did book and pay in advance coctails, wine and soft-drink cards and that was cheaper than on the boot .

Veronika

This is probably a no brainer question, but is the pool heated? 

That is my first timers question of the day.  I would love to get up in the morning, do some laps in the pool, and then chill with a pina colada drink in hand.  I use to do that in the Philippines, when I was in the service.  Good times!