Amsterdam Tickets

[Danny]

Hi,

it looks like we'll be doing the Cologne and Amsterdam Xmas gigs now, but I have a question concerning tickets for the latter: on the ticket link there are two types of tickets on sale: Normaal and Verzekerd (normal and insured, from what I understand), respectively for €19.30 and €22.55 - but what does it actually mean in practice? I'm afraid my Dutch doesn't stretch far enough to understand, can anyone enlighten me? Is it worth/necessary to buy an insured ticket or is the 'normal' one ok?

Also, while on the subject of Xmas gigs, does anyone know when train tickets from Cologne to Amsterdam go on sale? I'm expecting some time early October but it'd be good to know the exact date.

any help appreciated, ta

[NickyG]

It's not something to do with the membership fee you have to pay to get in to the Melkweg is it? You have to buy it for a year whether you plan to go to one gig or a 100 and it costs a few euros.... ? I thought it was 4 euros last year which is greater than the difference between your numbers though, so it probably iis insurance or something else you dont really need?

[BlackCountryMaggiD]

DB train tickets generally go on sale in around the middle of October although this depends on when the new timetables are released.

[Fatalist]

Hi,

it looks like we'll be doing the Cologne and Amsterdam Xmas gigs now, but I have a question concerning tickets for the latter: on the ticket link there are two types of tickets on sale: Normaal and Verzekerd (normal and insured, from what I understand), respectively for €19.30 and €22.55 - but what does it actually mean in practice? I'm afraid my Dutch doesn't stretch far enough to understand, can anyone enlighten me? Is it worth/necessary to buy an insured ticket or is the 'normal' one ok?

Also, while on the subject of Xmas gigs, does anyone know when train tickets from Cologne to Amsterdam go on sale? I'm expecting some time early October but it'd be good to know the exact date.

any help appreciated, ta

Could be insurance for personal effects like watches, apparently someone lost one in the mosh there last year!

[Viv Savage]

I suspect the insurance is a postal thing covering the sending of the ticket.

[Marloes]

hi

I (Dutch) checked the website and I am quite sure the 'insurance' ticket (slightly more expensive) means you can get your money back in case of an emergency. Of course it depends on the emergency but it's mainly things like an accident, funeral, hospital treatment etc.

Not sure if it they do 'hard copy tickets' ? I usually order an e-ticket.

You do have to buy a membership for 4 Euros. You can either order it together with your gig ticket or buy it at the entrance of the venue when you get there.

[Danny]

Thanks everyone for your answers/input - seeing as the only insurance I ever buy is whatever is compulsory by law (everything else is filed under 'shit happens' in my world  ) and this isn't I don't think I'll bother with it: if I buy a ticket for something is normally means I intend to attend, and if something gets in the way I can always sell the tickets.

Now, while we're on the subject of Amsterdam, where do people stay normally? Is the Melkweg central? (I understand it is) Any cheap and decent places nearby? Or seeing as the Mrs needs to get on a flight the next morning at 9, would it be sensible to look for something near the airport? Again, suggestions welcome, thanks in advance.

[NickyG]

We have stayed in the Best Western Leidse Square the last 2 years - it is not the cheapest but is only 5 to 10 minutes from the Melkweg, and they usually have deals on hotels.com or booking.com.

Trains to the airport take 15 to 20 minutes. After the gig most people go to the Irish bar, just up the road from the Melkweg which usually has a brilliant atmosphere. It's about 30 minutes walk from the Melkweg to station. There is also a coach from outside the Best Western to the airport but I haven't used it and not sure how frequent.

It looks like if you wanted you could stay at the airport as there are trains through the night - see http://www.amsterdam.info/airport/train/ - so it really depends on whether you want to do the journey back to the airport straight after the pub or a bit later.

[Fatalist]

hi

I (Dutch) checked the website and I am quite sure the 'insurance' ticket (slightly more expensive) means you can get your money back in case of an emergency. Of course it depends on the emergency but it's mainly things like an accident, funeral, hospital treatment etc.

Not sure if it they do 'hard copy tickets' ? I usually order an e-ticket.

You do have to buy a membership for 4 Euros. You can either order it together with your gig ticket or buy it at the entrance of the venue when you get there.

But do they refund watches lost in the pit Marloes?! ; ~ D

[Neily]

No, no they don't. Good news is replacement watch bought, Am'Dam 2013 ticket bought, hotel booked. will be appearing minus watch & pendant. Just in case.....

[Gayle]

Danny - we usually stay at Chic & Basic. Walking distance to Centraal Station.