If You Could Get HAL to Change One Thing....

[5 in OK]

We've seen posts that want changes from the slow ketchup dispenser at the Hamburger stand to itenerary changes to stay longer at one port and shorter at another and almost everything in between.

What one thing would you like to see HAL change?

[CruisinGrams]

1. Having just returned from Alaska at the port of Seattle I would change the way they handle disembarkation. Finding luggage and getting a porter was the worst experiece we have had (after a nearly flawless cruise it was really disappointing).
2. Fix the darn website so the immigration forms actually work for more than 5 minutes a month :mad:

[karen2cruz]

Well, not having cruised HAL yet, but in anticipation of our upcoming Alaska cruise...
1. Allow sign-ups for spa treatments ahead of time like shore excursions. (Princess does this on some of their ships).

However, I am impressed that HAL lets one book the specialty restaurant ahead of time :)

[richcrow]

Get rid of Park West Art Auctions (or at least control how much of the ship that they seem to take over when ever they want to).

[sail7seas]

Whole wheat Pasta, please. I love the Marinara sauce at lunch but don't like 'white pasta'. I'm so used to whole wheat......

[sail7seas]

Also......

What is with this new system they've been using for sorting luggage in the terminal? They seemed to have a great system, when orange luggage was all stacked together. All blue luggage in the same pile.

Now.......they have black (1), black (2), black (3) and black (4)........ALL PILED TOGETHER. That is way, way too much to put in one 'batch'. There are about 4 times the number of suitcases to have to plough through in order to find the ones we're looking for.

The old system worked fine IMO
Why change something that wasn't broken?

[grannynurse]

I've always felt that the communication between Seattle and the individual ships was very poor to non-existent. Any problem we've ever had was rooted in poor communication, from mislabled, unlabeled, or undelivered gifts, table requests that were made a year in advance, and uncredited credits. I think they could arrange a human liason in the home office to each ship who would take responsibility for communicating with a designated counter-part on board.
GN

[bepsf]

Restaff the dining room & kitchens sufficiently so that we can go back to the two dining times and still have quality service and food preparation.

[TrojanCruiser]

The only thing I would have HAL change on our recent Alaska cruise aboard the Ryndam is a better hot water plant to accomodate peak utilization- most mornings between 7A-8A and evenings 6P-7P- there wasn't enough hot water to make the shower temp even warm...

[5 in OK]

My husband would like to add his two cents: (this is rare!)


He would like to see them change the late dinner show to before dinner instead of at 10:15 p.m. following dinner. We had to skip out sometimes because we were just too tired to go and/or had an early excursion the next morning. A couple of nights they had it at 6:30 p.m. - that was great!!!

He also would like to see the LIDO buffet to speed up service just a tad.:)

[boomerSexyK]

With our 1st HAL cruise coming this Nov. I can't comment on a change I'd like to see onboard. But in the interim ....... FIX THE WEBSITE !!

[jhannah]

Brian, I'm with you. Let's have a return to the fine service we had in the past. I'd also add that it would be nice to reconfigure the Vistas so the photo gallery wouldn't clog up dining room traffic. (Yes, I know their logic in placement ... but it's really a pain sometimes.)

[Bookish Angel]

and fresh popcorn; that stale stuff is awful!

[5 in OK]

Brian, I'm with you. Let's have a return to the fine service we had in the past. I'd also add that it would be nice to reconfigure the Vistas so the photo gallery wouldn't clog up dining room traffic. (Yes, I know their logic in placement ... but it's really a pain sometimes.)



Definitely have to echo the photo gallery congestion - my dad is handicapped - we had a terrible time getting him through that traffic. They could move it to the LIDO - people have to stand around there all the time. :)

[Neil in Vancouver]

Definitely have to echo the photo gallery congestion - my dad is handicapped - we had a terrible time getting him through that traffic. They could move it to the LIDO - people have to stand around there all the time. :)

How about if we just get rid of the photographers all together. PIA!

[ocngypz]

I would like to see HAL serve bread pudding at breakfast!!

Oh.. and upgrade their server (IT)!

[NapTown Jim]

Hot Sauce (Frank's Red Hot is my favorite) in the lido

Popcorn with real butter on the room service menu

[NorthernNeighbour]

We've seen posts that want changes from the slow ketchup dispenser at the Hamburger stand to itenerary changes to stay longer at one port and shorter at another and almost everything in between.

What one thing would you like to see HAL change?

I will take the liberty of making two suggestions:

1) Having just sailed on the QM2 and experiencing their muster drill, I would like to see HAL change it to the same system used by CUNARD. Everyone on the QM2 gets to sit down during the muster drill and does not have to wait around standing up on deck for 20 or 25 minutes. Since many passengers are (as we say in French) "of a certain age" or more, many cannot stand for extended periods of time without discomfort.

2) There should be a separate queue for boarding for passengers who do NOT want to have their photograph taken. We had to wait around in the lounge for 30 minutes or so since everyone boarding was queued up to have a photo taken. We asked the staff if we could just go around the photo stand and go ahead to board -- but were very politely told that unfortunately we could not.

[Randyk47]

I would like to see HAL revamp the Mariner program into something meaningful. I don't want key chains, buttons, bags, T-shirts, certificates......give us something along the lines of the frequent flyer or frequent hotel guest programs. Oh yes....and stop sending me "special Mariner offers" that are still more expensive than I can get from my TA without claiming Mariner status.

[kakalina]

We also would like to see the show times to be at 6:30 and 8:30 all the time. We find the 10:15 just too late for us after an exhausting day having fun.

[wowzo]

Change the 'powdered-tasting' scrambled eggs in the Lido and when you order an omlet at the Lido station, you get the same stuff !! It is gross.

Every comment card, I put it down as something to be changed and it never is. So I have to order fried eggs with the yolks broken to get a real egg (or get a 'hot' hard boiled one.)

MaryAnn

[popcruisers]

:) Include the thalassotherapy pool and facilities in the S and PS perks and arrange some sort of internet cafe use fee discount or maybe even free (?) per number of previous cruises with HAL.

David

[Winchester]

YES !! the contact between the ship and shore. Need to do better.

I happen to like the staggered dining times and will try 8PM next cruise.

I will miss the self serve laundries on the new ships. I always pack heavy and had gotten used to trimming back and doing wash a couple times in 10 days. AND you meet the nicest folks at the laundry !!

[sail7seas]

:) Include the thalassotherapy pool and facilities in the S and PS perks and arrange some sort of internet cafe use fee discount or maybe even free (?) per number of previous cruises with HAL.

David

I'd love to have free Internet use as we almost always buy a package but think it would become almost impossible to get use of a computer or connection if they started giving it away to many people. In that case, the something that we paid nothing for would be worth nothing. In the end, we'd be worse off as we would be unable to do what we are (almost always) able to do now.

[Copper10-8]

Small peanuts but get rid of those twister combo salt and pepper shakers in the Lido and replace them with traditional ones. Have you ever tried putting salt on a hard boiled egg while holding the egg in one hand and trying to twist that #@%& shaker with the other? :confused: Yup, I know, that pales in comparison with some of the other suggestions;)

[swannie]

I haven't cruised enough to know if this isn't already done somehow, but I wish just one show per cruise was dedicated to something a little less cheesy or "popular". How about a performance of a one-act play? Or a classical music performance?

[Roz]

Get rid of those horrible scrambled eggs, make the Mariner Society into something meaningful with real rewards, and lower the price of the internet packages and bingo.

Roz

[AirGorilla]

Change the format of the Mariners' Parties:
(1) Have it in the evening, NOT at 11:00 a.m.
(2) Serve decent hors d'oeuvres and a good choice of complimentary cocktails, vino and bubbly.
(3) Forget the silly "awards". This takes too much time and lessens the enjoyment of the event.
(4) Provide some decent musical entertainment.
(5) Have the captain or CD deliver a short presentation on the "state of the cruiseline".

[jhannah]

Gee, John ... don't do away with my fresh-ground salt and pepper. They provide that gourmet touch to our breakfast! Now if someone would come around with Parmigiano Reggiano to fresh grate on my eggs .......... ;)

[Copper10-8]

Gee, John ... don't do away with my fresh-ground salt and pepper. They provide that gourmet touch to our breakfast! Now if someone would come around with Parmigiano Reggiano to fresh grate on my eggs .......... ;)

No prob, Jim, I'll grate your eggs with that Italiano Regis stuff for you if you hold my hard boiled egg so I can get fresh-grounded salt on it (I need an extra hand so I can quit making intriquite scaffolding for my poor egg);)

[arzz]

I would love free internet service also -- enjoyed it on Princess -- would work for those who bring their own lap tops AND

on Princess, those with free internet privileges were allowed to borrow a lap top from the front desk whenever they were wishing to use the internet (I do not even think that we were allowed the free internet in their internet cafe) -- we never had a problem accessing one of the lap tops -- it has been a couple of years, does anyone know if this has changed?

On HAL, on the other hand. where everyone is a frequent cruiser even if they had lap tops available, I wonder if there would be difficulties accessing them -- my concern is with you here Sail

[bepsf]

We asked the staff if we could just go around the photo stand and go ahead to board -- but were very politely told that unfortunately we could not.

That's not necessarily the complete answer. True, there's only one line to board, but you can simply get in the same line as the rest of the folks and walk past the photographer.

It's not just the photographer holding up the line - the line to go through security to board the ship is just as slow...

[bepsf]

Small peanuts but get rid of those twister combo salt and pepper shakers in the Lido and replace them with traditional ones. Have you ever tried putting salt on a hard boiled egg while holding the egg in one hand and trying to twist that #@%& shaker with the other? :confused: Yup, I know, that pales in comparison with some of the other suggestions;)

John---

Try grinding the salt onto a plate, then rolling your egg in the salt...
;)

[Copper10-8]

John---

Try grinding the salt onto a plate, then rolling your egg in the salt...
;)

Worth a try, thanks dude:)

[FoxyTerrier]

I would like to see HAL revamp the Mariner program into something meaningful. I don't want key chains, buttons, bags, T-shirts, certificates......give us something along the lines of the frequent flyer or frequent hotel guest programs. Oh yes....and stop sending me "special Mariner offers" that are still more expensive than I can get from my TA without claiming Mariner status.

Go Randy!! Go Randy!! I like your idea! Even more annoying getting the special Mariner Offers for the a cruise you have already booked 10 months a head of the sailing!

[bobpatj]

I've had a hard time booking shore excursion online, and have had to call HAL to book. The wait for someone to talk to can be anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes! It would be nice to have a recorded message stating how long the wait will be. :mad:

[Randyk47]

Unfortunately Joni I don't think HAL pays much attention to me. :o As much as I've commented about other stuff that nothing has happened about I'm pretty sure I'm not on their "A" list. :D

[kryos]

I would like to see HAL revamp the Mariner program into something meaningful. I don't want key chains, buttons, bags, T-shirts, certificates......give us something along the lines of the frequent flyer or frequent hotel guest programs. Oh yes....and stop sending me "special Mariner offers" that are still more expensive than I can get from my TA without claiming Mariner status.
Amen! I'm with you 100%. Those Mariner offers we get in the mail are little more than the same Early Booking Discounts that anyone could get. A TA could always do far better than the HAL Mariner fares.

I agree with you. Set up a meaningful loyalty program where the discount is dependent upon your number of days sailed with HAL ... and it's a discount worth writing home about ... and applied AFTER all other discounts. Yes, Mariner discounts would ALWAYS be combineable with others ... and would be deducted from your invoice AFTER computation of your cruise fare ... whatever that would be after TA discounting.

Then ... fine ... keep the little "perks." I don't need things like some free internet time, appetizers delivered to my cabin, and some of the other possibilities that were mentioned. Just put the cold hard cash in my pocket so that I can afford to cruise more often. Then let the suite passengers enjoy those special little perks ... as they do now. I don't need 'em.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

2) There should be a separate queue for boarding for passengers who do NOT want to have their photograph taken. We had to wait around in the lounge for 30 minutes or so since everyone boarding was queued up to have a photo taken. We asked the staff if we could just go around the photo stand and go ahead to board -- but were very politely told that unfortunately we could not.
You are very polite.

I just barreled my way through the line and walked around the photographer. Heck with that. I wasn't waiting in a line for which I'm not taking advantage of the service that others standing there are. Sure, I'll wait my turn just like anyone else if I need whatever the line is waiting for ... i.e., talk with someone at the purser's desk, board a tender, etc. But no way am I waiting in a food line when there is nothing at that serving station I want, nor in a line for photos when I know dammed well I look like crap from being up working all night and would no way in Hades buy that photo anyway.

Just dodge it ... that's what I say. To heck with manners in that situation. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

Change the format of the Mariners' Parties:
(1) Have it in the evening, NOT at 11:00 a.m.
(2) Serve decent hors d'oeuvres and a good choice of complimentary cocktails, vino and bubbly.
(3) Forget the silly "awards". This takes too much time and lessens the enjoyment of the event.
(4) Provide some decent musical entertainment.
(5) Have the captain or CD deliver a short presentation on the "state of the cruiseline".
LOL ... I could care less if they served NOTHING at the Mariner parties. Just give me a nice loyalty discount on my cruises ... which increases based on number of past days sailed. Those drinks at the Mariner parties are watered down anyway. I'd personally prefer to buy my own drink when I want it ... and have HAL save the money spent on that crap they serve at the party to give me a "REAL" Mariner benefit.

Now a talk by the captain ... on the state of the cruise line ... that might be nice. Wouldn't really cost HAL anything either and would be of great interest to loyal Mariners who like to know what the future holds for their favorite ships.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

I'd love to have free Internet use as we almost always buy a package but think it would become almost impossible to get use of a computer or connection if they started giving it away to many people. In that case, the something that we paid nothing for would be worth nothing. In the end, we'd be worse off as we would be unable to do what we are (almost always) able to do now.
You are absolutely right, Sail. On Princess, where Elite members get free internet, it is almost impossible to get online to so much as read your email. Forget cruise critic. The time it takes to load makes accessing it almost prohibitively expensive. Sure, the folks getting the free internet don't care. They're not paying for all that connect time. But the poor folks who have to pay for internet access are left basically picking up the tabs for all the ones getting the freebies. Our internet charges wind up being MUCH higher.

While it wasn't always too difficult to find an empty computer work station on the ships I was on, the problem was with the time it took to connect and do your business. With so many people online, the internet access speeds were dragged down to the point that a cheap dial up connection on land would beat them by a mile.

The thing that really torqued me about it was that the Elite members get free UNLIMITED internet. This means that they don't hesitate to stay online for hours. Why not? It's not costing them anything. So, they will not only check their email, but do a host of other things online too ... such as check their entire stock portfolio and work on their ebay sites. Not fair when someone like me is just trying to check an email box and is spending close to an hour online to do it.

If Princess wanted to give free internet access to their loyal members, they should have limited the amount of time ... an amount sufficient to check email each day of the cruise and then get the heck off. I don't think that benefit was ever designed for people to park it in that internet center for hours at a time doing all manner of things online. If HAL ever decides to offer such a benefit, I sure hope they have the sense to make it so many hours of free internet access ... and not unlimited. The number of free hours, of course, would depend upon the length of the cruise.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Copper10-8]

Now a talk by the captain ... on the state of the cruise line ... that might be nice. Wouldn't really cost HAL anything either and would be of great interest to loyal Mariners who like to know what the future holds for their favorite ships.

Some do that already at the Mariner's reception but it's not universal. Some captains are more talkative then others (think Frans Consen versus "Captain Jack" van Coevorden). Some seem more than happy to have their CD's be the master of ceremonies. I think a lot depends on their personalities and how comfortable they are talking in a different language in front of large crowds

[RuthC]

Let's make it two things, all right?

First, return to those days of yesteryear when the last lounge closed at 2:00 AM. Some of us like to stay out and play.

Second, I'd like real maple syrup in the Lido at breakfast, please. That "pancake syrup" stuff is awful. The sugar-free (which is what I'm supposed to use anyway) actually tastes better.

All right---I'm on a roll; let's make it a triple play. Add malt vinegar to the condiments tray in the Lido. I need it on my fries (it's a RI thing); the only time it's available is the day they have fish and chips.

[jhannah]

Ruth, you forgot one thing ... start leaving TWO chocolates on the pillow at night! :D

[canoeny]

As a veteran of five HAl cruises over a seven year period, I am surprised only one person commented on the disembarcation process. I have always found it difficult, and as I get older, more and more annoying. I would appreciate a better system of luggage sorting and a better transfer system than the current "scramble".. Makes for a disappointing end to a good time.

I also second the addition of kitchen and wait staff to the levels of several years ago. Our dining experience is still fine, but not like it used to be!!!!

[JmzandJojo]

We just returned from our first HAL cruise; our first cruise at all actually. It was such a glorious experience it's hard to nit-pick, but understanding the point of the post I'll give it a try. Nothing's ever perfect and putting in our 2 cents might mean meaningful changes if shared.

1. Food avaliability. I'd have loved to see more variety avaliable in off hours other than the Pasta station. Maybe even just the Deli would have been nice. With more ships going to the casual anytime dinning, I think HAL will have to make some changes here. It was my DH's greatest dissapointment.
Food Quality. Throughly dissapointing. It wasn't bad food...... It just never WOWed me. I suppose my expectations may have been too high. The presentations were always lovely, but improving the quality could go a long way.

2. Better descriptions of Excursions. The best example I can give is the Grizzly Bear trip in Prince Rupert. It was glorious on the float plane, seeing all the remote mountain lakes. It was MORE than glorious watching a Momma and her three cubs wander along the beaches. It was TORTUREOUS riding on a small boat back across an endless harbor for 2 hours back to the ship. We really only got maybe 45 mins of 5hours!!! watching the bears. The flight was 30 mins. If I'd know I'd be trapped on a lil boat coming back for the majority of the trip I'd have chosen differently. I'm contacting the tour company to reccommend they make it a longer time on the river and a flight back to the ship. It would HAVE to be cost effective. Less a HAL thing but still the description of the trip was vague.

3. More time in Sitka and Prince Rupert. I found them both quaint and charming, and far less tourist/cruiseline commercial than Juneau.

4. Friendlier staff in the gift shops. These were the only people, other guest included, that we found unfriendly. They could never answer questions about sales published in the daily programs.

Small things in the scheme of the trip at large. Still thought HAL was as near perfection for our style as could be.

[NorthernNeighbour]

Let's make it two things, all right?

First, return to those days of yesteryear when the last lounge closed at 2:00 AM. Some of us like to stay out and play.

Second, I'd like real maple syrup in the Lido at breakfast, please. That "pancake syrup" stuff is awful. The sugar-free (which is what I'm supposed to use anyway) actually tastes better.

All right---I'm on a roll; let's make it a triple play. Add malt vinegar to the condiments tray in the Lido. I need it on my fries (it's a RI thing); the only time it's available is the day they have fish and chips.

Ruth -- It's not just a RI thing. We Canadians (and the Brits too) love our malt vinegar on the chips (which Americans call French Fries when the government of the day in Washington is not in a spate with the government of the day in Paris).

But I'm glad to know it is a RI thing also. We'll make a point of having fish and chips in RI the next time we visit New England. Maybe on a fall cruise? Who knows.

[Ryndam2002]

Get rid of those annoying overhead annoncements for art auctions, bingo, etc. They are very cheesy. Celebrity does a much better job with this. Only one noontime announcement from the bridge regarding weather, position, etc.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Go back to having the Mariner's party in the evenings. We have decided that as long as they are in the morning we aren't going to go to anymore.

In fact we aren't even going to take our medals this cruise.

[Mack704]

QUOTE:
"1. Food avaliability. I'd have loved to see more variety avaliable in off hours other than the Pasta station. Maybe even just the Deli would have been nice. With more ships going to the casual anytime dinning, I think HAL will have to make some changes here. It was my DH's greatest dissapointment."


Having cruised before on RCCL, X, and Carnival, but never on HAL, I believe they all, including HAL, offer 24 hr. room sevice. And from what I've read, HAL's room service menu is quite extensive. And I've also read that they're pretty prompt. Your husband might want to explore that alternative on your next cruise.

Harvey

[Stevedan]

1. 7 day cruises to Bermuda from NYC

2. Caribbean music by the pools. Not blaring loud like on Carnival, but nice calypso music like Princess.

[tjcox9]

On recent B2B's on the Noordam, we got the usual invitation to the Mariner's party as medallion holders. Supposedly, we're to enter and sit in a reserved area.

Fine, but it's impossible to get served that glass of champagne or wine. At both gatherings, we and the others in our row had to flag down waiters to get drinks and appetizers. And then, of course, they have only one or two glasses and have to get more. It just all seemed very disorganized. If we're going to be invited to sit in a certain area, why not see that that area has been served prior to serving the one or two cruise passengers.

I understand that HAL has the largest % of repeat passengers, so the groups do become large. But, since the Mariner program offers nothing other than a pin, medallion and tile, why not take care of those of us who have the "hardware"?

Just one of those mild irritants..........

[aaerobear]

As to the mariners parties, on the last 2 HAL cruises we were on the parties were, indeed, in the evening. AND you could order whatever drink you wanted and they servers went off and returned with your choice.

The last cruise was on the Maasdam 4/27-5/13

[Tinknock50]

Get rid of Park West Art Auctions (or at least control how much of the ship that they seem to take over when ever they want to).

I agree whole-heartedly. It was awful on the Oosterdam. I am thinking HAL must be making a good revenue from the auction company because they really have moved into places they shouldn't be....like the Crows Nest!

[ejbmorr]

It's hard to think about what we'd liked changed when we really remember all that we loved on our HAL cruises.
There is one real wish- to have cruise options departing from Philadelphia or Baltimore. That would be really wonderful. That would definitely mean more Holland America cruises for us.
It would also be great if the hors d'oeuvres and beverages actually made it to all of the guests at the Mariner events. These parties have become so large that they cannot be staffed properly. It would seem better to have more than one party in order to make it the nice "thank you" that HAL intends.

[Tinknock50]

Get rid of those annoying overhead annoncements for art auctions, bingo, etc. They are very cheesy. Celebrity does a much better job with this. Only one noontime announcement from the bridge regarding weather, position, etc.

Agree....

On one Alaska cruise, we were in a good whale watching area. So naturally everyone was anxious to see them.The bingo guy came on the PA and said something like "theres a whale....." and then hooked into a bingo game annoucement with nothing about a whale sighting. Made everybody groan.
They announce bingo way too often. Everthing is in the program for the day so it is easy to find out bingo times.

[Copper10-8]

AND you could order whatever drink you wanted and they servers went off and returned with your choice.

You bet! If you happen to to be the holder of a medalion, the invitation says "you will be recognized as a medalion holder" That's it, nothing else and that's why HAL wants you sitting near the front of the stage. Those bar waiters are constantly walking around with trays full of glasses and hors d'oeuvres but let's not forget that they are responsible to try and serve everybody in the lounge who is there as a Mariner. If you don't get a glass of bubbly and/or a most excellent bitterbal rightaway, flag one down (the waiter, not the bitterbal;) ) and ask for one. No big deal and certainly no reason to get irritated about!

[Krazy Kruizers]

On our last few cruises we have not been able to sit near the front - the girls just point to the direction for where they want everyone to sit - never bothered to see what medals anyone was wearing. And it was impossible to get a drink that we wanted. We placed our order - drinks never came. We stuck in the middle of a row and each time they came with champagne, we kept asking where our drinks were - "They are on the way".

Just one more reason not to attend the parties any more.

[Copper10-8]

On our last few cruises we have not been able to sit near the front - the girls just point to the direction for where they want everyone to sit - never bothered to see what medals anyone was wearing. And it was impossible to get a drink that we wanted. We placed our order - drinks never came. We stuck in the middle of a row and each time they came with champagne, we kept asking where our drinks were - "They are on the way".

Just one more reason not to attend the parties any more.

Sorry that happened to you! If your receive an invitation in which they tell you that they want you to sit up front near the stage, then they better make sure that they have seats reserved for you there as you're being led in! If they don't, then that's pretty poor planning IMO and does not speak well for the HM, bar manager and their staff ! We've never had a problem getting and/or ordering a drink from there

[tjcox9]

As stated earlier, one the B2B cruises on the Noordam, it was not a pleasant experience at all, and I certainly didn't feel "honored". Waiters seemed to be oblivious to those not served even with flaggings and one side of room seemed to get all the drinks and appetizers.

Perhaps, because the Noordam is new, they just need more practice at this, but it was not a pleasant experience at all. Doing B2B on Westerdam later this year and will have to consider whether to take pins or medallion at all.

Not that it's that important to get a complimentary glass of champagne, but they do need to do a better job if they are going to continue doing this. And I also enjoyed it more when it was held in the evening.

[kryos]

Ruth, you forgot one thing ... start leaving TWO chocolates on the pillow at night! :D
I generally always got two on the Amsterdam. I think it was just toward the last five or six days of the cruise that I started only getting one. Maybe they were running out?

You should have seen JudyAl's eyes light up the night I brought my "booty" to the dining room and gave them to her. Sadly, as much as I appreciated the pillow chocolates, I can't eat them. :(

Many days, my pillow chocolates made up the eyes on my various towel animals ... so there were always two. And, I guess since he was in the habit of leaving two, he did it even when there was no towel animal.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

Get rid of those annoying overhead annoncements for art auctions, bingo, etc. They are very cheesy. Celebrity does a much better job with this. Only one noontime announcement from the bridge regarding weather, position, etc.
Again, maybe this varies ship to ship, but on the Amsterdam I only recall announcements being made at around noon. The captain would give a status report and then the cruise director would come on and go through a summary of the afternoon activities. But, I don't recall ever hearing any other general announcements.

Now I do remember on the Zuiderdam ... announcements at several times of the day for Bingo ... Jackpot Jenny I think was the girl's name. Maybe it's the Vista ships that have lots of extra announcements?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Tinknock50]

Rita,
It was on the "S" class (Veendam) too.

When I was on the Amsterdam a couple of years ago, I remember the overall elegance of the cruise. So I am thinking we didn't have the bingo announcements on her. Maybe because that is considered the flagship, along with the Rotterdam, that they strive for a more refined atmosphere?

Would be intetresting to hear from other Amsterdam cruisers as to their experience.

[elmorejj]

Ever since we have been medalion holders, our invitation always says to gather at a certain doorway and wait to be escorted to our reserved seats. We have never had a problem ordering or receiving our drink of choice......one can almost use the medalion as a coaster to rest the drink on!!!...........jean:cool:

[tjcox9]

Ya gotta to be able to get a drink to rest on that coaster. Hard to do on the Noordam!!

[Bookish Angel]

I sometimes receive three a week despite repeated requests over the past year to remove my name from their mailing lists.

What a waste of paper and time given that I have NEVER seen a direct-booking-with-HAL price beat my trusty on-line agency!

[laslo]

I echo the disembarkation sentiment. We did a Disney cruise when they did the West Coast for Disneyland's 50th Anniversary and the disembarkation was an absolute dream! We went to breakfast with our regular wait staff, ate breakfast, shared a leisurely goodbye with our servers and our table mates and waited to be called for disembarkation. Our Holland America experiences haven't been as bad as our Celebrity experience, though.

[NorthernNeighbour]

Rita,
It was on the "S" class (Veendam) too.

When I was on the Amsterdam a couple of years ago, I remember the overall elegance of the cruise. So I am thinking we didn't have the bingo announcements on her. Maybe because that is considered the flagship, along with the Rotterdam, that they strive for a more refined atmosphere?

Would be intetresting to hear from other Amsterdam cruisers as to their experience.

Was just on the AMSTERDAM -- and they do give announcements. However, the cruise director, Susan WOOD, is quite good at making it seem that she is not being too pushy with the announcement making. Also, in our cabin, we could dial a certain channel on the radio to receive the announcements or not. Great for when you are taking an afternoon nap (in order to be ready for all that evening social life) -- you just turn down the sound on the radio and -- bingo -- you don't hear them.

[Richard Stein]

I am a red pin holder (over 50 days) who cannot afford suites on every cruise. Give me benefits similar to what I get with my elite status on Celebrity and Princess and I will sail HAL more often.

[Krazy Kruizers]

JOhn

Only on the Ryndam have we been able to sit in a certain section - stated on invitation.

None of our other Mariner invitations on other ships have stated that they were going to reserve a certain section for medal holders.

Yonnie

[wowzo]

Laslo, I completely agree that Disney has the best disembark. I wrote a post about it last month and forgot to mention that they had a 'lost & found' table set up at the gangway for all the things lost & found on that cruise.

But they did have those horrid 'powder-tasting' eggs onthe Lido like all the ships have:mad:

MaryAnn

[5 in OK]

We would like to also add a meat like ham, roast beef or turkey and a chef to carve a slice "while you wait" at the lido. It seems that the main entree line was always so long - it they featured a carved meat each day for lunch this surely would help the long lines for the entree of the day. Just a thought...

[LAFFNVEGAS]

As many of you know I am a HAL Fan all the way. I am one of these people that why jump ship if everything is just the way I like it. The world would be pretty boring if we all liked the same thing so it is good that there are those that find lots of fault with HAL and want to cruise elsewhere. We learned our lesson many years ago when after numerous trips to Hawaii (All the Kona Coast) we were told we must try Kauai. Well, we did and every day we kept asking ourselves when are we getting off this darn island. We were staying in a very nice five 5 star hotel in Poipu area. We even went as far to check out available hotel rooms and air fare to go over to the Big Island. Many people love Kauai we do not so when others suggest we try Celebrity to us it could be Kauai all over again.

You ask what does all the above have to do with this thread, well:o I guess I am just in a ranting mood today:D but.....there is one thing I wish could change on HAL. After 8 HAL cruises we have NEVER had a good shower head. Five of the 8 have been in S Suites and we have been lucky if the water comes out more than a trickle (which by the way the best ones has only been on the Oosterdam). It has always amazed me that the faucet in the sink comes out so strong that you have to be careful in turning it on, yet the shower is lucky if it trickles out. I would just like to have a shower head that it does not take double the time in the shower to rinse out my hair.

Otherwise I think Everything else is Pretty DAM Good:D
Like others I would like Free Interent but I don't want slow internet so I will pay for it, I also do not want the Thermal Suite Crowded so I will gladly pay for it. And as far as powdered eggs, I get the eggs made to order over easy with those great round seasoned hash brown rounds:)

As for Mariner perks I am sure they are coming and we will hear of what is planned for us very soon.;)

[Copper10-8]

Hey, what's wrong with Kauai, Lisa?:D And you know, you could start bringing your very own travelling showerhead, don't you? I think Mr. Deering would be very amused;)

[debjo]

I'm new to HAL and am awaiting my cruise in October on the WESTERDAM...
but there is one thing I'd already like to see changed and that is how HAL books the CABANAS on HALF MOON CAY. I found it very confusing to have to put the two cabanas for my traveling group all on my credit card in order to book them. Now I have to "collect" from all the people in my "group" personally to pay my credit card bill. Why is it that we have to book the cabana under one name...why can't they charge each individual person that will be using the cabana like they charge each person who is buying a "regular" shore excursion. (The same thing applies to the CABANA BUTLER UPGRADE.)

Don't get me wrong...I'm already "sold" on HAL and haven't yet "experienced" all the nice things that everyone has written about on these boards. I just have found the "cabana" thing to be a bit odd in booking it on the internet.

Just my two cents...
Debjo

[waterbug1]

Golly, just about everyone must like the coffee. How unusual (and delightful).
_______________
WB1
“Heu, modo itera omnia quae mihi nunc nuper narravisti, sed nunc Anglice?”

[MBeamTX]

I'm new to HAL and am awaiting my cruise in October on the WESTERDAM...
but there is one thing I'd already like to see changed and that is how HAL books the CABANAS on HALF MOON CAY. I found it very confusing to have to put the two cabanas for my traveling group all on my credit card in order to book them. Now I have to "collect" from all the people in my "group" personally to pay my credit card bill. Why is it that we have to book the cabana under one name...why can't they charge each individual person that will be using the cabana like they charge each person who is buying a "regular" shore excursion. (The same thing applies to the CABANA BUTLER UPGRADE.)
Because the cabana price is the same for UP TO 4 people. They can't break out the cost and charge it to individuals because it's not priced per person. If someone in your group cancelled their trip, it wouldn't change the price of the cabana.

And you could have had another member of your group book and pay for the second cabana

[MBeamTX]

If I could get HAL to change one thing ...

it would be to keep the Lido pool and hot tub open 24 hours a day, or at least until midnight or 1 am. I love to swim or soak when no one else is around. RCI manages to have their pools and hot tubs open nearly 24 hours - they close one at a time for cleaning. Couldn't HAL do the same?

Happy cruising,
Susan

[5 in OK]

If I could get HAL to change one thing ...

it would be to keep the Lido pool and hot tub open 24 hours a day, or at least until midnight or 1 am. I love to swim or soak when no one else is around. RCI manages to have their pools and hot tubs open nearly 24 hours - they close one at a time for cleaning. Couldn't HAL do the same?

Happy cruising,
Susan


Oh - yes!! Excellent idea - my favorite so far - we would love to swim late at night or early, early morning!!! I so hope Seattle sees this!:)

[MBeamTX]

Oh - yes!! Excellent idea - my favorite so far - we would love to swim late at night or early, early morning!!! I so hope Seattle sees this!:)

Oh, so glad you agree! Let's start a campaign to get lots of CCers to put this on their comment cards over the next few months, so HAL will implement it by the time I sail again in November. :D

[Krazy Kruizers]

Don't think that will happen - especially on the R and S class ships. We suite guests would not appreciate all the noise above us with people moving chairs and etc just so they could use the pools all night.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Hey, what's wrong with Kauai, Lisa?:D And you know, you could start bringing your very own travelling showerhead, don't you? I think Mr. Deering would be very amused;)

John, I can give you an answer in one word Chickens:D :eek:

Also it just was not Kona, Hawaii's 4 main islands each have a totally different feel and personality. The Big Island just feels like home with Maui coming in a second. Of course it also did not help with getting severe motion sickness the first full day there from going on a very bad tour of the Napali Coast then getting the Noro Virus or food poisening from eating Road Kill, Oh I mean chicken. Just all in all not a pleasurable trip.

Now, about that shower head thingy, ya think if I brought my own I could get my room steward to install it :D

Only kidding of course, but I still cannot understand why the water pressure is so bad in the shower when the sink water pressure is extremely strong.

[5 in OK]

Oh, so glad you agree! Let's start a campaign to get lots of CCers to put this on their comment cards over the next few months, so HAL will implement it by the time I sail again in November. :D



Absolutely!!! We should start a new thread "Comment Card Unity"! This would be a relatively free change that HAL could make and in return it would make so many people happier! They could call it FLEX POOL TIME!:D

[sail7seas]

I see too many downsides to keeping a pool open into the evening/night. I would not be happy for that to be instituted.

It's as an accident/nightmare waiting to happen!!

JMHO........

[MBeamTX]

Having the pools open late has not been a nightmare in my experiences on Serenade of the Seas, and I've been in suites one deck below the pool level both times. I never saw more than 8 or 10 people at a time in the pool area late at night, and we went up there most evenings. Granted, we were on longer, 10 and 14-day itineraries without many children and teens on board, so that number may be atypical of most cruises. But if RCI can keep their pools open virtually around the clock on all of their sailings, it can't be quite the hazard to civilization and restful sleep that some might suspect. I think HAL could handle it, given the clientele it attracts.

Happy sailing,
Susan

[Celestia]

Small peanuts but get rid of those twister combo salt and pepper shakers in the Lido and replace them with traditional ones. Have you ever tried putting salt on a hard boiled egg while holding the egg in one hand and trying to twist that #@%& shaker with the other? :confused: Yup, I know, that pales in comparison with some of the other suggestions;)

I LOVE this suggestion!!!! having done that same egg/shaker/salt/pepper dance myself!

[Wild Thing ~T]

What one thing would you like to see HAL change?

I would love to see refrigerators in every cabin, like Princess and Celebrity already do!

[Spender Nui]

Institute a loyality program that did something positive.

[RevNeal]

I guess I'll offer my two:

1. Add some vegetables to the election hors devours -- you know, celery and dip ... carrots ... broccoli, etc. I love the fried items, but too much of that is just too much of that.

2. I agree with Brian ... return the dining room staff-levels back to what they used to be ... and return to 2 seatings. Yes ... they will claim that there hasn't been a decline in staffing levels, and the HM will look at you like you have 3 heads if you dare to suggest that such has happened (other than temporarily). But the facts are the fact, and those of us who have been cruising with HAL since the mid 1990s, and before, KNOW it.

[localady]

I can think of 2 requests:

1. Have the pools open till at least 11:00pm

2. Extend the time for dining in the Lido for dinner from the current 6:30-7:30.

[cruznon]

It's a minor suggestion....

I'd like to have waiters bring a desert tray around as they do on Celebrity. Sometimes seeing a desert before ordering, can help you decide!

[cartervan]

We wish there could be a little better configeration of the light switches in the cabins. Why can't the lights be out around the bed, but be on in the hall by the wardrobes? Either the person trying to pick out clothes in the morning has to fumble in the semi-darkness, or the person still in bed has to pull the covers over his or her head!

[ore-ee-gun]

The number one thing I'd like to see change is the spa. Lower the prices for services and ix-nay the sales pitch on the products. I love getting a massage, but having to decline the therapist's insistent offer to sell me overpriced oils, salts, and brushes at the end sort of spoils the experience.

And, I'd really like to see DARK chocolates on my pillow....

[jhannah]

We wish there could be a little better configeration of the light switches in the cabins. Why can't the lights be out around the bed, but be on in the hall by the wardrobes? Great suggestion. I've wondered that, too. Being able to turn on the light above the entry door without lighting the entire cabin would be wonderful.

[Schplinky]

Get rid of those annoying overhead annoncements for art auctions, bingo, etc. They are very cheesy. Celebrity does a much better job with this. Only one noontime announcement from the bridge regarding weather, position, etc.

Celebrity is not immune to this. On Constellation in January, there was a daily Captain's announcement and the activities manager also came on at some point in the day to remind us of the evening's activity and...oh.. yes, bingo is starting in 15 minutes; why don't you come down and win.

[Schplinky]

2. I agree with Brian ... return the dining room staff-levels back to what they used to be ... and return to 2 seatings. Yes ... they will claim that there hasn't been a decline in staffing levels, and the HM will look at you like you have 3 heads if you dare to suggest that such has happened (other than temporarily). But the facts are the fact, and those of us who have been cruising with HAL since the mid 1990s, and before, KNOW it.

I'm new to HAL so I cannot comment on the staffing levels but why would you want fewer options in dining times? Since each level has its own galley, it cannot be for food quality reasons. Do you feel having more times affects the service somehow? Personally, I was very pleased to hear of this system because the early/early time is too early for us and the late/early is perfect.

[jhannah]

Both dining rooms have the same galley (kitchen.) That's one reason they began to stagger the times. It helps the kitchen not have both dining rooms filling up at the same time.

[Schplinky]

I apologise. I read in a review that they had different galleys and that was what enabled the switch.

[jhannah]

Maybe they were referring to the staging area each dining room has.

[Schplinky]

Actually, in looking at the deck plans on the Weserdam, they have the same amount of blank space, also. Perhaps it is different on different ships?

[RuthC]

why would you want fewer options in dining times? Since each level has its own galley,
I don't believe each level does have it's own galley. What makes you say so?

Now, as to why someone might want fewer dining times, I won't speak for Brian, but as for me...
When HAL went from 2 to 4 dining times they unintentionally(?) also messed with cocktail times and the ability to attend some of those cute little "filler" shows like Not So Newlywed Game and Liars Club. If you eat at the wrong time you can't go to these shows. For some dining times cocktail time is either too short at the beginning, or ends too soon at the end.

In the dining room itself the switch to four dining times was an attempt to smooth out the jam-up in the kitchen that short-staffing there brought about. If staffing levels in the dining room and kitchen were brought back up there would be no need to further sub-divide the early and late groups.

There are times when the dining room still has to be treated as one room (Baked Alaska parade, farewell song night). The upper level is held back waiting, and the lower level is enjoying the ending just when the entree is served.
It all just worked better when it was one dining room at once.

[Schplinky]

I don't believe each level does have it's own galley. What makes you say so?



I'm positive I read this in a guidebook review but of course, one reads so much when preparing to book that I cannot recall where. The review said that it was the presence of galleys on each level that allows the separate times.

What you report is interesting and I would not have thought that splitting up dining groups would reduce the need for staff. Does that also mean that the second of the two times in each groups gets food that feels "fatigued" or do they actually finish each seating's food separately, in your opinion.

My ideal would be to eat at seven but in order to do that, you would need to live in the buffet (which I will not do) or dine on an anytime line, which sort of exhausts me to think about because you would be meeting new tablemates at each meal.

[sail7seas]

We personally sat in the galley while dinner was being served to both levels. We had a private tour of the galley by the Exec Chef and he then invited us to remain in the galley while he served first seating. At that time, each seating used both the upper and lower levels. There is ONE Galley on all of the ships that handles upper and lower level. This is true of every ship in HAL's fleet. ( I exempt Prinsendam from that comment as I know very little about that ship,.)

Perhaps what is confusing you is that on some of the ships, Pinnacle Grill has it's own galley but on some of the ships it uses the main galley.

I don't care what any guide book days, ;) I've been there and sat and watched dinner being served to upper and lower dining room out of the one galley.

[RuthC]

Does that also mean that the second of the two times in each groups gets food that feels "fatigued" or do they actually finish each seating's food separately, in your opinion.
I have limited experience being in the second grouping. Usually I have the 8:00 sitting, but did have the 8:30 for the 10-day Noordam cruise. Can't say I noticed any difference in quality of food in the later group. I ate well! :D

I don't really know how the galley is set up, but I think that since they have to prepare for approximately half of the dining room's capacity at a time they can do it with less staff, and stretch out the time that any given person has to do his work.

[sail7seas]

We always have 8:00 seating and our food is freshly prepared and hot or cold as appropriate.

[Schplinky]

I yield to the greater experience of the regular posters, although if the hot food is arriving hot and the cold food is arriving cold, I'm still unclear as to how this staggered seating has affected quality. Luckily, we won't be able to sense the decline, since this will be our first HAL cruise. We will only be able to compare with RCL and Celebrity, both of which we enjoyed, although in different ways.

[bepsf]

There is ONE Galley on all of the ships that handles upper and lower level. This is true of every ship in HAL's fleet.



Sail--
Is this also true on the Vistas?
I have the feeling (tho I dont know for certain) that the kitchens are doubled on Vistas, as I don't beleive there are escalators between levels as there are on the S and R Class ships...



RuthC has my intention w/ dining times correct - my longterm gripe with the staggered times (which I mention to every Hotel Manager whenever I get the opportunity) is not with the quality of food, but that it's most annoying being on lower level where I enjoy my regular wake-view table on last formal night and just barely receiving (or not?) one's entree when the lights are dimmed for the Baked Alaska Parade. I seem to always find myself needing something and wondering why the waiters have all disappeared when the lights are lowered - leaving me groaning in my seat and my "fine dining experience" thusly interrupted. Last time on Noordam, I was so disgusted from not receiving my entree before the parade that I just got up from my place during the parade and went to the Lido for a nice big bowl of icecream.

Maybe I should just learn to book Pinnacle on last formal night, but I'd hate to miss seeing all my friends in the dining room all dressed up in their finery...

[Schplinky]

I found where the mention of galleys on each level was and Brian is correct that it was a Vista ship. In the CC review of Zuiderdam, the following passage is included. I thought I was imagining things. When you look at the deck plans for the Vista class, there is an equal amount of blank space behind the dining room on each level, which further supports the idea of twin galleys.

<<For main dining, the two-level Vista Dining Room features a lipstick-red decor with ebony-colored wood chairs with floral upholstery. Floor-to-ceiling windows line three sides of the room, and there are two grand staircases with a bandstand in between from where live music emanates during dinner. Food on Holland America remains as good as always; rarely inspired, but tasty. But a full galley on each level is sure to speed up service and help ensure that the food is hot when served. >>

[sail7seas]

You know, Brian........you now have me confused re: Vista and I have to say I'm not sure. I THINK there is one galley on Vistas, as well, but will let you know for sure. I'll post later today with the 'definitive' response.

As to not getting your entree before Baked Alaska.......I would not like that either.

I'm sure you have thought of it and probably tried, but how about speaking with your steward and his supervisor and telling them you really expect your entree to be served to you (your whole table) .....HOT and tasty......and the steward needs to plan his work around getting everyone's meal to them before he parades. This should be obvious to them and probably is to post but.......

Good luck.

[sail7seas]

We were posting at the same time, Schplinky......

I'll check with a friend on board for the 'on the spot' info.
As I wrote above, I'm thinking Brian may be correct.

I can speak definitely for Ryndam, Statendam, Maasdam and Veendam....ONE Galley. Same for Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Volendan and Zaandam.

Vistas.....I am now confused. ;)

[Sayyadina]

There are times when the dining room still has to be treated as one room (Baked Alaska parade, farewell song night). The upper level is held back waiting, and the lower level is enjoying the ending just when the entree is served.

When we were on the Maasdam this spring, we had the 8:30 time. They actually told us to come at 8:15, and the 8:00 people also came in at 8:15, so we were all in synch. Since it was my first time on HAL, I thought this was standard. Interesting.

[Sayyadina]

When we were on the Maasdam this spring, we had the 8:30 time. They actually told us to come at 8:15, and the 8:00 people also came in at 8:15, so we were all in synch. Since it was my first time on HAL, I thought this was standard. Interesting.

Sorry, I didn't make it clear this was for the last night, the parade night. :)

[crzr]

I have to agree with Brian and Jim from the first set of replies. More dining room stewards are absolutely essential to improving the dining experience to first-rate status. Those poor fellows wore their tails off due solely to Corporate desire to cut costs by cutting staff. It doesn't work well, and the product suffers for it.

But there is some hope here. After years of hearing me complain about their previous so-called "libraries", which were really holes-in-the-wall and not at all attractive, HAL has seriously upgraded their libraries in the SOE improvement program, and now have a truly impressive experience in their Explorations Cafe.:D So, maybe more comment cards on behalf of the dining room stewards will do the trick.

Meanwhile, I've found that a little bit of understanding from the passengers goes a long way to brightening the stewards' spirits and thereby preserving a good dining experience.

[Willsot]

Ban smoking, or perhaps try offering some nonsmoking itineraries.

[KAYEF]

.

And, I'd really like to see DARK chocolates on my pillow....

All the time I've been reading, I've been thinking DARK CHOCOLATE, but what a picky thing; THANKS for saying DARK CHOCOLATE. That would surely make our steward's work harder, though...............
who wants milk :( and
who wants DARK.............:p

Anyhow, who wants to waste calories on milk? Dark, I will walk to the next deck for!

[KAYEF]

We LOVE HAL:) and made the mistake of trying a couple of other lines:mad:
and
we learned that HAL's disembarkation is the WORST.........slowest.......
most difficult to locate one's own luggage of all.
Have to say, we LOVE those salt and pepper grinders in the Lido and often wonder why they aren't in the dining rooms as well. The pepper, especially, is delicious................all those colors...............yum!
As I said on another thread
BREAD PUDDING FOR BREAKFAST...................yes! I agree.
After all, it has bread, milk, eggs and it's SO GOOD; what a way to start the day that would be. Plus, you wouldn't have to go without it on "port days" when you miss lunch.
Sad to say, there is a definite lack of service in the dining rooms since the cutbacks and it must make it really difficult for the servers; they catch all the "flack" and it's surely not THEIR fault. There just aren't enough bodies to do all the work.:cool:
We had the free capaccinos on Veendam in December but she's gone in for her "makeover" so when we sail on her in August, they will be gone. Bring back that cozy corner and a fresh cup and those tiny biscotti....
all free.;)
I'm hoping they've fixed the plumbing problems on her; going without a toilet quite often wasn't fun and NO, we didn't flush wrong things down. We know how to use plumbing on ships; we're frequent cruisers........her system just was BAD and the men working on our deck were quite frustrated.
Anyhow, we LOVE HAL...............if you want to know how wonderful the line is, try another!! We did and we learned!

[Steamboatin]

HAL is our favorite cruise line.

However, we have enjoyed and utilized Carnival's military cruise rates more often than we have sailed on HAL.

Thus, wish HAL would implement Carnival's military cruise rate policy. After all they are owned by Carnival.

[gizmo]

Here is another vote to go back to 2 dining times. ;)

[Copper10-8]

we learned that HAL's disembarkation is the WORST.........slowest.......
most difficult to locate one's own luggage of all.

Can you enlighten us as to what the other lines you've tried do that improves disembarking and being able to locate your lugagge inside the terminal faster? Just being curious;)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

All the time I've been reading, I've been thinking DARK CHOCOLATE, but what a picky thing; THANKS for saying DARK CHOCOLATE. That would surely make our steward's work harder, though...............
who wants milk :( and
who wants DARK.............:p

Anyhow, who wants to waste calories on milk? Dark, I will walk to the next deck for!

I could not agree more but there are just far fewer people that like dark chocolate over milk chocolate. But if they had a chocolate exchange booth I would gladly go where it was on the ship for dark chocolate. When we were on the Maasdam, in the evening when the Champagne Strings would perform they had a tray of chocolate and it was Dark Chocolate:p Can you guess where I was almost every night.:D

[Schplinky]

I think the ease of lovating luggage and disembarking is much more a factor of the port than the line. In Miami, RCL has luggage caroussels for the various colours while in Puerto Rico and Fort Lauderdale, it is one of those warehouse situations where you're looking through rows of bags for your own. Same line but different processes because of the port facilities.

[MBeamTX]

Mmmmmm, those little dark chocolate heart-shaped candies in the Neptune Lounge! Can't wait til November.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Mmmmmm, those little dark chocolate heart-shaped candies in the Neptune Lounge! Can't wait til November.

I forgot about them because they did not have them in the Neptune on the Ryndam:( But I can usually count on them being there on the Oosterdam:)

[sail7seas]

The Neptune Lounge nibbles on Ryndam were the worst we have seen on any ship. No variety about them either. The same things that we disliked on day one were still showing up on day 13. Same old unappealing things. :(

[bepsf]

The Neptune Lounge nibbles on Ryndam were the worst we have seen on any ship. No variety about them either. The same things that we disliked on day one were still showing up on day 13. Same old unappealing things. :(




Wow! How bad were they?

Were they the same types of nibblies found on other ships or were these something completely different? (maybe someone else swooped in with their kids and all their non-suite friends and devoured all the good stuff:eek: )

[sail7seas]

No.....no one swooped down and emptied the trays. No one liked them very much. Everyday the same yuk!!! None of the little shrimp minis on the bread rounds w/ dab of cocktail sauce; almost no chocolates --I didn't have a single piece in 14 days; they had the usual crudite which I like but a few carrot/celery sticks gets pretty boring. I can't even tell you what was there as it was far from memorable. DH went there looking for a nibble most afternoons and often came back with nothing. They didn't once offer the nice chocolate/vanilla pound cake I like.

I wonder if HM or Chef makes the choices.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

The other thing is the cookies were the worst:( The most tasteless things I ever had. I have to admit I too was extremely dissappointed. Also the Suite Luncheon also did not have the usual items and only one person from the Neptune was there serving. I have been told by someone in HAL management that those Luncheons are all to be exactly the same and that comes from Seattle. So not quite sure what was going on with the Ryndam:confused:

[sail7seas]

What makes it surprising is that we generally thought the food very good on Ryndam. We very much enjoyed the dining room, Lido and Room Service. How could they do such a good job for the major food service on the ship and then be so bad with a minor thing like Neptune Lounge snacks?

Just as well, I guess.....we certainly did not go hungry! ;)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Sail, I agree, we found the food in the Lido and the Main Dining Room right up there at the top and was great. The bad part was even though there was not as many goodies to choose from in the Neptune I still managed to gain weight:eek:

[Spender Nui]

I could not agree more but there are just far fewer people that like dark chocolate over milk chocolate. But if they had a chocolate exchange booth I would gladly go where it was on the ship for dark chocolate. When we were on the Maasdam, in the evening when the Champagne Strings would perform they had a tray of chocolate and it was Dark Chocolate:p Can you guess where I was almost every night.:D

Wow! Now we're disputing the color of the chocolate on the pillow and the goodies at the Neptune Lounge.

[sail7seas]

:D Where better than here (other than aboard a 'dam' ship) to talk it?

[jhannah]

Wow! Now we're disputing the color of the chocolate on the pillow and the goodies at the Neptune Lounge. I don't read any dispute. Have I missed something?

... almost no chocolates --I didn't have a single piece in 14 days ... What? :eek: How ever did you make it through? :D

[sail7seas]

:p Life gets tough some times, Jim, but I managed to survive the gross deprivation!!! :D

[Salamander]

While I didn't have any trouble with luggage, disembarkation, online forms, or hot water, I agree with shorter Lido buffet lines and earlier shows. A stronger hair dryer would be nice. Overall, it was wonderful!
Westerdam/Alaska June 4-11,2006

[Celestia]

Great suggestion. I've wondered that, too. Being able to turn on the light above the entry door without lighting the entire cabin would be wonderful.

YES! This would be fantastic! No more stumbling 'round in the dark when one of us retires earlier and the 'night owl' doesn't want to disturb the sleeper!

[Marialivia]

On the Baltic itinerary, dispense with Aarhus and spend an ENTIRE day in Copenhagen instead!

Claiming luggage at the terminal was a great hassle for the passengers AND the porters.:D

[NHBob]

Eliminate all PA announcements except the daily report from the bridge and emergency messages. If I want to go to bingo, art auction, or other event, I'm capable of reading the daily program to find out when and where!