Cruising Illini
June 20th, 2006, 10:18 AM
I have had MANY problems changing my password and logging in thru HAL so if this stops before it is completed I am sorry. Also, my desktop is not working so may have typos from the laptop -- Sorry
Our group of 9 (5 teenagers and 4 adults) flew from Tampa and Atlanta. The lucky Atlenta grouyp (5) took the HAL package and had a non-stop to Copenhagen on Delta. I booked for the Tampa group so that we could get a good Bus. Cl. fare and we had 3 different flights -- long day!! The immigration lines were endless in the airports and original check-ins were the same. We always allow extra time but sometimes that was almost not enough.
The Atlanta group took the HAL hotel package also and styed at the Scandic Hotel for 1 day. The rest of us booked the SAS Radisson Royal immediately across from the main entrance to Tivoli. We all had dinner at the Tivoli Hard Rock Cafe & enjoyed the lights and music at Tivoili.
The HAL tour group had an excellent City Tour the morning of departure -- they left the hotel about 9:30 and arrived at the ship about 1. We arrived at the ship about oon and had immediate check-in. We took oiur carry-ons to the Neptune and found that our suite was ready so dropped things off & went to the Lido for a snack.
For general information the following staff was on board:
Capt. Dirk van den Berg
Hotel Manager - Wilhelmus Cruijsberg
Cruise Director: Susan Wood (Excellent!!)
Executive Chef: Peter Kofler (Austrian & very personable)
Guest Relations: Amber Coomer
Maitre d'Hotel: Tri Wyono (Best on the High Seas!!!)
The florist o board was outstanding -- really different arrangements from other trips (this is # 26 forus).
The ship was immaculate - always cleaning and polishing- scrubbing carpet
in the middle of the night, etc. There had been a very light outbreak of noro virus on the the cruise prior to ours and some precautions were taken when we first sailed but it was all returned to normal procedures in about 3 days when there was no further outbreak.
There was no internet service from the ship while in Russia and also much of the time around Stockholm and while leaving Stockholm for several hours. Think there should have been some adjustment in payment for these lapses in time because I had almost an extra hour left over.
Food is so personal that it's hard to comment -- I thought it was just a bit better than we had on the Rotterdam last October. Also for all of you Dover Sole lovers!!! -- it is on themenu for all cruises at least once. I had the idea from Tri that this was as a result of CC and other comments re. not having it.
Speaking of Tri -- this was a highlight for us to learn that Tri Wyono was our head of dining room because we have been friends for at leat 10 years. He was wonderful to our young traveoers and alwyas had his great smile and greeting every evening. Our waiters were fantastic -- never a mistake and always willing to bring usthe small servings that we preferred. The Lido was exceptional as usual (pastries great!!) for breakfast and lunch -- didn't go for dinner. Plenty of staff to clean tables and carry trays. One new food person from Germany needs to go to smille school -- he could learn from the Indonesians.
The Pinnacle service and food was fine fut too gourmet and helpings too large for us retirees and the girls --- the 20 year old boys could handle it fine.
The seas were super smooth - couldn't have been better. Had a little fog a couple of nights which delayed a couple of arrivals just a little bit. Several of our group were inside (3 cabins) on Main deck but were upgraded to outside on Dolphin deck just 1 week before departure and they really enjoyed having a window. This was their 3rd cruise. I would highly recommend our suite #7031 -- super quiet and handy to Neptune and center elevators. Our steward Mohamed couldn't have been better and was perfect with his towel animal art!!
We enjoyed the entertainment as always and sorry we did not cross paths with the young married couple that were the lead singer and dancer. Their costumes during the productions make it difficult recognize them around the ship and the cast no longer works in the library. This couple contributes to CC and so does their mother. They were great and we did of course know who they were while they were performing.
This cruise had one of the best mix of ages we have ever had. Many families with teenage children -- all WELL behaved and just a eneral mix of 50's to 70's I would say. It was nice to have a more diversified group and the entire ship was exceptionally congenial and friendly.
PORT & TOUR INFO. --
Copenhagen -- Go 1 day early!! Friendliest of all cities and easy walking.
Tallinn - Did not take a tour but there was a festival just ending which
provided entertainment since it was Sunday.
St. Petersburg -- Caution if you have walking problems when picking tours..
Peter & Paul Fortree/city tour good and with little walking
Peterhof -- MUCH walking if you do the complete tour - might possibly
ride to the end where bus parks and walk into the palace on your own
and see the gorgeous fountains. I did this partially but husband walked &
it was easily 1 hour.
Folkloric Show -- Leared that the theater they are currently using requires
walking 60 steps up to show room -- this may change from time to time
and should ask the tour office. I cancelled because I had seen it twice
before on other trips.
Stockholm - Highly recommend the City Tour with the Vasa Museum.
Ship also has a shuttle to town for $5 each way.
Warnemunde/Rostock/Berlin -- 7 of our group took the Berlin tour. The train was very old and not airconditioned and some couldn't even open windows for air. Since this was the younger of our group they still had a great time and enjoyed seeing all of the World Cup activity around town and luckily there was no game on the Sat. they were there. They left about 8 am and returned about 10:30 -- the Lido was kept open for full food service upon their return.
Husband and I rented a cab for $30/hour and went to Rostock. We had done this before so we could give the driver instructions re. our wishes, i.e. walking street and church tower for a vew of Rostock. Warnemunde is an easy walk from the ship and plenty to see there also.
Arhus --Stayed on the ship because Sunday and nothing open - a good day to pack!!
This is our favorite ship-- along with her sister the Rotterdam. We will be on her again in October (Canada) and Jan 2 (Florida-Carib). We have no interest in the Vista Class and just hope we can keep some of our old favorites for a long time.
I should also mention that the disembarkation in Copenhagen was fantastic. Since we docked very early they started at 7:30 a.m. and they took all baggage directly to the airport (if on HAL transfer) without having to claim it at the pier. As we arrived at the airport the bus stopped immediatly next to the "sorted" baggage at the curb and plenty of carts available. The Atlanta group had an 11 am flight and made the connection witout a problem.
I am not going to proof this -- afraid I will unintentionally delete. Will be pleased to answer any questions if I can get logged on in the future. HAL is still he best value for any quality cruise line sailing today. Cruising Illini
Our group of 9 (5 teenagers and 4 adults) flew from Tampa and Atlanta. The lucky Atlenta grouyp (5) took the HAL package and had a non-stop to Copenhagen on Delta. I booked for the Tampa group so that we could get a good Bus. Cl. fare and we had 3 different flights -- long day!! The immigration lines were endless in the airports and original check-ins were the same. We always allow extra time but sometimes that was almost not enough.
The Atlanta group took the HAL hotel package also and styed at the Scandic Hotel for 1 day. The rest of us booked the SAS Radisson Royal immediately across from the main entrance to Tivoli. We all had dinner at the Tivoli Hard Rock Cafe & enjoyed the lights and music at Tivoili.
The HAL tour group had an excellent City Tour the morning of departure -- they left the hotel about 9:30 and arrived at the ship about 1. We arrived at the ship about oon and had immediate check-in. We took oiur carry-ons to the Neptune and found that our suite was ready so dropped things off & went to the Lido for a snack.
For general information the following staff was on board:
Capt. Dirk van den Berg
Hotel Manager - Wilhelmus Cruijsberg
Cruise Director: Susan Wood (Excellent!!)
Executive Chef: Peter Kofler (Austrian & very personable)
Guest Relations: Amber Coomer
Maitre d'Hotel: Tri Wyono (Best on the High Seas!!!)
The florist o board was outstanding -- really different arrangements from other trips (this is # 26 forus).
The ship was immaculate - always cleaning and polishing- scrubbing carpet
in the middle of the night, etc. There had been a very light outbreak of noro virus on the the cruise prior to ours and some precautions were taken when we first sailed but it was all returned to normal procedures in about 3 days when there was no further outbreak.
There was no internet service from the ship while in Russia and also much of the time around Stockholm and while leaving Stockholm for several hours. Think there should have been some adjustment in payment for these lapses in time because I had almost an extra hour left over.
Food is so personal that it's hard to comment -- I thought it was just a bit better than we had on the Rotterdam last October. Also for all of you Dover Sole lovers!!! -- it is on themenu for all cruises at least once. I had the idea from Tri that this was as a result of CC and other comments re. not having it.
Speaking of Tri -- this was a highlight for us to learn that Tri Wyono was our head of dining room because we have been friends for at leat 10 years. He was wonderful to our young traveoers and alwyas had his great smile and greeting every evening. Our waiters were fantastic -- never a mistake and always willing to bring usthe small servings that we preferred. The Lido was exceptional as usual (pastries great!!) for breakfast and lunch -- didn't go for dinner. Plenty of staff to clean tables and carry trays. One new food person from Germany needs to go to smille school -- he could learn from the Indonesians.
The Pinnacle service and food was fine fut too gourmet and helpings too large for us retirees and the girls --- the 20 year old boys could handle it fine.
The seas were super smooth - couldn't have been better. Had a little fog a couple of nights which delayed a couple of arrivals just a little bit. Several of our group were inside (3 cabins) on Main deck but were upgraded to outside on Dolphin deck just 1 week before departure and they really enjoyed having a window. This was their 3rd cruise. I would highly recommend our suite #7031 -- super quiet and handy to Neptune and center elevators. Our steward Mohamed couldn't have been better and was perfect with his towel animal art!!
We enjoyed the entertainment as always and sorry we did not cross paths with the young married couple that were the lead singer and dancer. Their costumes during the productions make it difficult recognize them around the ship and the cast no longer works in the library. This couple contributes to CC and so does their mother. They were great and we did of course know who they were while they were performing.
This cruise had one of the best mix of ages we have ever had. Many families with teenage children -- all WELL behaved and just a eneral mix of 50's to 70's I would say. It was nice to have a more diversified group and the entire ship was exceptionally congenial and friendly.
PORT & TOUR INFO. --
Copenhagen -- Go 1 day early!! Friendliest of all cities and easy walking.
Tallinn - Did not take a tour but there was a festival just ending which
provided entertainment since it was Sunday.
St. Petersburg -- Caution if you have walking problems when picking tours..
Peter & Paul Fortree/city tour good and with little walking
Peterhof -- MUCH walking if you do the complete tour - might possibly
ride to the end where bus parks and walk into the palace on your own
and see the gorgeous fountains. I did this partially but husband walked &
it was easily 1 hour.
Folkloric Show -- Leared that the theater they are currently using requires
walking 60 steps up to show room -- this may change from time to time
and should ask the tour office. I cancelled because I had seen it twice
before on other trips.
Stockholm - Highly recommend the City Tour with the Vasa Museum.
Ship also has a shuttle to town for $5 each way.
Warnemunde/Rostock/Berlin -- 7 of our group took the Berlin tour. The train was very old and not airconditioned and some couldn't even open windows for air. Since this was the younger of our group they still had a great time and enjoyed seeing all of the World Cup activity around town and luckily there was no game on the Sat. they were there. They left about 8 am and returned about 10:30 -- the Lido was kept open for full food service upon their return.
Husband and I rented a cab for $30/hour and went to Rostock. We had done this before so we could give the driver instructions re. our wishes, i.e. walking street and church tower for a vew of Rostock. Warnemunde is an easy walk from the ship and plenty to see there also.
Arhus --Stayed on the ship because Sunday and nothing open - a good day to pack!!
This is our favorite ship-- along with her sister the Rotterdam. We will be on her again in October (Canada) and Jan 2 (Florida-Carib). We have no interest in the Vista Class and just hope we can keep some of our old favorites for a long time.
I should also mention that the disembarkation in Copenhagen was fantastic. Since we docked very early they started at 7:30 a.m. and they took all baggage directly to the airport (if on HAL transfer) without having to claim it at the pier. As we arrived at the airport the bus stopped immediatly next to the "sorted" baggage at the curb and plenty of carts available. The Atlanta group had an 11 am flight and made the connection witout a problem.
I am not going to proof this -- afraid I will unintentionally delete. Will be pleased to answer any questions if I can get logged on in the future. HAL is still he best value for any quality cruise line sailing today. Cruising Illini