barb-ottawa

On the Rotterdam in January, the internet speed was quite adequate. However, on the Nieuw Statendam in March, the internet was very, very slow. I inquired at the desk as I thought perhaps it hadn't been upgraded to Starlink, but they confirmed it was. It was very disappointing.

We were on the Rotterdam in October and will be back in January. Have they completed the upgrade to Starlink for the internet? Also, have to disagree with your comment about the band in the Rolling Stone Rock Room. We thought they were incredibly talented and enjoyed every show in October and were thrilled to find out they would be on the ship until the end of February and look forward to seeing them in January.

Don't know if you can access this, but here goes. And no, they weren't new to HAL. They are on the Rotterdam until February. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzMPOCKOLt4/

Main theatre entertainment was the usual stuff - dance in various formats, a comedian, steel band. We only attended a few shows. The band in the Rolling Stone Rock Room made up for all the lack of entertainment in the main theatre.

Excellent bands in both the Rolling Stone Rock Room and BB Kings.

The one with the grill is the main station, the one with the stir fry is maybe Distant Lands?

On the Pinnacle class ships (Koningsdam, Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam) there is a grilling station in the Lido where fresh proteins are grilled to your liking. There are also several other stations that offer food made at your request while you wait, eg fresh stir fries where you pick all your own ingredients (veggies and proteins) and they cook it up in front of you. We love the Lido on the Pinnacle ships for their variety and freshness. We love to eat breakfast and lunch outside and dine inside for dinner and never have trouble finding a table for any meal.

Received emails this morning from HAL that both my January and February sailings on the Nieuw Statendam have dropped Key West and added Nassau in addition to other changes. On one sailing, they switched days to Aruba and Curacao. Not a huge deal, but sure screws up the excursions booked in each port.

We have finally booked two cruises for January and February, our first since 2020. Though vaccinated and boosted, we fully expect that there is a good chance we will get covid on our trips. Looking to get suggestions from cruisers who have come down with covid while onboard about what over the counter medications they brought or wish they had brought to get them through their bout with covid. Thanks!

He doesn't need his sport coat to be admitted to the MDR or any specialty restaurant. A collared shirt and slacks is all that is required, even on gala night. It's his choice.