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Highlander1

Members
  • Posts

    496
  • Joined

About Me

  • Location
    Pt. Pleasant, NJ
  • Interests
    Fishing, Golf, Baseball, Cruising
  • Favorite Cruise Line(s)
    NCL
  • Favorite Cruise Destination Or Port of Call
    Caribbean

Highlander1's Achievements

Cool Cruiser

Cool Cruiser (2/15)

  1. We like to tip in cash, and the staff like to be tipped in cash, its the only way you know the person giving you the service gets the reward. Tipping by writing it in or charging on a room key means the tip gets pooled amongst a bunch of staff that you might choose not to tip for specific services. The room steward shouldn't be rewarded for serving drinks all day, they get their tip for keeping a nice room. The dishwasher and laundry workers get a piece of the daily tips, unfortunately, its not a personal service they provide, hopefully, they are entry level staff that can work their way up to a better paying position. We go along with the ships arrangements that they have set up with their staff, we always pay the daily tip fee and then tip in cash to those we choose, mostly barkeeps, wait staff, room and pool folks. Folks that do not pay the daily fee and elect to tip as they wish are doing a disservice to many of the staff that rely on their share as the majority of their income. Pull that and they don't get paid. So, if you do not wish to tip extra at least tip the suggested daily rate to make sure the souls cleaning the decks at 4am are getting a piece of pie too.
  2. Niew Amsterdam scheduled to return to Ft. Lauderdale at 7:00am. Have 2 choices for a flight home, 11:15 am or 12:15 pm, do you think the 11:15 is practical. Hoping to be off the ship by 9 and in the airport by 9:30am, am I hoping too much?
  3. We are experienced cruisers (approx. 20) but first timers coming up with HAL, most of our prior cruises were with NCL. We are sailing the Niew Amsterdam out of Ft. Lauderdale in December 23', 7 day Caribbean. We loved the Vibe atmosphere on NCL and from pictures and sales brochures we think the "Retreat" will be an improved version of other lines attempt at providing comfort, privacy and peace and quiet. My brother and SIL are long time HAL fans and have me convinced us to give them a try. We sail mostly out of NYC and vicinity and HAL doesn't do much business there, but Boston is not far and they are serving well there. We try and avoid flying for stress reasons, we go on a cruise to relax, not needing to get off an airplane and out of the airport ready for a shot of whiskey, and we don't even like whiskey, wine and beer are usually enough to take an edge off. Last years December cruise out on NJ on RC we had bad weather, only 1 warm day so we decided to start and end in Florida this time around, hoping the Gods don't strand us in an airport for any long periods. So, we tried to make a choice of "Retreat" cabins and felt the cabins on the side of the ship, Niew Amsterdam, Malaga Cabin, may be a better choice for both view and wind, except when in port, it may get hot. The downside to the tents on the sides are that the front is the plexi-glass wall that is at least 8 feet tall and may prevent air from circulating in the tent. The downside (for us) on the tents facing the pool deck is the view and the wind when the ship is moving, it will blow right through from the front of the ship to the back. Also, are there restrooms near the tents or chaises? Bar nearby or bar service? Hours of operation? Any suggestions are welcomed about the ship, we are Balcony Deck 8 I think, entertainment, bars, dining, breakfast locations, after hours food, open to all you can offer, much appreciated, looking forward to our first sail with HAL.
  4. Have cruised numerous times out of NYC in February and the first week of March. Whwn you wake up on Day 2, your usually between Norfolk and Outer Bancks. They must head offshore enough to grab some of the Gulfstream effect because its sweatshirt and shorts weather, seems mostly in the 50's or 60's, a big difference from the day before in NYC. Of course the crew have their parkas, ski caps and gloves on, they take them off when it hits about 80. Only isue with December cruises is the days are short, 8 hours of daylight so get outside while you can, nights can be chilly.
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