expectGREATthings

I look at onboard gambling as a form of entertainment. Do I think that winning will be easy, no, entertaining yes. Whoever mentioned the Keno idea just may be onto something.

All I can say is WOW! This travelogue is fantastic and the photos are spectacular. I appreciate all of the work you've put into this. Thanks

This was an amazing trip report. I thank you both very much for all of the insights and photos. I can't imagine how much time you spent putting this together. It took me two evenings just reading through thirty tabs of posts. We cruise on Holland America line which we really enjoy, but the Mardi Gras is just beautiful. Thanks again!

CupKayke, Thanks for a wonderful review and some beautiful photos.

Michael

On 8/8/2021 at 4:00 AM, Charlies Aunt said:

No, but it was bought several weeks ago and long before the recent changes were announced. Maybe this is the way they are going to "police" the number of people in the spa at any one time. Who knows?

 

I think we are going to cancel this pass anyway. There seems to be little point in wearing a mask in other venues and then going into an enclosed warm, humid and somewhat airless place. Maybe next time.

 

How can you mandate masks in all other venues except this? It makes no sense to me. Either it's okay to go without a mask or not.

I'm glad that they we're able to figure out what the problem is. It's so easy to take our health for granted, but when something like this comes along we realize how fortunate we are. I've enjoyed your active roll on the HAL boards and will be happy to see you back at it. Take care and I'll keep you in my prayers.

Michael

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. The tomahawk looked pretty awesome, and I've really wanted to see what one looked like. You had a lot of very detail information, and it's much appreciated.

I think there's a game changer in the works being a therapeudic called Molnupiravir. It's a five day set of pills similar to how you'd take a Z-Pak. It's been shown to stop the virus in Covid positive patients. It's possible that it could be released in as little as six months. The ships could carry this in the case of urgent need. So there's another glimmer of hope. As far as where will the ships be able to go, that's a great question. Maybe their private islands and more sea days? That's a tough question. But really only time will tell.

Michael

Signature suites on the Koningsdam are in a great location. The setup is a little weird being a kind of long narrow cabin. The Murphy bed will accommodate an average adult with no problem.

13 hours ago, rafinmd said:

It’s already been reported that sailaway will be 22.22

 

Roy

Like I said ship is still in Port Everglades. I'm not sure why you made 22.22 departure comment I wasn't asking that.

Michael

I see the Niew Amsterdam is still in Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) so that's not a good sign. Hope everything gets fixed quick.

The last time we were in an SS we did receive the the suite breakfast cards to hang on the door. This offered an enhanced selection to choose from as well as mimosas and some pretty awesome steak and eggs.

Today Carnival announced that they are switching from Coke products to Pepsi.

The change will include some Starbucks items as well.

Will HAL switch as well?

1 hour ago, bmwman said:

Clearly you do otherwise you would not comment - simples.

I'm sorry if I offended you. That wasn't my intention.

Who cares?

I'd try a different browser. Maybe Chrome or Firefox. Also I would update my IOS since there was a recent update.

After that I'd say it must be something HAL has implemented.

Good luck,

Michael

If you have any questions or doubts ask your steward. They are there for you and will be happy to help you out. Don't feel intimidated in any way. If you have questions about what dinnerware, silverware or glassware to use just ask. All of the staff on HAL is pretty wonderful.

Don't worry you'll have a wonderful time,

Michael

On the Koningsdam you had the same breakfast card (you hang on the door at night) as the Neptune suites. This is a very nice perk as far as I'm concerned. The SS cabins on the Koningsdam were different than any I've had in the past. Not bad but just really different. I'm certain you'll really enjoy the the upgrade and I hope you write a review when you return. Have fun!

Michael

I proposed to my wife in the crows nest of the Nieuw Amsterdam 35 years ago. I'm happy to report our marriage is in much better shape. It's very sad to see, but time marches on. It's hard to believe that there were no balcony cabins, no specialty restaurants but they did have "Ocean Liner Service". I'll never forget the best and most life changing day of my life when Wendy said "Yes, I will marry you" onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam.

Michael

This will probably hurt the people that book a guarantee room rate. Now the pecking order will be 1st upselling cabins for most added revenue. Next up the club orange added revenue folks will get the next best cabins. Last will be those that took a guarantee hoping for the upgrade fairy. All I can say is good luck with that.

Thank you very much for the help. It's much appreciated.

Michael

Hello,

Could anyone please let me know which of the SB Neptune aft wrap cabins on the Koningsdam is your favorite, and why. I would really appreciate any insights and information you might have. 

Thanks,

Michael

My sympathy goes out to Walt's family and friends. He was an icon of the cruise critic boards.

Michael

Hello, This was an excellent review and mirrors my feelings very closely. Your photos were great, and I loved the Indian love call between the two ships at the end.

I want to say thank you for all of the time and effort you put into this. I really appreciate everything.

Michael

44 minutes ago, Cruisegoer said:

If HAL were to implement permanent second entree surcharges and you (or me) decided to dine primarily at the Lido Buffet, would you consider adjusting your automatic tip in favor of directly tipping those servers waiting on your in the buffet? I feel I would.  I’m sorry to the dining room staff where my table/seat was assigned but if HAL can engage in exclusionary practices I can choose to assign to whom my money goes.

The answer to your question is no, never. I'd stop cruising if it came to taking tips away from someone who has nothing to due with the rules that are enacted by the company they work for.