BSR

we did a Norway cruise late May this year

shore excursions were impacted because of roads still closed by snow

 

It makes for spectacular scenery with snow capped mountains lining the fiords but take your winter woollies!

We are cruising in May 2016, what shore excursions were impacted?

Enjoyed reading your review and your video was wonderful. I will be back on the Jewel in 16 days.:)

I also been looking at all the places to see in St. Petersburg and trying to decide between Peterhof Gardens & Fountains or Cahtherines Place & Estate. Another choice is Pushkin & Hermitage. Any recommendation?

Hi everyone...10 days to go!!

I just booked our 3 specialty dinners , Im so excited!!

we booked Teppanyaki, The Brazilian Steakhouse , and The regular steakhouse.

Has anybody been? Suggestions appreciated !

If anybody has pics of their food or menus from the specialty restaurants I would love to see them.

Thank you in Advance!

Good choices. We been to all of them and enjoyed our meals. Sorry, I don't have any pictures.

I used the Nespresso coffee machines at hotels and they are alright. I like the Lazavaa where you can steam/froth the milk. The table and chairs are really outdated and hopefully they will be replaced.

I was on the last sailing before dry dock in the aft penthouse suite. The furniture looks the same. I was hoping they would replace the table and chairs. Looks like they only added new carpet and coffee machine. I really loved the Lavazza and will miss it.

We will be on the Jewel in December.

5 days!!!

I always have one or two Rebellous Fish on my cruises. Just got back from the Jewel and no more plastic bowls. I have couple of the glass fish bowls which are cool looking.😀

I agree that the coffee in the Lido and MDR wasn’t very good. I did order a couple of cappuccino’s and thought they were decent.

Received an email talking about a free birthday gift from casinos at sea if you sail during your birthday month. Does anyone know what that might be? I'm guessing a bottle of wine or some slot dollars?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I received a bottle of wine during my birthday month couple of times and once a tote bag.

Hi all!

First time poster here! Will be sailing on the Gem for the first time 10/20/15 (have sailed Breakaway 3 times previously). Went to book entertainment last night and that option is "grayed out". Can choose excursions, dining, etc, but not entertainment.

 

Is this because:

1) The Gem is so relaxed and uncrowded they don't bother accepting reservations

2) The ship is going into dry dock the day we disembark (10/30) and the required venues are closed for pending renovations

3) Other...?

 

I really hope it's choice #1 (or similar). Anyone have some info??

 

Thank you!! :)

There is no pre booking of entertainment on the Gem. Just show up 10 minutes before and you will have no problem finding a seat.

I'm also sailing on 10/20 and you can join our Roll Call if you would like to.

Nice pictures. We will be leaving on her next week. :D

So, BSR, which is your next HAL cruise? Had great weather in Alaska didn't we?

 

Cheers!

Yes, we couldn't of asked for better weather-no rain at all. I booked the Nieuw Amsterdam for Oct and will be celebrating my birthday on board. Looking forward to exploring and trying out another HAL ship.

We just got back from our first cruise on HAL Oosterdam and we really enjoyed it! We usually sail with NCL and I found myself making a lot of comparisons between the two lines. Food, staff, cabins, entertainment were great. Love the happy hours and sip & savor as they were a nice way to meet people. There were lot of activities that NCL doesn’t offer and it was fun to try them. I enjoyed it so much that I bought a FCD and I have already booked a future cruise. Can’t wait to check out another HAL ship.

I booked under the Anniversary Sale which included the dine around. I didn't receive any cards in my cabin on the first day, so I went to the PG and Canaletto and made my own reservations without any problems.

Just got off the Jewel and I ordered wine at lunch and dinner and didn't get any long pours. They did come around several times asking if I wanted another glass. The menu had a fair amount of red and white wines to choose from.

I been reading all the good tips and advice for the Oosterdam and they are very helpful. I will check out the happy hours, Dive-In for burgers, Crows Nest, BB King show and the Explorer's Lounge to sample the chocolates. Yum!

I also got the Pinnacle Grill as a perk and where do I go to see about setting up my times for dinner?

Just 2 days left and I will be sailing on my first HAL cruise. So looking forward to trying a new line.:)

Enjoyed the reviews. We are sailing this week on her.:)

Hi, BSR!

I've been reading the message boards. It seems the embarkation lunch for Mariners is no longer. There is now a welcome aboard gathering between 3:00 and 4:00 ...to end just before the muster drill. I have only had lunch in the Lido on the first day ONCE. What a rat race!

Last HAL cruise (see below), I learned that you can request the daily "newspaper" be delivered to your cabin. They used to do it automatically. They do have places around the ship where you can get one...but they go fast.

When announcements come overr the PA, many people open their doors to hear them. But, they are streamed onto your TV..the channel that shows the bow cam.

Another Lido comment....many assume the food offerings are the same for breakfast...the are not. Most of the food is the same; however , one side has Eggs Benedict (many variations) ....I seem to think the starboard side. Other side serves Belgian Waffles.

I look forward to meeting you.

Sue

Thanks Sue. Really looking forward to this cruise. I hope to see you on board.

Thanks everyone for answering my questions and for the advice.

No invitations are sent. Go online (HAL) and create an account with Holland America. It should show you as a one star mariner once you log in. If not, call the Mariner Society and they will set it up for you. 1‐800‐547‐9139 (outside of the U.S. call 206‐281‐3535 ext. 8353)

 

The one star will be on your cabin key.

Thanks... The one star is already on my account.:)

see above

Thanks for answering my questions.

Please enjoy your cruise.

Thanks for answering my questions. I tried to find out the information on the irons, but didn't see any self-service facilities for the Oosterdam. I know they prohibited you to bring your own, but NCL allows you to request them for you to use for 1 hour. I just thought maybe HAL did too.

If you have sailed on ANY of Carnival Corp. lines (HAL, Princess, Carnival, several others) you are a one star Mariner on HAL. This gets you an invite to a Mariner Luncheon later in the cruise, PLUS you can go to the main dining room for lunch on embarkation day (Noon - 1 PM normally) - much better experience the first day IMO.

I have sailed with Carnival so I am a one star Mainer. Do I need a special invite for lunch on embarkation day?