fann1sh

Thanks.

 

As that website says, a wide range of teas. So, I am wondering what HAL has from this brand?

I'll let you know in about a week. :D

PG Tips is the most popular tea in England. But, it's what the British consider "bog standard" or "builder's tea". It's not an upscale "posh" tea.

That would be Twinings.

Thanks again David, and also Meredith.

I believe all cruise ships/lines have a policy on number of allowed 3rd and 4th berths sold.

IME, that number is always significantly less than the number of 3rd and 4th berths actually available.

Is someone really "disgusted" over bad tea, or just going with the current trend to overstate anything out of proportion?

With the greatest respect, seapointer, this is not out of proportion.

You expect coffee to be hot, right? At least THAT?

Due to the USA habit of presenting water separate from tea bag, water is is never even CLOSE to hot enough once bag goes in. Then you have to wait, let it steep. My first sip is usually no better than warm, and often cool. Never hot.

You can get Coke or Pepsi anywhere in the US and know what to expect. You can get coffee anywhere in the US and know *basically* what to expect. And, a whole lot of other people will be screaming if it doesn't meet basic minimum.

But tea? In many places: what Douglas Adams once described as "almost, but not quite, exactly unlike tea."

HAL at it's worst is better than the bottom 1/3 of USA tea. HAL at it's best never approaches what I drink at home.

"Disgusting" pretty much covers MDR tea. IMO: YMMV.

Making it yourself in the Lido, with care, bringing your own tea, you can make pretty good tea. But HAL water is just short of boiling, and actually boiling water is the *universal*, most basic requirement for making black and most green tea.

If HAL coffee was like HAL tea? This board would resemble the Princess coffee threads. IMO. Again, YMMV.

David, thank you for taking the time and trouble to give me such a comprehensive answer. Absolutely invaluable.

I will take a closer look at the distinctions between PG and QG, thanks to your helpful response.

Okay...dedicated, fussy tea drinkers, here's the drill:

 

Bring your own insulated beverage container, and your own favorite tea. Place your tea bag in your own insulated beverage container and top with hot water. (It's your teapot!)

 

Allow the tea to steep and then pour into a HAL cup with milk or sugar, as you like it.

 

Enjoy!

 

(Yes, it's a lot of work for a cup of tea, but when the sweet waiter brings you a cup of tea with the water, milk, and tea bag all together and unsteeping, you'll get onboard with the AncientWanderer method!!)

 

Of course, this is the Lido procedure. All bets are off in the dining room.

 

:):eek:

.....and as RuthC suggests, warm the mug first by pouring in water, swishing, and discarding, which properly prepares your "pot".

Arcane useless fact: this was first recommended in England in the 18th century - not to improve the tea - but to prevent their "new" bone china pots from cracking. Made better tea, too.

You're correct, POA1. I should have been saying emojis.

I ask about dressing for dinner here because the HAL website does NOT help with what to wear to fit in. Apologies if the Cunard website does indeed reflect reality.

What type of computer/operating system are you using. Most provide access to a wide range independent of the webpage. Here's an article that you might find useful if you are using Windows 10:

 

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/find-emojis-windows-10/

 

Personally, I use various Apple devices with easy access. 😎

I'd be using Apple EVERYTHING if there was reliable tech support in my town. Closest is 75/90 minutes away, so I'm STUCK with Microsoft.

Windows 7 on multiple computers - Android on phone and tablet. I haven't found any emoticons worth downloading (IMO) on my phone. I want THESE!!!!

Yes, I like change about as much as my cat. :D

Hello all! Please forgive any stupidity on my part. I did do reading of the stickies and somewhat on the Cunard website and elsewhere :o.

My 93/soon 94 year old father wants to continue cruising while he still can. He walks with a cane, but on cruises I also bring a wheelchair and a rolling walking frame with seat.

We're interested in QM2 - Dad for the romance of her predecessor's history - and prefer a level of service where we can get help from concierges with wrinkles, and Dad's needs. I'm used to booking the cheapest Neptune suite on Holland America Line = HAL = stern corner wrap.

We don't want a cruise longer than 10 to 14 night, max. A simple 6 night TA might scratch this itch for a first Cunard cruise. Or, we may be hopelessly hooked.

We are North American: Dad and I live in Canada, my sister in United States of America, all on the border, 2 hours from each other. I mention this because I'm flexible about what currency we book in, always looking for the best deal on exchange.

That's the first question: while opinions on this alwas vary, what's the best way to book Cunard? With the line itself? Through a travel agency? I know we can't mention specific choices, but in what country/currency? Any non UK cruisers with experience on exchange issues?

Second: What are your favourite value cabins? It's humbling to have to ask that. On another board, I'm a HAL cabin choice "expert". :eek: As I said above, I'm leaning to Princess Grill, which seems closest to our usual choice on HAL. Are the best values (in your opinions) in Britannia or Britannia Club? Or, are there cogent reasons to upgrade to Queen's Grill?

I'm clueless regarding Cunard, so ALL advice is valuable. We've cruised in every type of cabin on a variety of lines. But: see question 3.

Third: is three people in a cabin, all with lower beds, "difficult" on Cunard? Last time I tried to book a QM2 cruise + pre/post package we stubbed our toe on this issue (long story, TMI).

Four: medical and cancellation insurance. I'm familiar with lots of third party retailers, due to my father and I being Canadian with our own version of NHS. Insurance can be ruinously expensive. HAL had a "coverage" (not actual insurance) that allows us to cancel up to the minute of sailing for any reason and get a 90% refund, and after sailing includes modest US$50,000 medical coverage, with evacuation. I'll wade through the Cunard coverage line by line if I need to but - is it at all like HAL's? Not?

Last: we never try to "get away with" dress code minimums. I don't want to open a can of worms. Dad no longer owns Black Tie which fits. Should I rent through Cunard? His Burberry blazer and Burberry khakis a good choice for other nights? I think it only courteous to our fellow cruisers to comply with Cunard dress requests, and fit in. Just want information on the best way to do that. My sister designs bespoke costumes and couture, so she always invents something. Should I get her to tone down the whimsy and aim at more traditional?

Many thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to help. I'm so grateful.

Can any poster here tell me where to find the CC emoticons for download as a font or to add to a keyboard?

I'm especially fond of the :D big grin, the :rolleyes: eye roll, the :cool: cool sunglasses.

But my fav is the EEK :eek::eek::eek:

I often post to another advice board which does NOT allow me to add them as images.

Obviously, a vitally important thing to discuss (insert emoticon here).

Iancal: I'm not sure I understand your reference to the "pricing matrix". Is this a reference to what would make an average consumer part with money?

As for a personal sweet spot, are you referring to something like:

- for me - and I'm only talking about me - an upsell from inside to an obstructed outside has a small but definite worth,

- an upsell from obstructed outside to outside is worth ZERO,

- an upsell from *whatever* to balcony will be interesting if it's $30/cabin/day or that neighbourhood,

- yet an upsell to a Neptune suite will make me part with SERIOUS money, perhaps double my original fare = paint "sucker" on my forehead.

Thanks for keeping us posted!

Ozcruiser: we Canadians are a bit fierce about our national icons - and Tim Hortons qualifies. :)

But it makes sense to me to treat tea and coffee drinkers with equality. Tim Hortons always has fresh coffee on the hob - guaranteed made less than 20 minutes ago - as well as steeped tea in the same sort of carafe, waiting to be poured, with the same guarantee. And, just like the coffee, it tastes the same every single time.:)

If that's too strong for you, or not to your taste, you can order black tea fresh brewed for you, or one of the other teas available. Selection can vary by outlet, but there's always Earl Grey, and herbals like mint.

There are MANY Tim Hortons in downtown Vancouver. There's one beside the Fairmont Waterfront hotel/across from the Pan Pacific, and another beside the Hyatt Regency, along with a dozen others. Hope you can try a cuppa Canadian tea before you embark.

Thanks Crew News.

JMO: Tazo is absolutely NOT for me. Tried it: 3 times/3 varieties/3 places, once on Eurodam.

I know there are people who swear by Starbucks, but I only swear at that mermaid.

I'm so glad we'll be able to get Tim Horton's steeped tea in Vancouver before we embark. :cool: U.S. Timmy's don't have it.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

:D I think we all are. :D

Jacqui: Thanks for the tip about the Neptune Lounge teas. ;) I'll be able to take advantage this voyage.

You're welcome. :)

 

I always pre-heat my mug, too. It's amazing how much of the heat the cool mug can draw out of the water. I leave some hot water in the mug long enough that it gets at least warm, then dump it. Pop in the tea bag, and add hot water in the usual fashion.

Close as I can come to boiling water.

Well, of course I pre-heat the mug: Part of the ritual. :D:eek:

You are THE BEST, Chère Madame.

I'm now using a stainless steel Contigo mug available through Amazon. I've found it works well.

https://smile.amazon.com/Contigo-AUTOSEAL-Vacuum-Insulated-Stainless/dp/B00KR9OMLM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473780919&sr=8-1&keywords=contigo+20+oz

IMO the muddy tea is often due to water which has cooled. I go to the Lido myself with my (imperial) pint mug and get water from the tap.

Because the water is as close to boiling as possible, I've found the Lido "no name" HAL blend to be surprisingly palatable. MDR tea is a sad thing. I've urged the servers to put the bag in the water for me at the tap, but they're usually bewildered or regard it as a kinky personal request. :o

But I *always bring tea*.

Yorkshire Gold in bags, and Adagio loose leaf blends for me - fond of the Vanilla and Tiger Eye black tea flavours, as well as many of the naturally caffeine free rooibus like lemon cloud.

RuthC was the poster who taught me real tea was possible if you GO TO THE LIDO. A million thanks, Ruth.

Please feel free to snicker and point at me, the tea snob. (I'm an ignoramus about coffee.)

I'd bet it never occurred to those folks that they could be seen from above!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

...which is why I carefully studied the stern profile of Nieuw Amsterdam before booking our Rotterdam deck cabin! :eek:

Has anyone paid the supplement for the caviar appetiser? How was it? How generous was the portion?

I adore caviar, and can seldom get the really good stuff. That's what shouts out to me.

Well...that and the lobster tail.

I'd be a cheaper date if I could eat beef. :rolleyes:

Ours are a number of years old and just tossed in the suitcase every time :)

 

Best investment I ever made :). Total Wine is like a candy store to we Canadians with limited wine choices - so it's a "must do" trip for us at least once, if not twice ;) on our pre-cruise days.

(my bolding)

This Canadian calls Total Wine "the Disneyland of adult beverage stores" !

Do you mean the $30 "Bon Voyage Red"? It changes by ship, and what's in stock, I believe.

I know others disagree with me, but I don't have much affection for ANY of the "house wines".

I've described the house sparkling wine as "drain cleaner". I love big red wines, and have never drunk a glass of house red I found palatable. The white has always been the best bet for me personally - but that's damshipping it with faint praise.

If it's a gift, I might go up in price a few bucks.

If it's for yourself? I don't carry on wine and pay corkage because I like the exercise. ;) I do it because I'm fussy, even though I drink cheap-ish wines.

Do you ever had a cabin on deck 1? How about the noise?

I've never had a problem on deck 1/Main. I've been in an inside J's quite close to the lounge - IIRC, 1019 - but didn't hear a peep.

Total Wine's carriers are $1.99 and are located in Aisle 1 on the left in Fort Lauderdale. They're sturdy enough to reuse, and IMHO, pretty easy to carry. If you are going to Publix to buy your wine, they'll usually give you a free wine tote when you buy 4 or more bottles.

Sadly, I can't find any of my Total Wine carriers. :eek: I must have been too generous "sharing" them!

Since we're leaving from Vancouver, I had to make do with what's on Amazon.

I thought of also getting an Ice Bag from Amazon, POA1, but they only had the neon pink in stock. Would have clashed with the red roses I ordered for the cabin. :cool: Now I see the clear ones are back in stock....GRRRRR.

Yes, HH are fine, too. HAL's version of "fully obstructed" is not in fact FULLY obstructed: you'll get light, and at least a thin slice of view, in either HH or H.

Have you Googled "HAL Zuiderdam obstructed view cabin", and looked at images? Or, substitute the word(s) "Noordam", "Oosterdam", or "Westerdam" for "Zuiderdam". That should give you actual cabin pictures.

There's also a website that features actual HAL cabin photos, but we're not allowed to mention it by name or link it here.