prescottbob
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Posts posted by prescottbob
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3 hours ago, zelker said:
Can you find and post the link to this article please? All the articles I found plus the CDC website still show 10 days recommended for congregate settings, which include cruise ships. They recently reduced it from 10 to 5 days for asymptomatic people in non-congregate setting but that's all I see. Thx.
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1 hour ago, iceman93 said:
That's the big question, isn't it? Other than Disney, I haven't dabbled with other lines in decades. If I try someone else and find I like them, HAL may lose me forever. Then again, I may have a poor experience on another line and end up coming back to HAL. But all will be moot if they remove the mask mandate; then they'll have my continued business for sure!
Indeed.Once sanity & appropriate mitigation measures become industry wide cruising should return to, what the “science folks” say, the “new normal”.
Yep. Wearing my tutu on gala nights, maskless, can once again become a reality for me .Go HAL! 😀
Be well.
BTW, I’m suddenly breathless with the update.
Bob-
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Perhaps with the air filtration changes on ships and planes recently the usual dry “cruise cough” will become minimal.
I still plan on packing some cough drops & syrup until I note significant changes.
Covid? It’s not going anywhere. Mitigate as necessary and try not to live the remaining years of your life in fear.
Life’s too short.
Be well.
Bob
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8 hours ago, jhannah said:
I would welcome removal of testing and mask requirements for those vaxed and boosted . The sooner the better.
Ditto!Be well.
Bob
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37 minutes ago, shebag said:
Funny how the virus knows not to infect us while eating or drinking!! Just saying
It seems your pragmatism is not welcome.
Me thinks, most folks on the CC board rather appreciate the “word salads” provided by “the science” folks, as it were.
BTW, if cruising, please clear your throat / cough down wind.
Happy cruising!
Be well.
Bob
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Regarding masks and upcoming maskless cruising,, I’m in.
The protection provided has always been questionable (basic virus sizing versus paper masking protection, e.g. similar to mosquito protection utilizing chain links).
Basic requirements for cruising for now, I.e., “shots” and a booster, testing as required & basic hygiene seems equitable for the cruise line industry and passengers at this point in time.
With that said, if some folks wish to continue wearing a mask, that’s their choice and should not be considered a big deal to anyone else aboard if all the folks have followed the cruise line embarkation requirements.
JMO.
Be well.
Bob
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And, just to confirm prior posted information, the new ships plus the older vessels that have been upgraded, do not have HDMI or USB ports available on the TV ‘s. True?
Thanks and be well.
Bob
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BTW, it looks like you exited Indy just in time to avoid the ‘weather’.
BTW2, masking rules for some of the Caribbean ‘clothing optional’ beaches will be changing soon according to internet gossip 😂.
Seriously, stay safe.
Bob
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Have fun kids ( I know you will).
Extra hugs for Barb.
Continue to be well.
Bob & Judy
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Pros & Cons?
We’ve enjoyed various HAL ships, regardless of a particular class of the ship, various designs (I.e. promonade decks, libraries and such ) or accouterments of a particular voyage(s). Things constantly change.
What do we miss? Great memories of the past sometimes.
If one can not adapt, well then, another adventure(s) should be considered.
Regardless, enjoy and HAVE A great cruise!
Safe travels for all.
Be well.Bob
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Interesting.
’Temporary’ slots for upcoming casino cruises.
A need to request AM & PM cabin services versus once per day (@ approx. $ 15 / pp / day regardless of request. and more for suites these days) which I would assume will be increased soon & the lack of wine service in the MDR appears to be the new “norm” for HAL among other ‘nickel and diming’ changes.Too bad really
, but the CCL balance sheet certainly needs affirmative tweaking, as it were, to survive.
No downer here, we have a couple HAL cruises lined up for Fall 2022 that adds up to 80 days. Unfortunately for HAL’s cash flow, they’re based on prior FCC’s.
I only hope for the best.
Be well
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We tend to have breakfast on the longer Cruises , with several sea days, in the MDR.
I think a Keno option (runners, a place for cards and small pencils on the table by the salt and pepper grinders & an electronic number board tastefully placed overhead) would be a ‘gas’.
Certainly such an activity would not be allowed during ‘afternoon high tea’ / wine tasting events/ Mariner brunches or Gala nights or regular dinners (unless the odds were considerably improved, of course).
Bar top electronic card games in the Crow’s Nest and other bar venues, is certainly not out of the question.
JMHO. Viva Las Vegas!😀
Be well.
Bob
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Hello!
I can only say that bygone OBC’s were applicable to your overall on board account regardless of promotional “sweeteners”, aka tours, dining venues, drinks, etc. unless really specific.
And, I might add, if specific (I can only think of casino credits) which there used to be ‘work arounds’ BTW (see past discussions).Perhaps the accounting system has been upgraded to track specific credits/promotions per account. Good for them, if true.
I can only suggest giving a ring to CS in Seattle and see if your particular credits would apply to your overall on board account.
Be aware that sometimes differing answers occur when contacting CS.
Be sure to have the “correct” answer emailed to you and print it out to take aboard with you.Doing such will make the ship board accounting experience much more easier. JMHO.
Best of luck.
”The seas continue to be in motion”.
Be well.
Bob
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Hello!
We’ve been fortunate to do several east to west Atlantic crossings on HAL, Princess and Seabourne. We’ve done a North Sea Cunard but that wouldn’t be applicable for your query.
Regardless of my “cruise resume” I can only imagine your ship would be on a south / southeast heading once thru Gibraltar unless you have a stop in Funchal, etc.. Any heavy / stormy seas would be avoided by the ship's Master (heavy seas = low bar revenue, nice weather= great bar revenue). So the sooner you get closer to the equator the nicer the weather will be (Mai Tai anyone?).
I suppose choosing a Verandah versus an OV depends on you travel budget, time you think you would spend on the ‘porch’ reading and such and location of your cabin.
As mentioned. If you don’t care for early AM sunrise lighting (assuming a south bound diagonal route) I’d go for a starboard accommodation (nice sunsets too).
BTW, on a Princess TA years ago we used an ‘upgraded’ Verandah to dry some of our hand washed laundry since we didn’t have the freebie laundry services at the time. No biggie really.
Most of our adventures on crossings have been great and whether you have the ability to use your verandah daily or not due to windy/rainy weather. Generally speaking most crossings, such as the one you have described, have been relatively pleasant and smooth
We love sea days regardless of the "ponds" global location. We've meet so many great folks & enjoy each others company versus port intensive cruises where tours, tour preparations, tendering's, etc are continuous 'time takers'.
Me thinks you'll have a wonderful time regardless of whatever accommodation you select.
Be well & enjoy!
Bob
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Goodness, as usual, I’m late to the prom / original query.
Gala nights, pre-2001 I suppose (we had an abrupt departure in Fremantle during the ‘20 WC ) we’re always enjoyed special nights, now termed Gala’s, with individual fashion ‘statements’ and better menus.
Looks like things have changed. I just recall the “ old time” menus to be a step above regular dining menus without, I guess, the current extra costs for surf and turf, so-called jumbo shrimp and other special items.
BTW, does that include the wonderful regular dining roast beef ( depending on the menu rotation schedule)?We’d often have a couple appetizers, salad and some bread if the regular menu would not be to enticing.
Then again, it seems there was a standard regular, daily dinner menu choices that included a beef strip steak, chicken breast & fish alternative( s) plus a vegetarian option (often very good).
Too bad, if I understand, that such choices are no longer available.
BTW, we’ve never yearned for more variety at the time(s) nor do I recall complaining about the rotating menus.
And, we always signed up for all the specialty dinners at the PG (e.g. Cellar Master/ Sommelier, Visiting Chef’s, Mystery lunches and dinners, etc.) when boarding during embarkation for the longer cruises.
If you have particular nights for the PG, Rudi dinners , etc do so on the internet, if possible (you’ll be credited on your OBC once aboard with any discounts Mariner, etc. & be sure to take paperwork confirmations.
We’ll be doing a 9 + 71 on the Zaandam next Fall, 2022. If time permits, I’ll report back then.
We’ve never lost weight, or worried to much about the fiddles, on a cruise. Just us.No worries…
Be well.
Bob
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55 minutes ago, Ottawa traveller said:
I did the circumnavigation a few years ago. I first did the TP from Vancouver to Sydney and then the circumnavigation. If I remember correctly, you could do segments of the circumnavigation. I recall Australians getting on in Perth. I stayed in Australia afterwards to go to Uluru (Ayer's Rock), King's Canyon and Alice Springs and then went back to Darwin. The port stop at Darwin is not long enough to really see anything of the Northern Territory. I flew home from Darwin stopping in Shanghai for several days en route. I thought it was a good way to see much of Australia around the coast. I really enjoyed the entire trip.
Likewise, we did the 52 day TP from Seattle and circumnavigation followed by a 14 day New Zealand cruise (flew back from Auckland) Sept. De. 2016 aboard the Maasdam. We enjoyed every moment.
I haven't looked at the 2023 offering but you should have a great time.
Be well.
Bob
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Option #2 coming soon maybe (use the HAL shipboard app to order MDR menu selections & beverages) and then…https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2020/07/california-hotel-uses-wine-delivering-room-service-robot/
Let the theatre begin! 😀.
Be well.
Bob
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I believe the future for HAL wine service would be a simple matter of picking up a pre-ordered bottle of wine at a remodeled wine “station” prior to MDR entrance via a pre-purchase, package, or set aside bottle (via the On-board HAL app) or, possibly, either bottles brought aboard at embarkation or at a port regardless of a particular HAL tour.
Ice buckets (with ice naturally) would be available at a small table-side charge (($20 ?) by your wait staff.
It really is fun surmising and gossiping, no?
Be well,
Bob
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Option #2 perhaps:
Luggage friendly & lightweight.😃
Be well.
Bob
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22 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:
I had the same thought yesterday when I first read this post, but I couldn't find a (polite) way of expressing it. Thanks for doing so. You are always the voice of reason!
I mostly travel solo and I've learned to let a lot of things just roll off my back (in the school of "Don't sweat the small stuff.") But one time I did lose my cool.
I was seated in the buffet dining area of a ship (a very small ship, not HAL) eating my dinner at a nice table for two I had selected next to a window. The seating on this ship was such that on both sides of the room there were banquettes for two or four variously, with two seats looking out the window and the other two (on the banquette) facing the interior. They could be moved together to accommodate larger groups as needed. This outer row of tables generally filled up quickly due to their views.
Anyway, I had been through the buffet and had taken my seat and was dining. A group of six entered the area, which was already fairly full, and started looking for somewhere to sit. They took the four top next to me and then, the next thing I know I got a tap on the shoulder from a rather imperious lady who said to me, "Now see here, my friends and I want to dine together. As you are dining alone, would you mind moving elsewhere?" (I swear those were her exact words....)
As I am naturally a courteous person, my first instinct was to be courteous. I looked around the room, and lo and behold there were two four-top tables in the interior of the room that were available but had no view. So I pointed to them and said, "It looks like there are two tables just over there that you can pull together."
To which, nonplussed, she replied, "But we all want to dine together HERE!"
At that point something in me just snapped, so I stood up and said rather (very) loudly, "Ma'am, are you saying that I am not entitled to a table with a view because I am dining alone??"
Her husband stepped in then and tried to defuse things by saying, "We didn't mean to offend you. We just thought that as you were alone, you wouldn't mind moving....." and he inclined his head to the other table, as if I were a child that should just pick up my things and trot over there.
I counted to three (or maybe 103). Then said "I'm sorry for your problem but it's not right that you should expect me to move. Perhaps you should have arrived earlier, as I did, if a view is important to your group. Maybe the dining manager can help you." I then sat back down and resumed eating, refusing to further engage with them.
There were a number of "tut-tuts" and "pshaws" and "can you believes..." followed by a low pitched but clearly unhappy conversation with the manager. The upshot was that they stood ostentatiously in the middle of the room for about 10 minutes, then left.
Of course, this rather ruined the meal for me. I felt like everyone was staring at me. But at the end of the meal when I got up to get some dessert, someone from another table came over and said, "Well done. What they did was completely out of line." Made me feel a bit better.
Don't get me wrong, for the most part cruising is a great form of travel for solos and I love it. But if you're traveling as a couple, do give a thought to us solos from time to time. We never have anyone to hold a seat for us in a lounge even for a quick trip to the powder room, and getting up to refill a plate or cup in the lido is always hazardous. Imagine not ever being able to dip into the pool for five minutes because someone may repossess your lounger (or your umbrella)!
I would certainly consider packing some clothes pins and hang some skivvies to dry on the umbrella while taking a dip.Surely the folks considering relocating the umbrella would think twice IMHO.
Just a suggestion😀.
Be well.
Bob
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On 9/14/2021 at 1:32 AM, oakridger said:
I renewed my Global Entry entirely online about 6 months ago. I hear that some people are having to go in person again for the renewal. I wonder why some are in person and some online?
~Nancy
I can speculate, Covid-1984 We needed to show up (PHX) recently for renewal. New pics and fingerprints. We could've also been processed in flying in from an international flight if the office was open. I suppose every office / state has their own procedure.
Be well.
Bob
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I’ve read the updated German COVID stuff and started to develop a headache.
Fortunately, it’s “HappyHour”.
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/coronavirus/2317268Be well,
Bob
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6 hours ago, TJR_0323 said:
Thanks for the link.... good news I hope..... I called HAL this morning and they told me as long as I arrive at Schiphol no more than 12 hours prior to the Rotterdam's time of departure (5:00pm on 20/Oct) I should have no issues related to quarantine. I went ahead and purchased an airport transfer from HAL and was able to change my flights to arrive the day of the ship's departure (7:30am).
We’ll, best of luck to you with all the logistics.We’ve always, or on most occasions really, enjoy arriving at a foreign embarkation port 2-5 days prior to the sailing to enjoy the city / area & to decompress from the flight(s), as it were.
In so far as 2022, we had planned to arrive in Amsterdam (we’ve enjoyed visiting several times in the past) for 4 days / 3 nights to enjoy the annual tulip festival, board a river cruise for 15 days, debark and spend 3-4 nights in Budapest. Then a flight over to Geneva for a few days, train to Zurich and then join a 2 week land tour prior to a flight back to the USA from Munich.
All these COVID “hoops” being formulated by the various EU countries to date certainly gives us considerable thought as to moving our aforementioned Spring 2022 plans to 2023.
And, so it goes…
Best of luck to you and loved ones.
Be safe & be well.
Bob
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We’ll see how “things” shake out in the next few months. Convenience appears to be no longer an option travel-wise overseas.
Our fireplace works, our pantry & freezers are full, and, most importantly, our adult beverage inventory has been maxed out.
Regardless, life is fine for us whether upcoming cruising / travel plans / 2020 reservations don’t work out. Like yourselves, we are so fortunate to have the wherewithal &, perhaps, adequate health, to enjoy future sojourn plannings.
Needless to say, our current “Bucket List” needs to be tweaked a tad.
Be well.
Bob
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NCL Drop Masks Mandate as of March 1st - Will HAL Follow?
in Holland America Line
Posted
No problemo.
HAL, & other cruise outfits, seems to be following the 95% or greater ‘shots’ embarkation requirements. I will not use the term vaccination as per the old definition, i.e. preventing , e.g. polio, hepatitis, etc.) versus the “new” protection definition.
It appears the new ‘word salad’, according to the “Science”, I.e. CDC, remains to be a moving towards cruise line survival ability’s, I e, embarkation testing:/ quarantining on board.
Certainly those not comfortable with whatever booking / cruise requirements that currently exist should find other travel options IMHO.
Be well.
Bob