SilvertoGold

Have been reading another thread about fav food for embarkation day and it sounds as if the MDR is actually open, now, for lunch on embarkation day. I am wondering if this is the experience of recent cruisers. From April to June this was not the case on the Koningsdam or Zuiderdam. Thanks if anyone can remember what was happening on their cruises lately.

Thank you! This is what HAL was giving out in April to June and I hope they still are.

I hope HAL is still handing out the N95s (white). Much better protection, or at least they feel that way!

CruiserBruce said it all. Not only can details vary, but they can vary on each actual cruise. Just read the info sheet you will be given and make sure you take the Intransit Card they will give you. These are fabulous cruises!!

Zuiderdam in June: it was roped off every day at lunchtime. No idea about at dinner time.

Concerning Hank's info about Officer dining habits, I note that on the Koningsdam (and other Pinnacle class ships?) the officers (and maybe a few staff) take their Lido plates up to Tamarind and have a nice, private area to eat lunch. On the Zuiderdam we noticed the oval central seating area aft of the drink station in the Lido is now roped off and a "private" sign is in place. Looked as if this area was open to all staff and Officers.

Crystalspin: I have come to count on you for very well thought-out, informative posts. Well researched, as usual! All those cancelled cruises! I hope your December cruise goes well!!

Crew mess are very nice, colourful, decorated to some degree and comfortable looking. The food looks great and seems to be very well received. Lots of Indonesian and Asian offerings but also American-style specialties.

Very interesting, very thoughtfully posted, very well explained and helpfully informational. I hope you will become a regular on this HAL board and drop in once in awhile with your ideas and thoughts.

I wonder what the violinist "sounds off" about. Interesting! 3 sets a day is the norm from what we have seen over 7+ weeks this year, each being one theme (Night at the Ballet, Movie Themes, Piano Recital, etc). Who is the Captain and Hotel Manager?

Wow! These are great photos. Much appreciated. I do know the secret room, very nice :)

I'd appreciate seeing the Explorations Cafe area, and the Ocean Bar.

Interested in knowing about the Noordam, too. The old Explorations Cafe is not in the Crows Nest on this Vista ship and I think it was redesigned a while ago with the Library.

Excellent! Perfect description and we know Skagway well, so just have to head towards the airport area. In September the ships are allowed past Jaw Point and can sail much closer to Johns Hopkins to see the seals. BTW: have you tried the giant chocolate coated cream puffs at the Dutch Cafe? Beyond fantastic and something I have to drag myself away from :) Glad you are having a good cruise! Love your thread!

OP: Wonderful commentary, fabulous photos! How was Johns Hopkins Glacier, any calving? Smugglers Cove: was the bridge easy to find? Thanks for taking the time to post. Really, the first thread I look for each morning :)

Everyone Looks as if HAL is continuing with complimentary masks. Now, to get pax to wear them!

In April - June HAL room stewards and front desks were handing out lots of the N95 masks.. Is this still happening or do we bring our own? Thanks.

Just got back to this thread and, given the description of the various fixes and compensations, I am wondering who decides how to treat guests in these predicaments. Suites go first (although not in this OP's case) and down the line, as has been mentioned in post 36? Or, depends on the mood of the HM or GRM on any given day? Or, if the guests are wearing Dutch orange for the occasion of presenting their problem and thoughts? Mind-boggling!

Been there, annoyed by that! One thing I love is the notes from the Laundry Team. On a longer cruises we start getting duplicate wording, from different names, but they mean well and it is a nice way of trying hard.

Agree that the cabin stewards aren't interested. I hope we can say that of all pax including kids :) as the doors are left open on occasion when he cabins are being made-up.

Wow! Colour-coordinated par excellence! I need to work on that aspect :) I would need more shoes, but this shows how to do it. Love the black with the orange. You are v-e-r-y good at this and I appreciate this help!

Thanks from another Vancouverite. I am going to try rolling for a change, so see how this works. Really appreciate your post!

Brilliant! Carry-ons only: tell me more! How many carry-ons each. Anything else like backpacks? You deserve a medal, not just a HAL Medallion.

7 weeks, 4 pairs of newish cotton undies pp: all basically toast, especially elastic tops, and were thrown out. Must be the hot water, hot dryer, soap. I used to wash them in the sink and will be returning to doing that next cruise.

Not sure what HAL does, now, about B-B cruisers, but we had 5 potential times to be tested in April and May and nothing was ever said.