VermeulT

59 minutes ago, jeh10641 said:

I bought 4 tee shirts at $15 per for the Rotterdam inaugural season. I really liked them

 

I probably would have bought one of each design at that price!

On the last day it was 630a-830a.

Breakfast was usually about 30 min from welcome to walk out.

@bobpell  I agree on your assessment.

The pool looked gross.  Who wants to jump into green water??

I was surprised that masks were still recommended, based on other cruise lines giving them up completely and that we were all supposed to be vaxed.  As Capt Timmers said "it's time we all start to learn with it (Covid threat)".

I was overall disappointed with the HAL merchandise.  I did like that there was Inaugural Season items, but that was it.  Very little generic HAL, very little at all, all things considered.  And the "sale" was 2/$40 on the T-Shirts.

Entertainment - Interesting that the comedians were in the BB King lounge and not the main stage.  The history of rum and cooking demo in the main stage were weak.  Having to take a pix of the screen behind the demo to get the recipe - no class. Provide paper copies or give us a chance to download it (or put it on the app).  I did love the Orange Party.

I had a really good time last week also.  Putting together my thoughts for a review ....

Just got off the Rotterdam.  No Mariner lunch but we found tiles in our bedroom one night mid-week.  I did happen to pass the BB King Lounge where they had the medallion presentation and noting passengers that had 2000 even 3000 sea days.  Wow.

Is it cheaper yet safe to park offsite? Any recommendations?

I think this is great.

Check HAL facts dot com.

I just looked through my photos from Jan 2019 and can't believe I didn't take one.

It's very tight to get past the bed to go out on the balcony.

10 hours ago, steve4031 said:

This is my first suite experience, and from what I understand the individuals working with us will be providing extra services and effort.  How do you veterans handle this? 

Suite guests pay more than non-suite guests so those extras are covered. 

Like others have said - you can choose to tip extra - that's your choice.

2 hours ago, ski ww said:

Just watched a show on Discovery or the History channel called Mighty Ships & it was about the Nieuw Statendam's cruise in the Caribbean. 

OOOH I'll have to look for that one.  The last I saw (for HAL) was the Koningsdam in season 3 traveling through Norway.

BTW - the series is MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS and it's on Smithsonian Channel in the US.  (Not to be confused with Mighty Ships on Discovery which mostly looks at freighters)

The ship's services rep I spoke to last week said 75% give or take. (she was speaking in general and not about any specific itinerary or ship).

15 hours ago, PROCRUISE said:

Just came off the Eurodam last Sunday (3/20) after 11 night cruise.

Luckily, the staff on HAL has always served the guests in the Lido and it works very nicely. Each table has silverware in napkin roll at each table with glasses for whatever you might want the staff to bring to you: ice tea, water, lemonade, orange juice, cranberry juice. If you have the beverage package they will also bring you a Coke, without the beverage package they will still bring it to you and charge it to your running account. You can, if you wish get your own basic juices now from the dispensing machines.

Note that the fruit juices are available only at breakfast, from what I remember.

I also wonder how far out your flight is.  If you're more than 90 days out (ie before final payment) then I could see that being restricted until the ticket is paid for.

this makes me beyond excited.  I'm dying for a broodje kroket!

40 minutes ago, jhsocal said:

Suspect that if testing requirement is discontinued   and confidence about covid  increases , demand will increase significantly  and so will prices. 

and hopefully the stock price too.

Any insight as to this beach for snorkeling would be appreciated.

How expensive would an uber or taxi be?

Thank you.

On 3/19/2022 at 4:19 PM, CruiserBruce said:

I specifically asked about milkshakes on our recent cruise. Milkshakes are NOT covered by any drink plan.

Do you remember how much they were?

On 3/19/2022 at 10:30 AM, DaveOKC said:

I personally think that the side elevators have less traffic than the center ones, so I pick one (normally the side I am going when I exit).  

On 3/19/2022 at 2:47 PM, Taters said:

One of the reasons I almost always choose to use the side elevator is because I love the view. 😊

Ditto and Ditto

11 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

This has caused me a boatload of anxiety.

Pun intended.  😄

3 hours ago, Mary229 said:

...

2. don't have a connection of less than 60 minutes, you may get there but will your luggage?

 

That reminds me of a tale when I sailed Princess in 2001 when a passenger's luggage didn't make it onboard.  The cruise line gave him credit in the shops to buy a change of clothes or two to hold him over until the bag could catch up to us. 
When hubby and I travel - we each put half our clothes in each suitcase so that if one doesn't make it, we have something.

There are two Sheratons in Fort Lauderdale.

Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port is the one people are referring to.

There is also Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport - Dania Beach.  This one is a wee bit closer to the airport and a wee bit cheaper.  There is lots of food options here but no CVS or the like.

28 minutes ago, DaveOKC said:

I have been travelling alot for over 45 years and I know from experience that things can and do go wrong.  In the future, please allow for this in your planning. 

Truly ANYTHING can happen.  True story in 2017 - on the flight to FLL the day before the cruise, a person suffered a possible stroke so we made an emergency landing in Charleston.  The day before we returned was the shooting at FLL that closed the airport.  My sister had to rent a car and drive home (to GA).  My flight to SWF somehow left on time but there was a lot of snow at home and hubby couldn't pick me up so I spent a night at the airport motel.

Can someone help me with more specifics on the different internet plans available? I found the below on another thread.

If I want to text (wifi) with my family at home, will Social work?  What apps/ services does SOCIAL include?

I would prefer to unplug completely but on this trip I'll need to stay in touch with home to touch base on some ongoing projects.

Available Packages:

1. Social: Per day package, $14.99. (Access the most popular social websites and applications. May not allow for audio/video calling and streaming.)
2. Surf (most popular): $24.99. (Surf your favorite sites including e-mail, news, sports and more. May not allow for audio/video calling and streaming.)
3. Premium: $29.99 (From e-mail to streaming, receive the highest volume of data. Supports audio/video calling and streaming where coverage allows.)

Thanks much.  Y'all are the best.

4 hours ago, syr fan said:

Well that explains why I can't book excursions ahead of time, but my drinks and gratuities are prepaid, what can I use the OBC for? Can I use it in the casino?

once on board you can check with the shore excursion desk and they can cancel your reservation made with the CC and rebook you using OBC.

1 hour ago, Mary229 said:

It is odd that they "require" it as many people do not fly into their cruise

You can say you're not flying.

On 3/10/2022 at 11:39 AM, 12cruise2 said:

Try calling HAL at 800-207-3545 for help checking in. 

Took half a hour but got it resolved.

Thanks.