Suitcasefull

On 4/5/2022 at 10:49 AM, DaveinCharlotte said:

On our trip a month ago, captain was Andrew Gillilan

 

 

Captain Gillilan was also on our March 26 trip but he was getting off at the end of it.  Don't know if vacation or leave or what.  I see Aimee was on yours also so guess she'd trained for a while.

Tish was our housekeeping manager so that's new from your list, too.

We didn't get a complete list like that; just a paragraph a day about some of the crew.

On 4/5/2022 at 6:04 AM, BaumD said:

Andy is still Cruise Director. Aimee is new cruise director. Young, engaging, talented. Hard to believe this is her first week as CD. 

I knew Aimee was in training.  Was not aware Sam was leaving this week; we enjoyed her as our CD!  Aimee is a personable young woman, seems very capable and should do a good job.

Star also got new lounge furniture last week.  Can't say I liked it or found it comfortable. 

Who was the captain on your trip?

Andy Saine was our fantastic hotel director and Sam our cruise director.

If you're planning on this, be sure the cruise you choose has this option.  The one we booked for 2023 was not one that had it.  Wasn't a game-changer for us but do be aware that, at least for now, it's not available on all of the 7-day trips.

Got off Star April 2 (when Baum got on).  We had to sign waiver and show vaccination card and medical officer wrote down dates so one thing has changed.  Tested and asked to wait in our cabin until results were brought to us.  Don't know of anyone who "failed" but just waiting in one cabin meant less likelihood of being with anyone who might test positive.  That was only mention of it the whole week.  As Baum said, masks not on everyone.  We had two or three couple who always seemed to wear them but that's their choice.  Always had one in pocket when in a town but no problem.  Didn't go in the one store I saw with a sign requesting masks.  Shop owner's and shoppers' prerogatives.  Had to remember to dig out one with a cord when going to airport.  Surprised at the number of people in airport walking around without a mask but didn't see anyone approach them. On plane, of course, had to have it on except when really eating/drinking.

THANK you!  Always nice to see picture of the ship while we're on it.  We were starboard side.  Loved your beautiful island and did my part for the local economy!

On 4/2/2022 at 10:53 AM, BaumD said:

Suitcasefull

on board and when they brought me my COVID results, she said “I have a letter for you”!  Thanks for the review and sound like you had a great trip. Hoping for the same. 

Glad you got the note.  They had me put it in the plastic box at top of bulletin board outside Andy's office; evidently first time they'd had a note left for future traveler. Had no idea they were going to hand deliver but glad to hear.  Didn't know your interests but we did several other excursions and they were all good;  alligators and comedy trolley were just my favorites.  Think you'll probably have those two entertainers (Jimmy Maddox and Annie whose last name I forgot!) since they were local at ports.  Hope the weather doesn't mess up your trip too much. We flew out Saturday without problem.  Safe travels!

I'd vote for Heckle!

On 3/18/2022 at 9:07 PM, BaumD said:

Will look for your picture. No need for a sports jacket. Nice shirt and slacks are fine. 
I just checked the online schedule for my cruise and the times in each port have changed. Some better, some not better. You should login to your account and see if your schedule has changed. 

Thanks for the heads up.......hadn't thought about changes this close to sailing.

On 3/18/2022 at 9:06 PM, vino100 said:

No need for a jacket or tie. I saw no ties on my Sept Mississippi cruise. 
I would describe the dress as country club casual. 

On 3/19/2022 at 7:08 AM, twototravel said:

@Suitcasefull No need to even change your clothes for dinner. On our past ACL cruises, there were some folks that seemed to dress up a bit, especially if they went to the happy hour that is held concurrently with dinner, but we never did. I went to dinner in whatever I wore that day even shorts and a tee. My husband maybe changed his shirt, but that was it. Dress how you feel comfortable.

Thank you both!  Answer I wanted to hear! 😉  And, Two, one of our stops is your island!  Looking forward to this trip and glad don't have to pack extra stuff!

Thought I had seen somewhere that, although ACL says dinner should be dressier with jacket for men and nice dress or slacks for ladies, that most people really were more relaxed.  Don't mind changing into better blouse/ skirt but guy is balking at taking a jacket and tie and doesn't wear sweaters.  He does usually wear good shirts. 

Anyone know for sure how it actually is on ACL cruises.  We'll be on the Star.  Thanks for any suggestions.

On 2/2/2022 at 10:40 PM, Suitcasefull said:

On 12/18/2021 at 6:05 PM, BaumD said:

Will be getting on in Amelia Island when you get off on April 2nd.

Fixed a paper with pic a lab on it ---- ill try to remember to tack it on the bulletin board as we leave the ship early on the 2nd. Looking forward to this! 

      Only question now is how dressy dinner would be, as in, does he have to take a jacket or is nice shirt and slacks okay.

On 3/13/2022 at 8:06 PM, DrKoob said:

Rudi's Sel de Mer (seafood) and the Asian restaurant Tamarind were both outstanding. The food at Pinnacle Grille was fine........... paled in comparison to Tamarind and Rudi's. I should also add that Tamarind is one of the most beautiful restaurants we have seen on a ship and it sits on the top of the stern. Sunset at dinner was amazing.

Thank you!  Probably will try to make both of those restaurants!  Also, thanks for the link to your blog.

1 hour ago, oaktreerb said:

Koningsdam is newer and has more special dining options.  

We'll be on the Koningsdam for the first time in July.  Of the special dining options, do you have a favorite?  Would anyone please give input re: the steak place or the seafood place (Sorry, names of restaurants escape me at moment)  We've done our share of Japanese steakhouses and like Italian but don't know if on board it would be anything special.  Thanks for any help regarding this or any other comments about meals on this ship!

First ACL trip coming up this spring.  In the past on small ships we gave something to individuals who went out of their way to be helpful.  Usually consider excursion guides separately and tip them accordingly.

Where/ when are you going?

Really sorry to hear this.......not only for your experience but because we're sailing with ACL for the first time next month.  Personally, I rarely book hotels that are recommended by a line, just because have yet to find a good deal on them.  So, we tacked a couple of days on the front and the hotel we chose has a shuttle to take us to the pier. (limited area but it works for us! yay!)

Back to ACL, really holding my breath now for fear their customer service (which had originally heard was good) may have gone by the wayside!  Thanks for sharing your experience.

Know it will be difficult cruising alone but hope you find solace in this gorgeous area.  We take our first ACL cruise in March (Charleston to Jacksonville) Can't do it this year but the Snake River trip is one we've talked about.  Will enjoy reading your comments after you've taken it.  Enjoy and be well!

Thanks!  This is the first of their ships I will have seen. Personal preference is a little further from lounge or people coming and going but am sure there are times I'd like the convenience!

6 hours ago, BaumD said:

Stuck in a window cabin on deck 2.  All balconies are sold out. Hoping for a cancellation so I can move up to a balcony. 

Yeah, I've learned to try to book early to get cabins I like but sometimes it just doesn't work out.

You probably have a good chance of someone cancelling!  Getting excited and hoping the sailings happen!

3 hours ago, DaveinCharlotte said:

If it's any consolation, at least with the window cabins, you get more room in the cabin, they're closer to the lounge, and they don't cost as much. 🙂

I hadn't realized the cabins were larger!  Is there an advantage to being closer to the lounge?  May have to rethink cabin strategy in future; this is first trip with ACL.

Thank you for posting this!  Will be interested in traveling with ACL.

Which cabin(s) will you be in?  We're on deck 3

On 12/18/2021 at 6:05 PM, BaumD said:

Will be getting on in Amelia Island when you get off on April 2nd.

Maybe I'll leave you a note on board, BaumD!

On 12/19/2021 at 11:36 AM, DaveinCharlotte said:

Will be taking Star's last Rivers of Florida cruise in mid-March, then the ship will be heading north to pick you up in Charleston.

And Dave, perhaps you can leave me one to find? 

Wow!  Thanks for that review!  Was sorry to hear you had so many problems. Was afraid Star was showing age but this is first trip with ACL so wasn't sure what to expect.  Glad to hear crew is nice but a bit leery of captain's attitude.  Scheduled for Charleston to Jacksonville this spring.  DH has never sailed on small ship and doesn't do well with lots of motion so hope our route is calmer.  Will see what we get!

Curious if anyone else is booked.

Hope all goes well for your late March cruise -- sounds like it's happening so pleased for you.  Had been scheduled on the Florida Rivers one and they cancelled all the March sailings.   We chose not to move to a November date.  Enjoy finally getting to go!

I'm replying to bump this up so others might answer you.  Haven't yet sailed on ACL but the small line we went on several times had tables for four, six, or eight.  People usually welcomed new friends to tables but there were sometimes groups who chose to stay together.  Of course, that was awkward at a larger tables if someone asked if they could sit (seeing four or six empty seats!) and were told seats were being saved!  If it was just a four-top, two couples kept their same routine all week and no one bothered them.  Usually didn't take but a meal or two to identify those who preferred to keep to themselves.  Hope you enjoy, either way you feel.