RuthC

Thanks, yes! Those are the right words that I could no longer remember: Bras d'Or Lake and Baddeck. It was a lovely day. The ride out and back wasn't too far, either. If I ever get back to Sydney, then I want to go to the Fort.

On one of my trips there I took a HAL tour that included a sailing vessel out on a lake, quite a distance from town. It was so long ago that I really don't remember too much about it, other than it was a gorgeous day, perfect for sailing, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I believe it was out near the Bell Museum. On another stop I went to a cultural presentation in the shopping center right across from where the ship docks. There was a song and dance show particular to the area. Again, very enjoyable time. I had plenty of time for looking at the shops downstairs afterwards, and was able to chat with some of the natives. THAT part of the day was especially great! Very friendly, knowledgeable people who loved to talk about the history and life there. There are also some vendor stalls outside the building, if either you or your mom like shopping. The last time I was there I just drove around a little on my scooter, and got into downtown, which I found a bit overwhelming driving in. Can't help you there. I like the port, though. It's quaint.

She is, IIRC. It's been a long time since I sailed on the Zaandam. You don't have to be in connecting cabins to have balconies that open. That's how the cleaning people get through.

Exactly as Sea42 explained. I would be speaking to someone at the Front Desk about it, which is what I meant by being 'proactive'. IF you will have the actual 100 days during the cruise, you should be sure you are on the list to get your medallion on that cruise.

So long as you are counting true 'heads in beds' days, you should. Which doesn't necessarily mean you will unless you are proactive about it. If I were you, I would be asking about how your copper medallion will be delivered to you on that cruise---placed in your cabin, or presented at a ceremony. That will at least open the door to a conversation that you should get your medallion on that cruise.

Hope they work out well for you, and you have a great cruise. Packing shoe clips was one of my better ideas over the travel years! A LOT less weight than extra pairs of shoes.

How I loved sailing on Royal Viking, and wish they were still in business today. I didn't appreciate them enough when I sailed on the Royal Viking Sea, but sure do now. I miss them to this day.

Not only does it count, if we are vying to see which poster first sailed longest, you may just be the winner!

If I'm going away to a generally warm weather area (not hot), I will take 5-6 dresses for evening, plus a couple of cocktail dresses for dressy nights. One pair of low-heeled pumps to go with all the evening clothes, plus stockings, and a slip. Add in 5-6 pair of shoe clips to make the pumps look a little different with each dress. Repeat outfits as often as necessary. I'll take another 5-6 sundresses for daytime, with slip-on walking shoes, and undies. One pair of slacks with maybe two tops to wear boarding tenders. All of this fits in one suitcase, along with a jacket for cooler days/nights, for as many as 39 days. For a shorter trip (14-25 days), I take less, of course. The trick is bringing very lightweight fabrics. For cool/cold weather destinations, I swap out the dresses for another pair of slacks (or two), and swap the T-tops for sweatshirts.

Yes, the laundry package can be purchased when you use it the first time.

My first cruise! (we weren't on the same cruise, though. we compared notes once before on this.)

Yes. I always shower and change for dinner. This is especially necessary when sailing in a warmer climate.

Yippee! I am happy for you, that (as of now, at least) you feel well enough to do this long cruise. And I am happy for those of us who can't take the cruise that you will be reporting on it! (it's the next best thing to being there.)

1978. Does it matter?

I appreciate the comparison between lines. Thank you for posting it, especially in such a succinct fashion.

Poohby Joe, I think I love you! M&M's peanut flavor, and you share??? Thank you!

Hands down---Pinnacle every single time. I am not a fan of Tamarind, although I do go there when I am with friends, and they want to dine there. I always leave Tamarind feeling unsatisfied. Not hungry, but just like I haven't had a pleasant dinner. I leave Pinnacle with a happy mouth and tummy. Every. Single. Time.

Have a wonderful time, Gail.

Sorry! Forget everything I posted. I just realized I was thinking of a different class of ship! I almost always have booked an inside cabin on the many dozens of cruises I have taken, but would never book an inside on the Pinnacle class ships. Those cabins are just too darned small for my taste. When I booked a Pinnacle ship I went with a Vista category to get a little space.

That would have been a J-category cabin, and likely was the best available in the inside meta category at that time. The only inside higher category would be an 'I'. Not that I would want to be in one of the 3-5 cabins under BB King (I wouldn't), but anything on starboard, especially closer to mid-ship, would be fine with me. Even port side, heading forward (so long as it wasn't one of the few cabins under BB King) would work well for me, or one of the two cabins closest to mid-ship. Which is not to disagree with those who have posted that you should have been able to select your idea of 'best available' when you upgraded. It's part of the CO package.

My last Pinnacle burger was possibly the best burger I have ever had anywhere/anytime. I hope my next one is just as good.

But the text referred to the 'old' Rotterdam. Did you miss that? Or was it edited in later, without being attributed as an edit?

There was another Rotterdam in recent memory, which was also an R-class ship---like the Zaandam. That was the Rotterdam (Rotterdam VI) that Kazu was referencing on HALFacts. (heck, mention the Rotterdam and I think of three different ships! gets confusing sometimes)

I remember the escalators well, and you are right they went from Main Deck to Lower Promenade. One in each direction. They came in quite handy, and were always ready for 'boarding'. Loved the 'no waiting' part!

I loved that ship, as I loved all the S- and R-class ships. Those were large cabins, even in the cheap seats, comfortable ships, and so easy to get around. But from what I read on your 'live from' thread, I think I wouldn't be happy sailing her as she is now. It is clearly not the Ryndam I had such good times on. Thank you for your posts!