VMax1700

When we boarded Rotterdam on Saturday our steward told us we had the option of once or twice a day, whatever we wanted. We told him we would be happy with once a day, but in the evening. It works for us as we have the day free from 'stewarding' but wet towels are replaced each evening.

Ofcourse it depends on where you are boarding, but this week in Europe, on Rotterdam, Shorex was open from 1pm to 7pm. I would expect something similar, however you would be able to check using the app under 'Plan' > 'My Itinerary' > 'Hours'.

People have mentioned about the Rotterdam having the lifeboats repositioned to make it possible for Panama Canal transits etc. Koningsdam can not usually sail the canal due to lifeboat overhang and had to receive special permission to sail to Port Everglades through the canal at the onset of Covid to join the other ships in 'storage' for the duration. I understand that Nieuw Statendam is very similar. However they changed the operation system for Rotterdam and the lifeboats/tenders are now stored further inboard than those on Koningsdam. They slide out on beams. Rotterdam tenders at inboard storage position (ignore the reflection in the verandah glass) And fully extended seaward to be lowered.

Our departure from Copenhagen was a struggle because of tide and wind. It was necessary to have a couple of tugs assist the ship push away from the quayside.

Day 3 Monday 25th September. Today's Daily Program

It will be worth the wait! Greetings from Rotterdam to you 👋

There is a new publication in each stateroom which is titled "The Basics" and gives details of....guess what? The basics. I have posted images below and hope that it is legible.

@Mary229 In post #55 I mentioned the shuttle bus for Copenhagen and the HoHo bus. There were two different HoHo buses available at the dock. City Sightseeing and Red Sightseeing. The Red Sightseeing were not taking cash or cards and all charges were posted to your onboard account. The staff said that if we had pre booked then of course it would be honoured, but they could only charge onboard accounts for walk ups. Suited us as we have a lot of OBC to get through. To return to the ship from Central Station area (Red Bus stop #1) to Little Mermaid stop and then transfer to included Red Sightseeing Shuttle to the ship took 1 hour. Some pax were not able to board our bus at some locations because it was full. Also we did not have to wait for the shuttle as it was just about ready to go when we boarded. Just mentioning this so that you can plan timings!

Two charges for drinks appeared on our onboard account late yesterday evening. A message sent via 'Let us Know' on the app and a matching credit has been posted already this morning.

Priority refers to the check in specifically (source - Mariner Society) and the boarding by necessity as they do not want a lot of people waiting longer than necessary.

That can be difficult on HAL! Takes effort to harvest the necessary ingredients, but, with perseverance it can be successful! Grilled back bacon is available at one Lido station, which also has mushrooms, sausages (pork), baked beans (not beanz 😉) grilled tomato and fried potato. Sometimes it has scrambled egg (reconstituted) but if you want fried egg then you must go to another station. The routine is: go to station 1 and order fried eggs and then at the end of that station order the toast. Walk up to Station 2 and get a plate of back bacon, mushrooms, beans etc. Then walk back to Station 1 and collect eggs and toast plus butter (not real butter but a pasty coloured product) and marmalade. Eat, enjoy and repeat daily.

A bit of gooooogling and it seems that 'Equinix' who appear to be the provider, are a EU company, so it may not be as good in Mid Atlantic.

Absolutely. It looked really strange and was not like the paella I am used to eating. It was like a 'white Soul singer'. oops, can I say that these days?

Both and an additional entree in CO

Tomorrow in Copenhagen we are docking at Oceankaj which is about 4 miles outside the city centre. Until recently the port website had shown us docking at Langelinie, which is closer to the city. There is a shuttle bus offered at a cost of $14.95 round trip (multiple uses). It goes to the metro station. I also know from previous experience (last month) that the Red Sightseeing bus will be available at Oceankaj. HAL are also offering tickets for a HOHO bus service and the price is $34.95

Tomorrow is Copenhagen. Although the Copenhagen Port Authority, for the last few months, has shown us docking at Langelinie, the Daily Program that has just been delivered states that we will dock at Oceankaj. Langelinie is much closer to the city than Oceankaj. It would appear that there is no other cruise ship docked at Langelinie, so why are we kicked out to Oceankaj? At least the Red Sightseeing bus has a stop at Oceankaj when cruise ships are docked there. There is also the offer of a paid shuttle bus.

I rechecked speeds a few moments ago and DW's (basic) and mine (premium) were similar speeds. I always understood that there was no difference in speeds only the sites that could be accessed etc.

An ESTA is valid for 2 years. (unless your passport expires sooner.) You just need to put first Baltimore address down on your application. no other requirements

The Paella, (no saffron version 😉)

Today's Bread Pudding selection: Choc Chip or Mixed Berry.

Today is our first Sea Day and tonight is the first Dressy Night, so the MDR has the 150th Gala Dinner. Here are the menus. lido_lunch_day_2.pdf lido_dinner_day_2.pdf gala_150th_winter_2023.pdf

The internet is like greased lightning!

It is not Starlink, it is faster....

Try the Carrefour Supermarket on Las Ramblas or else El Cortes Ingles on Placa Catalunya. The duty free at the airport is for departing flights and you will not be able to purchase there on arrival.

Currently on Rotterdam. With regular Surf package the "WiFi Calling" option does not appear on my phone. I can make WhatsApp calls. Once I upgrade to Premium ($50 for 14 day cruise) the "WiFi Calling" option appears.