Terre

How do you make the serving trays and trivets?

On 1/8/2019 at 6:42 AM, bingobeach said:

Two questions about this cruise...would you advise bringing a camera for photos on excursions rather than an iPhone?...worried about iPhone being stolen...and for Snorkeling again should I bring mine in my luggage?...rather bulky and thinking just rent on Cosul tour or forget snorkelling all together

I always use a camera because I take around 500 photos on every cruise and there is no way my phone could handle that.  If you have a good 35mm camera, why wouldn't you want to use it?  You can adjust for more vivid colors, shoot landscapes more beautifully, get prettier sunsets, etc.  So, yes, I would take a camera for shooting pictures.

For snorkeling just be sure it's a water proof camera or sealed very well in a baggie.

I do keep my camera in my purse or with me, not in luggage so I'm always ready for that unexpected perfect shot--you never know when that will be, but that may be when you could use your phone.

Thank you, everyone!  Sounds like quite a lot of things not to miss!  Can't wait to get on the ship!

We stopped at both ports last November and have been to both many times.  If you don't want to take a ship's excursion, we went to Maya Chan Beach Resort in Costa Maya and really liked it.  It is very laid back, and they provide transportation there and back.

In Cozumel we always go to Nachi Cocum.  You have to take a cab there.  It's bigger than Maya Chan but you dont feel crowded because it's so big.  Has a pool and hot tub.  They have paddle boarding and other things for an additional cost.

Both places include lunch and all your drinks in your price.  I mentioned both in my review with pics.  Link is in my signature below.

One time in Cozumel we rented a Jeep and drove to the back side of the island.  It is beautiful and was not commercialized at that time.  We went to Paradise Beach one time and have been to Chanaknaab.  There is a lot to do in Cozumel.  Check out the Ports of Call boards for more suggestions.

I wouldn't say don't worry, but I wouldn't be terrified and miss two beautiful ports either.  I would say take the same precautions you would when in an unfamiliar place.  Be aware of your surroundings, don't wear expensive jewelery or flash a wad of cash.  We just take just the amounts we need since we don't need souvenirs anymore.  Don't wander away from the main area alone. It's hard to not stand out as a tourist, but be cautious and enjoy these two ports! 

2 hours ago, ithaca gal said:

Flying germs?  As opposed to the ones sitting on the hand rails, elevator buttons, bathroom doors, etc?

People touch those?!

Agree...we have never liked practice.  Can't imagine what kind of germs are flying around and landing on your unfinished meal!

So Kdam is "assigning" boarding times or are they "suggested" times?  Every cruise we've taken, and this one will make #42 for us, has given us a suggested time for boarding.  We get there around 10:30-11:00 and have always gotten checked and on board before the buffet opens for lunch.  I hope HAL is giving suggested times rather than an actual assignment.

Your conversations have been interesting. Thank you, everyone!

Thank you, Ruth!

I have been on the Oasis and liked the ship, but for me it was just too big with too many people.  It was difficult to get into any of the restaurants along the promenade area or get into the lounges.  When there were events in the promenade it was so packed with people you couldn't move....I just don't like that.

We will be on the Koningsdam for the first time in March.  Does anyone know if the MDR is open for lunch on embarkation day?  Some ships are and some aren't, and I'm hoping Kdam is.

On 1/13/2019 at 4:36 AM, Laumat19 said:

Thank you so much  this is fantastic!

Laura, I thought of another tip for you.  If you are coming from a cold climate, pack a pair of shorts and t-shirt in your carry-on bag so you can change in case it's warm when you get on the ship.  Usually FLL, Miami, and Port Canaveral I are warm enough in March to change into shorts once on board.

Thanks!

Thank you, leerathje, that sounds great!

Thanks.

We are taking our first HAL cruise in March on K-dam.  What should we not miss; any tips about the ship would be appreciated. 

Thanks!

OMG!  I thought about all your comments while reading the OP's post.  I will never book this ship because of that feature.  They make us use the hand sanitizer all the time, but I see more unsanitary practices by the crew and staff than passengers, however, I have seen passengers do some very unsanitary things at the buffet!

Thanks for the review.  Sounds like it's not for us.

3 hours ago, Compass Rose said:

Such a great review!  Thank you.  Your review came from the heart and you did not sugar coat anything nor did you embellish anything that you did not find to your liking.  We appreciate it, as we have an interest in this ship because we will be on it for an 11 day out of Ft. Lauderdale in April.  

Awwwww....thank you!  I try to be honest with my reviews, if you're not, it can't really help anyone.  You will love the Reflection!

So sad to hear this.  Prayers for his family.

Koningsdam

11-Night Southern Caribbean Wayfarer

March 27-April 7, 2019

out of FLL going to St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Half Moon Cay

First HAL cruise, 39th overall.  Celebrating 48th anniversary.

On 1/10/2019 at 2:25 AM, Laumat19 said:

What an amazing review.

We're on this cruise in March, as a celebration for my 30th birthday. It's our first ever cruise so your insights are extremely helpful. Any other top tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks again,

Laura

Other than the tips in my review,

1.  get to the terminal as early as you can, by 9:30-10:00, so you can board early.  That will give you plenty of time to explore the ship after lunch. 

2.  You can't get in your cabin until after 1:00 so if you don't have anything crucial in your carry on like meds or jewelry, print a luggage tag for it and check it at the terminal with your luggage.  That way you don't have to lug it around with you all over the place.

3.  If you feel the shower in your cabin is too small, use the spa showers.  It's free, just ask for a locker key.  They will keep your cabin key until you return the locker key.  The showers are bigger and they also have better towels.

4.  If you haven't already done so, find the roll call for your cruise and then register for Cruise Critic's Celebrity Connections party.  That's where you get to meet others on your roll call in person.

Other than that...do as much as possible, participate in as much as possible, try new dishes, explore your ports, take lots of pictures, and enjoy your cruise.  Don't sweat the small stuff--your cruise is what you make it so don't spend it complaining about spots on the carpet.  A warning, though...cruising is addictive!

I always take a big baggie of walnuts in case my reading is above range after dinner; a handful or two will bring it down pretty quick.  Maybe you could take walnuts or almonds for that reason and use as a snack if you need it.  Cheese will do the same thing.

Good luck.

The ship's tours usually bring you back to the terminal, especially if you are running late.

Some private tours will drop those off in town who want to sometimes if you ask.

Thank you all so much.  Every comment and suggestion has been very helpful.  We decided on Rodeway In Airport.  It has free shuttle from the airport to the hotel and to the cruise terminal.  We don't need a $100/night room, just the basics.  😉

Well hello, neighbors!  We are near the University area, 

between University and Mint Hill, just off of Harrisburg Rd.  I worked in the University area for 21 years, actually six years before there ever was a University area!