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CATandSQUID

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Posts posted by CATandSQUID

  1. On 6/25/2023 at 1:20 PM, casaloma said:

    Hi Everyone, 

    Wanted to post a quick review covering the good, the bad, etc.  

    DH and I haven't been on a cruise since our terrible 2019 horrorfest out of New Orleans which nearly ended our cruise career.  We wanted to jump back in and an Alaska cruise out of Seattle was perfect as we live within driving distance of the port.  

     

    The Good 

    I'd read a lot of moaning and groaning about the state of the Westerdam.  I should note that DH and I are not particularly picky and it takes a LOT to make us unhappy onboard a ship.  I didn't notice anything wrong with the ship.  I didn't have my sleuthing glasses on either.  The staff seemed happy and helpful, though busy of course.  I didn't think the public areas were particularly crowded, which is one of my sensitive areas.  

    The food in the Lido Market was uniformly good.  WONDERFUL rolls of all kinds.  Unlike other cruises we've been on, they seemed to really vary the selection from day to day which we appreciated.  Servers were quick to get drink orders.  Except for one or two times it was easy to find a seat. 

    Embarkation and debarkation could not have been easier.  We were on the ship within ten minutes of arriving.  

    When we got to ports, they always advised people not to stampede the gangway and it must have effective because there were never any lines at the ports.  

    I was using a scooter and they were good about advising what gangways were accessible.  Some of them were a little hairraising to get down but staff was right there to assist.  

    After I lost a *certain* amount of money at the casino they gave me a nice little dessert selection.  Despite losing just as much on other cruises, no one ever gave me anything before lol.  

    We had an aft balcony for the first time and we really enjoyed it.  Had soot one day and some jerk through his cigarette onto our deck once.  

     

    Not So Good 

    We ate in the dining room twice.  Both times they got my order wrong.  It was no big deal and I didn't bring it up to them, but the odds weren't great.  Service was SLOW.  The portions were TINY.  DH had banana french toast and I think they took a normal piece of bread and cut it into fourths.  He said we could only go back to the dining room if we planned to go directly to the Lido and have second dinner, like hobbits. 

    The casino is right next to the dueling piano bar.  Guy was not good.  Girl was great. 

    I got the unlimited soda package and I got soda more or less easily, unlike previous cruises.  At like Day 5 they pointed out I should have been using this glass tumbler they gave me but never told me to use it.  Guest Services was good about taking all the bogus charges off.   I sure liked the systems better that have the big coke machine you can use yourself.  

     

    In summary, we find ourselves in love with cruising again.  Good thing, as I've already booked our next adventure to Europe in the fall.  We might go to Alaska again, the weather couldn't have been better and the scenery was breathtaking.  DH saw seals, we both saw orcas.  

    Did the bed have outlets next to them?

     

  2. 5 hours ago, kcdancerkc said:

    I’m looking around 

    and I can’t seem to find pictures 

    if these balconies are smaller than a regular veranda stateroom?

     

    I’ve seen one clip of one

    and it looks like we would be touching knees 😂

     

    worse case scenario 

    spa nearby

    and not going to Alaska to sunbathe 🐻‍❄️🐻‍❄️


    thanks 

     

    The spa balcony can fit the chairs, not much else. They are Juliet Balconies. The ashtrays are no longer there.

    DSC02430.JPG

  3. 23 hours ago, Bick53 said:

    As previously stated  - We are sailing on the 24 day Koningsdam Cruise - January 7, 2023 out of San Diego. 

    Many have mentioned that Verify isn't  being used at check-in. Are any Paper Documents required or are we good with digital files saved on my cell phone?

     

    Thanks. 

    Go to the Holland America home page and click on health protocols.  Fill in the information and it will tell you what you need to know.

     

    https://book2.hollandamerica.com/protocols/

    • Like 2
  4. 18 hours ago, Sharon in AZ said:

    The hair dryer works fine and is similar to what you find in hotels. I actually prefer my own because it’s ionic and better for frizzy hair but I kept blowing the fuse when on the Rotterdam a year ago so I had to use the one provided. 

    And that is why you are not allowed your own hair dryer, iron, coffee pot, tea maker.  You could cause a shipboard fire.

     

    • Like 1
  5. 4 hours ago, dfish said:

    Currently onboard the Rotterdam.  Those with ship transfers are being bused directly to Schiphol.  Those without are being bused to the Amsterdam Passenger Cruise Terminal.  They are starting earlier due to the lengthier travel time. I’m guessing the same will happen next week when we disembark.

    It would be great if HAL would put out something. My TA called HAL and they didn't know anything about the port shift!  He's going to try calling again today or Monday.

  6. We welcome the CDC’s decision to end its current program in favor of a set of guidelines for public health operations on cruise ships. This change is a testament to the effectiveness of protocols we put in place following the resumption of sailing, with cruising being among the safest forms of travel today.  

      

    We will review the newest guidelines, but there are no immediate changes to current COVID-19 protocols for Holland America Line itineraries. Guests can continue to use our website and the booked guest notices received as a guide for upcoming voyages.

    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1
  7. 5 hours ago, bricks609 said:

    Does this offer work for retired law enforcement officers, or just active officers?  I retired from LEO job in April 2020, and have retired credentials, just curious as to whether this would work for retired LEO's.

    No Idea.  Just try it.  Otherwaise have you TA ask for you.

     

  8. 4 hours ago, Kamfish642 said:

    Just received the following email from HAL for our upcoming 14-Day Best of Norway cruise departing on July 10:

     

    June 30, 2022

     

    Dear Valued Guest:

     

    We look forward to welcoming you on board Rotterdam for your upcoming voyage (booking XXXXXX).

     

    We are reaching out to advise you of a change to our COVID-19 testing requirement that affects your sailing. As health protocols around the world continue to evolve, we are adjusting our policies to align with those of the countries we visit. As a result, you are no longer required to undergo pre-cruise COVID-19 testing or produce a negative test result at embarkation for this cruise. 

     

    Our COVID-19 vaccination requirements remain in place:

     

    ·        All guests 12 years and older are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with the final dose of an approved vaccine received at least 14 days prior to embarkation.

    ·        Guests 18 years and older must have received a COVID-19 booster dose if their final dose of an approved vaccine is older than 9 months (270 days) from the last day of their cruise.

    ·        Guests who do not meet these vaccination requirements must receive an approved vaccination exemption from Holland America Line in advance of their cruise.

     

    For full health and safety guidelines for your voyage, please visit our website. Please note that at this time, the removal of testing requirements only applies to select voyages, so our full FAQ has not been updated. For this cruise, please disregard the testing requirements listed there.

     

    Here at Holland America Line, the health and well-being of our guests, team members, and the communities we visit are our highest priority. Our protocols are designed to ensure a relaxing and memorable vacation experience while maximizing the health and safety of our guests and crew. 

     

    Thank you for choosing Holland America Line, and we look forward to seeing you on board soon.

     

    Kind regards,

    Holland America Line

    I contacted HAL.  You are on a select experimental cruise. If all goes well, they may drop the requirement on more!

    • Like 6
  9. 2 hours ago, blueridgemama said:

    Hi Cat and Squid, We are also on that cruise and just received the same e-mail. This is our first cruise with Holland America. I have independent tours in some ports that I will now have to cancel and reschedule.

    Do you know if the itinerary stays the same?

    Also I googled Eurodam drydock and there is no information. Do you know if it is just a routine drydock or are they making big changes?

    It doesn't stop at, the Half Moon Cays anymore.  If you go to your booked cruises it shows the new itinerary.

  10. 7 hours ago, ShipWalker said:


    I like to use my toothpaste analogy. Toothpaste tubes do not state that using their brand of toothpaste prevents cavities. It  says it “helps” prevent cavities.

     

    Likewise, doctors do not say wearing a mask prevents the spread of Covid. They say it helps prevent the spread of it.


    DW & I are willing to do our small part even if it helps only a little.

    BEFORE CRUISING
    Prior to Travel
    All guests ages two and above will require a medically 
    observed, negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) 
    result taken within 3-days of embarkation (for Greece, testing 
    is required within 1-day of embarkation). Children under 2 
    years of age do not need to be tested prior to cruising.
    Guests under 5 years of age do not need to be vaccinated. 
    Children between the ages of 5-11 who are not vaccinated 
    may request an exemption at the time of booking and if 
    approved may be subject to additional testing and protocols.
    Proof of full vaccination, including booster if eligible. For 
    these cruises the definition of “fully vaccinated” is at least 
    14 days and no more than 270 days (9 months) since the last 
    dose in the primary vaccine series of an approved COVID-19 
    vaccine. Only one booster dose is required for guests 
    whose final dose of an approved/authorized COVID-19 
    vaccine is older than 270 days (9 months) to be considered 
    “fully vaccinated.” Guests who are eligible for, but have not 
    received a booster may request an exemption at the time of 
    booking and if approved may be subject to additional testing, 
    fees and protocols. Exemptions will be limited and are not 
    guaranteed.

    EU-Cruise-Protocols-0425.pdf

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