2023 Grand World Voyage with The Inside Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

SLOT PULL AT SEA (POST #48)

FEBRUARY 24, 2023

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We enjoy a slot pull at sea with (not so) surprising results

Coffee Chat

Every Sea Day at 9:00 am, Cruise and Travel Director Ian Page hosts Coffee Chat in the Rolling Stone Lounge.  Ian will interview one of the crewmembers or maybe a guest entertainer.  These last about 30 minutes with a chance for Q & A at the end.  

Executive Chef Neil stops by Coffee Chat every few weeks to give an update and answer questions.  Today he was accompanied by two of his assistant Chefs, Ronald from the Philippines and Tushar from India.  

Ronald and Tushar

 

Neil discussed some of the recent supply chain challenges, as some containers of food that were supposed to arrive in Perth failed to arrive.  They are working on getting them rerouted to Port Louis or other future ports.  One of the missing items was Cranberry Sauce, so the Roast Turkey served last evening was without this usual side dish.  

Neil mentioned that the menus are initially planned in Seattle on a 35-day rotation, but we will likely never see an identical menu twice.  Individual menu items will repeat, for example, Rustic Lasagna, but the other items on the same menu will be different.  This is unlike shorter 7-10 day cruises where the identical menu repeats every cycle on a particular day.  If you have ever done 7-day back-to-back cruises, you will experience this repetition.  I have uploaded a copy of every MDR menu for the entire world cruise HERE.  If you go back to my other world cruise blogs, you can find a copy of every menu from 2016, 2018, and 2020 if you want to compare one cruise to another.  

Executive Chef Neil also makes modifications based on guest feedback and the availability of certain menu items.  About 30% of menus will be modified onboard.  

The food on this cruise, in my experience, has been outstanding and consistent with the high quality I have experienced on all of my previous HAL cruises.  

SLOT PULL

At 3 pm, fifteen guests assembled in the Casino for a Slot Pull.  This has been a regular event on cruise critic roll calls for years.  Here is how it works.  

The slot pull leader, in our case, Jerry, will select a machine where $15 will give you 5-6 spins for the maximum amount.  Anymore, it seems that most machines are branded as 1 cent, but you can play up to $10 a spin in some cases by selecting multiple lines and combinations.  If you want to win the maximum amount, you must bet the maximum amount.  

Jerry found a penny machine where betting $2.50 per spin would make you eligible for the maximum prize, in this case, about $1475.  We would all contribute $15, which would give us six pulls.  We would end up with 90 pulls contributing $225.  

Here are the details of how it works.  Jerry put his cruise card, with a small casino balance, into the selected slot machine.  Jerry’s Card stays in the machine the entire time, so the winnings will all be recorded on one card.  Every player in turn, will feed $15 in bills into the machine and take their turn – pressing the MAX Bet button six times.  

Jerry starting the slot pull

 

Jerry started the pull with the first 15 dollars and pressed spin six times.  We realized the volume on the machine was too low to achieve maximum slot pull excitement, so one of the slot machine regulars showed us how to adjust the volume on subsequent spins.  We all had a great time hooting and hollering as the wheels went round and round.  

Jeri was up next

 

After the final person completed, we won a little over $111 or about $7.40 per person and to make things simpler we each received $7 back on our $15 “investment”.  More important was we all had a great time!  

Cashing out! Happy Slot Pullers!

 

TREVOR KNIGHT

Australian Country Music artist Trevor Knight was on the World Stage this evening and put on a marvelous show singing hits from Glenn Campbell, John Denver, and the Seekers.

Edited February 27, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

A VALID CLAIM OF BINGO (POST #49)

FEBRUARY 25, 2023

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My lucky streak continues with a big win at Bingo

I haven’t played Bingo in several cruises.  But I received a single, free Bingo card from the slot pull yesterday, so I decided to stop by and check it out.  Here are some of the changes I noticed – but they may not be recent since I haven’t played in a while.

The games are run out of the Casino department instead of the Hotel department and they are played in Billboard instead of the Main Stage or one of the larger venues.  They will play a game with as few as 10 people with the following prizes for the four games:  $50, $75, $100, and $150 (There is a progressive jackpot if you get a blackout in 50 numbers or less – the odds of that are about 1 in 200,000 )

 

When I checked in for the game, I looked at the various prices for the number of cards you could purchase.  I was feeling pretty lucky, having just won at Texas Hold’em so I bought the Mega Value Pack for $59.  This got me a tablet with eight cards for each of the four games preloaded, plus 3 hard copy cards and a scratch-off card – Wow!  A $90 value they advertised.  I also picked up a bingo dabber for $2.50 – I went All In!

Susana, from the activity team, stood behind the pianos and called the numbers using a tablet.  The games went pretty fast as Susana was all business calling the numbers with very little banter that used to be common.  During bingo on my earlier cruises each number had a little story or associated phrase (for example B-1 “The loneliest number in bingo”).

I was using a tablet in addition to paper sheets.  Once they start calling the numbers, the tablet is linked via the network, and each card is marked automatically.  I didn’t have to DO anything.  Just stare at the screen.  The hard cards require a little more effort using the dabber.  Playing all four games would take about 45 minutes.

I didn’t come close on the first three games, but I was doing pretty well on the final blackout.  They no longer ask anyone to stand when they get down to one number remaining, but the tablets make a sound when you get closer, so you will hear a little chime when people get down to one or two numbers.  When I was down to two numbers left, a man called BINGO!, but it turned out to be a FALSE CLAIM OF BINGO.  I breathed a sigh of relief, and I then hit the next two numbers, and my tablet started chirping and flashing “WINNER.”  I paused to listen for someone else to claim BINGO, but it turned out I was the single winner of $150 – which they paid in cash.  I am not sure I will play again, as the odds are not very good compared to other casino games, but we’ll see what happens!

My tablet chirped and flashed “Winner”

 

Tonight was a dressy night – with no particular theme.   You can see the activity list HERE with my suggested themes when the ship is silent.  I suggested we dress in white tonight, and we had a few takers.

Tonight the Zuiderdam Singers and Dancers performed Classique for the second time; the first time was on 20 January.  We enjoyed the show the second time as much as the first.  I never mind seeing a show a second time, especially if it’s one I enjoy, like Classiqiue.

The show opens with the four Zuiderdam dancers:  Alexei Hawkey, Deven Muhammad, Abigail Smith, and Kirsten Flood, dressed in glittery tuxedos, dancing to Coldplay’s hit Viva La Vida.  They were joined onstage by the four Zuiderdam singers:  Kiana Bell, Michael Roach, Sveva Petruzzellis, and Cole Cloutier, who sang with beautiful harmonies.  They ended the show with a stirring rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and received an enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience at the 9:30 pm show.

Edited February 28, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[FlorenceItaly]

Congratulations on the win!  I am really enjoying your BLOG.  Thank you.  If you have an opportunity will you please ask if the Zuiderdam Singers and Dancers will be on board for the May 12 crossing.  I am also assuming Henk will be on for the crossing and disembark in Rotterdam?  I wonder if we will have the same staff and crew for the crossing.  I hope so.  Thank you.

Edited February 28, 2023 by FlorenceItaly

[The-Inside-Cabin]

4 hours ago, FlorenceItaly said:

Congratulations on the win!  I am really enjoying your BLOG.  Thank you.  If you have an opportunity will you please ask if the Zuiderdam Singers and Dancers will be on board for the May 12 crossing.  I am also assuming Henk will be on for the crossing and disembark in Rotterdam?  I wonder if we will have the same staff and crew for the crossing.  I hope so.  Thank you.

I'll ask about the ZSD - I suspect they will get off in FLL and you will see the standard shows -- SODC etc....I heard Henk will ride the ship to AMS - but I will try and verify...

 

 

[janmcn]

Love the info on bingo…sounds too automatic now…even if you DO win (congratulations!)

since you’re at sea and still might have time to ask Henk…1.if people remove the “hotel charge” and then tip individuals, do those individuals have to turn those private tips in to the “pool?”

 

and 2. Why can’t HAL and other companies just increase the cruise costs instead of adding this “hotel charge?”  I think there are probably tax reasons but folks always bring that up. Since you’re becoming a huge cruise authority with good reason, perhaps you can get Henk to answer! 👍

[sandiego1]

The singers and dancers are leaving the ship on 5/12 at the end of the World Cruise. I asked the Production Manager Gene yesterday during the block party.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

5 hours ago, janmcn said:

Love the info on bingo…sounds too automatic now…even if you DO win (congratulations!)

since you’re at sea and still might have time to ask Henk…1.if people remove the “hotel charge” and then tip individuals, do those individuals have to turn those private tips in to the “pool?”

 

and 2. Why can’t HAL and other companies just increase the cruise costs instead of adding this “hotel charge?”  I think there are probably tax reasons but folks always bring that up. Since you’re becoming a huge cruise authority with good reason, perhaps you can get Henk to answer! 👍

If you remove the Hotel Service Charges, the people you tip individually must turn their tips into the "pool".    Also, when you remove the charges, the assumption will be that you were somehow unhappy with the service.   This will have the people you are trying to "help"  get questioned by their bosses about why you weren't happy.    

 

If they incorporate the HSC into the base fare that obviously increases the base fare that will appear on web sites that list cruises for sale.   When people who are very price-conscious look for cruises and sort them based on price, HAL wants to appear competitive.    Many luxury lines DO include the HSC in the price, but those lines are already very expensive and not competing on price.   This is the same reason hotels have "resort fees" and high parking fees.  They want their daily room rate to appear lower when you search for them online.   

 

Its the same reason port charges are extra - (Viking Ocean bakes port costs into their price).   Airlines used to do the same thing until the US Congress passed laws saying they can't.   The US Congress is looking at changing the law again to not allow baggage fees and other charges that are above the cost of the actual service.   It's possible they could lump the cruise industry into the same law - along with resort fees and hotel parking charges etc....

Edited March 1, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[janmcn]

Love the info on bingo…sounds too automatic now…even if you DO win (congratulations!)

since you’re at sea and still might have time to ask Henk…1.if people remove the “hotel charge” and then tip individuals, do those individuals have to turn those private tips in to the “pool?”

 

and 2. Why can’t HAL and other companies just increase the cruise costs instead of adding this “hotel charge?”  I think there are probably tax reasons but folks always bring that up. Since you’re becoming a huge cruise authority with good reason, perhaps you can get Henk to answer! 👍

[janmcn]

Thanks Pete… the info on the tipping/pooling is what I always understood was what happened. Thank you for verifying it because my source at HAL said the same thing but people have said it was wrong.

 

Also like your description of why prices are the way they are…does make sense. Appreciate your comments. May you be quoted?😁

[Wayfairers]

Hey.  We’ve “met” on the 2024 world cruise roll call. We’ve never participated in the slot pull.  My hubby and I aren’t gamblers…we find it a bit boring.  But your description of the slot pull sounded fun. Maybe we will finally try it next year.  I’m enjoying your blog. 

[RBB]

2 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

If you remove the Hotel Service Charges, the people you tip individually must turn their tips into the "pool".    Also, when you remove the charges, the assumption will be that you were somehow unhappy with the service.   This will have the people you are trying to "help"  get questioned by their bosses about why you weren't happy.  

    What about extra tips you give to individuals without removing the Hotel Service Charges.  Or, on the world cruise, when prepaid service charges are included as an amenity for paying early.  Do those tips go into the pool, or does the person tipped get to keep them (as the tipper intends)?

 

Rick

[The-Inside-Cabin]

1 hour ago, RBB said:

    What about extra tips you give to individuals without removing the Hotel Service Charges.  Or, on the world cruise, when prepaid service charges are included as an amenity for paying early.  Do those tips go into the pool, or does the person tipped get to keep them (as the tipper intends)?

 

Rick

If you don't remove HSC.   Extra tips are kept by the individual 

 

Prepaid  tips are part of the pool.   Extra tips are kept by the individual here as well. 

[RBB]

2 minutes ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

If you don't remove HSC.   Extra tips are kept by the individual 

 

Prepaid  tips are part of the pool.   Extra tips are kept by the individual here as well. 

     Thanks Pete.  That's the answer I was hoping for.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

INDIAN OCEAN HIGHLIGHTS (POST #50)

MARCH 1, 2023

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Coffee with Henk, Sunday Brunch, a couple of parties and a big night in Hollywood were some of the highlights as we crossed the Indian Ocean Opening Summary Text

The weather crossing the Indian Ocean was pleasant, with moderate swells.  You could tell you were at sea, but nothing I would consider significant enough to cause widespread seasickness.

Here are some of the highlights from our transit.

Sunday Brunch 26 Feb

The Main Dining Room offers a mini sampler lunch about once a week from 11 am -1 pm.  We always go as it is a friendly social event.   They say reservations are required, and we always make them, but I don’t know what would happen if you walked up without a reservation.  I suspect you would still be admitted.

You can find the latest menu here.

First Course: Cold Sampler; Blueberry Yogurt and Granola, Tuna Nigiri with Wasabi Aioli, Salmon Tartar with Salmon Roe on Brioche Crouton, Mushroom Bruschetta with Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Nut Crusted Feta, Cheese Cured Speck on Honeydew Hot Sampler;  Spanish Omelet with Sundried Tomato Compote, Fried Chicken, Cajun Aioli Grilled Petit Tenderloin with Crab Hollandaise, Biscuit topped with BBQ Pulled Pork, Frizzled Onion Mini Lobster Pot Pie with Puff Pastry, Banana French Toast with Maple Syrup Sweet Ending Sampler; Mini Apple Pie, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Mini Black Forest Cake – NO SUGAR ADDED

 

Cabana Bash – 26 Feb

We have been in Vista Suites on previous World Cruises.  When the World Cruise was changed to the ms Zuiderdam, we were offered a free upgrade to a Signature Suite.  A few weeks before the cruise started, we decided to splurge and accept an offer for a paid upgrade to a Neptune.  One of the perks is being invited to special cocktail parties from time to time.  Yesterday was one of those times.  Everyone in Pinnacle and Neptune suites and President’s Club was invited to what was billed as a “Cabana Bash” held up in the Retreat.  About 150 guests enjoyed the perfect weather.  We were served delicious Hors D’oeuvres and an open bar.  Excursions Manager, Nyron, was the DJ, and we enjoyed the company of the ship’s officers, many of whom aren’t seen very often as they don’t work in customer-facing roles.

About 150 people attended the Cabana Bash

 

What’s always the most fun at these events is the chance to meet new people, both from the ship and other passengers.

SPECIAL DINNER GUEST – 26 Feb

Singer, Songwriter, and Horse Whisperer Trevor Knight joined us for dinner this evening.  We had a wonderful time discussing his background and experiences and learned he has 14 horses in New South Wales.

Table 89 with Trevor Knight

 

BLOCK PARTY – 27 Feb

For the second time this cruise, we had a “Block Party” from 4-5 pm.  Servers circulated up and down the hallways with trays of Hors D’oeuvres and bottles of wine and champagnes.  We were asked to bring one of our own glasses from our cabin.  Our room stewards were also roving around with bottles of wine and champagne.

The secret to having fun at a block party is to expand your “block” and not simply hover near your own cabin.  We moved up and down both sides of the ship and enjoyed meeting several clusters of happy guests.  Music was piped into the hallways from an unknown disc jockey and one of our guests broke out his guitar and played along.

Rene from the Spa and Twinkle from Beverage spent time chatting on our floor.  Henk and Christel made a speed run down our hallway – stopping briefly for a photo.

Henk & Christel

Rene, Judy and Twinkle

COFFEE CHAT – 28 Feb

Henk was the guest at Coffee Chat this morning.  He discussed the challenges in transitioning to a world cruise on the Zuiderdam as compared to the previous world cruise on the Amsterdam.

A few fun facts:  Only 25% of the current crew have Grand Voyage experience as compared to 75% previously.

All the crew and dining room decorations and costumes were sold with the Amsterdam.  Even if they were still available, there wouldn’t be enough storage space to keep them aboard.  Also, the manpower required to store, set up and breakdown the decorations is no longer available.  Don’t expect the decorations on cruises prior to 2023 to return.

Henk also discussed the changes to the large balls, formerly held on the main stage, but are now spread across three venues.

The officers and crew of the Zuiderdam are constantly looking for innovative ways to create a wonderful passenger experience.

Henk was the guest at Coffee Chat in the Rolling Stone Lounge

 

HOLLYWOOD THEME NIGHT – 28 Feb

Everyone was invited to dress up last evening as a celebrity look-alike or your red carpet-look.  The event was centered in the Rolling Stone Lounge, starting at 7 pm with the Best Dressed Actress and Actor award at 9 pm.

Earlier in the day, the ship set up an area to decorate your own Hollywood Star, which was later displayed in the hallway between Billboard and the Rolling Stone Lounge.

We moved our dinner to 6:30 pm to get to the Hollywood Theme night party around 8 pm.  We would miss some opening ceremonies, but we would be there for the hour leading up to the Best Dressed Actor and Actress Contest.

Table 89 in the Main Dining Room before Hollywood Night The Captain and Chantal stopped by to say HI!

John dressed up as Steven Tyler, Pam was The Girl with the Dragoon Tattoo, Susan was Mitzi, Brad was their accountant, and Judy & I played the role of the Paparazzi.

Judy with “Mitzi”

Making their entrance

Zuiderdam Singers and Dancers

The Rolling Stone lounge was about 3/4 full.  Captain Friso and Chantel made an appearance during the final songs before the award ceremony.

Ian announced the winners – the Table 89 entrants were in the finals but didn’t win.  A great time was had by all!

GUEST ENTERTAINERS

Elijah Rock – 27 Feb

Elijah is a classic crooner singing hits from the American songbook.  He has a great voice and we enjoyed his show very much.

Martin Ralph – 26 Feb

Martin creates a fun show with Yo-Yos, Bull Whips, a Big Lasoo, and a Giant Top.  We saw him back in 2016 on our first world cruise.  This time I was able to get up close to his Giant Top!

Edited March 1, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[REOVA]

Like matching wine palates, I find our tastes similar to yours on World Cruises: low pre conceived expectations and enjoy the cruise as there will be differences. While others have complained about the food this year, it's good to get your perspective on such a subjective topic. I also enjoy seeing HAL being "creative" in a very tough return to World Cruising environment. Henk's feedback is always great and we are happy Christel was able to make it on board. Having a Neptune suite sure helps when everyone is 4 or 5 star.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Guest Entertainer, Trevor Knight,  joined the ship in Perth and will leave us if Port Louis where we will arrive in a few hours.  Trevor held a Music Workshop  (over two days) called "A Song in Your Heart," where he helped about 15 passengers write the lyrics to an original song about the 2023 Grand World Cruise.

 

Trevor created the melody, and our group collectively, under his guidance, created the lyrics. This video is the original creation's first "rough cut" played without rehearsal. Trevor will polish the song and add some accompaniment when he returns home. It was an amazing experience.   

 

Here are the Lyrics- Working Title

Zuiderdam 2023 World Cruise

 

We're sailing around the world

With fair winds and following seas,

On the fair lady Zuiderdam

Close in our hearts, she'll be

 

Arriving as strangers in Lauderdale

With our COVID tests complete

Once onboard and we found our bags,

Then it was time to eat

 

Finding our way through the day's events,

There is always something to do

Meeting old friends to reminisce and making friends anew.

 

We're sailing around the world

With fair winds and following seas,

On the fair lady Zuiderdam

Close in our hearts, she'll be

 

Following the sun through the old canal to the land of the Long White Cloud

We said Hello to the land of OZ, where the Ozzies are quite loud

Around the Cape to the Ivory Coast in search of the elusive Big Five

We'll play it again at Rick's Café, and I'm happy we're still alive.

 

We're sailing around the world

With fair winds and following seas,

On the fair lady Zuiderdam

Close in our hearts, she'll be

 

Here's to the Captain and Crew; we'll raise a toast to you.

With joy in our hearts and tears in our eyes, we'll say adieu to you

 

We're sailing around the world.

With fair winds and following seas,

On the fair lady Zuiderdam

Close in our hearts, she'll be

 

 

 

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

This is an old video but is still funny

 

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Arrived Port Louis.    Here is where we moored.   Blue triangle.    
 

 

view of the port 

 

 

I found the best Juice in The World!!! $4 at thr Botanical Gardens.  
 

 

He threw everything he had into a blender    
 

very tasty ! 

Edited March 2, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

10 hours ago, REOVA said:

Like matching wine palates, I find our tastes similar to yours on World Cruises: low pre conceived expectations and enjoy the cruise as there will be differences. While others have complained about the food this year, it's good to get your perspective on such a subjective topic. I also enjoy seeing HAL being "creative" in a very tough return to World Cruising environment. Henk's feedback is always great and we are happy Christel was able to make it on board. Having a Neptune suite sure helps when everyone is 4 or 5 star.

We haven't had a bad meal.   Lots of variety and often hard to narrow it down.   Service in the MDR is always top notch.   We have 7:30 fixed and 7 of us are always wrapping up between 8:45 and 9     Show starts at 9:30 so easy to make it to the World Stage 15 minutes early.  

[The-Inside-Cabin]

We are arriving in Réunion in a few minutes.   We will be taking our FIRST HAL tour of the cruise...

 

Here is the description

 

.ARRIVE: 8:00 AMALL ABOARD: 5:30 PM

Salazie & Waterfall

 

"Drive from the pier to a local vanilla plantation by way of Réunion's northern coast, hugging the shoreline as you go. You'll pass through island's capital, St Denis, as well as the towns of Ste Marie and Ste Suzanne.

Reaching the east side of the island, continue to the Circle of Salazie, stopping at the vanilla plantation on Mt Roulof. Learn about vanilla and its production here since 1841, when Edmond Albius discovered how to pollinate the flower of the vanilla orchid by hand. You can buy essence and vanilla pods before you continue your drive.

Heading inland, visit the wild heart of Réunion. Driving through the green countryside of sugar cane fields, lychees and apple orchards, you will arrive at the spectacular Bridal Veil Waterfall. After a photo stop here, your journey continues to a beautiful viewpoint and on to the quaint and unfortunately-named village of Hell Bourg. Before enjoying a typical creole lunch at a local restaurant, you will have free time to explore the small town.

Your last stop will be in St Denis, at the handicraft market, en route back to the ship. Although St Denis is mostly modernized, its city center still retains the air of a tropical colonial town"

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

The new coastal road on Reunion opened 3 days ago!   We were the first tour bus to use it - or so they say.    No more winding road from the port to St Denis 

 

https://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/projects/reunion-island-new-coastal-road/

 

stock photo

 

from the HAL bus window. 

Edited March 3, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

 

We stopped at this Hindu Temple enroute to the Vanilla Farm. 

Edited March 3, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

BREAKING NEWS!

 

Madagascar canceled due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy.   
 

https://www.eumetsat.int/record-breaking-tropical-cyclone-freddy-crosses-indian-ocean

 

next port Maputo March 8th 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 3, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[REOVA]

8 minutes ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

BREAKING NEWS!

 

Madagascar canceled due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy.   
 

https://www.eumetsat.int/record-breaking-tropical-cyclone-freddy-crosses-indian-ocean

 

 

Bummer. Third attempt for GWC cancelled. Plague, then Covid and now cyclone. ☹️

[The-Inside-Cabin]

3 hours ago, REOVA said:

Bummer. Third attempt for GWC cancelled. Plague, then Covid and now cyclone. ☹️

Madagascar was building a special pontoon so we could tender.    They will probably be able to use it in the future.