Reporting from on the Rotterdam January 14 through February 25

[iflyrc5]

We left Amber Cove about 30 minutes late today because of a medical debark.

 

Below are the current taxi rates from Amber Cove to various locations and also the daily program for Sunday, Jan 29 which is a sea day.

[iflyrc5]

Today was a sea day on the Rotterdam as we head to Curacao with arrival Monday at 7am.  Sunny and 82 degrees.  They are showing the NFL games at the lido pool big screen and in the cabins.  I talked to the media manager and the Super Bowl will be shown at the lido pool, the World Stage and in the cabins.

 

Here is the daily program for Monday 30 Jan

[0106]

4 minutes ago, iflyrc5 said:

They are showing the NFL games at the lido pool big screen and in the cabins.  I talked to the media manager and the Super Bowl will be shown at the lido pool, the World Stage and in the cabins.

Thank you for this info.  The only info currently on the Navigator app says it will shown on the World Stage (along with BBC Earth with live orchestration 🤣)

 

Super Bowl kickoff is 7:30 St Thomas time.  Will it be dark enough to see the screen well?

Also, did they get the date of today’s games wrong?  Or will it be a rebroadcast?

See you on Saturday!

[Zanne208]

On 1/22/2023 at 8:02 PM, Zanne208 said:

Ditto, even though my team just played horrible and are out.  Hopefully I can cheer for KC.

Woot Woot - Kansas City!

[StLouisCruisers]

13 hours ago, 0106 said:

Thank you for this info.  The only info currently on the Navigator app says it will shown on the World Stage (along with BBC Earth with live orchestration 🤣)

 

Super Bowl kickoff is 7:30 St Thomas time.  Will it be dark enough to see the screen well?

Also, did they get the date of today’s games wrong?  Or will it be a rebroadcast?

See you on Saturday!

 

Has to be a rebroadcast of yesterday's games on the 8th of February.

[0106]

@StLouisCruisers Are you on this cruise?  If so, I hope we can meet!  I’ll be early for the Meet and Greet during Sailaway. Will be going down to my cabin to wave to the Port Everglades web cam when we get underway.

Tina

[StLouisCruisers]

12 minutes ago, 0106 said:

@StLouisCruisers Are you on this cruise?  If so, I hope we can meet!  I’ll be early for the Meet and Greet during Sailaway. Will be going down to my cabin to wave to the Port Everglades web cam when we get underway.

Tina

Tina, no I'm not on the Rotterdam, I'll be on the Feb. 11 Sky Princess W. Carbibbean and Mexico cruise.  I haven't been on one of the large Princess ships in a while.  Island and Coral were the last two.  When do you get on Rotterdam?     

Scratch that!  I just remembered you are on my Celebration list today!  Duh!  Feb. 4th!

Edited January 30, 2023 by StLouisCruisers

[cruisinggranmama]

14 hours ago, Zanne208 said:

Woot Woot - Kansas City!

My team has been out for a while but since we are Pittsburgh's, cannot root for the Eagles. So Kansas it is!

 

[iflyrc5]

The Rotterdam is in Curacao today until 11pm 

 

Here is the daily program for Tuesday Jan 31.

[iflyrc5]

We left Aruba on time tonight

 

I included a photo of the Gelato/juice station menu and also a couple images of the library on deck 2 forward.

 

Here is the daily program for our day at sea tomorrow.

[ksmaxey]

Since we have been in isolation I have to share that the lack of new menus (wine and drinks) in the Navigator App and the TVs is maddening.  They had to know of the increase and should have had paper menus printed the day before and the online stuff updated within 24 hours.  I would encourage others to us the app and message through the front desk. 

We asked for a wine through in room dining they asked where they could find it and I had to say I had no idea. . .

[iflyrc5]

Today is a sea day and we were doing some rocking and rolling.

 

attached is the daily program for Feb 2 Ocho Rios.

[Cruizer Bill]

Last year we watched the Super Bowl while on the Koningsdam.  They showed the game on the big screen near the Lido pool.  We had no problem at all seeing the game and the sound was also excellent.  Get there a bit early to be sure you have a clear view of the screen.  Don't be shy about moving chairs to get a better view, everyone understands.

[iflyrc5]

Note for guests that like the Elemis bar soap.  We got several bars earlier in the cruise in the cruise but today instead of Elemis we were given Ivory.  Our cabin stewards said that HAL no longer has the Elemis bar soap available (didn't ask if the liquid soaps in the shower and bathroom are still Elemis although the containers on the wall still say Elemis).

 

Here is the daily program for Friday, Feb 3 - sea day heading back to FLL.

[iflyrc5]

I verified with the cabin stewards that the liquids in the bathroom are still Elemis products.  We are getting a new CD starting tomorrow but don't know the name of the replacement and also heard that Captain Timmers will be leaving for a while to go home while his wife has hip replacement

 

Here is daily for Saturday, Feb 4 which is our turnaround day in Ft Lauderdale

[0106]

The Navigator app says our new captain will be Captain Frits Carsjens.

[ksmaxey]

I just saw an ambulance leaving where we are docked.  Probably the medical disembarkation of the critically ill patient that they were seeking blood for

 

[Ipeeinthepools]

I think these are Covid bags

[Ipeeinthepools]

Covid passengers are literally shown the gate 

[iflyrc5]

Yes - the new Captain is Frits Carsjens.  The name of the new CD is not yet showing on the TV

 

Here is the daily program for Sunday Feb 5

[0106]

I find it interesting that tonight’s CO menu is in French.

Is it a dressy night?  Still showing Smart casual for every night🤷‍♀️

 

I asked my steward for a bar of soap.  He said bar soap was no longer provided. (I’m in a verandah)

 

Hope they are able to restock today.  There was no Aperol, limes or lemons available in the Seaview bar yesterday.  No lemon tea available after dinner and I couldn’t find any in the Lido this morning.

 

The ship is rolling in the wind and high seas.  Roughest experience we’ve had in the Caribbean but we slept well.   Keeping one hand free to hold on at all times.  

Edited February 5, 2023 by 0106

[Ipeeinthepools]

I’m ok with Smart Casual every night. 😀. BTW , my CO menu is in English 

[ksmaxey]

On 2/4/2023 at 7:49 AM, Ipeeinthepools said:

I think these are Covid bags

yes they are

 

[Denali2003]

Hello.  My husband & I are considering cruising on the Rotterdam in 2024.  This would be our first time on HAL.  We have done 17 cruises on Princess. We have become disappointed in their food & service.  What is your opinion of the food & service on HAL Rotterdam?  I like that there are Vegetarian options on the dining room menu.  Do you know if they have a specific menu for Vegans?  I noticed the Rustic Lasagna is on the menu each night.  Does it have meat?

 

Princess has been filling their ships 90-100% passenger capacity, but with only 50-60% crew.  Is HAL the same way?

 

Does anyone have any photos of the food?

 

Thank you 🙂

[ksmaxey]

We counted 6 ambulances/ squads leaving the different ships on Saturday morning with passengers.  Rotterdam was first.  Harmony had 2.

As part of the covid crew we were picked up in our rooms and taken to A deck in an out of service elevator.  We were met by the public health officer who noted our cabin (she was not wearing a mask) and escorted off and out of the fence.  Honestly it was easier and faster than going through the cruise terminal.  No customs or immigration and within 20 minutes we were in an uber.

Interestingly all the Covid passengers were sent through the groups lined up for airport transfers.  Once off the ship who you come in contact with isn't a problem!