Rotterdam Here We Come

[Real NHDOC]

1 hour ago, newtocruiseinblue said:

Agree on the veranda!! I will check out the sea view bar at night. Let us know the current happy hour specials...thank you and enjoy!!!

Rotterdam happy hour is typically 4-5pm 50% off all drinks, wine and beer. It’s located in the billboard onboard and rolling stone bars. Coincides with the first trivia in BBOB. 

Edited March 11, 2023 by Real NHDOC

[Moriah]

3 hours ago, newtocruiseinblue said:

Best places to sit and chill? You may want to answer this later in the cruise. Also any crew members that stand out that we should track down? 

 

I was on Rotterdam in November and loved to "sit and chill" at the Sea View pool - even more than on other ships since there is a larger shaded area. Also, the library is really really nice on Rotterdam.  It's own dedicated room - not just part of the Crow's Nest.  I loved it.

[newtocruiseinblue]

4 hours ago, Moriah said:

 

I was on Rotterdam in November and loved to "sit and chill" at the Sea View pool - even more than on other ships since there is a larger shaded area. Also, the library is really really nice on Rotterdam.  It's own dedicated room - not just part of the Crow's Nest.  I loved it.

Yay! I can't wait! 

[StLouisCruisers]

Can you confirm your itinerary this next week?  This is what is published on cruisetimetables.com

 

Willemstad, Curacao (12 Mar 0800(+1)); Kralendijk, Bonaire (13 Mar 0700-2000); Puerto Plata/Amber Cove, Dominican Republic (15 Mar 0800-1700); Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos (16 Mar 0700-1800); Fort Lauderdale, Florida (18 Mar 0700-1500)

 

 

Checking for the Daily & Fleet Report.  Thanks!

[PROCRUISE]

Just disembarked the Rotterdam on 3/8 after 11 night cruise. Nothing but positive things to say about the ship and the crew! Orange Club was worth the cost too. Enjoy your cruise.

Edited March 12, 2023 by PROCRUISE

[Toad]

Just curious cause we too have not cruised for the past three years, what if any are the changes that you have observed, both good and bad? Rainy damp and cold on Cape Cod. 

[doone]

8 hours ago, Toad said:

Just curious cause we too have not cruised for the past three years, what if any are the changes that you have observed, both good and bad? Rainy damp and cold on Cape Cod. 

Good morning from Curaçao.  
 

I was expecting changes and wasn’t sure how it would affect my cruise.  I am happy to say there are no changes that I can complain or notice.  Same friendly and helpful crew.  Food IMHO is excellent, entertainment has been nothing but spectacular. 
 

I will say this cruise so far has been one of the best cruises I have taken….I can’t say enough good…..

 

off to the beach, have a great day everyone.

[NCTribeFan]

Curious about the "new" Canaletto menu and food, if anyone would like to chime in here.

 

Also unsure what HAL is doing re Signature drinks when one purchases something above that cost limit.  Are they just charging the difference or the full price?  

 

Three more weeks for me!

[PalmSprings]

1 hour ago, NCTribeFan said:

Also unsure what HAL is doing re Signature drinks when one purchases something above that cost limit.  Are they just charging the difference or the full price?  

You just pay the amount in excess of the $11 covered by the SBP, plus 18%.

[doone]

2 hours ago, NCTribeFan said:

Curious about the "new" Canaletto menu and food, if anyone would like to chime in here.

 

Also unsure what HAL is doing re Signature drinks when one purchases something above that cost limit.  Are they just charging the difference or the full price?  

 

Three more weeks for me!

The new Canaletto menu is very good, however, I preferred the old menu….I say that because I wanted lasagna and meatballs, but sadly lasagna is no longer on the menu.  Friends had the osobucco and said it was amazing, I had the chicken and meatballs and they were delicious…I would recommend it for sure.

 

yes you do pay the difference on any drink not covered in the signature beverage package.

[Snowbaby369]

Looking forward to boarding next Saturday , 18th.  We just got on upsell a few days ago to Veranda Suite.  Deck 4 .  We were originally a CQ, no veranda .  Looking forward to it .

[KAKcruiser]

Is this on the Rotterdam?  I thought the ship was sold out.

[doone]

56 minutes ago, Snowbaby369 said:

Looking forward to boarding next Saturday , 18th.  We just got on upsell a few days ago to Veranda Suite.  Deck 4 .  We were originally a CQ, no veranda .  Looking forward to it .

Awesome, enjoy

[doone]

3 hours ago, KAKcruiser said:

Is this on the Rotterdam?  I thought the ship was sold out.

That old Rotterdam was sold, this is the Rotterdam VII…awesome ship…

[Snowbaby369]

6 hours ago, KAKcruiser said:

Is this on the Rotterdam?  I thought the ship was sold out.

I thought it was sold out too, so was surprised to get the offer we did 

[CruiserN1]

On 3/11/2023 at 10:04 AM, Real NHDOC said:

Rotterdam happy hour is typically 4-5pm 50% off all drinks, wine and beer. It’s located in the billboard onboard and rolling stone bars. Coincides with the first trivia in BBOB. 

Do the billboard and rolling stone bars make frozen drinks? I know not all bars have blenders.

[doone]

7 hours ago, CruiserN1 said:

Do the billboard and rolling stone bars make frozen drinks? I know not all bars have blenders.

Yes I believe they do….I think any bar does the frozen drinks.

 

we are at BBKings and I have to say the entertainment has blown me away….IMHO HAL has stepped it up on the entertainment…

[NCTribeFan]

Thanks for the responses re Canaletto and the drink prices.

 

I think BB Kings has been the best live bands of any I've been on. Just so much better.  Looking forward to the rock band.  When I was on Koningsdam, she didn't have that venue.

 

Now, if they'd just ditch the piano bar.  At least it's not right across from the casino. 😉

[KAKcruiser]

Is Captain Timmers back yet?

[doone]

Not sure when you were on the Koningsdam but I sailed her back in 2019 and the Rolling Stone Rock Room was there, we went there every night along with BBKings.

 

totally agree with the BBKings band onboard, they are amazing…..entertainment on this ship has blown me away….

 

Today we are in Grand Turks and weather is overcast with possible rain, our beach excursion was canceled so shopping is on the agenda.

 

yes Captain Timmers is onboard.

 

As our cruise comes to an end, I can’t say enough good about the Rotterdam, the crew, food, drinks and entertainment.

[Real NHDOC]

The physical venues are identical on all three Pinnacle class ships (K-Dam, R-Dam and N-S). They each have BB King’s, Rolling Stone Rock Room and Billboard Onboard. 
 

I concur that the BB King’s band presently on Rotterdam is the best we have ever experienced. Both singers are excellent and the musicians are all top notch. The addition of a trombone is an unexpected bonus that adds significantly to the mix. 
 

We don’t care for the Rolling Stone venue because it’s under the smoking casino and has too small a dance floor but we have walked through while they have been playing and they also seem to be great musicians. It’s just a shame they have to play in that area of the ship which smells like an ashtray. 

[doone]

25 minutes ago, Real NHDOC said:

The physical venues are identical on all three Pinnacle class ships (K-Dam, R-Dam and N-S). They each have BB King’s, Rolling Stone Rock Room and Billboard Onboard. 
 

I concur that the BB King’s band presently on Rotterdam is the best we have ever experienced. Both singers are excellent and the musicians are all top notch. The addition of a trombone is an unexpected bonus that adds significantly to the mix. 
 

We don’t care for the Rolling Stone venue because it’s under the smoking casino and has too small a dance floor but we have walked through while they have been playing and they also seem to be great musicians. It’s just a shame they have to play in that area of the ship which smells like an ashtray. 

I guess I am not as sensitive about smoke smell, I don’t smell it in Rolling Rock Room and I am a non-smoker…..I really enjoy the music at all the venues….

[Real NHDOC]

7 minutes ago, doone said:

I guess I am not as sensitive about smoke smell, I don’t smell it in Rolling Rock Room and I am a non-smoker…..I really enjoy the music at all the venues….

It’s great that you aren’t bothered by the smell. To me it’s either smoke or the deodorants they use to cover it up but regardless I am probably more sensitive to it. Some nights it’s worse than others. Last year when they had banned all smoking indoors it was much more enjoyable. 
 

But fortunately for us we prefer the music that BB King’s plays and the larger dance floor so don’t have to deal with the nuisance in Rolling Stone. 

[KAKcruiser]

How are the piano players in Billboard?  There have been some who are excellent and some not so much.

[NCTribeFan]

8 hours ago, doone said:

Not sure when you were on the Koningsdam but I sailed her back in 2019 and the Rolling Stone Rock Room was there, we went there every night along with BBKings.

 

totally agree with the BBKings band onboard, they are amazing…..entertainment on this ship has blown me away….

 

Lincoln Center Stage was where the Rolling Stones area is now.  Way too noisy there, being at the bottom of the stairs from the casino.  Glad they've moved LCS down the hall.

I think it was November 2017.  Maybe the first sailing after arriving from Europe.