En Route with Hank in Japan and the Westerdam

[Copper10-8]

4 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

I joined a private tour today in Aomori - as Hank said, the regular tours to Hirosake castle and park (supposedly one of the top Sakura viewing places in Japan) sold out quite early on.

 

Yes, the blooms were past their prime, but the brief blooming period is always a bit unpredictable. A few pictures from the park with many families enjoying “Sakura viewing parties”:

 

 

 

 

This tour also went to a place that showcases the other great tradition of this area, the special festival floats they create for an annual event called the Nebuta festival. Think of the paper carp kites you’ve seen, only a hundred times larger. Paper is put over frames and the floats are lighted from inside. The are carried in a parade by groups or clubs — guessing a bit like Mardi Gras:

 

 

 

And no rain!!!  

Now I’m going to watch our departure, what the captain earlier termed a “tricky maneuver” with the wind that is picking up even more. 😱

 

Awesome pics, thanks!

[bennybear]

So glad you got to enjoy Hirosaki castle and park, with improved weather!  
@cruisemom42 those floats looked amazing.  
 A third option is to take a taxi to Hirosaki for the approximately one hour trip.  We split it with another couple so it was quite reasonable and very convenient as the driver waited for us as we toured the park for a couple of hours.  
love those cherry blossoms, we had some pink snow when we visited as well 

 

Edited April 21, 2023 by bennybear

[Californian]

1 hour ago, bennybear said:

So glad you got to enjoy Hirosaki castle and park, with improved weather!  
@cruisemom42 those floats looked amazing.  
 A third option is to take a taxi to Hirosaki for the approximately one hour trip.  We split it with another couple so it was quite reasonable and very convenient as the driver waited for us as we toured the park for a couple of hours.  
love those cherry blossoms, we had some pink snow when we visited as well 

 

 

I will be traveling to Aomori in the fall.  Did you arrange for the taxi ahead of time?  Which company did you use?  Thanks in advance….

[ontheweb]

2 hours ago, Hlitner said:

After a fantastic day we joined a New Zealand couple for a truly enjoyable dinner.  We then went to the Rolling Stone Lounge, where we joins some Aussie friends to enjoy the excellent band.  All of us were upon the dance floor for a great time.  But that all ended

at 11pm when the music ended….on the entire ship. I guess that is a. Improvement on the nights when the music stops at 10:45.  Perhaps the new Hal marketing campaign should be “the cruise line where all the fun ends at 11.

 

Hank

 

 

"The cruise line where all the fun ends at 11" does not sound like a great marketing slogan. How about "the cruise line where you can get a good night's sleep before the next day's amazing adventure"? 

[C 2 C]

From our visit several years ago.

[bennybear]

2 hours ago, Californian said:

I will be traveling to Aomori in the fall.  Did you arrange for the taxi ahead of time?  Which company did you use?  Thanks in advance….

We just arranged it at the port, sorry I can’t recall the company,   We just asked and he offered to wait for us and we thought it was quite reasonable for around four hours total.  

[LAFFNVEGAS]

About bringing on board Japan and Korean entertainment. My experience was with the Diamond Princess in 2017 and 2019 but with of which both times we had some wonderful entertainment from local groups one of the best was an evening where we did not depart Busan till 11:00 pm sailing out of Busan is a show in itself with an amazing light show of the bridge. 

But my thoughts are that for right now while Japan has lifted most covid restrictions I suspect that they are not wanting to allow much for guests on board. I could be wrong. Plus the Japanese people are still be very protective. I am hoping that those sailing later this year and into next year will start to see some of the very entertaining youth and shows that this area likes to provide. 

[Machta]

@Hlitner and @cruisemom42 Thanks for your detailed observations and willingness to answer questions.  We've never been anywhere in Asia but I just booked us (me and DH) on a 14-day cruise next March from Hong Kong to Tokyo, also in a Signature Suite on the Westerdam.  

 

DH has some mobility issues related to a genetic condition in his feet & calves.  We've cruised in Europe, Alaska, and eastern Canada and taken our small Brompton folding bikes to get around the port towns.  We've never had a problem taking them on public transportation since they fold up quite easily.  

 

You've mentioned that you walk a lot around the towns.  Do you think that it would work to bicycle around instead of walking?  Do you see many people on bicycles?

 

Thanks for your input.  Your posts are fun to read.

[Hlitner]

Using bikes in Japan is routine with many cities having marked bike lanes (often ignored by pedestrians.  We have had quite a few windy days and have often seen groups of parked bikes that were blown over.  
 

Our Captain, somehow got us docked (on schedule) in Hakodate in crazy gale force winds.  We are docked next to the popular morning market where I saw a lot of King Crabs, and many other type crabs.  Prices are typically high for King crab legs (I saw 3 for about $100).  We also noticed squid ink ice cream 🤮 which some describe as fishy tasting vanilla.

 

DW and I started to walk a few blocks to the Red Warehouse shopping area, but the winds were so nasty that we gave up ( for now) and returned to the ship for some morning libations.  Our Captain continues to do an excellent job getting us in and out of ports on schedule.  This is the last port on this 14 day segment and, this evening, we will start cruising south towards Yokohama for another turn-around day.

 

I will again reiterate that DW and I have enjoyed this cruise and its itinerary.  We have not had the best weather, but that is just part of the travel game.  As mostly independent travelers, we can often adapt our plans to the weather.  Other times you just go with the flow, even when that means rain is flowing over your eyes.

 

One shocker,  for me, was noticing that it still takes nearly 4 hours from Hakodate to Sapporo via train….just as it did when I lived in Northern Japan 53 years ago.  Train travel in Japan is generally fantastic, but not for those who want to go to Sapporo.

 

Hank

 

[bennybear]

I hope you get to visit the beautiful star shaped fortress.  Also included also a clip of some of the entertainment that came aboard. 
 

the crab is definitely worth having

Edited April 22, 2023 by bennybear

[cruisemom42]

9 hours ago, Californian said:

I will be traveling to Aomori in the fall.  Did you arrange for the taxi ahead of time?  Which company did you use?  Thanks in advance….

I can’t overstate how helpful the tourist agents are at all of the ports in Japan. (Not that they aren’t in Taiwan and S Korea but I didn’t put them to the test). If you have an idea of what you want to do, they will help you by figuring out the best way to get there (many ports have tourist trams and buses, some have free shuttles, or metro rail systems, etc).

Taxis are extremely trustworthy. The TI staff will help you negotiate a taxi fare, write the place name in Japanese for the driver - anything they can do to be helpful short of actually accompanying you!
 

Unless you want a real tour with tour guide and vehicle, there is no real need to reserve in advance.

[Hlitner]

After lunch on the ship, we decided to again brave the chilly wind and go ashore.  This time we walked (about 10 min) to the Redbrick warehouse shopping area and spent an hour exploring the various shops/stalls.

 

DIY ALERT.  Folks, two of the major tourist attractions in this port are a stone’s throw from the port.  Another, the cable car (called a ropeway) is also walkable from the ship and costs about $14 to ride.  The ship’s excursion that covers those 3 places costs $130 pp So a couple can save over $230 by simply crossing the street from the port and adding another couple of miles of strolling!   If you can’t handle the longer walk to the Ropeway, a taxi would cost you less than $10.  Do you really need a guide to drop you at two different market venues?  As to the Ropeway, as predicted it was closed due to high winds.

 

The other excursion options from Hakodate are somewhat underwhelming.  This is one of those ports that should be on a comprehensive itinerary, but lacks the great tourist options found in other more popular ports.  The port is right across the street from the train station, but unlike many other ports in Japan, there really is nowhere to go on a train (for cruisers).

 

Hank

[cruisemom42]

4 hours ago, bennybear said:

I hope you get to visit the beautiful star shaped fortress.  

After a long tour yesterday, my knee was screaming so I wanted an easy day. Took a taxi to the Goryukaku fort and went up in the overlook. Probably the best cherry blossoms yet around the park there. Thick with blooms! Unfortunately I’m having issues with uploading any photos right now…

 

Unfortunately this is my last port before disembarking in Yokohama and flying home on Monday. 😭

[cruisemom42]

Review of Canaletto:

 

Just finished dining at Canaletto this evening and unfortunately I have to say it was my least favorite dining experience on this cruise.

 

First, I had been under the impression that at Canaletto you could still order more than one “small plate” — apparently not true (or at least not true for me). My waitress handed me the menu and said (in nicer words): one small plate, one large plate, one dessert. This threw me a bit as I like to order a salad (hard to get enough veggies otherwise) plus another “starter” item. 
 

At any rate, I also asked the server for recommendations, one of which was the Canaletto salad — so I went with it. Poor choice. There was nothing special about it; a few leaves, two walnuts, two small chunks of Gorgonzola and a scant drizzle of balsamic. I’ve had much more interesting and generous salads in the MDR.

 

I also asked the server for some details about the beef short ribs and gnocchi, e.g., whether the vegetables listed were served on the side or were integrated into the dish. She couldn’t seem to understand my question though I phrased it several ways. Eventually she told me it was a “garnish” which to me would indicate it was served alongside the dish. But when it arrived, the carrots and celery were indeed part of the actual dish. I’m not allergic, but they are two of my least favorite veggies (especially when cooked and mushy as these were) and it’s not easy to fish them out… Again, waiters should know and be able to describe what they are serving.

 

The dish overall had very little flavor. It was rather like Grandma’s pot roast except with gnocchi instead of potatoes (and without the rich gravy that normally develops after hours of roasting…. Sigh). And the gnocchi were gummy and heavy, not light and pillowy as they should be.

 

(At about this point in the meal I noticed that the single lady dining near me by the window had two starters plus an entree and I venture she wasn’t charged extra…)

 

But I digress. Dessert time. I had really been looking forward to trying the affogatto, a treat I love in Italy. I was extremely disappointed when it arrived. Just for reference, in Italy this is usually served in a tall glass with espresso poured over several scoops of gelato. Imagine my surprise when I was served a TINY demitasse cup with about half of one scoop

of gelato to which the server proceeded to pour not even one full shot of espresso. I kid you not - and no accompanying biscotti or anything. This, when I see them carrying out desserts with THREE cups of various gelato flavors.

 

In case I’m accused of exaggeration I took a photo with my fingers in the shot to give a sense of scale;

 

 

What I was expecting:

 

 

Summary:  Suffice to say I’m not a fan. And when coffee arrived after dessert there was no real sugar, only sugar substitute. Took just long enough to get server’s attention to ensure coffee was cold.

 

This is not the first night of the Canaletto operation, but things clearly need work. Not impressed with either food or service. Unless it’s included, save your $20 and enjoy some good ramen ashore.

 

 

[ontheweb]

5 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

After a long tour yesterday, my knee was screaming so I wanted an easy day. Took a taxi to the Goryukaku fort and went up in the overlook. Probably the best cherry blossoms yet around the park there. Thick with blooms! Unfortunately I’m having issues with uploading any photos right now…

 

Unfortunately this is my last port before disembarking in Yokohama and flying home on Monday. 😭

Your commentary will be missed, but luckily we will still have Hank to "walk us through" the ship and the ports.

[Florida_gal_50]

When people rave about dishes I have to wonder.  I’ve heard multiple times how good the gnocchi is.  When I’ve had it, it was average at best.  Hal’s portion size seems to be shrinking every time I step on a ship no matter how they say it isn’t.  For people that snack all day probably not a problem.  I adore the osso bucco at Canaletto and also the veggie tomato risotto.  Those dishes are bang on for me.  The tomato langoustine soup is also delicious.  I always have the chocolate tart for dessert.  All those have been delicious.  The Canaletto salad is certainly nothing to write home about.  The server’s really struggle to answer questions or if you start taking out things, even the managers.  I have the passion fruit yougart every day.  I ask for no chia seeds. They decided I didn’t want granola either.  When I mentioned it I was told I was wrong that it’s not in that yougart 🙄.  I said it’s listed on the menu.  The manager should know.  I’ve never been to Italy but I don’t think you can compare cruise ship food to what you’d get in Italy.

Edited April 22, 2023 by Florida_gal_50

[Florida_gal_50]

4 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Duplicate post

Edited April 22, 2023 by Florida_gal_50

[Hlitner]

It is 9:30 and I am sitting in Billboard listening to the mediocre performers.  Why?  For the 2nd, maybe the third, time we have boarded the ship our Step 1 show was suddenly cancelled because of sea conditions.  If the ship is moving, we can not feel it and our drinks are dead still in the glass.  While I understand that safety is Number 1, this is a bridge too far.  It makes a case for less dancing and more music.

 

Speaking of music, our only option for now are the Billboard pianos or pre recorded music in Rolling Stone.  Dinner tonight was with a nice British Couple who agreed with the theme that there are better options than HAL.  They also mentioned they have heard much of the same from many folks.

 

As to Cruisemom, if we do not see you we wish you a safe trip home.  
 

Tonight we have a new shortage which are limes in the bars.  We suggested we could buy limes in Yokohama and bring them aboard to give our favorite bar tenders, but it was suggested it would either be contrary to the rules or we might need to pay a “lime corkage fee.”  I  would also be happy to donate some

Cognac to our favorite bar, but HAL would also not permit that practice just like they will not resupply our ship with booz that has been absent for

months.

 

Read Cruisemom’s, post about Canoletto and we were also underwhelmed with the venue and the policies of the day.  We had planned on dining at Canoletto, 3 times, on the next cruise but decided to keep it to one visit.

 

So we will enjoy the piano players (the only live entertainment) as the alternative is to go to bed at 10.

 

One other issue.  Tonight, DW and I had Wiener Schnitzel.  But it was made with pork (not veal) which would be Illegal in Austria.  Another cut-back.

 

Hank

[Mary229]

7 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

One other issue.  Tonight, DW and I had Wiener Schnitzel.  But it was made with pork (not veal) which would be Illegal in Austria.  Another cut-back.

They serve pork as schnitzel but they also serve a breaded veal dish on other nights.  I think it is called veal Parmesan.  I have actually been impressed how much veal is served in the MDR on all of my recent HAL cruises.  Agreed, I don’t eat pork schnitzel, it is an abomination 

Edited April 22, 2023 by Mary229

[Hlitner]

One other issue, meaningless to

me.  We left port around 6:30 pm,

as the Captain managed to maneuver, in significant wind with the help of two tugs.  But now, at 10:20, the casino remains closed.  Why?  We should have been in international waters before 8pm. Perhaps our smooth seas are also too much for the slots.  Strange cruise line is this.

 

Hank

[Florida_gal_50]

Curious Hank what you tried in Canaletto.  People seem to order the lasagna a lot. They have it in the mdr every night so that wouldn’t be my choice. 

Edited April 22, 2023 by Florida_gal_50

[Florida_gal_50]

1 hour ago, Mary229 said:

They serve pork as schnitzel but they also serve a breaded veal dish on other nights.  I think it is called veal Parmesan.  I have actually been impressed how much veal is served in the MDR on all of my recent HAL cruises.  Agreed, I don’t eat pork schnitzel, it is an abomination 

The one you are talking about is a veal loin and it has never been breaded that I have seen.  I love the Wiener schnitzel but that veal chop is just way too large and has limited appeal to me.

[Ellencruise]

I enjoyed Canaletto on Oosterdam in March, South America cruise. I had the best if not largest osso bucco. We were warned that the calamari was awful and we’re allowed to order more than one app! A lot of issues seem to be ship specific.

 

 

 

 

 

[Mary229]

53 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

The one you are talking about is a veal loin and it has never been breaded that I have seen.  I love the Wiener schnitzel but that veal chop is just way too large and has limited appeal to me.

It is a new item.  It is a veal pounded out, lightly breaded and cooked schnitzel style with a sprinkling of Parmesan.  The seasoning is more in keeping with the Canaletto than a pumpernickel that a true schnitzel would use 

[Florida_gal_50]

47 minutes ago, Ellencruise said:

I enjoyed Canaletto on Oosterdam in March, South America cruise. I had the best if not largest osso bucco. We were warned that the calamari was awful and we’re allowed to order more than one app! A lot of issues seem to be ship specific.

 

 

 

 

 

Yes the osso bucco is very, very good. I stick to a few things and they are always good.