0bnxshs

Since you hadn't posted a photo of the "Mast Coin" I was curious if you found it while wandering outside on the upper decks? It's one of those hidden jewels that can be found on every 'dam ship. If you didn't, it's just another reason to book another HAL cruise. So long as you order the day before, you can generally have most anything prepared for you, Indian or not. This is the manner that HAL uses for those with special restrictions and diets, whether for medical, religious or just preferential reasons; my SIL has made extensive use of this feature on her HAL cruises. Thanks again for your great photos and thoughts; your report has been thorough and easy to read. 🥂

I noticed yesterday (12 March) on the Navigator App that the events for embarkation day on 17 March for Rotterdam says: "12:00 AM DR Lunch CLOSED Dining Room, 2" and previously it said "12:00 PM Embarkation Lunch Dining Room, 2". I wondered what was going on. I agree with everyone who wonders how HAL could wonder why so few attended knowing that they never mention it in their boarding process and, as mentioned, everyone is directed to the Lido Deck who asks about lunch. Sounds like an excuse that doesn't hold water to me. 🤥 Chalk another nice experience gone to the cost cutting floor...... 🤨

Have very much enjoyed your trip report. We will be back on Rotterdam in a little over a week for 12 days. We were last on her in December 2023 and she is our favorite 'dam ship. It seems many of us 'dutchy' males are over 6 feet (I'm 6'4" and shrinking now, I think gravity is drawing it all towards my middle) and are white haired and white bearded wizards. My father's mother emigrated from the Netherlands to the US in 1906 on SS Noordam, my father's father in 1894 on SS Amsterdam, both through Ellis Island also. Both were very young and I never had the opportunity to ask of their memories of their passage sadly. My mother's family similarly emigrated from the Netherlands in the middle 1800's before HAL was around. Thank you for the great photos and comments on your experience. Yes, we all have different experiences on the same cruise, as much due to our expectations as to their methods and means of fulfillment.

Still waiting on 12/15 - 12/22 Rotterdam cruise Mariner points to post to all 4 individual accounts. Ordinarily, 7 - 10 days is pretty accurate.

We used a free inside offer for an Alaska cruise just this past July. While you do have to pay taxes and port fees, and (should pay) gratuities, what you get for free is the cruise fare. We were able to purchase HIA and CO even though the offer said they would not be available. We did not upgrade so can't address that other than to say what others have already said. Everything else is the same as usual. I would call the number as you have to use the fare code indicated and they do limit the number of rooms available, which will be probably in the least desirable areas. All that said, we had a great time. Everything about our cruise was identical to what we would expect if we'd paid the full fare. I would do it again were I to get another such offer. How to do that is anyone's guess.

Sad news to read of... condolences to those he loved and loved him.

@POA1... holy smokes! Now I understand the UberXL. Of course, I expect my MIL alone will be bringing this same amount of luggage for our 7 day Rotterdam cruise on the 15th... I have to cram us, them and all the luggage into a Honda CR-V. But I have learned how to avoid 4 hours of non-stop chatter from her by placing my suitcase in a plastic bag (think garbage bag) and bungie cording it to the roof of the Honda.... much less grating on the nerves...😏 Both of you: have a great cruise! We were last on NS back in 2017 but she was a beautiful ship then and I expect is still. Thanks for all your research and measurements!

No issues here with Chrome browser on W11Pro. Took a bit of time, likely to access and download cached files and media, the first time, but is quick now. On login, all my booked cruises show up, I'm who I expect to be and my history is complete. All the pages work in "Manage My Cruise" for each cruise, all the booking numbers are correct. Just did my final payment for a March cruise and received the emailed notification before I logged out of the website. I'm seeing great improvement so far....

Never mistake HAL with logic...... 🤔

We've had occasions where the smoke has been an issue when we have been in Billboard Onboard/RSRR and other times not so. It's been rather inconsistent for us. When it has been an issue, we leave. Not sure what the difference is between noticing and not noticing though but I suppose it would have something to do with the air flow, number of smokers and their location in the casino and where we are sitting down below. My preference would be that HAL eliminate all inside smoking at least and we do mention it on the survey when it has been an issue. We have found that service and the food in Pinnacle Grill has generally been on the downhill slide since the return to cruising after COVID. My thoughts here are a combination of new servers/chefs and an increase in volume with all of the HIA promotions has contributed to this venue becoming more like "Outback" than less special than it used to be.

It's a shame that the talk on the Canal didn't include how the new locks (Agua Clara Locks) work. My guess is, as you pointed out, the presentation is scripted and designed to encourage excursion purchases, one of which likely takes you to the view point over the locks, where you do learn how they work. It is an intricate system of reservoirs next to the locks themselves and is all gravity driven like the original locks. Tugs are used instead of the "mules" to move and hold vessels in place and rolling locks instead of the hinged lock system are used. Pretty neat to watch the operation of them. Continue enjoying your cruise Roy and thanks for the effort here!

Adding my best wishes for a great adventure and thanks for the ride along, Roy. Glad you are cruising again. We will be on board Rotterdam in December and are also interested in knowing if there has been any announcements about LCS and their "rotating" schedule.

It took a little longer than it has for the last few cruises we've taken but I got confirmation last night that my SHB will be applied to my March 2024 cruise. Hope you've also had a positive outcome!

That is rather odd. I extract the page that lists my CCL holding from the entire PDF document and then redact all the unrelated material on the page and send only this 1 page to them. I've never had a problem doing this. I hope yours goes smoothly this time. 🙂

I just sent mine in about 10 minutes ago for a March 2024 cruise. I have received the auto-response just now and expect the confirmation in minutes to a day or so. Perhaps the issue is that the incoming mailbox was full so was bouncing as they don't process these over the weekend. I'd try again soon! Good luck!