HELENPSL

28 minutes ago, canadarocks said:

Did you know that when you check HAL's website for available cabins on a specific cruise, it doesn't show all of them? ..... I didn't.

I assumed when you search for an Aft veranda cabin on Deck 4 (for example) all of the Aft veranda cabins that weren't booked would show up so you could see them ..... Nope. 

 

Am I the only one who didn't know that? 

My understanding is that they only show 10 cabins at a time in a particular category.  I have wanted a specific cabin, called my PCC and she was able to get it for me.  If you're doing a fake booking there should be a place on the page showing which cabin they suggest that allows you to input the cabin number you want.  It will let you know if it's still available.  If so, you can book it .

Helen

For our last few cruises we have taken out a single trip policy.  I originally found it on Squaremouth.com and it's through CF Travel Insured International - Worldwide Trip Protector.  I was primarily concerned about medical and evacuation coverage.  This particular policy is $100,000 medical and $1M evacuation.  The bonus on this policy is that the medical is primary coverage which is pretty hard to find.   Thankfully we haven't had to use it but it's nice to know it's there.

Helen

1 hour ago, kazu said:

Now, I remember why I like Transatlantics - such a civilized way to get to Eurone 😉 

 

We got to the airport in plenty of time and ended up in an unending delay.  First it was delayed 20 minutes, then it was 40 minutes, then it was an hour and 1/2.  Needless to say, we were getting concerned.  We were relieved to hear it was up in the air and on it’s way to us.

 

Apparently the plane scheduled had mechanical issues so they put on a different one.

 

Luckily, I had chosen a flight with good connection time (as in wait time) as we can always kill time in the airport or the business lounge.  Once we got there, we sailed through the security and picked up a couple gifts at duty free for our Flamenco host and our guide in Malaga (who hails from Canada) and could relax in the lounge.

International lounges are always nicer than domestic.  Most of the food didn’t appeal to me but DH was quite content.

 

Here are some of the choices - 

 

 

They actually had a chef preparing angel haired pasta with prawns & chilies.  I was shocked DH didn’t get any 😉 

 

 

Along with the “help yourself” bar area, there was an actual bartender at a huge bar preparing a multitude of drinks for people.  

 

 

The set up was quite decent (considering it’s an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge) and DH was quite content.

 

 

Our flight to Munich while technically an Air Canada flight was operated by Lufthansa.  We enjoyed being able to sit together for a change (unlike the Air Canada pods), but fair warning - the “lie flat” seats on the right or left hand side are not true lie flat seats.  It seems that only the middle set of seats were truly lie flat.  

 

For whatever reason, our plane was late, arrival delayed and we were on a tight connection time.  So, it was hurry up and wait as it turned out our connection to Lisbon was also delayed.

 

So, we got into LIsbon later than scheduled.  But the flight was great and the flight attendant super.  

 

And then we waited for our luggage and waited....and waited.....  Glad we had “priority” so our luggage would be off first.  LOL.

 

Got in the taxi lineup which moved VERY fast and we were delayed again with some accident that held up traffic unbelievably long.  I felt sorry for our poor taxi driver as what was supposed to be a quick ride was 1/2 hour.

 

At long last, we arrived at our home for the next 4 days - the Hotel Britania.

 

It’s just around the corner from the Avenue Libertade so no traffic noise but for very handy for a central location.

 

I tried to get my bearings by going for a walk, and, of course, the skies opened and the rain came teaming down.  LOL.

But, we have found the excellent tapas bar that the hotel recommended to me in an email.  Checked out the pricing and selection and YUM.

 

We also found a little supermercado so we could pick up some water, wine & a bit of cheese & meat for tonight.  We know our limits.  We’re worn and weary so we wouldn’t appreciate a nice meal tonight.

 

BUT, we did appreciate the Belem pastries, tea and porto in the library that the hotel offers every day.

 

I’m going to try to get some pics of the hotel for you all tomorrow and tell you a bit about it.  We have several roll call members staying here which is great.  the hotel is not large so it won’t be hard to find each other.  

 

Tomorrow is a free day.  Not sure what we will do or how we will feel, but hopefully with a good night’s sleep, we’ll be off to the races and my posts will be more interesting 😉 😄 

 

In Miami waiting to board.  Arriving at 5:20am. Will you be meeting us at the airport?

Helen

Can't believe that tomorrow we head down to Miami for our flight to Lisbon on Monday.  You plan for so long and it feels like forever before the time really comes but...the time is now.  Thanks to all of you who posted about the weather being colder than expected.  I think we'll make a quick change taking a heavier jacket and a hoodie if it's warmer.  Appreciate all the info.

From the heart I must mention one thing in particular.  Over the years I have been on many great roll calls with people who actually participated and offered wonderful information.  But on this roll call it was amazing.  Of course, we had someone who truly was "the leader of the band."  So Jacqui, thanks so much for all that you've done to organize so many tours and events.  Many people helped in putting tours together but your spread sheet to keep it all together is spectacular...thank you.  We arrive in Lisbon at 5:20AM on Tuesday morning.  Think we'll have a little nap and then be raring to go.  Can't wait to meet everyone as we start this fantastic adventure!!

Helen

Anyone else having a problem getting into the webcam?

Helen

As others have said the Asia trip is very port intensive.  We did the 28 day Singapore to Yokohama in 2017.  We had a balcony but spent very little time there.  Our days were very long with some of the most fascinating excursions we've ever taken.  We also decided to to 2 excursions where we were off the ship overnight and met the ship in the next port.  We have now started booking ocean view cabins because I like the light and we've found that not having the balcony is not a problem.  We just always make sure that we're mid ship.  Enjoy your cruise.  It's a fabulous itinerary!!

Helen

1 minute ago, kazu said:

 

I really hope you and Angelo enjoy her as much as I have.

 

she’s not everyone’s cup of tea - there’s no other ship in the fleet with her crew, itineraries, great PG and her special touch.  Fingers crossed you enjoy her ( and our hotel).

We'll be on a HAL ship so we will be gloriously happy!!

Helen

I'm here to see the ship I've never sailed but will be on come April 12.  Getting really excited!!

Helen

2 minutes ago, avian777 said:

IIRC it's generally 4-6 months prior to departure.  I'm sure a call to HAL Ship Services would get you a more definitive answer.

Thanks so much.  I thought it might be 6 months but just couldn't remember.

Helen

We are booked on the Nieuw Statendam leaving on Nov. 24, 2019.  I just went to "manage my bookings" on the HAL page to book dinner reservations.  At this time I am unable to make any reservations.  I cannot remember how far in advance they open the reservations.  Does anyone know?  Thanks!

Helen

The Zuiderdam is my favorite of the HAL ships that we've sailed.  We did the partial transit of the Panama Canal twice on this ship.  We usually do a midship balcony right next to the outside elevator.  No noise and people only on one side.  As on all HAL ships the service was outstanding and the food excellent.  I love the decor on this ship as opposed to the modern decor on the Koningsdam.  One time we sailed over Thanksgiving and found the casino had quite a good crowd.  When I'm looking for a cruise I always choose itinerary first and then look to see if the Z'dam is doing that cruise.  It would always be my first choice.

Helen

I am a smoker and I LOVE the casino but the first thing I look at is the itinerary.  If there are several ships doing the same trip then I will take into consideration if I can smoke in the casino.  In the scenario you described I would still choose the Zuiderdam since it's my favorite ship.

Helen

Dear Jacqui,

You will have no time to do the list.  You have organized a zillion tours on your upcoming trip.  How do I know?  Because I am on many of them!!  So looking forward to this adventure!

Helen

Hi Jacqui,

Can you add the following info:

Nieuw Statendam - Nov. 24 - Dec. 1, 2019 - 7 day Tropical Caribbean

HELENPSL - annual Thanksgiving cruise with Angelo

Thanks so much!!

Still my favorite ship and one of my favorite cruises.  She looks so beautiful!

Helen

3 hours ago, *Miss G* said:

Agree it is very poorly written. I am also confused.  As well, the Sun Bar on the Koningsdam?  Never saw anyone up there, smoking or non-smoking, but the smoking section was always on the Lido deck.  First on the port side and currently on the starboard side.

Don't be confused.  I've been up on the Sun Deck and no one is ever up there because it's too windy.  NO - you cannot smoke in the Crow's nest.  You can smoke at the back of the Lido Deck and you can smoke at the designated smoking slot machines in the casino if you are playing.  Those are the only smoking areas on the ship.

Helen

4 minutes ago, thyme2go said:

Please clarify.........if we are on the Volendam in the Crow's Nest is the entire starboard side of the room for smokers?    TIA

You can't smoke in the Crow's Nest.  You have to go to the Lido Deck which is deck 8 on this ship.  You can smoke near the seaview bar at the back of the ship.  The only other place to smoke is in the casino if you are playing.  That's about it!!

Helen

Doing an inside cabin for the first time on the Nieuw Statendam (cabin I-6112).  Does anyone know if they have a fridge in these cabins?

Thanks!

Helen

I would suggest that you initially book with a PCC (personal cruise consultant) at HAL.  My reason is that they can see cabins that are available that do not necessarily appear on the website or are not readily available to a TA.  For example, I am doing a 1 week cruise that is also part of a 14 day cruise.  They block certain cabins for 7 day and others for 14.  The cabin I wanted was part of the 14 day block.  She was able to get it approved to give me the cabin I wanted.  I would suggest you look at the deckplan for the ship and try to figure out where you want to be...mid ship, aft or maybe it doesn't matter.  Once you get everything settled and booked with the PCC you can call around and see what other companies are offering you.  Just know that once you transfer to a travel agent the people at HAL will no longer speak with you and will refer you back to your travel agent.  Hope this helps you in making your decision.

Helen

The first time we did the tour to the Tayutic Hacienda.  It's a long drive but we found it very relaxing and interesting.  This tour is about 8 hours.  Of course, we came back 45 minutes late but since we were on the ship's tour we didn't worry.  The second time we did the tour of the Tortuguero Canals.  That one is about a 4 hour tour.  Again, it was a relaxing and lovely day out on the canals and we actually did see quite a bit of wildlife.  Whatever you choose have a wonderful time.

Helen

On 2/11/2019 at 8:54 AM, fatcat04 said:

We are just off NA. The casino never smelled of smoke. No indoor public space did. The only place we smelled smoke was the outside Sea View bar seating space AND one day there was an overwhelming smell of cigarette smoke lingering in the starboard midship hallway on cabin deck 4. I wonder if someone was smoking in their cabin. I couldn't pinpoint an exact cabin but it did build up and fade in the space of about 10 or so cabin doors.  

The casino on the Nieuw Amsterdam is a 100% smoke free all the time.

Helen

We are traveling on the NS over Thanksgiving and trying an inside cabin for the first time.  On previous cruises we've tried everything from an Oceanview to a Neptune Suite.  We are booked in cabin I-6112.  What I learned is that if you look at this cabin on the deck plan (and a few others) you will see a small circle.  According to the legend of these symbols the circle means it's a triple room.  According to my PCC it should have a loveseat in the cabin.  Hoping that someone between now and November will be able to get pictures.  We don't spend much time in the cabin and it's only a 7 day cruise so we'll see what happens!

Helen 

1 minute ago, Vict0riann said:

Bad luck!  I think if I fell and did something like that, I might just pretend I twisted it and stay on board.  I think they have air boots in the medical room.  And without an x-ray, how can they be sure it is broken?  We have the platinum insurance for our cruise, and it stops the day before we leave, so if something like that happened, the cost of the whole cruise is lost, right?

I could be wrong but it's my understanding that the regular insurance stops when you get on the ship.  Platinum insurance covers you through the entire cruise.  Hope someone can clarify.

Helen

On 2/4/2019 at 3:09 PM, OVgirl said:

So the large I's are a few cabins forward of the midship elevator on deck 1 and the triples on the other decks that are right behind the midship elevators. I'll see if I can get in them to take some pictures on turn around day.

That would be greatly appreciated.  We don't go until November.  Thanks so much.

Helen

3 hours ago, Wishing on a star said:

8092 is shown as a third occupancy.

 

I started to say that I am just not sure if the sofa would be the 'third berth'.

But seriously, I can't see both that sofa AND a pull down in one inside cabin.

 

On the K, the photos of the ones on Main Deck do not show a sofa...  more open floor space.

They are shown as a max-2 occupancy.

 

I believe if one were to call HAL,  and get the right person on the line, they would be able tell if the sofa is there or not in a particular room.

Just spoke with my PCC.  She said the cabins that show as triples should have a loveseat.  Hope she's right since I just booked cabin I6112 for one week over Thanksgiving.  Either way I know we'll have a fabulous time.  We always do!!

Helen