CherryG

Was on the Statendam Nov. 12-19 and a few days after arriving home, I had the flu.  I am still sick with it.  And yes, I've had my flu shot (the high does one as I am over 65).  I suspect it was picked up in the airport in Lauderdale because it was full of unmasked (we were masked) sneezing, snorting, coughing people.

We didn't have Club Orange a few weeks ago, but every time we walked by the separate dining area, we thought it looked not as nice as the dining room.  The food is obviously the same.  It's glassed in, so people heading to and from the main dining room (at least on N. Statendam), can watch you. It just didn't look as comfortable.  My opinion.

First time we took the transfer from the airport, it was because our day before flight was cancelled and we flew in a few hours before the ship left. I went to the HA people in the luggage area and asked how long do I have to get to the ship.  She said we can take you.  It was a relief.  The charge was put on our cabin charges.  A few weeks ago, I prearrange to take to the ship.  Very easy. Get your luggage and go to the HA people (very visible who they are).  They'll walk you out to wait for the bus that takes you directly to the ship.

We were on the NA Nov. 12 - 19.  We wore our masks on the plane and in the airport, didn't go to the shows, tried to sit just at a table for 2 most meals and stayed away from people as much as possible.  Coming home on the 19th, the Fort Lauderdale airport was jam packed with travellers, coughing, sneezing, etc. I don't think 5% of the people had masks on. We had our masks on, but 4 days after arriving home, I got the flu and I'm still sick.  A woman sat down beside me at the airport and was obviously sick with something.  I finally said to her, very nicely, that I had an extra mask if she would like it.  She didn't and she got up and moved.  I think I picked up something at the airport, not on the ship. 

Leaviing this Saturday so today I got the email to complete the online health check.  It's one question - no big deal, however, it won't go through.  We did on two different computers and an ipad.  I call, girl can't help me, says I'll transfer you.  She transfers me to the telephone menu.  Helpful.  I contact again and the girl asks for my booking number, then cuts me off.  Call AGAIN.  This lady I got knew there was a problem at their end and said just to complete when handing in my boarding pass.  It would have saved a lot of time and frustration if the first girl knew.  Her solution was to turn off my router.  I refused as you just know that would cause a problem for me elsewhere.   OK, rant over.  Now time to finish packing!

When cruising you have to roll with the changes.  We once couldn't tender to Grand Cayman because of rough water.  They compensated everyone. There were two older, twin ladies who threw a fit because of it.  They don't make changes to PO the passengers.  It's done for a REASON.   It is what it is.  

I had that problem last night.  I'd used the auto fill, and it hadn't put in my province.  I put in and voila.

Banditswife, that's why I want to be connected.  To check on my dog.  

Leaving on Saturday on the NS and wondering about how the WIFI is.  I haven't purchased yet, but do need to keep in contact with home.  Normally I've found WIFI next to impossible on ships, but it has been 4 years since I cruised.  Anyone been on the NS lately and can comment for me?  Thank you.

We ate at Sel de Mer on another ship a few years back.  It was lovely.

Booked this morning for next Saturday, November 12.  on Nieuw Statendam for 7 nights.   We've cruised many times on HA, but since Covid have gone no where.  I'm a little nervous travelling, but looking forward to it.  Any comments on the NS?  

We haven't sailed with Princess before, but have cruised many times.  We are thinking of doing the British Isles cruise with Princess.  Has anyone done this and what were your opinions of it. We normally cruise with Holland America, and they are smaller ships.  We are seniors (young seniors😂), and wonder if a larger ship is going to be too confusing and too many people.  Thoughts from anyone who has cruised with HA and the differences we can expect.  Thanks in advance.

I should have added that we are definitely not big gamblers.  I gamble more than my husband (he may lose $25 for a whole cruise!), but still not a big gambler.  We do go down daily and play, but still the $ amount spent is minimal over all.

I received the casino offer last Friday.  We considered the 11 day Panama for the end of March, but It isn't going to work for us this time, but we have taken advantage of the casino offers.    However, we've always paid a little more and got either the Signature or the Neptune Suite.  Free or not, my husband won't take the inside cabin, and the free one on my letters have always been for the inside, with small charges to upgrade to each level.  It's a great deal if you can take advantage of it.  On our cruise a year ago, we had a Neptune through the casino offer, and someone asked how much.  I told them, and they repeated to someone who was also in a Neptune, and she said she didn't believe me, that there was no way we'd paid so little.  

On one HA cruise we were on two years ago, my husband came down with a bad case of gout half way through the cruise.  It was the "dress up" night and he couldn't get his proper dress shoes on, so he had to wear his old sandals, with his suit.  It was not a good look, but he had no choice.  That said, I told him I was walking 6 feet ahead of him (such a sympathetic wife!).   

We were there less than a month ago, and there were two ships.  Our 4th visit there, but first with two ships.  There was no problem getting a lounger.  The beach is very long and wide, so just keep walking past the crowd if you want.  I have always rented the clam shell, but didn't this time.  While it's nice to have some shade, we find they get very hot as they are closed on 3 sides.   The buffet lunch is quite good, but we did head back to the ship this time without going for lunch.  I'm assuming with 2 ships it will be long lines and there really aren't that many tables to sit at.  

We've been in a Neptune a few times, and there is a list on the website as to what is included.  From memory, here's what I remember:  priority board, priority disembarkation, special access to Neptune Lounge, flowers in the room, bottle of bubbly in the room, corsage for gala night, complimentary dry cleaning.  There's more, but that's what quickly comes to my old mind.  You will love being in a Neptune, I promise.

Bought ours on Amazon and they said for Holland America.  Worked perfectly.

I just book direct on all our travel, cruise or not.  I think the main reason is when I was working, I booked travel and arranged conferences and events, so I'm very comfortable doing on my own.  I have also found that calling HA direct when I've booked, the price comes in lower than what I see.  

Just returned from the NA last Sunday and it was our 4th cruise on this ship.  The upgrades and renos are very nice and we love everything about this ship.  All 4 cruises on her have been in the Caribbean.

We like to get there early and as soon as we get on board, we head to the dining room for a nice relaxing lunch.  Back to the cabin where we usually have our luggage waiting for us, unpack, relax on deck with some bubbly, and people watch.  

We were on the same time as you.  This was our 4th on this ship, and we both thought the improvements that have been done are great.  We were in a Signature Suite, 6067, midship, and it was beautiful. Totally redone, and the best improvement and most appreciated, was there is now a night light in the ceiling of the suites, so when you get the call of nature in the middle of the night, you have light.  

Here's a couple of pictures.  One thing we didn't notice till the second last day, is the staircase from the 2nd to the 1st floor where the front desk is has been removed.  

We did think that the food portions were smaller at dinner.  That said, we certainly didn't go hungry.  

One evening we had an Officer sit at our table (and supply the wine), and that was most interesting and added a little extra to that dinner.  Apparently it's something HA does once per cruise, but it was new to us.  

Oh to be sitting on the balcony now.....

We just take turns going in the water.  One minds the beach bag while the other swims.

We just got back Sunday night from a HA cruise, and for the first time bought a $100 beverage card.  I would definitely do again.  We aren't big drinkers, and the balance was credited back to our account at the end of the cruise.  It was easy to hand the card to the server and not have to sign anything.  

We'll be on the NA this Sunday too.  Our 4th cruise on this ship. So looking forward to relaxing!