mrscopper

Just returned from 11 day on Koningsdam and had cabana in the Retreat..  perfect weather, perfect service, and quiet space to read and relax.  We are not like sitting in the sun.  There is an elevator up to the retreat.

 This is our second time doing this and love it.  Call Ship Services they will help you and reserve it for you if interested.

Will be on Kongingsdam in November.  We have sailed her before and found the variety of food venues appealing. I agree that she does not have “the feel” of the smaller ships, yet variety is the spice of life!

Part of the problem is the weather and sea. If it is to choppy they cannot get scooters off the ship, it is not safe.

I am 5'2" and find the beds on HAL difficult to get into.

Sorry Nov., 19 to Cuba

Mrscopper, husband and daughter on Veendam in Nov.,2018

What about the Veendam? Is it being sold too?:rolleyes:

Well, you have all confused me, which isn't that hard. We are on the Veendam in Nov. My husband uses CPAP, I use oxygen and a scooter which needs to be charged. We usually bring a big orange multiple plug plus an extension cord. I do not think the Veendam has been retro-fitted yet. Plenty of plugs on Koningsdam last December. I will call Ship Services and check out Veendam

ZN. You are exactly right about altitude. If you need oxygen at night you definitely need it on airplane. My Dr. Keeps me on a 2 at rest, told me to do 3 while flying!

I usually rent from Care Vacations, but either will do. Medicare will not pay for medical needs out of Country as far as I know. We are off for a 11 day Cuba cruise and I have to pay for my equipment. I have purchased my own portable concentrator, but rent room one and a scooter from them. Keep On Cruising!:cool:

Sailing on the Veendam in Nov. Is the casino smoke free?

Thank you also Carol. Have not seen anything about the Veendam. We are scheduled on her for Nov., and wondering if plugs have been added. No date for refurbishment mentioned.

TP issue on Koningsdam. Must be plumbing decision. Glad you have better stuff. Thank you again for sharing your cruise with us. Glad you were not in Alaska, tsunami warning, thank goodness it did not develop.

Thank you for sharing your marvelous cruise with all of us. Physically we are unable to do this, so we cruise along with you. Enjoy every minute.

Happy Mew Year. Will look forward to being on the sidelines hearing about your wonderful adventure.

Oosterdam last year, Pinnacle Grill lobster was awful. Sent it back.

Off on the Koningsdam 12/10, can't wait to try all of the above. Thanks for all the recommendations.

Yes, reduce the stress. Pay to change flight to Fort Lauderdale, and come in the day before if you can. Wish you all the best. MIA is a funny farm.

Q The wonderful staff. Our first cruise with HAL was in 1979, we could always depend on them to be right there, have time to talk and offer the best service we have ever experienced. We have continued to sail with HAL over the years, but service has gone they way of chasing the almighty $$$. :loudcry:

Thank you all for posting. We are scheduled on the Koningsdam in Dec. I am an oxygen user and am very sensitive to smoke. This is very disturbing. What is the matter with HAL don't they understand that smoking kills people..

Thank you all for your good thoughts. We in The Villages, central Florida-mid State are quite anxious, but prepared as best we can.:hearteyes:

I have used my oxygen on many cruises. If you rent they have a quiet one. I would not put outside for reason mentioned above (door)' or in a closet, since the concentrator needs room air and could over heat in closet. You also have to access a plug. Agree you should call HAL, since you do have to fill out form for oxygen use. Call Access and Compliance.

Hi please post Koningsdam for Dec. thank you

Has anyone thought about what those fumes do to your lungs......

Summersigh, we had same good experience in Ft. Lauderdale. Tampa was awful. our TA filled out form to send to HAL, copy to me. It clearly stated embark/debark needs. They were very disorganized and did not have enough staff.

I had a terrible experience at the Tampa terminal boarding the Oosterdam. Check in is on the second floor. I am an oxygen user and have difficulty walking. I was told they would not bring wheelchair down to curb side. My husband and daughter helped me up to 2nd floor. Could not check in yet. Waited 45 minutes for wheelchair, which took us to a waiting area to check in. Waited for almost an hour, to check in, then waited for wheelchair and pusher. Thank goodness I had scooter in room. We never experienced this in Ft. Lauderdale boarding HAL ships there. Our cruise on the Oosterdam was wonderful.