PACD_JG

The good old days and the evolving HAL experience geared to a younger clientele is a frequent topic. But one thing I notice that is rarely said…maybe HAL did an analysis and determined that the 70 year olds that love HAL is a short-term investment. After all, most of the old schoolers will soon be dead and therefore spending zero. And one only has to read the boards to know that with a few exceptions, most of the loyalists are too cheap to switch brands now. So why not lure the 40-50 year olds?

It’s the same on the Statendam for those that are counting.

So we’re parked next to the Carnival Spirit in Grand Turk. If Carnival is the Wal-mart of cruising, then the Spirit is the Dollar General. So much rust in the cabin balconies, and even the guard rails are weather-stripped.

You’ve been around long enough to know they only count double occupancy.

Didn’t see anybody start a live thread, but I wanted to drop some facts. 2900 passengers. 350 kids between the ages of 2-18. Definitely different vibe than Koningsdam, June/July 2022, Alaska with only 1800 passengers. It’s too busy for my liking. Ask a question if you’d like…there are other Cruise Critic regulars on here.

On the NS over Thanksgiving and it looks like the itinerary on the Navigator is filled in. I'm a bit worried because it shows Jets vs Patriots (CBS) on the Lido at 4:25 PM Sunday and the Chiefs vs Chargers (NBC) on the Lido at 8:20 PM Sunday. Will the 1 PM games be available in our cabins? Also, the Navigator doesn't show any NFL games on Thanksgiving on the Lido. Do you think the NS will end up showing the games on the Lido? Will they at least be available in the cabin? TIA.

I got spooked by the $63 total being thrown about and just ordered the unlimited laundry online for $49.

Obviously...but my point is...don't continually bemoan the weather. As you just said...you either accept it as a part of life...or you move. But making dozens of whoa is me statements about how bad hurricanes impact you is an awful coping mechanism.

It is one of the dumbest things I've read in a bit...somebody who has the means to move (as a prolific cruiser), but instead complains about the weather where they live.

At least a dozen videos on YouTube giving you an in-depth tour of the ship. LMGTFY - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=nieuw+statendam

I'm basing this off the comment I posted above. I did just look online and it still states $49 a day. However, I can't book it. "There was an error adding the item to the cart."

@Cajun Traveler stated - We just got off N. Statendam yesterday and the laundry was $30 per bag or $63 unlimited for 7 night cruise. Although the weekly price has increased from $49, we found it was still a good value. The laundry department did an excellent job. We sent out laundry 3 times and it was always returned within 24 hours. I am on the Nieuw Statendam over Thanksgiving, so this affects me.

I consider raising the unlimited 7-day laundry from $49 to $63 a downgrade...

BLUF. Dress for yourself and no one else.

🤦‍♂️ Just like your coffee...$11 or less and it's yours for the taking.

I lived in Key West from 82-89. My perspective might have been different since I was a teen, but here's my take on Cayo Hueso....I haven't been there since I graduated high school in 1989. We used to say this about folks in Key West...you're either gay, Cuban, or Navy. YMMV.

June 25 - July 2, 2022. Enjoyed it so much that I'm booked for July 22-29, 2023.

I've only been on one cruise (Koningsdam Alaska 2022), but have an upcoming Thanksgiving cruise (Nieuw Statendam). I thought your review was spot-on. I would have given my cruise a 9 out of 10, but admittedly it was because it was Alaska, the weather was fantastic, and my family are all ambiverts. I just hope my upcoming cruise matches the mystique, but we know it won't since the Caribbean isn't even worth the ink to write on our bucket list.

Because HAL knows... You'll be back, soon, you'll seeYou'll remember you belong to meYou'll be back, time will tellYou'll remember that I served you well

If I "Like" or "Thanks" a comment, that's me saying something nice. Relax...although rare considering the amount of comments you make per day, I have "Like"d or "Thanks"d some of yours.

This is a meme: Tell me you're a bad parent without actually saying you're a bad parent.

Let me help you since you're incapable of contextualization...I apologize for using "if YOU'RE still" instead of "if ONE is still." It's not always about you...

Stowaway? The truly "economical" made their savings at the beginning of the cruise, not at the end (while onboard). Haven't you read about all the folks who are cruising for nothing more than port fees and taxes? They are the real winners who don't have to worry about squeezing nickels, coupons, and happy hours.

Look at your booking online: Cruise Activities - Beverages. FWIW, the HMC package isn't available for purchase online for my 11/19 cruise either.