bd1958

Thanks everyone.  Good information.

I was watching Formula 1 qualifying in Monaco this morning, and spotted what was certainly a HAL R-Class ship out in the harbor.  But i don't see any such ship on the Fleet Report.  Maybe a former HAL ship?  Any Formula 1 / HAL fans out there?

Bruce

I've had connecting rooms in the past with no problem.  Like Ruth, the worst noise concern i had was with a non-connecting room.  

I agree with Oaktreerb.  Those are odd shaped rooms with tiny balconies...too small to dine on and barely fitting two small chairs.  the forward facing windows are the only perk.  Those have totally ruined Neptune guarantee purchase for us because I'm afraid I would get one of them.  It happened once, before I knew the deal, and was able to get swapped.  In my opinion they should not be classed as Neptunes.  The Aft wrap rooms are smaller too and a good distance from the Lounge, but the massive balcony more than makes up for it.  If you want to be sure, reserve the room you want.

best wishes from Massachusetts

After getting this tip from another thread here years ago, i really enjoy boarding day lunch via room service on the balcony (if luck enough to have one).  

Thanks, everyone.  This is so helpful.

Bruce

To All, 

We have generally been late purchasers, often inside the last payment window, so what we paid was what we got.  This time, given the current state of things, we've reserved for March of 2022.  I've seen discussions on this site of price drops and re-fare negotiations with HAL.  When I booked I assumed the price was a bit high and assumed, based on what I've observed over the years, that the price would drop between $600 to $800pp before it was over, maybe more with less perks.  I've just noticed a drop of $400 with what seems like the same perks.  Is it recommended to call my PCC and request a re-fare now?  If it drops further can I go back for another round?

Thanks very much.

Bruce

Also, you can purchase the spa pass in advance or first day of sailing, where they offer tours.  usually it's the same price but sometimes it varies.

The great thing (or one of the great things) about the weekly spa pass is it makes the room bigger.  That is, you can get away and spread out when the room starts to feel small, shower down in the spa while the rest of the family gets ready in the room.  It's a very relaxing place at odd hours like after dinner when there is nobody there.  The hydrotherapy pool and lounge areas are quiet most of the time and there doesn't tend to be children around, not that there are many on HAL ships.  In addition,  I love the silk den bar (quiet is a theme here) for relaxed atmosphere, and it's just across from my favorite restaurant, Tamarind.  

Cruisin Kay D,

I do not wish to be negative but i do wish to be realistic.  Covid cases are not getting lower and lower.  The 14 day average of new cases across the US is up 23% and deaths are up 2%.  Yes, schools are open, and every day they close due to new infections.  In colleges, there are over 130,000 new cases.  You might want to validate your sources of information.  The major media are not hyping, they are telling the truth.  And although there are a large number of cases in big areas, the largest and fastest growing per capita are in places like the Dakotas, Utah, and Montana, all places that have fewer restrictions and now seeing surges.  The virus did show up in Canada but it was better managed that we did.  They are smart to keep us out until we do a better job.  

Bruce D

Thanks.  Your testimonial makes me want to go.

Thanks, Don, that was helpful.

Bruce

I'm wondering if anyone has toured the Damajagua Waterfalls while stopped in The DR.  There are a couple of tours listed.  My question is, will it tend to be crowded with other tours such that it just feels like another busy tourist site (I'm aware that I'm one of those tourists), or will it feel more private and secluded?

Thanks,

Bruce

Thanks for posting such a great video.  It brings back memories of our first HAL cruise, on the Maasdam.

Ok, another question.  If you use the ship's wifi via the navigator app to text or make calls, does it count against your internet purchase?  Does it count as a device connected to the internet on your plan?

Thanks again.

Bruce

This is helpful.  Thanks.

Thanks, Holacanada, and greetings from the Boston area.  another question: is there anything to do in advance such as download an app or do we just do it all onboard?

It's been several years since our last cruise (it was on the Rotterdam in 2018) and in March we sail on the Nieuw Statendam.  Is there away to use cellphones on board, not to call out, but to communicate within the ship with others by call or text?

Thanks,

Bruce

I'm wondering about the classical music options on this cruise.  We are on the eastern lap beginning on March 8.  On other HAL ships it is called Adagio and they play every night in one of the smaller lounges...and that tended to be our primary entertainment because that's what we enjoy most.  Here I was looking forward to the much grander Lincoln Center Stage and the chance for more than a duo (it seems there is a quartet or quintet of players).  But from the daily schedules it seems there is no later evening concerts planned...most days at 6 and 7pm, which overlap with early dining.  So the actual result, when shared with BB King and the other entertainment options, seems to be less classical music than other ships.  Does that seem true? 

Thanks for all this fantastic information.

Bruce

Just off the Rotterdam this sunday March 11. The ship is beautiful. everywhere you look things are clean and fresh from the recent drydock. Yes, it is an older ship but there were no issues worth even mentioning. As to the 'fade' in the carpets, it's intentional....part of the pattern if you look closely. The staff was very good, even by HAL standards. We found the food in MDR, Pinnacle, and Canaletto to be excellent. The only reasons I would choose the Eurodam or NA over Rotterdam would be for the Tamarind and the larger thermal suite. The entertainment package is on the empty side without the BB King players but we managed fine.

Sometimes they will work with you even when past the cancellation deadline. Last week on the Rotterdam I was not feeling well enough for my diving adventure and cancelled the day before. Working with the concierge in the Neptune lounge (not sure if that was special treatment) they said if they could re-sell my ticket I would get refunded. Happily they did.

We try to go to each of the specialty restaurants once per cruise. Never had a bad experience though the Canaletto has been inconsistent. When it comes to Asian food i'm pretty pedestrian so I don't recognize much on the menu. I still love it and the service/ambiance in Tamarind is amazing. the warm towels to start let you know you're in for something special. The silk den bar, across from the tamarind, is the best kept secret on the boat. beautiful décor and fantastic view. the perfect place for before dinner.

Can't recall I think thermal suite is in the title. It will be easy to identify. Currently it's not listed for my cruise online...only purchase over the phone or once on board.

Yes. but often if you speak with a cruise consultant or a TA they will review the current plans to see which best suits you. For example, if a sale offers a drink card and you don't drink, then it's not worth it. It seems there are always several programs operating at the same time. If you know what you like and don't like it helps with the decision.