BrynMawrPA

We had a direct flight from JFK in US to AMS and back. So we were comfortable checking in our luggage. Still, just in case, we packed a small carry on bag of clothes on the outbound to AMS. We did not encounter any problems with our luggage. At AMS, they were checking passengers on their departure time and would not let them go (up stair) to check in if the departure time is more than 4 hours in the horizon. There were volunteers passing out free water and snacks while folks were waiting on the ground floor. They let me through (with my wife taking care of our luggage) so that I can go to the KLM customer service counter to switch to en earlier flight. The line getting through the security at AMS was long but it was moving. Anyway, it took us a little less than 2 hours from going to the (up stair) KLM customer service (~10 min), standing in line and switching to an earlier flight (~15 min), standing in line to check in (~20 minutes), standing in line to go through the security (~65 min) and then waiting at the gate. Fortunately for us, our plane was 30 min late so that we did not have to run through the airport. I would recommend that one should not carry any food, organic matter, or a slightly larger bottle of cosmetic , eye drops, or lotion, etc. in the carry on bag. The security would reroute the bag to a different line after screening. The bag needed to be opened and the items be checked. There were only 2 agents there to do the checking and this could take an additional 10 to 15 min. One should have checked in all these stuffs. With all the horror stories about lost luggage, folks are having more carry on bags and more stuffs in the bags. This only slows down the security check in process and more bags got flagged during the security screening. Since there is nothing one can do about it, so just relax and go with the flow. PS: the security check in at the cruise port was quick if you are wondering about it.

We have been back safely from this 14 day cruise. We hope those who caught a cold, flu or whatever will get well soon. Since not everyone ran into the same situation during this cruise, I would like to offer the following tips and hope they would help your planning to cruise on the HAL Rotterdam. (1) Covid Precaution and Social Distancing - Based on the last two week, one should be more concern about attending the CC Meet and Greet at the Explorations Lounge. On 8/1/2022, the place was packed with CCers attending the M&G, a long line of folks trying to book excursions, and many others hanging out there having drinks and coffee. Except the crew members, few folks wore masks. Another place to be careful is the Grand Dutch Cafe on Deck 3. It was packed all the time and very few guest wore mask. For the first 3 days, one should, if possible, stay away from the Guest Services and the temporary Internet Support on Deck 3 across from the Grand Dutch Cafe. There was always a mob. Of course, few wore mask. (2) Covid Isolation Ward - We walked past the ward (Deck 4 Aft Starboard side) every day and had seen folks carrying their luggage and being escorted into the area. Their lunch service should be around 1pm since we witnessed crews getting food from the Lido Market around this time and the number of orders increases during the second week of the cruise. The food could be cold when it was delivered but, as more and more people were quarantined, the orders got bigger and it would take time to get them served and delivered. One day, I got stuck behind a crew getting 3 plates of tacos and burritos that were custom made on the spot. One should not be surprise that the food could be less than hot. (3) Transportation to Rotterdam - We travel light and took the train from AMS to Rotterdam and then the Metro to the cruise port. The train costed us 34.60Euro and the Metro 8Euro. The trip took us about 40minutes. On 7/31/2022 Sunday, neither the train nor the Metro was crowded. It was a nice ride. But if you cannot handle the luggage, paying HAL $39 per person for the transfer may be a worthy decision. As always, there are more expensive Uber and private transfer options too. (4) Embarkation - I strongly recommend using Verify. We got to the cruise port around 11am and was in our room around 11:30am. We were not VIP or suite guests. Our check in time could be shorten if not for guests (not using Verify) jamming up the Verify line and asking questions. Without Verify, the line going thought the inspection desk for Vaccination and Covid test results is long. (5) Specialty Dinner reservation - The most difficult one to get is the Pinnacle Grill. The rest, even Rudi's Sel de Mer, was not a problem. (6) Entertainment at World Stage - Most folks did not start wearing mask until the second week after the Captain told us that the number of Covid cases were higher than expected. Even then, there were still folks not wearing one. For the other venues like BB King's, Lincoln Center, Bill Board and Rolling Stone, folks were drinking there and one cannot expect them to wear a mask. (7) Coughing Etiquette - Starting the second week, more folks were coughing one after another on the excursion coach and on the ship. Many do not wear mask. For us, it was a very good cruise that was cancelled couple of times during the pandemic. That said, getting Covid would ruin the experience. Anyway, during our flight check in at AMS, a fellow cruiser told us that 30% people from her group tested positive and were isolated. Sadly, they were really miserable throughout the cruise. Finally, all we can do is to be careful and to try our best to minimize the chance of getting infected. We wish you all will stay healthy and have a great cruise. Best wishes