rvance

I agree. Even with the service deficiencies I experienced, the staff was kind and gracious. Gratuities are part of our travel budget. We often give large amounts, it’s nice to be generous to others.

To be clear, I don’t agree removing the daily tip charge. I for one always leave extra for the cabin stewards, cabana staff etc.

I must disagree regarding food poisoning. I just came off the Nieuw Amsterdam. I woke up very ill six hours after eating a meal in the Tamarind. I have decades of restaurant experience. I can almost guarantee it was undercooked shrimp. Shame on me for not being more careful. The medical team asked for a list of meals I had for three days. I did my part but they never bothered to get the document from me. I finally turned it in on the least night, three days later. If they were really concerned they would have gotten the information ASAP. I did notice several unsanitary practices by waiters and other staff during our cruise. Both my wife’s and my fish were served undercooked at the main dining room lunch the first day. Polishing silverware , which should never happen but people don’t like water spots, with a cloth that was used to wipe down a counter. Cleaning seat’s then tables with the same cloth. Oh, I spent a few years as a quality assurance manager for an international restaurant chain, it’s hard not to notice things . We love HAL, it is our go to line. But many spend way to much time defending them when someone shares an experience or opinion that criticizes HAL. The truth is HAL is cutting back in many areas. Menus have been reduced, staff training is lacking, and management is missing in action! The entertainment for our taste is lacking, yep we sailed largely because of Lincoln Center. Now this is a problem in many places. But, our favorite restaurants at home have fully recovered, both in staff and food quality, at a much higher cost! Let’s be open to hear what others experience. Yep it could be attitude or it could me this poor man got treated poorly. It’s not unreasonable to expect an accurate bill. I had a waiter lose my cabin key card, that’s just unacceptable.

I just booked a retreat cabana on the Nieuw Amsterdam for a February 2023, 7 day cruise. The price is $530. The agent told me the prices went up on October 1st.

We are frustrated that only one shore excursion is available to St John during our stop at St Thomas in February. Last year we had booked a St. John on your own tour only to have it cancelled. Is it possible the HAL will add some in the coming months?