CaliforniaAC

On 7/5/2023 at 10:40 PM, crystalspin said:

The notes for 10046 on the Nieuw Statendam point out that there is no seating other than a cube-stool at the desk.

https://halfacts.com/pinnacle-class/10046-nieuw-statendam/

I still have scars from that cube-stool on my shins. If don't push it all the way under, even by one inch, the square corners are dangerous. They are wood, because the top of the stool doubles as a tray. There is not an extra inch to have extra seating, unless you count needing a chair in the shower, and even that is tight.

On 5/5/2023 at 6:21 PM, Cruise Suzy said:

 

 

 

Check you receipt/confirmation. It will list how many complimentary dinners each guest has. It varies according to the length of the cruise. For a 6-9 day cruise, each guest receives 1 complimentary dine. For a 10-20 day cruise, each guest receives 2 complimentary dines. For a 21+ day cruise (except Grand Voyages), each guest receives 3 complimentary dines.

 

It sounds as if you booked a 10-20 day cruise for 2.

Hi Suzy,

Also, if you have two complimentary dines, only one will be the high end specialty, and the other at Canalettos. , th HIA doesn't include the 18.5% service surcharge. At least we did . We were on the Volendam the month of April.

On 3/29/2023 at 7:25 AM, mtsublueraider said:

I was trying to price some transportation in another port (St Thomas) and had planned to rent a car in St Kitts. However, have decided that's probably not the best idea with a few drinks and driving on the other side of the road. 

 

With kids going to the Carambola Beach Club for the day is it better to hop in a cap and negotiate at the port or go ahead and set it up with someone? I was quoted $80 round trip from Tatem's and that seems reasonable. I've seen some folks talk to people about transportation at $10 per person each way. Just confirming with everyone here before we make a final decision. 

 

Thank you! 

Please reconsider Carambola Beach Club. They have killed the coral directly in front of the beach because they allowed patrons to stand on it while it was alive. 

The last two port calls we have gone to Cockleshell Beach. It might be a little more for transportation, but a lot cheaper to rent chairs. Check it on the Grand Turk tourism web site for more information.

Have a great time!!!

On 3/29/2023 at 5:47 AM, dsnutz said:

What company did you use for golf carts? We’ve explored other ports this way and would love to do it here. TIA

Hi, we were just there. We rented A golf cart from a company inside the port, but we don't remember the name. They wanted $100.00 cash only. They have a stand set up near Piranha Joes, right before you leave the port. The golf cart wasn't in great shape, but it worked. 

Do not rent from Paradise Golf Carts. When we were there in November we had two carts that had mechanical problems and we limped back with both of them. They wanted to give us a third one, but we had already wasted half a day.

We had a really great day, and will do it again.

We tried that when we left for the cruise we're on now.  DO NOT USE EASY RENT car rental. The advertise taking you to the terminal. Don't fall for it. Start to finish it was a horrible experience. Save yourself and book with someone else.

On the Volendam now. I was on the Rotterdam in November.

I think HAL started to cut cost in November, and the pendulum swung too far. On the Volendam it feels like it has swung back some.

The food is better, with more choices and much better quality, and not super skimpy portions. I have learned that if you ask for a larger portion when you order, you can get it. For example, "How many shrimp are in the shrimp cocktail? Three. Can I have six? No problem."

The condition and redecorating  they have done is beautiful. No complaints at all. The ship is quiet and smooth, and the staff is wonderful.

The air conditioning was a little warm when we got in. Engineering came in and changed the air filter, which helped. We're very comfortable now. Yesterday while we were in port they did routine maintenance on the air conditioning system. 

We were guests on the Volendam twice back in the day. We enjoyed her then, and we're enjoying her now. They have her scheduled out to Spring 2025, so I'm guessing she'll be in the fleet a little longer.

AC

My DH carrying luggage for our cruise. He would tell you that the cheapest way isn't always the best way.

On 2/10/2023 at 6:11 AM, LImom said:

BTW having them start the meter doesnt always work either. I was in a taxi alone from port everglade to Fll and I watched the driver start the meter however once we left the port area I looked at the meter and noticed it was off. I asked the driver about it and he said fare is $20 flat fee. As a female alone in cab at 730am I didnt say anything. When I got to the airport I handed him the fare and didnt tip him. Had he left the meter on I would have given him the same amount  or more anyway but I still felt scammed.

You did the right thing. Protecting yourself is number one. Sometimes we are going by gut instinct, ya know.

Yes. Not just in the islands you visit, but on your home turf as well.

p.s. My Mother paved the way from south eastern Kentucky to California as a twenty something about 1952. She came with another young woman for a vacation, then never left! 

3 hours ago, Charles4515 said:

Make sure they start the meter! You paid way too much for going from the port to Embassy Suites. Even $30 is a scam. It is a common scam in Fort Lauderdale because most visitors don’t know what the driver is doing. They have tried it on me. When I realized it I only gave him $20 at the end. Nothing he could do but accept that since he had not used the meter…..I prefer Uber in most cases than those taxi drivers. 

That's why I'm posting this. I agree, it's a common scam, I want to make sure other visitors are aware and hopefully know better. When you get in a line at the port with a hundred other people, and most are rushing to catch a flight, most would think that something like that won't happen. We've  been leaving out of Port Everglades for 20 years. 

We prefer Left or Uber too, and use their services when we travel. Getting out of the port is always a hassle.

Be aware, If you're going in and out of the port or airport make sure the driver starts the meter. If the driver doesn't, there's a problem. Take good care.

This has happened to us twice, on two different trips. I am only going to relate the last one. 

If you get into a taxi at the cruise port in Port Everglades / Ft. Lauderdale Make sure that the driver starts the meter. 

We were going from the port to the Embassy Suites on SE 17th St. on November 11th 2022

The driver who picked us up, in the taxi line at the port got us in the car with our luggage. A few minutes into the ride I noticed the meter wasn't on (which I thought was odd) and asked him how much the fare would be. He said $30.00. I thought this was way off. When we were almost to the hotel, I said "You said $30.00?" and he replied "No, I said $40.00". Then I got mad. I took photos of the official sticker on the windshield, his taxi number, and when I got out, we paid him his fare, and I told him very directly that I was going to report him, and took a photo of his license plate. 

When we got to the hotel, he came back to me and gave me $10.00 back. I guess he thought I wouldn't report him.

Here is the information you should know that was on the sticker:

No additional charge shall be made for extra passengers or luggage

Rates: $2.95 for the first 1/6 mile, and 40 cents each additional 1/6 mile

$3.00 for fees starting at FLL (not the cruise port)

$13.00 minimum fare for trips that begin at Ft. Lauderdale / Hollywood Int'l Airport or Port Everglades Seaport

The distance between the cruise port to the Embassy Suites is 2.5 miles per Google. Our fare should have been $13.00 minimum fare.

To report any problems call (954) 357-5350

It doesn't matter which taxi company did this to me. There are 54 licensed taxi companies in Broward County. 

I hope this helps someone. I am posting this because I don't want this to happen to anyone else.

10 hours ago, artvlay said:

Haven't booked an interior Cabin on Holland and would like direction from experienced people.

We want to book the largest interior class on Rotterdam. Is "I" the largest?

What is the Spa Interior cabin? How does it differ from regular cabins ?

Thank you 

 

 

 

We were in I-7112. The cabin is very, very (and I mean very) small. I think the only real plus we had was the convenient location. It was also quiet on the Shubert Deck. I don't think these cabins could get any smaller, unless it was bunk beds.

Do not compare interior rooms on any other ship. There is only one Rotterdam sized ship. On other class ships, from what I've seen, they are all larger. 

2 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Not real thrilled with the "cube" thing....  I was hoping there would at least be a decent chair. 

 

😂

Beware of that cube! 

The top of the stool comes off and makes into a tray. The corners of the top of the seat are wood. Not padded. 

With the room so small, if it was pulled out just a little, it's dangerous. Both of us got huge bruises just brushing it.

I remember round stools on other HAL ships. They would have been much safer.

Not super new info, in March '22 it was $15USD P/P for the Water Taxi to Grand Anse, and a little more for Magazine Beach. The only thing I can't remember is if it was R/T or one way. It was a really quick and easy trip, just a few minutes.

On 1/3/2023 at 6:12 AM, jenp123 said:

 

I am looking at doing the 18 day cruise to Hawaii that leaves diego Jan 31.

 

I am curious what day the weather turns "warm".  I understand that it is weather/system dependent but I am curious how many sea days in do you get more "Hawaii weather" as opposed to "San Diego weather".  Just wondering if a few sea days will be potentially good for suntanning.

 

 

The three times we've done it was in the fall. Being from San Diego, I remember the first sea day being warm enough for swimsuits. I love that moist tropical breeze. 

I'm hoping you are talking about January 2024. This year the weather has been unusual, and I think it's going to be a bit before it changes. You should probably check a better source if you're thinking about this year.

48 minutes ago, MikeD4134 said:

I was on Eurodam June 22, 2022 to July 6, 2022.  Ate at the Pinnacle 4 times, meals were always very good.  No surcharges for anything except the Lobster, Cavier, 16 oz. Delmonico Steak and Tomahawk Rib Eye.

You have a surprise waiting for you on your next cruise. Our Rotterdam cruise was night and day compared to our Nieuw Amsterdam cruise in November 2021.

On 1/4/2023 at 1:00 PM, DaveOKC said:

I have never done a back to back (same ship).  I just filled out the check-in online form for the first one and was wondering if I needed to do one for the second 7 day cruise?  If so, how do you do the Health questionarie at the end (3 days prior to boarding)?

 

I am very surprised you've never done a back to back!!!!

If it's one confirmation number they will treat it as one cruise, and you will also have only one onboard  account. They should send instructions to your cabin before the end of the first leg, and anything else you may need as an "in transit" passenger. I can't remember, but I think you have to do muster on both legs. 

Have fun! Back to backs are great!

I tried to read all posts, I got to #25, so if this is a repeat, sorry. 

I always put a letter size paper with every last bit of my information and travel plans in LARGE print inside of my luggage right on top as well as our luggage tags, and our cruise ship tags, marked 1 of 4, 2 of 4, etc. . We have neoprene handle covers that are neon orange. Bright orange ribbons too. Carry-on too. 

And we take photos. Luggage, close up of the tags, the open luggage with the info inside, everything.

Our luggage is pale champagne, but we are replacing it because of age. Our new bags are plum.

All these years, and we've come home with only a handful of minor problems. Hopefully I don't jinx myself!

1 hour ago, echoshipmate said:

I see that, but on Rotterdam from Oct.30 to Nov.30, no 10 oz on the menu.

I was also on that cruise. I have eaten at the Pinnacle Grill since 2003, and it's always been great. This trip... Insanely hands down horrible. I mean Denny's would have been an upgrade horrible. That was the day they started the $7.00 up charge if you wanted to add a course that should have been included. The food was horrible. The waiter, rude and horrible. The Maitre D that comes to the table to ask how things are going? Nope. No where to be seen. An example of then and now? If you ordered the sauted mushrooms before... Button mushrooms. Now? Canned stems and pieces, about one tablespoon full, with gravy. The Baked Alaska didnt have any ice cream in it. The meringue was grainy with sugar. We had high hopes that we could send it back, but there was no one to ask. Mister was the waiters name, and he wad not busy with other tables. We usually tip $40.00 over. He was so bad we left him nothing. 

Hopefully the Volendam finds a way to cut back and still make the Pinnacle Grill an enjoyable occasion.

Hi granddutchess,

When are you going? I'm thinking about them again, but many years ago had problems. They cancelled our reservations last minute, and didn't tell us. Twice. Now that there's internet on the ships, I'm hoping this won't be a problem. 

Please post your experience when you return. 

Thanks!

AC

On 12/6/2022 at 8:17 AM, PORT ROYAL said:

They did have access to full shade, either under large statics or natural.  But the beach is considered very small so those spots are considered desirable, therefore in great demand.
To make a request prior to any booking being open, then send a message via their Face(hardback reading material) Page. Anyway it’s good to talk and gives an opportunity to asked anything, such as dietary requirements , special orders etc.. 

The menus are in ECD, to roughly convert into USD, divide by 2, then deduct 25%.

Others have posted the cab fare is still $35 

 

 

 

Thanks Port Royal! There's three ships, roughly 6500 cruise ship passengers, in port that day, so I will contact them ahead. AC

At first we tried Baby point. Couldn't fight the current. We walked up the beach from the point, and spotted coral gardens from the shore. I haven't looked in awhile, but I could see them on Google aerial later on. You will be alone after the point, unless you're spotted having fun. Then others will come join you.

Have a fun trip!

I wouldn't recommend Paradise. I will cut to the chase. We got there, gave them our email reservation/confirmation. Filled out a few quick forms, and given a golf cart that had safety issues. The second one had serious mechanical problems. After a brief fight with them, the office agreed to a refund, and the worker wrote the refund out. We had so much fun planned. There are people within the gates that will rent you a golf cart for the same price. Next time we are going with them.

On 10/11/2022 at 9:08 AM, missholly24 said:

Hello!!

Does anyone have first hand knowledge of disembarking without the vaccine???

The actual Turks and Caicos government website says "Anyone over 18 must be fully vaccinated to visit"

Holland told me directly you do not need it "according to their records" and also a travel agent emailed 

me "The vaccine requirement was dropped". So confusing. Thank you!

I was there in November. I have all my vaccines and boosters. No one asked to see my vaccination card. And all those vaccines did not save me from getting covid on the Rotterdam. If you are not vaccinated, can you get on the ship? I'm not up to speed with the precautions. Just how many sick people were on the ship is all I know.

Safe travels, AC

On 7/24/2022 at 10:35 AM, PORT ROYAL said:

Take the advice of reedprincess.  
For one’s part don’t book a day pass from a website.  
They will take your money weeks in advance, then when arriving one will be hit with no room, with the booking site quoting T&C “subject to availability”.

Calabash does occasionally offer a day ‘entrance’ fee/sun-bed (they select the position).  CC are also very discerning (because of their clientele) and have a strict dress (plus conduct) code.  It is advisable (unwritten protocol) when discussing one’s booking, that one voluntary makes a firm reservation for lunch, without any discreet encouragement.

It is not a “rent a bed” for the day establishment.

 

Hi Port Royal, I went to the Naked Fishermen's website, and it looks good, but, can you tell me if they have lounge chairs in the shade? We are all fair skinned, and we do use huge amounts of sunscreen, but, we would still get pretty burned in full sun. Our cruise is in April, so their calendar is not that far out yet. Thanks, AC