Ready2go11

The tests are I mentioned seeing the night before disembarkation were people doing their own via a live video chat through a service like Rapid Test and Trace. I personally did not see, or hear of any HAL options (or that were free).

I will catch up and share experiences from last 2 days of the cruise, but wanted to share our last morning since it will be relevant for many. We were allowed to choose our disembarkation time, and pick up luggage tags at guest services based on chosen time. The Lido was open for breakfast but the dining room was also (starting at 6:30 am). There were few people there, since I don’t think many knew it was open. We only were aware because the dining room Maitre d’ told us as we left dinner the night before. It was a nice finish to the cruise to have a more leisurely breakfast. Others with early flights and testing requirement time constraints would not have had the time. After breakfast we returned to our room, gathered our things and made some calls home. We were a little later than expected getting cleared, so disembarkation ran about 15 minutes behind. Since we were staying in Montreal a few more days, we elected a later off time (lime 3). Ian, the CD, made numerous announcements about people staying off the stairs and not congregating near the exit but that did not stop many. Most people hung around the Ocean Bar on 5 and it was crowded. We stayed near the Mix bar where there were fewer people. When our color was called, we waited a few minutes, then walked down to 2, where we scanned out for the final time. No line, we walked right off. Next, we went to the luggage area where we easily found our bags and then we were outside. I guess since we cleared customs in Halifax, and had already submitted our ArriveCan code, there was nothing else to do. There was a long line to exit the terminal, but a terminal employee said that was for taxis, which were surprisingly scarce, and we walked out a side door, ordered an Uber and were whisked off to our hotel. There were fewer passengers, but with Arrive Can and Verifly, this was the easiest on and off I have ever experienced. A welcome Covid change! We did see some people near guest services on the last night doing their covid tests via video proctoring. I did not stop to ask how it went or if the connection was good. We will be doing the video proctored test on Monday eve ing before we fly our of Montreal on Tuesday afternoon.

We did not have wine stewards. We ordered dinner beverages from our main waiter. They were usually then delivered by another server. Since The Pinnacle Grill was closed the last 3 nights of the sailing, those waiters were assigned to the main dining room and we saw them delivering alcoholic beverages. Our bed sheets were not automatically changed during the 9 day cruise; however a request for a change worked.

Yes. An earlier post showed some of the walls of books in and around the Explorations Cafe. There were several walls of shelves. on travel, fiction and non fiction.

We had daily mass with a Catholic Friar from Boston. He said he was getting off but would be replaced by someone else.

Our day in Halifax started surprise, foggy! See photo from the balcony showing, well, nothing. 😀 Never having been to Halifax, we decided to tough it out, and we bundled up and off the ship. So nice to just walk off after the tender the day before. We went in search of the bakeries we had researched. That entailed a walk through a pedestrian tunnel under the railroad tracks, and a healthy walk up some hills. The first the Gingerbread Haus did not disappoint. They had a very good variety and traditional and some other bakery treats (butter cookies, Mozart cake- chocolate cake with a mouse like filling that is then dipped in chocolate) and very good gingerbread cookies. As we walked to the next bakery on the list, it required a walk further in to the city center, and up more hills. It had cleared up a fraction, but the skies started getting dark and we were very fortunate to find shelter under the Rogers Center overhand before the skies opened up. After a 20 minute wait for the storm to pass and a check of the weather (no more rain in sight) we headed off. The hills in Halifax were reminiscent of San Francisco as you must head up away from the water, although not as dramatic of course. The reward at the top was the great views, especially from around the Citadel area. The other bakeries were not as enticing (not much selection), and after some window shopping, we ended up at a cider house- the Bulwark. They had a sampler to try different flavors. We are not beer drinkers but enjoyed the peach and spicy winter blends the best. Now hungry for lunch, we headed back down towards the water and had phenomenal steamed mussels at McElvies, where I all but tipped the bowl to drink the lemony, garlicky broth. I highly recommend stopping there. We also had chowder that was good. We walked back to the ship by the much more scenic boardwalk. It was cool and windy but the air smelled like the sea and it was refreshing. Dinner that evening was at the Pinnacle at 8:30, the only reservation we could get. We asked for and were seated in the section with our waiter from the night before. We each had the wedge salad and clothesline bacon. I know people on CC are either lovers or haters. I am firmly in the love camp. It was thick and sweet and tangy. Entrees were the rib eye for me and petit filet for my sister. The steaks were cooked perfectly. Dessert was less of a wow. The chocolate soufflé was a little bland and cakey, while the Not So Baked Alaska was not what I remembered. I guess they could not source any cherries garcia ice cream so there was vanilla ice cream with a few cherries imbedded into it on top. Just not what I was expecting although the meringue on top was plentiful and oh so good. We had been leaving comments on the app all week, both of challenges and what we loved and after this we posted that if they do not have an ingredient, it is far better to let the guest know, then serve something not as described on a menu and let it be a surprise. Managing expectations would be far better than feeling shorted. Unfortunately, on this ship, the rumors were true and there was no amuse bouche at the beginning and no truffles at the end of the meal. 🥲 Despite the changes, we still enjoyed our meal. Finally, tonight was the orange party at the Ocean Bar. and some guests wore orange. We only got there at the tail end of it as our dinner was so late and took so long, but it seemed other guests were having fun and the HAL cruise staff were doing their best to make sure everyone had a good time.

I fell far behind on my daily updates after 4 straight port days and after typing put a long one on Bar Harbor yesterday, it disappeared into the ether after I lost connection briefly. Here are some noted from Bar Harbor (day 5 for us). The day started very foggy again and we again awoke to the foghorns. Despite the weather, after a leisurely breakfast in the dining room, and some waiting to let those who were eager to get off go ahead, we went to get our tender tickets about an hour after we were cleared. Our tickets were for the very next tender and we only had to wait about 7 minutes. The tenders were very crowded and a little uncomfortable for me given COVID situation. As I said before, very few people are wearing masks. We finally arrived on shore, and as we walked up the hill from the port area, it was less foggy. Eventually it would become a beautiful sunny day, but was chilly at around 50 with some wind. Bar Harbor was quaint, with numerous shops selling all kinds of things along its streets. There is a very nice sea side park and it has more inns per capita than anywhere I have been before! We walked around to the Village Green, mailed a post card at the Post Office and eventually ended up at the Thirsty Whale for lunch. The chowder and lobster roll were very good. It was crowded with a wait at 12:30 but worth it for this place we had scoped out before arriving. The tender back was again cramped and stuffy, and we had to wait a little extra while they offloaded the tender before us. The tenders on the Zaandam have seats that run long ways (parallel) rather than the short sideways benches with a break in the middle that I am used to. Dinner that night was at the Rudis pop up in the Pinnacle Grill. Our Dutch waiter was new to cruise ships but he made up for his lack of experience experience with a whole lot of charm. My sister and I shared the bouillabaisse, foie gras and escargot as appetizers, then each had a fantastic lobster tail that was cooked perfectly, with sides of masked potatoes and ratatouille. Dessert for me was the apple tarte tatin and my sister had “the best soufflé of my life.” It was vanilla with a berry compote in the bottom. See some photos below. i am also including a few pics of the future cruise desk (just across from the Explorations Cafe), the cows still keeping watch over the sea view pool, the assortment of games available in the Explorations Lounge and of the Wajang Theater on board where they show movies and have religious services.

I hesitate to provide an opinion since I bet you are much more discerning in this area than me! He does seem interactive though also you asked on the roll call board about screens on machines in the gym. I looked while up there today and the treadmills, ellipticals and cycles all had there own screen (which people were using).

I have only seen the same one instructor I met during the Day 1 spa tour, but there could be another. I just returned from the gym and I did not see any biographies posted in or around the gym. If I have time I will ask if I see someone available.

There is not a music walk like on the larger ships (no Billboard or BB King Lounge). The Explorations lounge has the classical duo (since they got on in Boston). The Mix lounge has a piano player who has played every night, and the Ocean Bar has had a live band (mostly rock variations) some nights. These are all on the deck 5 so sort of like a music walk, but more spread out.

We are greatly enjoying cruising again after 2+ years! There have been 3 shows so far with the ship dancers, with different themes and music. One night was a comedian that was pretty funny, one night was HAL the first150 years, one night was the BBC 7 worlds special accompanied by classical music and last night was the Orange Party so there was no show. Breakfast in the dining room parallels breakfast there pre-Covid. Service is a little slow (it always has been but you are there to avoid the rush of the Lido) but it has not been too crowded. The menu as always is extensive. Masks have been recommended but not required on disembarkation at ports, on tenders and on tours that I have seen. I have not seen a coffee card offered. However, you can purchase an insulated mug at the Explorations Cafe for $15 and then you receive 25% off future purchases. I have the beverage package so not sure how it would work with 3+ star mariners who already receive a discount at that venue.

Since you are traveling in a different season, your weather may not be the same. However, we are in a vista suite very close to the rear on deck 7 and we had 3 straight nights of fog. During that time, the stabilizers were used and there was a noticeable shaking, especially at night (probably because we were trying to sleep and not distracted by other things). The fog horn also sounds every 2-3 minutes. It is a little muted but noticeable, especially if you do not sleep with earplugs. Again, you may have different weather but that has been our experience. We felt shaking and heard the foghorn but it is part of sailing and would not prevent us from sailing on the Zaandam again.

Here is the happy hour description.

Masks are still optional for guests (crew are required to wear them). We are wearing in all public areas except when eating or drinking, and I estimate 15% of other passengers are also regularly wearing a mask.

Just returned from breakfast in the dining room on this Monday in Bar Harbor. As noted yesterday, service in dining room is slower but attentive… ever improving. Not very crowded as some people who may only be using the navigator app would not think it is open. On Saturday evening until after we docked in Boston, it was extremely foggy, and the fog horn blew all night. Boston was then sunny and mild. Overnight, the fog horn started again and as of 8:45 it is still very foggy. I don’t think there will be a lot of rushing for tender tickets to Bar Harbor at least not yet. It is also very chilly at around 48 degrees. Only supposed to hit mid50s today. We need some sun to burn off the fog. A few other notes… We have the HIA drink package and were each charged $5.13 for a bottle of water from the Ocean bar. After two trips to customer service they removed it yesterday, only to have it reappear this morning. Apparently, with the beverage package you are entitled to cans of water, not the aluminum bottles. However, i just ordered a water and that is what they gave us. Not sure why it is such an issue to get corrected. On Sunday morning at around 5:15am we were awoken by the chirp of our smoke alarm; signaling the battery was going dead. We called customer service and the attendant first told us (I kid you not). “That is what it is supposed to do.” We said no it is not supposed to chirp every 10 seconds. On a good note, someone came to our room in less than 10 minutes with a new battery and all was quiet again. Things happen, but kudos to HAL on customer service to send someone quickly to resolve the problem. We purchased unlimited laundry service since this is a 9 day cruise and we will be staying an extra 3 days in Montreal. For 9 days it was $63. I was pleased as that is cheaper than the $99 I paid for my last 7 day cruise in Dec 2019. You could also choose a $20 by the bag option. We have premium internet as part of our package but could spend $60 extra to have 3 devices connected at once instead of just one allowed at a time. Last night we ate in the dining room. The food was good but not what was advertised (stated as brisket, but it was really pot roast). Before dinner we ordered a cosmo and Hemingway daiquiri at the ocean bar. Both were very good- perhaps because we ordered them at a place where they were on the menu. I ordered a second daiquiri in the dining room and it was not as well made, but still good. After dinner, we watched the end of game night- they have 2 teams and play a few rounds of a couple different games. It was very entertaining and fun. There was a good size number of people watching. Next we went to the 9:30 In Tandem show by the dancers. The singer was very good and the dancers very talented. Here is the When and Where for today and our Montreal disembarkation instructions received this morning.

I am on the Zaandam currently and had a promo very similar to the current HIA that was booked over a year ago- signature beverage package, premium wifi, crew appreciation and dining package. Unlike on past cruises, the promo items have not been added to my shipboard account and then credited back to net to $0. I am wondering if these promo items will not count towards star day credits like they have in the past since they do not show up at all on the shipboard account as spend items. The only think that appears on my account each day is “Have It All Package” with a $0.00 charge. Although I am not looking for credits I do not deserve, the promo package added costs to my cruise (…don’t they advertise that you get these benefits half off with the HIA package add on?). Can anyone off a recent cruise with a HIA package share what spend credits they have received? Thank you

Also of note, I am able to get my work email using the ship wifi. I was able to prior to 2018 but then it stopped since it was secured by VPN. For some reason on this ship it is working. Not sure if they are allowing it again, or it works because my package on this cruise included the premium internet, not just the surf package. it was a welcome change back. if there is anything else I can find out for anyone, please ask. The service is generally improving as the days go by and we are having a good time and enjoying the ship.

Today we are in Boston. It was about a mile and half walk to beginning of the historic district so we took an UBER from the Raymond Flynn marine port to the north end, stopping at Regina’s Pizza and both Mikes and Modern Bakery for some delicious Italian pastry. Weather was a bit cloudy but in the 70s and a great day to be out and about. After that, we walked back to the ship to work off some of those calories. There was a 3,4 and 5 star Mariner reception on the first sea day for 30 minutes with some bubbly. We were told that there would be no other Mariner breakfast, brunch or other events (except maybe for higher stars- I am close to 4 but not quite there yet). I am attaching below the Where and Whens so far (4 days) We did go to tea again this afternoon after getting back on the ship. They offer the same items each day and the cream and scones are excellent. I was glad they offered tea even though it was a sea day. I also noticed in the Where and When for today that it had hours for breakfast in the dining room, even though it did not show on the Navigator app. We wanted a faster option so did not go but nice to see-perhaps there was feedback HAL listed to. Breakfast and lunch in the Lido have been busy when it is the only option, but honestly not as crowded as other ships I have been on pre-pandemic. At most I have seen maybe 2-3 people in line at a station and you can still get around without bumping into a lot of people. Of note, the Lido had a fresh crepe station available yesterday; a nice, different option.

to catch up on Day 1 and 2… We ate in the main dining room on the first night for dinner at 6pm. The food was well presented and, in my opinion, to Holland America standards. Service was slow and ordering a bar drink was an endeavor but it was the first night of service in 2+ years so really not bad at all. We both had pork chops with huckleberry jam. After dinner we went to the HAL 150 years show narrated by Cruise Director Ian. If you are a HAL loyalist it is a can’t miss. Ian was a great host and I learned a little about a lot of things Last night we also ate in the main dining room for dinner (7:30) on dressy night. They had the special menu on silver paper. Nice choices and our food was delicious. My sister and I ordered the mushroom risotto and the filet and shared. Both were very good. Bar service was improved as well as table service, and the meal took about 20 minutes less than the first night. The show last night was One Step Dance Humanity, and we elected instead to walk around for a bit and then read before sleep. So, i cannot comment on that but have heard several others say it was very good. We had a Pinnacle reservation set for Day 7 but noticed on the app that it was changed. When we inquired, they said the Pinnacle was closed that night and they rescheduled us to tonight. We also noticed that the Canaletto is only open on 3 nights. Could be that the Pinnacle is reserved for some reason. The staff has been almost universally friendly and welcoming. It seems many of them are not rusty from being off, but are new to cruise ships altogether. The friendly attitude helps as they want to learn. As always, the more you put into getting to know the crew and appreciating the service they provide, the better service you receive. The bar staff in particular need more training. On Day 1 we ordered drinks that were missing one or more ingredients. If I did not have the drink package, I would have been more unhappy about it. We have provided feedback in the app as we have gone along, both good and bad while it is fresh in our minds. We have also ordered coffees each morning at the Explorations Cafe. Lots of choices and everything ordered was very good. Classical duo confirmed to be joining in Boston, at 2 sets per evening. At the coffee talk with Ian this morning, they noted the piano player was sea sick last night, and the classical duo was delayed due to “family and visa issues.” At the coffee talk, Erica, the media manager, joined and talked about how the Where and When is put together. She also mentioned that we are on the smallest ship of the fleet, but have the most passengers this week at just over 1,000. They noted the partnerships with Microsoft and America’s Test Kitchen ended, but starting with the Zuiderdam dry dock this December the Microsoft Studio would be turned into a full library and reading room on the larger ships. No matter the issues, we are grateful to be on board again. The Zaandam is an older ship and creaks a little more than I am used to but it is freshly painted and newly refurbished. The mild inconveniences on HAL are still a better experience than the other lines I have sailed with. We have been moving pretty fast, at night getting to 26-27 knots to make it to Boston on time tomorrow morning. Even during day, we have been averaging around 20-21 knots. Sharing photos below of the ocean bar where the band plays, the mix lounge that has 2 bars and several seating areas, and the explorations lounge where there are talks, music and games. Please forgive typos as I am typing on a small screen. g

There is a happy hour at 4 PM in the Ocean bar and the Crows Nest. There is also a late night happy hour at the Seaview pool at 9 PM. It is buy one, get one 25% off. I believe on my last sailing in Dec 2019, HH was buy one get one for a $1. I am fortunate to have the drink package and have sampled a number of drinks. While the Lido was crowded today, my lunch of noodles and peanut pork satay was very good. Afternoon tea was also very tasty and the service was good. One of the best I have experienced on HAL after many sailings on many ships. My sister and I have been wearing our masks in public areas since we got on board except to eat and drink. I’d guess only 15-20% of others are wearing masks. All the crew are as they are required to do so. The cruise director said we are picking up some musicians in Boston, so there is hope yet for a string quartet. There is no billboard or music walk on Zaandam but they have an area on Deck 5 for piano and other live music and a separate bar area named Mix. They had dancing music there last night. Another plus- there is a full library of travel, other non-fiction and fiction books available to borrow. Also, new games, and puzzles and plenty of room to work on them. See pics of that area. sharing other pics of the vista cabin, dining room (to see colors) and explorations lounge areas for information, as well as the tea tray. tonight is the first dressy night or whatever it is called now 😀

I am also disappointed with lack of a dining room lunch option. It made the Lido very crowded today at Lido since it was a sea day. We always enjoy Pinnacle for lunch as well and it is not open for lunch at all on this 9 day cruise. Here are some pics of the Crowe’s Nest. Very nice soothing new color scheme. Will post more as I get around the ship. I am in a Vista suite on deck 7. Bathroom still only has shower/tub combo, no separate shower. I was very surprised that the TVs were not upgraded during the recent dry dock. There is a 30ish in TV in our room between the bed and seating areas on a swivel stand. No on demand channels that I am used to on HAL. Only news channels and maybe 4 other channels showing the same movies all day. It still has a DVD player underneath it. This is the first time I have been on the smaller class ships like Zaandam. I like the smaller ship for navigation and the coziness. I am still getting used to the changes in where certain venues are located. For instance, Explorations Cafe is on Deck 5, not paired with the Crows Nest. Dining Room is on Deck 4 and 5. Heading to afternoon tea shortly. Very glad they still offer that, and Navigator app says it will happen on port days as well.

Easiest ever embarkation in Ft. Lauderdale yesterday. Dropped off at port. No lines, and porter took our bags quickly. We had completed and received a “ready to fly” on the Verifly app the day before embarkation. There was a special line for those with Verifly and no line. We then went through metal detectors. Next we were given a paper to fill out to supply our ArriveCan verification code and turned that in (since we had pre completed that too). Next was a machine that scanned the boarding pass and passport, then up the escalator to have the embarkation photo taken and on to our room. Keys cards were in an envelope outside our door. Cruise Director Ian said this morning at Coffee Talk that there are 1,010 passengers on board, compared to a stated capacity (if there are 2 people in each cabin) of 1,432. About 600 staff on board, compared to about 800 at full staff. It is very nice to not have crowds of people in the Lido, at the show etc. the largest gathering so far was the l8ne at guest services on Day 1. Lots of issues with Internet access. More to come.

I used Rapid Test and Trace this morning for my Zaandam cruise. Very easy. The test results email they send does not have a QR code, but was able to upload on the the Verifly app. It was manually reviewed and approved in minutes.

Received notice today that no testing available at disembarkation for my Montreal disembarkation on May 21. We are not flying out same day so no impact but very stressful for those that are. In planning my pre cruise test, I went to book on iHealth yesterday for a virtually monitored test, but website says out of stock. Given that and HAL news, I wonder if they know something we don't about testing requirement changes. Seems unlikely given rise in cases but fingers crossed.

I am very excited to be on this cruise too. First post-Covid after similar itinerary being cancelled twice, in both 2020 and 2021. and being the first group on ship post drydock- great new carpet smell!