Rmt1948

What a great view today. Great watching all those ships leaving Port Everglades this afternoon. Really looking forward to February 7th when it is our turn.

Maury

We had to cancel several before a previous trip and they were fully refunded to our credit card, No issues,

Maury

We sail in 53 days on an 11 day venture including a partial transit of the Panama Canal. For someone whose only excursions outside the US are to Nassau, Mexico and Windsor, Canada, this will be a real treat.

Maury

There are HAL Ships that have no smoking in the Casinos. Since you enjoyed Koningsdam so much with the Lincoln Center, Billboard, etc. and you're only negative seems to be the limited Smoking in the Casino why not book on a HAL Ship that has No Smoking in there such as the Signature and Vista Class Ships that have been remodeled with many of the features you enjoyed on the Kdam. No reason to stop sailing with HAL!

Agree with the above. Both my DW and I are prior smokers and gave it up many years ago. Unfortunately a number of seniors in our age range still smoke and hate the inconvenience of having to go outside. While I am tolerant of smokers, I avoid smoking areas if possible. It really bothers my DW.

We choose sailing on HAL because of itinerary and the fact that it is a little more laid back than other cruise lines. :)

Great deal. Enjoy your suite and your cruise. Please tell us how you enjoyed the suite.

Maury

Thank you for taking us on your cruise. Felt that we were right there with you. We are taking our first cruise on HAL in February and your trip has me ready anxious for the time to fly by.

Maury

If the cruise were sold out, they would not be able to offer you an upgrade. But please explain why you think they should voluntarily give you credit, or free email or anything for that matter -- do you really think an other line would do that in the same circumstances?

 

I have to ask you the question I put to an other poster --- if prices had spiked up instead of dropping, would you have agreed to pay the line more than the agreed amount for your cabin?

Thank you for your sane response to both posters. Why do people feel they are entitled to something because there was a price change after they made their final payment. Would a buyer of a Ford Mustang feel that Ford owed them something because they came out with a rebate program two weeks after they made their purchase?

When you purchased your cruise, you felt that there was value there. Be happy with that decision as it was based on facts as you saw them at the time. If you want to be sure you got the best deal, then wait until the last minute to purchase. Of course, the risk you run is that the cruise will sell out and you will be left high and dry.

Thank you for the reminder. Can’t wait until February 7th when we sail on the Zuiderdam.

I would phone ahead and plan smooth seas and perfect temperature

Sandra

Not to mention sunny weather with temperatures in the upper 70s to lower 80s, slight breeze and 50% humidity.

One of the main reasons that we fly SW is the lack of a change fee. Yes, there will be the ticket price difference but at least there is no change fee. Flying back and forth to Houston and having our treatment schedule change has made me appreciate them.

But then, SW might not be an option where OP is headed.

Please share.. ;)

Halfacts.com. Lots of great info there.

Maury

Does anyone know if the menus have changed for the 2017/18 cruise season? Know the menus that Cruise News posted shows 2016/17 season.

Maury

Jacqui,

We are sailing on the 11 day Panama Sunfarer cruise on February 7, 2018 on the Zuiderdam.

Thank you for doing this.

Maury

Glad you had a great time. The important thing is that you are on vacation and to enjoy it. We are doing the same cruise in February.

Maury

Helen,

Thank you so much for the review. I am glad that it appears that the changes are being well received for the most part. Non-smoking in the casino sounds like a winner. Know that won’t sit well with smokers, but a sense of fresh air in such a public place will be good.

DW and I look forward to sailing on her in February.

Maury

We are sailing into Puerto Limon now. There are always minor "it could be better" quibbles but I have no real issues to report. This is my first time on HAL and I'm slightly younger by a decade and a half than the most common demographic onboard. I love the low key atmosphere. I haven't seen any of the drunken roudiness that has become synonymous with cruising. Its freshing.

There is certainly nothing wrong with peaceful and calm. Can’t wait.

Maury

Look forward to seeing pictures when you can.

If Linda weren’t allergic to seafood, it would definitely be on the list.

Maury

Thanks Lorraine. Sorry to hear that you are under the weather. Hope you get better soon. :)

There will always be people that look for the slightest issues to complain about. Understand for some it might be more serious than for others, but we intend to just enjoy our time when we do go. Glad you enjoyed it. And thanks again for the update.

Maury

On the Zuiderdam last week the menu for Rudi's Del de Mer specifically said Maine Lobster. Two tails came on the plate. It was good but I'm used to eating lobster cold, not broiled....

Lorraine, how was the cruise? Linda and I are hoping to reschedule in February.

Maury

My wife and I were originally scheduled to sail on the Zuiderdam for its first trip post drydock and have seen very little information regarding the changes and how people felt about them. Most of the info I have seen comes from people currently sailing on her. Maybe everyone missed us not being on the trip that they were too sad to make comments 😉😉. Hopeful to see more comments as we are trying to plan going in February.

Jacqui,

It is with regret that we ask you to remove us from the November 5th Zuiderdam Panama Sunfarer cruise. :( Linda has had to start a new clinical trial which will preclude us going in November. Hoping that we will be able to reschedule the trip in either January or February.

Maury

That would be great, thanks! Any chance you are staying in a Neptune?

Yes we are staying in a Neptune. I will take upgraded pictures. We are so ready for this trip.

We are traveling on the Zuiderdam when she comes out of dry dock, so will report on what the change are like. Will also try to take pictures and post them.

Maury

We were 73% here in Houston. Dodged clouds and rain, but even a partial was quite a sight. Had a pair of eclipse glasses and had around thirty people borrow them to look. Most were too young to have been around for the one in 1979. 😊

I agree on the undivided attention. I have given my wife many nice things, think jewelry, over the years, but my attention is what she enjoys best.

Dinner at a nice restaurant would also make it special. But mostly, both of you enjoy the day. Happy 30 th.