Blackduck59

This is interesting, it looks like you were on the cruise after ours. We saw our stewards every day, usually in the gangway or tending to other cabins. We were surprised to find towel animals and chocolates on 2 nights (we weren't expecting any), bonus. We never asked for ice and I didn't know until several days into the cruise that we were getting fresh ice morning and night. I'm sorry you didn't get the service you required, it may have been better to seek out your cabin attendant and discuss your needs. As an experienced cruiser you may have had better service by talking to them.

The "Snake pit" is a whole different place. I really wasn't looking for a "nicer" term. Smoking as a very detrimental effect on my wife's enjoyment of the cruise we spent a substantial amount of money on. I understand that there needs to be a "smoking pit", I don't think there should be smoking indoors anywhere. With the location of the casino it is impossible to contain the smoke to that area. On Zaandam the smoke drifted into many adjacent spaces.

He had a one word post on the different thread a couple days after my birthday in late August, it was simple..."Enjoy". It made me smile.

I believe it's a common term, there was a smoking pit at my high school in the 1970s, also at the cadet training camps I attended and any number of other places where smoking was confined to. Sorry if my name for the place where smoking is confined to was confusing for you, I think it is quite descriptive.

It would have been Victoria Lyndon, of course we didn't know you then. Now you know who to contact if you are in Victoria of the North. 😉

Still no word from @margar as to just how long these 9 cruises were on "courtesy hold" before the one she apparently was going to book got cancelled. I mentioned this in the $1.00 deposit thread, I would hope and I do believe that the vast majority of cruisers book cruises they intend to take. But then there are those few that book a whole bunch of cruises and tie up those cabins with a $1.00 deposit, and they have no intension of going on all or even any of them. They may view themselves as "clever", others think of them as selfish and rude; and some will think I am rude for pointing this out.

When you live in a city that is often viewed as a port of convenience to keep within a protectionist US law, you find a 2 hour port call from 8 PM to 10 PM an insult. Why should we spend millions of dollars to arrange shore power or upgrade our port facilities for such a visit where many passengers don't even leave the ship. If you're going to make a port visit make it a visit, if not find some other place to keep within US law. Like others have commented I think some of these ports are finding out the cruise ship isn't the boon to business they thought it was. Those ships that do come and stay for a full day, where passengers are able to actually see and explore the port will be more than welcome. If it's a five minute stop to not run afoul of another country's protectionist law, then cruise on by.

This underwater repair is interesting. I know that the stern thrusters were working when we were on Zaandam. You could see the wash from them when we were coming alongside. There were tugs standing by but they never actually touched the ship while I was watching them.

I'm afraid that apparently there were as many as 9 cruises on "courtesy hold" with no deposit on anything. And the OP has failed to mention how long these 9 cruises were on hold with no commitment of any kind, other than some expectation of being able to pick and choose at leisure which one if any they would book. With a $1.00 deposit.

At no point was it mentioned as to how long the cruise had been on "courtesy hold". How long is the cruise line expected to hold the cabin and perks without a firm booking? I see @canadianbear posted pretty much the same comment at the same time.

It looks like you are mostly skirting away from this storm, I hope you continue to dodge the worst of it. Hopefully your visit to Cape Breton (Sydney is on Cape Breton Island) will settle down and you can enjoy some of the hospitality that region is famous for. @Ferry_Watcher mentioned there was a new comedian joining the ship, if it's Mike Robinson you're in luck, we very much enjoyed both of the shows he did on our cruise.

Perhaps @Heidi13 could shed some light on the fog horn. From my little knowledge it is more about smaller boats (most of which don't have radar) being aware that there is a vessel in the area.

With the sad news of Mr. Gut's passing I thought a comment on this thread would be appropriate. It was always a pleasure to read him wax on about his favourite food. He was always game for a good dog's eye. I happened to have a small meat pie and a sausage roll for lunch today. RIP Mr. Gut, condolences to your family and we are sure Maxi is wondering where his best friend went.

This is indeed sad news, he was always posting with humour and good cheer, even when it was clear his health was failing. RIP Mr. Gut, fair winds and a trailing sea. Deepest condolences to his Family. Lyle & Lynn Duck

I was under the impression that "courtesy holds" are a very short time frame. Most people wouldn't expect to "hold" as many as 9 cruises for very long. As the old saying goes s**t or get off the pot.

To tell you truth I really don't know. I didn't notice anything like that when I looked at the final bill.

It is so, I'm glad they make the effort. Nothing like rust streaks on the hull to make a fine ship look shabby.

They had work parties painting in various places while we were on her a couple weeks ago, including the hull.

The smoking pit is starboard aft on all HAL ships.

While everyone is adding their thoughts on walktail, I'm pretty sure @CruiserBruce first saw that the same time I did on another thread when @POA1 used it in one of his always witty posts. It was to describe the cocktail you got at the bar and carried with you to the dining room. This was to insure you got that pre-dinner cocktail before the appy is served. Nowhere was it suggested it had to be "free".

Cheers, I like your attitude, hopefully the package you have represents good value for you, and your final bill isn't too surprising. We look at an itinerary and check out "the deal" if it looks good we pay the tariff. We are fairly aware of what's "included in the fare" we paid. We are also careful of what we buy on board. I think even the classic drink package should work okay for you, unless you insist on top shelf liquors and premium wines. Many cocktails are under the price cap for classic, I can highly recommend the "Pusser's Painkiller" rum punch (hold the nutmeg for me)

@Judy795 I'm not sure "high expectations" is a good mindset when preparing for a cruise. Set a reasonable group of things the cruise should accomplish for you, hopefully those boxes get checked. Food is so subjective, what I may think was a poor choice may be a wonderful meal for someone else. Good luck for a fantastic voyage, don't set the bar so high that it can't be reached.

@Hobar, I think part of the confusion is that "Have it All" is a specific list of goods and services at a bundled price; for some it is good value for others maybe not. There is an enhanced group of goods and services if you book your cruise early, this list includes the premium beverage package, the better wi-fi and "crew appreciation". There are also certain perks for booking a "future cruise" while you are on a cruise. This is usually reduced deposits and extra on board credit. We pre-paid gratuities on our last cruise, this will show up as a "credit" on your on board account. Each day "crew appreciation" will be charged to your on board account and the "credit will be reduced by that amount. If you buy anything onboard it will also use that credit until it is depleted. So they charge "crew appreciation" daily, any extra charges will be on your final bill after any credit you had is depleted.

I ran a whole thread of Observations on Zaandam, it shouldn't be too far back on the HAL board. Feel free to have a look. We booked a 14 day New Zealand to Australia in March of 2025.

Yes, I'm not sure what is up with tendering in Cornerbrook. Zaandam had been there once before we were there and she tendered that time. Perhaps we were just lucky to be alongside.