BetsyS.

Years ago on the Veendam they had a huge library with hardcover books, a librarian, and someone to help with computer/tablet problems. I wish HAL would bring back the libraries.

Bon Voyage!

I agree with you. I miss the yum yum man, ginger and mints after dinner, the chocolate extravaganza (which was huge), and the crew show (which was terrific and the crew loved doing it).

I used the "Let us know" tab in August on the Niew Statendam. They said they no longer had comment cards. I was thanked for some of my positive input by crew members and one supervisor. Bon Voyage!

Agree. There should be a website registry for ships.

Bon Voyage!

I agree. You have to watch your bill all the time. I've read that some posters call HAL AFTER they are off the ship if they have problems. I have found that Guest Services onboard have been very helpful. Some people have said the lines are too long, but I don't mind waiting. It's worth it to me because if you call HAL after leaving the ship, people have said they were on hold forever and they gave up.

Bon Voyage!

I agree. I always order the petit filet. Like you said, the larger one is too much for me and I hate to waste the food.

Thank you. Bon Voyage!

I would recommend checking your account on a daily basis. If there is a mistake, Guest Services can correct it. Even if the cruise is only 7 days, it's better to find out any errors before the end of the cruise.

I'm sorry to hear that. What ship were you on? I have never experienced that.

I agree. When I was on the Niew Statendam in August, there were crew on the pier when people returned to the ship. They had hot cider and hot mulled wine one time. At other stops they had coffee and hot chocolate. They always said welcome back. Every night when my stepfather and I entered the MDR, there were several crew members who all said welcome back. The crew is what makes us keep coming back to HAL. The itineraries and food are other reasons we come back, but the crew is the #1 reason.

That's a great picture of you! Thanks for posting it and also the other pictures. I'm glad your sisters and BILs are with you. Have a wonderful time.

Agree. I have been on 4 HAL ships and the crew goes above and beyond. I always hope that the crew will be as great as the crew on my previous cruises and I have never been disappointed.

I agree with you that Canaletto has great food. I asked for a half portion of the chicken parmesan and it was the perfect size for me. My stepfather wanted the veal meatballs for his entree, but it was an appetizer. The waitress brought him an entree size portion. The service was wonderful.

I never remove the tags. They remind me of happy cruises.

I agree with you. I did the same. Peace of mind is important. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Quote is from Benjamin Franklin.

My stepfather and I were on the Niew Statendam in August. When the laundry came back, there was a note signed by the person who did the laundry thanking us for using the laundry service. The next time we sent out laundry we put cash in an envelope with the person's name on it and thank you. We did that every time. We also gave our room steward cash at the end of the cruise and kept the tips on our onboard accounts. The crew work long hours and they do a great job.

Kazu- I am sorry for your loss. Your husband will be right there with you in spirit. Best wishes.

I have a peanut allergy. On the first night in MDR, the restaurant manager asked if I liked the waiters and table. I said yes. He suggested that my stepfather and I have the same table every night. I was given the dinner menu 24 hours ahead and I chose what I wanted. If we ate at a specialty restaurant, the wait staff knew about my allergy. I had given our waiters in MDR the dates we would eat at a specialty restaurant. I was glad not to have to worry. In the Lido at breakfast and lunch, there were notes if something had nuts in it.

Congratulations to Joska!!!!

I agree with you. The peaceful atmosphere is what makes the vacation relaxing. There are many places all over the ship where you can read a book, take a nap, or watch the ocean. There is something for everyone. For people who want nonstop activities even on sea days, there is a variety to choose from. I found that staying onboard on a port day means you feel like you almost have the ship to yourself. I did that on a rainy day.

I agree with you about the delicious hot pea soup served on deck, the bread pudding and the real books in library. The HAL crew really is top notch.

New crew can come aboard and not just on embarkation day. They can join the ship at various ports. They have to isolate before starting work.