MisterMatthew

Hi, everyone. And, a thank you to all. I guess i never thought bout the idea that some passport sites could be phony bologna. So far, it looks like the P.0. is a place to do business. I do still have my birth cert from my last cruise -- with the raised seal. OK. Get "extra pages". ?? Huh? -matthew

Hello. I hope everyone is well & their August is off to a fine start! I have done only one cruise in my life & it was in APRIL. It was to Mexico (aboard Zuiderdam). Depart: S.D., Calif Return: S.D., Calif ... and, thusly, this was what is called a CLOSED-LOOP cruise. So, a passport is not required. Okay, eventually, I see myself cruising more and such. How did you folks obtain your passport? I have seen companies that will expedite "things" for a fee. Otherwise, is it basically a situation where you need to physically go to a "regional" facility? ---- Matthew

My most recent experience was APRIL.. so, I cannot give a "recent" experience. Sorry for that. I sailed out of S.D., California. 2 weeks prior to sailing it said 3pm 1 week prior to sailing --- still said 3pm 48 hour prior to sailing -- still said 3pm I was new to H.A.L. (and, cruising altogether). I took a chance & got to the dock PRETTY EARLY. And, I was among the first 30 people to board. I even made mention to one of the check-in clerks "umm, I just want to be sure it is okay for me to board now?" .... and got a smile & a "go right ahead, Sir". ---- Matthew

I cannot speak for the Noordam. But, in April of this year, I sailed the Zuiderdam. I soon "realized" they were not available. Day 1.. "we just ran out". Day 2.. " I don't think we have any on this sailing". So, that was that. ----Matthew

The only logo that will appear on my attire.. would be "Callaway" on my polo golf shirt. --- Matthew

Those are the exact same channels I "got" while on Zuiderdam (in APRIL). ---matthew

I used this in APRIL for my cruise. Works great. Think of it as an "enabler" for boarding the ship. It's like red carpet. I was on Zuiderdam... and it took me approx. 5 minutes from the time I entered the building --- carry-on goes through the detectors --- check your travel documents --- to upstairs to check in --- and physically be aboard the ship. AWESOME. ---Matthew

I was on the Zuiderdam in April of this year. The food is a mix of "excellent" and "outstanding". I ate at the Lido, the MDR, and at Dive In (the burger place). What Gail / Marty said, above, is 100% true. The Lido will do anything they can to make you happy. ---Matthew