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Everything posted by AncientWanderer
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I didn’t read through this thread, but @Florida_gal_50, you mentioned it in the other thread about HIA in Neptunes, so I’ll share my one bit of anecdotal info. On our last cruise, we met a couple who were sailing at no charge (or just port fees, whatever,) and not for the first time. The wife told me that she spends a lot onboard. She specifically mentioned art at the art auctions and fine jewelry.
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Another comment... I don't view the Neptune Lounge honor bar as in any way the same as the mini bars in other staterooms. The Neptune Lounge is a place where one can chat and socialize with other guests -- as one would do in a cocktail lounge. That it can function without a bar tender doesn't mean it's not a cocktail lounge. "Neptune Lounge."
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Post-pandemic and when HIA was pretty new, there was confusion. Suite guests with HIA balked at paying for drinks in the Neptune Lounge, the charges were removed, and then it became policy that those with HIA did not have to pay for Honor Bar drinks. Apparently there has been a reversal on that. Or maybe not. I guess we better wait to hear what's actually happening on the ships.
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The suites are an expensive luxury. Part of that luxury is the ability to walk down the hall and quickly grab a glass of wine or a cocktail to enjoy while preparing for the evening. It's quite a dear glass of wine if one pays for it with the price of a suite, plus the HIA, plus the honor bar list price. I hope "consistency" works out for them.
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Looking for accurate info on ports and ship size
AncientWanderer replied to cruisemom42's topic in Holland America Line
You'd probably do better posting it on one of the "small ship" threads. They'll tell you about the places they visit. Most here haven't been there. -
Looking for accurate info on ports and ship size
AncientWanderer replied to cruisemom42's topic in Holland America Line
We were surprised to be sent down the street in Ketchikan, while a humongous RCCL ship had the choice berth in the center of town. Even though we sailed in ahead of them. I'd always heard that HAL has first dibs in Alaska. No big deal, as it is only a short walk anyhow, but still, it was a wake-up call. -
Looking for accurate info on ports and ship size
AncientWanderer replied to cruisemom42's topic in Holland America Line
Oh, I'm sorry. I misunderstood your post. I tried to answer this part quoted here. I do believe HAL's ships still have some advantages over the megas. As far as ports where big ships can't come in, it's probably like Kazu said, innumerable. And in places like Japan, some parts of Europe, I've noticed that the small ships have totally different itineraries than larger ships. Whether the "small port" places they visit are better or worse than the places reached via industrial ports on larger ships, that probably has to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Complicated! -
Looking for accurate info on ports and ship size
AncientWanderer replied to cruisemom42's topic in Holland America Line
That's really interesting about Singapore. And all the other potential pitfalls you bring up make a lot of sense. We've spent time looking at various cruise line itineraries and then going to port schedules to see where the ships are slotted in. That a good berth could be switched up to a bad one is pretty discouraging. -
We've also assumed that staffing was the issue, since with HIA, one would expect full restaurants. Whether this is purposeful, to spread the HIAs over the course of the cruise, or whether good help is hard to find...who knows?
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Some years back, we had dinner in Sabatini on a Princess ship, and it was as good as any Italian food I've had outside of Italy. (I doubt it's the same now either, though.) They could make Canaletto really good if they wanted. Lots of people think the Lido location is lame, but we actually like it for the sea views. I get your point, though. It's nice to have Canaletto be just an affordable day away from the MDR. Doesn't have to be awesome, just a step up. Not sure where it fits on the spectrum now. Guess we'll find out next time we sail.
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Looking for accurate info on ports and ship size
AncientWanderer replied to cruisemom42's topic in Holland America Line
I did see that HAL announced they will be doing more overnights. This is very good news and definitely something to keep an eye on. Four overnights is awesome. -
Looking for accurate info on ports and ship size
AncientWanderer replied to cruisemom42's topic in Holland America Line
Just thought of another advantage to these more luxurious lines you are looking at. Often they stay in port for the evening, allowing one to enjoy the magic of nighttime, have a special dinner, should you choose to do so. Something to consider... -
Looking for accurate info on ports and ship size
AncientWanderer replied to cruisemom42's topic in Holland America Line
Focusing on what I think you asked, there are a couple of other considerations with ship size, and why we are absolutely maxed out with HAL's new-builds. One is the logistical nightmare of processing so many people on and off the ship. It's not too bad with HAL's kinda, sorta smaller ships. Any bigger, it's just lines and more lines. Two, all those extra people are milling about the port area, creating more lines at coffee shops, etc. That diminishes the port stop experience. A smaller ship would always be better. But price always has to be factored in, too. If port and ship size, and price can't meet comfortably, I'd just as soon stay home. -
Thanks for reporting about your meal. Good news! While I do expect price increases from time to time, it was jarring this time because the increase coincided with removal of some of the expensive menu items -- lamb chops, steak. So a double hit. Perhaps the daily specials will tend to be luxurious, as your scallops were. Glad you enjoyed your meal!
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The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday June 9th, 2023
AncientWanderer replied to richwmn's topic in Holland America Line
Had to share this story, as so many stories are sad -- the children who survived a plane crash and the jungle. I have a feeling the eldest child must be quite extraordinary -- keeping them all going. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12179793/Four-children-missing-six-weeks-plane-crashed-Amazon-jungle-ALIVE.html- 75 replies
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@cruisemom42, if I may chime in, DD and DSIL are decidedly "foodies." (She worked for a large food magazine, so restaurants usually tried hard.) With limited vacation time, they want to be spoiled and have been happy with Oceania. When probed, I hear that the food is all delicious, but mostly they rhapsodize about the bakery items -- breads, croissants, pastries, etc. They are not people who eat a lot of carbs, but they do on their Oceania cruises.
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The Fleet Report and Daily for Thursday June 8th, 2023
AncientWanderer replied to richwmn's topic in Holland America Line
Sad to read this today, Terry. You did seem very worried about DH's surgery. Wife's intuition? Probably. One foot in front of the other. Lots of prayers are with you and your family.- 94 replies
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Oh my. That really is a new menu. It's surprising to see Italian sausages over pasta on a specialty restaurant menu. That's an everyday dish in home kitchens. The Canaletto lasagne was better than that served elsewhere on the ship. Maybe too many people ordering it to go along with other main courses? And no steak? Huh? A lot of good dishes are gone. I had Canaletto booked for my birthday. Gonna have to switch it up. DH's is on the same cruise. He has PG. Guess I'll move over to Tamarind.
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Topoblompo - Copper Creek train
AncientWanderer replied to 57redbird's topic in Holland America Line
Thank you for taking the time to tell us the details of your trip! Still hope to do this someday. (I've had good luck finding older CC posts with our friend Google.) -
Topoblompo - Copper Creek train
AncientWanderer replied to 57redbird's topic in Holland America Line
I've always wanted to do this, too, and remembered this review from back a few years. Here at post #11 @RMLincoln gave a really thorough description of their day. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2716391-copper-canyon-railroad-excursion/ -
From time to time they offer river rafting through the eagle preserve in Skagway. (Gentle, easy rafting where you don't really get wet.) We often talk about what a fun day that was. Very scenic, with informative, enthusiastic guides.
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Is Club Orange worth paying for on the Eurodam?
AncientWanderer replied to dalesyang's topic in Holland America Line
I would guess that calling guest services from one's room would go more smoothly as well. They answer the special guest services number really quickly with CO. Sometimes the "hold" times are pretty long without it. At least that's been our experience.