HamOp

19 hours ago, ChinaShrek said:

My first thought is this. I can absolutely see what HAL is doing. They are using groups to subsidize their cruises and make a profit. Do we want cruise fares to increase significantly or should HAL book group events on their cruises in lieu of increasing fares?

Same approach as the U.S. Postal system.

"Junk Mail" is used to subsidize the price of "First Class" mail.

Without the revenue from the junk, you'd be paying $2.50 for a first class stamp.

If, and that's a big IF, HAL really wanted to address this problem, there is a simple way to stop all cell traffic in a given area.  A sign won't stop it, but a 

"Blocker" will.

A cell blocker is an electronic device that does just that.  It blocks all cell signals in a given area.  While this would not be allowed under FCC (Federal Communications Commission) rules in shoreside restaurants, a foreign flagged ship in international waters would not fall under FCC regulations.

Problem solved. 

I think this is the only leatherman allowed on HAL or the airlines.

3 hours ago, RuthC said:

Did you check the tax rules in Indonesia and the Philippines? That's where the bulk of the tipped crew comes from. They are not from the US, so US rules don't apply. 

Only cause the IRS hasn't thought of it yet 🤑

5 hours ago, Wakepatrol said:

I have a question. Why aren’t the tip removers doing it the second they arrive at the pier?

why are they waiting till the last day?

please somebody answer this

By waiting till the last day, the tip removers don't give a hint to the crew of who may have removed the tips.  Thus no decrease in service or dirty looks.

Kind of like the people (in the old days) who stiff the wait staff by not showing up in the main dinning room on the last night.  

can't recall where this was taken....

7 minutes ago, RedIguana said:

A little late to the party, but I will chime in. I am an ex smoker who was able to quit do to vapes. I ignore the FAQ's, and go by the contract. Many FAQ's relegate vapes to the smoking areas, whereas the contract will allow it in the cabins. I have never had an issue using vapes in a cabin when the contract allowed it. And in the contracts on various lines that do prohibit vaping in the cabins, they list cleaning fines for smoking, not vaping (nothing to clean from a vape, no lingering smells). I have no desire to ever try and see if a vape will set off the optical part of the in cabin smoke detector, vape clouds are actually cool, not hot, so no chance of setting off due to heat. I doubt cruise lines would ever go to fine particle detectors, as steam and perfume aerosols would constantly be setting those off. In reality, one could always vape in the cabin bathroom with the fan on and no one could ever tell.

        The contracts do not differentiate between various types of vapes, just calling them E-cigs. There really is a quite a difference in the many devices out there, with what I refer to as vapes capable of producing large clouds of vapor, vs smaller e-cigs or disposables that produce little to no exhaled vapor. With some of the low flow devices out there today, holdings ones breath for a few seconds after inhaling will produce no vapor cloud at all. It is very possible to use a low flow device in any cruise cabin and never have an issue. Personally I use the low flow disposables when I travel now, although I may use my larger device in the smoking section.

        There is a very interesting divide in the use of E-cigs as a smoking cessation device between the Americas (some south and central American countries actually ban e-cigs where smoking is allowed) and Europe. The Americas tend to have the opinion that it looks like smoking, therefore it must be bad, and will ignore any reputable studies that say otherwise in favor of trash publications that make it look bad, and vaping has never helped anyone quit smoking. Europe tends to acknowledge that there is a huge difference in the harm between smoking and vaping, and that is is a very effective smoking cessation tool. The disparity between the American health system outlook and England's health system outlook are polar opposites. Besides myself, I know of at least 4 other people who have used e-cigs to stop smoking, but I realize my personal experiences don't count as evidence:)

Besides myself, I know of at least 4 other people who have used e-cigs to stop smoking, 

Well said, and I agree with all of your post.

You may now claim 6 people.  My wife and myself.  10 years this past monday.

2 hours ago, USAKimberley said:

This is a reply on the subject of the overcharging of $11 and the frustration on receiving a response and the refund.  I understand the principle of the $11 - it is not the amount.  I understand it is about how Hollland America service personnel were not there to listen to you.  You have drawn a line in the sand and I hope it is resolved for both you and HAL. Hopefully things will go smoothly in the future.  Cruising is getting very expensive and services that were once included in the price are now considered extras.  I find it is important to look at all the included and excluded amounts a cruise can cost.

I just love the argument that it's the Principle, not the amount.

What if it was not 11 dollars, but 11 cents?  or a single cent?

Would it still be the principle?  At some point, you've got to say, it's just not worth the time.  Seems for some 11 dollars is just not worth the time and hassle.

So on your next cruise you could:

1. Steal a towel

2.  Knock off $11 from daily service charge

3.  Order an extra dinner (and don't eat it)

4.  Flush a bunch of paper towels down the toilet 

5.  Run your hot water for 4 hours.

(Note:  All of the above are presented "tongue in cheek")

You should consider a career with the government as a cryptographer.

27 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

Got to admit. It took me longer than normal to decode this one.

 

I pictured checkbooks spewed out on the floor instead of a sombrero; with folks whirling around them in a cruise ship rendition of the Mexican Hat Dance. 

 

PS: Please don't take offense, I think it's super sweet you still dance cheek to cheek with your wife. Blessings for many more years to you both.

 

 

You should consider a career with the government as a crypeopraher.

 

 

 

 

 

Very few people can bring that much happyness to so many others.

A life well lived for sure.

44 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

The cruise contract says two things, this contract supersedes anything else written anywhere and two,  vaping is allowed inside the confines of the state room.  Who knew? I certainly did not.  
 

https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/legal-privacy/cruise-contract

 

hint - search document for “smoking”

Good Catch!

Truth be told, it would be nearly impossible to detect if someone had been vaping in their cabin.  Unlike the smoke from a cig, vapor dissipates within a few seconds as it evaporates. No ash telltale to indicate a smoker and no risk of fire.

If one is using a flavored vape, the slight hint of the flavor might be detected within a few minutes, but it could have easily been air freshener or someone eating an orange.  

6 hours ago, mightycruisequeen said:

Okay, then, here's another completely relevant post in the context of this thread: 

 

This is just so WRONG.  Science has proven that their were no purple or green dinosaurs. 🙃

The OP here,

Just wanted to say thanks to all those who replied to this thread, and you provided quite a walk down memory lane.  I learned some past things that I had never heard about.

Thanks again.

HamOp

And remember, you have to grow old, but you don't have to grow up!!🤪

14 minutes ago, syesmar said:

😁 Singing “Love in Any Language” at the end could get nostalgic. Fun times! I agree discontinuing the disembarkation talks is better now.

I still have a paper Chef’s Hat from our first cruise that they gave all the MDR diners that night.

+ I remember the stewards having some sort of line and illustrated assembling food (was it a salad?) in an entertaining way. Maybe someone has an old video to share?

I always enjoyed the Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza, too! Although it was often quite late in the evening, perhaps a different time would have been more feasible. It was quite the event!

For those who never hade the pleasure, it was something like this.

17 minutes ago, kirkc said:

I was “Mr. Amsterdam” on one of our cruises.

Did you get found out?

44 minutes ago, Skorpora said:

The Halcats!!😖

You're a sick person😁

HAL used to provide stationary imprinted with the suite guest's name.

Who else is old?

On the last night of our cruise, I did a through search for anything that might have been missed or left behind.  Discovered under the couch cushions was not only the sheets to be used for the next occupants, but also paperwork showing their names and other info.

3 hours ago, KroozNut said:

Okay, I hear you. Just a brand new term for me. And to be honest, it does sound a bit derogatory and condescending to me.

I agree.  Somewhat derogatory.  Kind of like "snake pit".

Perhaps a nicer description could be "smokers garden" 😁 

Too much Wodka make you Womit.😁

1 hour ago, ExpatBride said:

A word of caution to anyone considering pre-paying gratuities...

 

I know it's not an identical situation, but I had pre-paid gratuities as part of a promo. For whatever reason, it didn't show up on my onboard account. I had a copy of my booking confirmation, but "Guest Services" basically said, "sorry, you'll have to take that up with your TA." I wasted so much time trying to sort it out onboard, and it wasn't resolved before we disembarked because of time differences, etc. 

I ended up using OBC to cover it. I had to reduce the amount by a bit (about $20) to have it fully covered. I'm not one to stiff the crew and $20 seems petty, but after multiple go rounds with the guest services manager and submitting comment through the Navigator app, I decided it was the most pragmatic option. I shouldn't be out a few hundred dollars because of a clerical error. I had proof of what I booked in writing but HAL couldn't have cared less. I'm not happy to have forfeited my OBC to cover something that should've been included, but it wasn't the crew's fault.

Wonder what would have been the response if you threatened to remove the gratuities all together.

Not that you would, but that might have changed a mind or two.

Amsterdam’s city council has approved a proposal banning “polluting” cruise ships as part of the city’s latest move to clamp down on overtourism.

A spokesperson for Amsterdam Deputy Mayor Hester van Buren, who has responsibility for the city’s port, told CNN that the council approved a proposal on Thursday to close the city’s cruise ship terminal.

Read it Here  https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/amsterdam-cruise-ship-ban-intl-scli/index.html