SJSULIBRARIAN

Loved seeing Jacqui's snow photos. We had about 15 minutes of snow flurries in Tucson this morning. Nothing stuck to the ground, but it was fun standing in the flurries. I believe the last time Tucson had snow that actually was on the ground was in March 2020. I think snow has happened 3 times since we moved here over 20 years ago.

Jacqui posts on the Fleet Report and Daily almost every day.

I am assuming this is a roundtrip to Hawaii from San Diego. Normally the first two days in the Pacific are cool/cold. Be prepared for that. The same goes for the last two days back although there is probably a stop in Ensenada, Mexico which should be warm.

On embarkation day I always book the Tamarind (if on the ship) or the PG if not. PG has not been that good lately IMO. But traveling solo I do not like the Chaos in the MDR on the first night. I may switch to Canaletto as alternate to the PG on those ships that do not have the Tamarind. Always book the Tamarind on the last night as well - more calm.

Bruno, Look at post #53 for my opinion. Should have quoted you to get the notification feature. I forget about thatl

Bruno, I have been in both HAL's Neptune Suite and Princess' Penthouse Suite on the Royal. However, on the Royal Princess I was on a lower deck in a wrap-around which had a nice balcony. I think the benefits on Princess are better in that you get a complimentary specialty dining dinner on embarkation night, have Club Class Dining for dinner and lunch on sea days, and complimentary mini bar set up. Breakfast for suite guests was in Sabatini's restaurant or Club class dining room. The rest of the benefits are similar. I did not make much use of the Concierge Lounge on Princess as I was on a lower deck although I did take advantage of the foods for a light lunch. Whichever line you choose, I am sure you and your dad will have an enjoyable time.

I too am wondering if anyone has heard how Kathi is doing and would post it here.

The same thing was told to me by the Rudi's manager on the Konigsdam in December 2022.

And the profiteroles are to die for. On my second visit, I asked for a half order as I could not finish the whole order the first night.

Glad I made at least one HAL departure this weekend.

I have never enjoyed the Rudi's pop ups on the other ships. But this one on the Konigsdam is magnificent IMO. And the current chef Roy from South Africa is great. I met him also on my December cruise.

Jacqui, don't worry about the typos. We just want to hear from you and know you are doing OK.

Total frustration. Childish I know. Thanks Shelly90760. Tried the web version. But somehow birthdate is wrong and couldn't edit it. Tried Chat feature but got nowhere. I'll just take all paperwork with me and let Princess rep do it.

Having terrible time checking in. Does Princess still want credit card and passport information. Personalizer keeps sending me over to Medallion App and I am getting nowhere. Will calling Princess get me any help? If not completed prior to sailing, can it be done in person? Whole problem makes me want to cancel cruise but would lose a lot of money. Any advice greatly appreciated.

No bag last month and in a Neptune Suite. Must be hit or miss until each ship uses up its inventory.

On my sailing on the Konigsdam in February 2022, passenger count was just over 700, On my Sailing in December 2022, passenger count was about 2600. Which sailing did I enjoy more? I think generally most lines at least during the holiday season sailed at or near capacity. We shall see what the late winter spring season holds.

I too will miss Lincoln Center Stage. I liked the fact they had afternoon concerts to fill the void of no activities of interest to me. On the Konigsdam recently their venue was packed at all the concerts I attended. My only complaint is that they had the same repertoire that they played last February. It would be nice if they could mix things up, but I think they have to follow "the company line." I sail mostly on HAL but occasionally on Princess which I am going to do in a few months to see how their entertainment is going. When last on them in October 2019, I was quite pleased as to what was offered.

I like to dine in the Tamarind the first night. Usually very quiet as most have not yet discovered it.

For those who have been following Kathi’s (Scrapnana)’s blog, she has updated her medical situation at https://2022-2023hal.blogspot.com If this has already been posted, please excuse the duplication. Barbara

On both my cruises in a retreat cabana, each of the 3 did everything. I would say the cabanas were half full. A couple of times one attendant was reassigned to the Lido pool as they were short staffed there. All of them remembered my likes. As an aside, I was most unhappy when I learned that corporate had said no more frozen grapes in the afternoon. Another cut.

I was on 2 Konigsdam cruises in 2022 and on both there were 3 attendants assigned to the Retreat Cabanas. I tipped at the end of the cruise. Since I did not get off at ports, I was there every day.

On my recent cruise, on dressy night, I saw a man wearing a long sleeved burgundy colored shirt, a navy tie and navy Bermuda shorts (the longer to the knee shorts). I thought he looked quite classy and was about to tell him so until he turned into the elevator lobby.

The Konigsdam Library (or space where books are) is pretty pitiable. Space is maybe 4' x 6' with 4 or 6 shelves. The two times I sailed her this year, I left books I had brought on board after I read them. There were very few HAL books.