SJSULIBRARIAN

My 2 cents worth is if you have always wanted to do New England and have done Alaska once, do the New England. I have done it on sister ship to Zaandam in a Neptune Suite and it's great. The Neptune Lounge is the lounge for Neptune Suite guests. IMO Covid is with us; some will get it and some won't. I wouldn't let that be a determining factor for which ship to sail. I personally thought Cabin Fever was a very interesting book. Looking back, none of really knew what was happening or how to cope.

Last week on the Konigsdam, the manager of the stand alone Rudis told me there were no longer UDI pop ups on the HAL fleet. Has anyone else heard this and have there been pop ups in the PG grill within the last few months?

Thanks, Kathi, for detailing changes and differences noticed on the Grand Africa. Many of those changes, we are seeing on the 7-day cruises as well. I definitely would expect grand voyages not to experience these changes. Am interested in comments on those on the January 3rd GWV.

Sorry Rudi's did not meet expectations. I never had a good meal in the Pop-Up version and have had several excellent meals on the Konigsdam. Consistently inconsistent?

I think with the ship at full or more capacity, crew cannot get cabins ready by 11:00 (I also don't think they are at full crew yet). Dec. 10th, I boarded at 11:30 and cabins not ready until noon.

Yes, definitely request Melvin. He was my server twice last week at sel de mer. I never cared for the pop ups but the stand alone is excellent IMO. In your photo I did not see the very large Mexican flag that used to be at Ensenada. Is it still there?

Substitutions were not allowed when I used the card last week. It is the "Mariner Society Cocktail" which I was told is Prosecco and sparkling water. Pretty tasteless to me.

For what it's worth a couple I met at breakfast, had done several B2Bs since October and they only got off once. Apparently, you can't get back on until 11:30 and must go through security with everyone else and then are allowed to bypass the new passengers waiting to board.

As Crew News reports, there are two larger tables near the entrance of CO on the Konigsdam. The rest are 4 tops, some with higher chairs, and 2 tops. Last week I was one of the first for breakfast and the room would fill up fairly quickly. I didn't eat dinner there so don't know how that went. The Konigsdam was near capacity, I think. I was told by Club Orange Manager they were not allowed to save tables and was encouraged to get there early if I wanted a specific table. Since I was solo, I wanted the last 2 top at the back. There were two couples who also liked specific tables in the back, and we were all at Club Orange 10 minutes before opening to get these tables.

Won't argue with you, John. But they are the same class of ship, aren't they? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I didn't see pjs in Club Orange on last week's Konigsdam. But I was told by a friend that a man sitting behind me at Lincoln Center Stage at night was wearing a bathrobe and a fanny pack. I missed it but was assured this occurred.

It is the Discovery Princess; it was with us at all three ports last week but this week only being 5 days, I suspect it will only be seen at Cabo.

Agree with wonderful ship, crew, and food for the Konigsdam as well which I left this past Saturday. But I was quite disappointed over the lack of activities during sea days for those who are not interested in all the programs offered by the Spa (which they now title as "Promotions" on the daily schedule.) I do not believe we had a CD for the first 5 days as announcements were made by Entertainment Director. I think a CD boarded in Puerto Vallarta who offered a talk on Surfing as well as the history of HAL which I have seen at least twice. I believe these presentations are written in Seattle and are read from a floor teleprompter on stage by whoever is giving them. Would love to have some real enrichment lectures as in the past but perhaps I am no longer the clientele that HAL wants.

Stay on board at Cabo is also my recommendation. Last week it took 1 hour and 45 minutes to get everyone off and that was the quickest so far this season. I was told that one week it too almost 3 hours.

Jacquie, sorry tohave missed you. Just got off Konigsdam and it is a fine ship. You will have a grand time. Diamond Princess being here today make security more lengthy since ships traditionally in San Diego use same security. Best restaurant aboard is Rudy's sel de mer in my opinion. Ask for Melvin as server. Tamarind also excellent. If in Neptune Suite breakfast in Club Orange is a perk. I hope more dining staff board today as the MDR was a problem service wise I heard. Smooth waters and good weather should come your way. 500 children expected on Christmas cruise. Happy Holidays and Bon Voyage. Barbara.

As much as I hate ruining the nice experience that hopefully I had at the restaurant, I am going to take someone's advice, and as I exit, talk to the host and tell them I am 5* and will they issue the credit now. I'll even have my "proof of payment" with me. As we all have said, it shouldn't have to be this way. I will report back.

I always enjoy your posts. I have been thinking this "Grand" has not been as "Grand" as in the past, so I look forward to your comments.

I guess only cruises starting in Vancouver do the Inside Passage; those from Seattle go on the outside.

Thank you for the link and the advice. I will take the Loyalty Rewards page with me on my upcoming Konigsdam cruise. I have pre-booked and paid for 4 specialty restaurant dinners. I suspect I will have problems getting the credits since I did have problems last February on the Konigsdam and in 2021 on the Nieuw Amsterdam. As I have said before, this process should be a simple accounting procedure, but it isn't.

Wow is right.

I have lost my list of the benefits of the various star levels. Where on the HAL website can I find this information? Thanks.

Normally there are two concierges who alternate their time in the Neptune Lounge. There is also a server from the Pinnacle Grill who brings in the breakfast, lunch, and afternoon food.

Why doesn't HAL just eliminate the tiles all together? Don't promise what you can't deliver.

I was fortunate to sail on the Prinsendam only once Christmas 2018 and loved it. Wish I could have sailed her more. Cees Tesselaar had retired by then but had known him on other ships, Ryndam I think. Such a gracious person.

Just read your last post. Will miss your blog. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Australia, a country I hope to revisit in the future. Safe travels.