bermuda triangle
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Posts posted by bermuda triangle
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I hate to say, it was just a myth. Of course it MIGHT have been the intended for the ship, but I assure you, when the ship came out of the shipyard at Belfast from Harland & Wolff the name on the bow and stern as RYNDAM.
Again, look at any Dutch books today... it will use the name RIJNDAM.... on the present RYNDAM. Try Google.... m.s. RYNDAM and m.s. RIJNDAM both in use.
Stephen
I made a mistake, it was 1992 when they announced it (Rijndam) and it was 1994 when I questioned the name change to Ryndam. Since the ship was built in 1994 I don't doubt that it left the shipyard as the Ryndam. It was christened as the Ryndam not the Rijndam. Two years prior to it being built was the time frame I was referencing.
I wish I had daily planners from then, I know it was in print as the Rijndam in one. I also don't think Brian Price, the CD, was known for his sense of humor.
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I was on the Old Westerdam in the '90s when the Rijndam was newly announced as sister ship to the Veendam and the Maasdam. It was being promoted with the original spelling. During that cruise there were multiple trivia questions (back when trivia was held in the Queens Lounge and there were horse races) passengers could not get the spelling or the pronunciation correct the entire week, no matter how often staff said it.
It was changed to the Ryndam because that is the phonetic pronunciation of Rijndam-at least that is the story I heard from the same cruise director the following year.
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Are these only in suites, or all staterooms? I also never liked the flavored chocolates.
In a verandah room..received 1 milk and 1 dark chocolate covered oreo..we have people in or cabin.
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This is another topic I've been considering as a first time cruiser.
The wife and I have indulged on the Premium Drink package for our upcoming cruise and I've been looking through the Celebrity site that charges a 15% service charge for the package, but I don't see any mention regarding gratuities.
GRATUITIES NOT INCLUDED
1. Are gratuities included within the premium drink package cost?
2. If not, what's a typical gratuity given per drink on board?
GRATUITIES INCLUDED
3. If gratuities are included in the package, did you feel that the bar staff would service non-package holders over those with the package?
4. Is it typical to tip in addition to the package to ensure you are served promptly?
Sorry for all the questions, I couldn't find the answers when browsing Google or through Cruise Critic. :o
The 15% service charge is the gratuity. This is also added to individual drinks when purchased without a package. There is an option without a package when you sign for a drink to tip above the 15%.
You can tip above and beyond the 15% with cash, if you have the package. Plan on bringing singles with you if you plan to do so.
Service is not dependent on drink package vs no package. It is based on how busy a particular server is. In the dining room for example it may be more difficult due to more demand. Grab a drink on your way into the dining room and letting your dining steward know that you would like to order a bar drink/glass of wine can expedite service.
In lounges/bars service should not be an issue, but again, if they are very busy there may be a wait.
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For a lovely hotel try the Rome Cavalieri. You can prearrange a private car service to the port.
We were on Princess and used their shuttle service to Civitavecchia, however we used Rome shuttle limousine for our airport to hotel transportation. They do offer flat rate service to Civitavecchia from Rome. You pay the driver directly. Our driver was professional, arrived on time, and we would use this.company again in the future.
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I would like to walk from Horseshoe Bay to Jobson's Cove? Are there signs along the hike, path to JC?
No signs along the way.
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Comparing Caribbean Princess (110,000 GRT) to Veendam (60,000 GRT)
is like comparing apples to oranges. Obviously Caribbean Princess has a lot more room to work with.
I wasn't comparing them..I was explaining about the aft pool. Obviously you like to argue and I'm not going to do that with you. Its pointless. HAL screwed up and there first version of the retreat was a failure, as I've said I can't wait to see this version. HAL could have done a split down the middle and add cabins as they did with the old westerdam, which would have left the aft pool in place.
Happy Cruising!!
Laura
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Many posters have given their opinion of the Retreat areas of the Veendam and the Rotterdam. However, I wonder how many of the posters have actually had the personal experience of sailing on either of these vessels since the Retreats have been installed. In addition, it seems that no one has considered the business rationale which may have compelled this decision making process.
First of all, I have experienced Vendam Retreat 1.0 and Veendam Retreat 2.0. It would be an understatement IMHO to say that Veendam 1.0 was not envisioned, executed or thought out properly to consider the actual operating considerations of the ship. Basically it was an unmitigated disaster with loose tiles, water slopping over the sides of the pool and no tangible benefit in actuality.
Veendam 2.0 shows that someone at HAL recognized that a considerable error had been made and that a reconfiguration of the area was necessary. From the conversation on this board, it appears that no one has ever made a poor decision in business which they regretted afterward.
Instead of beating HAL to death, IMHO they should be lauded for recognizing a mistake and doing something to correct it. Veendam 2.0 is now a valuable and esthetically pleasing addition to the ship. On my recent 6/11 cruise the hot tubs were constantly being enjoyed by guests.
I did not have the experience of enjoying an aft pool on the Veendam or the Rotterdam. However, I did have the good fortune to enjoy an aft pool on the NCL Dreamward (NCL Dream)(FYI no longer in operation with NCL) and enjoyed it tremendously.
Now, one can argue that the decision to remove the aft pools and replace them with cabins was it self flawed. In the ideal world where ships are only works of maritime art this would probably be true. However the realities of the ever changing business of cruising requires that ships find increasing sources of revenues in order to remain operationally viable.
If the alternatives were to keep these ships operational by generating more passenger revenues per cruise versus the necessity of having these ships put out to pasture and lost to the HAL fleet, which of us would not choose the former?
Finally, there is a segment of the cruising public to whom change of any type for whatever necessary reason is poison.
To those who would choose not to sail on these vessels because the absence of an aft pool would ruin their enjoyment of their cruise it is their perogative to avoid these ships.
I have sailed twice on Veendam retreat 1.0 and I will be sailing on Veendam retreat 2.0 in less than three weeks.
The aft pool is my favorite pool on any ship. One midship pool is not enough for 1000+ passengers which essentially is what happened on the Veendam.
I chose to do Caribbean Princess' last NYC to BDA/Carib cruise this July because she has a covered aft pool (there is shade and I am fair skinned and I've heard rumors that the night club covering the pool may be relocated) but the views are still amazing.
I am going on the Veendam as a last minute cruise, I am overjoyed that they corrected some of retreat 1.0's problems. I'm sure the people in the cabins below the retreat are happy as well since I haven't read of any complaints of water leaking into them since the refit.
HAL once added cabins to the old Westerdam by slicing her in half and adding a new middle portion. This left the pools in place and added the important revenue boosting cabins. Certainly a better idea in my opinion. And yes I had sailed the Westerdam pre and post expansion.
Laura
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Here are several photos of the Retreat on the Veendam last week. Not sure if the Rotterdam has the same set up or not.
Hope this gives you some idea of what it's like.
Thanks for the photos..so much better than the splash water all over the place wading pool..:)
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The Retreat looks like a great place for an outdoor pool!
There was an outdoor pool there..until they replaced them with the retreat..
Laura
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I've used Care Vacations as well. HAL recommends Care Vacations http://carevacations.com/ or Special Needs at Sea http://www.specialneedsatsea.com/ they both deliver to the ships. So no hassles!!
You can contact Princess to find out who they recommend if there are other companies.
Hope this helps!
Laura
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My DH and I fell in love with Tim Tams on our trip to Australia in 2006. For years we had them sent from http://www.simplyoz.com/products/australian_food/tim_tams__biscuits__crackers now they are available in grocery stores, which was quite pleasant!!:D:D
If only we could get Schweppes Lemonade.....:(
Laura
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Very cool link!! I loved that ship!!
Laura
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I think it is interesting to read the differences in cruises now versus ten, twenty, thirty or forty years ago (or more).
Since I was 4 on my first cruise I can recall some but not all things on it. Things have changed over time, some for better, some for worse, but one day people might be discussing how cruising changed from ultra luxury to activity based to who knows what.
It is a part of history and as history changes those who have not experienced it or wish to recall what they did experience should have the opportunity to. Therefore, I do not think this is a negative thread, but one with historical value.
Another thing I remember.. in 1984, NCL (Norwegian Caribbean Line)...Florence Henderson (Brady Bunch Mom) was an entertainer aboard, she helped Santa pass out gifts to all the children onboard...I received crayons and an SS Norway coloring book...........if only I still had that...:(
Laura
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Being able to walk down multiple flights of stairs, outdoors, on the back of a ship to get to the promenade deck.
Exercise classes usually led by cruise staff or entertainers.
Ships without gyms.
Queens Lounge on HAL, complete with stage for orchestra.
Dutch hats on HAL for Dutch night.
Galley and Bridge tours. (never did get to do either)
Skeet shooting.
Passenger Talent shows (very different than American Idol style contests now), masquerades, scavenger hunts.
Thats all I can think of for now..
Laura
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I am happy to say I paid the balance today.. and ... my TA called back to tell me we were cleared.. I am thinking she meant confirmed for dinner second seating :D I am sooooo happy.
Laura
Now if I could only find a time machine to fast forward to January.. ah well... :cool:
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Wow. :eek:
I don't book guarantees, so I guess that makes the difference. :)
I priced the Jan 5th Oosterdam sailing as a single ... it came to $109. That's still fantastic for a solo, although it's a Guarantee.
As for living aboard ... Yes, I would love to.
For our Noordam 1/5 (11 nights) 1 and 2 are paying $76pp/d and our 3 and 4 are 23.72 pp/d. for cat. C not a guarantee. We are still waitlisted for our dinner choice however...
Laura
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Hey, Laura, thanks for the offer. I can't be gone for 2 Sundays at that time ... not with me flying to South America for a 20 day cruise on the Rotterdam beginning January 27th. HOWEVER, I could be gone the first Sunday of January (maybe) for a 1 week "quickie" cruise. I'm trying to find that out right now.
Okay Greg ... guess its not meant to be. Have fun on your quickie! That just sounds so wrong...LOL
Laura
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Revneal and gang...
Pssst! Come on the Noordam.. 1/5/08 ( I know its not the Oosterdam, but the prices are still reasonable) ;) We'll squeeze you in at our table.. I hear we are now #10 on the list.
Laura
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I truly am happy for you and yours. I cannot help, however, but be sad for me and mine. Not if I'm going to be honest.
*sighs*
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Escargot on the ncl spirit. It was in windows dining room and it was served with :eek: pesto sauce.
Our waiter even said it was gross. He didnt know why they served it that way in the dining room and with butter in Le Bistro (fee to dine).
Laura
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The big deal is that, as HAL's communication infers, pax who book thru a T/A should be dealing thru that T/A when it comes to the particulars of a specific booking. I'm guessing that HAL would be forthcoming with most information for bookings made directly thru HAL. As to privacy issues mentioned in HAL's communication ... unknown callers can say they are anyone to get certain information, and that can lead to serious liability for HAL.
Bottom line: It is the T/A's job, in return for earning the commision off the booking, to service his/her customer.
I am not disputing the TA's responsibilities. I wasn't an unknown caller.. it was an email. It listed my booking information and my email address which is on file with my mariner number at HAL. I didn't mention I was a mariner, the person responding did.
Also, I was not changing anything or asking anything regarding payment. I just wanted to know where we stood for dinner. I work in commission based sales. I can answer questions pertaining to many things without their being a liability issue. I don't think it is a big deal to say what number we are on the waiting list. It isn't as though it is personal information, ie credit card number, that I am asking for.
My issue was with the new policy, as I stated originally. BTW no one was questioning your reading ability. There was also no reason to take this to a personal level. Unless of course, you were responsible for implementing the new policy.
Laura
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The big deal is that, as HAL's communication infers, pax who book thru a T/A should be dealing thru that T/A when it comes to the particulars of a specific booking. I'm guessing that HAL would be forthcoming with most information for bookings made directly thru HAL. As to privacy issues mentioned in HAL's communication ... unknown callers can say they are anyone to get certain information, and that can lead to serious liability for HAL.
Bottom line: It is the T/A's job, in return for earning the commision off the booking, to service his/her customer.
The policy is that they are not telling anyone. Passengers will not know until they are checked in/onboard. That is what the email says.
Laura
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Sounds like HAL doesn't want passengers cancelling because they will not get their dining assignment.
Could be, however, this could lead to more cancellations since people don't know...
Laura
Oh no not the tipping question again
in Holland America Line
Posted
Tipping was at one time done per ones own discretion. Many hard working people were not tipped, hence the auto gratuity was enacted. Staff has also been cut during this time. Into the 1990s on HAL waiters would have 2 assistants at dinner, not one. Also there were less passengers, less cabins, no room service, etc.
As a note, we tip above and beyond the auto gratuity. We tip well when travelling and at home.
You mention you are a cleaner. Do you live in where you work making yourself available for 12 hrs a day? Do you have to work extra hours or clean extra spaces if your associates are ill, without the choice to say no. Do you work 7 days a week? Working all those hours are you making more than $500/month? Most crew contracts are 9 months, not 6 and often times not only are these people away from their families for that time, they also miss out on a lot of their family life. They get 3 months off, but if you think about it in days the average person here with 2 days off per week has 104 days off. 3 months is only 90 days. And the hours worked here are closed to 40 hrs a week, not 84.
These are some things to consider while making your tipping decisions.
I mention these not to be critical or unwelcoming, but to make you aware of the conditions under which people work on the ships.