wishful thinking

Not Carol, but FYI, you won't see the changes you advised earlier in this thread until Carol updates the list with a new thread. ;)

Thank you kazu :)

Hi Carol. Posted the info regarding Living Waters Group on NA on 17-24 March being cancelled, but you may have missed it.

Here is a link:

http://www.livingwaterscruise.com/

Nieuw Amsterdam 17th to 24th March 2018: Just a 'heads up'. I Googled Living Waters Inspiration Cruises Group and it looks like it has been cancelled.

Another vote for your review. You always make me smile :)

16 weeks today until I board Nieuw Amsterdam. It'll go quick - right?

I re-christened it Rottendam last March! Never again for me on this Dam ship. So many leaks, including my stateroom. And the stench at the Seaview Bar was unbearable due to blocked drainage.

The seven newest ships (4 Vistas, 2 Signatures, 1 Pinnacle class) and the Prinsendam have them in all cabins.

Hi. So does this mean that Nieuw Amsterdam, Category E (ocean view) will have a mini fridge? Thank you.

1/4 oz Vodka

1/4 oz Gin

1/4 oz White Rum

1/4 oz Scotch

1/4 oz Bourbon

1/4 oz Tequila

1/4 Triple Sec

1/4 oz Brandy

Top it off with Pineapple and Orange Juice

Add a splash of Grenadine

I recall them being banned a couple of years ago. Maybe the bartenders were a little heavy handed with their measures - lol!

Hi Sail. So sorry you're having to go through this. Please keep trying as I know the decision to sail again has been a long time coming. Keep us posted, and good luck my friend :)

US$4.00 pax each way. Nice beach in the quieter areas.

Around the beach jetty area is where the colonies of cruisebherds congregate.

Off jetty turn right, and keep walking, running the gauntlet of various sunbed beach captains, to seek a quieter spot.

Thank you :)

Off ship, into duty free, follow signs for "Water Taxi", exit duty free, walk ahead to sea wall, turn slightly right, walk ahead with sea to one's left, see iWater taxi Q, join Q, plenty of taxis, constant departures, board taxi, wait to fill, leave. Stops at beach. Off water taxi, down wooden quay, find your beach lounger place.

Just what I've been looking for. Do the water taxis accept USD? Is beach nice? Thanks in advance for your help.

I've flown from LHR to MIA many times, using BA (direct flight). Have always pre-booked transport to collect me at MIA and take me to hotel in FLL. It's around 40-50 mins so not too bad. As others have said, it's always nice to arrive a couple of days before the cruise. Gives time to have a relaxing day and acclimatise to time change before boarding your ship.

Whatever way you choose, have fun!

Had a feeling this would happen starting January 2017. Booked the Rotterdam for next March whilst on board Oosterdam March this year. So happy I decided to go with an oceanview with this in mind. Has saved me $$$$$$$$$$$$'s.

Now finally, this thread can be put to bed. R.I.P.

I agree that the quality depends on the ship from our experience during 3 HAL cruises the past year or do. During our last cruise on Westerdam in Feb we did think the BB King Blues band wasn't nearly as good as previous two voyages on Noordam and Oosterdam. BUT, still better than any other entertainment on the ship, and they did get better as week went along(maybe we just got used to them). Our practice is to attend BB King Blues club most evenings as the other entertainment doesn't appeal to us in the least. We are recently retired "Baby Boomers" and this is the music we grew up on and enjoy. Such a great alternative from showroom song and dance, piano bar, etc. Usually try to attend comedian shows when they have them, but the last one we went to was so AWFUL don't even know if will do that again. Each to their own. BTW if you happen to get Darryl Stanley as lead male singer/band leader you should consider yourself VERY VERY LUCKY. He makes sure the shows are top notch and we consider ourselves so lucky to have enjoyed his performances in the BB King bands on Noordam and Oosterdam. Lead female, Tempest, on Noordam in March 2015 was also outstanding. What a voice and range! The BB King Blues Club bands are one of our primary reasons for being HAL loyalists now. Booked on Nov 2016 Zuiderdam cruise so sure hope the band is good.

Jane

Agree that if Darryl and/or Tempest are on board it will be amazing! Have met quite a few of the members of BB Kings Blues Club bands over the past 4 years, and we still remain great friends. And FYI Tempest is currently on Rotterdam, along with Kickman Teddy and MoDanger. Oh yessssss! Sure hoping they are on board for my cruise next year on Rotterdam.

I love the way you put how I feel. The early bird may catch the worm, but I have no need for worms, so no reason to get up early. I make it to breakfast just as they are closing Lido down.

 

On a HAL ship I am just finishing dinner about 10:00 PM. Then, if it's something interesting, off to the show. After that I'm wide awake, and ready for fun! Out of the showroom to find---nothing. Lounges are quiet, as the musicians are on break. Keep going to the next lounge to find---nothing.

There was a time the last lounge didn't even open until 11:00 PM! Those were good days, and made me come to love HAL.

 

So, what's a girl to do but give up and head for bed long before midnight. If HAL wants me to spend money, please create an opportunity!

Oh I'm sooo with you on this Ruth! Luckily for me though I really enjoy BB Kings so they keep me entertained most evenings. Also luckily for me, during the last 4 cruises on HAL I've met some wonderful people who are like minded, and we all end up at the Seaview Bar until the early hours - lol. I remember a couple of years ago we had to beg, yes BEG, the bartender to stay open past 11pm. And I guess you'd put me in the 'geezer' class because of age, but there's still life in this old gal yet - lol!

s it truly anobligationto povide personal information bec ause of[some typos? Why my hand is troub bling me is my private business I dont' wish to share.

Sail - really hope you feel better soon. And please don't stop posting. I've always appreciated your posts. Bless you.

I avoid this thread like the plague, but... I am going to post.

 

Yes, I am an evil person that smokes. I don't smoke a lot, but I smoke.

 

I am on the Westerdam and my next door neighbour has asthma I had discovered so smoke is an aggravation to her.

 

I have simply told them simple signals to let me know when they are on the balcony so I don't bother them.

 

There is no reason they can't enjoy their balcony and I can't enjoy mine.

 

I have indicated a signal so they know.

 

they are a very nice couple and I don't want to inhibit their enjoyment.

 

It is all worked out and life is good. I still smoke (I do want to quit) but not when they are on the balcony. It's pretty simple - all you have to do is talk.

 

How hard is this? It's just called working it out and being considerate.

 

What a refreshing post Kazu. Thank you.

Actually, Rotterdam does have a Sea View Bar at the aft pool, and smoking is still permitted there.

Thank you

A quick question. Anyone know exactly where smoking is allowed on the Rotterdam? As she doesn't have a Seaview Bar or Observation Deck, am I reading right that it's just allowed on the Sports Deck? (aside from balconies of course). Thanks in advance.

Sorry. It was unlocked last week but it seems like the unlocking didn't happen. It should be open for posting now.

 

Hopefully everyone will stay on topic which will keep it open indefinitely.

Thanks :)

There have been some new restrictions introduced recently. We have a thread dedicated to the subject.

 

Click here: This Thread Is To Be Used For All Discussions About HAL's On Board Smoking Policies

Has this thread been closed indefinitely, or will it re-open soon?

The Eurodam casino has gone always non-smoking, and you may find that to be the case on the Rotterdam by the time you sail.

That won't be a problem. Just as long as there is some outdoor space, somewhere. I refuse to smoke on my balcony!

It's on page 17 of the know before you go:

 

http://www.hollandamerica.com/assets/cruise-vacation-onboard/KBYG.pdf

Thanks POE. Had looked at that, but as there is no Seaview Bar or Observation Deck on Rotterdam, I was unsure. Guess it's the Sports Deck then?

Thanks for the reply though - appreciated.

Sorry guys. Just got back from cruise on Oosterdam where I booked a cruise for next year on Rotterdam. Been looking for info on where smoking is allowed. That thread seems to have been closed. Please don't be cross - just need an answer. Many thanks.

Hi Dave. If you have time, could you find out who the new Captain will be when Robert-Jan Kan leaves tomorrow?

And I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about your adventure. I board on 29th February and have made LOTS of notes.

Hope you have a relaxing last evening on board and safe trip home.