solocanadian

Does it bother you that people keep a sailing that is 2 months or older in their signature? It bothers me. Seems like they are bragging. Once the cruise is over I feel the applicable time clock should be deleted. What is the point of keeping in the signature????

I have done 6 complete transits in both directions. Most exciting was the first time on the Crown Odyssey from San Diego to Barbados and the full transit from somewhere in California on the NCL Westward and being invited on the Bridge during the transit of the canal. Have no interest in ever sailing the canal again. Hate all the trouble getting there in the airports.

I got it too but it didn't take me half an hour to complete it like it said it would.

Can't say I've seen anyone blame HAL for the exchange rates.:confused: It's nothing to do with HAL. Perhaps you interpreted a post incorrectly.

Exactly my sentiments. Have not read of anyone blaming HAL:rolleyes:

I bet there are travel agents out there that will print docs for their customers.

You only need to print ONE page and that is not expensive.

I don't think you will find any HAL apologists on this board trying to defend (or challenge) your experience.

 

I would be no less livid than you over such an experience. Had that happened on my first HAL, it, too, would have been my last.

Well said. I agree with you 100%.

I loved the fact all pax could be seated in MDR all at once at a single seating. I also recall sitting in Midnight Sun Lounge which was right below the gym and hearing guests doing high impact aerobics jumping on the floor. Could also hear the dollar slot machines clanking when they paid off sitting in this bar.

The ladies washroom off this lounge had a mirror in the ceiling and if you looked up you could see into the stalls - dumb design. Also recall late night buffet which always served real sturgeon caviar at no surcharge. Truly a classy ship and classy cruise line. I refuse to sail on her now as the Prinsendam.

Would not be the same. Truly miss the Sea Eagle and Skald club.

Thanks for posting. Interesting info to file away for the solo cruiser who can't stand a real inside room.:)

We have done both often enough to consider it a toss-up. We have had good and bad service in both the MDR and the Pinnacle Grill. If anything, we would give a slight edge to the MDR as they have often been much more attentive in refilling orange juice, coffee, pastries etc... The non-Indonesian staff in the Pinnacle Grill is often quite aloof.

You have that right. Their aloofness drives me crazy. I prefer MDR for breakfast as I can dine with others which I prefer when I sail solo. Exactly same menue and same cooks.:)

Looks like there's a Fred Meyer in Juneau still, which should be just as good for food, and pretty close for everything else. It's further from the port, though.

I never found Fred Meyer well priced in Bellingham, Wa. Walmart's pricing is far superior and cheaper. I feel bad for the crew. Mind you the crew can do well in Vancouver, BC now due to the low Canadian dollar.

Dakrewser answers your concerns the very best and to the point without a lot of rambling. Enjoy your cruise on the Zaandam. She is my favourite Hal ship. I love the interior decor since it is very much like my home. I would definitely get an outside room with a window. Balconies are very pricey on this ship. I did the Balmoral in 1989 when it was the Crown Odyssey. Loved the ship.

I've always thought it's a combination of the fact they typically pre-pour it and the ice comes from bins and they scoop it usually instead of straight out of an ice machine. All of that leads to more water/melted ice making its way in. If/when I can get it no ice it's much better

How do you get some with no ice, especially at lunch time?

bizarre chairs? not catching what that's a reference/dig at...?

I think they may mean those weird benches by the elevators on the vista class ship and those horrible metal chairs in some of the Pinnacle Grills.

please be aware that due to the recent merger of Holland America's and Princess's medical departments, passenger physicians on board are NO LONGER from the US or Canada!!

The US and Canadian physicians used on board have all been dismissed by the new medical director who comes from Princess.

That is not what I was told by my Family Physician who used to doctor for Hal. Just before Christmas he told me he would no longer be able to do it. All hiring is through Princess now and they are on a 6 month contract. That means no doctor in Canada or USA with a practice would be able to participate. I asked him if it meant now all on board doctors would be retired old farts:eek:and he said, yes.

I have it on while I get ready or as a " sleeping pill" at night. I'd miss it if it wasn't there.

Me too. I like the constant chatter even though I'm not paying attention. It's the same at home. However I do love my news.

I find it quite weak. No need for sugar. Often wondered if it were made from a mix. All I can say good for it is that it is wet, just like the lousy lemonade which is very weak.

Go see BB King.

Only if you enjoy very LOUD.

I would opt for the 1:20. The airlines ask you to check in 3 hours ahead of departure time for non-domestic flights. There are many good places to eat in YVR at city prices. Beats airline food.

We hung out on our balcony while cruising Glacier Bay and listened to the narration on the TV. We ordered soup from room service - no problem!

That's a good idea. Soup is probably hotter ordering from Room Service. I like what is served on deck and in the Crow's Nest but it is barely warm and very thick because lack of heat.

Received mine months ago from my TA. Nothing from Hal yet but that is not out of the ordinary.

Happy New Year to all! Here's wishing that all your 2016 cruises come with unexpected upgrades, perfect weather, and calorie-free dining.[emoji3]

Same to you and other CCers along with best wishes for a healthy 2016. Need your health to travel.

I don't knocking Half Moon or any other island.

 

A day on board while at anchor can be a great day too. The deck is quiet. Plenty of deck chairs. Best of all.... a quiet lunch in Pinnacle Grill.... like your own private yacht!

Now your'e talking, Stephen. My kind of thing. I feel HMC is very over rated.

Thanks, Lisa. Merry Christmas to you, Tom and Andy and a Healthy & Happy 2016.:D

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all. Attended a wonderful Family party on Christmas Eve. That's what Christmas is all about - family.

Merry Christmas Captain; it's always a pleasure reading your posts.

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

Gerry

Hear, Hear!:):D:)