Cinder Again

6 hours ago, Torquer said:

Fruit crisps are often not on the menu, but ask your waiter.  There is always one fruit crisp available every evening even if it is not on the menu; it just varies which kind of fruit.  They are delicious.

Shhhh! They are a secret! My favorite dessert!😉

19 hours ago, MaiTaiMary said:

 I’ve never sailed HA before. Which desserts should I keep an eye out for?? 😁

My favorite is a pavlova with fresh berries!

On 9/22/2022 at 8:42 AM, VMax1700 said:

Is there a way to discover the 'voyage number' without a booking?

I do not see a voyage number mentioned on the website (eu site) so the protocol tool cannot be used to check status prior to booking. i.e. to know the protocol before booking.

 

Just use your name and booking number, the voyage automatically popped up for me!

I just hit 5* at 69, but can I get extra credit if two of my grandparents emigrated to the USA on Hal ships in 1905? 😂. It seems like I was born to sail…

I think people stay in their own cabins these days. When I was on a ship earlier, they had an aft section closed off on 4 and 6, but most were filled by staff boarding the ship, so they could be sure they weren’t sick before joining staff quarters.

Searched health protocols, put in my booking number/name and if you are fully vaccinated and boosted, no testing for Rotterdam, October 2nd! Yay!

9 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

The crew is able to get time off ashore.

They do get time off, but they’ve absolutely loved the cans of Pringles I’ve passed out to my cabin and dining room stewards. They did try to get off in some ports, but this has been a long cruise and not all ports are easy shopping

On 2/16/2022 at 11:26 PM, WFBgal said:

We are taking the Abbot BinaxNow Antigen test on Monday & have read instructions online. Is it easy to do without messing up results? I tend to stress about stuff never done before. If one of us messes up the results, will HAL give us the test at the port prior to boarding? Thank you for any advice…someone please calm my nerves.

Go to YouTube and look for videos. I watched a guy do his, just prior to doing mine. It’s quite easy, but have good light, scissors, and your ID with you as you start. Don’t open anything until directed. Be sure your ipad/laptop is sweet so it won’t go to sleep during the 15 minute wait, as they are monitoring your stuff. 

Thanks for the heads up on the Z being at #19. We are being tested before boarding the ship Sunday, it wouldn’t surprise me to see delays as this new process is implemented…

15 minutes ago, iflyrc5 said:

The LONGEST 30 minutes of our cruise so far.  Today was the day we get our Covid test before our turnaround day in Ft Lauderdale on Sunday.  We got a notice last night to report to deck 3 MDR at 0930 for our test.  Got there at 0928 and about 8 couples in line ahead of us.  Checked in - they put a sticker on our hand with our information - got in line - 2 medical people doing the testing (from their badges they were contractors from Matrix) - it took just a minute to be tested - they put the stickers around the swab and said to go back to our cabin. That was at 0936. IF we did NOT get a call in 30 minutes we were good to go for the next cruise - it is now 1015 and no call so we are DOING THE HAPPY DANCE.  😁 

Yippee!

7 minutes ago, prescottbob said:

 
https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/6562415001

Thanks, Roberto! I was looking it back up!

4 hours ago, zelker said:

Are you talking about the 10 day onboard isolation being gone?  That's been our biggest concern for the upcoming 35 day HI/SoPac cruise (which I know you're on, too).  Do you have more info to share?

I saw an APPLE article (Credited to USA Today, I think) this morning saying the CDC was dropping 10 days to 5.  Of course, they also said no one should board a cruise ship, and they were changing the order of their color codes restrictions. Why the heck would they do that?! 😉

16 hours ago, prescottbob said:

Perhaps with the air filtration changes on ships and planes recently the usual dry “cruise cough” will become minimal.

 

I still plan on packing some cough drops & syrup until I note significant changes.

 

Covid? It’s not going anywhere. Mitigate as necessary and try not to live the remaining years of your life in fear.

 

Life’s too short.

 

Be well.

Bob

Bourbon or Vodka works better…just sayin’!

1 hour ago, prescottbob said:

Ditto!

 

Be well.

Bob

Amen! 

Encouraging news indeed!

13 hours ago, Mary229 said:

Perhaps you didn’t actually read the letter and the citations from researchers, the UK and EU authorities and the WHO?  

My PERSONAL OPINION: I think the Government (CDC, et AL) need some sort of excuse/exit ramp for ending Covid restrictions. By now they know that the current virus is so highly virulent no mitigating precautions really work, (including masks) but they also know it’s nowhere near as deadly. They might even be behind the scenes asking for companies to begin to open themselves up. I’m glad other countries have done a better job of recording usable data, either the CDC totally botched their data system, or the data doesn’t reflect what they are comfortable sharing. 

So Ted, I want to ask about your internet package. I have it “free” for my first leg, and oddly, not on my second leg. Being 5*, I know we get a bit of a discount on the purchase on board, but I also recall I got a discount for purchasing before I boarded, although I don’t remember how much. Did you look at that before deciding to book aboard?  I also can’t remember if I can “transfer” any SBC from leg one to leg two (It may happen, since drinks and tips are covered)?

wear your masks, wash your hands, but enjoy your time! You also need to share what Barb is doing, inquiring minds want to know about crosswords, sudoku…

On 2/2/2022 at 5:38 PM, mocruzer said:

Think this is you.  Have a great and safe cruise.

 

Yup, that’s Ted and his little sidekick Barbara! 😉

On 1/31/2022 at 1:03 AM, cruiseaholic78 said:

Maybe too late and they are already full but have you looked at booking a private snorkeling excursion with Woodwind?they are fantastic.

Happy planning

Rosalyn

Woodwind is the best! Try booking them, but they do fill up!

Thanks Ted, (and Barbara!) I’ll miss sailing with you this time, but hope you enjoy your time away from us this trip!  Hugs to my peeps! ❤️Bon Voyage! 🛳

22 hours ago, Tennessee Titan said:

Looks like it is required, but application has no provision for a cruise entry. Your experience??

You have a passport to take, right? I also have a passport card that is only good for Canada and Mexico. I think that’s what you are referring to? 

21 hours ago, PROCRUISE said:

NMCruiser123

Like so many others have commented,  we also thank you so much for the commentary and answering questions. We are scheduled on the Zuiderdam for the West to East transit on 2/13/2022. We have been on the fence as to whether to cancel or not since we have the Platinum Insurance where we can cancel anytime and get 90% of our cruise fare back. We are way up there in age, have both had both vaccine injections and the booster and have been on 34 previous cruises including just last September.

After listening to you and the many questions you were asked and answered, we've decided - what the heck, we're going!!

I think we are going East to West, but I’ll see you aboard! Life has risks, and I am willing to try to live my life, even with the few limitations, and the possibility that we may end up like NM Cruiser 123. (from a Hokie!😉for our W & M gal!)

Ted, I’d ask Alan to call them. Maybe you can get lucky, but I don’t see how trying now would hurt your chances later, esp. if he puts a note in the file that you are open to an upgrade/upsell

I think this has happened to me as well. I have back to back cruises, (Feb, 2022) and just by happenstance (not notification) learned they’ve moved me between cruises, so I’ll have to pack and move for the second leg.That’s not ideal. I did complain (through my T/A) without success, or a reasonable explanation. That said, the new cabin IS an upgrade, so I decided I could live with the change this time. Your story (and other’s explanation about quarantine rooms) may be the explanation, so I appreciate that insight.

On 3/5/2021 at 11:48 AM, JeffElizabeth said:

Great question.  While the wife and I are eager to get our "jabs", I know others who would prefer to not get the Covid-19 vaccine, some of them because of the mRNA new tech, but others that refuse to get the flu vaccine also.

In general, about 20% of folks are reluctant for even flu, measles, etc. I am hoping that after the first big push, they offer Doctor’s offices J and J vaccine, so when they see older clients, they can encourage them to get it., and then give it to them then. They are more likely to trust their family docs. Herd immunity can happen as a result of younger folks contracting (and surviving) Covid too. The key is to get the most vulnerable the most help available, then open up the Country. I hope as vaccines supply eases up, it becomes possible to help other countries too.