canadianbear

We also enjoy Canaletto & Tamarind much better than the Pinnacle. We aren’t cruising for awhile so will continue reading the boards as to what’s going on.

I haven’t seen the updated menus showing the up charge-would be great if you found it, thank you for looking. I agree, this isn’t the way to recoup their losses. The specialty restaurants have to be special, not mediocre.

Were you advised ahead of time of additional up charge? If I was blindsided by this I’d be upset. The Pinnacle isn’t the same quality of dining as it used to be. I hope this was an error and not the normal. Even with our discount I’m not sure I could convince Mr Bear to dine there any longer.

Gosh, that’s something I would never have thought of either.

We are more casual too which started as air lines cost for luggage went up etc. I don’t mind casual but don’t agree with baseball caps or t-shirts in dining rooms.

It’s a shame the staff are allowing t-shirts and bb caps in the dining room. They used to be discreetly told by the maître de to change. We haven’t cruised since December 2019 but noticed in the Pinnacle at dinner one night a fellow with a ripped t-shirt on and (just my opinion) that is disrespectful-that is what the Lido is for. HAL has certainly changed from when we first started cruising.

Sounds like your cruise has been great so far. Your meals look scrumptious! I loved Bar Harbor and the small shops. We also dined at Stewman’s when there years ago and it was delicious.

I loved Bar Habor-one if my favourite little ports. Enjoying your reports. That’s a tough decision between rack of lamb or filet mignon….hubby says lamb, I say filet! Good luck.

Looking forward to more of your experience and will follow along. Bon Voyage!

I personally (am no lawyer) would think that’s illegal and be like double dipping. If you’re out money still, I could see you maybe getting it from the cruise line.

Have a great time! Will follow along on your journey and interested in your thoughts and photos.

What a shame about those that are not respectful of the whales. Thank you for your update on this.

We just booked a cruise today for 2024 and I didn’t expect the crew appreciation to be included but it was-pleasant surprise.

Would be interesting when/if you find out why this happened. It’s certainly not normal here. I’m sorry this happened in my lovely hometown of Vancouver. Wishing you a wonderful cruise and hopefully no other weird issue!

I have never heard of this. I would ask for a manager. Or it should be put on your bill for when you check out. Who put the limit of $50? That is also strange especially when you have plenty of credit on the card. I would not be handing anyone cash.

Loved Peggy’s Cove! We had hired a taxi out from of the terminal to give us a tour-was a great way to see the area.

One of the fellows on the HAL board did an excellent write up about their excursion using that company. The-Inside-Cabin is his handle. It sounded like a great excursion. I don’t know how to attach his report (not great on computer, sorry)

We did the 10 day version of this a few years back starting in New York. Loved the cruise. Have a great time & happy anniversary. We are currently in Quebec visiting our daughter & little grandkids-weather has been sporadic with hot & humid, to thunder & rain. Haven’t been on the Zaandam for quite a few years but loved the ship.

Agree with all of this (except the wasabi-I always order that beef with no wasabi). The ambience and dining experience is much better, in our opinion, than the Pinnacle. I can not eat spicy food and they have something for everyone’s taste buds.

I always ask for no wasabi or they can put it on the side.

I agree with crystalspin. Perhaps the offer for the upsell will come again at a lower price but I would not take the upsell for that amount.

We don’t do instalments. It was for a long cruise and our PCC pointed out penalty starts one month prior to final payment.

We’ve only had it that cancellation penalty is a month before final payment.

Good luck! If you can do it that will be great! Let us know how it works out.

From what I remember (been about 4 years since there) it was about a 20 minute walk (but that’s a slower pace as I do have issues with walking). It was a pleasant walk, over the bridge and you’re right there to look at shops, eat, drink etc. It’s one of my favourite ports. We’ve also grabbed a 2 hour city tour right at dock which was reasonably priced.