provencedelsol

We have dabbled with the anytime dining concepts on several cruise lines and find universally that it just isn't true to the name. Unless you want a lengthy (30 min) wait you will have to make reservations. If I have to make reservations daily I would just rather pick a traditional fixed time and not have to spend my hard-earned vacation time making reservations. On NCL where fixed is not an actual option we made standing reservations after the first dinner when we found a wonderful server. Some lines do not allow making reservations for the entire cruise at one time though.

With fixed dining we meet interesting people and have only had "bad" tablemates once. The rest of the table stood together against their bigotry and otherwise mean-spirited comments so it actually became somewhat of a game. Could have asked to be moved but the rest of the table were fun.

We also like having the same servers who learn our preferences asap including my seafood allergy. Makes dinner even easier for us and that is part of what cruising is all about.

Susan

Did they make the changes to Lido by eliminating the Deli and only offering pre-made sandwiches and changes to the Salad Bar eliminating the Specialty Salads and eliminating Self-Serve?

 

Also, did they update the TV to interactive and upgrade the internet packages?

 

Thanks!

We were also on the Panal Canal cruise. Both pre-made and custom sandwiches were available. Everything was still self-serve the few times I was there. Also added was a new bar configuration on 5 in front of the shops. Nice. No change to the Explorers with regards to the new and improved (!) one on the Volendam.

The TV was not interactive and no change in the internet packages except for poor service. In addition to the AC problem, which lasted all cruise on Deck 7, the internet was particularly vexing. I think Domain Name Server issues in Florida more than the satellite delay. Because I still teach for two universities, dependable online connectivity is required or we can't cruise. I am concerned about our fall transpacific/Australia cruises on the Volendam now.

Susan

Dirty Banana & BHIT both were a favorite

 

Beverly Hills

Iced Tea

10 ½ oz Glass

½ oz Cointreau

½ oz Bombay Sapphire Gin

½ oz Bacardi White Rum

½ oz Grey Goose Vodka

½ oz Cuervo Tequila

Pouring Sparkling Wine

BHITs are really yummy and go down quick and smooth. Be careful about standing up after having more than one though!

Just curious if you dry things in the dryer at home. I think that "may" make a difference in how you feel about the service.

I do put most things in the dryer except for those very high in lycra.

DH and I have enjoyed the HAL laundry service many, many times. We have never had a problem with loss, shrinkage, broken buttons or anything else. Perhaps we are simply lucky but even delicates (mine) have come back just fine, folded in paper in a basket, but fine!

If your cabin or Mariner stars don't come with complementary laundry you can purchase for the cabin at $7 a day for unlimited.

Sail 4/29 Zaandam, cabin assigned 4/20. First time we have ever booked a "guarantee." Satisfied with result.

I don't know why I was assuming that for anytime dining the grats had to be paid in advance...............

That happens on Celebrity when you choose their anytime dining option.

Susan

You can ring guest services to book it. I always just buy it onboard. Lately I have just just sent my first bag out with the unlimited option checked and it is automatically charged to my account with that bag.

800-541-1576. Have your booking number and credit card ready. Really easy.

Susan

We were on the Dawn recently. No pix though. Sprinkles is in the middle of the pool bar midship deck 12. Three various flavors of dipped IC. No soft-serve there. Choco and rainbow sprinkles; squeeze bottles of choco and caramel syrup.

Soft-serve (choco, vanilla, and mix-swirl) is in the back of the buffet. Same sprinkles and squeeze bottles but with the addition of graham cracker crumbs.

Both sites are heavily visited, expect lines when they are open

Susan

If you click on the attached PDF file (a very common free Adobe Acrobat Reader download) you can view the Elite Mini-Bar info. :)

Thank you for your efforts! Susan

Many, many thanks from your "up the 14' neighbor. DH and I are doing this and the B2B TA next summer. I feel as if I have already done it once through your eyes and words.