oakridger

@tobymurphYes, you can bring packaged snacks on board, but honestly, there is plenty to eat! *French fries at the Dive in up until 6 or 7pm when they close. *Gelato at the Gelato bar. *Lido buffet "usually" has potato chips and cookies that you can get a bowl of to take away. *Peanuts at the Ocean Bar (they had them last fall anyway). *Room service has several things. Check the menu's on @Crew News website: Room-Service-S-and-Pinnacle.pdf (rogerjett-photography.com) *The Pizza place is open up until evening. *Chips and candy $$ in the shops when they are open. *On sea days Afternoon Tea in the MDR at about 3-3:45pm. *Explorations cafe has some things. Is there something else in particular you have in mind? ~Nancy

From @Crew News website: Ocean-Bar-Menu.pdf (rogerjett-photography.com) Yep, the old menus did differentiate sizes with the brands. This new one says 16oz. That's not true unless they changed them all since November!! Only the Bud Light and Bud I believe came in the 16oz aluminum bottles before. ~Nancy

Thanks for posting the pictures along the way! Have fun! ~Nancy

I am the OP and really appreciate everyone's thoughts! I was second guessing myself on this issue but now know that my self-doubt is unfounded. I did mention the issue to Rotterdam management on the Navigator App as well as the post cruise survey. This has been happening for years on HAL, but I finally decided to let my feelings about it be known. The vast majority of the crew are so great, and I have lots of respect for all they do! I would love to know what the crew are actually trained to do about this. I have also recently been asked on other non-cruise product and service surveys if I was asked by staff for a favorable review. Maybe the current customer service philosophy is finally starting to frown on staff review solicitations?? Are there any current or past cruise shipboard employees who would like to share their experiences with the whole survey policies? Thanks everyone! ~Nancy

As someone pointed out, I will say that I'm OK if a crew member just reminds me to fill out the end of cruise survey if they only say that and not ask for themselves personally to be complimented. I really prefer that it's not mentioned at all by the crew. A notice on your booking documents or in the daily program is okay. ~Nancy

Just one more specific example. I booked as a solo with the Early Booking HIA (refundable) included and paid exactly $50 per day more than the "Best Price" (non-refundable) fare would have been. This Early Booking HIA included Elite Beverage Package, Premium Wi-Fi, Crew Appreciation, one Pinnacle Grill and one Canaletto, $200 shore ex credit and $200 OBC. This was for a 2-week cruise on Zuiderdam in May 2024, For me it was definitely cost effective! ~Nancy

If a crew member asks me to give them praise on the app or survey, I do not do it. I had two separate crew on Rotterdam last fall ask me to give them a good review before they had even done any service at all for me! I did mention this on the app to the management and asked if they trained the crew to do this. (I didn't give their names because I didn't want to get them in trouble) I didn't get a response to my question. 😉 One crew who was pushy about it I did discretely and politely tell him how I felt and that I would not be giving him a positive review because of that. It was actually the best crew members that NEVER asked me to give them kudos who were the ones that I praised on the App and the post cruise survey! Most of them also got extra gratuity from me at the end. How do others on here feel about crew soliciting for good survey and app compliments? Am I being unreasonable? ~Nancy

Started a new thread so as not to hijack @MisterMatthew. Thanks, ~Nancy

I met Bruce McGill the actor and his wife Gloria way back (!!) in 2016 on the Serenity Panama Canal cruise. I had no idea what his movies/TV shows were at the time but I got to speak with him and his wife Gloria numerous times on that cruise. They were such nice people and Bruce told me that he owned stock in the company I worked for at the time. Ha ha. That's what's so great about the speakers/entertainers on Old Crystal that I imagine will carry over...most of them seem to be enjoying their cruise outside of their "work" and happily join in conversation with the guests. ~Nancy

I love the pictures of the WWII equipment and reenactors. ~Nancy

Just one more excuse to go on another cruise!!! 😎 ~Nancy

I very happy to be able to computer cruise with you! I'll be watching for your posts. 🙂 Have a great time! ~Nancy

You are OK then. Note that the form outlines who must sign and that it must be done within 60 days of booking. ~Nancy

From memory, the menu looks basically the same. I know it is a sample menu and I loved several of the items listed but I am really hoping for some changes all over on New Crystal. I'm not looking for a "carbon copy" of the previous experience! Thanks for posting this Keith. ~Nancy

So far, your adventures in Portugal and Spain have all been fantastic, even just reading your posts and seeing the pictures! The cruise terminal in Porto is the fanciest terminal, by far, that I have ever seen. The architecture is just gorgeous. Portugal was one of my Covid cancelled trips so seeing your posts encourages me to again plan for visiting there.....soon! Aren't longer cruises great! Seven days flies by too fast! ~Nancy

Good morning from San Francisco! Will you try some port wine in Porto? Have a great day and now I'm going to sleep......see you in about eight hours! ~Nancy

I have not had a scone that can compete with the one with gobs of clotted cream and jam on the Isle of Wight! Thanks for the continued excellent pictures and descriptions! ~Nancy

When I was on Nieuw Amsterdam last fall the Ocean Bar was my main bar hangout too. The crew was very friendly, and I always love to get a chance to practice my Tagalog with them. The 4-5 piece band that played in there was very enjoyable because they had talent and their choice of songs was danceable for those that wanted and not too loud so you could have a nice conversation with someone while having your drink(s). 😁 I did enjoy the BB King Bar as well for the band and lively set lists but did find them to be too loud sometimes......I must be getting old!! I go there to listen/dance, not converse. Have you gone to BB King or Billboard onboard? ~Nancy

I always enjoy your posts @MisterMatthew so I'm glad you fixed the font! Looking forward to hearing more. I'm glad you were there to help the man in the wheelchair. It shows again why people should not leave their room service trays or scooters parked in the corridors! Sometimes the suitcases are put in the rooms but maybe they stopped that? Mine have always been placed in the cabin on HAL. ~Nancy

You are having beautiful days so far! I am enjoying following along. ~Nancy

Can you post the link to the description please? I haven't seen this one listed before. Thanks, ~Nancy

10015 – Eurodam | HAL Cruiser Information (halfacts.com) Spa balcony 7083 – Eurodam | HAL Cruiser Information (halfacts.com) Standard balcony Halfacts.com has lots of good pictures of all the ships. Yes, those Spa verandas are smaller and not as deep as standard verandas. ~Nancy

The difference in cabin and balcony furniture is because some of the pictures were taken before the refurbishment. All cabins will have the newer style of furniture and soft goods. ~Nancy

Thanks. The MDR wasn't open either? Wow! ~Nancy

What are the LIdo Buffet hours on your charter @bburf42?