PFV

Thanks for the information regarding the drydock schedule for the ship. Sailed her once in 2015 and enjoyed the cruise. Looking forward to the updates/renovations as we live not far from Port Tampa Bay and will book a cruise on the newly updated Paradise.

I was on the same sailing as RMS Olympic and agree completely. I'm 58 and noticed that the majority of passengers were older. The ship is in great shape. Never saw any buckets anywhere. We did have a plumbing problem in our cabin. I called Guest Services and a man came within 10 minutes and the issue was resolved. The next day I received a printed card in my cabin stating that they have been trying to contact me to see how my problem was handled. I had not been in my cabin very much and thought the follow up was a sign of great customer service. I went to the Guest Services desk and told them I was satisfied. Service was excellent and always with a smile, except for that pool bar bartender. Ocean Bar staff were fantastic! Yes, entertainment was lacking, but I always make my own good time. Don't order the French Onion Soup. Its disgusting! Talk about salty..... Other than that, the food was very good for the most part. No screaming kids and vulgar drunk people made for a nice atmosphere. This was our first HAL cruise and all in all it was a much different cruise experience, and I would book another. I would like to try a larger ship and have an eye on a Panama Canal cruise this fall on HAL.

Latest is that it will be in the mid 60's on Sunday and sunny.

I've been holding off getting a hair cut until next week. I look like a Citrus County original! Ugh. Can't wait for that 7 & 7!:cool:

Thank you for the wonderful, detailed review. We are on the Rotterdam sailing Jan. 7th. This will our first HAL cruise and am really looking forward to a week away and experiencing HAL. Seems as though things are getting smoothed out over time.

Don't forget Seven & Seven's.... My cruise drink.

Oh, by the way, I checked with HAL and 2/3rd's of the ship is reserved by a group called Bacon Haters Of America, so Bacon is off the buffets and cheeseburgers! You better fill up before getting on the ship! :-)

I'm on the Jan. 7th sailing and I'm going with a very open mind. This will be my 39 cruise and first on HAL. I have always wanted to try them, but was discouraged, over the years by all the comments made that HAL is for older people including my Travel Agent. I "ain't" no Spring Chicken anymore and can't wait to get on board!!!!:D As long as the ship is clean, the food hot and bathroom works, I'll be more than happy. Not to mention the drinks strong!

PFV

It doesn't look any bigger than the Mauretania......

I think its time to buy or rent a scooter for your Buffet rounds....:o Start practicing "Get out of my way".:)

Sky Princess will have a new policy! No Bacon on board..........;p

Under the main HAL thread, I think the thread is Rotterdam Refurbishment. CruizerBill has posted pictures of the ship post Dry Dock. She looks beautiful. Can't wait to get on the ship!

Thank you Bill for the wonderful pictures. I am sailing on her Jan. 7th and being new to HAL, along with two others in our group, I was getting a bit nervous about some of the stories floating around here. I am much more relaxed now as to what to expect. Paul

Wow! My first HAL cruise is coming up in 48 days. I will get on with an open mind I guess. As long as the food is hot and the drinks are strong, I'll be happy.

I am so enjoying reading this thread. I am sailing on her Jan. 7th. with three other friends. This will also be my first HAL cruise and am so looking forward to it. I am really interested with what happens in Drydock and post cruise reviews after she re-enters service. Its been awhile since we've been on a cruise and can't wait to get my sea legs back!

Welcome to our group!

Hello everyone,

A good friend booked this cruise and introduced the idea of my partner and myself joining him. Then a very close friend from the U.K. has decided to join us also. This is our first HAL cruise, except for our friend who mentioned this cruise initially. Really looking forward to experiencing HAL. I hope we have fellow Cruise Critic members on board.

Thank you everyone for the menu links! This gives us an idea of what to expect. Cruising has changed over the years and I have lowered my expectations regarding food, but I'm not a big "Foodie" so it should be fine? I am just so looking forward to experiencing HAL for the first time. We haven't been on a cruise for two years now, with moving to Florida and doing home improvements, I'm now in cruise withdrawal!!!!! Thanks again. Paul

Only if Daisy and Onslow win a contest for a suite and dinner at the Captains table! I wonder how many readers realize we're talking about Keeping Up Appearances?:p

Well Daisey, Violet is joining us, minus the Pony. Maybe Onslow can take us to the pier in his luxury sedan? Can we get the dishy Vickor to join us also?:cool:

Hello POA1, our itinerary is Caribbean. Depart Tampa, Key West and western Caribbean. Thank you!

This thread is very interesting. My partner and I are both 58 and have been together for almost 23 years. We must look like an old married couple because we are never asked this question. Once on a Carnival cruise years ago, we were attending the repeater's party and a woman asked me how long we had been together? I replied 7 years and she said that's wonderful! I never saw her before in my life.... I hope not to run into bigots, but that's a chance we take meeting new people. Throwing in large amounts of alcohol and nothings guaranteed!

Hello everyone,

My partner and I are sailing on the Rotterdam on Jan. 7th, along with two other friends. This is my 38th cruise and my partners 41st. This will be our first on HAL and really looking forward to it and experience a HAL cruise for ourselves. I was wondering if anyone out there has a picture(s) of a dinner menu from the main dining room that could be posted? I am very curious to see some of the offerings. Would you recommend going to the Pinnacle Grill and the Italian extra fare restaurant? Also, any pointers or tips you could provide would be most appreciated. I Thank you in advance.

Paul

Well RMS, Since Hyacinth and Rose booked this cruise today, we'll find out how she looks in Jan.!

Testing the waters I see.... You could join us on the Paradise in November. We can really critique the experience. :D

Allegiant Airlines is in the news almost daily down here in Florida and not for any good reasons. I would not fly them at all. They cancel flights all the time, emergency landings and the flight crews are not happy with management. Enough said. Tampa airport is closer to the port and it provides you with more choices. My two cents!