rkacruiser

I experienced this once off the coast of Norway when the Eurodam was sailing towards Iceland. The front decks and public rooms were cleared of people. The Bridge cam showed what was taking place on the bow's open deck. And, having a veranda stateroom in the area of the forward elevator foyer, we were able to see a bit from our veranda. Quite interesting to observe.

Thanks for the video. I have never seen one of those machines in action.

Have you posted your question on the Royal Caribbean Message Board? Someone there may be able to help you.

My Nephew has a daunting task ahead of him! Years and years of cruising memorabilia some of which has monetary value for collectors. He has been told repeatedly that if he gets a dumpster and starts pitching, without being discriminating, he will be throwing dollars away that would otherwise go into my Estate.

I think that would be wise. Welcome to CC! I just noticed that you are a very new member of our group!

I have stayed at the Sheraton when I sailed on the Zaandam and thought the hotel was a very pleasant place to stay. Good restaurants, good, friendly service, a nice pool area, and very comfortable room. It was part of the pre-cruise hotel and transfer package which included transfer from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the port. Given the chaotic conditions at the Santiago airport, I was very glad to have some HAL ground personnel to assist me and help with the luggage and get me to the transfer mini-bus.

When I sailed on the Zaandam on this kind of itinerary, I arrived in Santiago 4 days/3 nights early because I wanted to see some of Santiago and the surrounding countryside (including the wineries and vineyards). I enjoyed the tours that I booked and enjoyed my visit, particularly since the city was getting ready for the visit of Pope Francis. You may or may not sail from Valparaiso. That city was where we were supposed to sail, but, the port was changed to San Antonio. I used HAL's pre-cruise hotel (the Sheraton) and used their transfer service to the port on sailing day.

Agree. When I have arrived at a hotel and my room is not ready, the Bell Captain will store my luggage while I do whatever I want to do.

A couple of posters has suggested Pride of America for a 7 day cruise visiting several Hawaiian ports. This would be a good sampler, but, when I considered this ship, the per day cost was much too high. As others have said, the OP needs to determine what aspect of the Islands appeals the most. If choosing a land vacation, on which island would appeal the most to you would be your next decision. Each island has its own "vibe". I have cruised (more than once) and at the end of one cruise spent a few days on Kauai with a rental car and staying at a resort. Did enjoy those few days very much and was able to visit some places that I had not been able to do during the cruise. Difficult, but, a fun decision!

On Royal Viking Sky, the husband of one couple was a "meat and potatoes" man each evening. He always had the Stewards bring to the table the ingredients for the salad he wanted and he made his own. When he sat down at his place at the table, the first thing he would have the Stewards do is to remove all of the utensils that he would not be using. His wife was the exact opposite type of diner. Both were good conversationalists and very pleasant people with whom I kept in touch for several years. Many interesting people make up our world!

When I was in Rotterdam on the VOV aboard Rotterdam VI, the tour that I booked included a visit to the Rotterdam and a tour of part of the ship. Brought back many, many memories, particularly when I sat in a seat in the Ambassador Room where I had sat. There was a table set up in the LaFontaine Dining Room at the location where one of the tables I occupied when I sailed aboard her (had three sailings on her). Part of the tour was a visit to the Bridge. As you can imagine, quite dated now in comparison to the Bridges on the ships of today. I'd encourage you to make the effort to visit the ship if you visit the Netherlands.

Sounds OK. My grocer produces a Cream Cheese and Scallion spread that I enjoy.

What's Pickapeppa Sauce?

Cream Cheese? I like it when mixed with some other ingredients. Some kinds of spreads that my grocer makes are delicious on Melba Toast or some kinds of crackers. Plain? I have not tried it and am reluctant to spend money on a tub that may or may not get fully used. Cheesecake? I do enjoy that and a topping of Blueberries or Strawberries makes it even better. But, the preparation of the dessert does vary with the Pastry Chef that makes it. Just as with other kinds of dishes, some of the Chefs are better at their craft than others.

If I see this on a menu, I will try it.

Regardless of the cruise line or the ship, guests trying to get reliable, truthful information has always been, and is, an issue. "Happy talk" seems to be the "PR rule" that crew are taught. Don't say anything that might upset a guest. Even questioning why an OBC has not been applied to one's account results in a response that puts the "blame" on the ship's poor Night Auditor. When asking two days later, the answer is much the same: "he hasn't gotten around to doing so". I had to involve a Front Desk Officer to get the issue properly resolved.

The Market closed with CCL up slightly with RCL and NCLH both negative. "Fluid and flexible" is an understatement! No "new bets", but, am not selling any shares in either of my two pots of CCL. My intention remains to sell the smaller pot before the end of the year for tax loss harvesting reasons. But, it is my intention to buy those shares back once the Wash Rules are satisfied.

😃 You can say that again! Pre-dinner cocktails in the Commodore Club, then walking to the Britannia Restaurant, one can work up an appetite even if one has been eating some canapes and snacks with one's drinks.

Please return to this thread and provide a report. Thanks.

Great pictures! On what HAL ship were they taken? Thanks for sharing!

The Marriott Fort Lauderdale North is a very nice hotel with an attached garage with free parking, The hotel is on Andrews Avenue, just North of Cypress Creek Road (which is the exit for I-95). Driving to the Port, it's easy to return to I-95 and is about a 30 minute drive to the Port. Restaurants nearby along with a good hotel restaurant. Very pleasant partly covered Sun Deck and pool on the 4 the floor. I have stayed at this hotel several times. Whether they would allow you to park your car there during your cruise, I don't know. But, if they did, I would expect a charge. When I drive to Florida for a cruise, I always park at the Port.

I didn't consider my first cruise experience on a Great Lakes passenger ship a 3 night/4 day cruise. My first ocean cruise was an 11 day Caribbean cruise from New York to Bermuda, San Juan, St. Marteen, St. Lucia, and St. Barts in July, 1970 aboard Rotterdam V.

Yes! It was a delightful lounge with excellent music by Italian musicians. On my cruise, the group was Romy Formica and the Favolosi. I enjoyed them so much that I would a record that was for sale and still play it from time to time.

I have been "shopping" for a cruise on a luxury level ship. I have learned quite a bit from reading and reacting to posts and blogs on the Silverseas and Seabourn Message Boards, including yours. From what I have learned, as well as my sole luxury cruise experience as a Yacht Club guest on MSC Meraviglia, I certainly support the two quotes of yours above. The tone that I sense from those who post on all three Message Boards (those posts on MSC that pertain to Yacht Club) support what I sense and what I have learned. When I sailed on Meraviglia, I wondered what I would experience as a YC guest. My fellow guests with whom I interacted were friendly, engaging, had similar interests as mine, invited me as a solo cruiser to join them for dinner; in short: they "put their pants on the same way I do". Lots of myths about cruising and the poster to whom you responded has fallen for one of them.

No, Pier 25 if I heard the communications correctly. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your dinner!