rkacruiser

Thanks and LIKE. It's difficult these days to find anyone who has any memories of the two ships of that Company.

Thanks for your post. I am considering a Disney cruise for my Nephew and Niece-in Law and their children (along with me). I have been wondering if this really is a good idea for me. A market that has failed to develop, so far, for several reasons. If successful in that market, the size might make sense. Genting seems to have "eyes" about what they see as possible that is bigger than reality. I have had concerns about emergency disembarkation if required within the 30 minute time period for these large ships. Even ships of the size that Princess and HAL sails could be difficult to manage if "things go South very quickly" and some of the guests and crew panic.

The PG is a very sedate setting for breakfast. If one is slow to "get going", it is a good way to "ease into the day". While I enjoyed the opportunity to have breakfast there (and this was on the Westedam), it was a bit too sedate for my preference. Your description of the service that you received was different from mine. Different cruises, different staff and PG management, different experiences.

Staffing and training is the issue. Just read some of the posts of those who have sailed on Silverseas and Seabourn. The quality consistency of the cruise experience, at this time, is gone.

Yes. But, it will probably be awhile for the drink to arrive if you order it after you are seated. If you have an open bottle of wine that has been saved for you, it ought to be nearby and ought to be able to be served ASAP.

It didn't used to be. I have experienced an Ocean Bar bartender doing such. The gentleman received a nice gratuity for his efforts. Very good service has always been a HAL hallmark.

If they are a Mariner perk, they are "entertainment" for me. More wine? Would be nice. Sometimes, a Wine Steward that is a "stuffed shirt" leading the "show". But, maybe the most pleasant part of the experience for me is that I am sharing a table with other winos. On my 2019-2020 cruise (Hi Patrick if you see this), we engaged in a good conversation and shared HH afterwards in the Ocean Bar. I enjoyed his company.

Thanks for your excellent post. You raised points that I have considered. If the thinking is: why bother with advertising to this Mariner, we have "got him". Well, then, what about my recent cruising history that includes Princess as well as MSC, in Yacht Club no less? I wonder if they are unaware of that. I don't deny that I enjoy the Princess product. Not so much the size of their ships, however. My MSC Yacht Club experience was so superior that I am now considering Seabourn and Silverseas. My goodness, I have been cruising with HAL since 1970, isn't it time for a change? In my opinion, if HAL's marketing reasoning is the same as yours, they are being fools. I need continued encouraging reasons to continue to sail with HAL other than the crew and the feeling of "being home" on a --Dam ship. There have been too many HAL cruises that I have embarked since the Kirk Lanternman and Stein Kruse era that have caused me to wonder: what will this cruise be like? HAL once offered a consistent cruise product. No more.

Thanks for your excellent post. You raised points that I have considered. If the thinking is: why bother with advertising to this Mariner, we have "got him". Well, then, what about my recent cruising history that includes Princess as well as MSC, in Yacht Club no less? I wonder if they are unaware of that. I don't deny that I enjoy the Princess product. Not so much the size of their ships, however. My MSC Yacht Club experience was so superior that I am now considering Seabourn and Silverseas. My goodness, I have been cruising with HAL since 1970, isn't it time for a change? In my opinion, if HAL's marketing reasoning is the same as yours, they are being fools. I need continued encouraging reasons to continue to sail with HAL other than the crew and the feeling of "being home" on a --Dam ship. There have been too many HAL cruises that I have embarked since the Kirk Lanternman and Stein Kruse era that have caused me to wonder: what will this cruise be like? HAL once offered a consistent cruise product. No more.

I strongly disagree with your thinking! Every "pop-up" that I have experienced has been the equal to the stand alone restaurant. It was the equal in every aspect of the dining experience. What I have not understood, since this "pop-up" takes place in the Pinnacle Grill when the dining experience ranges, in my opinion from quality/worth my time/money to why in the heck did I choose to book this. I am sorry to say this, but, is this another example of a HAL where the "Signature of Excellence" slogan means little? Takes too much of what: training, staff expertise, cost of provisions to continue to offer the "pop-ups"?

I wouldn't say that I "hung out" at any of the bars, but, I was a frequent patron of the Meraviglia Lounge's and the mid-ship's pool bar. But, it was always pleasant to return to the YC enclave. Agree. Only asked my Butler to solve one "issue" and that was on the day of embarkation. My luggage had not been delivered. He found it and brought it to me. The Concierge, however, was very helpful. Good suggestion. Many cruise ships have too much clutter on whatever flat surfaces there are that are supposed to act like a "desk". I used my coffee machine one morning and did not care of the results. "Junk" for me during the rest of the cruise.

On Meraviglia, there was a trolley near the entrance of the YC Restaurant with a variety of cheeses covered with a clear plastic (glass?) cover and baskets of assorted crackers and breads. (Maybe breads? Don't clearly remember.) Ask your Steward and I expect you "will receive". (Or in this era of Covid, a plate of what you request?)

Welcome home and back to the Boards, Terry. So much uncertainty in the world breeds instability for the Markets. I had been considering to see a small pot of CCL all Summer and haven't. Unless my thinking changes, I'll hold on to it until sometime in December and re-assess what I want to do.

You have your priorities straight! 😀

That would be disappointing. Like many tours, you pay the money and you take your chances.

That's what she told me. She sitting on the veranda when, suddenly, the Room Steward appeared at the entrance way. My friend was hard of hearing, so it is possible that the Cabin Steward did knock on the door and she didn't hear it.

Yes and because of those sales tactics--primarily the taxi drivers--I stay on the ship we are stopping in a Jamaican port. Istanbul is the only Turkish city that I have visited and, like the other three that you listed, no concern about safety even when walking some streets after dark.

I agree. If I get the flight itinerary that is my first choice and have seat assignments and the flights are what I am willing to pay, I stop worrying about the price. I do keep an eye on cruise prices, but, I have sailed on very few cruises were the cruises were re-priced.

Please share with us what you learn. My worst experience in trying to put a travel notification on a credit card was on a card issued by Citibank. The agent with whom I spoke was not in the United States. (My guess from what I was hearing in talking with her was she was in India.) I had a terrible time getting her to understand what I was trying to do. Because I couldn't understand her clearly, whether due to her accent or the connection, I finally gave up and decided I would not attempt to use that card when I was out of town. I did try to use the card when I was in Florida--just to see what would happen--the purchase was approved right away even without the travel notification on the account. Maybe it did, somehow, get the notification posted on my account?

There will be Stewards/Stewardess serving the tables. I prefer sitting at the bar, but, if one is impatient waiting for a server, one can obtain a drink directly from a bartender.

If so, that's me. Maybe, they don't want me to extend my history? 😄

My opinion as well, but, sometimes, there has been a slightly different selection. On a Volendam holiday cruise in 2019/2020, a Spanish Cheese appetizer was offered and that was new. I tried it and I enjoyed it. I'd suggest the OP read the menus before as best they can and decide what they want to do.

Until she sets sail, Maasdam, in her new whatever existence, will remain a myth. There suddenly has become too many "new cruise companies". It's something that seems to be repeated from time to time. Please tell me, where is Titanic II? Where are the Ritz-Carolton ships?

Crackers were once served and did so as recently as 2020. (Why not know? Oh, it's the packaging of those individual servings would probably be the response. Well, I think I could think of an alternative.) Some of these "cellar masters" can be insufferable stuffed shirts.

That's interesting and I will try as you suggested. Why in the world would there be block on my account? I have never booked any cruise using some "sales/promo". They have always been more expensive per day without the "goodies". And, like you, my TA has been able to obtain much better pricing.