MicCanberra

It wasn't quite that bad but it certainly wasn't what we had booked.

Kimberley?

Thanks all for the mostly constructive advice.I suppose my questions have been answered, at least in part. 1) Some have said it not just the Oosterdam and it is across the fleet. 2)It seems you need to be in fixed dining or be really demanding to avoid similar slow service. 3)Whether it is cost cutting, or not, the lack of staffing levels will likely continue, and management and training of the staff they have is not sufficient. It is such a shame as we would likely have cruised HAL much more. Now it will only be if the itinerary is a real corker.

Don't go on a Thursday then.

I think it is a sign of the times across most lines, less staff being stretched to cover the gaps in staffing levels. Not sure if the lines can't get staff or if it is the new norm.

We too have found there is often a communication/ interpretation issue in countries where English is not the first language. We booked a private tour in Chile for 4 of us, only to find we were with 1 other private tour group of 4 and 2 small groups in a larger mini bus for 12 pax. There was no seat for the guide, so he stood up in the van the whole tour. When queried, we were then told that the bus was shared but the actual tour of the winery and city were private. The winery had 2 more small groups join our group (now 20 strong) and the city tour had (16). Sometimes you just have to laugh it off and just roll with it.

I am sure your cruise will go-ahead

Correct. We don't talk about Brujo.

Not that one.

Complaints were registered both immediately and a little later for the worst times however, when things are a little off you let it slide, as you don't want it consuming your whole trip. Have a great cruise and just make sure you book fixed dining.

We won't talk about it.

It is one of them, I wonder if you can get it. Encanto may help

Sorry not there.

A tangent, sorry.

This 2nd game seems a little different, MH continues her scoring.

Not Antarctica.

I wouldn't mind doing the new locks, and see the difference.

Staffing is definitely an issue, 2 waiters handling the station (a whole section of the mdr) where as on the Noordam there would be at least 4.

Infinity is a Panamax vessel, so I will say the Canal. We did it in 2011 the Infinity.

Did you get some clean clothes and drop off the dirty ones?

Cabins are usually available after 1pm if embarkation starts at 11am.

It should be in the system but don't be too worried as Sydney airport has wifi you can use.