coolbluegreenseas

...worshippers of Ba'al?

 

...discussing the Canadian health care system in comparison to the US health care system....

Worshippers of Ba'al might actually be an interesting conversation. A great many individuals cannot discuss anything other than sports, their work and other people. Pretty horrid conversation.

Oh, I wish you would discuss the Canadian health care system in contrast to the US system. It just might enlighten a group of people who have incorrect ideas about how your system works. Of course, this kind of conversation could get heated because you are questioning "American exceptionalism" and killing sacred cows can lead to fights.

To quote Jane Austen: "If you cannot think of anything nice to say, you will please restrict your remarks to the weather."

You could talk about books, but so few people read anymore. Movies should be safe, but the movies people watch can usually be analyzed within 15 minutes. Previous cruises are probably safe as are previous destinations, but since most people are tourists and not travelers, the pond is pretty shallow there too.

Enjoy the cruise, bring books, and seek those who actually want to hear about you, your life experiences and are willing to listen with an open mind.

It is so common there is a thought process that people almost feel cheated if they 'only get what it is they bought and not something considered better/more.

 

Thank you for the laugh this morning. :)

I hope you are enjoying the trip!

Just received upsell for June 1 Eurodam 12 night Northern Europe from veranda vf to signature suite for 899 pp or 1249 for Neptune. Seems high. Can you counter?

For kick and grins, I called HAL about the upsell asking if they would negotiate, but the CS rep said he cannot. I booked directly through HAL via phone (which is funny because I do everything online), so there is no cruise consultant for this cruise. Of course, HAL assigned a cruise consultant for our next trip, but would they be of any use on this one?

Regardless of any future offers, the stateroom booked is perfectly acceptable. Anything else is just like getting a free glass of wine.

I agree. If there is a demand on the Lanai cabin (and I suspect there is), they will come down, significantly.

So, email in my email box from HAL about a paid upgrade (or as CC members say, an upsell). The Lanai cabin we reserved cost 1399 per person. The upsell is for a Vista suite, but at 299 per a person extra, it is the same price as what is on the HAL site. Going to let this one go and see if they can do better. Otherwise, the Lanai will do just fine.

You will want to go to the roll call section and locate your sailing. There will be other people who have planned excursions or are looking to get a group together for an excursion. Have fun and enjoy.

Good to hear! Write a review when you return.

Thank you for the review. Sounds like a perfectly delightful ship and cruise.

We're sailing on the Veendam next month; we dock at 1:00 pm on Monday and leave at 1:00 pm on Thursday, for a total of about 70 hours in port. The other ships doing seven day run to Bermuda Seem to average about 55 - 58 hours in port.

 

I'm certainly not complaining, but can anyone tell me where HAL is finding those extra hours? It's nice that we'll have 3 evenings there.

NCL and X schedule three sea days opposed to two for HAL. As a personal note, we booked with HAL because of the extra port time and the berth in Hamilton. The idea of being able to walk on and off the ship to walk around town is very appealing.

35th and 9th is Times Square now?

 

Ouch!

Yeah, I thought it was funny too.

35th and 9th is not Times Square under any circumstances. If you do not mind walking (NYC is really a great walking city) it will work fine.

We didn't think food was as good and portions are smaller.

Isn't that a Woody Allen joke?

This policy will only encourage people who are sick to come out of their cabin when otherwise they would be self quarantined. During our cruise in Europe, I came down with a miserable cold (not noro). Hubby went to the buffet to bring me pasta with garlic. So, if you are sick, you need to go to the buffet and share the joy? At this point, NCL will never have to worry about getting my money.

We had an aft suite on Equinox and the soot was not a major problem. The butler or room attendant would wipe it down in the morning, and even if there was a little soot, it was not like stepping into a coal mine.

Unless I am mistaken, as many as you please. Of course, if you order 1000 bottles, I do think someone will take notice.:D

I really wanted to avoid Alitalia.

Alitalia is horrible. Hubby and I flew in Premium Economy to Rome for our Italy/Greece cruise. The flight attendants were rude, the seats, hard and the food was MREs past the due date. We never fly for food (who would?), but on a trip over the pond, at least the nourishment should be Mcdonald's quality.

Premium Economy on Virgin Atlantic is really good, but they do not always fly where we want to go.

How are the King Crab legs? Ultimately, we are going for the steaks, but in case I want crab, are they worth the 20 dollar up charge?

Glad to hear you have a stateroom that is better than your GTY. Please write a review during or when you get back for those of us on the later Bermuda cruise. :p

In case anyone wants to do yoga on the terra firma:

http://www.yogabermuda.com

Are there yoga classes on the Veendam? I have an established yoga practice and when on vacation, I love to practice while in a different place.

Anyone know of yoga studios in Bermuda? Of course, google is my friend!

The FAQ is a little confusing, but in the handicapped FAQ, a mention is made of dropping off and parking the car. So, yup, it can be done.

We are driving in too. Hubby and I are planning on one bag, plus his camera bag and my carry on. Maybe the drop off idea is a good thought.

There is some info here:

http://www.massport.com/port-of-boston/cruiseport-boston/cruiseport-boston-faqs/

Thank you for the advice. I will order the prosecco.