msteries

People are mixing up checkin time (show boarding pass, maybe take pic, then sit in waiting area) with boarding time (when you get called to board the ship)!!!

46 minutes ago, Gigi1977 said:

They have a small area next to the liquor area.  Don’t count in choices and be prepared to pay premium prices.   It’s hit or miss.  

Oh so true, but do need something.  Many thanks.

One always forgets something!  Anyone now on the Rotterdam who has spied the little shop area with sundries like aspirin, toothpaste, etc?   

10 minutes ago, POA1 said:

Is the second piano still there? We're on the Rotterdam in late March. I would like to see a piano challenge. Or maybe 88 keys to the death. Possibly anything that involves walking the plank.

 

I might be in the minority, but if you are having "dueling" anything, I would like to see sabres or pistols at 20 paces.

No, just one. If you search these boards a couple of weeks back you'll see that someone actually got a pic of the removal.

Happy to report that Dueling Pianos are indeed gone from the Piano Bar on the Rotterdam  Alissa did not do a canned set list but three sets of audience requests.  A very large crowd seemed to be thoroughly enjoying things.  I always snort when someone requests Bohemian Rhapsody.  The crowd happily provided all the verses and bridges with much enthusiasm.  

10 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

Yes there is a difference and there is a difference between ports.  Since you indicate you have priority it is pretty much as you describe.  Check your boarding pass of check in time. 

Sorry - failed to mention that I depart FtL.  Boarding pass gives “boarding time”.  But I can arrive and check in earlier, I presume???  

Haven’t cruised HAL in over four years, and after reading some posts, I am a bit confused as to what to do on Wednesday.  Previous experience: take taxi to pier, arrive shortly after 10:30, hand off luggage, and go inside terminal, looking for “Suite, Priority, Club Orange signs”.  Do the short checkin process, then find a seat until boarding for Category A begins.  So there is a difference between “check in” and “assigned boarding time”.  Still true?

Since I sail in the Rotterdam next Wednesday, I would really like to know if my Dewars on the rocks is more now.  I feel companies like HAL need to reflect current conditions and do what they need to do price-wise.  BUT paper generated for drinks on HIA -  horrible for the environment and a waste of staff time.  This is my first HAL cruise in four years (been doing Celebrity) and I really had hoped that system would have gone years ago!

4 hours ago, kazu said:

I think the OP is referring to the embarkation lunch - it used to be just for Mariners and no longer is restricted.  Moreover, the menu is basically the same for every lunch albeit a special on the cruise.

 

The Mariner’s Luncheon where Mariners are recognized with a special lunch is on a sea day and based on my past cruise, seriously upgraded and quite nice.  

Yes, you are right.  My last cruise on HAL was just before covid, and embarkation lunch in dining room was for Mariners. Then there was a special event later.  

Although my boarding pass says Priority, an email from HAL gives a 12n boarding time.  Seems late.  Usually with Priority I time it so I arrive a bit before 11, and head for the Mariners Lunch.

Thanks for the information everyone.  I have my paid in full invoice that lists Club Orange correctly, so will bring that in case the boarding pass does not look like yours.  I am but a three-star…

3 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

Yes, CO gets priority.  When you get to the check in lines you will see signage for 4,5* Mariners, Neptune Suites and Club Orange.

 

Your boarding pass will change several times before you sail.  it is not valid until the bar code is on it (usually 3 days to a week out IME).  The one you are looking at is only a preliminary.

Just to be clear - I need to print something else closer to the cruise even though HAL system bugged me to check in a few days ago?  Thanks for helping.  First HAL cruise in a number of years, and I must say, website and Navigator app really screwed up compared to Celebrity.

I just checked in for my February 16 cruise, and note that my boarding pass doesn’t mention priority or Club Orange.  I thought I read somewhere that there is a priority checkin line for Club Orange in FtL…. is that true?

Rotterdam February 16, 2024.  9 night S Caribbean.

My S. Caribbean cruise in February now has an overnight in Aruba.  Anyone have a recent experience with how that works?  Something new for me. 

I second the advice to get a walker with a nice seat and basket.

Thanks folks!

Drat! I can’t find the post about a bar on the Rotterdam that features single malts?  can anyone help?  

Wondering about the drink prices posted on the Navigator app.  In the past the Signature pkg that comes with HIA covered my preferred Dewars on the rocks and an occasional vodka martini.  Will I have to upgrade to the elite now.  Pretty hard to find $11 drinks listed on the Rotterdam bar menus.!

6 hours ago, crystalspin said:

The VQs on the Observation Deck 11, have Juliet or "viewing" balconies. This gallery shows the room and balcony:

https://halfacts.com/11002-nieuw-amsterdam/

Note, the sofa and desk are away from the balcony. 

 

You might want to change to a Spa Verandah on the Panorama deck -- which are standard Verandahs with standard balcony. With sitting area NEAR the balcony. And just one flight of stairs from the Crows Nest!

https://halfacts.com/signature-class/10012-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

Thank you so much for showing a spa vq on deck 10!  I have one for my February cruise on the Rotterdam, and was getting worried.  I love being one set of steps from the spa and thalasso therapy pool. 

Traveling with you via CC and taking notes as I plan to sail the Rotterdam mid-February.  Such great pictures, and I know what you mean about being distracted by others things when the sun rises or sets…. I always seem to be in the shower!  Thank you!

So many people do the come when you wish dining that there are very few assigned tables where you would meet with same folks each evening.  As a solo traveller, I used to miss that camaraderie until they designed such noisy, crowded mdr’s.  So CO now a wonderful choice, and folks nearby often make s point of chatting with solo travelers.

I have enjoyed the very nice service in Club Orange, but the very best advantage is that it is so much more quiet than the loud roar and echoes of the main dining room. And it is small enough that you may well get the same waiters most evenings, and if you get sent to another table, your “regular” waiter is likely to drop by and check in on you.  I miss the days when you had the same servers every evening.

A nonalcoholic mojito made with minimum sugar was my treat the year I sailed after some surgery recovery that really limited my drinking.  And do remember that if the bar is really busy when you ask for a special drink - you should leave a tip!!

Guess I better dress with curtains closed, eh?