Bostonjetset

I’m thinking it’s something with that ship haha. Our MDR service on K’dam last August was pretty poor as well. Certainly below average and not up to usual HAL standards. They were clearly understaffed. Even my last cruise on Carnival Pride had better service in the dining room. I was shocked. 
 

I actually really loved other aspects of the K’dam. It was just the MDR service that left something to be desired. 

You can never really go wrong with anything in Japan. I’ve only travelled there on a land trip, not a cruise, but I would pick the longer itinerary. You are flying all the way so I’d make the most of it. The cabin is less important IMO and after all it’s still a suite either way. 

We honeymooned in Japan and we included a stop in Otaru. It’s such a lovely place as is all of Hokkaido. The Princess cruise skips that part of Japan entirely so that alone would make me pick HAL. I was there in October as well and it’s similar to New England in the autumn. Can easily be between 50s to low 70s. Hokkaido averages on the cooler end of that and Tokyo area on the warmer end. 

48 minutes ago, crystalspin said:

I believe the smallest OV are the ones on Deck 3, because they have given up a few feet to the Promenade. Others are larger. The Insides are nicely sized, as well.

 

The ready access to the Promenade on Deck 3 makes up for the smaller size. Also we hosted five or six people for a family happy hour regularly (you do have to rent a fridge for any cabin that does not have a balcony, on the Volendam and Zaandam). Obviously, people would sit on the foot of the bed!

Thanks for the clarification.  

16 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

In actuality, it says 140 - 319 square feet.  It’s like the inside cabins - there are a few very large ones.

 

Key is to look at the deck plans and choose the right OV.  The largest are the HC cabins (which you don’t want if you don’t need them).

 

Looks like 2 of us posted at the same time.  

 

Along with cruise deck plans, halfacts.com (which is a free site with contributions from CC members who have sailed in the cabins) also has pics of different cabins.  the rooms have changed little (except for shower only in inside and OV) so it doesn’t make much difference how far back the pic dates to get an idea of cabin size.

I know it’s a range but I thought the high end of the range was almost always for handicapped cabins and most of the regular ones were at the lower number. We have a guarantee F and I’m not picky but found it curious that the smallest OV would be smaller than the smallest Inside regardless of what the upper limits are. I’ll be fine with whatever we get but again I found it strange. 

7 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

According to the Cruise Deck plans website, on the Volendam Interior cabins have 182 sq ft and the OV cabins have 197 sq ft. 

 

But the HAL site says 140 for OV. So confusing. 
 

I’ll be on the Volendam in June and can’t wait. I love the smaller ships. My first HAL ship was the Veendam and that size is great. However, looking at the deck plans it says the ocean view staterooms have a smaller square footage than the interior ones!  Is that correct?  Can anyone confirm that? I found it strange. We had an inside on Veendam and thought it was a great size but have an OV on Volendam

and expected it to be at least the same if not bigger. 

Sorry to hear of your fall. That puts a damper on things but thankfully Keukenhof is a go. We went last year and it was a highlight of Amsterdam. Enjoy and hope you get better soon. 

3 hours ago, BetsyS. said:

KayS - Years ago on the Veendam, there was a singer who had played Christine 

in "Phantom of the Opera" for over 10 years on Broadway. Her voice was beautiful.

She sang songs from the show. I hope that HAL will bring back music and singers  from the Broadway shows! That would be great! 😊 I hope they will also have music from "Les Miserable!"

I think they do depending on the itinerary and availability perhaps. Last year on the Rotterdam in Scotland we had a guy who played Rum Tum Tugger in Cats (West End) among other roles. He did a variety show one night (in between the three nights of Step One) and he was great. Though he didn’t sing anything from Cats which was a disappointment, he had a wonderful voice. 

I don’t want to make assumptions but this post is a bit suspect. That exact same thing (word for word other than name of cruise line) was posted to the Princess page and the Carnival page. 

17 hours ago, RuthC said:

A step in the right direction! The former production shows were so much better than the One Step Dance Company that replaced them. 

Now, if HAL can only return classical music and bring back Piano Bars! That would be wonderful. 

Aww I actually like the Step One Dance Co. It’s just that it gets boring seeing the same show every sailing across different ships in different areas of the globe. I saw one of their sets thrice…once on Rotterdam in the Caribbean in 2022, once on Rotterdam in Scotland in 2023, and again on Koningsdam in Alaska later in 2023. I enjoyed it but would like some variety. I’m happy they are bringing some variety back. Though who knows what we will get on Volendam this June as they aren’t listed for the new stage shows yet. 

4 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

You are singing my DH’s song.  Cats have been shown to be very calming and are often used in nursing homes and other group homes.  The “vet cat” we often see is meant to be a calming influence to kenneled animals 

Historically cats had a place on ships. And I would much prefer to see them on ships today than dogs; they are far cleaner, much quieter, and will keep the rats out of the food hold lol. 

1 hour ago, Destiny0315 said:

Here's an interesting video about the dogs(and chickens!)that stayed onboard the historic Queen Mary in the past...

https://youtu.be/iEswhQWmuu4?si=KsVauK5ziAdXBHQq

 

 The current Queen Mary 2 still allows both pet dogs and pet cats onboard for transatlantic crossings but they have a designated kennel area and cannot roam the ship freely.  

41 minutes ago, Kay S said:

…why the anti-dog sentiment?  In many parts of the world, you see dogs in restaurants and inside retail stores.  Most of the people who live in those countries seem to be just fine, no dog-related traumas.

Maybe we’re cat people?

In all seriousness though, I don’t think it’s anti-dog sentiment as much as it’s anti-rule-breaker sentiment. Most of us have no issue with legitimate service dogs. Beyond being allowed under the law, they are legitimately helping someone in need. It’s the people who bring their pet dogs onboard under false pretenses when the rest of us aren’t allowed to do that. 

It’s not that same as retail stores that allow pets as they would also allow me to bring my cat in if I wanted to but HAL would not because he’s clearly not a service cat (as he can’t be according to the ADA laws). Not saying I would, but I’d be allowed to bring him to a place like Home Depot just like the women with the stroller dog.

Great now I need that book!  I got the 175 year Cunard book on the QM2 several years back so this will be a nice companion to that one. 
 

And the lion is adorable. I don’t need it but he’s very cute!! 

4 hours ago, RuthC said:

On one of my trips there I took a HAL tour that included a sailing vessel out on a lake, quite a distance from town. It was so long ago that I really don't remember too much about it, other than it was a gorgeous day, perfect for sailing, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. 
I believe it was out near the Bell Museum. 

On another stop I went to a cultural presentation in the shopping center right across from where the ship docks. There was a song and dance show particular to the area. 
Again, very enjoyable time. I had plenty of time for looking at the shops downstairs afterwards, and was able to chat with some of the natives. THAT part of the day was especially great! Very friendly, knowledgeable people who loved to talk about the history and life there. 
There are also some vendor stalls outside the building, if either you or your mom like shopping. 

The last time I was there I just drove around a little on my scooter, and got into downtown, which I found a bit overwhelming driving in. Can't help you there. 

I like the port, though. It's quaint. 

Thanks for the reply and the info!

4 minutes ago, Monarda55 said:

DS did the haunted historic tour in Sydney. He enjoyed it, but said it was a shame it was in broad daylight. Would have been spookier at night.

 

Hope you and your mom have a lovely cruise.

Thanks!  I think I may just book it.  It’s pretty inexpensive so not much to lose.  I too wish it was at night but alas there isn’t much we can do about that bit haha. 

1 minute ago, seayourself said:

We have the ghost tour booked for Sydney week of May 25th. It looks fun!

Yea I thought so too. Something different and easy. And we’ll have time to browse around the shops and stuff in town beforehand. 
 

I looked up Cabot Trail and that looks like a beautiful drive but not sure mom would be up for renting a car and dealing with all that. 

12 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

I have been there 4 or 5 times and in every post cruise survey I ask HAL - why, why do you make me go back?  I think it was one of the ports that HAL originally sailed to in North America when they were transporting immigrants so they maintain their historic relationship.  You are right the Graham Bell museum is quite a drive and if the weather is bad it is not a pleasant visit.  As much as you, like me, are not a military person the fort does have demonstrations, shopping and restaurants.   It is by far the best day I spent in Sydney and I have done most things.

Haha. I literally lol’d at your post. I’m traveling with my mom on this trip and she has been there before and said it was the most boring port last time she took a Canada cruise. 

1 minute ago, *Miss G* said:

 

We really enjoyed the artisan shops in the terminal, as @Navybikermom has mentioned.  We took a walk through town and then back along the promenade.  There’s a little fish and chip shack, there, with really great fish and chips and a great view of the ship!  There was also a banjo player along the way, who we really enjoyed.

 

Loved the pewter in one of the shops.  I bought myself a maple leaf!

 

Well that’s lovely! 

Thanks everyone. I don’t have much interest in forts/military stuff so not sure that would be worth my time. We really wanted to just stay in the town for Sydney but it sounds likes most of you recommend getting out of the city haha. 
 

We plan on an Acadia excursion for Bar Harbor so will get some nature at that port. 

I posted this on the Canada/NE page as well but it’s sort of HAL specific and thought maybe someone here had some insights. I know @RuthC loves this itinerary for example! 
 

Sydney seems like one of the less interesting ports on a Canada/NE cruise so I’m at a loss for what to do this June. Has anyone done anything like the “Haunted Historic Sydney: A Wicked Walking Tour” excursion offered by HAL (or something similar)?  It’s pretty cheap and seems kinda fun. The only other semi interesting thing would be the Alexander Graham Bell museum but it’s rather far and excursions are pricier. 

Sydney seems like one of the less interesting ports on a Canada/NE cruise so I’m at a loss for what to do this June. Has anyone done anything like the “Haunted Historic Sydney: A Wicked Walking Tour” excursion offered by HAL (or something similar)?  It’s pretty cheap and seems kinda fun. The only other semi interesting thing would be the Alexander Graham Bell museum but it’s rather far so excursions there are on the pricier side. 

22 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

@Bostonjetset  thank you for your comments.  I, too, am once again going to sail Princess as they have a transatlantic that fits perfectly into my land travel schedule.  HAL is great for their unique itineraries but they certainly aren’t the only quality cruise line out there. 

I like Princess but haven’t sailed them since Covid. Let us know how it is and how they do transatlantic. I love transatlantics but have only crossed on the QM2 which is a different beast. 

32 minutes ago, FlaMariner said:

Thanks for sharing your experience.....

 

We are hardcore HAL 4* Mariners who graduated from Carnival 25 years ago.....but we have booked a Carnival repositioning cruise from Singapore to LAX this fall.....The price and itinerary sold us and we think the itinerary will keep the perceptions we have of Carnival (loud party ship w/walmart atmosphere) at bay.....

 

This review helps confirm our Carnival choice....and we are looking forward to the "fun ship" cruise.....

Oh that sounds like a great itinerary. I think the longer and more unusual itineraries should help avoid the stereotypical Carnival atmosphere. I feel even my 8 night cruise helped. 

8 minutes ago, rodndonna said:

Thanks for your detailed report.

 

We've done a couple of CCL cruises before Covid and enjoyed them very much - even as introverts !

 

Since Covid we are trying to make our way through all the mainstream lines  - have made it on HAL, Celebrity, and NCL. Princess is in 2 days. Still need to work back in CCL, Marella (our most cruised before Covid) and curious about MSC.

 

To make matters worse (or better?) we are attempting to cruise each line in a relatively newer (larger ship) and an older (smaller) ship within the fleet as I think that has a big impact.

 

It's an ongoing study that works well within our dog friendly short (12 days or less) cruise itinerary options. 🤔

Ooooh I am interested to read your comparisons. I’m interested in MSC too. We’ve yet to sail with them but probably will eventually as they are in NYC year round and have super cheap deals so would be great for a cheap getaway. Don’t know I’d risk an expensive trip with them until I’ve tried them first though as I’ve heard so many mixed reviews. My next is with HAL and then our first with Disney next year. 

2 hours ago, dchip said:

Thanks for your thoughts. We sailed on the Carnival Miracle (older ship) with our kids and grands in 2022. We were very apprehensive. We had a blast!!

 

The steak house was the best on any of our 44 previous cruises with Princess and HAL. Truly amazing food and presentation. They made an error in our reservation for 10. In turn we ended up with the best tables in the house, 4 bottles of wine, comped cocktails and drinks for the kids. We didn’t ask for a thing. It was a triple anniversary dinner. 

 

Because you don’t dress for dinner, the dressy nights were really dressy. Everyone glamed up. We were impressed. 

 

We are going to give it another go in 2025 on the same type of ship, the Legend. Both of these cruise are Alaska 10 days RT San Francisco. Another huge plus. 30 minutes from home. 

We love our long cruises on HAL but glad we took a chance on Carnival. 

Oh the Legend is a sister to the Pride.  I sailed on her way back in 2013.  That class is such a great size for a ship.  I think the Miracle is also one of the 4 "Spirit" sisters.  Have a wonderful cruise.

I agree that the steakhouse was wonderful on Carnival.  We ate there the first night so received a free bottle of wine for every two people at the table.  It was a house wine so nothing fancy but I'm not a huge drinker so one glass was enough for me anyway.  The gesture was nice.  Also, the smoked oysters starter was one of the most elaborate cruise line dishes I've seen presented in years.  They came in a smoked-filled cloche and were unveiled table-side with a majestic waft of incense-infused smoke the swirled around in front of us.

I compare that to K'dam last August when I booked Canaletto for our first evening [months in advance] and when I got there was told they no longer open on the first evening and they just moved my reservation to another random day without any notice at all.  They let me book it online and took my money without a problem but couldn't even let me know they changed it until I walked up there for my reservation.  Then, they couldn't even fix it to a night I wanted at the hostess stand; they said I had to go to guest services in the lobby to fix it.  They [guest services] did give me a better night of my choosing but it was a pain and they certainly didn't go out of their way to fix it even though it was their mess-up.  And no comps, no wine, nothing for the inconvenience.

49 minutes ago, DAllenTCY said:

I sailed on the Carnival Horizon in March 2023 and I was impressed with dining....so  I booked on the Carnival Panorama August 2023 expecting the same food options and quality.

 

The dining in specialty restaurants aside....I was disappointed.

 

Two nearly identical ships...not the same experience.

 

David

It's amazing how much things can differ from ship to ship even within the same line.  I guess a lot of the food depends on who the head chef is.