jeh10641

Our last HAL cruise was on Rotterdam, 12/01/21 so my experience may be different. We absolutely loved Tamarind, Pinnacle and Rudi's Sel de Mare. Canaletto was good but ranked 4th. It was nearly empty at 6:45, our usual dining time. We had tried Canaletto on Westerdam and Oosterdam and found it good but not outstanding. Jim

Hello, gam888, Here are two suggestions - Hastings (Battle of Hastings 1066 close by) and Canterbury for its cathedral. Jim

Thank you gumshoe958. We are staying at the Ridgemount Hotel on Gower Street near part of the University of London. I had looked at the premier Inn but the Ridgemount has a history going back 240 years. I loved that fact. Jim

My wife and I will be in Amsterdam for a week in early October 2023. A canal cruise is one activity that we plan to do. I am concerned about the weather at that time. I believe that it will be much like our weather in Seattle at that time - cloudy, cool, with rain a strong possibility. Any recommendations for a "covered or enclosed" canal cruise line? Madie/Jim

We will be staying two nights in London in October 2023 before taking a train from Waterloo station to Southampton. Has anybody done this? Any recommendations? Jim

Hi, Cliff, We have been on Oosterdam, Westerdam and Rotterdam. They all had some version of the Music Walk. To be honest, I cannot remember the Main Stage times. I do agree with the posters who said it is possible to change MDR or Specialty dining times once on board. We do that frequently. Never had a problem pre- or post-Covid. Jim

Hi, mcrcruiser, I know that shows can conflict with our preferred dinner time but we work around that by changing the time and/or dining venue to suit our needs. In reality, we prefer the Music Walk options most of the time, even if the music is repeated. We did get to see Cantare on the main Stage and it was excellent. Jim

When we were on the Rotterdam, we sat 2/3 of the way back on the port side at a 6 top. Never had a noise problem. Jim

Hi, Eaglecw, When we were on Rotterdam (12/21), we had anytime dining. However, before we boarded (weeks before) through our travel agent, we requested 6:45 for every night in the MDR (7 nights) and got it. Even linked my cousins who were traveling with us using their booking number. Jim

That makes sense about early diners leaving. We eat at that time year round, occasionally later, less often earlier. Jim

Due to diet restrictions, I only ate two 8-inch chocolate chip cookies in 11 days on Rotterdam in December 2021. They were the BEST I have ever eaten (81 years old and counting). Not only were they great, but I was lucky enough both times to get them still warm. I thought "This is what Heaven must be like!" Jim

Madie and I like Any Time dining around 6:45-7 PM. We usually ask for a table for 6 or 8 when we check in as we like to meet as many people as possible. That is unless we are traveling with other couples (once). Never had to wait, make the reservation on the first day on HAL, book in advance on other cruise lines.

That is one of the reasons cruising is so much fun. We all have different ideas that make the world of cruising so special.

Hi, KroozNut, When I look for a cruise, price always comes first then itinerary. Jim

Hello, artvlay, We were on Rotterdam in December 2021. We were in Cabin 1146 on the Main deck. Because of its orientation there seemed to be more space than most inside cabins. We are Inside cabin fans for a lot of reasons, price being foremost. Jim

Hi, Zula, We were on Rotterdam for 11 nights in Dember 2021. My wife always had some kind of a wrap. That said, you should have a great time. She is a spectacular ship. Jim

Hi, Ret MP, We have only sailed once on Royal (Navigator, 2009), my memory is that the MNDR was really good. I felt that specialty dining was not worth the extra fees. That held true for our cruises on HAL until our last trip on Rotterdam (12-21) where the specialties far exceeded our expectations. We are going on Anthem in October for 15 nights and have booked only Jamie's Italian and Chops for a 15-night cruise. Hopefully the MDR will not let us down. Jim

You are not alone, vegascruiser1. I like the themed nights as well. Jim

I have no idea if they are new or old. Have not been on a RCCL ship 2009.

I have looked at the MDR menus for our Oct 2023 transatlantic on Anthem. There are 6 or 7 themed menus listed. They look fine to me Jim

Usually when I buy stock, it is for long term. I bought CCL in the mid-20s and more around 10. I also bought NCLH around 9. I am bullish on the industry. I used the On-Board credit on HAL a year ago. Jim

I never cruise for less than 10 or 11 days, more likely 14 to 20 days. Multiply that times $40 or $50/day and it becomes sizeable. I agree that fee should be incorporated in the cruise price and let the lines pay a living wage. I always pay extra tips to my cabin stewards(esses) and anybody else who gives me outstanding service aboard.

Thumbs down for your response and attitude.

Hi, oldmom, Not just inflation. I booked a transatlantic cruise for next October (2023) in April 2022. That cruise is now 55% higher than when I booked! Supply and Demand, basic economics. Also, cruise companies are billions in debt due to the Covid shutdown. Trying to catch up on that. The bargains were available for this fall but are now pretty much gone for 2023. Jim

You can always arrange your own Meet/Mingle as we are doing on Anthem next October. Jim