jeh10641

I had read #37. I reiterate that if HAL can do it so can RCI. Jim

Ditto!

I have not cruised with Royal since 2008. At that time, we boarded in Barcelona at 11 AM and I believe we were able to drop our carry-ons in our cabin (Navigator). On three GHAL cruises since then, we always board before noon and drop off our carry-ons before looking for lunch. If HAL can do it why can't Royal? Smaller ships with fewer pax but also fewer crew. We usually travel in an inside, midship, lowest deck. This time (10/23, Anthem) we are in a forward-facing ocean view. First time for that location. Jim

Me too! Jim

We did a Panama cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Seattle in 2012 on Westerdam. It was wonderful.

Hi, GlennG, How recent? We were on Rotterdam in Dec. 2021 and all of the specialty dining was 5 stars (out of 5 stars). We did not pay for any extras. The steaks were top notch. We love their key lime pie and Caesar salads. Jim

They are photos of the menus and are dated 2021. Jim

The majority of his photos are dated 2021 not 2022. Jim

Hi, seaoma, When were you in Seattle? I live about 20 miles east of that city. If you ever get back to Seattle, let me know. My wife and I will treat you to a meal. She tests every week before visiting her sister. Madie/Jim

My favorite ship was the 1938 edition of HAL's Nieuw Amsterdam. Took my first cruise on her in 1959 (June transatlantic NY to Rotterdam) and my second on her in 1966 (NY to Caribbeans over Christmas/New Year's). Currently, my favorite is the next ship I am booked on. Does not matter what line or itinerary. Just love the cruise experience. Jim

Hi, aururab, I visited Barbados, St. Lucia and St Thomas in Dec. 2021 on Rotterdam (HAL). Here is what we booked (Two private, one HAL). Barbados - chatbarbados tours offered private tours of the island. Deborah was an awesome guide. $50 for two hours for two people including tip. St. Lucia - HAL cruise entitled Scenic By Ways St. Thomas - paradise Taxi tours. Ask for driver Big Moe. Customized tour for 10 people about $25/person plus tip. Jim

Hi, seoma, You will be happy to know that I did my first unproctored Covid test at home and you were right. It was not hard or complicated. Now my only concern is with overseas connections to the internet. Thanks for your help. Jim

On the Rotterdam we loved BB King's, Rolling Stone and Lincoln Center. Never got to Billboard but have enjoyed that on other HAL ships. Jim

Boy. You guys have brought back many memories of the great HAL food. Thanks for that. Rotterdam, 12/01/21 favorites of mine: Pina Colada at Tamarind Filet Steak at Pinnacle Grill Salads at Lido Steak Tartare appetizer (times two) at Rudi's My wife had lobster at Rudi's that was awesome. Warm chocolate chip cookie at Grand Dutch Cafe (very large!). Every meal in the MDR! Jim

In December 2021 we paid $77 for 11 nights to the Caribbean. Sounds like the price may be the same now. Best investment (other than the cruise itself) I made. We could cut down on the amount of clothing we needed to pack. Jim

6006 or 6008 if they had the beds you need. And no upcharge. Jim

Great tip! Jim

Hi, seaoma, Thanks for the encouragement. I hope that by October, 2023, testing will be a thing of the past. stay healthy yourself. Jim

niceaunt, You got COVID while staying home. I am truly sorry that you had that experience. I am 80 and my wife is 78. We both have underlying health issues. We go out for our daily normal lives but always wear masks except when eating or drinking ice tea/lemonade. We cruised (11 nights) in 12/21 having been double boosted. We toured Florida for a week before and after our cruise visiting friends and family (wearing our masks while they did not). We are going again in October 2023 for a transatlantic trip with 7 days in NY, 7 days in Amsterdam, 2 nights in London and 2 nights in Southampton before our 15 nights on the ship. We will be table sharing if possible. We plan to take whatever new boosters become available. We live near Seattle and Washington State's Covid cases have been going upwards steadily until the last week or so. I say go. The choice, however, is ultimately yours alone (with advice from your medical team). Jim

In December 2021, on Rotterdam, we booked a private tour of Barbados (Bridgetown). My only experience recently.

Another suggestion for cruise lines to look at.

I do not know if Quest Diagnostics is still being recommended by HAL. I tried their in-person service last November in Florida and they failed miserably. My wife got her result the second day of the cruise and I never got mine. Fortunately, HAL was testing on the pier for cases like ours. Jim

Mary229, Thanks for that good news. Jim

I HATE computers. I am sorry that so many companies think that they are the "second coming". I prefer hard copies of the Compass, Menus, newspapers, books, etc. although when traveling I do download ebooks from my library to save weight. I do have a question though "Is the Cruise Compass available on the television in cabins?"

Hi, John 57, We have cruised with Costa, Royal and HAL. We have always used the buffet because of the variety of food. We sit by the windows of which there are plenty. We get to know the staff as we try to sit in the same area every morning. They get to know our morning drink passions and bring it without having to ask. After a couple of days of good service, I usually give a cash tip. we never sail less than 10 or 11 days and up to 17 or 18 days. On our next cruise, Anthem of the Seas in October 2023 (transatlantic) we may try the Solarium Buffet as I hear it is less busy. Jim