New retail stores on Maasdam

[iancal]

I recall years ago cruising on a ship that made a big deal out their 'clean seas' program.

 

Probably because they had been caught the year before emptying dirty water etc into the ocean.

 

In any event they had one or two one pager on 'save the seas' or some such. But we were absolutely amazed at the useless paper that came to our stateroom day after day. It was incredible. Then we saw all those photo in the photo display area that must have been trashed. They must have gone through an amazing amount of developer and fixer chemicals. It made a bit of a mockery of their environmental statements.

 

When we signs on board or at port stops yelling 'tax free' at us we invariably find that we can buy whatever it is cheaper at home-either retail or on line. We are certainly not going to buy anything on a cruise ship and cart it home that we can buy at home.

Edited May 12, 2018 by iancal

[Hlitner]

HAL might be a victim of their own loyal cruisers. Consider that DW and I will never play Bingo, do not spend a penny in HAL Casinos (we avoid the smoke and dirty ashtray stink), have not spent a penny for a photo in over 15 years, and generally want no part of HAL excursions. Ohh....we do not go to the Art Auctions and seldom buy anything in the shops.

 

What could HAL do to get folks like us to spend more money onboard? They could offer some good deals in the shops (their Duty Free booze often costs more than it does at home). As to excursions, we simply do not enjoy being part of a large group cattle call. We would certainly spend more money in alternative restaurants, but honestly are not fans of the Pinnacle (although we do like their lunches) and find Canolletto a joke. If HAL has something comparable to Murano (Celebrity) we would be there on a regular basis.

 

Just a further comment about cruise ship excursions. Years ago they were pretty good deals. But now, they are generally very overpriced and overcrowded. And the cruise line's now have some competition because many cruise agencies are marketing excursions offered by other shore-based groups. Personally, we prefer to do our own thing.

 

Hank