Just Back from Nieuw Amsterdam, July 24th Sailing!

[idiebabe]

2 hours ago, Boytjie said:

Thank you for your review!

 

I was wondering what we would do for dinner after our ISP excursion, so it is good to know the Dive In was open and delivers!

They weren’t open and close at 5:30 but Room Service has a Dive-In Menu with limited items on the In-Room Dining Menu.  There is also Pinnacle and Tamarind options for a charge, too.  There is a charge of $4.95 for the Burgers and Chicken Sandwich.   The Club Sandwich is off the Standard In-Room Dining Menus for  free.  IIRC, they offered a Cannonball and a Regular  Burger and the Back Flip.  You can get extra sauces like Dive-In Sauce but no Cheese For Fries.  

Edited August 3, 2021 by idiebabe

[idiebabe]

1 hour ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

I was also on one of the 630 whale watch, were you on the St Maria?

I was able to catch one of the two breaches in video, it’s near the end of this video.

Yes, we were on St. Maria.   That’s a great Video!  Exciting when they Breach!  

[aliaschief]

Question. Like on Pinnacle Class ships  does NY Pizza offer breakfast terms like various bagels and lox’s  and other breakfast offerings.? 
 

You have been so helpful in preparing my return to sailing. Thanks.

 

Bruce

[idiebabe]

57 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

Question. Like on Pinnacle Class ships  does NY Pizza offer breakfast terms like various bagels and lox’s  and other breakfast offerings.? 
 

You have been so helpful in preparing my return to sailing. Thanks.

 

Bruce

Thank you,  Bruce!  I’m afraid no Breakfast Items or Deli Sandwiches that Pinnacle Class offers.   Pizza and some Salads only.  
 

Please let me know any questions and I’ll try an answer for you!  😀

[aliaschief]

5 minutes ago, idiebabe said:

Thank you,  Bruce!  I’m afraid no Breakfast Items or Deli Sandwiches that Pinnacle Class offers.   Pizza and some Salads only.  
 

Please let me know any questions and I’ll try an answer for you!  😀

Thanks for the quick reply. Enjoyed those breakfast options on Pinnacle Class.

 

Was there ever an announcement about possible COVID cases?

 

I enjoyed my 4 years at Charleston AFB. Love The Low Country.

Edited August 3, 2021 by aliaschief

[canadianbear]

Enjoying reading your review.  It’s been too many years since we’ve cruised Alaska.  Really appreciate everyone that does a “live” or review, thank you!  

[ctobie]

6 hours ago, idiebabe said:

Day 2 – Sea Day:

 

We woke up to some fog and Room Service.  We usually do Room Service daily for Breakfast.  The Service was excellent (they were actually early) and everything served hot (including my hot water for Tea).  When I booked this Cruise it was the Friday after they opened up the Bookings.  On Saturday we were at work and I said to my Daughter why don’t you come, too.  She put a hold on a Room on Deck 8 and we were on Deck 7.  I called my PCC on Monday to see about moving to Deck 8 next to Steph but she was in a VA and we were in a VB and the price jumped up $800 since Friday and Saturday so Yikes!  We stayed where we were since we were in the same area by Aft Elevators but one floor apart.  We spent a lot of time on Lido Aft and would meet up there most of the Cruise.  I popped up to Lido and joined Steph for awhile before getting ready to go to the Mariner Reception.    We met back up for lunch and had a lazy afternoon sitting out on Lido Aft and hitting the Casino now and then.  The weather was beautiful and the Seas so calm.

 

At one point I don’t remember what time  (maybe early afternoon).  Steph told us that 5 or 6 Rooms up from hers there was something going on.  There was a very “official” Man standing outside the Room who told the Crew Member who was cleaning the rails, etc. not to come down this way.  Later on she said some Passenger was freaking out sitting by the glass Elevators yelling at anyone who walked by that someone has Covid, they took him out and everyone had all sorts of Masks, etc. on and we all need to demand answers.  She ignored him and we thought if there was something to it we'd all be notified so not to worry!  Just washy, washy!    

 

Tonight was Gala Night!  We went to Trivia dressed for Gala and had a pre-dinner Drink and listened to Nick and Jackie before going to Dinner.  There were not many dressed up at least judging by who was going into the 7 pm Show which was Humanity.  Although a very good Show we didn’t go since we’ve seen it a couple of times.  We like the Guest Entertainers better than the Shows and will comment on that at the end of my Review.  We missed the Captain’s Toast! We left Trivia and went into the Show Lounge for the Toast with Vino from Billboard and Valerie the CD/Travel Director was talking and then introduced the Show.  We missed it!  Oh well, back to Billboard!  Dinner was very good and again our Server is getting the drinks.  This is not going to work with a full DR for sure!  After Dinner went to Billboard and the Casino before calling it a day.  Great to be back!

 

Just want to note that Billboard's Drink Menu had a Wine on Menu that was listed for $12 and the DR had it for $10.  We ordered it that night in the DR and was billed for it.  Mike went down to Guest Services the next day and they apologized and took it off our Account and Steph's.  They are in process of making changes and I guess there will be a few hiccups at the beginning.  Guest Services did tell him if we want the Wine just tell them to give it to us at the $10 and any issues to call them but we rolled with it and ordered other Wines.  

Hows the casino?  Was the craps table open? 

[idiebabe]

15 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

Thanks for the quick reply. Enjoyed those breakfast options on Pinnacle Class.

 

Was there ever an announcement about possible COVID cases?

 

I enjoyed my 4 years at Charleston AFB. Love The Low Country.

You’re welcome!  Charleston has some excellent Restaurants and some really beautiful areas.  
 

No announcements about possible Covid cases.  We were given the Hygiene Standard Letters on Embark and also about the Delta Variant.  Some of the Ports especially Sitka they had on the Where and When on Mask requirements and Valerie would remind everyone in her announcements when we pulled into Port.  Pretty much they were required inside Buildings and on Transportation.  The great thing about these early Cruises is how nice the Ports are without all the Ships in Port.  We had a couple of Ports where we were the only Ship so walking around was so nice!  The other Ports we had one other Ship with us.  
 

Our Ship had 1450 Passengers according to the Captain at the Ask the Captain.
 

 Next Cruise will have a little more then it goes to 1700.   An Officer told my Daughter they will probably not go to 100% for a year.  They have an area of Balcony Rooms set aside just in case someone has Covid.  They will be quarantined and served via Room Service only on disposable plates, etc. 

 

We felt very safe on the Ship.  The flights not so much.  Our flights had many young people and a lot of children on them so more of a chance of exposure.  I doubt many were Vaccinated. 
 

We were supposed to Sail with you on Rotterdam.   When Capitols Cruise was cancelled we cancelled TA and booked Rotterdam for November 10th.  We can drive!  We really enjoy all the Dining options on the Pinnacle Class!  
 

 

[timbom]

We were at end forward of deck six and this was covid isolation area.  Noticed one couple leaving area who were sent there but released after two days nurse said there were no cases on second to last day of cruise

[idiebabe]

22 minutes ago, ctobie said:

Hows the casino?  Was the craps table open? 

It appeared all the Tables were open!  I play the Slots.  There were no restrictions with regards to Social Distancing.  I did see them wiping down the machines from time to time.  This Casino was not very kind to me!  😂

[idiebabe]

11 minutes ago, timbom said:

We were at end forward of deck six and this was covid isolation area.  Noticed one couple leaving area who were sent there but released after two days nurse said there were no cases on second to last day of cruise

That may have been the person who was five doors down from my Daughter’s Room.  

[aliaschief]

1 minute ago, idiebabe said:

You’re welcome!  Charleston has some excellent Restaurants and some really beautiful areas.  
 

No announcements about possible Covid cases.  We were given the Hygiene Standard Letters on Embark and also about the Delta Variant.  Some of the Ports especially Sitka they had on the Where and When on Mask requirements and Valerie would remind everyone in her announcements when we pulled into Port.  Pretty much they were required inside Buildings and on Transportation.  The great thing about these early Cruises is how nice the Ports are without all the Ships in Port.  We had a couple of Ports where we were the only Ship so walking around was so nice!  The other Ports we had one other Ship with us.  
 

Our Ship had 1450 Passengers according to the Captain at the Ask the Captain.
 

 Next Cruise will have a little more then it goes to 1700.   An Officer told my Daughter they will probably not go to 100% for a year.  They have an area of Balcony Rooms set aside just in case someone has Covid.  They will be quarantined and served via Room Service only on disposable plates, etc. 

 

We felt very safe on the Ship.  The flights not so much.  Our flights had many young people and a lot of children on them so more of a chance of exposure.  I doubt many were Vaccinated. 
 

We were supposed to Sail with you on Rotterdam.   When Capitols Cruise was cancelled we cancelled TA and booked Rotterdam for November 10th.  We can drive!  We really enjoy all the Dining options on the Pinnacle Class!  
 

 

The Rotterdam change in cruise dates was the deciding factor on the Rotterdam cruises

 for us. We have delayed our Scotland land tour until next year. Booked for Rotterdam in March for back to backs and again in August B&B’s in Norway. Disembark Rotterdam in Amsterdam and go direct to the city of Rotterdam and board Volendam for 27 days.

 

Plus we are back on  Nieuw Amsterdam this October from San Diego via Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale.

 

Making up for lost time with trips to time shares in Cancun and Kauai. Maybe we should sell the house!

 

After yesterday’s video stream on indoors tour of Rotterdam we were sad that we will miss the first TA cruise experience.

 

Bruce

[idiebabe]

Just now, aliaschief said:

The Rotterdam change in cruise dates was the deciding factor on the Rotterdam cruises

 for us. We have delayed our Scotland land tour until next year. Booked for Rotterdam in March for back to backs and again in August B&B’s in Norway. Disembark Rotterdam in Amsterdam and go direct to the city of Rotterdam and board Volendam for 27 days.

 

Plus we are back on  Nieuw Amsterdam this October from San Diego via Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale.

 

Making up for lost time with trips to time shares in Cancun and Kauai. Maybe we should sell the house!

 

After yesterday’s video stream on indoors tour of Rotterdam we were sad that we will miss the first TA cruise experience.

 

Bruce

It does sound like you should sell the house!  😂. I will miss being  on the TA, too!  
 

Your plans sound wonderful and love Kauai!  😀

[Boytjie]

2 hours ago, idiebabe said:

They weren’t open and close at 5:30 but Room Service has a Dive-In Menu with limited items on the In-Room Dining Menu.  There is also Pinnacle and Tamarind options for a charge, too.  There is a charge of $4.95 for the Burgers and Chicken Sandwich.   The Club Sandwich is off the Standard In-Room Dining Menus for  free.  IIRC, they offered a Cannonball and a Regular  Burger and the Back Flip.  You can get extra sauces like Dive-In Sauce but no Cheese For Fries.  

 

Thanks for the clarification!

[syesmar]

36 minutes ago, timbom said:

We were at end forward of deck six and this was covid isolation area.  Noticed one couple leaving area who were sent there but released after two days nurse said there were no cases on second to last day of cruise

Thanks for the info. Nieuw Amsterdam was coded Orange as of 7/28, based on data submitted the day before. Today, it went Yellow based on data submitted on Friday, 7/30. The reason has not been disclosed. 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/crew-disembarkations-commercial-travel.html On another Thread, there was a report of an ill couple who thankfully ended up testing negative, I am guessing this may be the same you’re referring to.

Edited August 3, 2021 by syesmar

[syesmar]

Thank you @idiebabe for sharing your adventures with us! Exciting to read about this first sailing back! It sounds like it was a wonderful cruise.

[idiebabe]

1 minute ago, syesmar said:

Thank you @idiebabe for sharing your adventures with us! Exciting to read about this first sailing back! It sounds like it was a wonderful cruise.

You’re welcome and will finish up tomorrow!  😀. It was a wonderful Cruise!  

[zgscl]

2 minutes ago, idiebabe said:

You’re welcome and will finish up tomorrow!  😀. It was a wonderful Cruise!  

So glad you enjoyed thank you for sharing your trip. Will be returning the favor in 12 days!!

[ann1bell]

Thanks for your review! 
 

Question: were you happy with the Hilton provided by HAL? We are going on this cruise on 8/21 and have also booked this hotel through HAL. 
 

Were there any restaurants nearby for dinner the night before the cruise? 

[idiebabe]

39 minutes ago, ann1bell said:

Thanks for your review! 
 

Question: were you happy with the Hilton provided by HAL? We are going on this cruise on 8/21 and have also booked this hotel through HAL. 
 

Were there any restaurants nearby for dinner the night before the cruise? 

Yes, the Hotel was fine and had some very nice outdoor areas where we sat out after dinner and in the morning waiting to take the Transfer.   The only negative was our water pressure was weak in the Shower but my Daughter said hers was fine.  We thought the beds were comfortable unless it was a day of flying and the Vino at Dinner!  😂

 

There is a Starbucks in the Hotel (limited hours), a Bar with Tables that serves food and Spencer’s which is a pricier Restaurant.  We decided to go to Cheesecake Factory at South Center Mall which is about 3 miles away.  We did a Lyft and they picked us up in five minutes going and about 10 minutes coming back.  There are also other Restaurants at South Center Mall and someone posted Duke’s was very good.  I believe 13 Coins is close to Hotel and was also mentioned as very good.

 

Just want to mention again there is a 7 Eleven about a 5 minute walk.  The Desk can tell you what door to Exit.   
 

Many of the Restaurants you can order Delivery, too, if you didn’t want to leave the Hotel.  If nice out, you can sit at one of the Tables.  

 

 

 

 

Edited August 3, 2021 by idiebabe

[ann1bell]

Thanks so much fir the info about the Hilton and nearby restaurants. 😁

[idiebabe]

Day 5 – Sitka

 

Another beautiful day!  We were on the fence about Tours for this Port and went back and forth between the Sea Quest Otter and Fortress of the Bear or the Bears, Birds and Barnacles.  We decided on the BB&B at 11:15 a.m.  In Sitka there are Free Shuttle Buses that take you to the center of Town to get your Tour.  It’s about a 6 mile ride and about 10 minutes.  We took the Shuttle and met up with the Tour where they scanned our Tour Tickets on our Phone.  We were assigned Bus #51 and Bobbie was our Driver.  She was quite the character and told jokes while telling us about Sitka. 

 

Our first stop was the Raptor Center to see the rescued Birds and the Bald Eagles.  We had a tour, watched a short presentation and one of the Trainers brought out a beautiful Bald Eagle.  After that there is a Gift Shop and Birds in Cages out on the Grounds.  Next stop was the Science Museum which was interesting.  They had a touch and feel tank and also a Hatchery where they told about the Salmon Process.  Next stop was the Bears. Bobbie told us the history of the Bears and why they were there and where some of them came from.  The Black Bears where quite the “Hams” and were posing for us.  The Brown Bears were also “Hams” and the one was playing on her back in the Water with a small Barrel. So cute! We’ve seen Bears in the Wild a couple of years ago (including seeing a Black Bear while driving a couple of blocks from my house) but it was fun to see them close up, playing and able to get some really good Pics of them.  It was an enjoyable Tour.  (Note:  Each location had clean Restrooms.)

 

Bobbie announced that anyone who wanted to go straight back to the Ship she would drop us off there.  YAY  We were starving!  Ordered Dive-In on the App and only waited a few minutes or so for the food.

 

The Hunt for Sugar Free Red Bull:  My Daughter drinks Sugar Free Red Bull instead of Coffee or Tea.  The Lido Bar was out and went to another Bar that was out.  They called another Bar and they were out.  The Bar Server then made a call and was told they’d bring some up from Storage the next morning.  We were in Ketchikan the next day so could pick it up there but Mike called Guest Services to confirm they would be able to get it the next day.  They said they would double check for us.  We went to 6:30 Trivia and hit the Casino for a little while before Dinner (Billboard was off tonight).  When we stopped back in the Room before Dinner sitting on our Desk was 10 Cans of Sugar Free Red Bull.  Thank you, Guest Services….great job!  After Dinner we decided to just hang out on Lido Aft for a little while before heading back to our Rooms.  Another great day!

Edited August 3, 2021 by idiebabe

[idiebabe]

Day 6 – Ketchikan

 

It was kind of dreary and a little rainy early in the a.m.  We had booked the 10:00 a.m. Duck Boat Tour.  We did one years ago in Halifax and it was a lot of fun.  The Vehicle itself was really nice with Leather Bucket Seats (two in a Row) and it was only half full.  Wonderful!  The Tour Guide was not from Ketchikan, never had been to Ketchikan and was called up by a friend in Seattle (where he lived) to come up and help out for 3 months to do Tours.  His name was Curt and he told us how he had to take a “Crash Course” on Ketchikan.  He did an o.k. Tour and he tried (will cut him some slack there) but his laugh was more of a loud forced cackle which he did after every sentence loudly into the Microphone. 😱 For example:  He pointed out two Bald Eagles on top of a Pole after we launched into the Water and finished with his forced, loud laugh.  OMG, I thought my head would explode!  When we got off the Vehicle everyone was commenting on it and happy to get away from him. 

 

We went back to the Ship (took a Tylenol) and had lunch.  After lunch we went back out and took the free Shuttle to Downtown and walked around, taking Pics and stopped in a Gift Shop to pick up a few Souvenirs.  It was a beautiful, warm afternoon and we walked back to the Ship. 

 

Gala Night:  We originally had the Pinnacle booked but decided that morning to cancel it and just go to the DR to our wonderful Waitstaff and quiet Table (we were still hearing Curt’s “Cackle”).  We got dressed and, of course, did Trivia and Billboard before heading to the DR.  Note:  more people were dressed for Gala Night on this one.  After Dinner we headed back to Billboard and also played the Slots for a bit.  We went up to Lido for a little while and Steph had an Irish Coffee she brought up with her.  She ordered a shot of Bailey’s to add to it at the Lido Bar and they lost her Room Key.  Steph had locked her key in the Room twice during the Cruise leading up to this night.  They knew her well! 😂 She was starting to head down to GS to get another Key when a Guest Services Rep came up looking for her with a new Key.  The Bar had called them unbeknownst to us.  When the GS Rep was there they did find her Key which had fallen behind the Bar and the GS Rep said “Don’t forget to throw the old one out like the others since it’s been deactivated”.  She replied “Thank you, I know the drill”!   😂

 

Another great day!   

Edited August 3, 2021 by idiebabe

[rkacruiser]

18 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Enjoyed those breakfast options on Pinnacle Class.

 

And, the deli sandwiches were darn good as well!  

[aliaschief]

Great review. Very concise and well written. Thanks again.