ZGSCL Live from the Koningsdam - Mexican Rivera - March 6, 2022

[zgscl]

Cabin 4184 is quite similar to the deck 7 aft-wrap I had last time. The desk and bed have been switched so the desk is closer to the aft of the ship. Also the balcony is enormous. So much space! The only downside with this is that there is less shade & you do have people looking down at your balcony. For me this is not an issue but I could see how some people would not like that. I love having this much space though it is a bit ridiculous for one person. I do think that there is a bit more rattling and vibration on deck 4 than I felt on deck 7 but we will see how that goes over the next few days. There is also the window washing apparatus, but that is not really a bother as there is plenty of balcony to use on either side of it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 8, 2022 by zgscl

[zgscl]

I know a lot of folks have expressed interest in the mask situation onboard. I really do not want to get into it here as these discussions can quickly get out of hand, but I will post updates on the below thread.

 

 

[zgscl]

Upon my arrival to my cabin I was horrified to find that the When & Where has changed. Never mind the fact that the new design is convenient and fits perfectly into my pocket. HAL is not allowed to make such drastic alterations to their product without my explicit approval. Actually after the initial shock I found the new layout to be convenient and require less folding to make it fit places. 

 

 

 

 

 

[zgscl]

For lunch today I headed up to the Lido and had the London Broil. I love that they serve this on embarkation day, it really starts the cruise out on the right foot. I also had a bit of salmon (which I started eating before I took the picture because I was so excited for lunch), creamed spinach and mac & cheese. Everything was excellent. While only one side of the Lido was open for service, they had both sides open for seating and with only 1,100 or so passengers there were plenty of tables available. 

 

 

 

Having enjoyed my cabana so much last cruise I decided to book one again this time around. I received a confirmation in my room (which I did not get last time). Despite what it says there was no need to bring the confirmation, the crew had a list (and one of our cabana butlers was my Club Orange beverage server last cruise and knew me already). 

 

 

The setup is the same as last time with two loungers, a table and a mini table/footstool. Very shortly after arriving they brought me two aqua pana waters and took my beverage order as well as offered lunch. 

 

 

 

Having learned last time, I asked for two chairs and to take away one of the loungers which they quickly took care of for me. There are other chairs that look more comfy but are not, I found these to be the best ones on my last trip. They also brought a blanket and extra cushion for use as well. 

[Dunmore2]

Thanks for providing us with all the fine details and photos. Have a great holiday.

[SilvertoGold]

Caught up with your posts and loving your style and all the info which is so helpful to getting a picture of this new-to-us ship.

[mocruzer]

Appreciate your review and thanks for posting the When/Where.  I like the new format.  

[RlyLvn]

Anyone staying on for the next cruise this Sunday March 13th?  Any idea how many passengers on that cruise?  

[Raveler]

What a nice getaway!

 

I have an odd but necessary question to ask: Is there a liquid soap dispenser at the bathroom sink or a bar of soap? The new Rotterdam ship had it and it made it so much cleaner and easy to use

[Florida_gal_50]

Thanks for the encouragement to change my tour tomorrow.  They were still in the back so I'm going to a beach resort tomorrow.  I think that will work better.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

2 hours ago, Raveler said:

What a nice getaway!

 

I have an odd but necessary question to ask: Is there a liquid soap dispenser at the bathroom sink or a bar of soap? The new Rotterdam ship had it and it made it so much cleaner and easy to use

The Neptune suite I had, had both bar soap and liquid soap dispenser as well as a lotion dispenser at the bathroom sink.

[Florida_gal_50]

Regular balcony only has liquid soap dispenser.  I didn't ask for a bar  as I use special soap for my hands and brought my own soap for the shower as well.

[DAllenTCY]

On Sunday March 13, I see 1,104 expected to embark and 37 remaining onboard from this week's sailing.

 

David

[RlyLvn]

Thanks David. 

[zgscl]

I really enjoy the San Diego sail away and an aft balcony is the perfect location to watch from. We also got a nice view of two Celebrity and one Silversea ships that are still awaiting their restarts. 

 

 

For Dinner I decided to start with the Pinnacle Grill which never disappoints. The wedge salad and clothesline bacon were both very good. The ribeye was excellent but I did find the consistency of the lobster tail to be off, it was sort of mushy so I think maybe a bit undercooked. 

 

The lobster mac and cheese was exceptional and I think this is my new favorite HAL dish. The creamed spinach was also quite good. Finally the chocolate soufflé was perfectly done (and I hope everyone likes pictures of it because I plan to have at least 4 of them this cruise).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[zgscl]

I am happy to report that towel animals are back. Upon returning to my cabin I found this little fellow to greet me. I had really forgotten how much fun they are. 

 

 

When & Where for our first sea day. 

 

 

 

 

 

[zgscl]

Monday Breakfast 

 

Sea days are my favorite and started the day out with breakfast at Club Orange. The service was very attentive and efficient. Fresh squeezed orange juice & mimosas were served along with a selection of pastries. I decided to have granola followed by  a build your own omelette & pancakes. My only complaint is that they always pour the syrup on for you. I much prefer to do my own syrup. I will have to remember to ask for it on the side next time. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[oakridger]

I always get so hungry looking at the tempting food pictures late at night! - (it's 12:30 am here)

 

I'm enjoying your trip reports!

[zgscl]

Upon request the club orange host had a list of the special items for this cruise. This should give folks a pretty good idea of what will be served on a typical 7 day cruise. The club orange menu also has Beecher's Mac & Cheese  available daily. 

 

For lunch today I went to the Pinnacle Grill as I almost always do on sea days. The service was fantastic and the food excellent. I completely forgot to take a picture of the burger, I guess that just means I will need to eat another one on the sea days at the end of the sailing. What a tragedy!

 

 

 

 

[zgscl]

3 minutes ago, oakridger said:

I always get so hungry looking at the tempting food pictures late at night! - (it's 12:30 am here)

 

I'm enjoying your trip reports!

I got way too far behind! It is really amazing how busy doing nothing can be. The food has been exceptionally good this trip. Always happy to share all the details (though why I am doing it at 2:30 AM and not tomorrow is a mystery). 

[oakridger]

You must be a night owl like me!  Thank you!

 

~Nancy

[zgscl]

After lunch I headed up to the cabana. Service has been really good so far and at 3 they brought around the frozen grapes, cheese plate and chocolate covered strawberries. They also offered champagne which I passed on. Always worth being up here in the afternoon to enjoy this great treat. 

 

 

 

With the ship only half full and a small group from Cruise Critic we decided to hold an informal get together in the Crows Nest during happy hour. It is always fun putting screen names with faces. 

[zgscl]

3 minutes ago, oakridger said:

You must be a night owl like me!  Thank you!

 

~Nancy

I am indeed! Just don't ask me to do anything at 6 AM, I am completely useless before noon or so. 

[zgscl]

For dinner I went to Tamarind and had a wonderful meal. The potstickers and Thai Beef Salad were so good I forgot to take a picture. The Wok Seared Lobster was amazing and it rivals the lobster mac & cheese for my favorite dish. The crab fried rice and mushrooms both were good also. For desert the yuzu lemon cheesecake is my go to. For those who have not had it, it is not really a cheesecake. It is more of a lemon cheesecake moose dolloped onto white chocolate bark.  It's very good as long as you know what to expect. 

 

 

 

 

 

For only the purpose of having more material to write about (and absolutely no other reason) I went to Club Orange for a second dinner. The salad nicose is nice and light and very flavorful. The tuna is perfectly seared also. The stuffed shells were very nice and the chocolate soufflé was also good (though not as good as the one in the Pinnacle). 

 

 

 

[zgscl]

I got two towel animals on Monday, one when they made up the room in the morning and one with the turndown service what fun! With tonight being a formal night I received two chocolates on my pillow. I also had the opportunity to enjoy a bit of the Rolling Stone Rock Room group & BB King's Allstars. Both were very good and I think this BB King's group is the best one I have seen on a HAL ship (which is a tall order after the last two groups).