En Route with Hank in Japan and the Westerdam

[cruisemom42]

The weather really has been crap on this trip!!!  Initially we were supposed to arrive earlier in Fukuoka and the rain wasn’t forecast to start until later in the afternoon. As luck would have it, we were late and the rain was early. I did go out in the afternoon but it was too rainy to be enjoyable or get good photos…. 😭. 

[LAFFNVEGAS]

12 hours ago, USN59-79 said:

Thought I would mention some things from a different perspective.  We have had fixed dining since boarding in March.  Have had waiters who know our preferences.  Did the Pinnacle twice and enjoyed the food and service.  Bought the 8 bottle wine package at half price so no complaints about wine.  I enjoy sake and similar drinks sold in convenience stores in containers like milk cartons.  Some are as much as 60 proof.  Never had a problem bringing them aboard as the X-ray is looking for glass bottles.  That is my CC tip for today.  
Ray

Love this idea!! Thanks!

[Aitchgeye]

30 minutes ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

Love this idea!! Thanks!

As do I😉

[slidergirl]

5 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

The weather really has been crap on this trip!!!  Initially we were supposed to arrive earlier in Fukuoka and the rain wasn’t forecast to start until later in the afternoon. As luck would have it, we were late and the rain was early. I did go out in the afternoon but it was too rainy to be enjoyable or get good photos…. 😭. 

Bummer.

 

If I were Queen of the World, I'd make the weather for you and Hank sunny and pleasant for the rest of your cruise time.  And, I'm make it stop snowing up here at home.  Since it's still snowing today, you can guess my status...😉

[McGarrett5oh]

@Hlitner Sorry to be off topic here Hank, but I left a message on a very old thread of yours regarding Le Havre and I'd really appreciate it if you might read my question and reply if you can.    Thank you!

 

 

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, slidergirl said:

Bummer.

 

If I were Queen of the World, I'd make the weather for you and Hank sunny and pleasant for the rest of your cruise time.  And, I'm make it stop snowing up here at home.  Since it's still snowing today, you can guess my status...😉

Wow, where is it still snowing? The temperature here is in the mid-80s, way above normal.

[Florida_gal_50]

9 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

Wow, where is it still snowing? The temperature here is in the mid-80s, way above normal.

Still snowing where I live too.  One day beautiful, the next day snow.  We might be OK by July.

[avalon1025]

Hank, thanks for this thread.   Do you know the bar hours for the Crows Nest?  Open pre dinner?

[Hlitner]

27 minutes ago, avalon1025 said:

Hank, thanks for this thread.   Do you know the bar hours for the Crows Nest?  Open pre dinner?

It is listed as 6am - 10pm.  

[slidergirl]

1 hour ago, ontheweb said:

Wow, where is it still snowing? The temperature here is in the mid-80s, way above normal.

Park City, UT.  It just won't quit,.

[avalon1025]

5 hours ago, Hlitner said:

It is listed as 6am - 10pm.  

Thank you!

[cruisemom42]

Today was a sea day, so I’ve been doing some things I haven’t gotten to on busy port days, including tossing out past Dailies after making notes. 
 

I believe HAL has offered shuttles in all ports where points of interest are not near enough to walk (e.g., industrial ports). Most have been $20 to $25. 
 

Kobe had a complimentary shuttle offered by the port from the ship to Motomachi Station (near their Chinatown).

 

In Fukuoka, the cost was $20 and drop off point was near the Hakata City Office.

 

I also had an overcharge for a tour that should’ve been covered under the HIA promo, required going to the shorex desk and several calls between shorex staff and accounting but the charge was removed. 

 

Tomorrow I have another shore excursion to see some of the traditional steep-pitched roofed houses typical of the Kanazawa area, but the weather continues rainy. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. I may have to sacrifice my beef tenderloin to the weather gods….

[ontheweb]

12 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

Today was a sea day, so I’ve been doing some things I haven’t gotten to on busy port days, including tossing out past Dailies after making notes. 
 

I believe HAL has offered shuttles in all ports where points of interest are not near enough to walk (e.g., industrial ports). Most have been $20 to $25. 
 

Kobe had a complimentary shuttle offered by the port from the ship to Motomachi Station (near their Chinatown).

 

In Fukuoka, the cost was $20 and drop off point was near the Hakata City Office.

 

I also had an overcharge for a tour that should’ve been covered under the HIA promo, required going to the shorex desk and several calls between shorex staff and accounting but the charge was removed. 

 

Tomorrow I have another shore excursion to see some of the traditional steep-pitched roofed houses typical of the Kanazawa area, but the weather continues rainy. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. I may have to sacrifice my beef tenderloin to the weather gods….

🤞, you asked, you received. 🤞, and one more in case the first one did not take.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

On 3/28/2023 at 8:18 AM, Hlitner said:

We decided to order two glasses of the Malbec only to be told they do not have it (although it is on the list).  

 

I'm a couple weeks behind reading through this thread.  This is all very helpful information in creating expectations, as we sail in 3 weeks.  Malbec is my favorite wine, so that's exciting to hear that they had no stock from the beginning.

 

Edited April 15, 2023 by Stateroom_Sailor

[tamadig2001]

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

Today was a sea day, so I’ve been doing some things I haven’t gotten to on busy port days, including tossing out past Dailies after making notes. 
 

I believe HAL has offered shuttles in all ports where points of interest are not near enough to walk (e.g., industrial ports). Most have been $20 to $25. 
 

Kobe had a complimentary shuttle offered by the port from the ship to Motomachi Station (near their Chinatown).

 

In Fukuoka, the cost was $20 and drop off point was near the Hakata City Office.

 

I also had an overcharge for a tour that should’ve been covered under the HIA promo, required going to the shorex desk and several calls between shorex staff and accounting but the charge was removed. 

 

Tomorrow I have another shore excursion to see some of the traditional steep-pitched roofed houses typical of the Kanazawa area, but the weather continues rainy. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. I may have to sacrifice my beef tenderloin to the weather gods….

 

From your description of the shore excursion tomorrow I think they are taking you to Shirakawa-go (literally "white river village") which is just a little over an hour's drive from Kanazawa. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, the village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. We went there more than ten years ago in March, and we were lucky it snowed that morning. The thatched roofs were covered with snow and it was like a winter wonderland. That was one of the highlights of our trip.

 

Monica

[Stateroom_Sailor]

On 4/12/2023 at 7:31 AM, Hlitner said:

Mains included such gourmet dishes as Chicken Chow Mein. Chilli Prawns with Garlic Butter (it was barely OK), Parmesan Stuffed Chicken Brest,  Beyond Chicken Stuffed Zucchini, and the usual regulars!  And I forgot to mention Five Spice Pork Belly!    Come on HAL!  "Chicken Chow Mein!"  Are you kidding me?  And we could talk about the everyday stuff like spaghetti and meatballs, rustic lasagna (tasteless), etc.  

 

 

 

I'm craving that Chow Mein already!  This would an underwhelming menu on a budget cruise line, let alone a premium one.  I'm not happy to hear about the shortages of alcohol, beverages, and black tea (especially in Japan).  This reminds me of my last Celebrity cruise, running out of Pineapple while in Hawaii.  Bland unseasoned food, maybe they're short on spice and garlic?  Vegetables is a big one for me, so sparse and unevenly cooked is not ok.  Hopefully I can ask for extras.

 

Does anyone know if there's still an Asian breakfast offered in the MDR?  It had scrambled eggs, miso soup, and salmon.

[0106]

21 minutes ago, Stateroom_Sailor said:

Does anyone know if there's still an Asian breakfast offered in the MDR?  It had scrambled eggs, miso soup, and salmon.

I enjoyed both the ASIAN CONGEE
rice porridge with ginger, tofu, chicken, scallions, boiled egg and the
PAN ASIAN BREAKFAST 
hot miso soup, steamed white rice, tamagoyaki, broiled salmon breakfast while on the Rotterdam in February.  The hardy breakfast fueled me for several strenuous excursions.

[cruisemom42]

2 hours ago, tamadig2001 said:

 

From your description of the shore excursion tomorrow I think they are taking you to Shirakawa-go (literally "white river village") which is just a little over an hour's drive from Kanazawa. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, the village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. We went there more than ten years ago in March, and we were lucky it snowed that morning. The thatched roofs were covered with snow and it was like a winter wonderland. That was one of the highlights of our trip.

 

Monica

Yes, it’s Shirakawa-go. What beautiful photos! 

[Hlitner]

Evening folks.  Just a warning that this will be a mostly positive post.  Today was a  long needed sea day after 11 straight port days!  Woke up bout 7:30 and I went to deck 1 to get a number we need for Japanese immigration when we return to Otaru after our visit to Korea.  We got a high number of 20, but DW and I have seen little  reason to be off the ship early.  We later heard that there were long queues and some impatience among folks who went at 6 am to get a low number.    
 

After a late breakfast, on a dreary and chilly day, we headed to the Crows Nest where we got two of the last seats along the bow windows.  The Crows Nest was packed, all morning as folks read, played games, etc.  I stopped at the Shore Excursion desk to inquire about a wait list and our remaining credit (from the HIA) package.  it took nearly 10 minutes for a staffer to determine our unused credit since they have to go through our entire account and use a calculator.  This is 1950 technology at its best.

 

We enjoyed our morning of reading, and around 12:30 (after the usual lunch surge) we walked down to the pool area and grabbed a table for lunch.  DW soon returned with a sandwich and I had a delicious Dunkin Dog ( hotdog with cheese, onions, and jalapeños) along with cheesy fries.  All good.  We spent the afternoon reading on loungers near the pool.  Around 4, we headed back to our cabin to relax, shower, and dress for “dressy night”. 
 

About 6, we headed to the Ocean Bar for our cocktail time and socializing.  At 7:30, we were off to the MDR for our normal open sitting.  There was nobody in line, we checked in, and were immediately taken to a table for 6.  It was another great table with an Aussie couple and a couple from Dallas.  We both had the decent escargot and tenderloin.  Dinner conversation was a lot of fun,  but we broke up the party around 9:20 so we could go to the i Step One Musicology Show (which we saw 2 weeks ago).  The one negative was that when we asked about getting glasses of red wine, the waiter mentioned there was no more Malbec or Zinfandel.  We had to settle for the so-so Cabernet.  The ship is rapidly running out of wine choices so the next week will be interesting .

 

On the way o the show we stopped at the Pinnacle Bar to get our drinks (with drinks there is no need to mask) and grabbed great seats for the 9:30 show…which was excellent.  After the show we headed to the Rolling Stone Lounge to hear the terrific band’s10:45 set.  There were about 50 at the show (which means about 2000 were in their cabins).  The set was great and we enjoyed the music and drinks.

 

After the show (at11:30) we noticed that the late night Gallery Bar had zero customers, so we headed to our cabin (much too early).  Even the casino was near empty.  HAL certainly lived up to its reputation as an early to rise and early to bed line.

 

I will emphasize that despite the ship being full, we never spent more than 20 seconds in a queue on a sea day.  For us, it was a near perfect sea day doing nothing but reading, drinking, and eating and socializing.  Life is good!

 

Hank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bennybear]

4 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

Yes, it’s Shirakawa-go. What beautiful photos! 

Oh enjoy!  I hope you get sunshine and blossoms as we did in late April in 2019.   There is also a beautiful garden near the port, one of the top three in Japan.  KenRokuen

 

Edited April 15, 2023 by bennybear

[tamadig2001]

4 hours ago, Stateroom_Sailor said:

 

I'm craving that Chow Mein already!  This would an underwhelming menu on a budget cruise line, let alone a premium one.  I'm not happy to hear about the shortages of alcohol, beverages, and black tea (especially in Japan).  This reminds me of my last Celebrity cruise, running out of Pineapple while in Hawaii.  Bland unseasoned food, maybe they're short on spice and garlic?  Vegetables is a big one for me, so sparse and unevenly cooked is not ok.  Hopefully I can ask for extras.

 

Does anyone know if there's still an Asian breakfast offered in the MDR?  It had scrambled eggs, miso soup, and salmon.

 

My friends who are currently on the Westerdam have Chinese congee with salmon almost every day but I think it's in the Lido. But I'm sure it's available in the MDR if you ask for it.

[Expo67]

On 4/11/2023 at 7:43 PM, Hlitner said:

Our cruise cards are clearly marked with "HIA" in the upper right corner.  We do not know if the error happens at entry (inadequatly trained bar staff) or within the onboard IT system.  But it obviously is a big problem for HAL since we are not the only folks with "HIA" and the Signature Package.  Consider that just for us (DW and myself) the errors have totaled around $100,,so far.  Exterpolate that to the 2000+ others on the ship, and the number of HAL ships, and we are talking lots of money (always in HAL's favor).  

 

Last night we enjoyed the new "Third Avenue West" group who played in the Port Side of the Ocean Bar area (where the piano is located).  It is a trio (guitar, bass, and piano) and they play what I would call contemporary smooth jazz.   Quite delightful for background music in a lounge setting.  For us, this is a good thing.  But for the many HAL cruisers who enjoy classical music, not having anyone playing at the Lincoln Center Stage is a disappointment.  This should not be an either/or situation as HAL needs both kinds of music.

 

Speaking of entertainment, folks might want to consider what HAL has done over the years.  At one time, on a ship like the "Westy" we would have had 8 dancers, 4 singers, and a ship band (which used to be 5-7 pieces).  That has all been replaced with 6 Step One Dancers!  Most of the HAL entertainment moves have been about eliminating positions.  There used to also be two dance instructors (generally a married couple) who conducted dance lessons.  That is also gone!  Those dance instructors only cost HAL the cost of a cabin (and food) as the instructors were not paid.  It is the same with bridge instructors (we did have two onboard earlier in the cruise). 

 

Hank

Enjoying your daily blurb Hank. 👏 To no one’s surprise it looks like the nickel and dime philosophy will continue as it has post Covid. So are still pushing the paper receipts when drinks are purchased? That happened the entire 35 nights of the Feb/March S.Pacific cruise. Many refused to sign and after awhile a few of our frequent bar runners did not even bother with the paper receipt anymore. Sadly as mentioned HAL is definitely heading in the wrong direction with a blind eye to what will continue to fill cruise ships. Once past Mariners get a first hand view of the HAL’s slippery downward slide with the upperward movement in pricing for future cruises should be of major interest. Keep on enjoying and we look forward to your continued updates. 👍

[Expo67]

On 4/12/2023 at 4:51 AM, Hlitner said:

Regarding the price of wine in Japan, I do not think that imported wines (i.e. French, USA, Italian) is inexpensive because of Japanese taxes.  There are certainly some low-moderate priced Japanese wines, but not sure they are going to satisfy most wine lovers..not to mention paying the $20 corkage.  One also needs to consider the HAL wine list, and what is available onboard.  We have not used the wine list since we have the HIA package and are simply settling for the offered wines by the glass (not particularly good, but drinkable).  But, we know from talking to others, that many items on the wine list (and also the bar list) are not onboard.  So, if having a specific wine (or type of wine) is very important than you might want to consider checking out the prices in Yokohama as an alternative to settling for whatever HAL has in stock on the ship.

 

Getting back to drink logistical issues, things have not really improved much in the past 3 weeks.  The 3 single malt scotches covered by the Signature Drink Package are still not in stock.  The only Cognac covered by the package (Courvoiser VSOP) is not in stock.  Malbec, by the glass, has not been available for over 2 weeks (despite being on the wine list).   A friendly bar tender just shrugged at my question about logistics, indicated that many popular items have been out of stock for months, and had no opinion when or if they would ever be in stock.  In my humble opinion, if HAL fails to carry their menu items covered by the drink packages they should substitute a reasonable alternative at the drink package price.  Otherwise, it just appears that HAL is trying to promote the higher priced items and negate a reason many folks buy the drink packages.  

 

One other tidbit.  Last night was a "dressy night" with a pretty decent menu.  One of the major offerings was tenderloin of beef with shrimp.  The tenderloin was as good as the filet offered in the Pinnacle which makes one wonder if the PG is worth the money (for those who must pay full price).  DW and I have enjoyed our two PG meals (since boarding) but did not think they were a good value at $39+ 18%  (our PG meals were covered by the HIA package).  We have already cancelled another future PG meal (which would have been free) and replaced it with another meal in Canaletto.  DW and I have never been big fans of dinner in the PG (we have long enjoyed the lunches more than the dinners) and nothing on this cruise has changed our minds.  We also acknowledge that food/cuisine is subjective and we are sure many others would disagree.

 

Hank

No surprise on the supply issues as this has been our observation on our last 3 HAL cruises. Not quite sure how they figure the SBP is a value if they have limited stocks of almost everything except beer. 🤭 Same thoughts here as on the PG as the quality imo has declined and the nickel and dimming has increased such as the additional $7 charge for additional appetizers. I actually have minimal issues with that thought process but when did a salad and soup become an appetizer? 🤔 As u said food topics are subjective so I am sure there are differing opinions.

[Expo67]

On 4/13/2023 at 3:12 AM, Hlitner said:

You might (I emphasize "might") be able to find one bar open until around midnight, although it will likely be very quiet.  On this ship the Gallery Bar (Deck 2/casino) is listed as being open "late" and we have heard (by the rumor mill) that one can get a drink there until around midnight.

 

I have long wondered (and asked this question in the past) whether HAL's evening hours are the product of a clientele that simply goes to bed early or if it is the HAL policy that drives folks to bed early.  We have met several folks who have told us they have no clue about the evening activities because they return to their cabin right after dinner to read or watch the TV.   Last evening, DW and I "closed" two lounges (where they had the only entertainment and they were not very crowded by closing time (10:15 and 10:45).

 

A few updates about our cruise.  I have never been a big fan of how HAL makes its "fou-fou" drinks by using "Sunsational" mixes that come out of 32 oz cartons.  So, for example, a strawberry daquiri made without strawberries leaves something to be desired as does a banana based drink that has no banana.  On some other mass market lines they will actually use real fruit (either fresh or frozen) which makes a big difference in the final product.  HAL does generally make a decent Bloody Mary, but this is a case where they do not use a mix and prepare the drink with tomato juice, Demitri's spice mix, tobasco, etc.   

 

On a happier note, a fellow cruiser reported seeing one of the Maitre d's shopping for tea (in Yokohama) and we now have some Black Tea aboard.  However, there is still no Earl Grey or English Breakfast Tea.  DW pointed out that if a ship ran out of coffee there would likely be a mutiny, but tea drinkers always seem to play 2nd fiddle.  It does boggle the mind that there would be any kind of tea shortage when cruising around Japan, where tea and tea shops are in abundance.  

 

Hank

Took me this long after read your last rant on food quality to respond. I have a tip for solving your lack of late entertainment and uncrowded bars. Just turn your watch ahead 4 hours then you have a decent chance of tricking yourself into thinking you have stayed up until midnight, experienced entertainment, and seen more than 50 other passengers still out with you and the Mrs. 🤭

[Expo67]

On 4/12/2023 at 4:51 AM, Hlitner said:

Regarding the price of wine in Japan, I do not think that imported wines (i.e. French, USA, Italian) is inexpensive because of Japanese taxes.  There are certainly some low-moderate priced Japanese wines, but not sure they are going to satisfy most wine lovers..not to mention paying the $20 corkage.  One also needs to consider the HAL wine list, and what is available onboard.  We have not used the wine list since we have the HIA package and are simply settling for the offered wines by the glass (not particularly good, but drinkable).  But, we know from talking to others, that many items on the wine list (and also the bar list) are not onboard.  So, if having a specific wine (or type of wine) is very important than you might want to consider checking out the prices in Yokohama as an alternative to settling for whatever HAL has in stock on the ship.

 

Getting back to drink logistical issues, things have not really improved much in the past 3 weeks.  The 3 single malt scotches covered by the Signature Drink Package are still not in stock.  The only Cognac covered by the package (Courvoiser VSOP) is not in stock.  Malbec, by the glass, has not been available for over 2 weeks (despite being on the wine list).   A friendly bar tender just shrugged at my question about logistics, indicated that many popular items have been out of stock for months, and had no opinion when or if they would ever be in stock.  In my humble opinion, if HAL fails to carry their menu items covered by the drink packages they should substitute a reasonable alternative at the drink package price.  Otherwise, it just appears that HAL is trying to promote the higher priced items and negate a reason many folks buy the drink packages.  

 

One other tidbit.  Last night was a "dressy night" with a pretty decent menu.  One of the major offerings was tenderloin of beef with shrimp.  The tenderloin was as good as the filet offered in the Pinnacle which makes one wonder if the PG is worth the money (for those who must pay full price).  DW and I have enjoyed our two PG meals (since boarding) but did not think they were a good value at $39+ 18%  (our PG meals were covered by the HIA package).  We have already cancelled another future PG meal (which would have been free) and replaced it with another meal in Canaletto.  DW and I have never been big fans of dinner in the PG (we have long enjoyed the lunches more than the dinners) and nothing on this cruise has changed our minds.  We also acknowledge that food/cuisine is subjective and we are sure many others would disagree.

 

Hank

Make sure you try the E & J Brandy which HAL like to substitute for their missing stock of decent cognac. It has a very similar taste to varnish p/paint stripper. 🤣 As for tea as the wife is a Brit and you know she never leaves home without her stash of Lifeboat Tea. 😉