My mini-review of Koningsdam post dry dock

[BermudaBound2014]

Just now, oakridger said:

Drink package drinks always include the gratuity.  

 

~Nancy

Are you sure? If I order a drink that is $12, won’t I also be charged gratuity on the difference between $10-$12? Granted it’s Pennies, but maybe that’s why some are confused? 

[Laminator]

2 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

Are you sure? If I order a drink that is $12, won’t I also be charged gratuity on the difference between $10-$12? Granted it’s Pennies, but maybe that’s why some are confused? 

The tips are included in all drinks that fall within the limit of the drink package. If you purchase a $12 drink you will be charged $1 for the drink and 18 cents for the gratuity. This really isn't that hard.

[Colorado Klutch]

Just now, Laminator said:

The tips are included in all drinks that fall within the limit of the drink package. If you purchase a $12 drink you will be charged $1 for the drink and 18 cents for the gratuity. This really isn't that hard.

 

Not hard. But definitely complicated. 

[Laminator]

Just now, Colorado Klutch said:

 

Not hard. But definitely complicated. 

Not really!

[Nickelpenny]

Just now, Colorado Klutch said:

 

Not hard. But definitely complicated. 

Think of it this way.  You have $11 to spend on a drink.  Take the cost of the drink subtact $11 and then add the 18% gratuity on the remainder.  Easy - for a $12 drink :$12- $11 = $1 x18% = $1.18!!!!

[BermudaBound2014]

4 minutes ago, Laminator said:

The tips are included in all drinks that fall within the limit of the drink package. If you purchase a $12 drink you will be charged $1 for the drink and 18 cents for the gratuity. This really isn't that hard.

I agree, as I mentioned the gratuity is really minuscule, but gratuities are not “always” included. I think we need to caution against using such sweeping absolutes. 

[Laminator]

2 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

I agree, as I mentioned the gratuity is really minuscule, but gratuities are not “always” included. I think we need to caution against using such sweeping absolutes. 

Nancy used the words "package drinks". The way she phrased it she would be correct. Tips are included in all 'package" drinks.

 

[BermudaBound2014]

Just now, Laminator said:

Nancy used the words "package drinks". The way she phrased it she would be correct. Tips are included in all 'package" drinks.

 

I disagree.
 

I consider a $12 drink a “drink package drink” with a $2 up charge. Therefore, gratuity is charged on the up charge portion of the drink package.  
 

Misused Sweeping absolutes can confuse people more and the drink package is already confusing to many. 

[Stateroom_Sailor]

Very objective, not letting a like or dislike cloud your judgement assessing different categories.  Brilliant idea booking an inside cabin + cabana!

[Laminator]

10 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

I disagree.
 

I consider a $12 drink a “drink package drink” with a $2 up charge. Therefore, gratuity is charged on the up charge portion of the drink package.  
 

Misused Sweeping absolutes can confuse people more and the drink package is already confusing to many. 

The drink package covers drinks up to $11 so the upcharge on a $12 drink would only be $1 plus the 18% gratuity on that dollar. I think the issue is those who tend to overthink. Never been an issue for me as my highest level of education was high school. It was the 7 best years of my life. 

[BermudaBound2014]

14 minutes ago, Laminator said:

The drink package covers drinks up to $11 so the upcharge on a $12 drink would only be $1 plus the 18% gratuity on that dollar. I think the issue is those who tend to overthink. Never been an issue for me as my highest level of education was high school. It was the 7 best years of my life. 

 

Seven years might not have taught you the cautionary tale of using absolute language, but it did teach you how to secure exceptional casino rates. I think we would all agree that the later is much more valuable in the real world 😄

 

Did you get the corner suite on your May sailing? 

[Nickelpenny]

24 minutes ago, Laminator said:

The drink package covers drinks up to $11 so the upcharge on a $12 drink would only be $1 plus the 18% gratuity on that dollar. I think the issue is those who tend to overthink. Never been an issue for me as my highest level of education was high school. It was the 7 best years of my life. 

You graduated early????  😂  (sorry, just had to say it  😁)

Edited April 30, 2023 by Nickelpenny
addition

[Laminator]

9 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

Seven years might not have taught you the cautionary tale of using absolute language, but it did teach you how to secure exceptional casino rates. I think we would all agree that the later is much more valuable in the real world 😄

 

Did you get the corner suite on your May sailing? 

I think I may be stuck there. Still waiting for cabin assignments. All set on the Nov. sailing though. 

[oaktreerb]

5 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

Did your cruise leave from San Diego? If so, this port can be notorious for embarkation/security back ups depending on day of departure and how many other ships are in port. We have had both experiences depending on outside factors, including the numbers of security agents that are available for service that day.

 

Your unfortunate pre-boarding experience as I  understand it, is are under the total control of the port agency and HAL has no say in this now almost predictable back up problem. When we faced one at San Diego before a HAL cruise, HAL offered a free drink to everyone as their way or recognizing and compensating for what they had no way to avoid.  Other less impacted departure times in San Diego, we did not have this problem.

 

This cruise was round trip out of Vancouver following drydock.

[Florida_gal_50]

3 hours ago, luv2cruzuk said:

Paollo was so helpful and would do anything for us. I didn’t order food to the cabana as I like my food to be at the correct temperature! 
 

Paollo had “helpers” so perhaps that’s why he was omnipresent 

Thanks.  Koningsdam has been known to try different things in the cabana area. 

Edited April 30, 2023 by Florida_gal_50

[cbr663]

4 hours ago, Laminator said:

The HIA package includes canned soda. The unlimited coca cola package includes fountain drinks only. So if you are in the casino and want a soda and do not wish to go upstairs they will give you a glass of soda from the gun. With the signature beverage package you will get a can of soda. 

 

I think some of the confusion is due to HAL considers fountain soda as that poured from a bar whereas the Coke machines on the Pinnacle Class ships are considered Freestyle Coca-Cola and it is included in the Elite Beverage Package, Quench Beverage Package or the unlimited Coca-Cola Package.  Just not the Signature Beverage Package of the HIA promo.  You'd almost think that HAL planned it that way 🤣

[oakridger]

2 hours ago, Laminator said:

Nancy used the words "package drinks". The way she phrased it she would be correct. Tips are included in all 'package" drinks.

 

 

That's exactly why I phrased it that way @Laminator ! 

 

Thank you for explaining it in more detail to the confused poster.  

 

~Nancy

[PACD_JG]

Any word and/or photos on the library?

[PACD_JG]

And in the crow’s nest, did they merge the explorations cafe with the bar?  It’s like that on the Nieuw Statendam and that’s not a good thing.  Keeping it separate like on the pre-dry dock Koningsdam is ideal.

Edited April 30, 2023 by PACD_JG

[luv2cruzuk]

1 hour ago, PACD_JG said:

And in the crow’s nest, did they merge the explorations cafe with the bar?  It’s like that on the Nieuw Statendam and that’s not a good thing.  Keeping it separate like on the pre-dry dock Koningsdam is ideal.

The Crows Nest and Bar are still separate 👍

[luv2cruzuk]

2 hours ago, PACD_JG said:

Any word and/or photos on the library?

Hi, I haven’t even seen a library onboard. There’s a few shelves in the crows nest with paperback books on, but other than that, I’ve not seen a library.

[BermudaBound2014]

5 minutes ago, luv2cruzuk said:

Hi, I haven’t even seen a library onboard. There’s a few shelves in the crows nest with paperback books on, but other than that, I’ve not seen a library.

 

Per social media; the library was not finished during the drydock and is still under construction on a lower deck (2?)

[Coyote Chris]

What the heck did they do to the Crow's nest????? 😞

Please tell me they replaced all those torn cracked chairs in the Lido?????

In my senility, I did not see a link to the next food vid.

[Cruise Suzy]

1 minute ago, Coyote Chris said:

Please tell me they replaced all those torn cracked chairs in the Lido?????

 

According to other posts, they have been repaired, but material did not arrive in time to do it while in dry-dock.

[Brewgirl1]

Did they get rid of the Blend and put in a small bar?