First HAL Cruise, Not Impressed

[richwmn]

8 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

I just sailed from Vancouver to San Diego so it does work

 

Sailing from Vancouver to San Diego does work, sailing from Seattle to San Diego does not - even with a stop in Vancouver or Victoria.

[RuthC]

16 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

I just sailed from Vancouver to San Diego so it does work

No. 

The PVSA applies only to cruises that begin AND end in the United States. You began in Canada, and ended in San Diego, so the PVSA had nothing at all to do with your cruise. 

OP is on a cruise that began in the USA, and is thinking about ending there (in San Diego). 
When a cruiser begins in one US city, and returns to that same US city for disembarkation, then the cruiser needs to go to a foreign port. Any foreign port will do. 
This is why Alaska cruises leaving and returning to Seattle stop in Victoria. 
When a cruiser begins in one US city, and will go to a different US city for disembarkation, then the cruiser needs to stop at a 'distant' foreign port. ('Distant" is by definition, but is close enough to meaning a different continent than North America.) 
This is why many Alaska cruises begin/end in Vancouver. It is also why northbound or southbound cruises either begin or end in Vancouver, as they end or begin in a US city. 

[Toofarfromthesea]

I don't really care about OP but just wanted to note that if you start a thread with incendiary claims (dogfood and no fresh food) you will tend to get roasted.  As happened.  Intentional or not.

[Mosaic]

And that is simply wrong.... He is a human being.  He has also responded with a number of posts here even though he is being flamed here.

[ECCruise]

16 hours ago, Mary229 said:

I just sailed from Vancouver to San Diego so it does work

 

the OP clearly is not enjoying the experience.  Why try to convince him to stay?  He seems to know what he likes and dislikes so he needs to find the best method to bail out.   This reminds me of a thread where the first cruise was transatlantic and after one day they discovered they hated being on a ship - that could drive someone crazy.  Better to end it as soon as possible 

I don't think many are trying to convince him to stay.

 

But many are saying he HAS to stay (or pay the fine) because of the PVSA.

[TheMichael]

3 hours ago, Mosaic said:

And that is simply wrong.... He is a human being.  He has also responded with a number of posts here even though he is being flamed here.

Jeez, nobody want to kick him out of his house or refuse him medical care. Save the "he's a human being" for when something actually bad is happening to him.

 

This is in fact one of the most civil arguments I've seen - the person using the most incendiary language had been the OP himself!

 

99% of the rest of this entire discussion has been people simply disagreeing with his opinion and offering differing experiences - or even telling him that yes, if he's having that horrible an experience, he should look elsewhere for his enjoyment (and then explaining that it isn't simply a matter of walking off the ship).

 

If you think that's "flaming," never ever go to Reddit.

Edited October 12, 2023 by TheMichael

[TheMichael]

A further observation: it appears the actual discussion of the issue has ended, and we're now into the phase where we discuss the discussion. 

[highscar]

This has been more entertaining than some TV SHOWS

[Copper10-8]

For those folks on this particular cruise being discussed here, where the port of San Diego is their disembarkation port (not continuing on to FLL}, they will be required to see U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, in San Diego, usually inside the terminal building.

 

If the OP is serious about leaving the ship in San Diego as opposed to doing this in the first Mexican port, I certainly hope he will let the Front Office know ahead of time (they will advise him of the PVSA violation).

 

Subsequently, if he choses to disembark without seeing CBP in San Diego (because those interviews/inspections are scheduled at a preset time slot early in the morning), this will result in the opening of a brand new can of night crawlers for him. If he turns out to be a no-show back onboard prior to the ship continuing with her repositioning voyage to Florida, his being AWOL will be reported to both the port agent and, more importantly, to CBP who will initiate a follow-up investigation until he presents himself to them.  

[Mosaic]

1 hour ago, TheMichael said:

Jeez, nobody want to kick him out of his house or refuse him medical care. Save the "he's a human being" for when something actually bad is happening to him.

 

This is in fact one of the most civil arguments I've seen - the person using the most incendiary language had been the OP himself!

 

99% of the rest of this entire discussion has been people simply disagreeing with his opinion and offering differing experiences - or even telling him that yes, if he's having that horrible an experience, he should look elsewhere for his enjoyment (and then explaining that it isn't simply a matter of walking off the ship).

 

If you think that's "flaming," never ever go to Reddit.

I spend little time with Reddit and I do not agree with your assessment at all.

[TheMichael]

8 minutes ago, Mosaic said:

I spend little time with Reddit and I do not agree with your assessment at all.

As is your right. Just remember I'm a human being. 😁

[RD64]

Please tell me he finally left the ship somewhere - struggling to believe he is an actual passenger and not some dog food hating troll.

[JRG]

On 10/10/2023 at 7:05 PM, nannygoatjunction said:

Even your reply is subjective 🙂 not everyone is good with words, or words that suit how you wish to read it. My hubby is very bad with words, it doesn't make what he has to say of any less value.  What is a neutral area? I come specifically to this area to read posts specifically about HAL. Good, bad and indifferent. 😁

 

I agree with you.  If the liver or beef tasted that bad,  then the only issue is that the liver or beef tasted bad, not how it was worded.

 

Using dogfood probably agitated the defenders of HAL's culinary dignity more than anything else and that's why the thread begins to emulate a modern day version of Lord of the Flies.

 

The food in the local casinos in San Diego is outstanding,  and gamblers are used to that level of quality too,  so if they are qualified to get a comp'd cabin in exchange for gambling then maybe they should get comp'd with Tamarind or Club Orange or Pinochle Grill or just Dive-In Burgers for the best beef. 

 

 

 

[JRG]

On 10/12/2023 at 11:16 AM, Copper10-8 said:

If the OP is serious about leaving the ship in San Diego as opposed to doing this in the first Mexican port, I certainly hope he will let the Front Office know ahead of time (they will advise him of the PVSA violation).

 

He's not serious,  he just had a bad meal and deserves to be cut some slack here and not be marginalized because he chose to express his opinion.

[Copper10-8]

16 minutes ago, JRG said:

 

He's not serious,  he just had a bad meal and deserves to be cut some slack here and not be marginalized because he chose to express his opinion.

 

Thanks for acting as his spokesperson!

[JRG]

40 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

Thanks for acting as his spokesperson!

 

Thank you for being cool about it.   Being more of an equalizer here than a spokesperson but what's in a word?

 

I really think we should start over and Welcome our New Member to CC like everybody else and forgive him for his use of adjectives.  We've all had bad MDR entrees and I know there are a few fish I wish I would throw back in the ocean,  along with some of beef impersonators.  

 

More importantly, I think we could benefit from the point of view of an experienced gambler,  and there are plenty of them out there who maybe can give us some inside tips on how to maximize our gambling winnings when on board.      I'd really like to know more about the gamblers on board than any of the other cruisers.   

 

I think the only sensible play for the average cruise gambler/slotter is going for the Royal Flush on the video poker,  and f you are playing quarters that is usually about $1,200  if you hit it..   But I think the key is you have to give away a decently dealt hand or pair to go for the flush face cards.   I've only done it once but I was playing nickels.

 

 

[AFNavigator]

On 10/12/2023 at 1:16 PM, Copper10-8 said:

For those folks on this particular cruise being discussed here, where the port of San Diego is their disembarkation port (not continuing on to FLL}, they will be required to see U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, in San Diego, usually inside the terminal building.

 

If the OP is serious about leaving the ship in San Diego as opposed to doing this in the first Mexican port, I certainly hope he will let the Front Office know ahead of time (they will advise him of the PVSA violation).

 

Subsequently, if he choses to disembark without seeing CBP in San Diego (because those interviews/inspections are scheduled at a preset time slot early in the morning), this will result in the opening of a brand new can of night crawlers for him. If he turns out to be a no-show back onboard prior to the ship continuing with her repositioning voyage to Florida, his being AWOL will be reported to both the port agent and, more importantly, to CBP who will initiate a follow-up investigation until he presents himself to them.  

Considering the Eurodam is now well beyond California, more than halfway down to Panama, it would be interesting to know if the OP disembarked in San Diego or if he chose to stay onboard.

Edited October 16, 2023 by AFNavigator
correction

[Mary229]

11 minutes ago, AFNavigator said:

Considering the Eurodam is now well beyond California, more than halfway down to Panama, it would be interesting to know if the OP disembarked in San Diego or if he chose to stay onboard.

He also had a few Mexican ports to choose debarking. The long haul is through the canal and onto Fort Lauderdale.  

[albingirl]

2 hours ago, JRG said:

 

Thank you for being cool about it.   Being more of an equalizer here than a spokesperson but what's in a word?

 

I really think we should start over and Welcome our New Member to CC like everybody else and forgive him for his use of adjectives.  We've all had bad MDR entrees and I know there are a few fish I wish I would throw back in the ocean,  along with some of beef impersonators.  

 

More importantly, I think we could benefit from the point of view of an experienced gambler,  and there are plenty of them out there who maybe can give us some inside tips on how to maximize our gambling winnings when on board.      I'd really like to know more about the gamblers on board than any of the other cruisers.   

 

I think the only sensible play for the average cruise gambler/slotter is going for the Royal Flush on the video poker,  and f you are playing quarters that is usually about $1,200  if you hit it..   But I think the key is you have to give away a decently dealt hand or pair to go for the flush face cards.   I've only done it once but I was playing nickels.

 

 

Hence, another thread... the insider's guide to gambling! I can't wait.

[Mary229]

24 minutes ago, albingirl said:

Hence, another thread... the insider's guide to gambling! I can't wait.

There is a little used entire casino section on CC.  Many of these casino opinions belong there 

Edited October 16, 2023 by Mary229

[AFNavigator]

4 hours ago, Mary229 said:

He also had a few Mexican ports to choose debarking. The long haul is through the canal and onto Fort Lauderdale.  

True, but that certainly wasn't the poster's original plan.  He thought he could just disembark in San Diego.  He seemed to go radio silent when the PVSA requirements--and fine--were brought up.

[Mary229]

2 minutes ago, AFNavigator said:

True, but that certainly wasn't the poster's original plan.  He thought he could just disembark in San Diego.  He seemed to go radio silent when the PVSA requirements--and fine--were brought up.

Part of the issue is where he lives and ease of returning home from certain locations.  He could easily recoup the fine if the logistics are right, he could just as well leave in Mexico depending on his home location and comfort with travel .  I can’t imagine staying 2 weeks at sea hating it every step of the way.  

[dockman]

8 hours ago, JRG said:

 

Thank you for being cool about it.   Being more of an equalizer here than a spokesperson but what's in a word?

 

I really think we should start over and Welcome our New Member to CC like everybody else and forgive him for his use of adjectives.  We've all had bad MDR entrees and I know there are a few fish I wish I would throw back in the ocean,  along with some of beef impersonators.  

 

More importantly, I think we could benefit from the point of view of an experienced gambler,  and there are plenty of them out there who maybe can give us some inside tips on how to maximize our gambling winnings when on board.      I'd really like to know more about the gamblers on board than any of the other cruisers.   

 

I think the only sensible play for the average cruise gambler/slotter is going for the Royal Flush on the video poker,  and f you are playing quarters that is usually about $1,200  if you hit it..   But I think the key is you have to give away a decently dealt hand or pair to go for the flush face cards.   I've only done it once but I was playing nickels.

 

 

with respect an experienced gambler would likely take time to find out what odds are offered onboard before getting on a cruise with odds not to his liking....that info is easily found with a basic search.  Would you sit down at a Vegas table without knowing the odds? 

[Nymich]

On 10/8/2023 at 9:43 AM, Abe3689 said:

Dinner was really good, so I suppose that lunch was a one off. I don’t know why the lunch was so bad, but I’m never going in the dining-room for lunch again. 

Are you being honest Abe? J/k

Edited October 17, 2023 by Nymich

[syesmar]

@Abe3689 are you still onboard or did you disembark?