Hawaiian Holiday 🎄🍾 LIVE from Koningsdam Dec 21-Jan 6: join me for my 1st solo cruise & 1st inside cabin!

[Haljo1935]

1 hour ago, BetsyS. said:

The Philadelphia Eagles lost today, so that is good news for your Cowboys!

         Happy New Year! 😊🥂

🥂

[ArizonaStorm]

On 12/23/2023 at 12:55 PM, Haljo1935 said:

No way they're service dogs - I have not encountered service dogs that bark when people simply pass by like these do. They bark apparently when the cabin steward or whomever visits the cabin (a lot of "sh, be quiet" coming from there). I'm no expert, but my experience is barking is not an alert service dogs do. I will stop there, but just ugh.

I'm hoping they just need a couple days to acclimate and will only say something if they don't. I would like to delete the other pictures I have, rather than using them, and get on with the festivities of this cruise!! 🥳

You may not be able to tell there are 2 dogs - one in red, the other in green. Maybe their holiday colors? That would be cute.

You are making a big assumption.  Perhaps the dogs were left a fortune, and are sailing with their Service Humans?

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

5 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Ate in MDR so we missed the "show" in the Lido as reported by @Mary Ellen1. I saw someone in the elevator with a bowl of fresh fruit, so it seems they brought on some local fruit, too. She had a couple of these in her bowl.

 

Dinner has progressed to hybrid family style as we tend to share desserts now. It sure cuts down on the waste and allows us to sample more of the menu. Who knows, maybe we're trendsetters!

The French Onion Soup was very salty. Disappointed the cheese no longer tops the entire dish, but just sits atop the bread. The crispy brown cheese peeled away from the side of the dish was the best part.

 

The pineapple was very good.

Notice the empty butter dish and twin bread baskets? Our table has grown to 4 bread baskets that still require refills and those butter dishes seem to empty as quickly as they're placed on the table.

Sachre Torte (apricot, not raspberry) 

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake was voted a strong winner

 

That's interesting since I've never seen it with raspberry.  Whenever I've had or made Sacher Torte was apricot.  The original Sacher Torte was invented in Austria by Franz Sacher and was made with apricot. 

Edited December 31, 2023 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[Bruinboy]

39 minutes ago, ArizonaStorm said:

You are making a big assumption.  Perhaps the dogs were left a fortune, and are sailing with their Service Humans?

Yeah … what ever happened with the happy “service” dogs? 

 

Once again, thanks for bringing us along. I’m very interested in the sea days. Sounds like fairly calm seas thus far … except for Maui. 

[Haljo1935]

Pre-lunch Ceramic lounger view

Lido lunch view

The chicken salad has a slight orange (color) tint to it and a flavor I can't identify; 😳 I am not a fan of Mysterious Orange Tinted Chicken Salad. Should have gotten a double order of chips - they were their usual awesome crunchy salty goodness 😋 

Selected 2 desserts since I couldn't decide. 1 bite of the cheesecake and I moved over to the 🧁 had 2 bites of it.

Daily specials are back on the breakfast menu; I had the crepes w/side order of ham. It was good.

 

Hoping when I get back to the therma spa that the Loud Talkers will be gone - they're so loud their voices can be heard over the bubbling water, through the closed doors and above the background 🎶 into the Ceramic lounge area - it does not make for soothing sounds.🫣

[Haljo1935]

53 minutes ago, ArizonaStorm said:

You are making a big assumption.  Perhaps the dogs were left a fortune, and are sailing with their Service Humans?

You are correct about me making an assumption; I did not consider your alternative 😉

[carol louise]

Happy New Year, @Haljo1935 and best wishes for a smooth, delightful return trip from Hawaii!
CL

[Mary229]

Happy New Years 

[SUESEABE]

 

Happy New Year!

[SusieKIslandGirl]

What happened with the barking dogs? Did I miss the end of the story? Thanks.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

@Haljo1935  Happy New Year!  Enjoy ringing in the new year on Koningsdam.

[Haljo1935]

3 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

That's interesting since I've never seen it with raspberry.  Whenever I've had or made Sacher Torte was apricot.  The original Sacher Torte was invented in Austria by Franz Sacher and was made with apricot. 

Before cruising HAL, I had only gotten it from La Madeleine, who made it with raspberry. So, I thought it must be a tribute to their roots that HAL used apricot. Obviously, I was not correct 🫣 it was La Madeleine that changed it up.😉

Either way, it shouldn't be missed. FWIW, I prefer the raspberry, but admittedly don't really eat apricots.😏

https://www.sacher.com/en/original-sacher-torte/recipe/

[Haljo1935]

2 hours ago, carol louise said:

Happy New Year, @Haljo1935 and best wishes for a smooth, delightful return trip from Hawaii!
CL

Thanks so much! 

[Haljo1935]

12 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

@Haljo1935  Happy New Year!  Enjoy ringing in the new year on Koningsdam.

Thanks so much!

They're setting up at the Lido pool now for the party that starts at 8pm and at 1130pm there's another celebration in Billboard Onboard. 

Edited January 1 by Haljo1935
Upload

[Haljo1935]

1 hour ago, SUESEABE said:

 

Happy New Year!

Thanks!!

[Haljo1935]

1 hour ago, Mary229 said:

Happy New Years 

Thank you!!🥳

[Haljo1935]

1 hour ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

What happened with the barking dogs? Did I miss the end of the story? Thanks.

Oh no, my friend, you did not 🫣

Things had been relatively quiet, just an occasional yip here and there; although, other pax reported hearing them. Then 2 nights ago about 545pm as I opened my door to leave, one of them started to dart into my cabin. I wasn't able to get my camera ready quick enough, so all you can see is a blurry dog booty as its human pulled it back out into the hall. No apology or acknowledgement of any kind; not even an embarrassed "oh, my!"

They went back toward their cabin, turned around and came back down the hall. At that point, I did shoot a short video where human is heard saying "no, not in there, get over here" as they headed down the hall. I stayed at my cabin until the hallway was clear then went out because I thought I would say something and didn't want an altercation. 

With that said, my patience with "those passengers" (4 legged and 2 legged) has been used up and the next time I'm not staying silent.

As I type this (yes, I still peck at the e-keyboard rather than use text-to-talk [don't tell me boss cuz it won't look good for his department- I'm in IT 😳 ]) I have decided to report it. I will be sharing the video and the "booty" picture details w/them. So, hopefully I won't have to find out what cruising me exercising restraint sounds like.

Breaking news - Just as I was about to hit "submit," I heard them in the hallway. They were going to their cabin. One human tugged one away from dirty plates that were in the hallway and said "no, that's not yours" quickly followed by "no, Meatball, that's not your cabin." The other dog's leash was dragging the floor behind it

because nobody was holding onto it.

There was a HAL crew member dressed in all black walking behind them who did not say a word; I assume he was an escort(?). If so, why did he allow the dog's leash to be unheld? Crew turns to look back down the hall in my direction, then continues on with them.

Once they went into their cabin, he turned the corner. So, now the new video will go with the report. And I know one is named Meatball. Ugh

Aren't you glad you asked? 😉

Edited January 1 by Haljo1935
Typo

[canadianbear]

@Haljo1935  I’m a dog lover but not on a cruise unless of course it’s a service dog.  You are much more patient than I would have been-I really don’t like yappy, untrained dogs. I’d sure be interested how they got them on the ship unless the older person says it’s a therapy dog for her 🤷‍♀️. But they must have somehow been approved for that staff member to ignore it. 

 

Been enjoying your reports and photos of course!

[Nattyg1723]

My malamute/shih tzu mix is my absolute pride and joy but even I know she would not be welcome on a cruise! She is too "in your face" 🤣🤣

 

Happy New Year to you, thank you for the fantastic report 🙂

[Haljo1935]

Here's how close this was to my cabin - the dirty plates are across the hall. Just wanted to give perspective to my proximity to "the show."

[BetsyS.]

That's outrageous about the dogs! I hope you will report it soon.

Glad you have video showing that no one was holding the leash and that 

one dog ran into your cabin! ☹

      On a happier note, your Stars beat the Blackhawks tonight 8-1!!

Their next game is 1/2 at 8 PM Eastern time against the Canadians.

       Enjoy your dinner tonight and the party and PG brunch tomorrow.

It should all be festive! 

        Happy New Year to you, your fellow passengers and all the crew!

🥂😊

       

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

25 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

Before cruising HAL, I had only gotten it from La Madeleine, who made it with raspberry. So, I thought it must be a tribute to their roots that HAL used apricot. Obviously, I was not correct 🫣 it was La Madeleine that changed it up.😉

Either way, it shouldn't be missed. FWIW, I prefer the raspberry, but admittedly don't really eat apricots.😏

https://www.sacher.com/en/original-sacher-torte/recipe/

 

I'm sure that La Madeleine is not the only restaurant to change the original recipe.  Thinking back to when I made Sacher Torte, the recipe said either apricots or another filling.  Even using apricots it didn't live up to expectations, and I have not attempted to make it in more than 30 years.  If Sacher Torte is on the menu, I usually order it.

 

Just now, Haljo1935 said:

Oh no, my friend, you did not 🫣

Things had been relatively quiet, just an occasional yip here and there; although, other pax reported hearing them. Then 2 nights ago about 545pm as I opened my door to leave, one of them started to dart into my cabin. I wasn't able to get my camera ready quick enough, so all you can see is a blurry dog booty as its human pulled it back out into the hall. No apology or acknowledgement of any kind; not even an embarrassed "oh, my!"

They went back toward their cabin, turned around and came back down the hall. At that point, I did shoot a short video where human is heard saying "no, not in there, get over here" as they headed down the hall. I stayed at my cabin until the hallway was clear then went out because I thought I would say something and didn't want an altercation. 

With that said, my patience with "those passengers" (4 legged and 2 legged) has been used up and the next time I'm not staying silent.

As I type this (yes, I still peck at the e-keyboard rather than use text-to-talk [don't tell me boss cuz it won't look good for his department- I'm in IT 😳 ]) I have decided to report it. I will be sharing the video and the "booty" picture details w/them. So, hopefully I won't have to find out what cruising me exercising restraint sounds like.

Breaking news - Just as I was about to hit "submit," I heard them in the hallway. They were going to their cabin. One human tugged one away from dirty plates that were in the hallway and said "no, that's not yours" quickly followed by "no, Meatball, that's not your cabin." The other dog's leash was dragging the floor behind it

because nobody was holding onto it.

There was a HAL crew member dressed in all black walking behind them who did not say a word; I assume he was an escort(?). If so, why did he allow the dog's leash to be unheld? Crew turns to look back down the hall in my direction, then continues on with them.

Once they went into their cabin, he turned the corner. So, now the new video will go with the report. And I know one is named Meatball. Ugh

Aren't you glad you asked? 😉

 

I'm glad you made the video.  Those certainly don't look like service dogs or emotional support dogs.  Let us know how the story ends.  I would not have put up with the barking as long as you have.

 

Lenda

[Blackduck59]

@BetsyS. I just thought I would point out the NHL team in Montreal is the Canadiens with an e. 😉

[Haljo1935]

1 hour ago, BetsyS. said:

That's outrageous about the dogs! I hope you will report it soon.

Glad you have video showing that no one was holding the leash and that 

one dog ran into your cabin! ☹

      On a happier note, your Stars beat the Blackhawks tonight 8-1!!

Their next game is 1/2 at 8 PM Eastern time against the Canadians.

       Enjoy your dinner tonight and the party and PG brunch tomorrow.

It should all be festive! 

        Happy New Year to you, your fellow passengers and all the crew!

🥂😊

       

Thanks so much - and for the great news re Stars!! Ringing out the old and in a new year on a high note.

The ship is looking great for tonight's festivities. I hope to get a picture of the Lido after dinner.

 

[Haljo1935]

5 hours ago, Bruinboy said:

Yeah … what ever happened with the happy “service” dogs? 

 

Once again, thanks for bringing us along. I’m very interested in the sea days. Sounds like fairly calm seas thus far … except for Maui. 

Yes, seas have been fairly calm, so all is good there. I posted a novella about the "service" dogs, so I'll spare you the details here.🫡