Live Review Koningsdam Feb 17-March 23, 2024. Hawaii/Tahiti

[BermudaBound2014]

@cruisemom42I hope you know I’m just playing. I totally get that the lido is not for everyone and I understand the appeal of being waited on.  When hubby and I travel we are about 50/50, but as a solo im 90/10.
 

As far as healthy goes, I just feel yucky if I eat yucky. It’s definitely related to age as when I was younger I could eat anything. 

 

captain just came on for an announcement. Several people have reported ill. It’s a gastrointestinal illness. 
 

IMO it’s Likely noro. In keeping with my detoxing, I’m going to skip dinner tonight (or maybe eat very light) because I have a big shark cage dive planned for very early tomorrow and I don’t want any interference. 
 

I racked up 18,000 steps and 8.2 miles today walking from the ship all the way down Waikiki beach. I did not hike diamond head as I’ve done that and forgot to make reservations.
 

While the Ilikai wasn’t much changed the waterfront is vastly different. Big pools have been built on the seaside of several hotels. I don’t remember a cement path along the beach either but they maybe me. There was a section of the beach quite eroded but that’s common. I’m sure everyone knows that Waikiki beach is almost entirely man made. They will pump more sand in as it erodes. 

 

Oh- found my old apartment. it was a dive then and it’s a dive now, but I was shocked it hasn’t been replaced by skyscrapers. It’s literally right behind the Ilikai in a fabulous location. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My dive apt on Hobron street still stands- 

Edited February 27 by BermudaBound2014

[sunviking90]

1 hour ago, DJ Cruisers said:

 

Still seeing the same disgusting behavior at Lido.  A woman licking her fingers and then picking up the tongs at Lido.  The man who jammed his whole hand into the walnut jar at breakfast instead of using a spoon, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ugh. This is exactly why we avoid the Lido in spite of the often better options and fresher food. You can’t un see things like that. Apparently Covid, Noro etc have taught us nothing.

Does anyone remember pre Covid that they did not allow self serve beverages, etc in the Lido for the first 48 hours, until they knew noro hadn’t been brought aboard? I’m sure I remember this, but I’m not sure if it was all sailings or only some?

I remember being surprised in our first HAL post Covid cruise in Aug 2022 that this practice was not in effect. 

I hope everyone stays healthy. There are a lot of weird noro type things going around right now, but definitely hope none of you have to experience it on vacation. 
 

[kluv2cruz]

17 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

I racked up 18,000 steps and 8.2 miles today walking from the ship all the way down Waikiki beach.

Congrats! I’ve wanted to do this … sometime maybe! How lovely. We were just in Puerto Vallarta and we took the bus one way and walked back to the ship. About the same distance walked as you after we zigged and zagged a bit. A great way to see lots and have time to be with oneself in thought.

[crystalspin]

4 hours ago, gizmodog said:

Seems from looking at menus all drinks are above the signature package. 
do they allow you to upgrade to premium once you are on board?

(1) the menus do not have all the drinks offered. This is fairly recent, and dissatisfaction with it should be mentioned on the Navigator and in post-cruise survey.

(2) Cruise Critic reports are that you can upgrade to Elite BP on board BEFORE you use the SBP if that is what you have. See a bartender and if told NO, see another bartender. The cost will be $10+$1.80 pppd and all adults in the room must upgrade.

[julia]

4 hours ago, gizmodog said:

Seems from looking at menus all drinks are above the signature package. 
do they allow you to upgrade to premium once you are on board?

To upgrade the drink package on this length of cruise (for two) is $826. OR, you could spend .50 or  a few bucks for each upgraded cocktail.  Your choice.

 

@BermudaBound2014...  We could afford this cruise, but would go broke on that happy hour in Waikiki!  😲⬆️🫢

[Rhonda and Keith]

On 2/25/2024 at 4:44 PM, BermudaBound2014 said:

 calf pickle breaches

 

 

Here's my best calf pickle photo. I'm sure that there are other great shots. 

Thanks for arranging this trip Cheryl! 

Loved the Ocean Center as well!

[BetsyS.]

sunviking90 - I was on the Veendam pre-covid. All the beverages and food in the Lido were served to you by the crew for the first 48 hours until they were sure that noro hadn't been brought aboard, like you said.

[TableGirl]

11 hours ago, DJ Cruisers said:

…trying to stay healthy…

I’m reading from afar contemplating my October Hawaii cruise on the Koningsdam.  The Today Show this morning reported on a really high uptick in Norovirus around the US.  The SAME thing happened a year ago around the US.  I remember because I’m pretty sure that’s what sent me to the ER 2 days before I was to fly to Buenos Aires for an Antarctic cruise.  Needless to say I didn’t go and got all my money back 6 weeks later thanks to my travel insurance.  However, it took longer for HAL to refund what they owed me.

 

Just remember hand sanitizer does NOT kill Norovirus - only handwashing and other bleach based solutions for surfaces.  (I don’t think “Clorox” wipes have bleach in them either.)

 

I hope you all stay healthy!  And have fun!

Edited February 27 by TableGirl
The quote was just one word “not”

[mcrcruiser]

We hope that you all miss that stinky Noro virus  you guys have a long cruise ahead .We were 0once on a ship with 200 getting  Noro  ,we heard the infirmary floor was full of puke . We saw them spray watered down bleach all over the ship ,even inside cabins ,on upholstery etc .It is a very nasty virus .   Yes washing ones hands frequently is a good way to prevent Noro virus . Some ships have habd wash basins that every one entering the buffet area must wash their hands .That is a great practice imo to lessen the chances of Noro on any cruise ship

 

 

Edited February 28 by mcrcruiser

[mcrcruiser]

Bermuda Bound you got some great photos . Reminds me of the time we spent on the beach there . 

You certainly are getting your exercises in with all that walking 😄

Cliff

[canadianbear]

After our walking around Waikiki reminiscing, we came back for a latte & some cards in the Crow’s Nest.  We didn’t last long as people hacking & coughing up a lung.  Thankfully we have a balcony we can relax outside on.  
 

Saw another man on the Lido deck outside blowing his nose on the cloth napkin-so gross. 🤢 
 

[canadianbear]

What a beautiful sailaway from Honolulu! 

[BermudaBound2014]

Oh what a day!! Still on adrenaline high.  Got up at 3:0am and couldn’t go back to sleep I was so excited for todays Shark Cage Dive. 
 

Our group of 6 from the CC roll call met at 5:45 am. I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed this roll call. So many great people and many of us have several private trips planned for French Polynesia. Uber came at 6:00 and we were on the north shore in 40 minutes. Easy peasy.

 

Our time slot was 8 am so we were early. We walked to a little beach, watched some boat action, a sacrificed a member of the group as chum (long story) ;). 
 

The shark encounter itself was flipping amazing!! At one point someone in our group counted 18 sharks circling the cage. Most in the 8-12 foot range. My go pro video is off the charts but CC won’t accept video so I grabbed a couple still shots to post.

 

The seas were EXTREMELY choppy. 10 footers easy. At times it felt like the cage was in a total free fall between crest and trough. As such, many people (me included) got seasick- but I’d do it again in a New York minute (hoping for a bit smoother sail). 
 

Bonus of the day was two whale sightings, one within 50 yards with a great tail shot. I love the north coast.
 

We were going to take the bus back but ended up ubering to save time (plus a few of us were still queasy). 
 

Total Uber cost was way more than it would have been had we just rented a car, but it was reasonable considering the cost was split 6 ways and no muss/no fuss. 
 

There was a sail away party leaving Honolulu but the vibe I’m getting is that people are tired and ready for a couple sea days to rest up for the next burst. 
 

I can’t remember if I posted the daily or menu for today so if anyone wants them I’ll be happy to grab for you.

[Mary229]

They are taking norovirus very seriously.  As I returned to my cabin from the casino there was an entire brigade of crew with disinfecting buckets coming into the casino to keep it clean. 
 

now for the serious news - the stroop waffle cookie is not available in the MDR.  😥.   We were so disappointed my waiter asked chef what could be done and tonight DH was served his sorbet with a tiny waffle cone 

 

[mcrcruiser]

Neat shark pictures & oh that shark cage . wonder of any one ever sees great whites or full grown tiger sharks in that area 

[mcrcruiser]

Mary we hope for you & others on this long cruise that the noro is contained quickly . 

[canadianbear]

We had dinner at the Tamarind tonight-delicious.  Service is always excellent and Anita did not disappoint.  
 

Satay sampler 

 

 

shrimp tempura, lobster & shrimp potstickers 

 

 

wasabi & soy crusted beef tenderloin 

Mongolian bbq lamb chops 

[POA1]

22 hours ago, TableGirl said:

 (I don’t think “Clorox” wipes have bleach in them either.)

Clorox wipes have bleach in them and do kill bacteria & viruses. (I have a spotted t-shirt to prove the bleach part. 😔) You shouldn't use them as hand wipes, though.

[POA1]

7 hours ago, canadianbear said:

What a beautiful sailaway from Honolulu! 

Amazing photos! Thanks.

[cruisemom42]

10 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

The shark encounter itself was flipping amazing!! At one point someone in our group counted 18 sharks circling the cage. Most in the 8-12 foot range. My go pro video is off the charts but CC won’t accept video so I grabbed a couple still shots to post.

 

When I saw the photo of your craft, the only thing that came to mind is: "We're gonna need a bigger boat."  😱

[canadianbear]

The Captain announced the ship is turning around returning to the area of Kona for a medical evacuation.  

[Ipeeinthepools]

How long until you get to Kona? 

[canadianbear]

11 minutes ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

How long until you get to Kona? 

Maybe around supper time.  He didn’t say though. 

[Ipeeinthepools]

Seems like your next port might be in jeopardy. 

[canadianbear]

3 minutes ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

Seems like your next port might be in jeopardy. 

Fanning Island was the next one.