colonialinnkeeper

Diane and John,

   So sorry that a wonderfully planned birthday celebration has turned so up-side-down.  Hopefully, another one will be perfect in every way but in the meantime, Happy Birthday, John.

    Thanks too, for giving all the information about what happens during a positive test and quarantine.  We leave in just four weeks for a B2B and feel much better knowing the details of what happens with a positive test.  Safe travels and both be well.  Lauri

30 minutes ago, USN59-79 said:

It was available in the Pinnacle Grill at no extra charge; something like an appetizer.  Of course this was pre-covid.

Ray

It is still offered and there is no added charge.

Part of the cruise experience, for us, is to get dressed up and enjoy seeing others dressed as well.  It doesn't matter to us if others choose to be more casual.  My husband's tux doesn't take up any more space or weight than his suit does so he chooses his tux.  Our experience on Cunard was such fun and we were happy that they are still holding the dress code.   

We will be sailing on Emerald Princess on a B2B in March.  I have looked for detailed information on what Princess protocols and requirements are for quarantining just in case one of us tested positive at any point but didn't really find very much.  I am not planning to need this but being prepared would give me some peace of mind.  Any info would be appreciated.

On 1/16/2022 at 8:54 AM, WCB said:

Report #29   Philipsburg, St. Maarten   Saturday – January 15, 2022   Sunny & 80 degrees ……. Part #1 of 3…….80 Pictures

 

Our port of call today was the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin.  Why the two names?  St. Maarten is Dutch, while St. Martin is French.  It is the only island that is shared by two countries.  The island consists of 37 square miles, with Philipsburg the capital of the Dutch side, and Marigot the capital of the French side.  There are 77,000 residents that speak Dutch, French, and English. 

 

Good morning, Mary Ann and Bill,

     I am so enjoying reading your blog on your latest trip.  Your descriptions are so enjoyable to read, many reminding me of places we have been to and also have taught me many facts about these islands.

    One thing you wrote about St. Maarten was that it is the only island shared by two countries.  I believe the other island is Hispaniola shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti.  

     Sorry you weren't able to do another world cruise but you've made lemonade out of lemons giving us all a taste of the tropical visits you are experiencing.  Thank you, thank you!

Mark and Clyde,

   So many thanks for all the wonderful information you have provided the cruising community.  Congratulations on 29 years of togetherness and learning how to weather the storms of life while seeing good in even the most difficult circumstances.  Your writing is perfection and I look forward to following you on your onward adventures.  Happy New Year to you both.

On 11/2/2021 at 10:00 AM, KirkNC said:

Has HAL really done away with the everyday items.  Can you order them even if they are not on the menu?  It really makes no sense as the were simple inexpensive items to prepare.  We would select them probably once per week.

Just got home from cruise on Rotterdam.  "Always available" didn't show up on the menu every night but those items are still "always available".  Had excellent salmon several nights as well as onion soup, Caesar salad and chicken dish.  Servers were very accommodating to bring something off the menu such as a mixed fruit for appetizer.  Lamb dishes were excellent if you like it.

6 hours ago, Alphen said:

And also for Le Havre;

https://www.havre-port.com/fr/liste/2077/escales-croisieres

Alphen, thanks for the info.  Ever hopeful that this will happen!

6 hours ago, travelholics said:

So thrilled to see HAL have listened to their customers, hope this becomes fleetwide. Also delighted to see the reinstatement of the Alaska 14 day cruises, I 'm sure our comments on cc have helped bring about these developments.

We can only hope that they will hear us.  No one wants them to succeed more than their cruise clients.

Noticed in last Rotterdam review video shown yesterday that showed space for a library.   The shelves were empty and it was hard to see how much space has been afforded to it but so happy that HAL heard our request for libraries.  Seemed different from what the book area is on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam and Seth referred to it as the library returning.  Hope we won't be disappointed with what it actually is.  

6 hours ago, Himself said:

I take it there are no pancakes and breakfast meets in the Dining Room.   That is disappointing.

Father, I would guess that that is just a partial listing for breakfast foods.

Yes, Jacqui, it was bound to happen.  Venice and its fragile infra-structure cannot support large numbers of huge ships and that number of visitors ongoing.  These mostly very large ships put huge strain on the buildings, infrastructure, pilings and the narrow Giudecca canal.  We will gladly fly into Venice to visit and then go to the port nearby to pick up the ship.  I would like our children and future generations to be able to visit this beautiful and magical place and to see it without accerlerated degredation.

Packages and perks for TA's are available.  We are booked on Rotterdam as you cited above and have "Have it All"  (although that may not have been the name of the package when we booked).

On 7/4/2021 at 11:23 PM, RGEDad said:

 

   ...There are sites where you can watch the price of cabin categories rise and fall as time progresses. Right now - they are all rising.

Can you tell us the sites that show the changing cabin pricing?  (or is this not allowed by CC)

With every new pic, the excitement mounts.  Can't wait to get to Amsterdam and see her in person.

Might need to scroll down...

22 hours ago, LauraS said:

These are great, they really are.

But, if you would please post your humorous/funnies in the Dailies threads it would be appreciated.

 

Thank you,

 

Laura

Just reiterating my earlier response of support for keeping this thread going.  Used to read dailies and filled with so much stuff that I gave it up.  Laura,  please keep this going at least until cruising has fully started as "Been There, Planning That" suggests.

Manager, Laura:    PLEASE!!--don't stop the posting here.  It is so easy to find in one place.  Goodness knows we could all probably use some smiles and laughter.

Another step in the right direction.

We are booked on Rotterdam in October and now I am wondering what the odds are of that cruise happening.

Looking forward to sailing on Rotterdam in October.  So hope coming back on line for all the ships will be a smooth transition.  

I've always wondered about this area.  How large are the windows?  Is the bed in the way of easily looking out?  Love the motion especially at night.

I wonder if cruise lines will ask for the Jones Act to be suspended for a year to enable cruise ships to start up when they are ready allowing Alaska cruises.  It may be a moot point since the season ends mostly in September and ships may just be gearing up then.  We are supposed to be on the Rotterdam in October and I am so hoping.  Crossing my fingers...

Nice to see things moving along.  I'm sure we are all yearning to return to cruising and following the progress will help keep the mood.

This link seems to be the one that Himself might be looking at.

https://www.ftlauderdalewebcam.com/