RoyalVisit

Hi all

We are in cabin 4114 Deck 4 - Beethoven and was wondering if anyone would like to comment on its location

kind regards

Ron

The only thing I would note Ron, is that the stateroom door opens to a wall rather than to an opposite cabin door which is exactly what I prefer. I don't want to have to make niceties every time I go in or out my stateroom! :p

Yes rudeness is not gender not orientation limited. On a Royal Caribbean ship I was seated at dinner with 3 gay men and a straight retired couple. She was a retired teacher, him a retired postal worker. During dinner the first night the very charming lady asked if it was ok to be sharing the table with 4 guys. I was surprised with her question which was obviously an honest and purely innocent question as the 3 guys were really loud and pushing their orientation. The response was that they didn't like them at the table and asked them to change tables. They got up and so did I ; I apologized for the disgusting behavior and after dinner read the riot act to the 50 something flaming queens.

Having traveled as many years on ships, as many different cruise lines, different socio economic groups I guess I have seen it all, but still have my limitations with rudeness and crude questions. I agree getting to teach some people is a positive but you can't teach those that don't want to learn. I can't imagine how transgender passengers deal with negativity which can impact their cruise. Regardless of how tough their skin might be, they are still human beings.

That's awful. You're exactly right - rudeness has nothing to do with gender. We're all just trying to enjoy ourselves on our hard earned vacations and to be so obnoxious and rude is just poor manners and tiresome.

Is it just on deck 4 forward and aft that have the larger balconies or is it all decks aft and forward on the Koningsdam?

There are some others depending on location such as on Deck 5 V5051 or Deck 7 V7109 but most are on Deck 4 from what I can see. Only Deck 4 aft and forward cabins have the larger balconies as the mid-ship cabins are mostly (but not all) obstructed balconies. If you look at the Deck plan below you will see the cabins with larger balconies.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/koningsdam-deck-plans/dp/?shipID=986&deck=4

You make a valid point. For an introspective and/or self-sufficient young couple, or for someone like yourself who truly appreciates HAL's distinctive vibe, one could endorse the itinerary that the OP is considering without hesitation and give her a hearty "go for it." But since the OP already has concerns, and she is expressing an interest in night life, it seems like other lines like NCL or Carnival or RCI might offer more of that.

 

I'm what's now being described as an extroverted introvert. And at the ripe old age of 48 (turning 49 in a couple weeks :eek:), I've finally learned that I like to be up no later than 7:00 and that my body will start to betray me if I try and stay awake much past 11:00. And that's why HAL is becoming a better and better fit for me. Sit down breakfast; day by the pool or on an excursion; late afternoon trip to the gym; a cocktail and violins; a leisurely dinner; a show. And then I'm exhausted. :o

 

I wish the OP would come back and let us know what she decided. Hint, hint.

It really does come down to personal preferences. We have been on several lines and each offers a different experience. The ages were a good mix on RCL, Celebrity and Carnival but Carnival was just not for us (twice was enough). It offered good value as far as price goes but we found the loud atmosphere just wasn't for us. We spent most of the time on our balcony because we found the activities were either silly or something that we have seen over and over again. I haven't been on any of the really big ships yet but I suspect the late night entertainment would be more broad and offer something for everyone.

Am I the only one who actually is happy about what I've been reading in this thread? I'm 38 and HAL sounds exactly what I want! :) Nightlife isn't important and I don't drink so a quiet peaceful ship with lots of passengers with bountiful wisdom and experience is perfect! :)

I'll just imagine myself on a cruise with the Golden Girls, Grumpy Old Men (Matthau and Lemmon) and maybe Statler and Waldorf from the Muppets. :):D Just teasing! no offense meant!

We have just returned from Norway Baltic in 4205 on Koningsdam. Loved the balcony, twice as big as other balconies, standard size half of balcony is covered and other half of balcony over promenade is open. Great for sail outs of Oslo etc, unobstructed view down for watching docking, pilots etc. Above MDR but NO noise, close to aft stairs, lifts. This was an adjoining cabin but with double doors between cabins couldn't hear neighbors. Very happy with cabin and would choose again.

 

 

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Thank you for sharing! We will be in a forward VB cabin so basically it's very similar.

We found a great transatlantic cruise on Disney Magic and allthough we read a lot of good things about it, we are still a little hesitant. On the one hand we see ourselves surrounded by screaming and running kids the whole day and on the other hand we also ask ourselves if we as a gay couple would be welcome in this surrounding?

Even if we read that there is a lot going on for adults with some areas dedicated to them, we would appreciate any recommendations or tips if this is a good choice for us?

Usually there are not a lot of kids on transatlantic voyages but that might be different here as well...?

I haven't cruised with Disney but some general comments:

- departure date might give some insight in that school breaks or holidays may mean more children onboard

- transatlantic cruises generally have fewer children from what I've read...often because of price, length of cruise and keeping the child entertained on sea days

- Disney appeals to families and adults.

- Children are often great LGBT allies because many are being raised in more tolerant households now than ever before.

- Lastly, if your both kids at heart you will fit right in :)

"Some of your favorite cruise lines owned by Carnival Corporation --Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Cunard and Seabourn, among them -- will soon be the backdrop for three original TV shows that will air on Saturday mornings on major networks this fall.

 

Three original TV series, developed by the company, will focus on the experiences around cruising and ports around the world. The shows debut October 1 on ABC, NBC and The CW and will feature all 10 of the company's brands.

 

 

 

Judging from the "sizzle reels" that Carnival Corporation sent out, the shows will use personalities to explore cruise ports around the world, and cool things that you can do on a cruise. One show follows the concept of providing cruises to families who are stressed or in need a break.

 

 

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=7240&UTM_Source=Social&UTM_Medium=Facebook&UTM_Campaign=Cruise

It's quite fascinating how YouTube is having such an influence on consumers and brands. I'm sure many of us have reviewed YouTube vlogs for years about different cruise lines, ships, destinations, reviews etc. They sure help make it easier to tune into the type of cruise experience you would prefer. We watched a series called Cruise Ship Diaries about Costa which was interesting.

We had one of the aft cabins on K'dam with a large balcony and had no problems with noise at all (and I too am a light sleeper). We also didn't feel any privacy issues as people looking down from above is really no different than someone looking at you lounging by the pool.

 

We thought it was a good cabin although we really missed having a coffee table that would let us have breakfast in the room and didn't like the bathroom design with the angled toilet but I think these problems are not limited to these staterooms. We won't ever sail K'dam again but for many reasons other than the stateroom. I hope your K'dam experience is more to your liking than it was to ours.

Thanks! I'm sure we will enjoy it. We've been on enough cruises and lines to know what to expect and what may not go to plan.

We normally go to the MDR as well but in most cases we've lucked out and had exactly what we wanted.

We don't normally go to the specialty restaurants because our experience has been that the vegetarian options are often the same as they are in the dining room.

I was watching some Youtube vlogs about the Harmony of the Seas last night and then I read how a crew member died yesterday and four injured as a result of a crew lifeboat drill. So sad.

From a recent cruise on the Zuiderdam.......have never seen this before, not sure what to make of it.

If they smell that bad I'd prefer they hang them out to air! :D

A pair of socks drying in the sun is hardly going to ruin my cruise. It may seem tacky I agree but as far as I'm concerned so is wearing socks with sandals. :D

We just did a short Disney cruise that stopped at Castaway Cay. Everyone kept saying it is as nice as HMC. The island was comparable, but the beach itself was nothing like HMC. We are not beach people. In fact, the only beach we go to is HMC. The sand there is so beautiful and soft. There was lots of coral in the sand at the adult beach on CC...and lots of "potholes" as you walked in the water. I almost twisted my ankle a few times walking back to shore.

 

 

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We've never taken a Disney cruise or been to Castaway. I highly doubt we will simply because I think Disney cruises are expensive. I also have little interest in being on any ship with that many children. My brother and his family have taken a few Disney cruises and they enjoy them but my nieces and nephew are all young so they love it. Perhaps if we traveled with them it might be more enjoyable.

We hope to get to at least one dinner at the Culinary Arts Centre. We are waitlisted for early dining and a table for two but we may have to move to late dining to get the table for two. The majority of HAL guests are older so it will be interesting to see the age bracket on this cruise being just after Christmas and the New Year and the kids will be returning to school. I suspect it will be more older people which is likely why the early dining is already full.

This is a good thread!

 

I am a woman who is trans and at dinner on board with our children my wife and I were asked "which one is the mother?" I did say I was their father and it was taken as a joke and got laughs. This was with a lovely gay couple that we have become friends with and like very much. I did treat it as a teaching moment and sat down in private telling them about me and offered to answer any questions about being trans they had.

 

We had a cabin attendant ask if we wanted our beds separated with an apology that they were together. I just told him no.

 

On a shore tour once I was asked if I "had the surgery?" I am tempted to say "let's talk about your genitals/ surgeries first" but I didn't :-).

So great to hear from your perspective! :) I can't imagine asking someone if they had surgery for an ingrown toenail let alone asking about SRS. I strongly believe that it's up to the individual concerned if they wish to share personal information. It amazes me what some people ask and you have to hope that it's just out of natural curiosity and not malice.

We've had the bed question too - for both seperated and together. We're like Lucy and Desi though so separate works for us as I :D can sleep through anything and he is a light sleeper :(.

We have gotten that too: I am Caucasian and my DH is Chinese!

I guess you could be adopted! :D

I try not to ask anything of someone else which I wouldn't want to be asked to me. I'm less sensitive to sexual orientation questions now than I was earlier in my life but I do get perturbed when anyone asks me a question that I deem insensitive or patronizing or just too darn personal. I think sometimes our natural "filters" get misplaced when we are too relaxed. At the end of the day though we are all human and we make mistakes.

A few more...

Well I do have two weiners....pause....dachshunds that is.

I must be, I'm always surrounded by old hags and lonely bitches.

As a solo cruiser at least once on every cruise I am asked if I am gay. I once read that coming out is a ongoing thing and not a once and done deal. I still have a discomfort with being asked even after this long a life. Couples have told me they are never asked since it is assumed two people

of the same gender traveling together are automatically gay/lesbian.....stereo typing once again.

I cannot think of a question that could be asked of a straight person that has the significance of being asked if you are gay, so I am at a loss for a return question . To not respond is a cop out in my mind, and to say it's none of your business seems to be saying yes. To ask why are youre asking is still backing down, but I can't see why I should have to answer or be put into a situation to have to answer. I find my self getting angry at myself for getting uncomfortable with the inquiry....and find myself saying, put your big boy pants on and answer the question. On my last cruise after socializing for three days with the same group of people at the Vibe on the NCL escape I was asked .....well are you or aren't you.......I was stopped dead in my tracks.

I hope I won't get flamed by responders who think this is a stupid question, but is there a comfortable way to handle a situation like this. I cant figure it out....some people say I had no idea, some say we wondered based on things you said and yet other say, honey as soon as you entered the room we all knew. I am a very social person at sea, but find myself dreading inquiries or how I will respond if asked.

Have any of you experienced these inquiries and how did you comfortably handle it. I might note on a few occasions when I answered the question yes, the other person got real ugly......so the idea of being questioned has put me on edge. Any thoughts as long as they are not nasty put downs would be appreciated. Ones life experiences in being gay can be so different by age, family background, upbringing etc, so ones sensitivity levels can be greatly different. But I wanted to raise this issue and see what others think, and how they may have handled si ilar situations. By the way, I once responded ( having had numerous Long Island ice teas ) why are you interested.....I got a drink in my face and security called by the bartender who defended me.....

Thanks

Tom

We have been asked if we are brothers and we don't look alike at all! I think it's important to respond if I feel comfortable at the time and place, depending on who else is in ear shot and how your gut instinct tells you they might respond. I don't hide anything anymore but if I feel the person asking may respond harshly then I would either change the subject or ask them why they are asking me that question. Find the politician inside yourself and deflect!

Are you asking me out? why should I be? I'm flattered you ask but I'm married...I'm happy if that's what you mean. No but my boyfriend is. Unless you have a brother I'm not interested. Ask me tomorrow, anything can happen at sea. I work on broadway we're all happy there. Well my friend Dorothy tells me I might be. Let's just say I like Cary Grant AND Marilyn Munroe. Humour can also deflate a tense moment.

Once I was sitting with a woman who asked me if I had a girlfriend and I politely said no. She then asked me if I was single and at this point I was unclear if she was hitting on me or making conversation. So I just replied saying I wasn't single. Confusion came over her face and then I said my husband's name and she got it and gave me a wink. She said she had no assumptions that I was gay and was asking for a woman traveling with her!

There's always the option of playing hard of hearing too...if they have to raise their voice they will likely shut up.

We've done the "same" cruise about 10 times...we just get off the ship for a while and go do our regular thing and then we're back. At GT we spend time in the pool, SJ just walk around the old town and shop...but have to get an authentic Pina Colada at Barrachina. ST shop...mostly for linens and cologne, HMC is a beach day for us. We truly love the beach there.

u

 

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HMC is great and we also love Coc Cay because if you walk to the furthest beach it is quiet and only a few venture that far. Labadee was ok too. We haven't been to Roatan yet but hope too in the future.

We are interested in a Caribbean cruise on the "New Ship". Looking at the deck plans, it looks as if the verandahs (i.e., VB4170) near the aft are larger. Can anyone tell me if this is true.:) Thanks for your help.

Definitely true, regular VBs are 45 sq ft, extended verandahs are about 113 sq ft per HAL.

Question I have is noise - we booked one of these for January. Some of the forward ones are above the casino and/or World Stage, while some of the aft VB cabins are above the dining room. I haven't read any complaints so far. Noise doesn't bother me as I can sleep through almost anything but my better half is a light sleeper.

It's so interesting to read all of the comments. We have never been on all-gay cruise and after reading the thread I think we will stick with mainstream. I guess my assumptions have been confirmed and that makes it easy to rule them out for us and our personal preferences.

Some things that push me towards mainstream:

- the way most all-gay cruises are advertised - don't get me wrong I appreciate eye candy in a speedo as much as anyone else - but I would feel self-conscious around the buff and brawn so that wouldn't help me to relax and enjoy myself.

- the high cost especially when we prefer a balcony stateroom

- Years ago I toured the Hedonism resort in Jamaica during my previous career as a TA (during Mr. Hedonism week where 80% of the clientele was buff) and while it was enlightening :eek: I feel like an all-gay cruise may be similar and again I would feel uncomfortable and not relaxed. I know, I have hang-ups :o

I do however think it is fantastic that we have lots choice: all-gay, all-lesbian, LGBT group cruises, mainstream etc.! :)

Very true. Neither of us have spent much time in the spa areas. I try to use the gym a few times while we are at sea to burn off some of the calories! I'm looking forward to the separate vegetarian menu this time as well...I'm normally able to find something on the main menu from the veggie selections but it will be nice to have more alternatives.

 

We've been to all of the ports on the Koningsdam sailing already so I'm looking for things for us to go. Last time in San Juan we toured the Governor's Palace which was interesting and this time we're going to tour their Legislature which I've already pre-booked but it's free. We've seen most of the tourist attractions there. Last time in St Thomas we went over to St John so we might do that again this time as we enjoyed it. We almost might go into Grand Turk this time as we've normally just stayed in the beach area.

Clearly I have not had any caffeine yet...my typos are wicked!

We are 45 and 47...and HAL is just right for us. We like the quieter and relaxed atmosphere too. A cruise is all you make of it.

 

We've had wonderful cruises on Carnival too...it's all in what you choose to do and where you spend your time. I think it also depends on the ship too. We like to spend lots of time in the spa areas. We've always enjoyed the Chef's Table on Carnival...a very nice experience. We are, however, done with Carnival for a while.

 

 

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Very true. Neither of us have spent much time in the spa areas. I try to use the gym a few times while we are at sea to burn off some of the calories! I'm looking forward to the separate vegetarian menu this time as well...I'm normally able to find something on the main menu from the veggie selections but it will be nice to have more alternatives.

We've been to all of the ports on the Koningsdam sailing already so I'm looking for things for us to go. Last time in San Juan we toured the Governor's Palace which was interesting and this time we're going to tour their Legislature which I've already pre-booked but it's free. We've seen most of the tourist attractions there. Last time in St Thomas we went over to St John so we might do that again this time as we enjoyed it. We almost might go into Grand Turk this time as we've normally just stayed in the beach area.

To us, there was never anything wrong with Princess, but also never anything wonderfully memorable. The ships we've been on were pretty enough, but just nothing as far as food, entertainment or lounges to say they were outstanding.

 

One thing that we do remember was having one of the smallest balcony staterooms we've ever been in on Ruby Princess.

 

Additionally, to us their ships are much less manageable for size. We can easily navigate a HAL ship, but the fact that parts of some Princess ships are 18 floors was just a little much for us. We had my Mom along (who was 72 or so around the time of the cruise) and she stuck by our side all the time. She never does that on HAL and is very comfortable making her way around a HAL ship.

 

 

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Interesting! appreciate your insight! I've been watching an older series called "Cruise Ship Diaries" about Costa and I can't say I like what I'm seeing. We've also looked at MSC but haven't booked anything with them yet. My husband is almost 42 and I'm 38, and were not party animals so we prefer a quieter and more relaxing experience. The food and having a balcony is most important to us. Our last two were on Carnival and prior to that mainly RCL or Celebrity. We like Celebrity and RCL but they both felt so much the same cruise after cruise (we even had the exact same entertainers on our cruise 2 years apart) that we decided to give Carnival a try - after two on Carnival, we won't likely go back. Carnival was just a bit too "loud" for us.

There are a lot of reasons to go on a cruise that have nothing to do with sunshine. Until you understand that, you can't truly be considered a cruiser, and especially can't be considered a traveler. Heck, the Koningsdam hasn't even been near the Bahamas/Caribbean, so that locale has nothing to do with the objection to the lack of a promenade deck.

 

And no, it isn't "super easy to download a ton of books" if you don't have an e-reader, and don't desire to own one.

 

For years, no decades, no generations Holland America has provided certain amenities when traveling the world, and those have included a promenade where people can walk, stroll, or commune with the sea. Holland America has also provided a place where people can find a book to enjoy while out there, communing with the sea. The opportunity to share some information about the books with others while browsing the stacks is lost when one merely downloads to a machine.

 

One thing you are right about, and that is there are solutions to the problems on the Koningsdam. Those solutions include booking the other ships in the fleet. And, hopefully, HAL will return to its senses and return these amenities to this and future ships.

Your comment: "Until you understand that, you can't truly be considered a cruiser, and especially can't be considered a traveler" is both opinionated and incorrect.

According to the dictionary these are the following definitions. Unlike Wikipedia, these definitions are not opinions.

Traveler: a person who is traveling or who often travels.

Cruiser: a person or thing that cruises.

Just because you have an opinion does not mean you should speak "down" to people or express your opinion in way that belittles their views. If a traveler prefers sun destinations so be it. If a traveler prefers cultural experiences so be it. If a traveler prefers long drives away from their home so be it.

Here's one more definition:

Condescension: an attitude of patronizing superiority; disdain.

I enjoyed reading these 9 pages of comments! Our upcoming cruise is just my second cruise with HAL. I think it's fun that HAL offers a membership program and recognizes loyal customers. While small symbolic tokens may mean little to some they are reminders of (hopefully) happy memories. I remember by very first cruise on the Crystal Symphony and have one or two small reminders from that first voyage.

I understand the apathy of regular cruisers to these programs because the benefits likely mean more to you than the symbolic tokens but try to remember what it's like to be a newbie onboard for the first time or a newbie onboard a different line...the excitement is bountiful!

I have no doubt that veterans and civilians who have received national honours are likely less excited by customer loyalty tokens but as a recipient of both national honours and customer loyalty tokens I am delighted that I have received both, if nothing else in that they are reminders of milestones in my life experience. To each their own, and to each of you I wish you many more happy years of cruising!

We will be on this sailing as well. Very much looking forward to the "new" ship.

 

 

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I see in your previous cruises list that you have cruised on Princess - how does Princess compare to HAL? We've never been on Princess but we are considering it for the future.