Copper10-8

Yep, been to many a crew party and there is always a DJ to be found among the crew, most of the time with extensive equipment brought from home. We will see if the "cruise activities staff" DJ has completely disappeared from HAL in about three weeks on Nieuw A. Personally, I think it's long overdue that HAL's vice president of Entertainment Enrichment, Guest Experience & Product Development, Bill Prince is shown the exit stage left, Do not Pass Go, and do not collect $200 after 19 years on the job!

Could be another change and not for the better! In the past, the No. 2 cruise activities staff individual, formerly known as the ACD, was always the DJ. No bueno! 😔

Hank, how 'bout the Gallery Bar/ Been in there so far?

Question please; is there a DJ playing music in the Rolling Stone Lounge after the band is done with their last set in there?

Mr. Hank and I have had our differences in the past, but I am enjoying his extensive reporting from Westerdam and his evolving voyage through the Orient and onward to AK. I hope that you and your DW continue to enjoy your time on this particular cruise! Have fun!

It's a Cunard thing and may it stay that way!

Enjoy your cruise you two! 🙂

As has been suggested, best off having a short chat with your room steward on embarkation day as to your needs and expectations will work fine (they can be found in the corridors frequently on Day 1 and yes, the lead will usually knock on your door to introduce himself). HK cabin inspectors (supervisor) can be found in the corridors in the evening. I would advise against placing the "Don't Disturb" sign in your door slot 24/7 without an explanation, because staff will get worried about your well-being (security gets involved in those also 😉) Enjoy your cruise!

The Tinikling dance - the pic is the HAL crew on the Rotterdam The video was taken in the Philippines https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=267609777977926

On hold as a regular show (both Indonesian and Filipino) since the Covid restart. Could make a come back in the future since the involved crew liked showing their culture to their audiences, and those same audiences seemed to appreciate and like the shows. Time will tell

You are correct, hence his middle name of Moimoi

Very sad news for those who knew and/or sailed with former HAL cruise director Gene Young. It is reported that he passed away after taking his own life on February 14, 2023 in the Miami, FL area. Up until 2017, Gene had been the regular cruise director on HAL's annual grand world voyage onboard ms Amsterdam. Until his unfortunate death, he had been cruise director for MSC Cruises. Depression is a terrible thing and Gene was far too young to leave this world! May he Rest in Peace! https://snbc13.com/gene-moimoi-young-msc-cruises-director-died-from-suicide-in-miami-death-obituary/?fbclid=IwAR0Hkj4qy8K3RFahs7mqwOt8YM_pEfcmeJ1gzXk5QrtfKOiPVjNwJKT79-o

Well, now that you mention it, this one just came over headed in the general direction of Bakersfield ....... I notified the Coast Guard, the USDA's Economic Research Service, and the FAA

Thanks for that info, KingD! Last I heard it was up at 65,000 ft. No one is going to shoot it down with a hunting rifle from the ground at that altitude. It hasn't been authenticated yet, but someone, perhaps that Raptor fighter jock, can be heard saying "Pop, goes the weasel" after the kill

Happy to do it during that time; just let me know

Night owl here, on the look out for balloons approaching the left coast from the west; 🤓 what can I do for you?

They should be playing this as we wait Followed by this one And this one

You should be fine with those with no sharp ends, unlike ski poles. To put your mind at ease, I would ask HAL ahead of time with the attached pic

You should be OK with this "hobbel paard" (rocking horse) 😉

Just make sure you leave your handcuffs and catapults at home............😉

The former cast members, nowadays the Step One dancers, can usually be found being assigned a crew corridor cabin all the way forward on A-Deck and yes, no roommates, although two used to share cabins. Depending on the personalities and ages, those corridors have been known for "after show performance" parties and, as a result, visits by the night guards and, at times, a chat with the security officer as to the need for noise abatement/being good neighbors to other crew who, unlike the performers, need to rise and shine with the rooster crowing The BB's and, I presume, the Rolling Stone rockers (The classical quartet possibly also included in this group) get the best of both worlds in that they enjoy both crew and guest privileges. Their cabins, usually insides, are located in "passenger country" as opposed to "crew country"

Ah Yes, the "family member" did it! They and butlers seem to always get the short end of the schtick

Been a while since this was posted so here it goes Holland America Line Prohibited Items The following list is provided to assist in determining what items are not allowed onboard without a valid, lawful reason. This is not an all-inclusive list, and there may be other items found at the checkpoint that may be dangerous and that should not be allowed onboard All firearms, including non-firing weapons. An exception to this rule are law enforcement agents acting in an official capacity and certified armed security guards acting in an official capacity (with full permission of the ship’s Master). All forms of ammunition, explosive materials and propellants, projectiles of all kinds, cartridges. All imitation or replica weapons including de-commissioned weapons, those not capable of being fired and realistic imitation/toy weapons. Air/Pellet guns or any other variety of projectile-firing weapon. All explosives and explosive device components including but not limited to military, civilian and safety devices, detonators, detonation cords, blasting caps, smoke cartridges, grenades, mines, and imitation explosives /devices. Fireworks, Flares and Pyrotechnics Knives with a blade over 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches), or ½ inch at its widest point. This includes bladed weapons, sharp pointed weapons, daggers, sabers, swords, axes, ice axes, hatchets, straight razors (shaving safety razors are allowed), razor blades not in a cartridge, box cutters, ice picks, meat cleavers and utility knives. Concealed bladed weapons, such as belt buckles knives, cane and umbrella knives/swords, pen knives and credit card knives. Recreational Diver’s Knives unless accompanied by other diving/snorkeling equipment and a valid diving ID card/license (must be held in the custody of the Security Officer). Dive knives may be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise. Diver’s spears and spear guns/slings. Ceremonial knives/swords as well as entertainment props are at times permitted with prior notification from the Fleet Security Department (must be held on-board in the same manner as dive knives). Flick knives, gravity knives, switchblades or lock knives. Small locking pocket knives with blade lengths less than 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches) and widths ½ inch or less are allowed. Scissors with blades longer than 4 inches. Telescopic or regular truncheons/batons/clubs/coshes (a thick heavy stick or bar used as a weapon; a bludgeon)/nightsticks/Billy clubs/blow pipes/ASPs (expandable batons) and or any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon. Archery equipment including crossbows and bolts. Catapults Martial Arts Equipment including flails, throwing stars, nunchakus/nunchucks, kubatons, bostaff, etc. Knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, or any other item constructed for use as a weapon in hand-to-hand combat. Stun Guns, Tasers or any other electroshock device. Handcuffs Items containing Incapacitating Substances such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, pepper/mace cartridges, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable. Flammable liquids and hazardous chemicals/substances including gasoline/petrol, cooking fuel, acid, spill able batteries (except those in wheelchairs), phosphorous, oil, lighter fluid (common lighters are permitted), methylated spirits, paint thinners, turpentine, spray paint, chlorine, bleach, and any other dangerous chemicals that could burn, maim, incapacitate or disable. Compressed gas bottles/cylinders including propane tanks and aerosol cans (except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities). Dive Tanks are not permitted, empty or full. Medical gas bottles are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition but cannot be packed in baggage. Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to the Purser’s Office and stored in a designated safe area. Oxygen cylinders are not x-rayed. Restrictions may apply to guests that require supplemental Oxygen during the COVID-19 Pandemic – please review Health Protocols page and FAQs. Drones, also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA), and any other remote controlled aerial devices/toys. Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as a weapon. Hookah and Water Hookah Pipes, candles and incense, strike-anywhere matches, clothing irons, heating pads, hot plates, kettles, coffee makers, toasters and other electronic cooking appliances. Alcohol in violation of the company alcohol policy. All illegal drugs, including medications without proper prescriptions. This includes legal intoxicant synthetic or “designer” drugs also known as “Legal Highs” such as Lysergamides, Opioids, Methoxetamine, Synthetic Cannabis, Betel Nuts or Kava (Cava). Medical Marijuana Poisons Noxious Items Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, and skateboards. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Ham radios, transformers, lasers, laser pointers, *electric extension cords with surge protectors. Bicycles Tools of trade/hobby including any type of hand or power tool. This includes hammers, drills, drill bits, crow bars, saws, power saws, chef/cooking knives/utensils, tools greater than 7 inches in length such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers (unless prior authorization is provided by Corporate Headquarters and strict controls are maintained on-board). Surfboards - (Boogie boards no longer than 42 inches in length are allowed). Coolers, only coolers approximately 12 x 12 x 12 inches in size (holds 6-12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages) are allowed. Guests carrying larger sizes will be directed to return them to their vehicle. If the guest is without a vehicle, the cooler will be destroyed in the same manner as other prohibited items. Exception: if the cooler is larger and contains baby food/formula, kosher food/special diet food or medication — these must be hand-carried. Coolers cannot be accepted as checked baggage. Whenever there is doubt an embarkation supervisor or shipboard personnel can be contacted to make the decision. Scooters (only permitted if used for mobility), boats/canoes/kayaks, Segways (only permitted ashore if used for mobility limitations – cannot be used onboard the ship ), Heely Shoes, Hoverboards/self-balancing scooters. · Electrical devices such as small fans, power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords without surge protectors are allowed onboard when used with proper caution. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard they will be confiscated. Confiscated prohibited items are to be returned to Guest(s) ONLY on the actual day of disembarkation/end of voyage and ONLY after guest has scanned off at the gangway. Item(s) to be returned at a designated location shore-side (whether this be inside the terminal, a tent or table on the quay …) against and after verification of Confiscated Items Receipt and Guest’s Signature confirming return.” The above list is not exhaustive. The SSO/Staff Captain are authorized to make a professional judgment as to the legality of any item declared, detected or discovered on board.

Small locking pocket knives with blade lengths less than 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches) and widths ½ inch or less are allowed.

Any Knives, scissors and open razors with blades longer than two and a half inches are on the prohibited items list