PROCRUISE

On 3/4/2024 at 1:58 AM, jlawrence01 said:

I was on the Celebrity Millennium, their oldest ship, a month after being on the Konigsdam and recently on the Eurodam.

 

I found the food to be better on the Millennium overall and the service in the MDR and buffet was excellent.  They recovered from the pandemic a lot faster than the Konigsdam.

 

There were three things that were unsatisfactory on the Millennium.  First, the main theater had one of the worst sound and lighting system that I have seen.  Honestly, my high school had better equipment.  Second, if you encountered any bad weather, the outside decks closed and there was limited space.  Third the entertainment did NOT match what was available on Konigsdam.

 

Having said that, I don't have a strong preference between HAL, Celebrity or Princess.  Excluding the new ships, they are all pretty similar and it really depends on pricing and itineraries.

 

Personally, I would NOT pay the price that the new Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships are commanding.  If I was going to spend megabucks, I would probably do a Windstar cruise where I can get excellent food and impeccable service for a similar amount of money.

Windstar is phenomenal!!

On 4/23/2024 at 6:27 PM, CafeBruno said:

I haven't gone in New England, but I've been whale watching many times in Southern California, Seattle, Cabo San Lucas, Hawaii, and Dominica, as well as in Juneau (twice plus a third one booked for next month). Of those, Cabo has been the most spectacular, with lots of breaching, tail and fin slapping, due to the fact that the males are apparently trying to impress the females at that time of year (winter months). But Juneau was also excellent, as we've always seen multiple humpbacks and orcas. My guess is that Juneau will be better than New England, as the Juneau and Alaska area is much less populated than Boston/New England. Plus, you have a good chance of seeing orcas in Juneau. If you don't regularly see those in New England, that alone might be enough reason to go in Juneau. 

Have to agree with this observation. While in Juneau we went on a whale watching tour. Basically we only saw several whale tails from a distance and I was disappointed. That all changed when an entire school of orcas went by directly next to our boat!! Even the ship captain got excited!

So, you just never know exactly what you will or will not see. 

Bruno

I extend my sincere sympathy.

The love and continual care that you gave to your Dad is something that many of my current Hospice patients do not receive. You will probably never fully realize what that meant for your Dad - Bless You.

Yes, you will cruise again sometime, and your Dad's love for you will be right there with you.

6 minutes ago, LSEA said:

My dog would be miserable on a cruise ship.  Without the proper training true service dogs complete, I think many would be frightened and confused.  A coworker and his wife ordered fake service dog stuff from Amazon.  "We can take him to Ikea!"  My first thought was why the hell would your dog want to go to Ikea.

Typical ENTITLEMENT!

20 hours ago, cccole said:

The above photo is of a comfort dog not a service dog?   Is there no official paperwork that is required?  The woman has a brace on her knee but the dog does not seem to be helping with that.  I would love to bring our dog on a cruise but I just don't think I can put a fake "service dog" halter on him.  The other problem is taking your dog in an area where there may be someone who is allergic to dogs.  Post #11 does make me think twice about judging.  Maybe the woman in Post #14 has problems that we are not aware of.  So sad if someone is abusing a program meant to help those with special needs.  Cherie

That type of "Service Dog" harness is easily purchased on line!!

On 1/23/2024 at 12:01 PM, FlaMariner said:

Any intel on these choices??.....ATL - SIN.....all in Economy but one

 

• Turkish $932 23 hours (connect Istanbul)
• Singapore $940 24 hours (connect SFO)
• Singapore $1156 premium  29 hours (connect JFK)
• Singapore $870 28 hours (connect IAH and MAN)
• Delta $1231 26 hours (connect Seoul)
• American $1240 27 hours (connect Narita)
• United $1243 23 hours (connect SFO)

I'm leaning towards the 2nd one....Why?  Low price, short time, one connection, and I get to fly on Singapore Airlines......2nd choice is the first one.

 

What says the air experts on here?

 

 

 

 

We flew Singapore Airlines, round trip, out of NY. Fantastic service, food, comfort even in economy class.

On 3/31/2024 at 10:50 AM, mcrcruiser said:

We agree with Mc Deb above , we took a Avalon river cruise once down the Rhine river from Amsterdam to Basil Switzerland . It was as different from Ocean cruises as white is different from black . The s,alle numbers of people ,The very relaxed atmosphere , the daily guided tours & the best food we have ever had including land based restaurants 

Also completely agree. Took the Viking, Grand European River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Absolutely fabulous! Another aspect I really liked was having two different tour groups at each stop. One, for those in good health like myself, who can hike right along and see more, and a very thoughtful idea of a group for those with less ability to ambulate who simply needed much for time.

Have cruised with: CCL, X, HAL, RCCL, Norwegian, Princess, Viking and Windstar. Will pretty much stick with HAL now due to fair pricing, longer itineraries, good food and usually outstanding crew/staff members. I also prefer the Pinnacle class vessels where Orange Club is worth the cost.

30 minutes ago, julig22 said:

Correct. Sometimes they wouldn't be able to wait. They may need to leave on time to make the next port. They may have a scheduled time for tugs/pilot boats, shipping channels. And in some ports, the tide can be an issue.

 

We were told by the captain at a Q&A that the best thing to do if you are late on a private excursion is to call the ship - if they know you are on your way and have an ETA, they will tell you what to do - either they'll wait or tell you how to proceed to get to the ship at the next port of call ( on your dime LOL)

The tour operator did contact the ship and NCL offices. The captain, of  his STILL ANCHORED ship, refused to allow them to board.

Actually, the thing that had me book again with HAL for 12/24 and 3/25 was price! I'm elite with X but their prices have gone "out the window." So, rebooked on the Statendam and Rotterdam and particularly like the Orange Club dining area. One huge disappointment will be the lack of Lincoln Center. I was one of MANY to let HAL know I was displeased when they announced this, to no avail.

4 minutes ago, tomahawk43 said:

It’s actually on Nieuw Amsterdam. I’m onboard now  At about 9 am the fire alarms and crew alert went off.  The captain came on and indicated we had a steam leak and they were evacuating some crew cabins above the engine rooms.  At about 10:15 they gave the all clear.  At about 3, the Captain came on and said two crew members had been killed.  Some of the crew say they were inspecting a steam line when it exploded.  We are being held in half moon cay pending coast guard investigations.

Sorry about the wrong ship name. Very sad situation.

3 minutes ago, julia said:

What???  Post link!!!  😲😪

Texted information from friends aboard the ship which was just announced and that the ship will be delayed in leaving Half Moon Cay.

Have two friends currently on the Nieuw Amsterdam which experienced an explosive accident aboard the ship this morning. Two crew members were killed.

Very tragic information.

8 hours ago, POA1 said:

The BB King, Rolling Stone, Billboard and Lincoln Center were/are all licensed names. The performers come from a talent agency.

And boy do we miss Lincoln Center. Can now find more classical music on X than HAL.

Have stayed at the Crowne Plaza Airport/Cruise Port many times. Located directly across the street from the cruise port entrance and they have a shuttle to the ship, for a fee (we use Uber). Free shuttle from the airport to the hotel. Not much around the hotel but the food in the hotel has always been good and nice pool also.

17 hours ago, daybrake said:

@PROCRUISE  New cruiser to HAL here - is there something about the $1pp deposit that makes it not a better way to book rather than a refundable deposit (other than losing $2 if cancelled?). Just trying to understand the rationale for going with a refundable deposit.  I just booked a cruise using the $1 deposit and I specifically/pointedly confirmed with my TA that all I would lose is $2 if I cancelled and he said yes.  

I booked with the perks and as a refundable deposit.

Just saw the $1 deposit, one day offer, at the last minute. Called my HAL cruise planner and caught her just as she was getting ready to leave. Booked March 2025 Sydney to Auckland balcony cabin of my choice with all perks available except paid gratuity but, $400 OBC to help cover it. Splurged and put down $25 refundable deposit. Thanks HAL.

57 minutes ago, C4HCG said:

And why should we care what he thinks? When will people who have done with Celebrity move on, soon I hope.

Not completely done with Celebrity but I will now be traveling solo. So, when FIVE of the cruising website individuals, who all have a huge following, all address this X issue, it is worth paying attention to for future cruises.I checked it out for a December 2024 cruise. As an Elite passenger with X, I booked with HAL after looking at the ridiculous cost with X.

On 1/5/2024 at 11:40 AM, twincheryl said:

Appreciate you emailing… I have done the same regarding the ridiculous solo pricing but have not heard back.  In the past when there have been issues that lots of people were unhappy about, it does seem that they were listening… which is why we have remained loyal to Celebrity.

 

I would encourage people to email about issues that are important to them.  We’ll see how these are handled by the new mgmt team… there are many other cruise lines out there.

It is interesting that today (1/6/24) three of the major cruise information websites all talked about what Celebrity is doing to solo cruisers with ridiculous added on fare fees. At the same time, other cruise lines are noting the increased number of individuals who now must, or are making the choice, to cruise solo and making it more financially possible and with more solo cabins. I must now cruise alone. I was going to book a 12/24 cruise with X until I saw the solo prices. I just booked with HAL who treats solo passengers correctly.

On 1/2/2024 at 9:23 AM, KeyLimeKayak said:

Oh, no. How disappointing. We are musicians and absolutely loved LCS - we felt it elevated HAL above other similar lines. Our recent Celebrity sailing featured a very talented pianist, but it was a tech/sound/light show with a band that we didn't care for - it was too distracting to appreciate his talent.

Very sorry to hear this, but maybe if enough of us complain they will reinstate some kind of classical offering!

There was a VERY large outpouring of displeasure on CC when HAL announced no more Lincoln Center, which fell on deaf ears at the HAL administrative towers.

The poor children could have done better at my small towns Santa House! Live music each night, plenty of time with Santa, picture for $5, small gift plus stocking filled with candy!!

I usually book cruises as much as a year in advance. This way I can usually select a cabin I'm happy with and decide whether to pay for perks or not.

I have a cruise in March 2024 that I'm interested in and I know final payment date for this cruise is 12/24/23. I'm interested in experiences that others have had, both pro and con, with waiting until just right after final payment date has pasted and then booking that cruise. Naturally I have to assume that cabin choice may not be as great but are there other advantages, or not, that others have experienced?

Cruise Critic always seems to be great place to get answers.

Previously booked balcony cabin, deck 8,  slightly aft, for 2/22/24 9 day cruise. Total including paid gratuities, WiFi and drink page is $5110 double occupancy. Today (10/4/23) if I tried to book this cruise, I'd have to take a forward balcony cabin, deck 6, with only WiFi and drink page and the cost is $6565 double occupancy. Switching to HAL for additional cruises in 2024.

Have found CO most worth the price for the three pinnacle class ships due to the separate dining area. Excellent service, usually no wait to be seated ever. Priority boarding is nice but even though it says there is a special event for CO passengers, there isn't - the orange night get together includes the whole ship and isn't worth the crowds. HAL uses it to sell orange clothing another "stuff." Actually the OC tote bag isn't bad either.

Elite with Celebrity, soon to be 4 star with Holland America,

I'd try Celebrity and would certainly then try Holland America.

For me, the only real difference is atmosphere. Celebrity is a little "livelier" and HAL is a little more quiet. That being said, HAL is trying to gather more younger passengers (like yourself) on their pinnacle class ships with Music Walk. Really enjoyed this on the Rotterdam and Statendam and like Club Orange private dining.