tompeter

Thanks for the report!

33 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

If you return several times to this venue, I'd be interested if the groups playlist is varied or if their playlist is close to being the same night after night.  When I sailed on Nieuw Statendam, the group was very good.  But, their playlist was rather limited.

 

 

Oh, this is a very good menu!  Three of the Starters, four of the Mains, and all of the Desserts:  all greatly appeal to me!  

If the Rock group is still the group with Mackenzie as the lead singer, they are great and a vast playlist to boot!

What a great start to your cruise. I think the real reason you were late embarking is that we were late arriving Sunday Morning. I was a Walk off Passenger, and that did not start til 815-820. When I walked thru the luggage pick up area, there wasn't a single piece of luggage there yet, so I am sure it took longer than 930 to even try to empty the ship.

On another note, you will love Koko and Faisal! Tell them Mr. Thomas says "Hello". You will not want for a thing.

Enjoy your cruise.

1 hour ago, awhfy said:

Last we heard (late October) luggage valet wasn’t being offered in Ft Lauderdale or Miami, no return to service date has been announced. We’re really hoping for it to be back for our April cruise!

FWIW, we just stepped off a HAL cruise Wednesday in FLL, and that ship was offering Luggage Valet.....

2 minutes ago, Laminator said:

I have yet to play in the Ocean Bar but I am absolutely certain you can. If you qualify for free drinks in the casino you should get free drinks in the Ocean Bar. I will verify tonight.

Thanks for the help!

Welcome back Onboard!

Thanks for the info, we travel next week and flying with the In-laws back to Ontario after the cruise.

54 minutes ago, Laminator said:

It's all under the carnival umbrella. Some things they do make absolutely no sense to me. I get an offer for a free Neptune Suite and a significant amount of casino cash. My wife will also receive an offer for either a free Neptune Suite or a free signature Suite and casino cash. We wind up bringing friends. They are thrilled.. So the way I look at it is if l lose $9000 I am even as that is what i would pay for the Suite. All of the drinks in the casino are included so that is another $100 a night in savings. I think of it as all accounting methods. They probably write off the rack rate for the suite. The drinks which are $11 and up for the most part cost them a buck or two. More write offs. Like watching the Price is Right where that 5 day trip is valued at $7000 when we all know we can find it for half that price.

They have offered these deals for years so I highly doubt it is a losing venture as I am sure heads would have rolled

I am sure HAL knows they need to change their demographic. I think these casino promotions will start being more geared to those with more disposable income. I know they are investing a huge amount of money upgrading their technology in the casinos over all of their brands.

As you have seen some people rail against these casino promotions. You can't make everyone happy.

Quick question, are you able to get your free casino drinks while playing in the Ocean Bar area or is it just while playing in actual casino? We will be on next week and trying to get an idea for my family members....Thanks!

8 minutes ago, jeh10641 said:

Sansterre,

I add my thanks for all you posted over the last three weeks. I am leaving on Dec. 1, 2021 on the Rotterdam and feel more prepared my cruise.

 

Thanks to everybody else who has posted in this thread.  you are all 5 Diamonds in my book.

 

Jim

I totally Concur! We board on Nov. 21 and are even more excited due to all the info shared here...Thanks!

Thanks for the help!

What casino is closest for a visit while in port?

Thanks for posting the update!

7 hours ago, DAllenTCY said:

Here is what has been going on lately in San Diego.  You arrive at the terminal and ask if you may drop off your luggage.

 

Our answer has been "Yes" but please return and line up according to your Arrival Time on your Boarding Pass.  Arrival times are posted outside the building.

 

It sounds rather simple to me.

 

However, once inside the security gate, many of you prefer to make your way to the facility entrance and argue that you have either:

 

           Never received an arrival time or cannot find it on your Boarding Pass/iPhone

 

           Need immediate seating for a disabled member of your party or a lavatory ASAP

 

           Argue that it is either too sunny or too hot to stand in line outside

 

           Request a wheelchair that you didn't need minutes ago

 

           State that it is too far to walk to the check in counter (ship is 975 feet long/ 110 feet wide)

 

We try to keep meet or best your expectations; however, 1,400 guests cannot all arrive at the same time and you know that.  Arrival times are distributed by Holland America in order to smooth the embarkation experience for you.  Ground staff are merely assisting in that endeavor.

Please realize that in each Arrival Group there are 250 guests.... 1 pm, 1:20 pm, 1:40 pm.....etc.

 

This next sailing.....there is a group as late as 3:40 pm.

 

Please be patient, as we observe CDC and CPB requirements for your sailing.

 

David

           

 

 

 

           

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

Isn't it great, dealing with the public......LOL

You would probably spend more time trying to find someone that even understands what you are asking for than would be worth your while. I would just bring my own, relax, and enjoy.

Sounds like it will be a great cruise!

33 minutes ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Ferry Watcher, we enjoyed the classical music several times....forgot to mention it.  We did not encounter jazz.  I think the venue for the classical music is unfortunate.  It is open, so you hear the lovely music as you pass, but because it is in an open hallway it suffers from the noise people make as they go by.  Many are probably not even aware there is a performance going on until it is too late. 
 

The band in BB Kings is really, really good, BTW.

 

I laughed when I read your suggestion about any old card working!  I hope someone will test your hypothesis and let us all know! 😀

It does work....I use my AARP card....

Two quick notes....Summit is a M Class ship, not S. In regards to tipping with the drink Pkg., it is certainly not necessary since already included. but if you wish to tip extra, cash is the way to go.   

You provide such great reports! Many thanks!

1 hour ago, zdcatc12 said:

No, actually it is probably less busy than a normal day. Southwest used to give free drinks, but since they aren't serving alchohol, that won't be happening.

Especially in the morning...

If they are planning on traveling on the islands with you and your wife, I think there is even less likelihood of being bothered as opposed to being by themselves.

After all this time....Hopefully the cruise will exceed your expectations!

You might want to look around to see if there are other 5 night cruises on other lines that match your dates. It might be less hassle than cancelling flights/hotels, etc.

2 hours ago, drowelf said:

Definitely sounds like not a fun time or something that the DW or I would be interested in. Hopefully by our Feb 2022 cruise Bingo will be back. 

We played once. It felt like even the crew couldn't wait to get the game over with....

28 minutes ago, davekathy said:

What lounge is this? We've been on the Summit pre and post revolution and I've never seen or heard of it. 

I believe it is the AMEX lounge at the airport that they are referring to....

2 hours ago, sarellen8385 said:

Are there cans of Coke available to buy from bars? Thanks.

Yes