cruzin4us

Thank you for taking us along for your quarantine cruise.   I'm super sorry you got it, being in quarantine is no fun on a cruise ship.  4 days with norovirus about made me go bonkers....the first couple of days when I didn't feel good it was no big deal....but on day 3 I was ready to pull my hair out from boredom.

With all that being said, you really are a big help for those that are concerned about the quarantining process.   It's everyone's biggest fear at the moment, and everyone has questions.

Like the previous poster, it's helpful if you relay your symptoms as well if you are so inclined.  Covid fear is huge and it's helpful to us people that are nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof about cruising.

Thanks again!

4 hours ago, FlaMariner said:

 

I'm glad you have a positive comment about the medallion.....The sign up process has been horrendous and makes me want to to toss it in the sea first thing.....I'll try to remain calm and keep an open mind but so far, based on my sign up experience, I hate it and everything about ti!

 

Thanks for the food comments....

I agree, I hated the sign up process (I'm old school).   I used the app mostly for the convenience of drink ordering.   The medallion itself is awesome, the opening of your door, convenience of purchasing items, getting on/off the ship....I never used a lot of the app features (people tracking/daily itinerary, etc), but for ordering drinks it was awesome.

I've heard the PCR tests can show positive for 90 days.   Have you tried to get a doctors letter to see if you can get an exemption?  

4 hours ago, Greysandy said:

 

The Chef’s Table dining experience. For $115, we really expected different food than the regular dining room, but it was basically the same and even the same lukewarm temperature. No flavor, no interesting recipes, flavors or sauces. We were literally served the lobster risotto entrée from the night before. The main dish was just 4 proteins (filet mignon, lamb chop, shrimp and scallops) simply grilled and put on the plate with potato cubes and some carrots and beets cut into spheres. The service and experience was fun but the food was a complete let down other than the beautiful designs of the dessert in a ruby slipper, and the sorbet with a sugar swan.

 

That was the same thing we had in October.....you described it perfectly....lukewarm, main course was blah....

I've cruised both lines many times.   I can speak about the food venues.  I found the specialty dining and buffets to be better on HAL.   

Crown Grill vs Pinnacle Grill.....there is no comparison in my opinion.  HAL wins this hands down.   Crown Grill tends to be much noisier and the food is hit and miss.   Pinnacle Grill the food is outstanding and the restaurant ambience is much nicer.

Tamarind ---- Nothing like this on Princess

Rudi's Sel de Mer (HAL) -  LOVE

Chef's table - Princess - It was good, not excellent but good.

Chef's table - HAL  this was excellent  

Harmony (Princess) ---  I know I'm gonna get flack on this, but it was truly one of the worst meals I've ever had on a cruise ship....ever   

Buffets - While Princess's is larger I find the food better on HAL

Allegro's (Princess) - They definitely outshine HAL when it comes to pizza

International Cafe (Princess) -  Princess made a great move by having this pretty much unknown little area to get snacks/sandwiches/soups/pastries/desserts/coffees.....I eat there A LOT.   They are open 24/7 too.....you won't find that on HAL

Princess has more "glitz" and HAL is more subdued.    I like them both.   If I want more activities, I'd choose Princess, if I wanted to get away from the world and people I'd choose HAL.   Obviously the age demographics on HAL is older.    

Crew - I found the bartenders to be a bit more attentive on HAL - they are were more engaging where as on Princess, they would give you your drink and move on.

Best thing about Princess - THE MEDALLION - Once you figure out the app, you can order all your drinks....I'd order a specialty coffee from the International Cafe and I kid you not, it would arrive to my room in 3-5 min and it was always piping hot.   I loved this and I wish HAL would come up with something similar.

Enjoy your cruise on Princess, we have a Hawaii trip booked for November and a HAL trip booked for April.    

38 minutes ago, jeh10641 said:

This was my COVID testing saga in December for Rotterdam out of FLL.

 

 

THUMBS DOWN COVID 19 TESTING

     Before we embarked, we were going to spend several days visiting relatives across the state of Florida. That presented us with our first problem: How do we get tested for COVID 19 before the trip? HAL recommended QUEST DIAGNOSTICS through their health protocols on HAL’S website.

     Our boarding date was Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Our boarding time changed several times but finalized at 1 PM. We were happy with the time.  Our cousins had synchronized their boarding time with ours and were happy with the time.

     We booked a date/time for our COVID 19 test through QUEST DIAGNOSTICS.  It was on Monday November 29, 2021 at 10 AM at a Walmart drive through pharmacy in Boynton Beach on Military Trail. The night before we stayed in Port St. Lucie about a 90 minute drive from our testing site. We arrived 15 minutes early for our tests. As we sat in our car, a pharmacist supervised the testing process through the Drive Through window. We were done in about 15 minutes. We placed our test samples in the box indicated by the pharmacist. Before we left, I specifically asked the testing supervisor how long would it take to get our results. He said “24 to 48 hours”.  That meant about 10 AM on December 1, the day of our embarkation. I told him that was IMPORTANT as we taking a cruise on Wednesday. The timing was okay. This is where it all went wrong.

     Through my tablet and the hotel’s computer, I kept checking QUEST’s website and my email for written confirmation. I checked every couple of hours through Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. NO TEST RESULTS were available by 11 AM on Wednesday. Through Cruise Critic, I knew that if we had proof of testing but no results, HAL could test us at embarkation. The stress of not knowing if we would be able to board was palpable. I DO NOT ENDORSE OR RECOMMEND QUEST DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES FOR TESTING.

     Arriving at Port Everglades at Noon on December 1, we left our bags with a porter and entered the terminal. I explained our situation to the greeter at the entrance. She called over another staff member who escorted us to an area for testing. We took our tests and went to a waiting area. After 15 minutes, our name was called and we were given our test results. NEGATIVE!!!! We then were allowed to board.

     My wife finally got her test results Thursday December 2, 2021 when we were on our second day at sea. On Friday, I received a note that QUEST DIAGNOSTICS COULD NOT FIND MY RESULTS!

 

Jim

For the reason(s) you described, this is the reason I did the at home medically supervised test offered thru EMED....simple to do, took all the stress out of waiting for my results.

I think that cruise ships are probably one of the safest places you can be, everyone has been vaccinated and been tested.   The flight and your Uber/taxi ride is probably the most dangerous portion of you cruise.    Even with that, there is no guarantee you won't get it.   But you can get it at the grocery store, or from your family/friends that you think are covid free.   At least the Omicron isn't statistically as deadly as the prior 2 covid strains.    I probably know 25 people that have had omicron and while not pleasant, it was nothing like the first 2 strains.     I went on a cruise in October (Princess) and I felt safer on the ship than I did being out in public.   That's just my 2 cents 🙂

Well darn it anyway....My parents are on this cruise doing the same B2B as you.  I spoke with this this morning and so far they are both testing negative.  

I'm sure they gave you the boot just to keep their numbers on board down, not that they care so much as the CDC would put them in a different colored covid bracket and that's where the problem comes in.....just my thought anyway.

I truly hope you both have a quick recovery!

Wow, I didn't even know this could be done.....now I know where I'm going after I'm cremated.   I can't think of a better way to be laid to rest.❤️

I agree, order some liquor and take it home with you....better than letting it go to waste.  

You've been a trooper, we've all lived vicariously thru you and your quarantine.   I'm sorry you had to go thru it, but it's still probably better to be quarantined on a ship then in your house 🙂

Take care and enjoy your next cruise!

On 1/11/2022 at 5:44 PM, Loreto said:

Holland America accepted the results from our Abbott BinaxNow Home Tests from  eMed.com  for our Zuiderdam Holiday cruise.  I ordered another box last Monday, delivered by Fed Ex on Wednesday morning with expiration of Nov. 21, 2022. and will use them for upcoming Hawaii Cruise.  I sent the receipt to my health insurance and was reimbursed for the full amount. 

wow, that's awesome news.....I'm so glad you wrote this as it prompted me to make a phone call to my insurance company and YES, they told me mine was covered too.   You just saved me $200.....THANK YOU!!!!

I purchased the 6 pack from Emed.....only needed one, but now they are all gone.   No one can get covid tests around here without about 1 week wait.   I thought I'd never go thru 6 of them, but yesterday I just ordered 6 more.   They are expensive, but when you need one and can't find one you'll be glad you have a few stockpiled.

My answers were easy:  Yes, Yes, Yes

I feel your disappointment in being quarantined.  I got Norovirus on the S. American Cruise and was in my room for 5 days.  They called and checked on me periodically (mostly to verify that I was still in my cabin).  I was told with no uncertain terms if I was caught outside my room, I would be cast overboard....(not really, but I'd be put off in the next port).    I thought I'd go bat ***** crazy on day 5.    Fast forward 12 years, I still cruise.  I will ONLY book veranda cabins after that however.     Even if I have to stay cooped up in my room, it's better than being cooped up in my office.    The mental aspect was the toughest part.    I hope you are cleared soon and don't have to wait the 10 days.    My folks are on that cruise with you 🙂    Stay strong, do a youtube video and you'll have a zillion hits 😜

1 minute ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Yes it doesn’t need to be 48 hours or less, just two days.  In November I had my test on Friday at approximately 9:30 am.  I boarded the koningsdam on Sunday at approximately 1:30 pm. No issue whatsoever.

Thank you.....I thought that was the case but things change daily.   

I'm going to assist my parents with their at home test tomorrow (Dec 31).   Their cruise is Jan 2nd.   Can they do their test anytime 2 days prior, or does it mean 24 hours or less?   In other words, their cruise departs @ 2:00 on Jan 2nd but can they take the test @ 10:00 a.m. on Dec 31st?     I've searched high and low on the HAL website, and all I can find is 2 days.

On 10/21/2021 at 9:44 AM, Corollanc said:

As you can see from above, I don’t know what I am doing🤪. Anyway, we had two different Chef’s tables and the food is superb but both times very similar.  This meal seems very different and looks fabulous!  One question…do they still take you back in the kitchen?  I loved that!

 

Normally yes, but due to covid restrictions they are keeping people out of the kitchen

We watched a beautiful full moon rise over Puerto Vallarta as we were leaving.   It looks like a sunset, but this is actually the moon.  (did I mention I love my iphone 13 max pro?)

App Update:

When the app works, it works great.......when it doesn't it's a real pain in the butt.   It worked part of the day and then for no reason it stops working.   Many frustrated people.   When it works, it's so easy to order a drink and you can scroll thru the app looking at all the drinks along with the descriptions (and the ingredients used).   This is a fun way to try new drinks.    It was so bloody hot and humid in Puerto Vallarta, people wanted drinks/water etc. and couldn't use the app to order.   That would be fine if there were servers wandering around but there weren't that many.    A slew of people would be sitting around and some could order while others couldn't.  It didn't seem to matter what type of phone you had either.   Couples would have the same iphone 12 and one could order and the other couldn't.  

I hope they improve this somehow because when it works it's awesome.

Lotus Spa

Went and had a body scrub and back massage while in Puerto Vallarta.   I wasn't harassed into buying something which I was grateful.     Here's a few pics of the spa area.   Note to self:  Never change in front of the window when they are cleaning windows.....oops 

Weird Observation

The Majestic was meant to be cruising around Asia and there is a beautiful Asian motif though out the ship.  What I finally figured out today was they designed a lot of things to fit shorter people.   I'm 5'11" and I didn't really notice it until I started looking around.   The first thing I noticed was the shower head in the spa.  Granted, it has a wand but there is no ability to adjust the height and if you are washing your hair, it's a bit more difficult.  The second thing was the chairs in many of the public venues.  The Game Room and the Crown Grill Bar area has short chairs.   It in no way detracts from anything (unless your super tall) but I just found it funny. 

Laundry Facilities

We are on the Aloha Deck (deck 12) and their is a laundry room on our floor.  They have a token machine but there were 2 bowls filled with tokens to be used by guests.   I don't know if this the norm?  There is soaps in the dispenser that takes the tokens.   I didn't do any laundry but I took a couple of pics of it for anyone that's interested.

7 hours ago, gvre said:

What was the main course?

 Last month we had the veal and it was not good and the lobster chewy. I mentioned it to Neville, and he said it was the chef decision.

We will be on the ship on October 30^th so we are planning to sign up unless they serve veal.

 

The main course was 1 lamb chop, 1 small filet, 3 small scallops and 2 med size prawns.  It was a perfect amount of each....by then I was already stuffed

14 minutes ago, yoshi said:

Cruzin4us, Chef's Table pictures looks wonderful! Thank you again for taking us along!

"Tonight we dined at the Chef's Table.  We booked this immediately when getting on board.  The cost is $115 per person and includes a wine paring."

 

How long does the dinner event last? and what time does it usually begin?  

It started at 6:30 p.m. and lasted a little over 2 hours (maybe 2 1/2).   

Misc Stuff:

Princess Live Theater

Crown Bar

Leaving Mazatlan

messing around taking pictures at night

1 hour ago, Steelers36 said:

AH, right.  Those flowers.  Must be another ship I am thinking of.  They were changing carpets on Regal I think.  Anyway, certainly obvious on Majestic!

I was laughing to myself when you said it was subtle.    I was thinking you were color blind.   LOL

Chef's Table

Tonight we dined at the Chef's Table.  We booked this immediately when getting on board.  The cost is $115 per person and includes a wine paring.  

This is a wonderful experience if you can ever attend.  The head chef talks about the dishes he creates solely for this dinner.   Only 12 people are in attendance and we all are waited on hand and foot.   It is an amazing opportunity and worth every penny.    Especially after Harmony last night.   We were also given a nice hardback cookbook.

Here are some pictures I took.....I'm sure if I wasn't so tired, I'd give you a great description of the items, but you can tell by the pictures the items were delicious.   The dessert was served in a Chocolate shoe.....so very creative.

Anyway pictures speak more than me rambling.....enjoy