BetsyS.

My stepfather and I were on the Zuiderdam for 35 days this summer. We did not have to get a covid test before the cruise and there was no health questionnaire. Masks were not mandatory, but people could wear them if they wanted to. Captain made announcements saying to wash your hands. He said hand washing was better than using hand sanitizer.

Thanks for the updates! Enjoy the rest of your cruise! 🥂😊

0106 and Ready2go11 - Many years ago, my coworkers said to pick a team that would win the World Series that year. You had to do this before July 4. I picked Baltimore even though they were not doing well at the time. Baltimore won the World Series that year and I got $500! 😊

VMax1700 - I'm sorry your mascot was interfered with. I hope you can fix it.

Radbooks - I hope your sign will be returned. I agree with Jacqui - that's pretty low. Signs are very helpful.

Years ago on the Veendam, I was at the Amsterdam terminal and was about to board the ship. They were going through purses back then. They took my PseudoFed because it was "drugs." I said I needed it for my hay fever. They said "where's the prescription?" I said it was over the counter. I finally convinced them that I needed the pills for my allergies and they gave it back to me. I don't take that any more, so it's not an issue now.

My stepfather and I did not get our surveys because HAL had an email address that I had not used for 8 years. It was connected to my Mariner account. Our travel agent gave HAL my current email address, and then they sent the surveys.

VMax1700 - On the Zuiderdam this summer, I sometimes asked for "half portion" and it was no problem. I agree that some portions were too big for me. Thanks for all your reports!! 😊

CruiserBruce - Thanks for your very detailed comments. I'm glad you and your wife enjoyed the cruise. On the Zuiderdam this summer, I also went to my first ever spa visit. I enjoyed it and would do it again. Your Eclipse cruise in the spring will be great!

Many years ago, my family and I went for afternoon tea at the Ritz in Boston. It was in the summer and my stepfather did not have a jacket on. The maitre'd gave him a jacket to wear. I can't remember if they gave him a tie. They must have had jackets in different sizes! The tea was very elegant. The tea and food were all delicious - a very special treat! Service was top notch. 😊

VMax1700 - My stepfather and I were on the Niew Statendam in August 2022. I had the Dover sole in Rudi's Sel De Mer. It was delicious and there was no upcharge. I'm sorry there is one now and I'm sorry about the upcharge in Canaletto. We did not have umbrellas in our rooms.

Bon Voyage! 🥂😊 That's a great itinerary! Glad you will have an overnight in Stockholm. Thanks for posting the pictures and menus.

dshroyer - Bon Voyage! 🥂😊 Have a great time!

CruiserBruce - Back in the 90s, my family and I had lunch at Gibbys restaurant in Montreal. Food and service were top notch. I have no idea what the prices are now, but it was a memorable experience.

boatmad - Bon Voyage! 🥂😊 Have a great time! I think CruiserBruce is right- access to the pier will be maintained.

Cruiser Bruce - Thank you for all your great reports. I enjoyed reading them. Enjoy your dinner in Pinnacle Grill! I highly recommend the chocolate souffle! They're small, but delicious! I wanted to order seconds, but I chickened out. Have you planned your next cruise? I don't remember if you mentioned it. I wish you and your wife safe travels home. 😊

electro - Bon Voyage! 🥂😊 Have a great time!

There was a Mariner luncheon on the Zuiderdam this summer and it was very nice.

WriterOnDeck - Bon Voyage! 🥂😊 Have a great time!

Toofarfromthe sea - Many years ago, I had afternoon tea at the Dorchester Hotel in London. My friend and I were not staying at the hotel, but we had heard about their tea. It was wonderful and I can still remember it to this day.

Years ago on the Veendam they had "Royal Dutch Tea" and "Indonesian Tea." I did not see that last year or this year on HAL ships. This summer on Zuiderdam tea was in MDR at 3 PM on sea days. It was very nice. Waiters kept refilling my tea cup and I didn't have to ask them to do it. I wish HAL would bring back the special teas.

CruiserBruce - I'm glad your seas are calmer now and that you enjoyed Canaletto. My stepfather really liked the hazelnut tort on the Zuiderdam. I will make it sometime. The ship uses Nutella for it. I will order a tart pan from Amazon. Your room steward is top notch! Thanks for all your reports. Best wishes for good weather.

azalice - Happy Anniversary! 🥂😊

Bon Voyage! 🥂😊 I agree - it's a great itinerary!

CruiserBruce - Thanks for your very thorough updates! I hope your weather will clear up. I agree with your wife about the lasagna. I liked it on the Zuiderdam in MDR for dinner this summer. They had it for lunch in Lido sometimes. That was good, but the lasagna in MDR was better. I'm glad your wifi is great. Enjoy the Canaletto tonight!