TXCruiser78660

Lahaina is rebuidling their dock so tenders are unable to get to port there.  I've heard there may be some issues with the new dock causing reopening issues.

3 hours ago, wooddoctor said:

Regarding Post #55 from WCB,  the Zuiderdam not having re-sealable water bottles.  As my wife is an avid water drinker and constantly carries around a plastic water bottle, what do they have available on the ship?  We too will soon be on board the Zuiderdam so it's enjoyable reading your 'Blog' of Live on the Zuiderdam.  Learning a lot!  Thank You, KC & Don.

There should be water in cans available to buy.  I found them fine but some people complained of a metal taste.  They are included in the SBP.  The cans are resealable.

It was three per person in February when I last cruised.

Here is a pretty extensive review that I found interesting. 

On 4/26/2022 at 11:57 PM, zgscl said:

There is one other thing you can do to make a huge impact and it does not cost you anything at all. HAL puts huge stock in guest comments. Take 15-30 seconds to submit feedback in the navigator app and mention the crew by name. This goes directly to their manager and counts a lot for promotions, etc. You can do it throughout the cruise or submit at the end while still onboard. I usually keep a running list and submit a bunch on the last night. I also always save this list so I can add it to the survey. The surveys go to corporate and are then forwarded to the ship. The Navigator feedback goes directly to onboard management. 

 

I have been told by many crew that this helps them out a ton (possibly more than an extra gratuity even). After every comment I have always received a personal call from some manager in guest services or F&B, and in many cases was personally thanked by the crew member later if I saw them. I wrote a particularly good one for one of my Neptune Lounge concierges and he told me that he was called down to the office and thanked/recognized by his bosses there and he was extremely appreciative. 

 

A lot of people don't know about this feature but it really seems to make a difference. Also if you have a problem and need it solved, this is a good way to get the attention of someone higher up to get it fixed while you are onboard. 

I also do this in addition to an extra tip to those who work so hard to make my cruise special.  I've also gotten calls thanking me from their managers.  When I see those I have mentioned they have told me it helps them get recognized by their manager as well.  I was told by several they got an extra hour off and also it helps them when contract renewal time comes.  It only take a few minutes of my time and it is so appreciated.

4 hours ago, kb4683 said:

Thanks for the answer.  Went back to my purchase and see that the unlimited non-alcoholic drinks statement has gone by the wayside 😔.  However, the following sentence is also there:

"Only on the ms Koningsdam & ms Nieuw Statendam, the package includes Freestyle Coca-Cola which provides 100+ refreshing Coca-Cola flavors to choose from."

Someone forgot to tell the Koningsdam about giving out the soda cup.  Hope you have better luck on the NS.

11 hours ago, kb4683 said:

Elite signature beverage package question.

 

Since unlimited non-alcoholic beverages are included in the ESBP, do you get one of those cups with a chip for the freestyle soda machines?

 

TYIA

Elite package is now limited to 15 total drinks per day including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.  In other words no longer unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.  No chipped cup given.

17 hours ago, surfone said:

Do you know if a screen shot of your COVID results on your phone can be used at check in or must you have a hard d copy? 

We used screen shots with no problem in October on the NA out of San Diego.

9 minutes ago, *Miss G* said:

 

Nothing.  ☹️

I'm so sorry.  I hope HAL fixes the glitches ASAP for you.

12 minutes ago, *Miss G* said:

 

That’s funny because I had no problems yesterday, but I do today.  I guess they fixed one thing and broke another.  lol

I was able to log in to my account and my bookings just now using Chrome.  Maybe try that .  Also the Navigator app is working for me.

As long as you have the CVS negative results in hand you should not need to take the eMed tests with you.  You won't need to be tested to fly within the U.S. BUT if things change between now and the end of your cruise it wouldn't hurt to be safe rather than sorry.  It might change due to the new Omicron varient spreading across country.

3 hours ago, canadarocks said:

Thanks Roger. I'm glad I noticed it too. I figured the fresh squeezed OJ through Room Service wasn't included. But can you please find out if it's free with the HIA Signature Package, if we eat breakfast in the MDR? Thanks again!

It is included with the HIA Signature package.  My aunt had it every morning both in the MDR and the Lido on the Nieuw Amsterdam in October, so it should also be included on the NS.

On the Nieuw Amsterdam on the Panama canal cruise people removed their masks while on the treadmills and other equipment (we were all socially distanced as well though).  I did notice during the morning yoga class they did keep masks on (it was a small area) and the crew in there always wore their masks as well.

It was listed as a daily activity on the Navigator App on our recent cruise through the Panama Canal.  I know many folks on our roll call mentioned they were bringing thier paddles.  Since I don't play I don't know how many did partake.  

The BinaxNOW self test test would not be accepted since it is not medically observed.  The Abbott's BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag test would be accepted since it is medically observed via a virtual meeting with a medical observer.

I'm on this cruise as well.  Add me to the list of dog loving people who are glad there will be lots of service pups on board!  I will be respectful but would love to hug and pet them all!  I've seen the grassy plots on the promenade decks on the Amsterdam and Veendam and they are about 3 feet by 3 feet.

Here's a link with photos 

https://halfacts.com/pinnacle-class/7094-Koningsdam/

Thank you for sharing!

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2021/04/28/cdc-cruises-could-restart-july/4883450001/?fbclid=IwAR13-zxj4tsCi2U7M0yLWDf5P1w8SbalVkBjTXEFUQTERRJFPXeNdy5mGVQ

Maybe the light at the end f the tunnel?

15 minutes ago, Tedferg said:

Thanks that site works fine. I think there is a problem with HAL site, I make the selections for Destination, Duration etc. but the next screen does not show cruise options, I tried with Edge and Chrome browsers - same result.

Unfortunately, it is not unusual for HAL's site to have issues.  

16 minutes ago, Tedferg said:

Thanks for clarification, on Princess I find their Beverage package includes most alcoholics drinks whereas Celebrity basic package was more limited.

 

When I did a test booking the Verandah was obstructed view on deck 4 it did give a cabin number. Website is acting up and does not show itineraries for a Search, so cannot be specific.

If your internet is better go to HALfacts.com and you can look up cabin numbers for reviews and pictures of the different classes of ship cabins on both ships.  Also Google Roger Jett Photography for bar menu prices.

We're also on the March 18th Circle.  Thank you for taking us along on yours.

1 hour ago, Bookited said:

Im lost, could someone tell me how to find the photos?

https://cruisingwithbillandmaryann.blogspot.com/

http://halfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/EUDM.pdf

Looks like there might be one on the upper level.