sevenseasnomad

Ugly duckling leaving now, so we'll be able to see NS soon.

Thank you all for the best wishes and a special thanks to kazu who keeps us apprised of who's coming and going on the dam ships.  We'll be on the aft Lido Deck for a wave (holding Happy New Year banner) on the Dec. 29 sailing.  On Dec. 22, we'll already be at dinner when NS leaves.

8 minutes ago, HappyInVan said:

 

I hear that there will be a full refund plus 100% cruise credit. IMO, that's decent of HAL.

 

The important thing is that you weren't stranded somewhere in the Caribbean Sea.

While I'd be unhappy about taking time off from work for a vacation that never happened, I would feel HAL more than compensated me if I received this.  I feel empathy for all the disappointed, upset passengers, some of whom must scramble for flights home and for HAL, who loses some future passengers (maybe) and profit (definitely).

Finally made it.   Packing all day for our embarkation next Sunday.  Y-E-S!!!

Was on the O in April 2019.  She was in great shape.  We didn't notice the ship looking "tired and is in need of TLC."  Our cabin, an outside category, had just been refurbished with large screen TV, new carpets, upholstery, and drapes.  We rented a family Retreat Cabana, which we used as our balcony.  Worth every penny.  Service phenomenal.  The stewards brought us breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snacks.  Our space was quite large with four lounge chairs, huge dining table with six chairs, long sofa with ottomans and side tables.  Perfect for our group of four.  Maybe you should consider something like this, although you're probably past final payment, and it's too late to change.  

On another thread, someone reports that NA won't be leaving until 12/16/19.  Major problems.  I hope this is a rumor.  Spkack, what are they telling you onboard?  Have you received a letter from the captain?  Any word at all?  Can you confirm your departure date?

4 hours ago, HAL Sailer said:

NA now listed on Port Everglades / Broward County vessel traffic website to depart Port Everglades on Dec 16 at 11:11am from Pier 21 with next port listed as TBD.  Looks like the NA will see sunrise, sunset, and another sunrise before she sails...

Must be major problems.  Perhaps the delay is due to ordering parts or needing a technical expert and having to wait for them to arrive.  I should think that the ship would carry extra parts etc., but what do I know?  Can someone who knows about the procedures let us know how a cruise line handles this kind of emergency?  Of course, we don't know for sure what the problem is other than mechanical which could mean anything.

6 hours ago, AvalonLady said:

We just got off the ship this morning; it was only a few minutes late coming in, but rumor is that the ship hit a whale yesterday ! There was definitely a loud noise on board. I hope it was some other technical issue and not a whale.  I also hope this next sailing has better luck with the Grand Turk stop than we did - the captain had to skip the port because of high winds, so we had an extra day at sea instead.

Typical for this time of year.  We were due to stop at Grand Turk during a Christmas cruise in 2011.  After trying several times to align the ship, the captain announced the winds were too brisk to risk the ship and passenger safety, so we skipped that port.  Since we'd never been to that island, it gave us an excuse to go back.  At present, we've explored that island several times.  Once was probably enough.

NA belching smoke from her stacks.  I hope that means she's ready to leave, although I don't see any activity around her to indicate that's the case.  Some passengers report foul odors in cabins/bathrooms.  Hate to hear all this, as we love this ship.  Will be here for sail-away.  Packing today for our departure next Sunday on NS.  Y-e-s!  Embarkation is almost here.

So sorry your cruise started with odors and a huge glitch.  Let's hope they get it resolved quickly so you can be on your way to the best cruise ever.  Once you get underway, look forward, not back.  Try to relax and forget the problems.  No one wants to get the issue with the ship resolved faster than corporate, I'm sure, although that may seem like a ridiculous comment at this point, especially to the stranded passengers.  Mechanical failures happen on all cruise lines.  Lately it seems HAL is having more than its share with two ships reporting problems in less than a week.  Thank goodness they detected the problem prior to leaving.  Imagine being stranded in the middle of the Caribbean.  How do they fix the problem then?

I just viewed the webcam, and smoke is pouring from the stacks.  Is NA getting ready to sail?  I'll watch for a while and see.  If so, bon voyage, spkack.  I hope the rest of the cruise shakes out better than your first day.  Welcome to CC.

2 hours ago, HAL Sailer said:

A tip for your next cruise: pack a $2 hanging car air freshener -- the ones that are shaped like a flat pine tree. I get the 'ocean breeze' or similar.  Onboard, I hang it under our bathroom sink. Takes up no luggage space, is TSA compliant, and solves an amazing amount of odors coming from or into your bathroom.

 

I know this doesn't help today, but next time you'll have the best smelling cabin onboard!

Fabulous idea.  I've added this little item to my shopping list for Monday.  We board NS Dec. 22.

Roger, by single serving items, does that mean no more Elemis lotion or hand soap?  Could you discover if these two items will be eliminated after November?  If so, that's a real bummer.  As for the butter and jelly, what are they going to do?  Stick a pot of jam on every table or a stick of butter?  I really can't see how this approach works better.  In fact, it may be more wasteful, not to mention unsanitary.  I suppose single serving also applies to syrup too.  Again, everyone touching the same container is asking for a Noro outbreak, not to mention sticky handles, similar to those at Waffle House or IHop.  Ugh!  

Marylis, welcome to HAL.  I've been sailing with this line since 2008 and rarely consider cruising with anyone else.  Obviously, I feel HAL delivers an above average, sometimes excellent, product at a reasonable price, despite the cutbacks you reference on CC. 

I was troubled to read that you started your cruise harried by the experience in the Lido.  In the future, try to arrive at the pier earlier, so you can enjoy the wonderfully unhurried, uncrowded main dining room (MDR) lunch from noon until 1:30 p.m.  It will definitely leave you in a relaxed frame of mind, much better than the congestion in the Lido.  Of course, I realize that airline schedules may make this suggestion invalid. 

I, too, have dealt with the long lines at breakfast.  Now, I try to avoid those hours when I know the crowd descends on the Lido.  Unless you're an early riser, as in 6:00 a.m., you'll deal with lines at the omelet station.  My son, who can't start his day without his made-to-order omelet (only when he's cruising), beats the line because he's at the Lido when they open.  At that ungodly hour, the Lido is deserted, which he enjoys too.  

As for getting a table for two when having assigned dining, you can request this preference when you initiate your booking.  If going through a TA, ask him/her to request it for you.  When my husband was living, we never had a problem getting our table for two.  One time, they placed us at a table for four but assured us we would be the only couple there.  They honored that promise.

Glad your issue with the air conditioning was resolved quickly and satisfactorily. 

If you're serious about multiple cruises on HAL, check their website often for price drops.  You can pick up real bargains, especially if you're retired and can travel at the last minute.

Anticipating the rest of your review.  I sailed Oosterdam in 2017 (last cruise with my husband) and in 2019 with friends.  Both cruises were enjoyable, and I liked the ship.  Of course, I say that about every cruise with HAL, so I don't know whether that's a cliché critique or not.  

33 minutes ago, Crew News said:

 

I am experiencing the "menu might change" response when I asked about the Christmas and New Year menus.  My request will hopefully be elevated to the Executive Chef, Paulo.  I shall persevere.

Thank you, kind sir.  But if you are unable to get these menus, not to worry.  We can be surprised, and in fact, most of what makes travel interesting are the little surprises along the way, as long as they are the pleasant kind.  Looking forward to watching your sail-away tomorrow, especially since the following week that will be us.  Can't wait.

On 12/2/2019 at 1:25 PM, WCB said:

Report #37    Rarotonga, Cook Islands   December 1, 2019   Sunday   Mostly cloudy, rain & 76 degrees      Part #1 Of 4      81  Pictures

One place we did want to stop at was the Cook Island Christian Church, one of the oldest in the islands.  Mass was in progress inside, with the overflow of locals sitting outside.  We joined them to listen to the lively choir singing, when one nicely dressed lady (completely in white), came over and invited us to a tea following the services.  It would be served next door, and we were welcomed to join the large group.  That sure made our day, even though we did not have the time to stay that long, the gesture was quite thoughtful.

 

Bill & Mary Ann

Am catching up on your journey.  I can only dream of this cruise right now.  Maybe one day I'll get to do an extended voyage like this. 

I could relate to your experience here, as DH and I were once invited to morning coffee/tea with the bishop and his staff in Hamilton, Bermuda.  We had received permission to leave the ship, Majesty of the Seas, as it repositioned to the other side of the island, so we could attend Mass.  The bishop must have noticed us "newcomers" because as he walked up the aisle after the service, he stopped and asked us to join him and his staff.  (This was a weekday.)  They put on a beautiful spread in his office, and we all chattered away like old friends.  It remains one of the most memorable experiences from all of our cruises.  

To our friends outside the U.S., I suppose I never realized how fortunate we are in the U.S. to have HAL headquartered in Seattle.  I never thought about the various currencies that would be involved in booking, whether it be cabin reservation, shore excursions, or other purchases through the ship.  Are any of you able to take advantage of discounted fares/specials?  

Thanks for the report.  Looking forward to boarding a dam ship in 7 days.  After a year of counting down, embarkation is almost here.  Now to curb my nearly hysterical enthusiasm, so I can teach this week.  I've been playing music and dancing in my classroom since the first week of December.  My students have dubbed me "the cool teacher."

44 minutes ago, sofietucker said:

Hey there! Thanks for the info! Weboard tomorrow  and expect that as 4*/NS, we'll have no issues boarding early... two questions: any Orange Party?? We were on the final voyage of the Pdam (waaah!) and while we got assurance from both ship services and boutique staff (who sold orange polos) that there WOULD be an orange party, date TBD by the captain.. . NOTHING. Yet HAL website suz every cruise! Hate to have brought my orange regalia for naught, lol. Second, do your menus include the extra-to-MDR entree promised in Club Orange? We can look at the menu each night on our own of course; had a bad experience on Westerdam where maitre'd Refused!! (Repeatedly)to show us next nights menu in case the chef might change his mind.  As a NS whose tablemate sitting next to me was shown next nights menu *every night*...thx.

The probable reason why a tablemate was shown a menu for the following evening is the person indicated a food allergy.  I have two food allergies, and the waitstaff insists that I select my choice for the next day's dinner that evening.  After I've made my selections by writing on that menu, I never mind sharing it with anyone around us who asks to see it.  We normally sit at a table for two.  Sometimes the menus get passed around to three or four tables.

You can sometimes get menus for the entire week if you visit the Front Desk early in the cruise.  They may or may not accommodate you.  Hope this helps.

8 hours ago, DFD1 said:

After a life time of cruising, we've learned to never book the first cruise out of dry dock or the first cruise of any new ship.

 

I'm glad you're in a better stateroom and hope the balance  of your cruise goes well.

OP may not have known the ship would be coming out of drydock when she booked.  On these HAL boards, we're fortunate to have a member who keeps us posted on those details, but when I was brand new to HAL as is the OP, I wouldn't have known to check.  In fact, we were so new to cruising that we were ignorant and trusted our TA to guide us, which she did.

OP, I trust that the rest of this cruise will be more stress-free.  As one who has cruised with HAL exclusively for the last eleven years, I can honestly say that if we'd ever encountered the problems you've endured our loyalty may have been severely tested at best or severed.  Fortunately, we've had lovely cruises where the worst problem we experienced was Prinsendam leaving Ft. Lauderdale four hours late.  We had boarded on time though and were enjoying dinner when she finally sailed.  The captain applied "full steam ahead", and we missed no ports due to the delay.  

As others have said, write a well-crafted, unemotional letter and see what happens.  Please report back to let us know what, if anything, Seattle offers.

2 minutes ago, PSR said:

 

Unfortunately, some parents are not allowing their children to be vaccinated.

Yes, am aware, since my son is Autistic.  He was older and had been vaccinated when all the clamor over the possible link between Autism and vaccines occurred; however, I understand that some parents may have other reasons, such as religious ones etc., for not getting their children vaccinated.

5 hours ago, Crew News said:

After tomorrow, I will have the entire Series A MDR menus (Caribbean 7-day cruises alternate two series of menus to provide some changes for B2B passengers), all of the Lido Market menus (lunch, dinner, and late snack), and When & Where brochures.  These should be posted before the end of the year.

Oh, good.  Thanks so much.  I hope they're posted prior to our cruise, although you don't disembark until the day we embark.  But if you post earlier, we'll get a preview of meals we can anticipate enjoying on the Christmas/New Year's cruises.  Some of those days may offer different menus, but at least you're showing us dishes that could be available.  If you don't get them posted, no matter.  From some of your descriptions and photos, we're already savoring the culinary delights awaiting us.

15 hours ago, Crew News said:

 

I wrote a note, stating the above, for Captain Kevin and left it for him at the Front Desk.  I will post any reply.  If you would like to share your email address with him, you can post it via the Contact Tab on  my website and I will give it to him.

Please request more toots on the sail away.  Let new captain know we love to hear those dam horns as do those who watch from shore, judging by all the responding air horns.

18 hours ago, cat shepard said:

Thank you, Rich! It is fun to see where all the ships are. Though perhaps not so much fun as being on one of them.

Ditto.  Couldn't have said it better.

4 hours ago, NMTraveller said:

OK.  I used FaxZero to fax it in last night.  How do I tell when it has been received?  Do I see it in the HAL website?  I do not know where I would see the credit.

 

I did fax in two for Princess cruises last night and I see the OBC on the Princess website and I can spend it on shore excursions.

Credit will show up on your account page for that particular cruise.  To access, sign into your HAL account.  Once there, go to My Bookings and click on Make Payment.  The credit should show on the right-hand side of the page.

4 hours ago, canadianbear said:

Well, after 2 weeks on the Oosterdam it is back to reality tomorrow.  We really enjoyed just relaxing this cruise and meeting and chatting with some lovely people.

 

The ship is rocking back & forth so I hope no one gets sick-I love it but hoping hubby sleeps ok tonight.

 

I have attached photos of our two cruise logs-nice to see these.  Also of our granddaughter just for fun.   Thanks to all who followed along! 

 

 

 

 

Too cute for words.  

Thanks for all your wonderful posts as you allowed us to cruise vicariously with you.  I'll miss catching up with you each evening.  May you have a safe journey home and a wonderful holiday season.  How could you not be jolly and merry at this season with such a precious new grandchild?  Is she a future HAL cruiser?