oldbluff

We're with ya! These B2B's are pushing us (finally) to 4*.

Correct. We still get the base number of nights sailed, doubled for a suite. The question is the spending bonus points now that many of us get the Have It All, which increases our cruise fare, vs. getting the beverage package, internet, etc as onboard purchases which feed into the spending bonus Mariner points. We are onboard Konsingdam now for a delightful B2B2B between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I asked about this at Guest Services and was told HIA does not contribute to spending bonus points. However our week ending 12/3 had 7 bonus Mariner points even though our onboard spend was roughly $950. The HIA had to contribute or we would have only gotten 3-4 extra days, depending on a round up. Long term, with HIA being part of cruise fare, I do expect it to be excluded. There could be a transition period where it currently adds significantly to the spending bonus. For someone looking to maximize Mariner points, HIA still looks good for now. If the policy changes, it may make sense to go back to purchasing the pieces separately so they all count.

Two dressy nights on the 7 night sailings. First and next to last sea days. We were on the same cruise and saw a fair number of tuxes/suits/sport coats with ties/dress shirts with ties. Not the majority but enough to mark the occasion.

We are on Koningsdam now and have seen entire cabin doors decorated for Christmas. There are some decorations around the ship, especially in the Atrium on decks 1-3. The only singers I have heard outside of the Music Walk performers are the bartenders and patrons at the Ocean Bar, spontaneously breaking into song and Hip Hip Hooray cheers. 😎

There was a sign advertising the 2-for-1 beers for the sail away event at the Seaview pool. No sign at the bars. Just happy passengers when they were given two instead of the one that was ordered. Have not seen a promotion.

Yes, thank you Naismith, for anecdotes from your return to cruising.

I usually eat half of it. Then remove the top bun and eat the rest with fork and knife. It is a big sandwich.

Good for both of you! I hope your cruise is an extraordinary experience.

My DW and I attended a Mixology event this week on Konsingdam at the Ocean Bar. The $15 fee gets you four cocktails to make and drink plus a whole lot of fun. All 8 bar seats plus four people standing. Much audience participation. It occurs twice per week on KDam. Highly recommended. For me, this falls into the low cost/high value options which include Pinnacle Grill lunch on sea days and unlimited laundry. Also, we have had 2 for 1 beers anytime at multiple bars this week and last on Konsingdam.

Yes, Pinnacle Grill is open for lunch 12-1pm on sea days only. Reservations are made onboard in person, i.e. not using the Navigator app.

Love "Keeping Up Appearances". Poor Onslow.

Good to hear you enjoyed yourself. We board tomorrow and anticipate good times and lots of new acquaintances.

We received our check-in times for our 26-Nov. and 03-Dec Konsingdam sailings very late Saturday night two weeks before the Saturdays we board. If you are looking for check-in times for a Saturday 10-Dec sailing, I expect you will get them close to midnight tomorrow night.

The raisin buns are a big favorite off ours. Great way to begin the day with coffee.

Yea!

Gotta love Ruth. She provides such good info. Definitely a sweetheart.

What Mazatlan shore excursion was cancelled, if you don’t mind me asking. We have several booked there beginning with the 26-Nov sailing. Thanks!

We love lunch at the Pinnacle. Best bargain after unlimited laundry.

As usual, excellent information. Thanks.

Is that before or after the 18% service charge? 😎

I like it. Perhaps that is Johnny Depp at the mast.

I concur. That way you are never lacking for a good time.

Never too soon. House of cards. Along with NFT’s.

I may have misspoke as I did not check for today. I was looking at the 30-Nov visit and the couple of following weeks, as I will be there then. Those three weeks have four ships in port. It looks like 23-Nov, the next time Koningsdam is at PV, there are three ships.

I hope the HIA fee does count toward Mariner points, as the SBP did. We are doing several B2B’s in a Vista Suite the next couple of months to finally get to 4*. And to hang with the fine folk on those sailings, of course. Always a good time to make new friends. 🤓