Quartzsite Cruiser

In the last year or so, the requirement for muster drills seems to have been relaxed.  We were told that you need to attend a muster drill once every 30 days.  Last year, we did four 14-day cruises b2b.  We only had to attend two drills.  That being said, how often you need to attend a muster drill basically depends on the Captain.

St. Peter Port, Guernsey, is also a tender port.  The tender dock is close to town, and if I remember correctly it is a fairly level walk into town.  The downtown area is on a hill, so some of the streets are steep.

Portland (Weymouth), UK, Liverpool, England, UK, Dublin, Ireland, Kirkwall, Scotland, and Invergordon (Inverness), Scotland, are all ports where you dock.  We were in all these ports in 2017 on the Prinsendam.  I believe in all these ports the gangway was on deck four, which was the lowest deck for leaving the Prinsendam.

In Portland, there was a shuttle to Weymouth.  In Dubllin and Kirkwall there were shuttles into town.  The dock in Liverpool is downtown as is the one for Invergordon.  However, Invergordon is the port for Inverness, which is quite a ways from Invergordon.  The town of Invergordon is not very big but the downtown area is interesting with a museum, a few shops and the library for internet..  The the main street (or high street) is on a cliff above the port.

Please read my post #15.  While I mentioned segments, I was referring to each cruise booked as b2b cruises.  We have booked as many as five or six b2b and what I described was what took place on these cruises over the past several years.

Our ship board credit has been transferred from one cruise to the next.  However, I suggest you talk to Guest Services during the first cruise to make sure this will happen.  Some obc is not refundable at the end of a cruise, and may not transfer.  In that case, they probably can arrange for it is used first.  Fortunately, we have not had that situation, and our obc has always transferred -- that is if we have any left.

To reboard the ship you need your cruise card.  Your picture shows up on the computer screen when the card is scanned.  However, some ports require a photo id when returning to the ship as you go through port security.  We've been requited at various times to show a driver's license, photo copy of our passport picture page, and in some cases the actual passport.  There a some countries  that require you to carry your passport with you on shore.

In both Europe and Asia in the last two years, we were required to have a passport inspection to leave the ship in some ports.  We have had to show our passport when returning to the ship in a few ports.   In other ports, the ship would collect the passports and have them available for the port authorities when the ship was going through clearance.

The above is why HAL and most cruise lines say you need your cruise card and a photo id when returning to the ship.  It is a good idea to carry both, not only for returning to the ship, but in case of an accident or emergency ashore.  The ship usually sends a letter to your cabin and/or prints special requirements in the daily program.

We usually do several b2bs strung together, and our experience has been different the last three years.  When we boarded the ship, our cruise card showed the embarkation date and the disembarkation date, which was the day we were to leave after the last cruise.  The only time we had to get a new card was when we changed cabins or if the card stopped working.

For the pats several years, our ship board account rolled over from one segment to the next.  However, if there were any problems with the account, they had to be straightened out before the end of the cruise.  So I would recommend checking your account during the cruise.

We had to pay a deposit for each cruise, but using our future cruise deposits on each segment we got the obc and other offers on each one.  We also get CCL stock obc on each segment.

We'll see if this is still case when we board the Veendam next Tuesday for b2b2b cruises.

KK posted much of what I said while I was typing.  Sorry about the repeated information.

18 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

 

Veendam's captain on the second part of that looong, wow, the Med all the way to Bean town, voyage, starting on 07 Aug. will be Capt. Steven MacBeath. Unk as of yet, who will be in command during the first part since VEDM's current second captain, Irishman Colm Ryan, is now a traveling master a la Capt. Albert Schoonderbeek, he of the daily blog. The HD's will be Frank Ulbricht and Leonie Henry. One of the CD's is scheduled to be Thomas Weber. The second is unk as of yet

As usual, thanks for the info.  We have sailed with one of the above mentioned.  Steve MacBeath was the relief captain on the Prinsendam in 2017 for two weeks while Captain Dag was off playing with the simulator in The Netherlands.

There really must have been a shake up with all the unknowns I’ve been seeing lately.

It will be a long cruise which we like.  Besides, once we go to all the trouble of packing and flying, we don’t want to have to turn around and head home in a week or two.  And it is getting hot in Texas.

We have had the same problem on Princess and Holland America.  We carry a universal remote control with us.  They can be found on Amazon for $8.95.  The model we use is the GE universal remote, model number 33709.  Be sure to take the instructions with you so you can configure it for the tv in your room.  This way you will not have to interact with the HD. 

We will be on the Veendam beginning July 2 until September 7.  Could you tell us who will be the Captain, HD and CD during those dates?  I would not be surprised if there is a change or two during that time.

Lenda

We were in Vietnam last October, and they readily took US dollars.  At one tour stop, the vendors wanted to exchange as many $1 bills as possible for $20 bills or larger.  They can change larger US denominations into local currency easier than smaller bills.

It has been 17 years since we were in Cambodia, but then I'm pretty sure they took dollars.  I don't know what the situation is now.

In Thailand and Hong Kong, we have always used local currency, which we got from an ATM.  In October, since we had quite a bit of Chinese Yuan, we exchanged it for Hong Kong dollars even though the exchange rate at the port was not that good.

Enjoy your cruise.  That part of Asia is a fascinating area.

On 4/30/2019 at 9:07 AM, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I may be the only person who isn't fond of ATK, but I liked the classes and demos better before ATK. 

You are not the only person who is not fond of ATK, both on the ship and on TV.  I am turned off by their attitude that their methods are the only methods to even consider.  I have not made it through a complete demonstration on board.

We only signed up for one cooking class, on a port day on B2B2B2B Alaska cruises and did not really need to go ashore in Juneau again.  There was a mix-up, so we were not on the list of attendees.  When the ATK host saw us she was very rude and said we were at a cooking class, not a demonstration.  When we said we knew, she snapped that we were not on her list.  After much back and forth about how she would have to take time to set up two more places as it was a hands on class, we just said forget it.  BTW there was only one person taking the class.  The host took us to the Front Desk, where we learned they had no record of our reservation, even though I called them and said we'd be there.  Needless to say, I am even less fond of ATK now, and I reported the host's rudeness on my survey.

Later, someone sent us two ATK aprons, which I gave to my son-in-law's mother.  She is a big ATK fan.

On 4/30/2019 at 8:41 AM, BJzink said:

The cooking classes were a lot more interesting & fun when HAL was associated with "Wine & Food" magazine.

I also agree that the cooking classes were a lot more interesting before ATK, and have said that in my on board survey.  We had some good cooking classes followed by lunch in the Pinnacle Grill.  The chef had prepared a meal with the same dishes we cooked.  One was so much fun that we stayed and talked until the staff started blinking the lights as a hint it was time to leave..

The Rabbit, thank you for letting us know that Charles was reading all the messages of condolence and support.  And thank you for letting us know he arrived home safely.

Charles, Steve and I are in shock and so sorry to learn of Judy’s death.  We enjoyed our brief visit with the two of you on the Coral last fall.  Our deepest condolences.

Lenda

We have been to Edinburgh several times and have done a few tours, but through the ship so I cannot recommend a private tour company.

Nearby is the Falkirk Wheel which is used to raise and lower boats from one canal to another instead of usong a lock system.  It is difficult to discribe, but you could check it out on line.  In the same area are the statues of the Kelpies, which are mythical sea creatures.

Another interesting place close to the port is St. Andrews and the Old Course.  It was interesting even though we are not golfers.  

Have you considered a stop to see the Britannia?  We got there by bus from Waverly Stsation in Edinburgh.

Whatever you do, you will enjoy Edinburgh and the area.

We were in Vietnam the end of October on the Coral.  Princess charged our account $32 or $34/pp for the landing card for the three ports we visited.  We had been told it would be $56/pp, so we were pleasantly surprised.

Ours changed from one on Tuesday to two today.

10 hours ago, EightFurryPaws said:

Thank you for a most interesting and informative review. Just love reading all 

the information you take the time to share with us.

When docking at Pier 2 in Honolulu, does TheBus pick up near the ship.

Hoping to take it to Waikiki Beach.

Safe travels home.

There is a bus stop for TheBus just outside the port.  You just have to walk to the street, and there is a stop to the right.  The bus driver can tell you which bus goes to Waikiki if you do not have the app for TheBus on your phone.

We are on the Coral now, and the traditional dinner times are 5:15 and 7:30.  The show times are 7:30 and 9:30.  It looks like the show times are set by the ship.  The theater fills up quickly for the early show.  We usually try to get in by 6:30 and find it is full no later than 7:00.

Last night there was a production show, and they had three performances at 6:30, 8:00 or 8:15 and 9:30 or 9:45.  I don’t remember exactly when the second and third shows were.  A few nights they have simulcast the shows in the Universe Lounge.

We were in sequence 3, and got down to the line about 9:35.  We made it through immigration about 10:15, after an officer announced that all 1, 2, and 3 groups should go to the front of the line.

We had a car reserved at the airport, but took the shuttle to GPO, then a taxi to the airport.  We had plently of time to see all the important sights with stops at several beaches and two museums.  We also had time to drive around th south end of the island and back up the east side before returning the car to the airport.  Another taxi got us back to the GPO and the shuttle back to the ship.  The taxis, car rental and gas cost just under $100.  If we had taken a taxi from the airport to the ship, we were told it would have cost $50 to $60.

This was our second visit to Guam, and we have found plenty to do and see each time.  Renting a car is the best way to see the island.  

We also have cars reserved in both Hawaii ports.

9 minutes ago, ne1travel said:

I’ve been searching but found a little...just wondering if the promenade deck on the Coral Princess has padded loungers along the deck.

I’ve seen a few photos that look like there are teak lounge chairs with blue padded cushions.  Other than the Sanctuary we are looking for quieter areas to lounge and relax.

thanks

We are on the Coral, and there are teak loungers with blue pads on the Promenade deck.  There are padded loungers around the Lotus pool, but that area can be humid because of the closed roof.

11 hours ago, Colo Cruiser said:

Thanks! He is a friend of ours. We enjoy his shows.

We met Duncan and his wife three years ago on a cruise at dinner one night.  Then had dinner or visited with them several times.  Also got a chance to visit with him on this cruise.  Always enjoy his shows.

In Hong Kong, we had the 24 hour MRT pass which allowed us to get to Disneyland without additional cost even though we had read that it would not.  In the station, we were able to transfer to the Disney line without going through the turnstyles.  Also, we were able to get back on the MRT with the day pass when we left Disneyland.

For seniors 65+, the admission to Disneyland was $100 Hong Kong dollars or $12.76 US.  This price included all rides and attractions.  We had a great time.

As usual, we are still hearing “It’s A Small World” in our heads.

3 hours ago, Colo Cruiser said:

Have you seen Duncan Tuck yet?

Duncan Tuck was on from Juneau to Yokohama.  Because of the missed port of Kushiro where he was supposed to leave the ship, he did a short third show as part of a variety show.

Well that sounds pretty horrendous as far as immigration practices go. I'm almost hoping they cancel our Okinawa port stop. We have a tour booked with Judith Fleming but I don't know how we will get off the ship in time to enjoy it.

We guess that only the approximately 200 passengers boarding in Shanghai will need to go through the complete immigration process since the visa stamp they put in our passports in Tokyo says they are good for 90 days.

The Google app Translate worked very well on our T-Mobile android phones. It worked with text, camera, and voice.

Do the televisions have connections that allow you to plug in an external device to watch your own downloaded entertainment?

 

thanks,

Becky

We are currently on the Coral. The tv's in mini-suites and maybe in other cabins have composite (RCA), component (RGB), a video and 2 HDMI ports plus 1 VGA port. The provided remote control will allow you to switch between ports.

Hope this answers your question.