KroozNut

So drive! 😜

An 'upgrade' is not necessarily and 'upgrade'. Depends on the details of the so-called 'upgrade'. Experienced cruisers will review the offer and decide if it is really worth it.

Being from Canada, you've probably never experienced real Mexican food. That being said, the use of lard in tortillas is (unfortunately) banned in countries other than Mexico, but you can really tell the difference in the taste. Mexican tortillas are 100% better than anything north of the border.

"interview questions"? I've never experienced that, and if something even remotely related to that ever happened, it would be over in the first 10 minutes. The rest of the multiple day, month cruise would be spent enjoying and conversing with new found friends!

I think you're missing out, and unnecessarily isolating yourself from wonderful dining experiences onboard. We've met and still correspond with so many people that way. Your 'first date' questions reference happens in all the other scenarios you mention (meeting new people out around the ship, at bars and excursions). IMHO, people that demand a dining table just for themselves are losing valuable cruising experiences that they will never get back.

Someone has already and correctly mentioned how 'effective' signage is in general (not very)..

Not at all necessary, especially in today's digital world. Your Navigator app has everything you need. Paper copies of documents have gone the way of the dinosaur.. 😉

Agree with the Tamarind comments. Definitely check that out if you can. And the 'pizza parlor' is called New York Pizza; a separate venue and very good IMHO..

Nope.. Even pre-pandemic, the staff served you in the lido. If true, this is something entirely different..

Depends on how one defines 'just in time' for dinner. IMHO, if you're not at least 5 minutes early for your set time, you're late. 😉

IMHO, it would taste better!

Gosh, I've never had an issue finding solitude on a HAL ship when I wanted it. To each their own I suppose..

Then they'll be waiting a VERY long time, because 'this thing' will NEVER be 'over completely'.

Wondering why you didn't get a larger table, say 6-8 top, so you could meet some new people?

I would need more information. Sounds like a statement that needs to provide a source, otherwise should be dismissed as hearsay or unsubstantiated rumor.

Page 1 of the booking confirmation for our upcoming cruise. Confirmed dining arrangements noted at the end: Below are the details for your 7-Day Western Caribbean cruise. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon! CRUISE CONFIRMATION Booking #: XXXXXX Statement Date: Sep 30, 2022 Booking Status: Active PAYMENT SCHEDULE Currency: U.S. Dollars Deposit Due: Paid Final Payment Due Date: CRUISE DETAILS Embark Date: Ship: Nieuw Statendam Voyage: From Port: Fort Lauderdale To Port: Fort Lauderdale Duration: 7 Category: L Stateroom: Bed Requested: Queen Bed Dining: Confirmed Early, Request Table for 6

You did what?! 🤣

Kinda like the guy who orders a Big Mac with extra cheese, super-sized fries, and a diet soda..

Agree... well said.👍

Hmmmmm, just looked at the MDR dinner menu in my Navigator app, and did not see hide nor hair of any 'Rustic home-made lasagne'.. I hope it shows when we sail in March because I'd like to try it. Sounds delicious!

Don't worry about the food. Depending on who is talking, it's either sub-par or it's the best afloat today. Our personal opinion is that it's top notch. We haven't personally sailed X, so, can't really compare. But a good friend of ours who has sailed X and HAL told us he thinks they're about equal; with HAL better at some things, and X at others. Bottom line is that you shouldn't be disappointed with HAL's food..

Did they say what?

Sorry.... it's true! 😒

It's all in how one chooses to look at a particular situation. I'm sure everyone's heard of the 'self-fulfilling prophecy', whereby if one convinces themself that something is going to be bad, or annoy them, there is a 100% chance that it will. Either the glass is half full , or it's half empty..

'There are failures' is a very broad-brushed statement, and 100% subjective. Of course your opinion of a failure is likely another's opinion of a good experience.