EDLOS

I agree with Ruth. We had fablous enrichment speakers last year on our Hawaii, Tahiti Marquesas cruise and good ones again on our Rotterdam TA (just completed 2 months ago).

Thank you, I am encouraged by your comments. My poor experience was on the Eurodam last November from Barcelona to Ft Lauderdale. It was nothing like what you and others described crossing the Pacific.

I found my Sydney to Seattle itinerary (similar idea to what you have booked) different from my trans-At cruises, in that at least until Hawaii, the sea days were interrupted by port days. We didn't have that long string of sea days until we headed north from Hawaii.

 

We had excellent lecturers on a variety of topics. Most lectures were in the 45-50 minute range. We had one or two in the morning, and another two or one in the afternoon, for a total of up to three a day. Sometimes I felt like I was living in the show lounge!

 

I have no idea where to find out what is planned on your cruise, or if that kind of information is even published anywhere, but I feel confident that there will be activities planned. I have taken enough trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific cruises to know that, unless you need to be go-go-go every waking hour, there are things to do.

Of the fifteen sea days, 5 are from Bora Bora to Hawaii and 6 from Hawaii to San Diego, so two long stretches. In the last two years on HAL, it seems that the Education has been taken over by HAL Shore Tour people showing run of the mill Travel Promotion presentations.. Gone are the Presenters from say, Oceanography Institution, retired University professors, or published Authors.

(forgive the spelling)

Put a deposit on 25 day Auckland to San Diego. Coming to realize that there are 15 Sea Days and recall my Atlantic crossing on the Eurodam last November where the lectures were 30 minute presentations by presenters with few credentials, one in morning and one in PM, the Lincoln Center was closed completely, outside of Trivia, I can't remember any other group activities, Bridge was on your own.

How do I find out on the Massdam, what daily activities will be offered on this even longer (twice) number of Sea Days ?

This month on the K'dam we really enjoyed the "Frozen Earth" night in The World Stage. It teamed the BBC documentary on the multi screens with the score performed live by the classical musicians.

Having sailed HAL four times on four different Dam shipsin the last 15 months, there were no other venues as all musicians were engaged in the BBC "Frozen Earth" presentation. Once was great, 2nd OK, No more ! Nothing else that evening ! Seems sometimes you are penalized for your loyalty.

There are no individual cooking stations. When I took a class under the old CAC, there were twelve of us in total. We were broken up into groups of 2 or 3 and each group worked on a different course or part of a course. Some were at the cooktop, some were around the rest of the station on the stage. I assume that the ATK classes are run pretty much the same.

 

I should add that the only physical change that I noticed between the CAC and ATK was the colour scheme; ATK is very red! The cooking station on the stage remained the same.

I think I understand the format, which appears to have limited participation i.e. you are part of a " TEAM " effort to create a meal, you might chop the onions ????? and you pay a fee for this ????

Under the old format with the "Culinary Arts" there were hands on cooking classes/participation. Lots of fun and the chef cooks the meal you prepared in the Pinnacle Grill. Your lunch there is included in the price of $29. (Unless it has recently changed).

 

This is NOT advertised. You need to sign up pretty much on embarkation day or they are usually full.

 

I'm not sure what happened with those that got America's Test Kitchen. But for those that don't have it, like the ATK, there are demonstrations (free) and the hands on cooking class. (Cost).

The Veendam in June still had the "old" culinary arts theatre with one cooking station on stage with no space for multiple cooks. Could anyone explain what the ATK "new hands on" multiple cooking stations look like and where on any HAL ship it is and this talk about availability (5 Stars) first.

So far I only get hearsay.

I have attended land based cooking schools with up to 10 individual cooking stations (cooktops) and can't picture HAL devoting that much physical plant for 2 to 3 classes. Help me picture this !

Thanks for that news Tanada.

 

My understanding is that, while it is not an explicit limitation, the available "student" spots in their "classes" are generally all taken up by elite passengers. Did you (or does anyone else) have any insight into how that is working out? Do non-elite Neptune Suite passengers (for example) have a chance?

On the Veendam, it was not a participatory class, all you could do is ask questions of the Chef.

Are you saying that some HAL ships have been revamped to where there are perhaps a dozen work/cook stations for hands on ???? Tell me more please. How many stations ????

Pretty impossible to make paella from start to finish in one hour ;) Trust me, I know ;)

 

Sorry, couldn't resist :D

Yes, you are right, because the prepping of all the ingredients takes an hour, but the cooking can be done in an hour.

My husband and I are big foodies. We are planning a trip on the NA in March 2018 to the Carribean. Wondering if it will include Test Kitchen. It looks like a lot of fun. HAL website says it will be rolled out on all ships by 2018.

 

Also would love to hear what it was like from those who participateed.

 

Thanks in advance:)

I attended one on the Veendam cruise to Bermuda in June. It was SRO. Get there early (20 Minutes at least ) to get an upfront seat , but most of your watching is on the TV monitors from cameras that zoom in on cooking area. The Chef did 3 dishes, she was entertaining and you received 3 hard copies of the recipes st the end,

The recipes were quite simple ( how to emulsify a salad dressing in a blender) as an example with a lecture on real Virgin Olive Oil. I was hoping for some more sophisticated recipes and sauce making.. But it was a entertaining hour. The questions are: Are you Foodies that just love good food or are you into preparing dinner parties for 8 on your 6 burner commercial stove on a regular basis ? Would have loved to see a dish like Paella done from start to finish !

I tend to try to avoid a cruise right before dry dock; I was looking at the Nieuw Amsterdam 4 day cruise in December; but it goes to dry dock immediately after the cruise. I am concerned about work going on onboard and/or venues being closed down for the cruise. I have read on this forum in the past of HAL starting work during regular cruises, noises, construction, etc. What are the chances of impact with this?

I would be more worried about them cleaning out the Refrigerators and cupboards !!

If you don't respect B. B. King, then why would you care?

 

This message may have been entered via voice recognition. Please excuse any typos.

Quite the opposite, I do care about King's Legacy, which appears not to be his music, but a Neon sign "B.B. King BLUES Club. with his Descendants.

Sad! And this was by a twin-engine 737. This video shows what a 747 at full take-off power does at Maho Beach.

 

And yes, the signage is very clear however, it has become a kind of sport to stand there and try to hang on to the fence

As a comedian once said: " You can't Fix Stupid " !

Again, respect matters.

Respect can only be earned, it cannot be ordained.

Because respect matters, and when an artist says, "These people are the ones who carry my trust forward," then those who appreciate the artist's work are honor-bound to respect that. Perhaps you've never been in the position of carrying the future forward for someone who has passed away. I hope that when you have that opportunity that you both respect the legacy as the decedent has entrusted you to do so, and that you are granted the respect that is due to you with regard to the decisions you make as someone so entrusted, rather than having decisions you make in honor of the decedent second-guessed and otherwise criticized by outsiders.

 

B. B. King's legacy has been a matter of some significant argument and concern, and the decision has been made about the legacy B. B. King decided he would have. Unless you're actually King's business manager (who I believe set this in motion), or one of his daughters (who haven't said Word One against this specific aspect, anyway), then I can only see it as disrespect for King himself.

I believe the Daughters would say " That not my Daddy's Music, but I love those checks coming my way" !!

By the way, I am unable to make any sense of your first paragraph above. Are you perhaps a Lawyer ?

That's really for his descendants to say.

 

Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk

Yes, they are cashing the Royalty Checks !!!!!!!

I have no problem with people saying they don't like a particular kind of music. They don't have to. But it's insulting to people who do like the music to say it's an "abortion," or worse. I don't like rap or hip hop, but I realize it's the music of this generation.

The ships are large and offer a variety of music genres. Enjoy what you enjoy and don't spend time listening to and/or disparaging what you don't like.

As the author of the "Abortion" comment, you took it out of context. I have no quarrel with the quality and what the group is playing , but passing it off as a B.B. King Blues Club or Venue, when it is not is my perception. I am sure B.B. King appreciated all types of music, but it ain't his music.

Riley Ben King (September 16, 1925 – May 14, 2015), known professionally as B.B. King, was an American blues singer, electric guitarist, songwriter, and record producer. King introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmeringvibrato that influenced many later electric blues guitarists.[2]

King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname "The King of the Blues", and one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" along with Albert King and Freddie King.[3][4][5] King was known for performing tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing at more than 200 concerts per year on average into his 70s.[6] In 1956 alone, he reportedly appeared at 342 shows.[7]

King was born on a cotton plantation in Berclair, Mississippi, and later worked at a cotton gin in Indianola, Mississippi. He was attracted to music and the guitar in church, and began his performance career in juke joints and local radio. He later lived in Memphis, Tennessee, and Chicago, and toured the world extensively. King died at the age of 89 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 14, 2015, from congestive heart failure and diabetic complications.

But, the above I would love, but that's not what you are getting. It is some music abortion trading on his name. I think he is spinning in his grave over what is being played. And the Queen's Lounge with it's low ceiling is not the right venue. The whatever music, not Blues, can be great. but after ten minutes, I am hammered and I have to leave

When Veendam docks in Hamilton are the odd numer cabins facing town?

If you want to face the town, the scenery really does not change as opposed to facing the harbor side where with the constant comings and goings of boats and the land across the water where homes would light up at night was the place for me to be. It seem there was always something to catch your eye, day or night. No, Odd Numbers are on Port Side facing Harbor. (just returned June 24th)

Spring 2018 is most likely for Oosterdam, where she's featuring a gap in her cruise schedule.

And Zuiderdam should get it by fall 2017, between her final Canada/NE cruise from Quebec to Florida, and her first Caribbean cruise in November.

Oosterdam is DONE !! Has the Billboard in place. Explorations Cafe, Library is now in Crow's Nest on Starboard Side with a few Computers...........Couple of spots for Puzzle lovers... Pain in the neck when you have to march all the way to the front elevators and go all the way to the Crow's Nest for a cup of coffee....must be part of HAL's customer mandatory physical fitness program. You vill like it !

Anyone have any advice on booking these flights? Prices are outrageous! Thanks

Just checked ! Norwegian has flights from Las Vegas on certain dates (they don't fly every day) to Amsterdam for as little as $358.60 one way. and they fly Boeing's Dreamliner. I believe they fly two days a week.

Anyone have any advice on booking these flights? Prices are outrageous! Thanks

Look up Norwegian Airlines, last November I booked Boston to Barcelona for a HAL TA on Eurodam for $252. 20 . It went through Gatwick with a two hour layover. I believe they are now flying from other east coast cities as well.

Hi fellow cruisers !

Has anyone ever left the ship to get to the next destination by plane, for example?

I have a sea day between Cadiz and Barcelona and I would prefer to go directly to Barcelona to enjoy a day more in the city. Will I be able to return on board after this expedition and continue my cruise ?

 

Holacanada from Quebec city

I believe you can, but would contact your TA and/or HAL to be sure and what communication you have to provide when you Jump Ship. Also I would consider traveling by train, as you might see more and the time might be about the same considering getting to airport, security etc. etc. and you will also need a hotel room for one night ????

After sailing on the eviseration of the Osterdam, Eurodam and Noordam in the last 12 months, i just got off the Veendam where wonder of wonders, the Library was still intact, well used, and a printer if you needed your airline Boarding Passes printed.

Barry of Boston held sway every night to a full house in the Mix Piano Bar, the Ocean Bar had a great Trio playing Dance music (well attended) every night and a DJ in the Crow's Nest (yes, the dance floor is still there ) for late evenings. Oh yes, Adagio doing classical offerings as well . I said to my self, can this be real after the Billboard twin pianos same set of songs every night, no dance venue, BB King's ear shattering offerings, Crow's Nest shuttered at 7 PM on the aformentioned Osterdam , Eurodam, and Noordam. Aaah ! Oprah is coming !

I know I have to pay a premium up to 100 percent for single occupancy and I live with it. But please tell me HAL is not adding insult to injury when they phone me with an offer of an upsell of $349 which does not sound bad UNTIL I am advised I will be charged also an additional $ 349 for the non-existent person in my cabin as well. I have declined the Upsell offering many times because of this. I also believe HAL just left $349 on the table which would have dropped right to their bottom line, times 10 single cruisers, times 100, times 1000 singles in a year ??

Let's hear it, Old Salt, Ruth C, buu, and other veteran bloggers !!

I just got an offer to upgrade from my Signature Suite (SY category) to a Neptune Suite (SA - SC) for $349pp. First of all, would that same price be for my 15 yo son as well as my DH and myself? Secondly, right now we are in 8048 which is kinda midship but high up. I am a little concerned about my DH's susceptibility to seasickness. Is it a good deal? What do you think, should I take it?

As a solo traveler, I laugh when I receive upsell offers, saying for $349 PP ,we will upgrade you and it sounds pretty good, until you realize you have to pay $349 for the non-existent second person as well, adding insult to injury !