jabcruiser

May I ask what type of art is offered at these auctions?

Ugly "art". Quotations because personally, I wouldn't allow any that I have seen to be in my house and don't consider it "art" at all. Just another revenue enhancement scheme by cruise lines. I can't believe how many people go to them and actually buy stuff, and really get excited about it. Wow. Their taste is certainly different than mine. Each to there own I guess.

First cruise can't say made any mistakes. Really enjoyed the old smallish ship out of New Orleans. But 2nd cruise, mistake was going on NCL. Never again, and from what I read even worse now.

HAL website seems to periodically go on the glitch. Hopefully it will be straightened out in a day or two.

Jane

We had one on Oostersdam about year ago. Booked Guarantee and this was assigned. Rather disappointed at first, but actually didn't mind. Balcony was larger than one previously had with plexiglass. The main issue was we were right over the main showroom and definitely could hear that at night. Luckily I take earplugs. Anyway, don't think will book guarantee again because of this experience.

When I participate in a private excursion, I figure that, if we get left behind, at least I am with a group of compatible, like minded people instead of alone, and we will manage somehow with a few laughs along the way and a great tale to tell later.

When in Curacao last Dec. the auto bridge coming from south was backed up for miles due to accident with no police in sight for at least an hour. Started probably hour before all aboard. We watched from veranda. We wondered how many people got stuck and couldn't get back to their ships on time. Anyone on private excursion, or who took a taxi to Sea Aquarium or places south would have been at risk of not getting back on time. Don't know if any did miss the ship but it certainly made us think about the consequences if they did. That being said, we do mostly independent excursions and have never had a problem. Remember, it would be all over TripAdvisor if they screwed up and let that happen. Also, like previous posting, we always try to allow 1-2 hours before all aboard and we take into consideration where we are. For some locations, the ship's excursions are highly advised.

Miss Tempest Barnes, female lead vocalist, now entertaining audiences with her talent on Westerdam; awesome~

Agree. Tempest is awesome. Was on Noordam spring '15 and absolutely BEST BB King Band on that cruise. Along with Daryl as lead male, what a performance every nite. They had the place jumping. Sooo enjoyed it. Last few cruises BB King Bands definitely didn't compare to that one.

Don't know what your likes are, but if you like snorkeling the best snorkel tour we ever did was with Windward on Bonaire. Very highly recommend. In Aruba you can catch a bus right across street from pier to several beaches for just couple of dollars. Shopping area/bars/casino very close also. Curacao very picturesque. We usually just walk into town and wonder around waterfront and shops. Really depends on what your interests are.

Jane

Well I am a "beach" person and I love HMC. Beautiful water and beach. Never seems crowded, unless two ships happen to be there. Swam there comfortably last month. We are not go, go have to do some activity all the time people though. Just like to lounge on the beach, have a few drinks, swim, maybe snorkel a bit. Isn't that what Caribbean islands are for? Do not like the BBQ though so we usually are on first tender to island, then back to ship around noon for lunch on board. Each to there own.

We were on Zuiderdam first 11 days of Dec. Wonderful ship IMO. Had read previous reviews about rust. Never saw one bit of rust which I actually was looking for after reading comments on this forum. In fact most areas, including our veranda (SS deck 8), looked like very recently painted. "Butt ugly" never entered my mind when wondering around the ship and viewing the decor. I enjoyed much of the art work. AC in room worked like a charm. SS had very comfortable furniture and beds and full size sofa, unlike our cruise on Wesderdam last year. Veranda furniture appeared quite new. Food really good as usual. I personally do not understand any of the "complaints" about the ship's condition.

Sounds like same guest to me. Couldn't possibly be two like that on same HAL cruise.

Jane

I see on their website that they are now charging $12/day. That's only $3 less per day then parking next to the pier. When they used to be about half the onsite rate we used them, but now at the higher rate, it's not worth the additional hassle for me to use PNG.

Just parked at Park N Go two weeks ago for 11 day cruise. $9 per day if reserved in advance and pre-paid. Quick, fast service. 5 minute wait at disembarkation. Once our car didn't start when returned and they had it started within just few minutes. Always very pleased with them. Look for the monkeys!

BB King Bands seem to vary a lot depending on the ship. They are managed out of Memphis but song selection seems to be up to individual bands although I am sure they have some sort of master list to choose from. On Noordam spring 2016 had the very best band. Great musicians, both male and female singers, song selection. Rocking every night. Songs included soul, rock, Motown, blues. One evening was mostly audience request. On Oosterdam in Dec 2015 really good band also and lead male singer, Darryl Stanley great again(he was also on our previous Noordam sailing). Westerdam spring 2016 not as good. Song selection not as varied, crowd certainly not as involved. Not bad, just not as good as previous two sailings. Zuiderdam Dec 2016 not very good. Didn't even go after first couple of nights. Lead singers not nearly as good and just not the energy as on previous cruises. Song selection not that good. At least not as much to our taste. No blues at all when we went. So band quality and song selection does seem to vary greatly. At least that is our experience. We are mid 60's couple who love rock, blues and such.

OK. Not senile yet. Just dug out "On Location" from our 12/1 visit. Lobster Shack was $20 +VAT. So with Value Added Tax for Bahamas probably makes it $21.50 or $22 or so. Assume that is the difference in prices show. Above picture shows $22 but no VAT mentioned.

Jane

Actually, the price may be $20, 21.50, $22 or $22.95. We were there on a b2b. The signs on the shack said $22 the first week, $20 the second week. The daily planer listed it as $22.95 and we were billed $21.50.

 

So the sign should read $20ish! :)

Thanks for info. You guys had me wondering if I was senile or not as I swear the card put out in Lido on Zuiderdam on 12/1 visit said $20. Meant to take picture but forgot. Apparently they haven't really decided what the price will be.

Jane

Yes, yes, yes! I have also called HAL and was told they are working on it. I asked them if they realized that the result was I was unable to book excursions or indulgences until they fixed it.

Seems to me HAL continually has these types of problems with their website. One gets fixed, then another develops. Appears to me they need new IT team. Recently have gone on Princess site and my goodness, what a difference. Princess seems way better to me. Haven't booked anything through Princess so don't know about any specific problems there, but do know HAL needs to put more effort(i.e.money)into their website and it's proper operation. What do they not understand?

Also makes me wonder how secure my personal information is???

Jane

On our last 4 cruises over the last 3 years (and even before on the Prinsendam), we found the fish to be very good. Surprisingly good and innovatively prepared. You might be pleasantly surprised when you return to HAL ;)

Just back from Zuiderdam cruise. Fish surprisingly good and well prepared with little, if any, breading. Exception was of course "fish and chips" served twice at lunch on 11 day cruise. Only one night was a light breading used that I recall. We no longer do MDR as just takes too long for us. We do Lido or room service or specialty restaurant. Always surprises me how fresh tasting and good the fish is on Lido. I NEVER get fish in a buffet type setting as generally disgusting, so to find it so nicely prepared and tasty in the Lido is appreciated by me. I was born/raised in FL and ate hours old fish caught by my dad most of my childhood. Now back to FL and appreciating the fresh seafood again. When lived in Colorado seldom ate fish as always seemed "old" tasting to me - especially the "fresh" fish offered there(never tasted fresh to me). And not a salmon fan either which is popular there.

Sushi only at lunch in Lido in Asian section. I am no sushi expert by any means, but I do think it is pretty good and ate it several times on our cruise.

Off topic --- Jane, what did you think of the group in BB King's? We sat thru the first 3 nights but didn't think they compared favorably to the group that was on the O'dam last December.

 

Glad we didn't encounter the man you mentioned!

Definitely not as good! We only went couple of times, but pretty disappointing so didn't go every night like on O'dam. Darryl Stanley was lead singer on O'dam and on a previous cruise we had on Noordam and he is so good. Just comparing "Dock of the Bay", no comparison. This band was definitely lacking.

Jane

I am hoping Copper 10 can answer this GENERAL question....not a question specific to this incident, of course ;)

 

If a passenger gets thrown off the ship, I know from a city they would be responsible for their fare home from whatever airport they got to. But if they have have to be sent away from a private port, how does the work? Does the cruise line bill them after arranging transport? Would they have to arrange their own transit off the island? I am curious about bad behavior leaving, not medical leaving which i do understand.

Fellow passengers and us also wondering same thing. I know Copper would not be able to comment on this incident but would love to hear who pays when this happens. Hopefully he did. Also wondering if charges could be made against him in Bahamas for assaulting one of the security team. As stated originally, apparently a blow was struck and small amount of blood was observed. Again, that per guests on 10 who were observing this from across the hall. We also wondering if guests in Crows Nest saw or heard anything as these cabins very close to that lounge. Believe the incident occurred about 10:00 in evening so am sure there were passengers there at that time.

Jane,

 

Thanks for your comments.

 

Did you take the ship's tour in Costa Rica or was it a private tour? If private, could you share the name? Did you actually stop at the banana plantation or was it just a "drive by?"

 

Thanks,

 

Carol

Private tour through Syl Travel and Evelyn was our guide. Very good. Stopped at entrance to Banana Plantation and process explained. Can't actually enter them anymore but we all got out and walked little ways in so could see the forest of bananas. Interesting. We were very pleased with Syl and Evelyn was great. Other passengers said she was best they had on all their tours. This was only one we did.

Just to clarify, the guest who was disembarked definitely not Alzheimer's. Still works as a manager(we got his whole life story I think). Just drunk and obnoxious. Also heard from other passengers on 10 he took bucket of champagne to muster. Really!

Jane

Can you share the link -not familiar with the "facts" site. Thanks.

We just back from Zuiderdam PC cruise. Lobster Shack open on HMC. $20 for Caribbean Lobster and coconut rice/beans. Didn't go as DH not lobster fan. Only item available per card put out in Lido that morning.

Absolutely right decision. First couple days, before I found out he had been put off, I was looking around everywhere I went to make sure he wasn't in the vicinity as had no desire to encounter him again.

Oh, forgot about the other little drama. 3 guests almost got to stay in Cartagena,Columbia. All aboard 12:30. Departure 1:00. At 12:50 captain announced looking for 3 guests from one cabin. Apparently Captain in really good mood that day as waited until about 1:05 before pulling gangway. About 1:10 ropes released. And here they come! One guest on motorized wheelchair/scooter thing and two others jogging toward ship. Wow, they put gangway back out and let them on. We watched whole thing from our veranda. Lucky folks if you ask me. I wouldn't want to be left behind in Columbia.

Jane

Hi all. Just back yesterday from our wonderful Panama Canal cruise. Just wanted to post a few things of interest.

First night apparently Copper 8-10 was busy. At least I read on this thread that he was Security on this cruise. Well here is the story as I know it. Early evening 1st night a male guest(definitely won't call him a gentleman) sat at our table Aft Lido deck. No asking if we minded. Well, we certainly did mind after hearing him for a few minutes! Every other word the "F" word. Very drunk already. 75 yo man very unhappy. His companion/girl friend had booked a very small inside cabin on 10. Those cabins they have added aft of Crow's nest. So small no sofa apparently. Anyway he went on and on about this and he was a millionaire, and he just gave his 50 yo son a new pickup, and he was a millionaire, and very unhappy, and F this, and F that, and he was a millionaire, and blah, blah, blah. So why did they book a small inside??? Anyway after a few minutes of this we made our excuses and left. Next couple of days made sure to check that he not on Aft deck when we went out there. Apparently no worries. Few days later we heard story from couple on 10 across hall from him. Disturbance involving cursing, yelling, screaming 75 yo male guest in inside cabin on 10. No doubt same person we had met. He was a big guy. When this couple opened their door to see what happening they witnessed 4 security men at his door which was cracked. Then a fist came out and hit one of them, they forcefully entered his room and took all of them to subdue him and strap him down. Doctor came to sedate him and he was taken away to wherever they take them. Next day he was disembarked on Half Moon Cay. We later heard from other guests they brought in helicopter to evacuate him and girlfriend from HMC but never saw it so not sure if that true or not. Quite the talk. At 75 one would think a "millionaire" or anyone else would know how to act. Glad HAL took decisive action and hope he is banned from all Carnival brand ships in future. Certainly have never had anything like this happen on any of our cruises before and quite unusual I believe, at least for HAL.

On to some tidbits regarding the cruise itself. Breakfast room service menu still the full choice old menu. Happy hour second drink $2 now. Food in general still very good we thought and really not much change from our previous HAL cruises, except pre-made sandwiches.

Very glad I booked starboard SS, just by chance. Was great facing inward to canal during transit into and out of Gatlun Lake as got to observe other ships going in opposite direction from our veranda. Crew and some freighter passengers all waving and taking pictures of us. Never thought of this when booking the cruise, but turned out got the best side we thought.

New show premiered one evening in Vista showroom. Cruise Director announced ours was first cruise to have it other than Koningsdam. Was very good and believe all guests liked it. Kind of a history of rock/pop music/dance from Elvis up to present. Vista Lounge packed for this show and standing room only overflowing even into hallway.

Costa Rica turned out rainy at first but that stopped and was nice and cool for our Tortuguero Canal/banana plantation/city tour which was well appreciated. Saw sloths, monkeys, lots of birds, "Jesus Christ" lizard, cayman, crocs so was interesting. Stayed on board at Panama Canal and viewed from aft, forward, and our veranda. Very interesting.

Well, that is about enough, probably too much. We had a great time, great weather mostly, and very pleased with HAL again.

Jane

Thanks for info on Gala nights on next sailing. Always like to know so can avoid specialty dinner reservations on those evenings. DH will be disappointed about loss of Veal Piccata but hope he loves the new Veal dish as well. Veal is his favorite and we always do Canaletto's couple of times. Have never done the Cooking Class, but plan on signing up when we get on-board. Sounds fun. Thanks again for keeping us informed.

Jane

Saw somewhere about books by Capt.Mateboer. The Captains Quest and The Captains Log. Have downloaded for coming cruise next week. Funny stories from Captain about ship life and people. Looks interesting and funny especially being on cruise ship.

Jane -- maybe we'll meet each other this cruise at BB Kings......

We go about every nite to BB King Club. One of reasons we love HAL so much.

Jane

Curacao Day began in bright sunshine and warm temperatures. Breakfast on the verandah was delivered on time and included an extra yogurt parfait to be held in the minibar for an evening snack.

 

Unlike my two previous stops here in Curacao, the Zuiderdam docked before the entrance to the harbor. With such a long distance to downtown, I opted to remain on board. The quiet day allowed me to catch up on scanning and a trip to the Screening Room for the latest Star Trek movie. I did not like the movie editing or the lack of story line continuity. The popcorn was good and the seats amazing.

 

My afternoon chicken wings appetizer found their way into the minibar and will be consumed with a nice salad during our sea day tomorrow.

Lots of tooting as we pulled away from the pier.

 

Thanksgiving dinner was memorable and began with the full-scale decorations at the MDR entrance (carvings, ice sculpture, and arranged gourds. My table was adorned with sparkly, Autumn leaves, and a colorful gourd. Six large slices of alternating white and dark turkey meat were leaned against mounds of mild sage dressing and mashed potatoes. Two thick slices of glazed sweet potatoes, two Brussels sprout halves, a glazed carrot, and cranberry sauce. Both the gravy and dressing contained giblet pieces. Each fork of food brought a commingling of savory flavors and brought back memories of childhood Thanksgiving meals. The chocolate and pecan chips pie was not dense and the crust was quite flaky. My Mother could not have prepared a better meal.

 

I now have all of the Lido and MDR menus for both 10 and 11-day Caribbean cruises in the Caribbean. The Gala Night menus are the same for the 7-Day cruises, I was told. In addition, I have the Lido Vegan/Vegetarian daily menus.

 

The front bow on Deck 4 has been opened for both the Aruba and Curacao ports.

 

In discussion with the Dining Room Manager, I learned that a Master Chef's Dinner is indeed planned for the next cruise pending enough interest.

 

Of special note is the decent internet speed. The right people/contract must have been fired.

 

Tomorrow is a sea day and my cooking class. Unlike previous cruises to the canal, there is no Panama buns cooking demo scheduled.

 

More later.

Thanks for your reports. We are on next PC cruise leaving 11-30. Definitely going to check on Master Chef's Dinner when get on board. Getting close now. Looking forward to your report on Canal transit day. We are staying on board and since DH is also into photography hope he can get some great pics.

Jane