KenveeB

We recently finished the 1/24 10-day on Eurodam and overall enjoyed it very much. We definitely noticed that it was hard to flag down a server for a drink in many bars and in Lido. I was very much underwhelmed by the service in MDR. We were seated quickly enough but then would sit at our table for up to 15 minutes before anyone even spoke to us! My husband had to wait half an hour plus two reminders to get an iced tea! We both made minor customization requests a few times (sauce on the side, leave off one thing) that were completely ignored. 

15 minutes ago, zelldriver said:

First time on HAL & Port Everglades.  How strict are they on arrival times?

We were assigned a late arrival time. I prefer to be on the ship earlier if I can

so I don't have to waste time hanging out someplace waiting.

If I arrive early will they still let me in?

I just sailed out of Port Everglades. We arrived around an hour before our time and sailed straight through. No comments. 

I’m happy to report that we had zero trouble booking Canaletto with our second HIA credit once we were onboard. 

4 hours ago, leerathje said:

 

 

Any location for us to watch for your wave??  Any distinguishing clothes, flag or sign?

 

L.

 

I think we’re going to look for a deck 2 spot. I’m in a green shirt, dark hair. I doubt I’ll be noticeable, but know I’ll be waving anyway. 😆

I’ll wave to everyone! 😆 My new husband and I are sailing on our honeymoon. Glad to know it’s the only ship. Easier to find. 

We booked our first HIA reservation at Pinnacle. When I went to book the second, Tamarind was the only available. If I go to Pinnacle, it no longer has the option to apply the HIA comp. Does two credits really mean one credit each at two restaurants? If I try booking on board, will I have better luck? My fiance is a very picky eater, and nothing at Tamarind appeals. 

Hi, I’m cruising next week. We have a dolphin swim booked through the Dolphin Academy at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium. It’s not through the cruise line, so there’s no shuttle. What would be the best way to get from the port to our location? Are taxis easily available? Is there anything to watch out for or definitely NOT do?

I noticed the same on my cruise when I checked a week or two ago. Then yesterday (a week from the cruise) we noticed it had been updated to include two dressy nights and the orange party. So just check closer to your sail date!

Definitely look at an airport transfer shore excursion. You’ll get to explore the city a little and get delivered to the airport afterwards. Otherwise, I’d probably leisurely get off the ship and go straight to the airport to wait. Maybe look at a day pass to one of the lounges. 

Thanks for the review! I board Eurodam on the 24th, looking forward to it!

Yes, when I booked specialty dining online, it gave me the option to apply my HIA credit. 

We’d booked a Signature Suite for the 1/23 Eurodam (10 days), and we just accepted an offer for a Neptune upgrade. I’m excited about it! We couldn’t justify the price to book Neptune from the beginning, but the upgrade was a great deal. It’s our honeymoon, so we’re looking forward to splurge!

Looking forward to hearing about your trip! We’ll be boarding Eurodam on the 23rd for our honeymoon!

Personally, I choose to check a bag and bring only a small carryon so it’s less hassle at the airport. In the old days, I used to travel by carryon only. But since 9/11 changed all the rules about liquids, it’s a huge pain for me to take my toiletries on a carryon. Since I want to put that in a checked bag, I just check everything but a small bag of essentials and entertainment for the journey. No way of packing is inherently superior, it’s just what’s best for you. 

Thanks for the review! I’m sailing on Eurodam on Jan 24. First time on HAL for me!

My fiancé really wants to do a dolphin swim on our honeymoon cruise. It looks like our two options are at Amber Cove DR or Willemstadt Curaçao. I haven’t heard great things about Amber Cove, but I can’t find anything on Curaçao. Has anyone done one they do/don’t recommend?

We’ll be sailing Holland America in late January. 

So I just read with this morning’s news that they have stopped printing the vaccination cards! If you have yours, it’s still accepted as proof, but they won’t continue being offered. 

I texted this to my fiancé as soon as I got the email, because he loves Chef Morimoto. We’re excited!

Smart casual just means business casual when you’re not at the office. No shorts, no ratty jeans, no muscle shirts. Just a little nicer than anything goes. 

We just booked a Caribbean for January and paid $50. 

Trying to tell from the map -- is the Raptor center or Fortress of the Bears walkable? If not, is there a shuttle there, or how would we work that out? We're wanting to DIY our Sitka visit as well, and the Raptor center is top of the list!