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VermeulT

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    Jamaica on Ash Wednesday

    in Jamaica

    Posted

    on Cruise port insider.com - they mentioned it is a holiday in Jamaica. Different places observe it differently.

     

    Does anyone know what impact it will have on stores etc being open on that day?

     

    Thanks much.

    Private tour company

    in Jamaica

    Posted

     

    Thank you so much. Your input above and the links are much appreciated.

    5 year old's birthday on embarkation day - cake?

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    I agree. I'm sure HAL can come up with a pretty cupcake with pink icing, and you can stick a candle or sparkler in it.

     

    Great suggestion.

     

    I've celebrated 2 birthdays on HAL. On one, the day was actually the week before, one night during dinner I got a very nice square of chocolate mousse with writing on it. The other cruise, we ate on my balcony and a similar cake showed up with the room service order.

     

    I celebrated my birthday on embarkation day on Princess and tho it came later in the day, I got balloons on my door and cake at dinner.

     

    I like the cupcake suggestion.

     

     

    Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

    Private tour company

    in Jamaica

    Posted · Edited by VermeulT

    DZ....

     

    In the end, how much did you pay for this tour, including all tips?

    How long was it? I am paranoid about getting back to the ship late.

    I will be in port (Ocho Rios) 8a-4p. And would like to plan on being back to port no later than 2:30p, shop locally and then hop on the ship.

    I would love to do Irie Blue Hole and maybe the river tubing......

     

    Thanks for your info.

     

     

    Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

    New HAL cabin picture/review site: what do you want it to be?

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    I realize that I'm straying from topic here, however, I'm guessing that there are many folks in this thread who would be able (and willing!) to help.

     

    Does anyone have pics of the following?

     

    1. Room 6166; 6177; 7142; 7151; 8140; 8147 (Neptune Suite on Zuiderdam)

     

    2. Room 7002; 7004; 7006; 7036 (Neptune & Vista Suites on Volendam)?

     

    Thanks so much!!!

     

    http://trudyginsburg.com/zu.html

    Please see this link for 8147. 8140 is the mirror image on the port side.

    New HAL cabin picture/review site: what do you want it to be?

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    So many great suggestions so far. I LOVE that you guys are going to do this. I wish I could myself but my coding skills are not up for a site this complex.

     

    I LOVE the idea of a standard. Not everyone will take pix just for this site's purpose, but it would help people compare. And I love the idea of standard description info. And dating the pix.

     

    Please tell US what we can do to help YOU make this site incredible.

     

    Thanks again.

     

     

    My biggest "request" would be for being able to look up the a cabin across the same class of ships. The site might not have 7142 on the Zuiderdam, but will have it for the Westy or such.

    NYE Cruise on the Eurodam Review: Not what we expected

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Hi Sail7Seas,

     

    I wrote a detailed response to your question yesterday, but it never posted [iPad glitch?]. To recap:

     

    The up front cost of our cruises on the luxury lines, which we booked at what were deep discounts for those companies, were about 2 1/2 times the upfront costs of HAL. After you subtract out the prepaid tips, all-inclusive drinks and specialty restaurants, and generous cabin credit, they probably came out to twice the daily cost of HAL In the final analysis, that $3 can of coke on HAL probably wound up costing a bit more on the luxury lines.

     

    Sailing with the luxury lines was an extravagance for us, but we were celebrating significant milestones so we splurged. As someone's signature on this board advises, "Life is short; drink the good wine first."

     

    I would have to be out of my mind to compare the luxury ships with HAL on a head to head basis and expect HAL to come out favorably. Crystal, Seabourn, and Silversea have small ships that cater to people who are very demanding about details and don't mind paying top dollar for their comforts. They provide a totally different [and I am not saying necessarily better] experience than larger ships, which have a more exciting atmosphere and a lot more to do. What I was comparing was the fabulous Med-HAL with the disappointing Caribbean-HAL; our Noordam vs. Eurodam experience.

     

    On the Noordam, our veranda cabin seemed bigger and brighter and more inviting, as did the public areas. The food was better and the service was much more gracious. Nobody was complaining about anything. We were delighted about every aspect of the cruise, even more so given the bargain combination fare HAL offered for the cruise and air.

     

    The Eurodam seemed disorganized, the food was mediocre, our veranda cabin seemed dark, and the staff were doing their best but were clearly over worked. In addition, hearing so many people complain about so many different aspects of the ship did not enhance the ambiance of the cruise. Maybe these complainers were misrepresenting their Mariner status, but why they would is a mystery to me.

     

    If money were no object [but alas, for most of us it is], I would spend as much of my life as I could on Seabourn and Silversea [Crystal loyalists, please don't start], But, life being what it is, I will continue to select a mix of vacation options, from bargain cruises and bus trips to some luxury cruises here and there and try to find enjoyment in all new experiences. Linda

     

    Thanks Linda. I do not have the experience (yet) to cruise on the "luxury lines". However, your analysis is exactly what I had thought.

     

    We were on the Eurodam in Nov 2010. It was our most disappointing HAL experience at that time. DH and I talked with the Dining Room Manager and the Hotel Manager at length. They see the differences between Europe and the Caribbean on HAL. They had a crew meeting during the transatlantic 2 weeks earlier to remind crew of what was to come. I'm not sure how much it was specifically the Eurodam or just part of the trend in cruising, especially in the Caribbean, and even more especially on the 7 day Caribbean itineraries. Prices get so low to compete that a different class of customers board HAL, and due to the prices, some service cuts are necessary.... resulting in a different cruise experience than anywhere else.

     

    I don't like it. But that being said, I did a B2B the following year and have a Caribbean 7 day scheduled in a few weeks. I've just adjusted my expectations and will make the most of my vacation and enjoy it.

     

    Cheers.

    Help with Alaska Cruise - July/August 2014

    in Alaska

    Posted

    1. Ships - I agree with the others - find the itinerary you want and the choice of ships will work themselves out.

     

    3. RT from seattle or vancouver - things to consider - cost of flying to Seattle vs Vancouver. Extra time needed flying to Vancouver (international flight so extra early arrival at airport). Flying to Seattle and car/ train to Vancouver... Look at the options and decide what you want to deal with before the cruise even starts.

     

    5. Is a balcony worth it? That's an individual question. I'd do a suite every cruise if I could. But for my cruise - the basic balcony is twice the price of an outside... so I have an outside and will save the money and do more excursions. That's me.

     

    6. Is there a better side of the ship for alaskan cruises? I don't think so.

     

    8. Looking at July and August - I'd imagine July would be more expensive. You have more day light and warmer days. Later in the season will provide better chance for wildlife sightings (so I hear.)

     

    Whatever you decide.... have a great time!

    NYE Cruise on the Eurodam Review: Not what we expected

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Everybody keeps looking for deals and lower fares, but complain when they do not get 5 star service in return.

     

    People who truly want great food & service will need to start paying a bit more and perhaps seek the more luxury lines to get it.

     

    Ted

     

    I agree.... but there must be a middle ground between this type of price & experience and that of Oceana or Regent. HAL used to provide it. I hope someone steps up.

    Tamarind dinner menu ?

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    I just booked a week on the Eurodam and am looking forward to dining in the Tamarind again. I have searched on here for a menu to no avail (new lunch, yes - not for dinner).

     

    Does anyone have the menu handy? It's been a few years since my last trip on the E.

     

    Thanks.

    Canon SL 1

    in Photo & Camera Discussions

    Posted

    The two lenses I have are:

     

    75-300

    18-200

     

    :-/ which do you suggest? Not sure I gave cash for a new lense at moment.

     

    Though, I think my friend is interested in buying my old rebel xt with stock 18-55 lens from me :D:D

     

    I would, and just recently have, go with the 18-200.

    With the 75-300, you can't take photos with any level of wide angle. Actually, 50mm or so matches the view of our eyes... So the 75-300 gives you some to a lot of zoom. The 18-200 gives you some wide-ness and a good amount of zoom. You can crop for the extra zoom if desired.

     

     

    Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

    Black Label Photography

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Those of you who bought the black and white photos--what did you do about framing them?? Did you leave them as they are and place them on a shelf or actually put them into a frame? we have dust so so bad here living in the mountains just outside the desert and I asked our photographer how to clean them in case I don't frame mine (although i really think I need to). I'd love to hear what the rest of you did so I can plan ahead....:)

     

    Mine is framed with what we bought at Michaels... Not their framing jobs... Just a nice frame (about 30$ ??)

     

    I totally recommend you put it in something. You spent too much on that piece of paper to have anything happen to it... Dust, scratches, bends, .....IMO

     

     

    Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

    Final payment date

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Thanks all.

     

    I'm surprised then that the prices haven't dropped further.... While 849$ for a balcony is a good price, we've seen other similar sailings at $599. Yes yes I know seasons vary and sell out plays a part, but.......

     

    We shall see what my TA can get for me then. Appreciate the quick replies.

     

     

    Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

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