REOVA

Actually HAL did this on our cruise last year. That's what I thought you we talking about.

"So good. So good" The Zaandam still had piano bar with solo pianist this summer. Are the piano bars gone on non Pinnacle Ships?

Masks vary depending on itinerary. Passengers and crew on Grand Voyages have to wear them for first 3-5:days and after testing if rise in positive cases. On our last Carribean no requirement, however the Captain made an announcement midway through to seek medical attention of feeling ill and masks were seen more on crew (hint hint).

The bar, if TV on, usually has Futbol but may be able to request channel change. You can watch on a special channel in cabin. On Pinnacle ships they will show games on Lido pool monitor. But they don't carry TV network licenses so depending on game and network, will depend what's on ship. For the Superbowl, they usually broadcast in World Stage (on older ships) with appetizers. But since they don't have all of the licenses, you won't get the Superbowl commercials, which sometimes are the best part. They will rerun the same ESPN promos over and over.

Ah, so you've attended HAL'S silent disco parties where the music is piped into headphones that everyone wears. But the room is silent. 🤣

You can do a cruise package or by the bag.

The cruise stock market will react lower shortly when the fanfare dies down. All it takes these days is for someone to make a statement and "investors" bounce (either way). The reactions now are not always based on P/E, profit, or other old benchmarks. Even if you lose millions, but less than what people thought, your stock will go up. And hedging plays into pricing as well. We will see 1 year from now if there is any difference in price. Just hope HALs "long" itinerary marketing is not blown by management cut backs and mishandling (again).

Generally but cannot assume for cabins as there are slight differences in each interior build. The Koningsdam Neptune suites are different layout than sister ships (even though HAL shows sample plan the same). Also if you booked 7099 on KDam and wanted 7099 on NS, or 7112 on NS and booked 7112 on RDam, you'd be in different locations (and either in an interior or suite).

No but it must have been eerie to see an R Class ship out of your cabin while on the GWC. 🤔

Yes there are servers that come around. However on Rotterdam, HAL forgot to put drink holders at the seats.

You are the market HAL is marketing to with Pinnacle class ships and the direction they wanted to go a decade ago. And its what's ruining HAL (KIDDING 😁) We've sailed many lines (mostly HAL) and nothing ruins a conversation than hearing people complain about "what used to be". (It's just below discussions of what ailment we now have 🤪). But it's human nature, when having experiences, to compare one day or time to another. (My DW wishes to be back 40 years ago). Sometimes we forget that the opportunities that give us experience is more important than minor difference we may have each time. We won't control a company, but we can control how we react and handle an experience. With cruises there will be differences in ships, crew, procedure, experience, just within HAL or between passengers on the same ship. We've watched people complain about music at the pool (too much noise) and others complain about pool being too quiet with no music. We've seen guests berate crew for not doing things the way it was done before, and guests provide friendly tips and reminders about how they would like things done. We have friends that left HAL for greener pastures, some came back, some didnt. Our first World Cruise we heard lots of complaints. Our second, we noticed differences....but we were able to have another experience that so many can't (or won't). I do hope you continue to enjoy cruising with HAL and they evolve to give everyone the experiences HAL has provided for years. We continue to look forward to its evolution and returning to longer itineraries (for those of us that want that) and hope the service and food dips recover from the problems every cruise line is having currently. But we cruise with open eyes and try to act like it's our first time (which is never easy to accomplish).

But be careful about some websites as I found the deck plans (and photos) not always accurate. Like using a Koningsdam deck plan or photo for Rotterdam. I guess they think sister ships have the same cabin plans.

Keep in mind what is happening on Zuiderdam may not be indicative of fleet wide since its a GWC (and spoils many of us for later cruises 😄). But I do remember having the duo or trio playing up in the MDR as well. Don't think that will happen again.

I see them listed on the menu (soon to be Milford Sound Rolls 😁) as was the chilled tropical soup. 😋

If you can find a better flight, I would book it. you may find cheaper but also look for better connections and layovers that are not too tight. We always book our own flight (even when HAL cut cruise short in Perth in 2020). There should be plenty of airlines (or partners) that fly Sydney to US. Just give yourself plenty of hours after ship arrives to get to airport- there is international airport separate from donestic (or stay overnight). As for insurance I would check with Steve at Tripinsurancestore (he has dedicated posts at top of Forum pages). He can advise on flight insurance based on needs. But also check with the airline or your credit card company.

Have you looked at the HAL website for the specific ship? They have all deck plans listed with cabin numbers and codes. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/cruise-ships.html

Unfortunately confidence and stock price has nothing to do with how a corporation is doing anymore. 🙄 They can raise prices, and some people may pay it, but the if the food and service experience is not better, the "demand for its services" won't be strong.

That's were some opinions differ. The last Prinsendam was a very small ship with beautiful teak interior that some would say was dark and heavy feeling. But we would much rather sail like the old ocean liners to great destinations than feel like we are just at home in a bar or hotel. Rotterdam does have some interesting art which does appear bright and updated, but doesn't feel like a cruise ship. HAL will never appeal to everyone, but they do have the opportunity (with various ships) to appeal to different desires. We just hope they don't lose their traditional cruising after celebrating 150 years, and move too mainstream.

But after they see Scott's 2 routines, they will be back. 😉 Interesting that they didn't have him on World Stage. On Rotterdam in November his show was in World Stage and less than half full so maybe that's why he's not in the lounge now. Yet another comedian did 2 shows each on 2 nights in lounge which was packed. Must be quantum superposition in the works..."Schrödinger's entertainment"

Our first GWC we were also upgraded to Neptune so congrats. Since most folks were 4 and 5 *, having the suite was a nice addition for tenders, etc. We decided on other GWC we didn't need the space (cost analysis) but on a recent cruise we did Neptune and was surprised of the cut backs. Was not sure if it was just because it wasn't a Grand cruise or not. Does the lounge have the same food everyday now (they used to mix it up each day). Also we enjoy your comparison of Amsterdam and Zuiderdam so look forward to hearing more. Incidentally we've read Zuiderdam doesn't have the storage capacity of Amsterdam and we remember the ship running out of things so be interesting to hear the supply side of the ship. Thanks for taking us along.

They used to have those personnel but got rid of them (or combined the title and kept the duties at Corp). And Oprah probably was disappointed as Godmother of a ship with no library. 😁

Does ITunes make hearing aid buds yet? 🤔

Just be aware that you may be able to go through security and then check in (it's pretty quick in Port Everglades), you may still have to wait in the area to board the ship until its cleared and you actually can walk the plank up to the ship.

Supposedly everything (wiring, system) had been done prior to Summer, they just had problems getting TVs supplied, and then problems getting installed. So if installing 8 TVs a day, hopefully they have the contractor crew to get all decks done in time for everyone's next cruise. (Barring Murphy interference)🤞

Yes people complain but this is also not really making a change they want. HAL is taking a "daily" activity and moving it to a "random" activity to fill a void of not using the World Stage for what used to be variety of shows. Yes, It does add more space and room for those that were crowded in the old Explorer's Lounge (or BB King on Pinnacle), but is it really a change that covers the initial complaint they have about World Stage? 🤔