REOVA

9 hours ago, NCTribeFan said:

Yes, would be nice if there was more seating.  I'll be on the ship for 26 nights beginning 4/3/23 with the TA.  As someone who sails in inside cabins, it is nice to be able to find somewhere quiet to sit and read and not have to retreat to the cabin to get away from horrible background music and people who think they must bellow at full volume at all times.  I expect it will be too cold in the north Atlantic to sit out on the Promenade deck, which is typically where I park myself.

 

I'll make sure to visit the library early on and get some reading material.

Where can you sit on Promenade Deck on the Pinnacle Ships? No loungers and limited/narrower space to even walk. 

You may find a chair outside on deck 10 or 11 aft or deck 10 mid. Crows Nest/EXC area may have quiet seating at times.  Forward in hall outside Club Orange has chairs but small bar nearby so may not be quiet. We are happy they put in a Library on RDam (and may install on other Pinnacle ships) and while they do have multiple copies of books (too many), it's nice to be able to get a copy. (It's the first place my DW goes to get books to read -on all ships- as well as leave one/take one). The chairs face windows on each of the 2 sections of the library (limited seating) with the blankets. Pinnacle ships don't have many nooks to read books in silence. 

If you wait onboard the time slot you want may not be there. You can book yours and DH and then DF for same times using credits available. Then once onboard go to desk and have them combine for table for 3. 

OBC should be listed in the HIA promo if you click on detail link (if it's included). Gratuities/crew appreciation was removed from HIA back in October but added for a short time during Black Friday. HiA changes regularly (and specific cruises) so need to click the detail to read fine print during the current promotion. 

3 hours ago, richwmn said:

The show tonight was a group called Jukebox Rogues doing a Frankie Valley show. The show was good and kept moving. The singers did a very good interpretation of the Four Seasons, particularly since they only had 3 singers. 

 

Merry Christmas to All!

Interesting, did they say what happened to #4? We saw the show on Zaandam and they said one of them had flight issues (possibly visa). One of the 3 did double duty singing both parts. 4th arrived later in the cruise and they did a 3rd show with all four members. 

Merry Christmas.  

Also, you will notice at times if one of the band members want an increase or decrease, he or she would signal either the music director of the band and or the sound booth that will adjust what is needed. 

31 minutes ago, ldtr said:

 

 

100 songs is about 6 to 7 hours of music.  Basically maybe a week long cruise of play time.  Lincoln Center is even more limited with really only about 5 unique programs.  The programming is pretty much set up for a week then repeat.

What they told us is out of the 100, they choose what they like to play (or can play together well) so it's really not 100 that they play. We found out of 3- 45 min set, say they play 12 songs each, more than half of them would be the same each night in RS Rock Room. But the musicians were excellent (especially since only 2 out of 5 had ever played together before) and when they liked a song, it showed in performance. The Billboard was worse with same songs and same script each night. Would have been better to have a radio on, then maybe you would get 100 songs (But then even the radio overplays depending on marketing and promotion. 🤨

6 hours ago, montythecat said:

Each to their own but we are very much in the opposite camp. We

are now booking HAL cruises on Pinnacle Class ships for one 
main reason and that is Music Walk. We love every aspect of it

including the classical quartet. Music from Bach to Bon Jovi. It

is our definition of entertainment heaven. Our days on Celebrity

with, in our opinions, their old fashioned theatre productions 

with acrobats/aerialists are now almost over. There are also

other good experiences on The Pinnacle Class vessels which

are leading to us booking HAL.

 

 

We used to like Music Walk, but after day 3 the song sets are repeated so it starts feeling like Groundhog Day. And the sound between RS and BB King mixes together some nights. Definitely not our reason for booking or not booking a Pinnacle ship. Some musicians are great and others not so much so it's luck of the draw what you get on any ship.  We love all music but sitting in a crowded bar/lounge doesn't make a cruise for us. We like strolling the promenade decks of old ships, looking at the vast oceans and meeting new people sitting on the loungers. Pinnacle ships did away with that. But the Grand Dutch Cafe and actual Club Orange restaurants are wonderful additions. None of the ships have upped their game in World Stage. So after looking at itinerary and number of days, we select which ship fits the cruise we want. So many options, so little time 😉

1 hour ago, Wakepatrol said:

The same people who don’t get off the ship, are the ones that when they do get off ship walk around the port compound, poke around junky souvenirs, buy a drink at Senor Frogs then say “That Port Sucked, There Was Nothing To Do”

True, there are those. But some also say "been there done that" and they don't get off. Especially if there isnt much to see (although most ports have more to see than the tourist traps).  It appears some pick the same itinerary just to be on a ship. We met many people on World Cruises that don't get off the ship at so many ports (over 4 months) because they've been there every year. (Not talking about those that have challenges with tenders or mobility, who would obviously choose to stay). We usually can find different things to do at repeat ports. We always try to do different itineraries to experience different ports and my DW loves HMC.  If you are on HAL in the Caribbean, chances are you'll be at HMC. Since HAL has exclusive lock on the excursions, drinks and food (besides the "free" lunch), others may not want to spend extra $$ off ship. I think if it was up to HAL, they would love to do an overnight try to profit more but would mean adding a day or removing another port in their planned itineraries. Would also mean more overhead for staff and possibly changes to whatever legal or civic agreements with Bahamian government. I'm sure for the 4-5 hours at HMC they bring in plenty of drink, food and excursions revenue for short time the ships are there. 

4 hours ago, nolyd said:

 Is it possible to use the funds to book another cruise while on board? 

HAL wants cash/credit deposits for future cruises (unless you have future cruise DEPOSITS to apply) even if you have future cruise CREDITS to use, so OBC are use it or lose it while currently cruising as Sue stated above. 

4 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

 

Also, there appear to be aft deck areas on 6 and 7. Do the hallways have doors to those little deck spaces? And are there any chairs? I'll have a balcony, but sometimes I want to watch the wake. 

 

 

The hall doors do end onto the aft decks. You can probably have HAL bring down a chair from Seaview pool area if there isn't one. But others may use it when they find out. Havent seen many other people use these decks. The Is also stairs from pool deck down to deck 7 and 6 which is convenient if you are at aft pool and your cabin is aft. 

12 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

Ricky Nelson oldie song. “Can’t please everyone so sometimes you just have to please yourself.” 

This doesnt sound like a Garden Party 🤣

18 hours ago, shack said:

Vista "suite" entertainment amenities on Zaandam.  We don't camp in the cabin but it's nice to know what is available for sea or inclement weather days.

 

Is there anyone actually on Zaandam or recently debarked that can give the ungarbled word on TVs in Vista balcony rooms?  I've heard:

 

1.  They have been upgraded for Neptune suites only thusfar; not Vista.

Don't think they got them installed. 

2.  The folks slated to install new TVs didn't get their visas. 

Yes for 5 months now since "supply chain issues" initially delayed TVs arriving. 

3.  There are basically no movies on the TV and the DVD library is gone so you have to bring your own DVDs to play on the Vista DVD players.

Correct.

4.  The library is gone - both for DVDs and books.  But someone else said the book library is alive and well on Zaandam.

No DVD library. Book library is there in spirit. Limited books from what used to be there but there is a take 1 leave 1 section. 

5.  Another rumor of a dry dock for Zaandam this spring at which time they would presumably (try to) upgrade the TVs.  We sail end of May.

Supposedly, but they've been saying same thing for months. "Wired and technology installed, just need TVs on the wall".

6.  Any other current Zaandam info would be greatly appreciated! Zaandam is (one of) the oldest anf smallest ships left in the fleet. Looked to be in pretty good shape when we sailed. Depending on what other ships you've been on you may love it or hate it. We like the older ships better than Pinnacle class depending on itinerary. Some say there is more to do/eat on newer ships but with cut backs, they are converging to equal nullity....

 

 

1 hour ago, Wakepatrol said:

I’ve said it a million times. HAL should do an overnight at Half Moon Cay

They could do a big party on the beach at night with music then a fireworks show.

Think of all the fuel they would save

Those that don’t like Half Moon Cay

will receive two mints on pillow that night 

If you said 3 mints, I'd consider 🤣.

HMC is a filler to get schedule for next port so depending on itinerary will be longer or shorter stop.

We get off early, have lunch at the barbecue and usually head back by 2 anyway as the heat kicks up in the afternoon. Drinks are free on ship (with package) and don't cover bar charges on HMC (unless separate package) so a few hours of beach time is ok for us. We've already done horseback riding, kayaking, stingrays, etc in Bahamas, so just a casual break is what we do. Many don't even get off the ship. Save the music and fireworks for the Seaview pool deck. 😉

9 hours ago, DaveOKC said:

I found an unusual one for 11 days next late Oct. on the Eurodam.  Some new ports, at least for us.

 

We booked this using our "quarantine" credits. We did the Holiday cruise on Prinsendam to these islands (and more) and enjoyed the Lesser Antilles more. Looking forward to going back and as well as getting back on Eurodam

Thanks Rich for your perspective. We are sitting this one out as we still are shell shocked from 2020 GWC. It will be refreshing to hear first time review. Our first time we felt a little like an outsider as there are many who do this every year, so it was more of a family reunion, for relatives you never met. 😁 But there are probably many you have met on other cruises. We had a lot of "it used to be better" or "HAL used to have this" for our first so you will probably be able to report on that as well. We find good in any cruise (and we all know there are plenty of cuts and changes) so look forward to your reports. 

10 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

You stated that you couldn't upload self-test results to Verifly.    That was incorrect. 

 

Your opinion on the value of Verifly is a different issue.

 

Verifly saved us an hour in Boston on my last cruise.   Uploading the results was very simple.   I didn't have to sit around and deal with anything.

 

 

Yes Boston was a nightmare and Verifly speeds up the process, even if not "required". Port Everglades didn't have a separate Verifly line or even asked to see it. Just sent us to security after asking if we were vaccinated (didn't show proof). You never know what they'll ask for. Ports and HAL are changing regularly and the staff is inconsistent. 🤷‍♂️

6 hours ago, jeff74 said:

Good news… The casino manager saw me and said that they got an email that the rest of the chips were available.  I also saw on my statement that the credit for my wife’s spa appointment appeared in the past couple of hours.  We only have the issue with getting charged again last night’s specialty dinner remaining but I consider this a win from where everything stood this am.

Get the dinner charge taken care of before you get off ship.  Otherwise it's a lost cause. If you havent already, put a comment in Let Us Know /Connect secrion of Navigator app. That usually gets someones attention. Glad you got your chips. I was worried you bought $2k of toilet paper by mistake. 

5 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

I guess it is different on the GWC’s.  I am on the Koningsdam now (and posted the menu for the Lido on my LIVE thread) and was just on the Oosterdam a few weeks ago.  It is Gala night tonight and there is NO escargots on the Lido just as there wasn’t on the Oosterdam.

 

I can only go by my experiences now and in the past, which is all the same but have not been on a GWC.

We were on Zaandam in July and they had it. Maybe it was leftover from the MDR. 🤔🤣

I bet if you asked Lido manager if they will have some they might bring up a few. I can understand KDam but surprised Oosterdam didn't. 😮 

3 hours ago, kazu said:

 

No, it doesn’t.  If you want escargots, you need to go to the dining room.  Friends of mine use the LIdo a lot but go to the MDR when there are escargots as they are not in the LIdo.  Not everything is there - most is - but not all.

I've always had escargot in Lido. We used to eat MDR on the older ships years ago. The Pinnacle class we never went back due to the noise and chaos. If on those, we opt for CO or other restaurants. We've dined mostly in Lido on GWCs due to the variety of food, we get to know the staff behind the counter and the servers, who will bring you anything if asked and choice of seating when friends want to join. This is mostly on smaller ships and longer itineraries. Again something about Pinnacle ship Lido is different (smaller seating layout, servers more rushed and not as able to assist you). But as someone said, Lido has the same food as MDR plus more but I understand those that more service. 

4 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

How could you not. You are classifying people as being mindless with no self control.  Yup thats a compliment 

Not sure how you jumped to that conclusion. It is a fact that if you make it easier for people to obtain something, their usage increases. I travel with 3 non (minimum) drinkers whom, when have HIA, will endulge in drinks they normally would not (both alcohol and non).. It has nothing to do with being mindless with no self control. It is more about what marketing understands. "If you build it they will come". 

Have you tried ice (bag of ice, frozen bottle, etc). I've been told that heat/hot tub is not good for inflammation. Need to ice the area (lower back, hip, etc). Hope that provides some relief. 

Go to website once booked and print your itinerary. Figure out which days you want to book restaurants (for any free credits or Mariner credits) usually a sea day or low activity port. For each day/port, I research what to do from various sources and pencil in for those days. Then either check excursions if available and book them or look at private excursions. Once restaurants and excursions are booked, print out itinerary again (it will list dinners booked and HAL excursions but you can write in private excursions as well as notes you want to remember). That can either be scanned, photo taken or emailed to your "cruise folder" (folder can be email, hard copy, photo gallery, or a combo of all). I always have hard copies and digital copies of everything saved. My itinerary schedule is my calendar and any supporting documents are proof of bookings. If you want to get technical you can do spreadsheets with links to websites, copies, photos, etc but that may need wifi for some links. 

22 hours ago, wdw1972 said:

This may be a crazy, radical thought - but it's crossed my mind.  I keep reading (here on Cruise Critic) of people who masked religiously, didn't use elevators, didn't attend shows, washing hands frequently, sometimes wiping down their stateroom, and didn't eat in crowded areas coming down with covid.  Could it be the people have unintentionally damaged their immune systems with all these precautions that they're far more susceptible than those of us who go about enjoying our cruise in a carefree manner as if covid had never happened?  We never wore a mask, didn't hesitate to ride a full elevator, attended shows & musical performances, took shore excursions, ate in restaurants, didn't bother washing hands except for after bathroom use, and didn't use hand sanitizers or wipe down surfaces - none of us got covid (or anything else).  It's starting to look funny to me that the ones who report getting it are the ones going to such extremes to avoid it.

 

Sue/WDW1972

Logical thought. You can probably apply this thought to everything in life. People have been using masks for longer than many of us have been alive. Some get sick and some don't. Some die and some don't. I know enough people that have died or gotten sick (vaccinated or not) to know that there is a risk, no matter what we do. I too have not gotten sick (yet) but if on a 7 day cruise we have to quarantine for 6 days, probably not good odds. (We book longer cruises 🤣). My DW got Covid (vaxed and boosted) and prior to that flu (flu shot received) on cruises. We both have no problems wearing masks or keeping hands washed. (And still enjoy cruising).  Everyone is different but the risk still exists. Just like the risk of getting hit by a truck, but I still look both ways before crossing. 

10 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

I don't have any idea, never heard of this before. Was the room warm at night?

More stagnant than anything. We were in North Atlantic (VoV) so heat wasn't an issue. It would turn back on same time in the mornings like the ship was turning off system while we slept. Surprisingly others had the same issue. My DW noticed it (of course) and initially I thought she was wrong (my mistake). 

15 minutes ago, highscar said:

Not everyone can pay for Netflix. We have basic cable.  Enjoy the HAL MOVIES. 

Yes we don't "binge" while at home as we like to enjoy other things in life,  so we aren't any fun for people who want to talk about episodes, tv, movies, pop culture, etc. Finding a movie we haven't seen onboard is easy for us. Whether a rare movie night or if we want to wind down. We do have relatives who can tell you every character and episode on various streaming devices. To each their own.