richstowe

Thank you . I'm OK either way . I was hoping for more reno's to the ship as those listed are mostly mechanical and not sprucing up changes . Updates would be good .

I looked for info on whether the Queen Elizabeth is currently in drydock . Facebook QE group says the ship is in a Singapore dockyard for 16 days. Any info ? It would be nice if true . Edited to say Updates would be nice . Cruisetimetables.com has a gap between cruises from March 17th to April 3rd .

We are considering a Q E cruise this summer . I was amazed to find there are 4 MDR's based on cabin class . Is there any difference in the dress codes in each ?

I booked an excursion prior to boarding . Once on board we went to the excursion people and asked to cancel,crediting my CC and then rebook using OBC . They did so which was very nice .Can't guarantee they will always do so.

I'm pretty anti smoking but it is dishonest to claim smokers and their travel companions make up a tiny insignificant population of 25 - Seriously ?

Six months in 185 sq foot rectangle ? I won't say not if you paid me so how about not for a fraction of what they are asking . NO NO NO !

25 ? Seems low .

What's wrong with Pan Am ?

On my last cruise I couldn't book seats until the flight had been paid for .

We have often used the air programs for CCL, RCCL and NCL with good results . The big savings seem to be with international flights . Do not rely on the site to pick well . Several times we were offered flights with layovers which were way too short and therefore bound for failure . Other times a different option for a small increase in price was much better . Remember, the cruise line acts like a TA and airline loyalty plans may determine which flight you book . Additional points and luggage allowances may be received . Always listen to Hanks advice .

Well perhaps if we all advertise this enough they will be . This reminds me of alcohol smuggling advice .

Perhaps that's the point . Ambiguity allows maximum flexibility .

You guys beat me to the punch . You''ll pardon me if I'm a bit suspicious . IF the quartet remains and there are concerts without jugglers or mimes, I'll accept the change to a less cozy venue . It was lovely being 10 feet from the performers though. Edited to say DW thinks I'm way too cynical .

Interrupting but Celebrity was my favorite . Sadly they both greatly increased their prices and down-graded the non-suite experience . Bad combo .

Our recent Nieuw Amsterdam cruise was enjoyable but cut-backs were apparent . On the positive , two things really stood out. The LCS quintet were excellent with multiple concerts playing a variety of musical genres . They also backed the BBC Earth presentation .The other highlight were the B B King All-Stars . Shockingly talented both with and without vocalists . Amusingly (?) these were the two entertainment items I complimented the most on the HAL feedback . 😑

Yes they are beside the lido indoor pool . BTW, the opened and closed the roof several times . It worked but the screeching noise was something . There are 2 rows of lounge chairs plus aisles in front of the pool .

Unless you get a Lido deck cabana like we just did on the Nieuw Amsterdam . Our cabana, Corfu, was just beside the pool and $200 for the week instead of $400 for the week . Paul took very good care of us . Somedays the lack of a cross-breeze was an issue and no it wasn't very private but easy pool and food access made up for this . HAL_Cabanas.pdf

Why are these your favorite HAL's ?

Enjoy ! We'll be on in 2 weeks and got a lido cabana so we are looking for any observations .

I remember a similar hurricane disruption pre-covid on another cruise line where people complained about having to pay extra gratuities for the extra days . The were changed nothing additional except for gratuities and still they complained . 🙄

Thanks eroller . Great review . We got a scary low price for our cruise in 2 weeks on the Nieuw Amsterdam . Given the price, I'm not surprised by cutbacks . Unlike NCL and RCI, it appears CCL continues to drop their pants to fill their ships . Your Flickr pictures are fantastic. I was searching for an image of Lido deck cabanas which we booked . Any info ? Does anyone know if HAL still offers South-East Asian food ? Also how do you receive the free Mariner Cocktail ? Is there a coupon in the cabins ?

I believe there are showers, whirlpool, washrooms specifically for the Retreat area but am not sure if we lowly Lido Cabanners have access .😉

We just booked a cabana only 2 weeks out on the Nieuw Amsterdam . All they had left were the Lido's . Can we use the Retreat facilities ?

We once received an unrequested handicapped cabin when booking a guarantee . It was significantly larger then the same category regular cabin . There was no downside . We loved it .

That was our experience this summer . I told the steward, morning service was just fine . I was then corrected by my DW . Twice a day it was . 😉