DocJohnB

Thanks. I was able to access the link. Answered my question. That is what I was thinking - just hoping it was different. The question was #17. Appreciate the response.

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Did you book the 19 days under one booking number or two? If two, would you not receive your 3 star status on the second segment (your "next" cruise)?

 

Only one booking. Because of the PSA, the FLL to BOS is not a segment.

Just helping the daughter out here a bit. Her and her family are on the Oasis on the 5/21 sailing that stops in San Juan.

Where do the Allure/Harmony/Oasis dock at in San Juan?

Almost missed the long toots. Forgot to turn on the audio.

Addio!

Sure looks pretty, sailing away.

According to the FAQs on the website, one does not attain their next star level until the following cruise. The exception would be Grand Voyages. I'd post a link but the HAL website isn't working for me right now. Maybe it will work for you; here's a link to the link: http://www.hollandamerica.com/marinerSociety/Main.action?WT.ac=pNavLP_AlreadyBooked_bx_MarinerSociety_btn#/17. The question is #16; I can't get at the answer right now.

 

I have read of others who were able to successfully upgrade to the higher level on a Collector's Cruise (B2B) but I wouldn't count on it.

Thanks. I was able to access the link. Answered my question. That is what I was thinking - just hoping it was different. The question was #17. Appreciate the response.

First off, this is not an earth shattering question, but just one of the "I was wondering" kind.

I am booked on a 19 night night cruise from San Diego - Boston. In reality, or at least IMO, it is a segmented cruise as passengers will be embarked/disembarded in San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale and Boston. The cruises have been sold as 1) San Diego - Ft Lauderdale,

2) San Diego - Boston, 3) Ft. Lauderdale - Montreal and 4) Boston - Montreal. Of course, no Ft. Lauderdale - Boston segment.

Now, 11 days into SD - FLL segment, I will reach the 3* Mariner status.

My question is when will I attain that status. When I have to debark/embark in Ft. Lauderdale in order to go through customs as I believe is required, or when they kick me off in Boston because my ticket ends there? :loudcry:

I believe I know the answer to my question, but would like input from those more knowledgeable than me.

Thanks.

Jacqui,

I am sailing (solo) on the Veendam. It is the 19-Day Panama Canal & CNE Coastal Collectors' Voyage. Departing San Diego on 6 Apr 2017, arriving in Boston on 25 Apr. I believe this is my 5th or 6th HAL cruise and 37th overall.

Would you please post. Thank you.

The below was taken from an article regarding Eurodam's accomplishment.

"In 2016 six additional Holland America Line ships previously earned perfect scores, including Eurodam, Koningsdam, ms Maasdam, ms Veendam, ms Noordam and ms Westerdam. The year previously seven ships received 10 perfect scores: Eurodam, Noordam, Veendam, ms Zuiderdam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Ryndam and ms Statendam."

What I find almost as impressive as that accomplishment is the number of 'Dam' ships earning perfect scores. (42% of the fleet in 2016 and 50% in 2015). In addition to Eurodam, the Noordam and Veendam were repeat 'winners'. These speaks directly to HAL's training and leadership.

You've got to love people watching on a cruise!!!

A favorite pastime of mine.:')

Often (maybe even usually) both lanes will be used for ships going in the same direction, and there is no way to predict which lane will be assigned to your ship.

 

Excellent point! On my recent Z cruise on 11/9, I had a port side verandah cabin. Entering the canal, we we facing "in" and indeed had a ship transiting with us. Exiting the canal, we were facing "out" and 'only' had the countryside for a view.

Met John last week on the Zuiderdam. It was only a quick hello type meeting (he is an extremely busy guy on board).

He did mention that he finishes this contract on the Z on 12/21/2016. So he will be ashore for the holidays.

Thanks all! I am really looking forward to this one.

This was posted by a friend to his f/b page today.

"One of the things that happens on almost every cruise we go on is a meet & greet gathering for Cruise Critic (which in an Internet group if you're not familiar with it). Before this I think the largest group I'd ever seen was about 150 members. Today's meeting was the largest ever on Royal Caribbean (& probably on any line) - 725 gathered together. The captain even came which I don't remember ever happening at the ones we've been at before."

This has been known for quite some time and the issue started with Quantum class. You can punch a hole in the card - you just need to know exactly where.

Just thought others (like me) did not, but would like to, know.

Over the years while cruising I have found it convenient to punch a hole in the "room card". However, I received the following from a good friend currently on the HOTS' transatlantic.

WARNING for anyone going on the Harmony of the Seas: DO NOT PUNCH HOLES IN YOUR SEA PASS!!! They contain RFID technology & will NOT work if you do. We found out the hard way when we couldn't get back into our room after doing so. There were a lot of people down at the customer service desk getting new cards this afternoon.

Norris,

Discovered this amazing blog just yesterday while looking thru another blog that you had responded. What caught my eye was the Star Princess link.what a pleasant surprise. I am booked on her for a Hawaiian cruise in November, 2017.

Having never sailed on Princess in over 35 cruises I am trying to gather as much info as possible about Princess in general and the Star in particular. I think I have found the "mother lode" in your musings. Your combination of verbiage and photography/videography is interesting to say the least.

I am only on page 5 of (so far) 15 pages, so, if you will excuse me, I have to get back to some more enjoyable reading/viewing.

John

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Thanks for the fleet report. It is "fun" following along.

As I am currently most interested in the Zuiderdam, I punched in its current location (Saquaney, Quebec) of Google looking for webcams. Behold:!!!!

http://tourisme.saguenay.ca/en/croisieres-internationales/camera

Thanks Scott and Karen. Confused me too!

Dave,

Thanks for taking me along (vicariously) on your voyage! I am enjoying both the discourse and the photography. I look forward to the rest of our voyage. :D

(Now, having nothing to do with your trip, I noticed your C/C moniker and am wondering Navy or Marine?)

I have 30+ cruises under my belt, but have only enjoyed the benefits of "open seating" on the last couple of cruises, including one on HAL. I enjoyed dining off the "regular" menu. My late wife had to have a low sodium diet on her last couple of cruises, but this was in the MDR.

On a just completed cruise (different line) although I was quite conscious of my choices when eating, I gained 7 pounds of recently lost weight. However, after 4 days home, I am back to the weight I started that cruise at. I realized the gain for what it was - the sodium/salt used in food preparation caused "water gain". So the question is:

Can I request (and receive) a special "low sodium" diet in open seating in the MDR? If so, how do I go about arranging this?

Also, what about in specialty dining venues?

My doctor has only recently "suggested" I watch the sodium intake. I DO NOT use table salt and never have.

Thanks for any responses.

Ship Security Officer.

Thanks!!

Now, does anybody know how long he will be aboard on this contract?

I have been away from the HAL boards for awhile, so I am not current on everything that goes on here.

Can someone please tell me just what it is John does while on contract. I sail on the Zuiderdam on 11/9 and if he is still on board will have to look him up.

I think you would be best advised to plan for both, but err on the side of lighter clothes.

I have done this cruise twice, both in early September and later. Additionally, lived in Maine for 8 years. The weather can be quite tricky this time of year. Be prepared for chilly rains AND for pleasant, warm, sunny weather.

Umbrella, warm (but not really) jacket, both slacks/chinos etc. Warm sweaters are essential if going outside the skin of the ship for a stroll.

Don't ANALhaze over it, just be prepared.

MOST IMPORTANTLY - enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. :D

My first civilian cruise was on =X='s Zenith in 1993. Actually ran into her last fall in either Colon, Panama or Cartagena, Columbia (CRS syndrome).

My first cruise ever (well actually sea experience) was on the USNS Upshur in 1961 from Brooklyn to Guantanamo Bay.

Zuiderdam - Panama Canal Sunfarer - 11 days. November 9, 2016. :D