CoronaCRZR

Perhaps your DH has blacklisted the HAL website........:)

Yes, sailed on that Veendam , in 1988 when it sailed as the Bermuda Star when they did the Mexican run, I think it was Admiral cruise line.

What was funny was that some of the signs around the ship still had the HAL logo's etc.

Thanks for sharing.

Age of the fleet is becoming a problem for HAL.

The average useful lifespan of cruise ships is approx. 25 years.

With Prinsendam at 26, and a number of other HAL ships approaching that age, I feel HAL will need to do something.

Better maintenance will be needed to keep the ships in top form. Unfortunately HAL may need to increase pricing in order to do this...

Seems like she is doing approx. 10 knots.....going North again, hope they got her fixed.

Sheila,

Try this link: http://www.vesselfinder.com/?mmsi=244958000

...anyone know the website where one can check marine traffic?

That is one stubborn bug.... we also were on the cruise right before yours, and were in code red from day 3 on.

With all of the cleaning the crew did each day and the deep cleaning when we departed, I thought the bug was gone.

We did not have any stomach problems and had a great cruise.

Hope you'll have a nice time remaining in Ensenada tomorrow.

I assume you will need to put your credit card down to cover any expenses when onboard. If you already have $420 of OBC (On board Credit) then if/when you reach past this 420, the credit card may be charged at the end of the cruise, or you have the option to cash out your account the night before the cruise ends at the pursers desk.

If a credit card is used from the get go, HAL will not ask you to add more to your 420.

Ted

So...the expenditures I make during the cruise (wine, misc. tips, etc) will atomatically be deducted from the $420? If I exceed that amount at anytime during the week, will HAL ask me to add $$ to my acct?

We were on the Star 2 weeks ago when the Noro virus reared its ugly head.

I do feel that some of the measures are somewhat ridiculous, as they do not allow you to touch anything from the buffet, but then when I sat down with my plate, the server comes over to bring coffee, utensils etc. not wearing any gloves and touching all kinds of surfaces in the process?? And yes what about handling menus??

Also did not like the food having to be salted by the server as that is a very tricky thing to do for anyone else.

When a ship's Noro infestation reaches over 2% of the population of the ship the captain HAS to report this to the CDC.

The CDC then tells the captain what measures to take to combat this, and is at the mercy of the CDC until it has below the 2% (this according to the captain)

On the Star this happened about the 3rd day into our 15 day cruise and we had the Code Red going for the remainder of the cruise.:mad:

What a great review.

We have not been on them, but looks to be the line of choice on our next venture.

I appreciate the various notes and comparisons.

I personally feel that people who exclusively sail with HAL, are missing out on other beautiful ships and cruises available.

I think that HAL is becoming the line with the oldest fleet and many internal mechanical problems on many of their ships.

Was on the Star. Getting off was well organized and went smooth.

Yes I am. Latest count on Noro was 2.8%

We just docked in Ensenada.

Yes, the crew has been serving for the last week and a half.

This in an effort to minimize the Noro outbreak.

Cruise will be over tomorrow and they are scheduling a major cleaning.

I assume there will be some delay boarding for the next pax.

Captain: Todd McBain

He did a nice job yesterday explaining the moon eclipse and where to look.

We got a nice view between the clouds.

Name of Captain please. Thanks

Pam, you are correct that food is very subjective, and like I said these are my observations. And yes they will modify some of the dishes if requested.

Thank you for your perspective. Food is very subjective so what one person considers mediocre, another absolutely loves. The really nice thing about Princess is that if you find the dinner food so-so, just ask for a modification or pre-order something else. Want Béarnaise sauce with your steak? Just ask. Prefer a loaded baked potato? Just ask. Want steamed vegetables? Just ask. There's no reason to "suffer" if the food is not prepared to your taste.

Yes they have another couple taking place of Elua, although they seem to have escaped me as I have not seen too much Hawaiian music around the ship. There are still Ukulele lessons, but as I do not participate I can't comment on them

Hello Ted, My question is Princess still doing a Hawaiian Themed Program? Like teaching Ukulele and Hula dancing classes and if you have the names of the teachers? Is there Lei making and lectures about Hawaii? I understand that Elua, the Hawaiian couple is now on Diamond Princess. Thank, for any information you can provide. Sorry to hear about Noro situation. Two years ago doing the Alaska Cruise we had Noro the whole 10 days, going and coming. Mahalo, Stan

We are currently on the Princess Star. 15 Day Cruise RT LA- Hawaii.

Got a few extra minutes on the WIFI plan, so I thought I would put down some of our thoughts

regarding this cruise. Please keep in mind these are my opinions/observations and most likely will vary from yours.

Got on Apr 4 and embarkation was a bit slow, were at the terminal at 11:30AM, and were on the ship by 1:30PM

The Star was built in 2002 and eventhough well kept up and maintained, is showing her age.

We are in a mini-suite on Deck 8 with covered balcony. The room is excellent.

The first 4 days were sea days, which the wife and I were a bit afraid of in terms of making sure there was enough to do,

but turns out we really like the sea days as it is very good to completely relax and you do not need to worry to get ready to get off for some excursion.

We heard a lot about cruise director David Cole, but he left the Star before the last cruise and this cruise is directed by Marahscalh Stanton. We are not impressed with him.

After day 2 in the cruise the captain informed us that there appears to be an outbreak of Noro virus on board, and he instituted no more self service in the restaurants as well

as removing any fruits from your drinks (i.e. no more lime in your vodka tonic etc.)

Although I understand the efforts to minimize the spread of the virus, I find it hard to understand the servers in the Horizon Court wearing gloves when the servers serving your coffee and drinks are not?

Again I get the efforts, but feel it does not very much to minimize the spread IMO.

We are at day 11 and this is still going on with approx 2% reported cases.

We have breakfast most mornings in the Horizon court. Each day there is the exact same food items. Sure would have been nice to change it up a bit on a 15 day cruise.

The dinning room food we find so so, quality on par with your local Applebees, with the fish entrees pretty good, but the beef entrees are low quality.

Do like the International Cafe as they always have something good to nibble on.

I have spoken to several other passengers on this cruise, and we all came up with the same conclusion that the staff appears to be tired.

This has been my first cruise where most crew/staff does not say hi or good morning, with the exception of the room service staff, few have a smile on their face.

Perhaps due to the increased workload due to Noro Virus efforts?

Hawaii was great, with perfect weather and beautiful ports, enjoyed our time there.

Today the seas are pretty rough, with overcast skies and good size whitecaps. We do not suffer from seasickness, but have a hard time walking around due to the motion

of the ship.

Let me know if anyone has a question regarding the Star as I may check back in before we get to Ensenada.

Ted

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Much appreciated!

I will now tell the wife she does not have to worry about any laundry during her vacation:D

Ted

We will be boarding the Star tomorrow for a 15 day Hawaii cruise.

I understand there is self serve laundry available, but does Princess offer Laundry services done by the staff we can use for guests not having any Elite perk status?

If so do you know what costs are.

Ted

Where is Tim?

Looks like they closed his (long....) post.

I know he still had more to say...

Good deal Tim.

Sounds like we should be hearing about another little cruise report from your Dec 1 trip on Golden !!:D

Ted

I have no problem with the size!

I just hope they spend some time & Dollars on the infrastructure A/C, bathrooms etc. so they will work flawlessly for many years to come.

Ted

Jeff's ability to post pics and his blog from the ship appear to be a highlight of his time on the ship.

I hope these problems are only related to installation issues and will be fixed soon.

If not, HAL and possibly other ships under the Carnival brand will have serious problems.

We live in a time where taking away one's internet is no longer allowed.

AS Jeff is stating on his World Voyage blog, HAL has installed a new internet provider on the Amsterdam by Harris Corp.

Jeff has been ranting about the slow or non-existing internet since he boarded and is NOT a happy camper.

I understand that Carnival has signed a new deal with Harris to provide satellite service to some 100 ships.

I hope someone in charge is listening and fixing problems.

Ted

Tim, no need to try and explain the how & why you wrote the way you did.

It is your story and keep it coming. !!!

Ted

Leo, I noticed you are in cabin E725.

How is the noise from the aft thrusters when docking in the mornings.

We are in E725 on an upcoming Star trip and just wondering how the noise is as well as the rolling motion in the back of the ship?