CoronaCRZR

Westom, Your explanation below seems to suggest that a surge protector is not really required.

Most all laptops, cameras & cellphone chargers are all switching power supplies, which consider input voltages of 85 - 265 (as you noted below)

If the ship never gives out 330V, then what causes the laptops to break?

If a protector caused a ground fault detector to trip, then the protector was probably on a path of self destruction. That, in some rare cases, can cause a fire.

 

If lights are changing intensity, then voltage is changing by as much as ten or twenty volts. Meanwhile 120 volt appliances such as laptops and mobile phone chargers consider all voltages from 85 to 265 volts as ideal. IOW those near zero voltage changes that cause light intensity changes are near zero. Ideal for all portable appliances.

 

What does a protector do? It ignores all voltages less than 330 volts. Of course, readers want confirmation. That let-through voltage numbers should be printed on every box. Unfortunately most who recommend a protector also ignore that number. It means a protector does nothing until voltages exceed 330 volts. How often does that happen? On a ship - never.

 

Unfortunately some observe an appliance failure. Then immediately assume it was a surge.

 

Many simply convert hearsay into a fact. Instead, demand numbers. Significant intensity changes in light bulbs means 120 volts may have increased to 130 volts. That is well below what all portable appliances call ideal (less than 265 volts). Protectors completely ignore that trivial voltage variations. A protector only leaks so much current as to trip a GF detector when it is failing; may even become a potential human safety threat.

 

That confiscated protector is best disposed of as defective.

Looking forward to the daily updates.

Bon Voyage !!

Dave, thanks for a GREAT review. Somehow the HAL board does not have enough picture reviews.

Wonderfull job !!

Ted

I believe that they are a Dutch meatball but to me they don't taste that way. The have a gooey inside and they taste like melted cheese to me. I'm not doing them justice. They are fried. Sooooo yummy. I'm not a meatball fan so I was surprised to hear that is what they were.

Bitterballen are not like traditional meatballs. Here is a description from Wikipedia:

Bitterballen (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈbɪtərbɑlə(n)]) (plural of bitterbal) are a savoury Dutch meat-based snack, typically containing a mixture of beef or veal (minced or chopped), beef broth, butter, flour for thickening, parsley, salt and pepper, resulting in a thick ragout. Most recipes include nutmeg and there are also variations utilising curry powder or that add in finely chopped vegetables such as carrot. The ingredients are combined and cooked, then refrigerated for the mixture to firm up. Once firm, the filling is rolled into balls roughly 3 to 4 cm in diameter, then battered in a breadcrumb and egg mixture and deep-fried. They are typically served with a ramekin or small bowl of mustard for dipping. They are eaten in Suriname, the Netherlands Antilles, the Netherlands, Belgium, to some degree in Indonesia, and hardly anywhere else. The very similar but spicy cutlets of Sri Lanka can also be made with fish instead of meat.

Bitterballen are very similar to kroketten (plural of kroket) in their ingredients and preparation/cooking methods, as well as flavour, though the larger kroketten have a distinct oblong sausage shape, but with a similar diameter. The bitterbal derives its name from a generic word for certain types of herb-flavoured alcoholic beverages, called a bitter in Dutch, and are popularly served as part of a bittergarnituur, a selection of savoury snacks to go with drinks, at pubs or at receptions in the Netherlands.

Ted

Dave, wonderfull review and beautiful pics.

I will have to put this trip on my bucket list of cruises.

Can't wait to see more.

Thank you for taking the time to do this.

Ted

Dave, great pictures !!

As far as I am concerned there are not enough pictures reviews on the HAL board, so I am very anxious to read more from you.

Thank you for taking the time.

They did not do the full turn at the glacier for us either. This was our 4th Alaskan cruise and they have everyother time. I kept waiting for him to turn the other direction but instead we left.:confused:

Yeah, now that is bothering me.... I was always under the impression they would 360 the boat. Do you know what side got the best view, and which one did not?

Guess I need to speak to cappy before we get there and set him straight....lol:D

Ted

WoW, Jen a really great review. Loved it esspecially since we are boarding this trip next week. Got me all pumped up...

Do you know if Bowzer was only there for your week or is he signed for a number of weeks?

Ted

Jen, where are you dining in this picture?

To me that appears to be the new Samba Grill.

I just double checked the cruise compass....for some reason on ours it was Skagway, not Hubbard....maybe they change?

I think the difference is the fact that Jun10 was Northbound and June 17 was Southbound, and they would have different days...

Ted

Jen, thanks for the detailed review along with pics. It helps visualize how our upcoming trip (July 8) on Radiance may feel and look.

It is our first Alaskan cruise, and by your words it sounds like one we will remember for quite some time.

Can't wait to see and read more.

Ted