RuthC

Oh, Bruno, I am so sorry to read this news. He was so fortunate to have you, even to his last. I hope you can take comfort in knowing you did your best for him. May you both rest peacefully until you see each other again.

He's a keeper!

Your cabin is on the port side. At least on the Nieuw Statendam, the smoking area is on starboard. I don't see how smoke could both cross over the entire Sea View area, AND drop down one deck to your balcony.

I was picturing the Pinnacle ships when I posted that, as that was the class of the last ship I was on. Of course, you're right---on other classes, musicians don't have to break for an entire set so as not to conflict with another group. However, all else you posted about the procedure in the Westerdam Billboard Onboard still keeps it from being a piano bar, which is certainly my preference. Even if HAL would reintroduce Piano Bars on the remaining R-class ships, that would work for me. And it would leave a choice for HAL patrons.

I was always especially fond of 'Encore', as the music and the costumes were both gorgeous! I only got to see it twice, but could have seen it more times, had it been offered. I used to love 'Copacabana', but that was around a while, and I know others got kind of sick of it. I didn't, but then I only saw it 2-3 times.

I remember Glenn Michael from a stint he did as the musician in the Piano Lounge (it was a lounge on that ship, as opposed to a Piano Bar). He was really, really good in that role. Over the years I have found the requests that some of the musicians have are less spontaneous than formerly, when there were real Piano Bars, and being limited to (usually) the end of the evening, a lot less fun. Then, of course, the musician has to know the songs requested! The people Seattle is hiring these days do not tend to have extensive repertoires.

That's good to hear. However, I am willing to bet that the revamped Billboard Onboard is still doing only sets, with breaks the length of sets in Rolling Stone Rock Room, and that those sets are mainly comprised of songs approved by Seattle. That's still not a Piano Bar. I would love for HAL to return to those intimate rooms of yore, where the musician took his cues from the passengers who were there all night, every night.

A step in the right direction! The former production shows were so much better than the One Step Dance Company that replaced them. Now, if HAL can only return classical music and bring back Piano Bars! That would be wonderful.

I wouldn't plan on it at all. First, the 7:00 AM time is more likely arrival time. The ship still needs to be cleared. The self-disembarking passengers usually leave around 7:30 +/- 15 minutes. Second, the ride up to Anchorage is at least an hour, depending on traffic. If there's an accident, add in a LOT of time. Third, you would need to check in at the tour company, which will also take a little time. I would either stay over an extra day, or plan on doing something else.

Right place at the right time?

A 7-night cruise should have 2 'dressy' nights. You can order as many dishes as you want. But please, if you order them, eat them (unless they are not fit to eat).

Quick correction on your typo (if you don't mind): The current Rotterdam is Rotterdam VII. (I know my Rotterdam's going back to Rotterdam V)

Problem solved. They each get a helper!

There are coffee makers in the Neptune and Pinnacle suites. The rest of us either go to the Lido (which is open 24/7), or call for room service.

Does your father need a wheelchair to board? Would it help him with standing, and sometimes a long walk? If so, he can bring an attendant along to assist him. As in you.

I've never done what you propose in Amsterdam, but I have done it in several other cities. The big difference is that I have stayed near the airport, so getting back there was relatively easy. In Amsterdam, however, you are quite a ride away; I expect you would rather stay in Amsterdam itself, and be a tourist for those two days. The mechanics of returning to the airport are fairly easy. You let HAL think you are arriving that morning, giving your flight number and time, just two days after you actually did arrive. Your taxi will drop you off at departures, and you will have to make your way to arrivals to meet up with the HAL reps. If I were in Amsterdam, sailing from Rotterdam, I would find it easier to hire a car to drive me. Less moving from one transportation to another, and less time needed to accomplish the goal.

They may have cream/half & half, but when requested, I have been served MILK. I know the difference.

I believe the one with the ships listed by name is older. I have several of those, but they were much, much older ships listed, that have not been around in decades. IIRC, the names were replaced with the 'Holland America' so HAL wouldn't have to keep designing/replacing the bags so often. This was in the days when the four S-class, followed by the four R-class were coming out in quick succession.

I would sail her with no hesitation. Category for category, her cabins are larger than each successive newer class of ship. I can comfortably stay in an inside on the R-class ships, while needing to go to a Vista to get decent room on a Pinnacle class. The ship, being smaller, is easier to get around easily; there's no need to pack a snack to go back to your cabin for something you forgot. You will meet the same people over again, as there are fewer passengers than the larger ships, and can get to know them better than on larger ships. The crew gets to know you, what you like and how you like it. No need to keep saying the same thing over and over again just to get your drink the way you like it. Service is excellent. There is plenty of outdoor deck space from which to enjoy the sea. Lots of port days on that itinerary, with fewer people to get off and on the ship. MUCH easier than the larger ships. Just because the Volendam is older than some of the other ships in the fleet does not mean she can't offer a good cruise.

How nice for you that you found a line you like. For some of us, though, sailing Oceania also means putting up with the rest of what sailing on them means. No thanks. Once was enough. I'll find my musical entertainment elsewhere.

Like others who know about cruising and the PVSA, I have no sympathy for the woman. What I don't like is that she published her rant, and people who don't know about cruising, or the law, will feel some sympathy for her. She is misleading people who don't know any better---which amounts to a lie. I can't tolerate lying.

I see most of your other questions have been answered, but didn't see an answer to the question about decaf coffee. Yes, decaf is always available in the Lido. It is also available in the dining room at meals served there. I don't recall I ever ordered it in the specialty restaurants, but can't believe it isn't available. The problem with coffee is getting light cream or half & half to put in it. Even if you ask specifically for one of those, you are likely to just get milk. Ick. So, unless you want milk in your coffee, be very specific about asking. Or, drink it black.

Which is funny, since Greenland is actually on the North American continent, so it isn't exactly by 'different continent', either. Iceland is on both the North American and European continents. 'Distant' is what the government decides it is.

'Bigger' isn't necessarily 'better' when it comes to how smooth the sailing is. It can depend on the cut of the hull, the wind direction, and the direction of the sea movement. To some extent, the larger ships, if at the wrong angle to the wind, can act as sails by catching the wind and rolling more than the smaller ships do.

Actually, it has to do with 'by definition'. The government makes rules, then defines the terms used in the rules. Those terms don't always have to make sense. I worked for the government long enough to learn how to just go with the flow. Fewer headaches that way.