Fred321

Don't expect HAL to build or purchase small ships in the future. CEO was quite clear that wasn't in his plans on last year's world cruise and this year's Australia/NZ. Completely understand the decision simply saying what I will do. We have over 1000 actual sea days on HAL and enjoy the service and the experience but at some point if the product changes enough we'll change our actions as well. Right now we are lucky enough to be able to choose what fits us best.

Not sure what you meant to say in the last sentence but I agree with your overall opinion of the new builds. We have had multiple trips the Koningsdam and the new Rotterdam and will not be going back to any of them, MDR experience is terrible whether you are in anytime or fixed. The dining room is a madhouse with the waiters running back and forth way too much and the room extremely noisy. No chance to have a quiet conversation. Staterooms seem to have no soundproofing. Have been in a number of Vista suites and can always hear the TV next door and sometimes even the conversations. Just got off the Volendam in an Ocean View room for 94 days and it was great. Lots of room to sit and read, they haven't ruined the Crows Nest by trying to turn it into a multipurpose room. Just a nice relaxed feeling around the ship. Vista class is the largest HAL ship we would consider but would always opt for the R class if available.

Sounds like exactly what we do. If you are already comfortable with that then doing it at this stop should work out great. Have fun.

Have been there at least 4 or 5 times. Have rented a car once from the office on the pier ( should probably be able to drive a standard transmission as they are the most common available) Roads are good and easy to get around. Two other times we simply picked a driver from the guys on the way out of the terminal for a day trip around the island. Both trips were great. Had a nice Mercedes sedan all to ourselves with very friendly and knowledgable drivers. Just make sure that they really speak English before saying yes. Almost all of them do. In all three cases the cost for the two of us was cheaper than an excursion from the ship and didn't include a 40 person bus. Also don't need to worry about not making the stop and getting a refund and you get to decide where to go and how long to stay there. The island is beautiful so getting out of town is a good idea.

That's exactly what they are offering and I understand that they are to be aboard the Volendam until it reaches Montreal, well after the end of the Grand Voyage. One of the many nice surprises on this voyage. Have the distinct impression that HAL is listening and doing what they can within the financial straits the industry is experiencing.

On this year's Grand Australia/New Zealand they have a trio (piano, cello and Violin) that are outstanding. They do 3 shows a day using programs that they put together which are much better than the limited offerings that Lincoln Center had available. Their skill level is very high. All in all at least these 3 are an improvement from the Lincoln Center program. My understanding is that on the longer itineraries or in certain locales they are bringing back classical offerings. Just not Lincoln Center branded.

Have a great trip guys. We'll miss seeing you although after reading your first report we're glad that we skipped this one and are doing the Australia, New Zealand one instead. At least the last time I looked no one shooting at each other in that neck of the woods. You never know though. Say hi to Presti, Twinkle, Edward and the gang for us. Stay well and hope to see you again soon. Rich and Peg.

Could you ask them how many passengers they expect to have for the Grand? Thanks.

Thanks very much for your postings. We are joining you for the grand Aus. and NZ in a few days and are very encouraged by the music offerings especially after last year's world cruise. Almost sounds like the "old days". Nice to see that HAL's management listened to the feedback they got last year. Happy Holidays.

Opened on the World Cruise this year. Not as extensive as the R class ships and not as many chairs or tables available but it has multiple copies of newer books. Not the best library around but it is better than none at all and they have a section for exchanges among passengers.

Thanks for posting. We usually sail HAL but enjoyed our two trips on the Constellation out of Tampa. (We only live 40 minutes away so nice and easy compared with FLL. Will be following along as we have neighbors (Retired Dude) on board with you.

Zuiderdam still has a dance floor in the Ocean Bar. At least at the beginning of this year.

Suggest you stay in Beaulieu Sur Mer or Villefranche Sur Mer instead of Nice. Both are wonderful little Riviera towns within easy reach of Nice. Can use bus or train to get back and forth within about 15 minutes. Also easy to jump on the train for a quick trip to Monte Carlo. The Reserve in Beaulieu is very high end as is the Hotel Riviera. For something a little different the Hotel Welcome in Villefranche is great. Not as fancy but great location and wonderful staff.

If you feel like someone is looking over your shoulder it's only us. As usual, we are enjoying your posts but even more so since we'll be on Volendam in a couple of months for the Grand Aus. and N/Z which also has many of the same stops you guys are having. Trying to take good notes. Glad you enjoyed your lunch today. That's a lot of pressure giving you two a restaurant recommendation. We also remember the two of you walking by as we were enjoying lunch there. Stay well, sorry we won't see you in the near future but hope we can reconnect soon. Rich and Peg

Getting off Rotterdam after this fall's TA had to line up and do face to face customs and immigration. No Global Entry although it would have made re-entry a lot easier.