JimnKaren

For a short cruise (7 days), the port is OK. For a longer cruise (10+ days), you will find a better price at Park n Go. Pre-pay and it is very reasonable. Easy in and easy out.

 

https://www.bookparkngo.com/ftlauderdale.php

 

Jim

We sailed on a Friday. Not nearly as busy as the Saturday and Sunday crowds, but they were busy. No self-park available due to the volume of cars; I pre-paid and they did the valet thing. As mentioned previously, it was easy upon return. He pulled up got the bags off and another employee moved a couple of cars to make it easy to leave.

 

We did the early, self-debarkation and we were out of the lot by 8:20 a.m. Wow!

 

Jim

BIG difference in the Lido between mid-day and evening meals. It is particularly crowded on port days as the MDR is not open for mid-day meal. And, yeah, trying to find someone to help you carry is often difficult.

 

However, the evening meal is much less crowded and there always seem to be enough staff to assist with getting food to a table. On a couple of cruises this year, we noticed that staff from Pinnacle were helping in the Lido as they did not have many dining in the Pinnacle.

 

My suggestion for those with difficulties getting food to the table is to make yourself known. Although the person in charge of Canaletto keeps things moving there, the position also has overall responsibility for the Lido area. Often you will see that Canaletto person working the room both day and evening.

 

Jim

I concur with the opinion that many of those lists on the Web are not appropriate for what we need on a cruise. One has to consider the number ports and the weather that you might encounter. Several sea days will have you needing different items than one of the port-intensive itineraries.

 

Our list in a Word Doc on the computer and it can be changed as necessary. The only thing that we almost always forget (even though it is on the list) is our binoculars!

 

Jim

We enjoy wine on our cruises and have always found good values with one of their wine packages. Both the navigator or admiral have some decent wines. The package price brings down the cost considerably on a per bottle basis. Even better when you get to 4-star, half price!

 

Jim

After several bad service issues on various HAL ships, we almost always eat our meals in the Lido. After a few times through the line, the staff working the line seem to know you and will greet you by name - especially on the longer cruises.

 

Yes, you can sit 2 at a table, or just for the fun of it, ask another table if you can join them. The conversation is similar to what you would expect in the MDR. I never wear shorts in the evening, but I have seen others who do. You will also find many of staff dining in the Lido in the evening.

 

In a hurry? You can be in and out in short order. Or, you can linger. Take just one course at a time as you would in the MDR. You don't have to take everything in one trip! You can even begin with that last course (dessert?) and go from there. You are on a cruise - what the heck!

 

Jim

With the laundry package it cuts down on the amount of clothes one needs to have on board. We drove from our home in central Illinois, taking our time, 3 nights/4 days. That was the maximum amount of clothes. We had laundry done on embarkation day. We had them do laundry on the last day and we were ready to go with all but one day's clothes being clean.

 

They do a wonderful job in the laundry. You want them folded? You got it. You want them on hangers? You got it. I never saw a need for starch, they are ironed in the laundry and there was no need for anything further.

 

Spa packages are not fixed. They are determined on board for each itinerary. You will need to ask at their reception desk to find out all the correct information.

 

Jim

I am guessing that you will be Oosterdam. If that is the case, then keep in mind that your stop in Martinique is on a Sunday. Most stores will be closed. Not much going on throughout the island even though there will be your ship in port. There are limited excursions, either through HAL or independent providers on shore.

The craft shops near the pier will be open, but not much going on in the city itself.

Have fun.

Jim

We have eaten there on Ryndam, Maasdam, Zuiderdam and, most recently Oosterdam.

 

The partitions are not waist high, one would have to be extremely tall to see other parts of the Lido.

 

While waiting one evening about a month ago, we did not sit in the chairs adjacent to the Canaletto, but sat in the open Lido portion. I watched them prepare the Canaletto meals in an area that is often used for the Asian cuisine during the day. Two workers were doing their jobs efficiently. I did see one waiter (out of 4, plus a wine steward) speak with one of the prep people indicating something special on the order pad. Special requests can be accommodated.

 

On the Ryndam and Maasdam there were very few diners in the Canaletto; unlike the Oosterdam where reservations were absolutely necessary. On the smaller ships, we just walked up and were seated immediately. On our 42-day Atlantic Adventurer, we ate there several times and the staff did get to know us. There was a different menu on that long cruise and they admitted that it was only offered on the extended itineraries.

 

The blue and pink cotton candy was discontinued several years ago, darn it. Good to have straight sugar at the end of the meal.

 

For those who are 3-star, the cost is not $10, but $7.50; for 4-star, the cost is only $5. Yeah, we have eaten there many times and have had the same items several times. Some recent experiences in the MDR have resulted in poor service (different ships) to the point that we quit that venue completely.

 

We like Canaletto. I have often stated that I was not born the right way, I should have been born Italian!

 

Jim

We enjoyed the Atlantic Adventurer in 2013 and have signed up for 2016.

Thanks for posting and allowing us to relive.

 

Jim

Spain Day Tours was our go-to company. Check out their Web site.

 

Jim

HOHO is the best way to see all kinds of things. We particularly enjoyed the old town area.

Great cathedral in Palma. You will see it as you near the place where you tie up. There is a shuttle that will take you near the cathedral. Once there, you can wander the side streets, stop at a cafe for a glass of wine. Many areas of the city are convenient.

 

Valdemossa is a short ride from town. A walkable town that has a lot of history and will be a bit cooler as it is higher up a hill.

Murcia has a cathedral that is worth some time. The area in front of the building has several restaurants where you can get some hot chocolate (gotta have that, even if the weather is hot). I did some walking in Murcia after visiting the cathedral and enjoyed the architecture.

 

I tried to upload some pix, but this thing (again) would not allow me to do that.

 

Jim

We did the sub several years ago. Here is a pic of folks as they came up.

We were on Maasdam in the fall of 2013 with the 42-day Atlantic Adventurer. The port is a large area where a lot of containers are loaded/unloaded.

 

Where we tied up, was a bit of a walk to the area where taxis were allowed. If we had booked an excursion with HAL, the big buses were right at the end of the gangway. Our CC group had booked an independent excursion and the tour operator was not allowed onto the pier to pick us up, we walked to the main gate. It took us more than 15 minutes to get there! One couple quit the hike and returned to the ship! What got me, was that the tour operator was allowed onto the pier to drop us off after the trip.

 

If you get the opportunity to see that huge Mosque, do it. It is an amazing structure.

 

Jim

We did this in 2013. You might meet up with Bert and Renee from Florida. If you do, pass along our good wishes.

 

Jim (of Jim and Karen)

We were on Ryndam this year when JazzSea was there. I believe that Karen would agree with me that half of those with that group were quite rude. It appeared to us that they believed they were running things. Talking with a few of them, they used to have enough to charter the ship so that there was no conflict. However, their numbers are dwindling and they just cannot do more than half of the passengers.

 

We enjoy their kind of music, but early on we were asked to leave the Ocean Bar as we did not have IDs that indicated we were with the group. I put up a stink at the front office and it changed overnight.

 

If I had options, I would not be on board with that group due to their collective attitude. When we booked, we knew about it, but since we enjoy that music we went ahead. The music was fun, but the people with that group left a lot to be desired.

 

Jim

Our last B2B was this past winter. We were required to attend the second drill. Princess still keeps people inside and on a B2B, no need to do it twice.

 

With Princess, your key card is scanned. On HAL they call out cabin numbers and/or names. Standing outside while they are still loading things can create more noise and it is more difficult to hear.

 

My biggest complaint is that it takes way too long. For new cruisers, it might be appropriate, but for us, there is nothing new to learn. It is on the TV in your cabin and on the back of your cabin door. To me (and please don't flame me), it is not necessary to take 20 - 25 minutes!

 

Jim

A cruise inspired us to retire. I found the cruise, 28 days on HAL San Diego round trip to Hawaii and French Polynesia. Booked it!

Wait a minute, do I want to go back to work after 28 days? Nope! I had a great job and I told all of my co-workers that I had the best job in the building. But, the thought of returning after a 28 day cruise made the decision easy. We took our cruise in February, 2013 and since the end of that cruise we have completed 109 days on cruises.

I sort of miss that job, but the ability to cruise is good, too.

 

Jim

I agree with the sailing ships. It might seem expensive for the actual time on the water, but it was a great experience. Both of us got involved, I believe that added to the experience. You really are racing against another craft.

 

Jim

Our first cruise on Maasdam was in 2013, 42-day Atlantic Explorer. Great staff and wonderful cruisers. We have also been on Ryndam and Statendam, all the perfect size for us. It is too bad the Ryndam and Statendam are leaving HAL service.

 

Next up for us is Oosterdam in October.

 

Jim

What was fun on the day we crossed the dateline on Statendam 2/13, were the floor mats in the elevators. Since we crossed during daylight, they were all wrong by afternoon. Then coming back it was similar.

 

Off topic a bit: when I was in the service (1969) we flew from Northern California on our way to Hawaii. Everyone off so they could refuel. Onward to Guam, everyone off so they could refuel. Onward to the Philippines, that was my destination. I had zero idea what the date was or the time. All I can recall was that it was dark. We bused to a place to sleep and they woke us about 3 hours later. I still did not know the day of the week, I was zonked.

 

Jim

See? Good thing can happen from a big corporation!

 

If possible, sent a thank you note to the office of the boss-guy. It will filter down to her.

 

Jim

I am somewhat lazy and have not read any of the posts. However, my contribution is to put money into my on-board account. Next up is Rydam in January.

 

Jim