Huskerchick

We had the option on our NS cruise last December and the Rotterdam cruise we did a few weeks ago

Looks like a great itinerary. Have a wonderful time.

Happy Birthday Holland America. Thank you for the memories

Bon Voyage to all of you

B had the Sand Castle and I had the Bees Knees (on the right) and they were both very tasty.

Sadly I have pictures of our drinks from the Half Moon Bar but not the bar area itself

We are just off the Rotterdam and had a fantastic time. We found the food to be excellent. BB King and the Rolling Stone Rock Lounge were packed each evening. Not big show people but did see Island Magic for both of their performances and they were amazing. We have sailed HAL almost exclusively since mid 90's and while things have changed some of those changes have been for the better and some not but nothing travel related has stayed the same. You can't stay at a hotel without an added service charge and eating out has become expensive regardless of the restaurant choice. And have you booked airfare recently.

We have done CO on our last two cruises and actually like the room on the Rotterdam the best. I think the trick to managing your experience is to remember if you want something ask. I saw a woman this morning get very frustrated because the waiters were walking by either dropping food items off or they were taking orders. I didn't understand why she didn't just say excuse me but could I get x, y or z. These guys are good but they are not mind readers. Sorry I digress. Our food was always served warm and exactly what we ordered. I will say there was a food temp issue in of all places the pinnicle grill but that is for another post. I love the cabana area and yes it can get warm up there but generally there is some air movement and if you get warm your cabana itself is generally shaded and cooler. Im a bake in my own juices kinda girl but B prefers the shade so it works for us.

Poohby Joe enjoying his fairwell to vacation champagne. He's a bear and little so I only ever let him have one glass 😏

It's a beautiful day here at Half Moon Cay and one of my favorites. We are in port today with the NS but when we went over about 10 there were still plenty of chairs

I'm happy to report that the PG was able to hook me up with escargot last night from the MDR which was tasty. B will post pictures later but it was a nice meal not one of our best but it was good

I have a vast collection of pooh bears and they all have names and stories as to how they came to be. My first one probably from 1970ish is old pooh bear and my grandmother bought him for me on our first trip to Disney Land. I had a thing for the color red and he spoke to me and it was love at first sight 😂 I then have winter pooh bear that my late FIL bought for me and then there is big Pooh bear that I got as a gift and then along came poohby Joe. His name just sort of popped out and it stuck. He is the only one that gets to leave the house

Agreed the new amenities have been a bit hit and miss. They always offer breakfast and coffee on the days we have gone to the cabana early in the morning. The fruit skewers have shown up regularly but the geloto has never been offered. Now in fairness you could ask and they are happy to bring the items. In an effort to make sure my clothes fit by the end of the cruise I'm not a big snacker but some times the bear and I want a little nosh 😋

Betty I think it's a typo but you are correct if people don't catch it and order they may get the wrong drink 😳

The dumplings are Pork and we're very tasty. As for non fish items there is a tenderloin similar to the one served in Tamarind, a chicken dish and a vegetarian curry