legalslave

We stayed at Delta Suites one night pre cruise this past May. We really enjoyed our stay there. We paid the upgrade for use of the club room. Enjoyed having the snacks and free soft drinks at 5:00 and continental breakfast in the morning before heading to the port. We took the Sky Train from the airport and it was only a total 2 block walk from the Sky Train to the hotel. We also walked to Canada Place in the morning. Have not stayed at the Marriott so I can't comment on that. It was nice having the bedroom separate from the living room. Service was great and we would stay there again.

Diane

Enjoy your lattes and your cruise.:)

Thank you!

Diane

Roger, can you tell me what time early seating is on the upper level for dinner?

Diane

In regards to the Tamarind, I have a few questions that hopefully someone can answer.

1) What is the cost per person for dinner?

2) Is it like the Pinnacle Grill, as in ordering? I am sure they allow only one entrée per person but can you get more than one appetizer? Are you allowed more than 1 soup?

3) Can you order as much sushi, sashimi and futomaki (rolls) as you want? If not, what is the limit?

This will be our first time eating there and I don't want to give my husband any misinformation.

Diane

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions. I did purchase my Hershey's Caramel syrup here in Arizona. I put it in a Ziploc bag, then put it in another Ziploc bag and have put it in my checked luggage. Gotta have my caramel lattes while I sit and watch the beautiful scenery when cruising the Inside Passage.

Diane

Checked bag - and double bag it because of the depressurization. I'd pierce the foam inner seal and squeeze out the air to allow room for expansion.

 

My big question though is, "Why?" Gooey, creamy deliciousness? Inquiring minds want to know. :)

I love the lattes from the Neptune. I squeeze some caramel syrup in the bottom of my HAL mug, then fill it with the latte from the machine. Yummy! It's a weight gainer but part of my cruise enjoyment.

Diane

I think the PB looks like plastique explosives on the scanners. I am surprised after hand inspection they didn't allow it though if less than 3.4 oz.

 

The key lime pie should have been allowed through. I think the TSA agent probably wanted to eat the pie....didn't expect you to finish it before you went through!

 

The TSA page for foods: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/prohibited-items

Thanks much for the link!

Diane

The rules are the same for all air lines flying out of the US -- 3 ounces.

 

Do you have time to shop when you get to Vancouver?

I do have time but is there a place near the intersection of W Hastings & Seymour?

Diane

Thanks much for the quick replies and answers!

Diane

I wasn't sure where to ask this question so I picked my favorite Holland America boards. We are sailing out of Vancouver this weekend. Does anyone know if I can take Hershey's Carmel Syrup in my carry on bag on Alaska Airlines from Phoenix to Vancouver B.C.? It will not have ever been opened and still has the plastic seal on it.

Diane

Le Cirque is on Thursday evening.

 

Captain: Bas von Dreumel

CD: Hamisch

HM: Simon Tanner

The only one I am sure I have cruised with is Hamisch and I really liked him. Was he the CD on our Noordam cruise last year?

Diane

There is an extra $45 charge for the nearly 4" thick steak but according our waiter Clifford, it would cost more than $100 at a decent steak house.

 

I will be scanning the new PG menu tomorrow and have it posted this week while in an Alaska port where I can use my phone for a fast internet connection.

That is one huge piece of meat! Don't think even Mike could eat all of that but ya never know if he will decide to try it or not! I hate the boarding process in Vancouver. Lines that don't move for a very long time. I just have to keep thinking when I'm in it that all will be fine once we are through it. Is Le Cirque still on Wednesday?

Can you tell us who the Captain, HM and CD are?

Diane

I can confirm that all of the above items are on the PG menu. The 36-oz President's cut ribeye is a new addition and seems to be a big seller according to Clifford with over 100 since FLL being consumed by both large and small passengers.

 

Since uploading files is a real pain with the unpredictable internet disconnects, please send Joanie your email address and I will email the menu as soon as I have it.

 

Pizza is all thin crust.

Is there an extra charge for the 36 oz Ribeye? Mike always orders the ribeye. Joanie didn't get the last email I sent her so I may have a wrong email address for her. Mine is legalslaveatnebdotrrdotcom. I'm fairly sure you understand the words at and dot are replaced with the symbols.

Thank you so much for the PG report that everything I love is still in the menu.

See you 1 week from today!

Diane

Our day in Seattle began in clouds and a deep chill that waned to produce nice sunshine and probably our last warm day for a while. We found two large pool towels on our Deck 5 verandah this AM and wonder how many others floated out to sea overnight.

 

The Lido Market was a bit less crowded for 9:00 AM breakfast with a number of passengers already disembarked. Table hogs were still very glued to their books with dirty dishes still present in front of them. Breakfast tables are set with dinnerware in folded napkins, coffee cups, and large glasses that makes every table appear to be occupied. I learned that salsa does not well with salmon omelets. Cartons of milk in the “Sweet Spot” (formerly “Dessert”) was marked with expiration dates in November 2017.

 

Joanie continues to rave about the custom pizza offerings available at the Slice on the aft Lido deck.

 

As reported earlier, there were many visitors with “V” badges wandering the ship with a Private Party sign closing the Crow’s Nest for them. HAL headquarters must have given their employees the day off to see the Nieuw Amsterdam. Due to local regulations, the Shops have been closed since just before stopping in Victoria on Thursday AM and will not be reopened until we depart Vancouver on Saturday.

 

In the brief time between the disembarking and embarking passengers, I was able to take shipboard photographs for my Nieuw Amsterdam review. I did watch the setup of a Cirque de Solei-type show on the Vista Showroom.

 

It must be noted that my request for skewered shrimp and chicken wings, instead of just hot or cold appetizers, has not been a problem. My request to see the appetizer list in the Neptune Lounge has left them scrambling to find one. My conclusion is that you can request almost anything and still have a chance to get it.

 

No Safety Drill for returning passengers today and also tomorrow in Vancouver.

 

Laundry turned in before dinner is returned just after noon the next day. Our Room Steward continues to meet our every request and possesses a sixth sense of when we are out of our room.

 

Dinner was in the Pinnacle Grill with Clifford as the waiter. The Jidori Chicken with porcini mushrooms and quinoa was both succulent and flavorful. My sides came in bowls instead of the normal flat plates. The chocolate treats at meals end were on a two-layered tray versus the old three-layered one and only had two pieces of chocolate.As stated on an earlier post, I have the cabana price list, Wine Packages brochure, Lido Market Breakfast menu, and promise of the HAL Kids’ activities to share with those who will follow.

 

Lots of luggage in the hallway and none of it is ours.

 

More tomorrow from Vancouver.

Thanks much Roger for keeping us in the loop. You said Clifford was your waiter so that should answer Frank's question. I hope the Pinnacle Grill menu still has Steak Tartare, Lobster Bisque, Shrimp Cocktail and Lamb Chops! Can't wait to see what the Wednesday night MDR menu will be. No rush but can you post it right away???? We are leaving extremely early Friday morning the 6th on a flight to Vancouver. Tell Joanie this may be the first time ever I try pizza on a cruise since she raves about it. I like thin crust. Can't wait to see you guys in a week!

Diane

I LOVED the chocolate ball and the chocolate purse. I'm so jealous! :D

Marcia, if I am lucky enough to have one or both of these, I promise I won't tell you! It would be too difficult for you to bear. Seriously, we have to try and find a time when we can cruise together. You were without a doubt a great roomie!

Diane

Thanks Roger for the updates. Sounds like the new additions take up a lot of space and I know how much you need that space! The rough seas are the reason Mike won't do another Pacific Coastal to Vancouver or Seattle.

If you are able to get a night in the Pinnacle that they will make the chocolate ball, save a seat for me please. Just me as I don't know when it will be and what the others in our group may have planned.

Can't wait to find out what is on the MDR Menu Juneau night!

Diane

Roger (Crew News) if they are going to serve the melting chocolate ball on Le Cirque night in the Pinnacle Grill when we are on the cruise, would you reserve a spot for just me at your table? That is only if they are going to serve the melting chocolate ball. I'll be seeing you and Joanie at other times during the cruise.

Diane

Frank, I have tried twice to quote your remarks on your last post and reply. Both times I completely lost my connect to CC. So I am trying a regular reply. We will be eating dinner at least once in the Pinnacle Grill, along with several breakfasts. I will be happy to see if your favorite waiter , Clifford is there. Will he know your names? I can say you were the two guys who always sat in the round booth if that helps.

Glad you and Loren are doing great! Please say hi to him for me.

Diane

I will be on the May 7th cruise from Vancouver. Wondering what they are posting for the price on unlimited internet. Thanks

We will be on your cruise and my brother-in-law, who has a home in Oklahoma will be with us. He lives in Afton OK. What part of OK are you from.

Diane

we were almost 2 hours late sailing out of San Diego on a repo cruise in 2011 because someone died on the ship before we left. They had to do the paperwork with the port.

Thanks for the web cam link. Isn't there another cam that shows the actual cruiseport where the ship is? I know I have the link in my favs in Nebraska but I have a new computer here in AZ and don't have the link.

Diane

Evidently Brigantine Restaurant will be replacing Anthony's is a new building. Brigantine is good but I will miss seeing Anthony's there- have been going there since I was a kid.

I'm with you on that Frank. I do also like the Brigantine but Anthony's is part of San Diego's history for the past many years. By the way, how the heck are you guys doing? We will be on the May 7th sailing. Again, I will be in a different suite than my DH. Sure do hope to sail with you and Loren again.

Diane

Yes. I flew from Sac to Vancouver last year and we checked 4 bottles of wine in our 2 checked in suitcases. I had wine carriers that protected the bottles in our checked bags. We brought wine because I like aged wines (we like to drink cabs that are 15+ years old). There are plenty of good places to buy wine in Vancouver, and well priced.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Thanks again! I have 2 bottles here of the wine I like. I checked the BC liquor store website and they do carry the other 4 bottles we would like to get. They don't carry the two I want to take from here. Have the liquor sleeves we got in San Juan that I can use to take the two bottles.

Diane

Yes. I flew from Sac to Vancouver last year and we checked 4 bottles of wine in our 2 checked in suitcases. I had wine carriers that protected the bottles in our checked bags. We brought wine because I like aged wines (we like to drink cabs that are 15+ years old). There are plenty of good places to buy wine in Vancouver, and well priced.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Thanks again! I have 2 bottles here of the wine I like. I checked the BC liquor store website and they do carry the other 4 bottles we would like to get. They don't carry the two I want to take from here. Have the liquor sleeves we got in San Juan that I can use to take the two bottles.

Diane

That is correct - 6 passengers over 21 = 6 bottles of wine without a fee.

 

Here's the language from HAL:

 

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BROUGHT ON BOARD

Each guest 21^ years and older may bring one bottle of wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) onboard in carry-on luggage at the beginning of the voyage. This bottle will not be subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the stateroom.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Thanks much! Now, does anyone know if we can pack wine into checked luggage on a flight from the USA to Vancouver B.C.?