QuattroRomeo

For what it's worth, they said 4 star get another 25% off. The mugs are sold at Dutch cafe.

Onboard Rdam, and laundry put through a charge for $77 at the start of our second leg.We had pre-purchased unlimited laundry, so had to get it removed by guest services.

Re: beverage cards- I just asked Rowena in Dutch Cafe if they sold beverage cards on board, and she said no. I bought some pre-cruise and they were waiting in the cabin when we boarded. Just plain white cards with stickers on them reading "beverage card"... What they do offer are steel mugs for $15 and then you get 25% off specialty coffees. We dont have the beverage pkg so it helps a bit.

On RDam now, and spoke with Michecan, hostess at Canaletto. The menu will have osso bucco regularly. Staff are supposed to be updated tonight by corporate as to the new menu. There will be specials, but not fixed ones. The price will be $25 rather than $22.

Just for the heck of it, I counted 49 people in Seaview smoking section at 3:30 pm today. It is a port day (Rotterdam).

Currently on Rotterdam, we got our tiles 2 nights ago.

Very nice looking terminal area!

Great thread title! 😄

I was thinking about the Dutch Cafe, so thank you for suggesting it!

Enjoying your posts, thank you! Can you tell me where the gangway is when leaving the ship at the various ports? (Deck #, fwd, aft, mid etc?). Just trying to arrange a meeting point in proximity. Thanks and keep enjoying your cruise!

Azores is a great idea!

It does seem to be a problem unique to the thermal spa pass. Other spa treatments are bookable pre-cruise for the entire cruise, but of course you reserve a specific day and time, not a cruise-duration pass. I would guess that the programmers haven't put enough thought into this glitch either! I recall others saying on these boards a few weeks ago, that once you are on board for a multi-leg (collector) cruise, you can no longer book dining or excursions for the next leg. So, do as much as possible pre-cruise for things important to you! (and then hope that the excursions aren't cancelled...!)🙏

I called HAL a few days ago to inquire about why I couldn't book the crew appreciation online successfully; I kept getting an error message about "entering the wrong amount". But the amount is pre-populated so this made no sense to me. Anyway, about 1.5 hours later, between on-holds and transfers and unsuccessful conversations with several agents, I finally got some special services person who explained that there was a glitch with the currency conversion rate in the system and he would override it, and took my information. Finally that was done. So, I asked superman what the deal was with only having the first leg (10 days) of a 21 day cruise available to book for the thermal spa, when I could book dining and excursions for the whole length. Crickets...other than to say "you have to go to the spa once onboard and book the rest".

Wow, quite the adventure! Made for some long days I bet!

Sounds like it is common for the passes not to match the duration of the cruise! Seems kind of weird to me, especially with no explanation in the offer. I could sort of see it, if it meant 10 visits during the 21 days; but it is as clear as mud!

We are booked for a 21 day cruise; however, this is what it shows for pre-purchase: Book Spa Treatment Thermal Suite 10 Day Cruise Pass OVERVIEW An immersive thermal experience. Go solo or relax with friends and family. Unwind in an oasis of heated chambers, featuring warm and cool temperatures to cleanse and recharge the body. Elements of mist, rain, steam and warmth are designed to promote deep relaxation and renewal of vital energies. Pass valid for the entire duration of cruise. Heated Loungers, Hydrotherapy Pool, available on select vessels. $196.00 There are no other options when I click on "buy". Should there be a range of pass durations available? Haven't booked this before on HAL.

On our pre-cruise purchasing screen (for next month) it shows: Premium internet plan $239.99 for 21-25 days

Is the CO dining room on the Rotterdam open for lunch on embarkation day?

Oh my, that is terrible news Charlene. It must be so incredibly frustrating to have to wait. At least you know your pet is okay, that is very good news. Safe travels home.

We still have several canvas bags, ( used to get one per person, not per stateroom) and a couple of the blue document folders too- it was always exciting when they arrived in the mail! (ok I looked for a dinosaur emoticon but couldn't find one🛳️....)

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us. Sounds like you're enjoying the Explorations Cafe ☕. We thought it was very good on the Koningsdam and look forward to trying it next month on Rotterdam. Have you also enjoyed the coffee and food at Dutch Cafe? We liked it there too. I think you could ask to take a photo with the rock band- after all, you liked them! And I would guess they have been asked before. Good "save" on the laundry! I can just imagine neatly folding hubby's socks and underwear, wrapping in tissue and placing in a basket...🙄!.. ps- agree with you about the tablespoon of cottage cheese at breakfast- have seen that on a few ships, so now I ask for a scoop!

I hope the islands live up to your dreams! Have you chosen excursions?🌴

We did this several years ago, so it might have changed. My recollection is you spend a lot of time on the bus. But we did find the ride from Gatun Lake to Panama City quite interesting for scenery. I remember seeing a gigantic ant hill. In the old city, you drive around some ruins, which was fine- pretty much just rubble, and have a decent walking tour through the old quarter. (prepare for the heat). At some point there was a stop at a small duty free mall. It was okay, lots of souvenir junk. I think we got an ice cream in there somewhere. The contrast of old and new buildings in the city was very interesting to see. The drive back was not so great because you are stalled a lot in rush hour traffic.The single biggest issue we had and still remember is the lack of planning for a washroom stop on the return trip. Sitting in traffic for ages, my husband made the driver pull into a small gas station. And EVERYONE on the bus got out and waited in line.. So, a decent tour, you see quite a bit, but tiring. Just make sure the driver makes a rest stop plan for the return.

Sounds like an interesting strategy! Do you pick a cabin, or go guarantee for the inside (and does getting a gty make any difference when it comes to bidding opportunities)? I am guessing you pick a room so that if you stay with an inside, you are happy with location, but don't want to assume!

Honest to goodness elves' houses?!?