QuattroRomeo

On 3/8/2023 at 11:37 AM, GeorgeCharlie said:

Missed including the picture of the helicopter sitting on the top of the rise.

 

You will also note the sheep grazing amongst the penguins, as Volunteer Point is part of a working sheep farm. Almost all of the land in the Falklands is privately owned and the owners charge the tour companies an access fees.  

I just love this photo! The composition is seemingly so unlikely- penguins, a helicopter, sheep...couldn't dream that one up if I tried!!

I asked for an extra laundry bag so I could write up one order sheet for regular wash and another for cold water. Many days I sent 2 bags at a time; not always full but that didn't matter. It was no problem with the Unlimited service. 

Just off Rotterdam last week and thought I would submit a few excursion reviews on the HAL site, since there wasn't much to go on back when I was booking them. I haven't received any emails soliciting them. How are they submitted nowadays? 

I saw one last week on Rotterdam under the Lido elevator sea otter..

We are currently getting paper daily programs. 2 in fact, as we requested 2 from our cabin steward on day 1.

2 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

There is no bathtub on the pinnacle ships until you get up to a signature suite I believe.  That’s where I would normally wash clothes.  I can’t believe how some react to such a silly thing 🙄.

Actually, there is a tub in one of the bathrooms in Family OV.

37 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I do use the ship laundry, and I've never had to resort to the bathtub to wash anything large. However, I have often used the sink for washing, especially if I've spilled something and need to wash the item right away before a stain sets. I had no idea that was a weird thing to do. 

 

To get back to beverage questions, I didn't see the coffee mug on my recent cruise, but I wasn't looking for one. I get a 4-star discount on coffees, and I doubt they'd give me another 25% off. On Eurodam, I got my special coffee in the Pinnacle bar and asked for it in a china cup and saucer because a good coffee deserves a proper cup, and I didn't mind drinking my coffee there, by a window.

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. 

21 hours ago, richstowe said:

25 ? Seems low .

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! 😄

8 hours ago, iflyrc5 said:

It is always midship A deck and often  forward A deck too.  Sometime the forward has only been in the morning when leaving the ship.  The Dutch Cafe' is midships on deck 3 and would be a good location to meet a group prior to getting off.

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".

2 hours ago, GeorgeCharlie said:

 

Some comments with respect to docking at the Callao Industrial Port. The port is large and it's a long drive just to reach the port gates. 

 

Prior to arriving in Callao, there was ongoing confusion as to how the independent tour passengers where going to be able to meet their tour guides. First, they said there would be no shuttle bus to the port gates and people would have to take the shuttle to the Indian Market (well over an hour drive) in order to meet their guides, Then, after we had notified our guides as to the tour pickup point, they then announced that there would be a shuttle to the port gates!!

 

On arrival, we took the shuttle to the port gates, only to find that we were in a logjam of trucks trying to get out of the port. After about an hour we finally made it to the gate!! 

 

At the gate there is a small parking area where you can meet your tour guide, or get a taxi. It is very much a rundown industrial area and does not appear to be a place to walk around in, especially after dark. When we returned from our evening visit into Lima it was well after sundown and our guide made us wait in his vehicle until the shuttle bus arrived.

 

On the second day, it appears they got some organizing done, for they had a new route to the gate which was directed by the police and did not include any trucks. Although, it didn't help, when on the third day, our shuttle driver took a wrong turn leaving the ship, and promptly got lost for a half an hour!!

 

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.