MaisonRose

4 hours ago, Sea42 said:

 

That is one service cut that really is unfortunate! We enjoyed having a quiet last morning.

I’ve watched videos on YouTube that show what TurnAround Day is like, once I saw that it made me realize that we would be lucky to get a bowl of cereal and cold milk: so 😇👨🏽‍🍳👨🏽‍🔬HATS OFF to that fabulous crew who are handling rapid tasks with Herculean strength!  
Bises!💋

1 hour ago, Steerpike58 said:

I did further investigation today. I spoke to several servers in the lido, and also went to the bar nearest the lido and asked. They said the only specialty coffees are available from explorations Cafe, or the main dining room as part of breakfast. I then went wandering around the ship, and I did notice a self-serve espresso machine in the Neptune lounge, but that's off limits to me. 

 

We are very disappointed overall with the lido, so we are probably going to start using the main dining room for breakfast. We only want the most basic things like toast and fresh fruit, so didn't really want to have to go to the trouble of sitting at a table and being waited on, but the lido is an absolute zoo pretty much all the time, and it is stressing us out. There are never any clean, empty tables to sit at. We have to scour the area and find a dirty table that's no longer occupied, and then try to flag down a server to clear it off, then hope you can get a place setting, then wait for someone to deliver coffee, or get it yourself from the dispensers. If you get your food and beverage first, then you end up carrying it around with you doing the hunt for tables. (yesterday at lunch, my salad ended up all over the floor as someone bumped into me while we were waiting for a table to be cleared off!)

 

The food itself is not bad, but the selection is limited. We just got off a Viking Ocean Cruise last month and the difference between Viking's buffet (world cafe) and the lido is truly night and day (Holland America's main dining room was good for dinner I have to say - club orange meant we got seated quickly and the quality was comparable to Viking's restaurant). We had 12 meals at Viking world Cafe and thoroughly enjoyed every one, not bothering to go to the dining room at all.

 

The big plus, so far, for this Holland America cruise is that we were able to upgrade to a signature suite and still not pay more than Viking. Having a bigger room is a very big plus. It is however almost a necessity, because there are far fewer peaceful seating areas around the ship so we find ourselves spending much more time in our room. Viking ocean ships have an absolute abundance of spacious, quiet, relaxing areas where it's a real pleasure to just sit around and read or relax. But the cruise is still young, and we may find better places to hang out!

Can you take your Lido food out on the pool deck?

For the third day in a row my request via the Stockperks app has failed (because our security code is being sent to my US cell & I change SIMS to my French phone # when I arrive hear in the Spring.

HAL told me to email hello@stockperks.com with my request…BUT I’m not accessing my brokerage account for the same (security code) reason.

The site (stock statement) is additionally down for technical reasons…this is typical when you live abroad.

If sooner or later I can print my statement:

DOES ANYONE HAVE THE FAX NUMBER WHERE I CAN SEND MY CCL STATEMENT? I’d really like to do this ahead of time.

Susan

 Oosterdam 31 Oct. BCN  FLL

On 8/10/2024 at 6:14 PM, Lido deck main said:

Did you submit to Stockperks?  Stockperks has a redeemed area where you can see bookings that have been redeemed

I’ve been on Stockperks several days in a row and get repeated codes sent for security and Not Working messages.

can I fax my statement somewhere?

On 7/28/2024 at 4:09 PM, doublebzz said:

Just returned from a 21 day Transatlantic cruise on Zuiderdam.  Having sailed with HAL for over 30 years and witnessed so many cutbacks over that period, I thought there was nothing left to cut. Boy, was I wrong!  On this cruise, there were no guest lecturers.  Instead, the cruise director and some staff provided a few short lectures of dubious interest to pass the hours on sea days.  Gone is the ship's band.  Instead, musicians and production shows employed canned music which sounded like glorified karaoke.  On a lesser note but still obvious, after dinner mints and nightly chocolates were only served on so called "dressy" nights.  Also gone were lobsters which required a significant up-charge if one desired. Staff reductions were plainly obvious particularly in the main dining room where servers had to double as wine stewards. The cost of gratuities, alcoholic beverages and specialty restaurants have risen substantially in the past 2 years. The cost of the Pinnacle Grill now rivals upscale shoreside restaurants while the quality has diminished.  I am now waiting for HAL to require guests to bring their own bed linens and towels.

So sorry to hear that..we’re booked on a westbound TA in Oct. 

i read somewhere that there are no self serve laundries. Does anyone have info on that?

….considering the worth of my CCL STOCK, they must be in dire circumstances,

On 7/31/2024 at 4:12 PM, *Miss G* said:

I know there is draught beer but someone else will need to tell you what’s on tap.

 

CHANGE YOUR FLIGHT IMMEDIATELY!!!  That timeline is far too tight to make the sailing.  You need to be checked in 90 minutes prior to sailing so, in actual fact, you have 2.5 hours to clear immigration and get to the port.  In Athens traffic… virtually impossible. And that’s providing that your flight arrives as scheduled.  Also virtually impossible in today’s age of travel.

 

This thread is making me nervous.

 

I think the airport isn’t far from the port. Check the map. But how could they possibly book you that tight? Amazing.

check an on line map.

Also consider that specialty coffee as a morning break (10am and lounge like a European)

On 6/24/2024 at 8:40 PM, skatelady said:

I just booked a cruise and the HAL agent was very clear we needed passports that expired 6 months past our return.  I was even asked to confirm I understood.

Thank you. Today will be picture day, then. I have the forms filled out.

2 hours ago, Mary229 said:

Here is the official statement at Holland America

 

https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/faq/cruise-planning/identification-passports-visa/do-i-need-a-passport

 

You are within the period that you can renew 

 

https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F21091?lang=en

Thank you for that link. I’m not sure that I need to deal with the French gov since it’s US PASSPORT but I did read the HAL details which recommends a six month validity (it does not say require). Perhaps I’m overthinking this but I sure don’t want to be denied boarding.

On 12/12/2023 at 3:27 AM, Blackduck59 said:

I'm not sure this is true. The rules are different for different situations. I think the question comes from an Alaska resident, I assume an American. So if he's flying within the US no passport is required. Also not all destinations have the 6 month requirement.

Being Canadian I'm not sure of the "rules" for Americans on "closed loop" cruises. One thing is certain the renewal won't be "expedited" by next week and a valid passport with a short expiry is better than no passport at all.

I would suggest that @akcruiser21 should get in touch with the appropriate agencies to get something more than our opinions from CC.

Searching for an answer specifically…US CITIZEN  PASSPORT VALIDITY ENDS

2 Jan 2025.  Booked 30 Oct 2024 Barcelona to Ft Lauderdale. Arrive FLL on Nov 14. I know that’s ok according to the US GOVT., but will HAL let us board in Barcelona?

   I’m asking because we are living in France and getting our renewals via the US CONSULATE in Paris is a bit more complicated than waiting til we get back to Md. 
(I also worry that if we send our passports to Paris and some emergency comes up, we’ll get stuck in red tape).

i welcome all informed replies: thank you.

susan

On 6/14/2024 at 3:21 AM, sunviking90 said:

This is interesting. We were recently waitlisted on a Princess sailing on standard fare. No requirement to buy the packages. 
I guess they’re seeing how bad you want it.

NCL DOES IT: if you don’t want the package it’s better to book before final payment. This is just a personal observation.  I don’t drink so this is a no-go for me.

I guess the fact that Suites are provided with a unit proves the point that electrical fires aren’t the issue. Housekeeping probably wants to avoid the added time the attendant spends readying the cabin on a daily basis.

Did I mention that the Queen Mary, Brittania class cabins have the full Monty: kettle, sugar, sweetener, tea bags, coffee and milk capsules AND a real China tea set?

This explains why there are no Brits on this crossing. (Why would they sail to Barcelona anyway?)

On my MSC SEAVIEW TA the Lido had WMF hot water/coffee units that had a temperature gage reading 205F, which was perfect.

I’ve basically given up at this point. The possibility of very hot water in the boutique cafes wouldn’t help: they use paper cups

I am enjoying everyone’s comments: Thank You.

I’m on the Legend TA and at every turn I’ve failed to get water hot enough to brew a cup of tea. On some lines I’ve been successful in getting a kettle or little coffee maker in my cabin (basically British passengers require this amenity).

The hot water/coffee makers in the Lido are by WMF. It’s a good brand (and the coffee is hot and good). It seems that it should have a temperature adjustment…on MSC the same units made wonderful tea.

The MDR situation is even worse.  Any experience with this? Any suggestions. 
Thanks tea lovers for your input…

SM

On 1/11/2024 at 6:57 PM, mfs2k said:

Awesome. Thank you. And I didn’t know about the dry dock schedule. That makes me feel better. 

I’m on the Legend near the Azores, port in Barcelona next Sat, Apr 27, 2024. Extended balcony. OK cabin tho bathroom still has shower curtain, molded aqua sink & bright blue floor. It doesn’t clean up very well and word has it that the dry dock is to address accessibility issues, like more elevators for the in-between floors. This is « the word « on the ship. The Legend is really long in the tooth but frankly over the last week I’ve grown fond of it.

For me..downsides…I have not had one decent cup of tea because the hot water spigot  does not provide boiling water (MSC is best for that). The MDR food is good, but the Lido food is pretty low standard.

I was invited to a special Diamond meal on the Lido deck and the salmon was inedible.

We are at 83% occupancy and yet two couples can’t pass comfortably in the public spaces. Perhaps that will be fixed in dry dock.

Mostly Americans, very relaxed tho formal night people really stepped up all sparkly.

The Casino is packed most of the day: something I’ve never seen before.

The daily activités are plentiful with, for example, at least 4 Trivias a day.

The plentiful staff are sweet, great really, and the passengers are quite happy. There are plenty of elevators, well located. I love Sea Day Brunch with big menus and hours in the MDR to 11:30 which is cool. But on some sea days breakfast closes at 9:30.

This transatlantic is my first Carnival cruise. On a European itinerary the things I’ve covered here might not affect your experience. But I hope you can gauge my comments to what you’ll need to enjoy that special voyage you are planning. Have fun. 

On 3/13/2024 at 1:13 AM, MaisonRose said:

I’d like to purchase wi fi for the April 15th transatlantic out of Baltimore. What’s your reaction? Lately we’ve been on very new ships which had impressive Internet. Legend’ though possibly lovely, might be behind on technical installation (I’m worrying).

Thanks..Susan

I’m on the Legend, mid Atlantic. Purchased one device Premium & worth every Penny. Answering my own question. 🤪

On 4/18/2024 at 11:33 PM, VentureMan_2000 said:

The price of CCL fluctuates a lot.  You could easily lose more than $100 on the price fluxuation of CCL while trying to get a $100 OBC.  Very common for the price to rise/drop 4% in a day... never know.

 

I paid $50 share years ago & recovered more than that BUT the price is low, BUY NOW. MY $50 shares are worth $16. 😢

On 3/28/2024 at 7:13 PM, Crowbait said:

We are slated to sail on the Legend out of Baltimore to Barcelona on April 15th.  I am already looking at flight and hotel options in Norfolk. In the event that flights are exorbitant, did someone say that there is a train that goes from BWI to Norfork? Anyone have any details about that?

Yes, I put that in. But the notice that I got from Carnival today says that they will have bus transport to Norfolk on the 15th. You must sign up but they haven’t issued the specifics yet.

we’re also getting $100 OBC per cabin.

On 3/26/2024 at 7:55 AM, sparks1093 said:

Ah, thank you.

Actually the Eastern Shore of Maryland to the mainland, Annapolis & the west.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Rt. 50.

2 hours ago, Pyxie said:

 

And I actually think it is *more* worth it because you can pay for 1 less day (and I can wait until day 2 to drink). Maybe I'm just cheap lol.

I’ll bet they SELL drinks on that first day…n’est pas?

1 hour ago, OBX-Cruisers said:

DON'T go on I95.  We have done that trip often from the Outer Banks and NEVER go on I95 around Washington

Boy do I agree. I95 is a nightmare from the Pentagon past Fredricksburg, Va.  From where we live we use the inner beltway going east to Central Ave. exit and pick up  US 301 S (yes, there are some traffic lights in built up areas) and over the bridge into Dahlgren Virginia. Cheap gas along the road after entering Va.  At Port Royal turn L onto RTÉ 17 passing Tappahannock, etc. You won’t believe how quiet this route is, and just before meeting US 64 NORFOLK there are plenty of services. You can then take the tunnel at Hampton leading to Norfolk.

Our daughter lives in Hampton and this route from where we live in Frederick takes four hours (less from Baltimore).

Bonne Route.

Susan

9 hours ago, cruzinismyname said:

We will be on the April 7 Spirit transitional cruise through the Panama Canal and I am getting conflicting answers on this. Does anyone know the answers on this cruise that starts in Tampa Bay and ends in Seattle? Stops are Grand Cayman, Cartagena Columbia, Puntarenas Costa Rica and Cabo.

I learned way back to wear a real wrist watch to keep track of the time. It’s much easier than adjusting your phone.

On 2/26/2024 at 2:04 PM, salty dingo said:

After reading the 2023 CCL annual report, I noticed the section on shareholder benefits has been deleted. In the 2022 annual report, the benefit is described on page 5.

 

It seems the Shareholder Benefit is kaput for sailings after July 31, 2024.

 

Previously I had requested shareholder credit for my 2025 cruises and was told I needed to wait and see if the benefit was repeated for the next year. Looks like I'm out of luck!

 

Anyone heard anything about this change?

If this is true, I’m free to sell that stock. I bought at $50 a share and at least I’ll get a tax deduction next year for Losses.

I’d like to purchase wi fi for the April 15th transatlantic out of Baltimore. What’s your reaction? Lately we’ve been on very new ships which had impressive Internet. Legend’ though possibly lovely, might be behind on technical installation (I’m worrying).

Thanks..Susan

2 minutes ago, MaisonRose said:

The Hotel Continental was our first Barcelona Hotel years ago and hands down the worst one. There are lots of choices and although prices are going up each year there are plenty of bargains there. In November we stayed in Hotel ONIX LICEO at the sea end of La Rambla and although the little street was a tiny bit shabby the hotel was quite nice and reasonable. I’ll stay there gain.

 

Adding that close to Placa Catalunya is Hotel Grandia.

On 12/6/2023 at 1:01 PM, wendyatpml said:

Can anyione rcommend a hotel for a 3 night stay?  Does anyone know anything about Hotel Continental?  We have stayed in Hotel Jazz but want to stay somewhere new.

The Hotel Continental was our first Barcelona Hotel years ago and hands down the worst one. There are lots of choices and although prices are going up each year there are plenty of bargains there. In November we stayed in Hotel ONIX LICEO at the sea end of La Rambla and although the little street was a tiny bit shabby the hotel was quite nice and reasonable. I’ll stay there gain.