LindaM

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We were on the same cruise as Linda on the Prinsendam. First day leaving Funchal was calm. Next three days were swells, some rain squalls and windy. Seas were ranging 10 - 12 ft and winds 40. - 45 mph. A bit bumpy but it seemed just about everyone was still out and about eating, drinking and enjoying themselves as the Dining Room was full as well as the Lounges and Shows although walking like drunken sailors! They had the barf bags out a couple of times and the green apples but not everyday of those three days. The front elevators were Out of Service for most of the one day because of it and as Captain Tim announced the elevators were "Seasick"! :D The last three days before arriving in FLL were beautiful and calm. Overall, a warm crossing as well.

 

We must have been posting at the same time! Linda, it was wonderful meeting you and Dave! :) Sorry you weren't feeling well and didn't enjoy the Cruise!

Eileen, meeting you and Mike was a highlight of the cruise, along with Bill and Diana. The early seating for dinner was usually pretty empty. I think I just wasn't prepared for a bumpy ride. It was a warm crossing...probably warmer than usual. The last 3 days were calmer....but not as calm as I would have liked!! I guess I'm not a good sailor!

This was our 27th cruise. Our 5th on P'dam. It was rough because EVERY day was bad. I can't tell you the wave heights...I don't remember....but it was bad enough that we were told to not walk the decks some days. Normally I don't get seasick. We did have meds, so we didn't suffer. But, we learned this is not the type of cruise we should take. Our mistake. I have to say, our CC friends didn't complain. I just didn't expect it. No complaints about HAL. We just learned TA's are not for us!! We have experienced rough seas in the North Sea on previous cruises. And, a day or 2 of bad weather on other cruises, like Alaska to Anckorage. I just had a problem with 7 in a row! Like I said, people we met said this was unusual. Unfortunately, we didn't expect it.

We just got off the cruise from Hell!! I guess it was "unusual", but the seas were rough for 7 days...with no relief. No wonder the prices are so reasonable!! Live and learn!

What a great thread! We have a dog (Missy) and an old (19) cat, and while they are still with us, we are limiting our cruises to seven days or less. Everyone in our family works (and we have imposed on them too often anyway), and we don't want Missy to get out at night and bark at the local possum, waking up the entire neighborhood. Luckily, we have found a wonderful kennel.

 

During our last cruise, we got a phone call from our vet telling us that the people at kennel had noticed our dog was having problems. After a round of antibiotics and a visit to the vet for x-rays, he discovered that Missy had bladder stones -- lots of them -- and the day after we returned from our cruise, she had surgery. We had not noticed any problems with Missy before we left, and had it not been for such alert and constant supervision at the kennel, who knows how long it would have gone undetected.

 

Here's Missy after her surgery:

 

We discovered our Westie also has bladder stones. They took an xray of her bladder a week ago and didn't see any in there. Just crystals in her urine. But, she is on special food....the Vet seemed to think this is managable. It cost $200 for the visit, but at least now we can leave her and not worry as much.

We have a favorite kennel, after trying different ones over a 40 year period. They have a vidio cam, where we can watch them play, or in their own kennel. Last year, Maddie was the office dog during playtime, because she was more interested in hanging with adults. Sadly, we have only on dog this year, but it was a blessing that Maddie went before being boarded this time. Actually, I never thought she would still be alive when we made these plans. I'm glad she was taken before being boarded. Penny will be fine....she is quite good at being an "only dog", and they do have playtime 3X/day at the kennel.

My one attempt at making Cacio e pepe failed miserably...glopped up on me. Seems so simple, but I guess there is a technique.:)

 

OP - Trastevere is my favorite "hood" in Rome. It really has a small town feel. It's like being in Tuscany while staying in Rome. Everyone hangs out in the square in front of Basilica di Santa Maria.

I think the secret is you have to use a tiny bit of the pasta water. Just a little bit...the recipe I found somewhere says 1/4 c, but we end up using a spoonful. The butter has to be seriously at room temp.

We are looking forward to seeing a "neighborhood" in Rome. Hope it's a nice day.....this may be our last trip to Rome.

I beg to differ that AB cabins are the only ones with noise and vibration issues. I don't remember our cabin category or cabin number but we were not AB. We were toward the rear but not in the section all the way aft. Port side. We listened to engine racket fourteen straight nights. We had significant cabin vibration, causing secondary racketing noise from table and chair legs, a couple drawers and the sliding bathroom door. We kept a stash of washcloths in our room to shove under table legs each night. ( the cabin steward was required to remove them each morning). We never solved the bathroom door racket.

We also experienced tremendous noise and vibration a couple times in the aft dining room during sail outs. One night the captain had to turn the ship around to get out of a tender spot in Fowey, UK. We were at a four top with another couple, conversation ceased while the ship turned, we could not hear each other across the table.

On our 5 cruises on P'dam, we experienced vibration in the dining room only twice. In England, it had to do with the bed of the Thames at one point. It certainly doesn't happen often and the cause is probably one that has to do with what the ship is sailing over.

As far as cabin noise, we did experience it in 463, but not in 443, both on dolphin deck. I would stay away from those in the area of 463 to the back of the ship. The ship isn't perfect, but you have to know which cabins to choose. I would stay away from the "stack".

This is going to get me in trouble, but if people are going to post, be honest! This forum is for answers, not for those holding grudges. The whole ship does not vibrate....if it did, people wouldn't sail her! And, there are many,many who are not bothered by the vibrations, but we were in a cabin near the back of the ship. But, certainly not in those from midship forward.

Thanks for all of your replies!!! I think we now can see this is "doable". We will probably take a taxi from the hotel and walk back. Or not.... My husband printed some maps from google maps and hopefully the hotel will be of some help. The last time we were in Rome ( 3 years ago???) we walked to all the major points in one day. Not the collaseum but everything else with a map I have from Conde Nast Traveler. I saw Trastevere in some movie and it looks like a small neighborhood that we'd like to see. There is also a pasta sauce from a restaurant there that I've been making with butter, pecorino/romano and black pepper that originated in a restaurant from that area. Bucket list....

I will be sailing on the Prinsendam Transatlantic that leaves Italy on November 9th, and arrives Ft. Lauderdale on November 24th. I'm really looking forward to cruising on the Elegant Explorer! I've done one TA before on Celebrity, and can't wait to see how the Prinsendam compares.

 

For those of you who love the ship, can you give me your thought/impressions and any recommendations for what to experience while I'm onboard.

 

Thanks!

I don't know if you are on the rollcall....it has been so inactive, I haven't kept up...and there are over 60 of us! Come to the Crow's Nest at 11 a.m. on Tues. the 10th.

There is no ship sailing the seas that generates such controversy as P'dam. I have 2 friends who don't like her at all. They are still my friends---they just won't sail her. They don't see the appeal. For others, we see "elegant" as meaning how ships were designed back in the day. Maybe old fashioned??? She is so small, you will be able to get around easily and explore her quickly. Don't fall in love with her...sounds like she may be leaving in 2017 if a person reporting recently is correct. I am going to find out, even if I have to approach the Captain...who is very personable.

We are staying at the Visconti Palace near the Piazza de popolo (which I believe is near the Spanish Steps.) I've always wanted to go the the Trastevere section of Rome. Is it possible to walk? Are there cabs readily available? We have always walked from one end of Rome to the other, but now that we are closing in on medicare age, I'm not so sure....

Thanks in advance!

We will be boarding her a week from this coming Monday. I promise I will find out as much as I can!

I may have to start a new thread.....seems that when P'dam is mentioned on this site, it brings out the haters and those who enjoy bashing her and those who like her and want her to stay around as long as possible!

The last thread where it started about CC participation then turned to P'dam had to be closed in record time. I don't think any other ship in the fleet brings out that kind of controversy!

I will make it my mission to find out her future. Usually this particular Captain is pretty approachable and forthcoming with information...as much as he knows. Hope I can bring back good news! Look for an update around Nov. 25! Usually there is a Q and A at the end for 4 stars where I may find out something.

Get the white noise machine and earplugs. At first, you might be more sensitive to the noise, but in time, you will be able to tune it out and ignore it. Most experienced cruisers study the ship's plan, but even we messed up and were too close to the "stack" and heard a constant hum. This may be your last guarantee. We had lots of them through the years and finally decided to just spend the money to not have that worry.

don't depress me Linda - we sail on Oceania Riviera in a few weeks. I am trying not to get my expectations to high. ;)

 

As to the Prisendam, the PG still sparkles as the best in the fleet for me although the Westerdam was a very close second.

 

Of all the ships in the HAL fleet while this ship was under the care of Captain Gunderson, it was well cared for. Yes, some windows are hard to get and they have to wait. They are specially made, but the ship shines from top to bottom. It's the only ship where I saw officers inspecting cleaning (including the Captain) and looking where I never would. While I didn't see officers inspecting on our last cruise, (and I could have missed it) the maintenance seemed to be at the same level to me.

 

Everyone has their own opinions on this ship - love it or hate it (maybe not that strong - how about - worth the money or not worth the money).

 

 

There are a lot of aficionados of this ship and for HAL to ignore this group that will pay extra $ is truly a foolish move. JMO.

Jacqui,

I would never try to depress you! And I truly hope HAL will find a ship to take the place of P'dam when the time comes---for those of us who like small ships. I was just trying to get across that switching to a more expensive line might not make a person more satisfied than they are with P'dam. Everyone likes something different. The Regent CC people were madder than blazes at me for criticizing Navigator. The first time I thought she was equal to P'dam...second time inferior. I am hoping you have a great time on Oceania, and compare P'dam favorably to it!!

Linda

Totally agree about HAL ship maintenance slipping badly.

I've previously shared observations about Prinsendam, once was enough for us. I know the suites are nice and probably in tip top shape but our OV cabin was on the rough side. Our issues including a musty smell, AC that died repeatedly during the night and mid afternoon. I failed to grasp the charm of this ship that others seem to appreciate. You are either a fan or not a fan.

 

I say if you want a small ship in great condition spend a little more money and move up to premium or luxury lines.

It depends on your tolerance. We sailed Regent twice....and complained about the food and cabin. We all like something different. I expected more of Regent because of what we paid. FYI---it is a luxury line, one up on Oceania. The food and service were average main stream, at least to us. So, I do understand your dislike of P'dam because you felt you paid too much...we felt the same about Regent Navigator.

You are on the Prinsendam, right?

 

When we did our TA on the last Prinsendam cruise, I fully expected some black outs and there were none. The equipment had been improved according to the computer tech person on board.

 

Never lost signal, it got a smidge slower one day, but other than that no issue.

 

You probably know, but if you go on early in the morning or late at night, fewer people on so it is usually faster. Also, check then news station (Fox I believe?). if the signal is good, internet should be fine. Learned that from the piano man on board ;)

I didn't know about early in the morning or late at night....thank you!! We have been on some cruises....where we couldn't get internet. One was Santa Marguerita Ligure for Portofino, and of course the Fjords. On the Fjord cruise, my diabetic dog was being giving too much insulin (needed less because of the stress of being boarded) and I needed to talk to the vet. Of course, it's always about the dogs!

Thanks everyone!! I truly appreciate you taking the time to respond. Hopefully the house will sell before the cruise, but it may not and November before Thanksgiving we might still find a buyer. The realtor could act in our behalf, if we can communicate!

We have our house up for sale....will I be able to communicate with my realtor for days at sea on the Atlantic?

Thanks!

Yep, that's who it is Captain Tim. Thanks guys for jogging my memory :-)

Thanks everyone AND Karen. Hope you had a great cruise!! He is my favorite....last summer we had someone different and it was not the same!

Does anyone know who it is? We are sailing Nov 9....couldn't find anything on other rollcalls.

You've got to be in pretty good shape to travel, because it is exhausting. Whatever "old" people you run into, they are going to be pretty spry and sharp, because travel is not for the weak. I am always impressed with people we meet who are 75 plus who can keep on going....they give me hope that we won't have to give up travel.

Also, OP, HAL has smaller ships and has the incorrect reputation of being only for "old" people.

Thank you all for your kind responses. We do try to limit carbs as well.

 

It sounds like we should have no problem with food choices on HAL!

Glad to see that you do understand it's not only sugar, but carbs are just as important to avoid. They turn into sugar. Even if you enjoy a piece of sugar free dessert, the carbs in it WILL turn to sugar, so you have shot yourself in the foot if you eat them every day or eat the entire piece. Try to eat half!

You are wrong.

 

The primary source of ships' water is desalinated ocean water, which has been purified to a standard that far exceeds those of most U.S. municipal water departments (and the company that produced your bottled water). Certain minerals are added back to the purified water. No salt is added.

 

Where cruise passengers get their overload of salt is from the prepared food.

Unfortunately, the desalination process doesn't remove all the salt. I know this for a fact because my hair always looks better after washing it on a ship....they sell salt sprays to add body to hair in drugstores. You can even taste the salt in the water from the tap!

Wow!!! I am so glad it worked out for you.

 

That's a lot of time on the phone and I think I would have been on at least my second drink for sure!!!

 

I'm so glad it worked out for you and the "fixed" it.

 

We book all our flights on our own for this very reason.

 

I went down that road a few years ago (ok a decade or two) and after those horrendous connections I prefer to do my own.

 

Thankfully it is o.k. now. Now, you really need a cruise :) I think that echo may rebound a few times in this thread;)

Jackie,

We had a 45 min. "legal" connection from HAL, Frankfurt to Istanbul. That's when we learned not to trust HAL. We TELL HAL what flights we want, then go to Delta to get our seats. So far, we have been informed of changed flights. Our 11:30 from FLL to DTW was cancelled and we were put on a 1:30...but we were informed by Delta AND Hal.

Last summer we docked far from downtown. But, there was a bus that shuttled us to the art/music center which was walkable to the downtown area. I think it was free, but it may have been a few dollars...not much.

I have done a post to this thread already.

We have sailed on her 3 times, and gave my opinion. I just stated that people will either love her or not, and time to move on, just like other people's opinions.

Happy sailings all.

Denise:)

My point is, some of us LIKE discussing her and don't want to move on. I would never read or post on CC if it weren't for P'dam! Not to be disrespectful, but I don't think any of us here have the right to tell others to move on....and this is coming from a former teacher who spent 34 years telling people what to do. The only one who can tell us to move on is Walt...when he gets annoyed!