msteries

Very interesting report! I think I recognize your handle...didn't we meet at the CC roll call on the Eurodam 2013? I'm a bit shaky on the date as the last 3 cruises have been on the Eurodam...lol but it was the one that Stan Kuppens regaled us with stories.

 

If so glad to hear you are cruising again! ;)

Probably was - have gone solo on the Eurodam 4 years in a row now.

This past year I had one medical problem after another. I had decided that I was too afraid to fly and take my usual cruise alone, but by early January I began to think that I just had to do something to get out of my new habits of fear and anxiety. (and out of the Ohio winter). I booked very late and got an excellent price on an ocean view cabin, but any savings from that was eaten up by the high price for a room in my favorite Ft Lauderdale hotel, the Hilton Marina. Delta was more than AirTran, too.

Chilly and very windy in Ft Lauderdale. So not a night to linger at the outdoor bar. Began my all fish, all the time, regimen with a scrumptious fish sandwich – it’s amazing that I don’t sprout gill slits by the end of the trip. Since things were so slow, great service and a chance to chat with bartenders. Morning walk around the marina was fun as always. Love to see the humongous yachts close-up, and of course one of the great things about the hotel is that many rooms have a view that includes a chance to see the cruise ships sail in during the predawn hours. And I always enjoy having coffee on a balcony that overlooks palm trees (easily amused…)

Tried going to cruise pier early instead of lounging around the hotel; figured standing for long time in a big line not a good thing for bad hip. So 1 1/2 hrs sitting on rather uncomfortable chairs although the checkin itself was a breeze. Only 2 or 3 others coming through the vast entry hall. Even chatted with TSA folks. Boarded almost 40 minutes late due to the Eurodam's second health inspection this year. Another perfect 100! Captain came online to apologize, brag, and say thanks to the crew. If I heard correctly: only ship ever to receive 8 perfect scores. Since I had come so early and had number 3, at the last things went fast. Luggage came within minutes of my arrival in cabin. Unpacked and ready to roam by 1:30.

Gloriously huge is 10001! Certainly much bigger than a Veranda stateroom and even bigger than my usual 8045 interior.

Picture window looks out over the prow, and has a ledge you could sit on with proper cushions. Nice to be able to see all the scenery going in and out of port, instead of just what the luck of the draw brings you either starboard or port side.

Cold windy weather continued; spent a lot of time huddled in my windbreaker. Was determined to once again be aft for sailaway and steel drum player. Sun did finally come out bright for sailaway so the beautiful houses, canals, and skyline glistened. But had to shelter in the bar part of the time in order to be out of wind. By second drinks order bartender sees I am solo, and jokes "you did order a double, didn't you?" As he winks he pours a very big double. Must take pains to explore the alcohol-free cocktails… Everywhere I go, staff is doubly attentive to little 'ol me. Still so chilled that a very long hot shower was the next order of the day.

Fun to see football jerseys on some. (Superbowl Sunday) Both teams' supporters found properly glitzy, one might almost say elegant, t-shirts. Will have to see if there is such a thing for Packers fans. During sailaway a small plane flew up and down the canal, trailing a banner that said "deflate this". At first I thought I was seeing things!

Could not get any air into my new meditation cushion. Almost blew out my brains trying. So gave to Front Desk with a plea to send to engineering. Wonder if it will show up in my cabin.

Unlike last year, where I had the table from hell, my dinner mates are pleasant, talkative, and well travelled folks. Two will be with me in the piano bar most nights, I suspect.

The BB King Blues Band is spectacular. Alas, sound was painfully loud - even for me, who likes to feel the boom of the amps. And it was freezing cold! Delightful to watch the 70+ crowd boogie! twist! and do the Watusi! Great 50/60's hits Memphis style. Too cold and loud for 2nd set, so I moved to Piano Bar, where last night the chap closed shortly after 11. (Hope he goes longer tonight). Greg Gallello (http://www.GregThe Entertainer.com) Great voice, began with Jim Croce and Cat Stevens, so I am certain the song choice will not be swarmy, doesn't use fancy synths or electric tracks. At least 6 people there knew him from previous cruises. Makes for a wonderful atmosphere. So tonight will head there first.

Ship was bouncy last night. Just love being rocked to sleep by Mother Nature. This morning I did five circuits of the ship and got my sea legs under me pretty quickly. One of the reasons I select HAL is for the Promenade Deck. I even like to go up at midnight and walk off the excesses of the evening. Day will be devoted to nesting in my cabana. Sun is out and finally starting to warm up.

Sea day. So grateful that some member of engineering took the time to inflate my new cushion. I wonder if my request went on the “whatever will they ask for next?!” list.

Super funtime in the Piano Bar. I met two British ladies (from the Midlands, I think) who called themselves the merry widows. We had fun throughout the cruise. Also enjoyed the company of my two table mates, Lynn and Rob. They have an architectural firm that specializes in industrial buildings. One of their more interesting commissions, however, had to do with converting a weirdly shaped hamburger joint into a Buddhist temple. Since architecture jobs dry up in the winter, they have just stared an online travel agency through Cruises Inc.

Each evening the same 20 or so folks shut down the bar, and this night the running gag was that Greg could never wet his whistle with his favorite Jaegermeister and Redbull concoction. Sounds ghastly but res gustandibus and all… Throughout the cruise the waiter refused to sell any of us a drink for Greg. Only by walking back to another bar, and then sneaking drink in could anyone treat Greg. We tried, Greg – we tried. But too selfish to miss any of the music, plus the nearest bar was the noisy Northern Nights disco with horrid flashing lights. Just as the paino lid came down I ordered a whole round of shots for the 5 or 6 folks left – that worked and I gave mine to Greg.

Grand Turk day. Swam for the first time in 11 months. Water and airtemp perfect. Pre-trip research said to go for food to a place up the beach called The Barefoot Cabana. Specialty of the house: cracked conch. I had assumed that “cracked” meant meat was gotten out by cracking the big shell, but it turns out that it means someone has pounded (cracked in the local vernacular) the usually very tough meat in order to tenderize it. The tender strips then coated in a very thin batter, loaded with black pepper, and fried perfectly crispy. So good!!! Came with big slices of plantain, also perfectly cooked. A mountain of food – even after swimming I had to leave some. Not a rum punch devotee, so I had Cokes. My, my! CocaCola abroad still made the old fashioned way – less sweet and with a real caffeine kick!. Trouble with the non alcoholic drinks is the sugar of course. My usual Dewars on the rocks much less fattening… ah well, will see what a non-alcoholic mojito is like.

The Captain spotted a pod of whales as we sailed from Turks and Caicos. My first time to see whales outside of an aquarium. So huge – they were quite aways off from the ship but we could still see them slap their fins and spout huge streams of water into the air.

Took my meditation cushion up to the half deck above The Refuge. Made it just in time to see the big orange sun slip below the water horizon. Sat til the first stars came out. Not possible to sit still and perfectly upright because the motion of the ship rocks you and the winds hit you with quite some force.

This evening I went to see the group Recycled Percussion. I gather they were finalists on Americas Got Talent. A feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Everyone entering the auditorium was handed two real drum sticks and a pot lid or other recycled thing-y to bang upon. Such fun! This was the very first time (in what – 5 times on HAL?) that the entertainment was modern and very good – I am not a fan of the dance/musical shows or the rather tame/lame comedians that are the usual onboard fare. Each evening brought a hard choice – the show or the Piano Bar. I would watch 35 minutes of the show and then head off to the Piano Bar. Smart Greg actually took a break after the huge crowd that came each night for his trivia show (by 9pm showtime already not even standing room), which cleared most out so that the regular late gang could get in.

This evening Gregg was riffing on his favorite show-stopper, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. He remarked that as the years have passed he has begun to see just how many of the lyrics have to do with sex. I brought the house down by remarking in a not very sotto sotto voice: "sex and war... that's the Old Testament for you”. Thinking back I believe this was also the night where Greg ended up posing on top of the grand piano for the merry widows…

As always, sailing in and out of old San Juan harbor is beautiful. Dinner organized very differently. Because ship doesn’t leave til after 10:30 pm, I guess enough people go out to a club in San Juan to make closing the upper dining room worth it. Instead you go to open seating on the lower level. Was feeling badly that I would not have my usual fun table mates, or maybe even have to sit alone, but I really lucked out. Was put at a table of Canadians. One lady was a huge fan of my favorite mystery writer, Louise Penny. She said that Ms Penny is so popular in Canada that there are tours in Montreal and Quebec City of some of the places where the novels are set – including the famous library.

I stayed onboard since I had nothing scheduled for St Thomas and so had a front row seat for an emergency ship fire drill mustered in the cabana area, while the "fire" was on the 12th half deck, right where I take my cushion at sunset! Fascinating to watch the personnel required for each of the 4 teams. There was even one person, who came instantly, and his job was to direct the rest of the firefighters, engineers, and officers. Someone even set up a water station so that the 16 men in full fire gear could get hydrated. The first officer to arrive had a terrible time seeing his ?clipboard, ?iPad in the bright sun. One team could not commandeer a 5th oxygen bottle. Wonder if they lost points. Hoses were run out but no water was turned on.

Friday it was very hot in my cabana - got a bit overheated and retired to my cabin for room service lunch and reading. (24hr room service for all cabin classes is another reason why I like HAL so much). I tried out the ship's beauty parlor and hairdresser for the very first time so that I could wear my hair down for Formal Night. No miracle accomplished, of course, but it did not curl up, and was smooth and shiny. Bravely wore a sleeveless evening gown for the first time in many decades. Very comfortable dress and I got several compliments. So pleased to see that most HAL guests continue to make an effort for formal nights, and even on regular evenings most dress nicely. Flowey tops or a sequined cotton shirt easy to pack and festive, after all!

Friday night was the roughest weather I have experienced in at least 5 years. The old adage "beware what you ask for" certainly proved true. Last year things were so smooth that I bemoaned the lack of rocking at bedtime. Of course, I have what has to be the most motion prone location on the whole ship! I don't know if it's the nightly Bonine that works so well, or if - in spite of now taking blood pressure medication (ugh!) - I just naturally am not prone to motion sickness, but the wild rocking and vibrations were more of a nuisance than anything else. Moved to the center of the bed so I wouldn't roll off, but couldn't get to sleep for quite awhile. Noisy cupboards, clattering clothes hangers, and the always lingering fear of triggering whatever weird combination of anxiety, high heart rate, or elevated BP leads to severe nosebleeds not conducive to dropping off! Now obvious that nosebleeds do NOT come from shaking my head - in this case the whole body was bouncing about. For hours!

Must not forget to mention how much I enjoyed my retreat cabana. Fresh fruit, ice water, coffee or drinks offered as soon as you arrive, followed by offerings of cold towels if it’s hot, lunch service from either the Lido restaurant or the new Hamburger Grill, so no need to stand in line or balance a plate of food while moving up the line. Then ice cream in the afternoon, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne late afternoon. That new Grill is a major improvement to the on deck offerings. If the hamburgers are a good as the grilled portabello with smoked gouda and avocado toppings, I can believe there must always be a long line there. Gather they also offer Nathans hotdogs.

Since I stay onboard most days (no need to shop, and beaches no fun without a companion) there is plenty of time to get to know the two cabana servers. Again, all staff trained to be especially attentive to solo travelers. This time my new best friend Sam had a very unusual task – that of getting the meditation cushion to deflate. I am here to tell you that this can never be a one-person job! It took both of us at least ten minutes of struggle to get the thing flat!

Trip day home was a very long one but this year I did get Luggage Direct service and so had nothing to carry but my large Vera Bradly Metropolitan bag through customs, which went quickly, I thought. Alas, getting Luggage Direct means you are tagged for early independent departure – at what seems like the crack of dawn after lazy mornings of inroom breakfasts, served with fresh flowers and real linens on the tray. So civilized! So I had 4 hours to kill in the Ft Lauderdale airport, and then another 4 hour layover in Atlanta. But I bought a day pass to the Delta Sky Lounge and, boy, was that ever worth it. Quiet space with comfortable chairs and work stations, free food and drink, and someone who alerts you if there is a flight delay. Breakfast service even included hot oatmeal and lunch had vegetarian chili. I would have spent far more on two meals and very much enjoyed the quiet airconditioned comfort of the Ft Lauderdale lounge. That terminal, overfull of returning crusiers, is loud, often quite warm, and at least the Southwest terminal only has one restaurant!!!

Some final observations: I have never been one to badmouth dining room food. It amazes me that they do so well, considering how many are fed, and in how short a time period. Just two comments --- deserts are pretty yet often rather tasteless, but the cold soups are always tremendous. Overall selection on the menu was fine. Two of my tablemates needed gluten-free food, and great care was taken by the staff to set up things for each day. Some slip-ups, but I was impressed that the staff never let my friends feel that this service was an imposition or too time-consuming. It also seemed to me that some improvements have been made in the dining room service over the past few years. I have had wonderful dining companions (most years) but a meal that takes over an hour and a half is just too long, no matter how good the company. Much better this year.

Solo travel has its pluses and minuses, but generally I would encourage everyone worried about it to just go and enjoy. My chief “secret” is to not spend $$ on a veranda cabin. Many interior and sea view cabins are much, much larger. Plus, regular verandas do not have a comfortable lounge chair, nor is the table one to breakfast off of. I use $$ saved to purchase a cabana, where I am supremely comfortable, safely out of the sun, and secure that someone would probably notice my absence. Real dining set-up, too, and right by the Crows Nest, Library, and Coffee Bar.

Thanks, everyone! Had a difficult year health -wise, so I am really looking forward to those relaxing blue seas.

Bellboys- I remember our fun chats a few years ago, and wish you were going east and not west! Have fun! (I just know you will...)

Mary

Thank you so much for the information, Adrift@sea.

Where does the group perform when they are not on the Eurodam's Main Stage? Hard to get a seat? Really looking forward to hearing them!

Mary

Once again - my winter getaway on the Eurodam Feb. 1st

Thank you so much for keeping these lists!

Mary

I have had splendid service from the cabana staff every time. They will do many more things besides taking your lunch order. (oh, those chocolate strawberries...) As far as I have seen, people tip at the end of the week.

Mary

Flying on Saturday and hope to beat the next round of blizzards, but if any of you know a good "don't snow" incantation...

Happy trails and smooth seas to all my fellow voyagers this week!

Mary

Thanks Copper10. What is he like?

I wonder if anyone knows how to find out who will be performing in the Eurodam's piano bar next month?

Thanks!

Mary (who wants to go right NOW!)

Since it's just me getting room service breakfast, I keep a small stash of ones handy. I always take cash to tip my cabin stewards. They are tremendously over-worked so that HAL can cut costs, yet they always have taken extra time to check on a solo traveler, no matter what class of cabin I was in. Their service and cheerfulness are one of the reasons I choose HAL.

Mary

Thank you so very much for taking on the job!

I do not think the HAL generated explanation of cabin types and amenities needs to be replicated, esp. since all that is available on the Hal site. Great if one could search by ship then cabin number.

Perhaps a short intro page on your site inviting pictures and emphasizing some particular shots as being extra helpful would be a good idea. Things like whether or not a scooter would fit in that particular cabin (or have to be parked out in the hall). Have those staying in veranda cabins by those elevators photograph any people they see looking out, thus answering privacy questions. Pictures of all the deeper, larger, or on the hump verandas. Some shots that really show what it looks like when you sit in a veranda with the steel or plexiglass railings. One nice pic on Joanie's site illustrated very clearly just how much is obscured by a lifeboat. (not as bad as I feared). I have also wondered how hard it is to walk about a cabin when all the beds and sofa bed are laid out for sleep. What's it like to sleep under a wall hanging bunk? Are there ladders? And bathroom shots: number of sinks, shower curtain or one of those horrid water cylinder things? Perhaps this one will gone you a laugh - shot of corner cabinet door open to show the hair dryer and extra glasses. My first Hal cruise I washed out two glasses over and over, and never did find the hair dryer!

I have pictures to send. If you get swamped please let us know.

In deep gassho to Joanie, and now you three, for your time and effort. I was mourning the loss of the site!

Mary

I always trim my boarding pass, so that it it can be placed in my documents case, and be right at hand. I would not risk trying to enter hall without it! Certainly not a silly question! I remember being a little bit anxious the first time I did it (years ago now)

Mary

Unless you can afford a suite, almost all balconies have no room for a proper lounger. Instead there is a stiff rattan chair and hard rattan ottoman. Since I love to lounge in the fresh air, snoozing over a good book, I book a retreat cabana, which I can afford if I stay with a large interior cabin. Service is very special in the cabanas, and, as others have mentioned, sleeping in is wonderful. Showers are large, too.

International Night menu has many choices that I enjoy, but I now usually try to get a 7 or 7:30 reservation at the Tamarind the last night. Service and food there is wonderful and the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed. I also like to eat a bit earlier than my usual 8pm fixed so I can join newly met friends for a drink or maybe a few songs in the piano bar befor finishing my packing.

Mary

Great!!

When we used to do Christmas cruises, I packed a 3 foot fold up tree. Also packed a small set of lights and unbreakable ornaments. We only turned on the tree when we were in the cabin. But one morning on the Norway (that ship is now long gone) we had finished breakfast and wanted to pick up something in the cabin. When we got to the cabin, our cabin steward hadn't finished his morning chores and we saw our Christmas tree on and he was humming a song. We never said a word and walked on by. When we did return to the cabin, of course the tree was unplugged and he was working in the next cabin. We never said a word to him -- just smiled. It was our private secret.

There was a time that HAL had an option where you get buy a small tree for your cabin. Have you thought about that? Maybe it isn't available anymore. You could call Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576 if you are interested in one.

Ah yes, the glorious SS Norway. I sailed her three times and wish I would have managed more. What fun it used to be to pick a cabin because they were so varied in size and layout. The big blue canoe. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.

Mary

After you board, go to the venue that should be listed in the Daily Explorer where you can request dining changes. It may take a day or two for everything to get settled.

I just returned from a cruise. Two people were assigned to my main fixed seating, from open seating, on the third night.

Thanks, Ruth. As a solo traveller I really look forward to a regular group for dinner each evening.

Mary

First time I have ever booked really late, and dismayed that my preference for a table at the late seating could not be met. I gather that I can ask for a change after boarding? Where do I go? (will be on the Eurodam).

Mary

I, too, adore the traditional greetings! I seem to remember that the wonderful SS Norway used to get special salutes (maybe just from other NCL ships)?

After a few moments of anxiety (just how low IS the visibilty, are we going to crash...?) I find the fog horn sound soothing and romantic. So many of the new ships seem to have been designed to make people forget that they actually ARE at sea... And I love the sea!

Mary

Note that 8045, and others nearby are very large. And a short set of steps to the Lido.

Mary

Sailing Feb 4 2012 and thrilled to have a retreat cabana. HAL salesperson seemed to think that they are assigned on a first come, first served basis, but others on the boards seem to think they are preassigned and you know what you got when you go to your cabin and check the usual stack of gift and excursion tickets.

IF I could select, which do you recommend? Like lots of breeze!

Mary

The area is 'controlled' by a simple rope. Nothing too secured. One day during a heavy downpour, the cabin attendees were busy closing things down and I just stayed in my cabana for the duration. It was fine by the staff and I find being enclosed in the cabana during the rain storm very relaxing. Even if you could get into your cabana at night, you can enjoy the lounge chairs in the retreat area since then are not put away.

Many thanks for sharing. I gather there are two ways to get to the cabanas? Entrance near the Crows Nest (My favorite spot on the NA) or up two flights of stairs, roped off, from Lido?

Thanks for the info, Surfergirle. Sounds like they may have area closed and locked during the night. How early in the am do they open the area? Since I have to once again sail alone, I am thinking of booking an inexpensive cabin, and then book a retreat cabana for relaxation and nice sea breezes.

How late can one use a retreat cabana on the NA? I love being on deck after nightfall. Wouldn't expect service terribly late, of couse