jeh10641

I believe that we had the "new" menus on our transatlantic. They were mostly themed for each night. On one night the head waiter brought us, without asking, an apple dessert no longer on the "new" menus but had been a favorite of our dining partners. The regular staff prepared a pot of fresh brewed "unsweetened" ice tea for us each night because Anthem OTS was not stocking the unsweetened ice tea mix as the ship had been in England/Europe for several months. Those clientele apparently prefers sweetened.

Not facts, opinions as to taste.

Hi, George, Pelham and Larchmont (Mamaroneck High School '59). Seattle area since January 1975. 1959 sailing was part of a student tour of Europe for 55 days. Think "Grand Tour" of yore but on a budget. Nieuw Amsterdam had three classes then - first, cabin, tourist (seems like cruise lines are reverting back to that). We were in the middle class. It had a ROUND porthole about 15 inches in diameter, on a lower deck. The seas got so bad that the room attendant had to lower a steel covering over it and lock it in place for 2 or 3 days. The waves were over the porthole. I was not yet 18 and on my own with 29 other kids who were either going to be high school seniors, or like me, were going to start college. Jim

We have utilized HAL's laundry program in the pasdt and have always been more than happy with the results. We even send them a gratuity via a laundry bag/envelope. Jim

Hi, George, Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate it. When i write a review, whether for a cruise or a book, I try to an honest appraisal based on my experience. I am not sure why negative reviews seem to dominate Cruise Critic's boards on RCCL food. Our experience, albeit only two lengthy trips 15 years apart, has been very positive. Fellow cruisers with whom I spoke on Anthem felt the food was very good but somewhat limited in selection. WEe felt there was more than enough choices for each meal. We are displaced New Yorkers ourselves. My wife from the Bronx and I from Westchester County. Jim

Hi, Charles, You make very valid points about ATMS and banks at home for getting foreign currency and in other countries. i do have a question though: if you get Euros for travel why not pounds as well? Most European countries, like Great Britain, are more credit card intensive than the US. We arrived by train in London from Amsterdam. I needed small bills for tips for porters, etc. Most ATMS give tens and twenties which are too much in my opinion. In case you are wondering, my wife and I are in our 80s so lugging baggage is not our thing anymore. Jim

I purchased a laundry package for my Hawaii cruise in January 2025. It came to $8.50/day, whether or not it will be one item or 10 pounds. Jim

I was in England in October 2023 and was glad I had Pounds in hand when I arrived for tips. I even took a Winchester personal city tour that did NOT take credit cards (very worthwhile by the way). Jim

As exemplified by this thread, food is very personal. My wife and I loved the MDR on Navigator OTS on our first cruise in 2008. We loved the MDR food on Anthem OTS in October 2023 (transatlantic). I left a review of Anthem on Cruise Critic where you see my entire multipage review. JEH10641

The reason I travel with foreign currency is that when I arrive in a foreign country, I will have cash for immediate use for tips, snacks, taxis, etc. Never more than 100 units (Euros, Pounds, etc.). After settling in, then I can look for a bank ATM recommended by my bank to further reduce any fees.

We always buy the laundry service in advance. That way we can pack less. We always have anywhere from a few days (FL, NY, CA) or a few weeks (Europe) before we cruise. being able to send out those clothes on the day after boarding is a blessing. We pack for four or five days. Our cruises are never less than 11 days. Jim

You guys have great memories. I do not remember the name of any performer I have seen on a cruise except for Cantare and Boulvevard. Jim

I use bold fonts because I find it easier to see at my age (82 and counting). I did not raise the issue of casinos but I was just responding to a previous note. I am looking forward to seeing to what Billboard on Board actually is changing, if it is changing.

Many of C.L.I.A.'s rules are strange but cruise lines voluntarily sign up for them.

My wife exactly.

Not to belabor the point but I think "Payouts" would fall under "Practices".

Hi, roamingrn, We purchased a laundry package for our January 28, 2025 Koningsdam cruise to Hawaii about a month ago, well over a year in advance. It was US$153. I figure we can pack for 4 or 5 days and send out our laundry as often as we want. Less is more in my opinion. We used the Navigator app for our cruise. Hope this helps. Jim

If I remember correctly it was a C.L.I.A. rule. Since HAL is a participant in C.L.I.A. I think that qualifies. This is from C.L.I.A.'s website. Gambling CLIA’s members have adopted a policy that all equipment purchased and installed on cruise vessels will meet the regulatory standards of the Nevada Gaming Control Board or other licensed jurisdiction for payback and internal software. Rules of play The policy is that each line will provide a gaming guide setting forth the rules of play for their casino, and that these rules of play shall generally follow those established for casinos in Nevada, New Jersey, or England. To comply with CLIA’s policy: These house rules must be made available in every casino. Each member is to post at every gaming table minimum and maximum betting limits for each game. Only adults are allowed to play the slots or the tables. Internal controls CLIA’s member-approved policy is that all shipboard gambling operations be inspected by each member through its internal audit department on a regular basis, not to exceed 12 months.1 Further, all casinos are directed by the policy to have detailed internal control procedures concerning the cash and coin counts, casino cage procedures and other processes, similar to licensed jurisdictions. To comply with the policy each line must employ some form of surveillance to assure operations are fair and equitable for all parties. The policy states that each line should separate the operation of the casino from the financial aspects of the casino as clearly as possible including specific duties for cashiers and table gaming staff. Customer service CLIA’s policy is that onboard casino operations are the overall responsibility of the Hotel Manager or Director, or similar individual(s) charged with ensuring the highest level of conduct for casino staff. In case of a gaming dispute, any passenger who feels he or she has an issue that cannot be resolved by the Casino Manager should be able to bring it up to the Hotel Manager, and CLIA’s members have agreed that every effort should be made to resolve the problem. If the issue is not resolved on board the vessel, the policy is that each ship have at the casino cage a current list of contact information for their home office or casino operator where the passenger can pursue their dispute. CLIA’s policy is that cruise vessels have onboard comment cards for the inclusion of any comment, concern, or means to improve the gambling system on board the vessel. Gambling is strictly for the enjoyment of the passengers who choose to avail themselves of this form of entertainment. 1Inspection provision applies to shipboard gambling operations as a whole as opposed to individual ships.

This thread has given me a lot to think about. I post my name and cabin number on Meet and Greet spreadsheets. I may be having second thoughts about that. Cruise Critic forums always give me a lot of information even though I think I am a pretty savvy traveler. Jim

missadventure85, I have never been on a Princess ship, but they do have more "adult entertainment" (not a "bad" adult) in the evening than HAL. I cannot speak to kids' clubs but I think HAL is taking more interest in families than they used to. Both companies have been doing Alaska for a long time and their land/cruise options are well done. Pinnacle class ships top out at 2600 passengers and to me that is a perfect size. I have been on larger ships (RCCL) and feel they are "too busy". I have been on Westerdan, Oosterdam and Rotterdam (the latter being a Pinnacle class) and loved them all.

I will be watching your reports as I am on this cruise in 2025 (01/28). Jim

I never thought about this. It is something now to think about. One reason I do not use any social media except for email and Cruise Critic. I live in a town house condo complex. I have three neighbors in my building (all are 4 plexes). We watch out for each other when traveling.

My cousins live in Brentwood.

I am not sure when my friend moved to plano. He came from Minneapolis where he had bookstores and a publishing company. He still lives in Plano. Jim

I had an uncle who had a dental practice in Stonybrook in the 1950s. I grew up in Manhattan, Pelham and Larchmont. I have a former colleague/friend who lives in Plano and cousins in Nashville. Sounds like you are living my life.😊 Jim