regnig

On the deck plans of the Westerdam, it appears that the verandah cabins near the back of the ship have a 'shower only' designation. On the deck plans, it appears that all the verandah cabins are the same size. Do the 'shower only' cabins have larger bathrooms since there is no tub? Interesting to me that HAL has different layouts like this. I don't think I've seen this in other cruise lines. Most all have showers only until you get to suite level cabins (some, like Princess Mini-suites are the exception). Are balcony sizes the same throughout the ship in non-suite balcony rooms? Any other differences between the verandah cabins?

Thanks!

Yes the bathroom seems bigger and roomier since the vanity/sink/storage area is taking the place of the tub but I believe the actual square footage is the same.

Verandah sizes on the Vista class ships, of which the Westerdam is one, are as follows:

The Port and Starboard standard Veranda/Balcony are mostly the same size 6 ft. deep by 9 ft. wide. The aft/stern verandas are deeper and vary depending on deck. The exception to the 6 foot depth is that the Port and Starboard Veranda staterooms on Deck 4, Upper Promenade, are 7.5 ft. in depth while the Port Staterooms on Deck 5, Veranda, 5056 through 5138 and Starboard Staterooms 5053 through 5135 are only 4.5 ft. deep.

On the Westerdam Staterooms 4164 and 4166 have not only the 7.5 ft. in depth but are around 13 ft. in length.

Unless they make another major change to the just posted 24 Hour room service menu the fruit situation can be accomplished by ordering the Fruit Salad and maybe helpful with respect to eggs is the Open Faced Omelet (w/ham & cheese or vegetarian).

Ruth hopefully you will be able to put something together for that disembarkation day breakfast as you are so correct going to the Lido, which can be azoo, is just no fun.

Regnig, I'm just wondering what other names you use on this board? :rolleyes:

One word - baloney. Nit even worth any other response.

As to post count - all under one name. Add all your identities together and you're way up there.

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I dislike having to disappoint you both but you are so very wrong. I’m not anyone else, just me an avid reader of CC of over 10 years who has gleamed so very much great and invaluable information and knowledge by reading posts initially on the Princess board and then here on HAL’s board. I’ve just never found the need to participate as both boards have more than enough true experts that my 2 cents worth just hasn’t been needed. I’ve followed this thread since its inception, as yes being a smoker, it is a subject I needed to stay informed on. When the announcement was posted last week I foolishly created my one and only user-id in order to get some clarifying information about the Oosterdam in order to weigh my options on our current 14 day booking. I then attempted to post a rational post (#4405) in defense of those of us in the “silent minority”; that in retrospect was my error as I knew it would fall on deaf ears. I attempted to keep my whopping 3 posts as rational and un-insulting as possible but apparently I failed; or is it that the truth hurts? I now, along with all my other shortcomings as a smoker, have been accused of being a cheat, rule breaker and a liar. As such, although I will remain an avid reader, this will more than likely be my last post on these boards.

To the remainder of you regulars on this board a big “Thank You” for all the knowledge you have conveyed as it has been an invaluable help in increasing our enjoyment of cruising.

I don't know who "they" are, but you are making wild assumptions with a very broad brush. The howls of protest from the smokers and the accusations and insults directed at non-smokers is getting beyond childish. You surely knew this day was coming, now it's time to adapt and move on.

Lizzie68 I would respectively suggest that you go back and read all of your 209 posts on this thread. From day one you have continuously "howled" in protest against the smokers leveling your own accusations and insults and you continue to do so even after you got what you wanted "the end of veranda smoking". What more do you have to gain by continuing? Perhaps you need to take a good look in a mirror before you continue bashing all smokers who dare post on this thread.

To be fair, 'most' smokers are not howling nor posting accusations or insults. Only a very, very few are. Most are posting either acceptance or sadness that the change will impact their enjoyment of cruising with HAL going forward.

 

This smoking thread is for everyone to express their opinions. We've had 4,000+ posts, mostly from nonsmokers who wanted the policy changed. I don't see why we shouldn't now be prepared to hear at least a few hundred worth from smokers protesting it -- even proportionally speaking that seems fair, yes?

cruisemom42 Thank you for your voice of reason! The non-smoking vocal majority who still feel the need to make vitriolic posts on this thread will never ever give an inch. They are right and so much better than any smoker could ever be, just ask them.

Thanks Choppertester and OVgirl for the information about the interior area OR should I say lack there of. Being a 3-star I'm well aware of how frequently they close down the smoking area at the Sea View Bar so not having an interior space to go really sucks. I've followed this thread since its inception and while I know there are 7 good CC folks (with over 100 posts each) who are now just thrilled with the new policy there are a few of us who are not.

Yes, I & DH are smokers but we have always been considerate of those who are not. Like Jacqui we have never had an issue with abutting verandas as we always discuss the situation with them and find a compromise from day one that works for everyone.

While we knew this change was eventually going to happen we had foolishly believed that HAL would not enact it until adequate space, both exterior and interior, for smokers had been established.

And, finally in rebuttal to some of the insults that have been flung about on this thread, first off we are not lacking in education, or at least both our Masters Degrees seem to indicate that fact and neither are we poor. We are both rather upstanding citizens who are spending our retirement time doing volunteer work and happen to really enjoy cruising. The fact that you do not smoke does not make you better than we are. I apologize for the rant, but it’s been a long time coming!

Will we take up another vice, e-cigs… Probably not. Will we head back to Princess where we are Elite and get more for our money…. Probably. Will HAL miss receiving the revenue from our not sailing them? Probably not!

BTW, we’ve got some prime realest on a 14 day Oosterdam cruise we will be more than likely giving up if anyone is interested!

Please forgive my ignorance of HAL's Oosterdam layout but once the new policy, eliminating smoking on verandas and in the Oosterdam casino, goes into effect where is the comfortable inside area on the Oosterdam where one can smoke? Thanks!

Just completed the 117 piece one. Now can someone tell me what excuse I give DH as to why dinner isn't ready???:eek:

Ms Oosterdam

March 17, 2017

14-Day Southern Caribbean

Tampa - Tampa

Thanks Jacqui,

Barb

My personal recommendation would be on Deck 4 towards the aft. The Port and Starboard Veranda staterooms on Deck 4, Upper Promenade, are 7.5 ft. in depth and with the exception of true aft facing verandas the widest on the Vista class ships. Since there will be several of you out on the veranda for viewing the extra space will be helpful. There are several VC staterooms aft of the rear elevators. No obstructions from life boats, very quite and it seems as if those elevators are your "own private" lifts as there is never a wait.

I just want the serving tray. Now walking out the door with the serving tray in a ziplock bag would make folklore history on the ship.

Make you a deal Emerson... I'll grab the silver serving tray for you if you'll carry off 4 of the smaller hot water carafes that Room Service brings filled with my hot tea water. :D Can't find the darn things anywhere. :(

 

...............desserts at dinner. The Honey tart, Snickers cake and Chocolate Decadence Cake were some of our favorites. I liked the Snickers Cake so much I got the recipe for that one.

 

Just had the Snickers Cake on the Oosterdam and would love to have that recipe. Would you post it please?

Many thanks!

Last year in your of the Noordam you said you had gotten the recipe for the Snickers Cake. I had it for the 1st time on the Oosterdam last month and I'd really really really (get the message ;)) like to have it. If you can post it fine, but if you'd rather email it to me let me know and I'll give you my address.

Thanks, Barb

Yep only 1 Customs official until 800am. We were on that same disembarkation. Listening to the announcements it sounded as if passengers were not following directions and creating congestion for the color/numbers being called. That always adds to a delay. Even with all that we were only 15 minutes behind being called to disembark and once into the terminal things seemed to be moving smoothly but a bit slow. We encountered something similar last spring.

Since this seems to becoming the norm any one would be foolish to book a very early flight. Long gone are the days when you could book a 900a-1000a flight.

Wow what a wonderful start, thanks again for letting us join you on this adventure.

Hi

We are thinking of switching from our booked Eclipse cruise to the 17th March

Sailing from Tampa next year.

A couple of questions,

1. Is the inside of the ship smoke free except for designated areas outside

(Asma Issues)

Smoking is allowed in the Casino "some" of the time or better said currently there are some "smoke free" times.

2. Are Balconies Smoke Free, same reason.

No

3. Do they offer Drink Packages

Yes

4. You stated the ship was tired, when is the next dry dock /refurb planned

April 6, 2016

Thanks very much

Answers above.

Ruth has described the "shower only" bathroom to a tee. We just got off the Oosterdam with a "shower only" stateroom and loved it. The extra counter and under the sink storage was wonderful and the shower was soooo much better than the itty bitty ones on Princess. We are now going to attempt to book only "shower only" staterooms.

Question for Larsen (sorry, quote function isn't working for me today):

Was the Lido very busy for dinner? I've never had dinner in a HAL Lido, so I'm wondering if they've cut back on food choices because of a smaller crowd?

It was our opinion that there perhaps seemed to be a few less people in the Lido at dinner than there has been in the past. But it is possible that was due to our timing as we normally went between 645p & 700p which might have been a tad late for some. The one night we went earlier so that we could make the 1st show it did seem busier. I'm still of the opinion that what we noticed was just due to cut backs that I'm sure HAL (and other lines) are making to keep the price of cruising down so I guess I really shouldn't complain too loudly. I did note my comments on the surveys as I really want the made to order sandwiches back. :o

We always eat in the Lido as dinner in the dining room can take far to long for our taste. When we sail Princess we also dine in the Caribe every night. Along with being very laid back cruisers and while being waited on in the dining room is wonderful we enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the "buffet" and find we eat far less than when ordering off the menu.

We were also on this cruise and I agree with all Linda said. My additional comments are about some of the food in the Lido.

The Pre-Made sandwiches just have to GO! I don't need all that bread at lunch so I used to order my sandwiches "without bread". I did pick up one sandwich the day they had egg salad and then removed all the innards. I must have ended up with about 2 tablespoons of egg salad, one limp piece of lettuce and a rather unripe piece of tomato. What a waste! For those of us who do not want to eat a heavy lunch that pretty much left only salad and fruit for lunch. Must say though that the new salad bar and the huge green bowls are great.

The other two cut backs I noticed were at dinner in the Lido. In the past there were "several" selections of appetizers and on this cruise there were only 2 each night, a fruit cup and a cold soup. Gone were any kind of shrimp cocktails, prosciutto & melon, etc. Additionally the main entrées were very heavy on pork and chicken. Beef offerings seemed to be very limited. Now, all that said we always found something to eat but it was a bit disappointing.

No snow :eek: in our forecast just more rain, high winds, possible hail and tornados. Sure wish it were Saturday as that is when we leave for Ft. Lauderdale. :D

No, of course, they are not asking if you smoke.

Your cabin steward is reporting which cabins has smokers. It is a safety issue but you can be sure it finds it's way into HAL computers for safety reasons.

 

They know who is using an ashtray and PLEASE do not think it a good idea to bring your own ashtray and stow it away when you leave the cabin. Where will you empty the butts? NOT the toilet. It will block the lines. NOT the wastebasket. You can't be sure there is nothing hot.

 

PLease use a HAL provided wind safe ashtray.

Sail while I'm not in the least bit convinced that "it finds it's way into HAL computers for safety reasons" I am convinced that even if it did that the HAL wizard computer techies (that really was a joke wasn't it) wouldn't have a clue of what to do with it. It was really that not having been a 1st time cruiser for many a year I wasn't sure just what inquiring minds might be asking now and nothing would surprise me. ;)

For the sake of community I'm going to assume that the "you" in your response was not directed at me and therefore I won't take offence. And, if it's okay with you I won't be using a HAL provided wind safe ashtray or any other type as I have no need for such.

How stupid do they actually think we are? :rolleyes:

They know how many people are first time HAL cruisers who book a verandah and are smokers. That is an easy number for their 'wizard computer techies' to tell them. :)

 

...........................

Golly what have I missed. :confused: :confused:

Are they now asking 1st time HAL cruisers, those people without a Mariner Number, if they smoke? Without that piece of data I don't understand how any 'wizard computer techies' could give them that number. First time Hal cruisers - yes, verandah bookers - yes, but smokers.... I don't think so.

And if you are implying that all 1st time HAL cruisers who book verandah staterooms are smokers then HAL is in big trouble. Assuming (:o) that all the statistics passionately provided by folks on this thread stating that only 20% of the entire population smokes and then figuring that less than .00001% of that 20% might take a cruise just how is HAL going to fill it's ships? While I'm not real bright I'm really confused by your statement. :eek:

....... Any techies out there?

Lizzie while I'm not a "current" techie my PC is pretty smart and I've been getting the "Long Running Script" Pop-UP Message for the past couple of days almost every time I've been logging into CC. At that point I'm given the option to stop the Script, which I do, and then I'm into CC without a problem. POA1 can probably explain all that much better than I. :o

No different than a magnet.....I repeat....No damage and great product to use in your cruise cabin.:)

Thanks, already packed in the "odds & ends" bag. :D

And since I believe the stateroom walls are covered with a vinyl wallpaper no paint to remove and I'll make certain I wipe off any residue that might remain. That ought to keep everyone happy. :):rolleyes:

Is it your property? Don't stuck anything on it. Simple.

 

Sheesh! I heard people sticking all kinds of things in cabins. They leave residue of glue. Even blue tack.... leaves residue.

 

It is not your property.

Topsham I'm gathering by this that you have used them in a HAL stateroom and upon removal they left damage. :confused:?????:confused:

I've used them on several different surfaces at home without problem but wasn't certain of HAL stateroom walls.

Oh stop it.....they cause no damage......sheesh!

Thanks for jumping in here as after the last few posts I'd begun to worry about creating a controversy :o without even offering to serve Pop-Corn. :eek::rolleyes:

The issue wasn't what I might need them for or whether I'd like guests in my own home using them or if they fell within the bounds of someone else's view of good etiquette, it was simply would they "really not hurt the wall surfaces in HAL staterooms" as "I want to be certain I will not cause any damage."

Thanks again!