(Almost) Live from the Eurodam...Sailing 1/14/17

[chisoxfan]

Haven't caught up on all your posts yet but enjoying reading your reports.

Left the Eurodam on 14th after some very rough weather hope the seas are once more calm and your days ahead sunny.

The Eurodam was not our favourite ship but being in a regular balcony cabin and not having any of the suites luxury touches may have influenced our view of the ship. We ate too often in the lido buffet .. never a good idea just stress from start to finish. Do you have a restaurant allocated for lunch in a suite.

Presume your cabana is on the upper deck and not round the pool. Who would pay to be behind a curtain on the lido deck. Have you used the retreat on Princess for a comparison.

 

We were on the 1/14 Eurodam cruise (NCL, X, Princess, and one HAL prior) and had a wonderful time. I had to comment on your remark about the LIDO Cabana. It was (IMHO) absolutely perfect. We opted for this location because of the ability to jump into pools hot tubs easily). It was a fantastic bargain at 250 a week and our service was exemplary. In fact the cabana availability would be a primary reason to book another HAL Caribbean.

While we liked the Princess Sanctuary I think I would prefer the Lido Cabana. The ability to eat at a table that is yours with the option of the day bed was better than simply having a padded lounger. Also the location of Sanctuary on high deck was very windy (not sure how HAL retreat area compares). Also liked both of these venues better than NCL extra cost area

(Posh or something).

Not intending to be argumentative but obviously we have radically different views on this cabana location and desirability.

 

Overall we were impressed with HAL service, MDR food, BB Kings, quiet laid back atmosphere of ship, large veranda stateroom and balcony (aft), and Billboard 100 venue.

 

Not many negatives but we missed pool bands (steel drummer was only entertainment), casino was small and dated, and the open 'atrium' style of larger X and Princess ships. Breakfast room service was disappointing with new 'restricted' menu.Of course no ship or line will be perfect for everyone but this was a great cruise and I was pleased I spent some additional $$ and cancelled the NCL Getaway that we were originally scheduled on.

 

As sidebar we had the Explore 4 package and we were able to upgrade to the elite package for approx 180 bucks upon boarding. I know there had been many questions about being able to do this and it was not a seamless process and involved a manager but it did not seem like a big issue.

 

Our next scheduled cruises are Princess and X but we will continue to strongly consider HAL cruises in the future.

[seapals2]

It's ok to have different opinions ... if we all had the same favourite line the others would go out of business.

Of course as soon as you accumulate loyalty points and advance up the tiers this becomes another big factor in considering the next cruise you take. Laundry, internet and drinks packages make persuasive arguments in choice.

 

We would put Princess, Cunard and Celebrity higher on our list but if the itinerary and price was right HAL would certainly get considered.

[WeLoveCruising]

We were on the 1/14 Eurodam cruise (NCL, X, Princess, and one HAL prior) and had a wonderful time. I had to comment on your remark about the LIDO Cabana. It was (IMHO) absolutely perfect. We opted for this location because of the ability to jump into pools hot tubs easily). It was a fantastic bargain at 250 a week and our service was exemplary. In fact the cabana availability would be a primary reason to book another HAL Caribbean.

 

 

 

 

Our next scheduled cruises are Princess and X but we will continue to strongly consider HAL cruises in the future.

 

 

I'm glad you liked the Lido cabana. We prefer the quiet area of the retreat, but if the retreat cabanas were unavailable, I would absolutely have gotten and enjoyed the Lido one. I think it just depends on the atmosphere you want, and how close you want to be to the action. On other cruises without cabanas, my husband and I typically stake out a place near the Lido pool, so I can see how that area would be appealing.

 

I agree with you - the cabana service is really good.

[MisterBill99]

It's ok to have different opinions ... if we all had the same favourite line the others would go out of business.

Yes, I always find it strange that some people say they love a cruise line that I would never sail on again.

 

BTW your signature file is broken -- lots of bare URL's showing up.

[seapals2]

Have looked at signature edit .. not sure I can fix it ... it shouldn't show with each post. Will just delete and keep countdown clock for next sailing.

Haven't worked out how to view signatures / history of others who post but like me don't include.