Just off the Neiuw Statendam Port Everglades

[AlexCherie]

1 hour ago, RuthC said:

That totally depends on the country you are doing the turn-around in. I have been in several countries where what you say is true, but not in the US or Japan. 

In the US, everyone must clear Immigration. That is done either by leaving the ship so it can be 'zeroed out', or the continuing passengers meeting in a set public room and clearing there. 
But you MUST report by whichever method the US authorities determine for your ship on your cruise. 
 

My experience was different.

We did a B2B on Celebrity. We had to clear Immigration, but we never left the ship and that was in FLL. We chose to leave the ship in Montreal on a B2B on HAL, but I can't recall if that was required on that ship. 

Worthwhile noting that on that particular Celebrity cruise, the last stop prior to returning to FLL was Key West and we cleared Immigration at that time. But regardless, my point stands - we would not have been required to actually leave the ship. 

Edited December 4, 2019 by AlexCherie

[taxmantoo]

2 hours ago, RuthC said:

That totally depends on the country you are doing the turn-around in. I have been in several countries where what you say is true, but not in the US or Japan. 

In the US, everyone must clear Immigration. That is done either by leaving the ship so it can be 'zeroed out', or the continuing passengers meeting in a set public room and clearing there. 
But you MUST report by whichever method the US authorities determine for your ship on your cruise. 
 

We were on for the Nov 17 - Nov 24 cruise and the Nov 24 - Dec 1 cruise and that is exactly the way it happened.  We all met in the World Stage, were walked off, waved our passport at Immigration officials, and walked back on.  After waiting for a few stragglers, of course 🙄 one of which was actually a B.B. King band member who had to know the routine.

[jameslee]

On 12/3/2019 at 10:53 AM, AlexCherie said:

Same cruise.

Pros: Food was just a hair short of outstanding in every venue. We dined in Canelletto, Rudi's Sel de Mer and Tamarind as well as the MDR. 

Canelletto: Menu is much, much improved. We enjoyed Suvat's service (such a smile!) and I felt combining regal Lamb and Truffles with humble beans and polenta was a master stroke. Moist, wonderful. Breads served warm, the various dips served with were excellent. Appetizers, desserts spot on. I could and should have gone back. 

Rudi's Sel De Mer: Dined twice. First experience was mostly outstanding. I spoke with Constantin regarding the beans served in the Confit and was told their interpretation of the classic duck dish allowed for "toothy" beans. For me, that was really not a realistic answer. Beans in Cassoulet should have absorbed the flavor and it wasn't perfect. Still, a good meal (the duck itself was incredible) and the $49 for a Haut Brion personating wine was right priced and carried to the next visit. My wife loved the amuse bouche - puff pastry shaped as fish filled with salmon and cream cheese. Wife ordered the seafood tower (for lack of a better word) and really felt it was wonderful. 

Second experience, the 12 ounce lobster tail came out gray and curled, like a hand tortured by arthritis. Worse still, Constantin and his partner dropped off the overcooked tail without taking it from the shell. My own bouillabaisse was cold by time I shelled the fish out - and at no point was the broth hot enough to help the garlic rouille melt into it. To be completely fair, the broth was well flavored and no seafood was overcooked.

An apology was made regarding the server's inexperience for not taking the shell off - even though the restaurant manager himself was there at the delivery. Sorry, that's a bullshit response and the weak way out.  The MDR serves some 4000 lobster tails and takes off the shell of each and every one.

When I spend money - a lot of money - for additional dining there is no room for mistakes. (We noticed the next two lobster tails headed to other tables looked better, and were properly served.) This may seem picayune to some. But we paid to eat on a cruise ship five out of seven nights. 

To the plus side, the haricots verts and ratatouille were spot on, as were the desserts once again. Although I didn't ask to have them comped, the management did not charge for the desserts.

Tamarind: Dined twice. Just incredibly outstanding in every way I can imagine. If they are available, ask for Anita and Sukma ... great service. So good on our first visit we dragged two other couples for our final night at sea. They are incredibly hard graders and agreed with us. What to pick? Everything. Satay sampler, Thai beef salad, lobster and shrimp stir fry, Wasabi beef, the duck (perfect. Their MDR interpretation normally is horrible) ... the fortune cookie was stellar among the desserts but I enjoyed the mango dessert as well.

MDR: Surf and Turf on Gala night, spot on. No part of that meal was wrong and I enjoyed the Sea Bass as an appetizer. Thanksgiving, I had asked to get stuffing with my filet mignon. The serving was literally a #2 scoop, barely a golf ball and the same shape. I couldn't stop laughing - but frankly I wouldn't have eaten more. Really wasn't that good, neither was my wife's Turkey dinner.

Lido: good as always for breakfast and lunch. The one gala night, I actually went down to try the Filet Mignon and thought it was better than the MDR that night.

Dive-in: Outstanding. 

NY Pizza: One small pizza and it was ... fine. Veendam experience was better.

Room service: only ordered on our final morning, but on time, hot and excellent.

 

Grand Dutch Cafe: Super, just super. Have the pea soup, the apple pancake, the chocolate puff pastry, chocolate chip cookies ... really, anything. Although I was waiting when they ran out of some things - thankfully, nothing I wanted that day. I would strongly recommend this as an alternative to having the same thing morning after morning in the Lido.

Entertainment: Comedian was funniest when he wasn't involving the crowd. Mentalist Wayne Hoffman will have you shaking your head - and one of our "crew" is literally a magician. Dance group was good and the involvement of technology was seamless. Other shows in the room were great. 

BB King band ... I just can't say enough. I watched them frequently for 3 shows. Imagine doing three sets, every single day. When this high energy band completed a night, they were stretching themselves to their utmost limit. Great stuff. Other music was ... a bit better than fair. Dueling pianos included a great rendition of Etta James' by the female performer.

Embarkation: We got to Port Canaveral at just about 11:15 and it was a waste. Get there closer to noon and you should walk right on to the ship. But flawless. While the original poster had troubles getting off (I guess), we were called on time at 9:45 and were off the vessel by 9:50 and found our bags nearly immediately. I do appreciate being able to sit in my room until being called. 

Excursions: Nearly none other than horseback riding at HMC. I understand it's worthwhile to take an excursion at Puerto Platas. 

Cabin appointments: Stayed in room 4086, a partially obstructed Verandah. Great, great, great value. Obstruction merely prevented me from looking straight down. Big deal. Bathroom isn't big but fair enough. Bed, as expected, wonderful. If you like a cold room at night, this ship gets it there. 

Bottom line: nearly flawless in every regard. When you compare the costs of this trip to what heaven forbid the Edge or Regal Princess offered, there isn't a chance you'd sail elsewhere. In fact, one of our guests took Edge and Statendam back-to-back and said they preferred the food on board HAL. Cruise received nearly uniform 10s from our cabin. 

It's highly unlikely we will cruise another line in the near future and booked an additional 40 days on three trips while onboard.

 

Have you had a chance to try the coffee? If so, how was it?

[AlexCherie]

14 hours ago, jameslee said:

Have you had a chance to try the coffee? If so, how was it?

Excellent. 

To each his own, but for me worth the price of admission.

[smilesntravels]

On 12/3/2019 at 8:35 AM, doone said:

I was skeptical about this new class of ship and really went on the K'dam thinking I would never step foot on another Pinnacle Class ship again.  I quickly found I LOVED this class of ship and my entire family booked the NS.............go with an open mind, I hope you enjoy this class of ship as much as I did.......the Grand Dutch Cafe was my favorite for cappuccino and give those fries and peanut butter sauce a try, different, but kind of good...................

We'll be on this ship next week, yay I can't wait, and it will also be our first time on a Pinnacle class ship.  I think it's great that HAL has built two new larger ships.  They're not humongous mega ships holding 5000+ passengers, just a little larger than their older ones.  I'm looking forward to trying the Grand Dutch café also, as well as the Dive in and pizza place.

[doone]

3 hours ago, smilesntravels said:

We'll be on this ship next week, yay I can't wait, and it will also be our first time on a Pinnacle class ship.  I think it's great that HAL has built two new larger ships.  They're not humongous mega ships holding 5000+ passengers, just a little larger than their older ones.  I'm looking forward to trying the Grand Dutch café also, as well as the Dive in and pizza place.

Please share your thoughts on this class of ship when you return, I will be curious.  Enjoy your cruise.

[smilesntravels]

9 hours ago, doone said:

Please share your thoughts on this class of ship when you return, I will be curious.  Enjoy your cruise.

I've heard that some people don't like these latest two new HAL ships and I've read that sometimes the service isn't as good.  I've also read that the NS and Koningsdam are beautiful,  but I read that there isn't a library also.  Yes, we'll see.  I'm not super picky about every thing and cruises go by too fast for me.  I just happen to like newer ships, so am very happy to go on the newest HAL.  

Edited December 6, 2019 by smilesntravels
addition to one sentence

[AlexCherie]

16 hours ago, smilesntravels said:

I've heard that some people don't like these latest two new HAL ships and I've read that sometimes the service isn't as good.  I've also read that the NS and Koningsdam are beautiful,  but I read that there isn't a library also.  Yes, we'll see.  I'm not super picky about every thing and cruises go by too fast for me.  I just happen to like newer ships, so am very happy to go on the newest HAL.  

I think you'll love it.

For me I especially loved the touches in the cabin. Not sure it if is precisely "wood", but the rooms looked great - fresh, clean, modern. Nice flower arrangements in the hallways (not enough of them). 

Mmm. Miss it already.

[smilesntravels]

5 hours ago, AlexCherie said:

I think you'll love it.

For me I especially loved the touches in the cabin. Not sure it if is precisely "wood", but the rooms looked great - fresh, clean, modern. Nice flower arrangements in the hallways (not enough of them). 

Mmm. Miss it already.

Thank you.  I think I read your review of the ship as I remember your name.  I'm pretty sure we'll love it.  If only we could get a suite 😉, but as long as I have a balcony that is good enough.  The pictures of the cabins look nice, as well as the ship overall.

[Queen of DaNile]

On 12/3/2019 at 1:53 PM, AlexCherie said:

Same cruise.

Pros: Food was just a hair short of outstanding in every venue. We dined in Canelletto, Rudi's Sel de Mer and Tamarind as well as the MDR. 

Canelletto: Menu is much, much improved. We enjoyed Suvat's service (such a smile!) and I felt combining regal Lamb and Truffles with humble beans and polenta was a master stroke. Moist, wonderful. Breads served warm, the various dips served with were excellent. Appetizers, desserts spot on. I could and should have gone back. 

Rudi's Sel De Mer: Dined twice. First experience was mostly outstanding. I spoke with Constantin regarding the beans served in the Confit and was told their interpretation of the classic duck dish allowed for "toothy" beans. For me, that was really not a realistic answer. Beans in Cassoulet should have absorbed the flavor and it wasn't perfect. Still, a good meal (the duck itself was incredible) and the $49 for a Haut Brion personating wine was right priced and carried to the next visit. My wife loved the amuse bouche - puff pastry shaped as fish filled with salmon and cream cheese. Wife ordered the seafood tower (for lack of a better word) and really felt it was wonderful. 

Second experience, the 12 ounce lobster tail came out gray and curled, like a hand tortured by arthritis. Worse still, Constantin and his partner dropped off the overcooked tail without taking it from the shell. My own bouillabaisse was cold by time I shelled the fish out - and at no point was the broth hot enough to help the garlic rouille melt into it. To be completely fair, the broth was well flavored and no seafood was overcooked.

An apology was made regarding the server's inexperience for not taking the shell off - even though the restaurant manager himself was there at the delivery. Sorry, that's a bullshit response and the weak way out.  The MDR serves some 4000 lobster tails and takes off the shell of each and every one.

When I spend money - a lot of money - for additional dining there is no room for mistakes. (We noticed the next two lobster tails headed to other tables looked better, and were properly served.) This may seem picayune to some. But we paid to eat on a cruise ship five out of seven nights. 

To the plus side, the haricots verts and ratatouille were spot on, as were the desserts once again. Although I didn't ask to have them comped, the management did not charge for the desserts.

Tamarind: Dined twice. Just incredibly outstanding in every way I can imagine. If they are available, ask for Anita and Sukma ... great service. So good on our first visit we dragged two other couples for our final night at sea. They are incredibly hard graders and agreed with us. What to pick? Everything. Satay sampler, Thai beef salad, lobster and shrimp stir fry, Wasabi beef, the duck (perfect. Their MDR interpretation normally is horrible) ... the fortune cookie was stellar among the desserts but I enjoyed the mango dessert as well.

MDR: Surf and Turf on Gala night, spot on. No part of that meal was wrong and I enjoyed the Sea Bass as an appetizer. Thanksgiving, I had asked to get stuffing with my filet mignon. The serving was literally a #2 scoop, barely a golf ball and the same shape. I couldn't stop laughing - but frankly I wouldn't have eaten more. Really wasn't that good, neither was my wife's Turkey dinner.

Lido: good as always for breakfast and lunch. The one gala night, I actually went down to try the Filet Mignon and thought it was better than the MDR that night.

Dive-in: Outstanding. 

NY Pizza: One small pizza and it was ... fine. Veendam experience was better.

Room service: only ordered on our final morning, but on time, hot and excellent.

 

Grand Dutch Cafe: Super, just super. Have the pea soup, the apple pancake, the chocolate puff pastry, chocolate chip cookies ... really, anything. Although I was waiting when they ran out of some things - thankfully, nothing I wanted that day. I would strongly recommend this as an alternative to having the same thing morning after morning in the Lido.

Entertainment: Comedian was funniest when he wasn't involving the crowd. Mentalist Wayne Hoffman will have you shaking your head - and one of our "crew" is literally a magician. Dance group was good and the involvement of technology was seamless. Other shows in the room were great. 

BB King band ... I just can't say enough. I watched them frequently for 3 shows. Imagine doing three sets, every single day. When this high energy band completed a night, they were stretching themselves to their utmost limit. Great stuff. Other music was ... a bit better than fair. Dueling pianos included a great rendition of Etta James' by the female performer.

Embarkation: We got to Port Canaveral at just about 11:15 and it was a waste. Get there closer to noon and you should walk right on to the ship. But flawless. While the original poster had troubles getting off (I guess), we were called on time at 9:45 and were off the vessel by 9:50 and found our bags nearly immediately. I do appreciate being able to sit in my room until being called. 

Excursions: Nearly none other than horseback riding at HMC. I understand it's worthwhile to take an excursion at Puerto Platas. 

Cabin appointments: Stayed in room 4086, a partially obstructed Verandah. Great, great, great value. Obstruction merely prevented me from looking straight down. Big deal. Bathroom isn't big but fair enough. Bed, as expected, wonderful. If you like a cold room at night, this ship gets it there. 

Bottom line: nearly flawless in every regard. When you compare the costs of this trip to what heaven forbid the Edge or Regal Princess offered, there isn't a chance you'd sail elsewhere. In fact, one of our guests took Edge and Statendam back-to-back and said they preferred the food on board HAL. Cruise received nearly uniform 10s from our cabin. 

It's highly unlikely we will cruise another line in the near future and booked an additional 40 days on three trips while onboard.

 

Thanks for all the dining info. We'll be on her for a TA in April. Just so I'm clear, the cost for Sel de Mer is Prix Fixe on the Pinnacle class ships? Glad to hear Canelletto has improved because previously it was not worth any upcharge.