The Inside Cabin - Live on the Koningsdam Coastal California

[The-Inside-Cabin]

1 hour ago, Gretchendz said:

Those of you on the Koningsdam now--the ship is now showing yellow on the CDC covid chart, meaning CDC has begun an investigation. Have they told you anything about it or any cases onboard? 

There hasn't been any announcements about COVID cases, not has there been any change in protocols or procedures - that I can detect anyway.

[lstrong]

Thank you for all your information!  Have a great cruise 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

A few quick hits -

 

Official story on wine stewards - they wanted to improve service by having one person do everything - claimed people were confused by multiple people involved - LOL   

 

Unofficial story - make your feelings known on the comment cards and post cruise surveys.

 

Other changes - we did get chocolates and a towel animal on gala night.    Normal service is no towel animal and no chocolate on pillow.

 

No paper in "mailbox"   We do get a hard copy of the Where and When without asking.    Normal hard copy menus quickly provided on request.    I find reading the menu on my phone tedious and not preferable to the larger print on a menu.

 

6-8 Slot machines have been added to the ocean bar - right across from Rudi's

 

Service in all areas has been outstanding - back to normal levels from my perspective.   

 

Be sure to write up your feelings on other service changes - wine stewards etc...HAL will deliver the product that people demand - if no one complains - it's not coming back.    BUT don't complain to Guest services - they are doing a great job along with all the crew - save it for the post cruise surveys.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

We are clearing Immigration in San Francisco now - should make our disembark in San Diego faster.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Entertainment - Plan on seeing One Step dance company - 6 dancers - no singers on all cruises 7 days and shorter - On longer cruises you can expect to see more of the traditional guest entertainer's.  

 

Comedians are on the shorter cruises now along with the BB King, piano bar, Lincoln Stage and RS Rock Band

[Sir PMP]

49 minutes ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

A few quick hits -

 

Official story on wine stewards - they wanted to improve service by having one person do everything - claimed people were confused by multiple people involved - LOL   

 

Unofficial story - make your feelings known on the comment cards and post cruise surveys.

 

Other changes - we did get chocolates and a towel animal on gala night.    Normal service is no towel animal and no chocolate on pillow.

 

No paper in "mailbox"   We do get a hard copy of the Where and When without asking.    Normal hard copy menus quickly provided on request.    I find reading the menu on my phone tedious and not preferable to the larger print on a menu.

 

6-8 Slot machines have been added to the ocean bar - right across from Rudi's

 

Service in all areas has been outstanding - back to normal levels from my perspective.   

 

Be sure to write up your feelings on other service changes - wine stewards etc...HAL will deliver the product that people demand - if no one complains - it's not coming back.    BUT don't complain to Guest services - they are doing a great job along with all the crew - save it for the post cruise surveys.

Slot machines in the ocean bar, now that's desperate..

[Gretchendz]

1 hour ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

There hasn't been any announcements about COVID cases, not has there been any change in protocols or procedures - that I can detect anyway.

 

Thanks. It could well be that someone tested positive POST cruise--as that counts too. It could well be someone picked it up coming home and tested positive.  *Fingers crossed*

• This percentage includes passenger cases occurring within 5 days of disembarkation that CDC was notified of by state or local health departments.

[roamstheworld]

Love the video, Pete!

 

[Laminator]

On 11/2/2021 at 11:45 AM, R.T. said:

Heading out this Sunday on the K'dam.  In your video, you didn't mention how strict they were regarding embarkation groups (A, B, etc.) and the twenty minute windows for arriving at check in.  Would appreciate info on that point.  Thanks.

Is there a reason you think you should be able to board prior to your assigned boarding time?

[oaktreerb]

31 minutes ago, Laminator said:

Is there a reason you think you should be able to board prior to your assigned boarding time?

Priority boarding of having achieved 4 * or having purchased Club Orange, or paying for a NS.  Is the dining room open on embarkation day for lunch?

Edited November 3, 2021 by oaktreerb

[madera1]

Thank you for sharing your trip. The video was a great addition.

[Florida_gal_50]

3 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

A few quick hits -

 

Official story on wine stewards - they wanted to improve service by having one person do everything - claimed people were confused by multiple people involved - LOL   

 

Unofficial story - make your feelings known on the comment cards and post cruise surveys.

 

 

I just love the stories they come up with :).  Thank you for the update.

[Laminator]

1 hour ago, oaktreerb said:

Priority boarding of having achieved 4 * or having purchased Club Orange, or paying for a NS.  Is the dining room open on embarkation day for lunch?

I get all of that. I am asking this particular poster. On my upcoming cruise on the Rotterdam 6 of the 8 of us are 4 star mariners and the other 2 are first time cruisers. We have 2 Neptune Suites, an SS and an inside. The Neptune Suite pax, all 4 stars, have a 1pm boarding time. The new HAL cruisers have a 2pm check in time in an SS and the other 2, which are 4 star mariners, in the inside have a 3pm check in time. The 4 stars should have priority boarding but don't. I am sure HAL has a valid reason for doing this. Instead of all of us going early and clogging up the check in process we will be going in 3 separate shuttles. 

[ASB&Cruiseluvr]

On 11/1/2021 at 2:00 PM, The-Inside-Cabin said:

We departed San Diego for a 2 week cruise off the coast of California.   (two 7 day back to backs)   We arrived in Ensenada this AM.   Will be posting more later, but I wanted to upload this video which shows the embarkation process.    I am experimenting with doing more video.   We'll see how it goes!

 

 

 

Thanks for the video.  My sister, Laurie, is aboard your cruise, and I will be joining her for the Nov 7 leg of the sail.  Nice to get the information!

[KirkNC]

5 hours ago, Sir PMP said:

Slot machines in the ocean bar, now that's desperate..

Tacky as well.  Maybe they will be in the bathroom soon.

[MTAK]

5 hours ago, Sir PMP said:

Slot machines in the ocean bar, now that's desperate..

I agree. The Ocean Bar is our favorite pre-dinner hangout on the Signature ships.  I'll be really disappointed if this becomes standard throughout the fleet. I've never been on a Pinnacle ship, but will be on the Rotterdam in May and hope we don't encounter this.

[triiip42]

12 minutes ago, KirkNC said:

Tacky as well.  Maybe they will be in the bathroom soon.

Don't say that too loud, you may plant an idea. I hope people put that on their cruise survey's.

Edited November 3, 2021 by triiip42
clarify: they don't want them outside of the casino.

[whogo]

6 hours ago, Sir PMP said:

Slot machines in the ocean bar, now that's desperate..

Gives the place the feel of a Nevada truck stop, wonder how noisy the machines are.

 

Thanks for the thread, Pete.

[R.T.]

5 hours ago, Laminator said:

Is there a reason you think you should be able to board prior to your assigned boarding time?

Not seeking privilege.  Arriving from the airport with another couple in the same taxi with boarding times an hour apart.  Asked for planning purposes, we're all willing to board at our assigned times.

[Florida_gal_50]

If it brings down the price of the cruise to have slot machines in the bar I don’t really care.  Some people love to gamble.  I’ve gone for drinks in the ocean bar many times and the only time it’s ever busy if right before dinner.  Otherwise it’s dead.  Might pick the place up a bit.  I’m not a gambler in in way.

[Florida_gal_50]

Just now, R.T. said:

Not seeking privilege.  Arriving from the airport with another couple in the same taxi with boarding times an hour apart.  Asked for planning purposes, we're all willing to board at our assigned times.

I didn’t see your post that way.  It would be nice if linked passengers could be put together. I find it very helpful to have many posters on ignore.  Unfortunately you still see the post when the post is quoted.  

[KirkNC]

16 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

If it brings down the price of the cruise to have slot machines in the bar I don’t really care.  Some people love to gamble.  I’ve gone for drinks in the ocean bar many times and the only time it’s ever busy if right before dinner.  Otherwise it’s dead.  Might pick the place up a bit.  I’m not a gambler in in way.

So sacrifice ambiance just to save a few bucks, no thanks.  Cheaper is not better in my book. That’s the biggest problem with HAL, they are rapidly becoming the Walmart of cruise lines.

Edited November 3, 2021 by KirkNC

[Laminator]

17 minutes ago, R.T. said:

Not seeking privilege.  Arriving from the airport with another couple in the same taxi with boarding times an hour apart.  Asked for planning purposes, we're all willing to board at our assigned times.

No pun intended but we are in the exact same boat.

[TiogaCruiser]

6 hours ago, Sir PMP said:

Slot machines in the ocean bar, now that's desperate..

 

1 hour ago, KirkNC said:

Tacky as well.  Maybe they will be in the bathroom soon.

Back in the day, ouyCC RollCall got a tour of the bridge by the Navigation Officer. He said some of the ships had a display that gave speed and fuel consumption next to the bridge head.

[AncientWanderer]

7 hours ago, Sir PMP said:

Slot machines in the ocean bar, now that's desperate..

 

I never saw a soul go near them on Koningsdam last month.  Luckily.

Interested to hear others' observations.