ZGSCL Live from the Koningsdam: November 14th 7 day Mexican Rivera

[westcoastsue]

12 hours ago, zgscl said:

Thanks for sharing! Glad you had a nice cruise! What deck Neptune did you have? I will be trying Sel de Mer later this trip. Fingers crossed they get it together. My Caneletto dinner credited correctly and was prepaid. Music walk has been fantastic. The Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stones Rock Room & BB Kings groups were all great. There were a couple sets I had a hard time choosing. I'm not a fan of Step One Dance Company shows. I may go to one show this trip to see how the theater is. Apparently in two shows there is a live singer from one of the venues that comes and sings 2 songs out of the 45 minute show. 

We were in 5196. Our room stewards Bangbang and Ita were unobtrusive and thorough. Towel animals on Gala Nights along with chocolates.

This was our first Step One Show - the production value was excellent. Just not sure how many times I could watch it.

I loved your Alaskan cruise review so am looking forward to this one. 

[Florida_gal_50]

2 hours ago, canadianbear said:

We won’t usually book ahead either because of the exchange rate.  We take our chances but Mr Bear doesn’t care if he dines in any of the specialty restaurants so it’s no big deal.   
 

Regarding the turn down service and chocolates-could a form be put in the cabins the choice of you want twice a day turn down and chocolates?  Cabin steward on the first night or next morning can then make note of it.  I know we are always asked the first day about any special requests and they make note. Not sure if that’s just in Neptune suites or all cabins?

I love this idea. I was thinking something online but that is bound to get lost somehow.

[Florida_gal_50]

2 hours ago, zgscl said:

I agree! Though the crab risotto I had last night was not nearly as good as on Nieuw Amsterdam, way too much tomato which overpowered everything else. 

 

I think I am having your billing troubles for yesterday. I was charged $11.16 at Canaletto. Number doesn't make sense, I should have had a $12 (less discount) for the risotto, but should have gotten a credit as I prepaid full price online so the discount in theory should have credited. I will have to pay a visit to the Neptune Lounge and see if they can get it straightened out. 

Well that's not good on the billing.  I agree, it is quite tomato-y but I like tomato.  I can see how it would be better with less tomato.

[Florida_gal_50]

I was wondering how to turn off that light too.  Glad it wasn't just.me 🙂

[aliaschief]

9 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

It’s true.  I can’t believe I’m going to say this but Canaletto is really getting to be my favorite specialty restaurant.  

We felt the same on our recent MS Nieuw Amsterdam cruise. Dining in Canaletto was a gastronomical delight. Consistently great.

[ellbelle]

1 hour ago, zgscl said:

Good news this is correct for the crab risotto with the service charge and mariner discount applied. Bad news the mariner discount on prepaid specialty dining has not appeared. I’ll chat with the concierge at some point and see what they say. 
 

I would hate to have to wait until 

onboard to book specialty dining as it gets so full with HIA I would rather have the options I want and then fight for the discount later. I suppose I can always write to Mariner society after the cruise if they can’t figure it out onboard. We w

We booked on the “Have Nothing” promotion, lol, but knew with the HIA  I’d better book and prepay our dining. “Hoping” I don’t have to micromanage getting the discount (for five dinners) but glad to know I can go to the Mariner Society later. Like many others Canaletto is my favorite alternate dining and Pinnacle Grill lunch my second favorite. Enjoy your cruise!

[PSR]

4 hours ago, zgscl said:

I agree! Though the crab risotto I had last night was not nearly as good as on Nieuw Amsterdam, way too much tomato which overpowered everything else. 

 

I think I am having your billing troubles for yesterday. I was charged $11.16 at Canaletto. Number doesn't make sense, I should have had a $12 (less discount) for the risotto, but should have gotten a credit as I prepaid full price online so the discount in theory should have credited. I will have to pay a visit to the Neptune Lounge and see if they can get it straightened out. 

 

I have seen the crab risotto mentioned a lot, but I do not see it on the Canaletto menu, is it something new? It looks like it also has an uncharge of $12 , is that correct?

[Florida_gal_50]

44 minutes ago, PSR said:

 

I have seen the crab risotto mentioned a lot, but I do not see it on the Canaletto menu, is it something new? It looks like it also has an uncharge of $12 , is that correct?

It's under small plates and yes the up charge it $12.

[DAllenTCY]

The situation at the Sheraton Harbor Island was handled very well by Kay, our representative.  She was only informed yesterday morning that Holland America guests were booked into the secondary tower rooms.

 

It has been very rare that such an inconvenience has occurred....most recently 6-7 years ago when another large convention was in San Diego.

 

When alerted, she requested to the Bellman that all guest luggage be transported from the Bay Tower to the Marina Tower where HAL transport usually takes place at 11:30 am.

 

She contacted me at 9:01 am to tell me that we had an issue.  Her message was that many guests were not able to make the walk from one tower to the other.

 

Our first coach arrived at 10:25 to begin to load luggage and pick up guests at the Marina Tower.  Because there were 57 of you, two buses were sent....the second one dispatched at 10:50 am.  Kay had prepared 40 slips for the first group.....allowing for personal space and luggage.

 

A third ADA equipped coach was then sent for a person who needed a lift, but had not requested one when completing their online registration.  We always have an ADA transfer available if needed.

 

Finally a fourth coach was went at 11:05 am to the Bay Tower where guests were waiting.  Just to be sure, the driver continued to the Marina Tower to double check.

 

Everyone who stayed at the Sheraton through Holland America was transported to the ship by 11:25 am and received priority embarkation.  

 

 

David

 

 

 

 

 

 

            

[dfish]

4 hours ago, zgscl said:

Bad news the mariner discount on prepaid specialty dining has not appeared. I’ll chat with the concierge at some point and see what they say. 

On our Alaska cruise the mariner discount for specialty dining didn't appear till the end of the cruise.  And some appeared multiple times which put me in the position of having to give money back to HAL.

The software was having issues.

[Florida_gal_50]

I’ve come to the conclusion that if I want a chocolate I best go buy some. It’s used to be only on gala nights, not even now.  Guests don’t want them. I’m just furious right now and it’s not about the chocolates.  It’s the lie about guests don’t want this, they don’t want that.  I chatted with his supervisor and I’m pretty sure they’ll be bad mouthing me for a while.  He didn’t have any chocolate but all of a sudden because I was getting angry they manage to find them. I guess the Easter bunny must have shown up.

[canadianbear]

25 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I’ve come to the conclusion that if I want a chocolate I best go buy some. It’s used to be only on gala nights, not even now.  Guests don’t want them. I’m just furious right now and it’s not about the chocolates.  It’s the lie about guests don’t want this, they don’t want that.  I chatted with his supervisor and I’m pretty sure they’ll be bad mouthing me for a while.  He didn’t have any chocolate but all of a sudden because I was getting angry they manage to find them. I guess the Easter bunny must have shown up.

 

It is so disappointing all the cutbacks and blame passengers.  I've been following on FB a lady (most of us know) who used to sail HAL a lot.  She is currently on NCL in a Haven suite and she said the perks are superior to HAL Neptune suite.  Her photos look great and her review of the food, service, etc is great too.  She also mentioned it is comparable in price to Neptune suite.

 

We have done a suite on Celebrity and compared to HAL Neptune, Celebrity was also superior.  We have some serious thinking to do in the future.  As we are older I would prefer HAL the way it used to be and don't mind paying more for quality.  The excellence of HAL has diminished. 

 

We have one very long cruise booked on HAL next year so time will tell if we will keep it or branch out. 

 

 

[Florida_gal_50]

1 hour ago, DAllenTCY said:

The situation at the Sheraton Harbor Island was handled very well by Kay, our representative.  She was only informed yesterday morning that Holland America guests were booked into the secondary tower rooms.

 

It has been very rare that such an inconvenience has occurred....most recently 6-7 years ago when another large convention was in San Diego.

 

When alerted, she requested to the Bellman that all guest luggage be transported from the Bay Tower to the Marina Tower where HAL transport usually takes place at 11:30 am.

 

She contacted me at 9:01 am to tell me that we had an issue.  Her message was that many guests were not able to make the walk from one tower to the other.

 

Our first coach arrived at 10:25 to begin to load luggage and pick up guests at the Marina Tower.  Because there were 57 of you, two buses were sent....the second one dispatched at 10:50 am.  Kay had prepared 40 slips for the first group.....allowing for personal space and luggage.

 

A third ADA equipped coach was then sent for a person who needed a lift, but had not requested one when completing their online registration.  We always have an ADA transfer available if needed.

 

Finally a fourth coach was went at 11:05 am to the Bay Tower where guests were waiting.  Just to be sure, the driver continued to the Marina Tower to double check.

 

Everyone who stayed at the Sheraton through Holland America was transported to the ship by 11:25 am and received priority embarkation.  

 

 

David

 

 

 

 

 

 

            

I’m curious about why hal folks don’t meet you when you land at the airport.  Any intel on that?  To me, that’s a problem.  I’m speaking to when you are staying overnight at a hotel.

[Florida_gal_50]

5 minutes ago, canadianbear said:

 

It is so disappointing all the cutbacks and blame passengers.  I've been following on FB a lady (most of us know) who used to sail HAL a lot.  She is currently on NCL in a Haven suite and she said the perks are superior to HAL Neptune suite.  Her photos look great and her review of the food, service, etc is great too.  She also mentioned it is comparable in price to Neptune suite.

 

We have done a suite on Celebrity and compared to HAL Neptune, Celebrity was also superior.  We have some serious thinking to do in the future.  As we are older I would prefer HAL the way it used to be and don't mind paying more for quality.  The excellence of HAL has diminished. 

 

We have one very long cruise booked on HAL next year so time will tell if we will keep it or branch out. 

 

 

The housekeeping staff have been very disappointing this cruise.  Even when they were moving me yesterday he was smashed my suitcase into the wall.  I’d have been more then happy to move it myself and I asked can you please be careful.  That should be a no brainer.  I can’t stand when people lie to me.  I just lose my temper at that point. 

[DAllenTCY]

Which hotel and did you purchase Holland America transfers?

 

This is from our shoreside operation portal.....and it is a week old.

 

As you can see, anyone with transfers to the Sheraton was scheduled to be met by staff and escorted.

 

Ship: KONINGSDAM

Sail date: Sunday, November 14, 2021

Itinerary: 7-Days Mexican Riviera

Hotel: Sheraton Hotel & Marina

 

Shift Sign-up:

Enter your name next to the shift you’d like to work, if it’s available. Split shifts- you will get paid a minimum of 4 hours to take care of those flights.

 

Timekeeping:

Add your start/end times at the end of your shift.

 

Friday, November 12, 2021

Shift	Employee Name	Estimated Shift	Start time	End time	Hours
1		12pm - 2:30pm
		5pm - 6pm

*Split shift - 4 hours min. Pay

 

Saturday, November 13, 2021

Shift	Employee Name	Estimated Shift	Start time	End time	Hours
2 split		7:30am - 8:30am 10am - 11:30am
3	Regina	12:15pm - 3pm	12:30	3:00	4
3	Michele	12:15pm - 3pm	12:00	04:00	4
4	Judi	4:15pm - 6:30pm	4:15	7:15	4

 

David

[dmcfad2]

“Also under the minibar there is a floor light. I spent about 10 minutes trying all the switches trying to turn it off last night. As it turns out it is motion activated so once you get in bed it will turn off in a minute or two .”

 

This light was the bane of our existence on our recent Coastal Cruise. We ended up stuffing a towel down there to cover it so it wouldn’t come on every time we walked by it. LOL

 

[Florida_gal_50]

8 hours ago, DAllenTCY said:

Which hotel and did you purchase Holland America transfers?

 

This is from our shoreside operation portal.....and it is a week old.

 

As you can see, anyone with transfers to the Sheraton was scheduled to be met by staff and escorted.

 

Ship: KONINGSDAM

Sail date: Sunday, November 14, 2021

Itinerary: 7-Days Mexican Riviera

Hotel: Sheraton Hotel & Marina

 

Shift Sign-up:

Enter your name next to the shift you’d like to work, if it’s available. Split shifts- you will get paid a minimum of 4 hours to take care of those flights.

 

Timekeeping:

Add your start/end times at the end of your shift.

 

Friday, November 12, 2021

Shift	Employee Name	Estimated Shift	Start time	End time	Hours
1		12pm - 2:30pm
		5pm - 6pm

*Split shift - 4 hours min. Pay

 

Saturday, November 13, 2021

Shift	Employee Name	Estimated Shift	Start time	End time	Hours
2 split		7:30am - 8:30am 10am - 11:30am
3	Regina	12:15pm - 3pm	12:30	3:00	4
3	Michele	12:15pm - 3pm	12:00	04:00	4
4	Judi	4:15pm - 6:30pm	4:15	7:15	4

 

David

It was actually the op of this thread that was just given a piece of paper. Every time I have used the hal hotel I’ve been met which I feel is important.  I believe the op stayed at the Sheraton.

Edited November 16, 2021 by Florida_gal_50

[Cailey53]

7 hours ago, dmcfad2 said:

“Also under the minibar there is a floor light. I spent about 10 minutes trying all the switches trying to turn it off last night. As it turns out it is motion activated so once you get in bed it will turn off in a minute or two .”

 

This light was the bane of our existence on our recent Coastal Cruise. We ended up stuffing a towel down there to cover it so it wouldn’t come on every time we walked by it. LOL

 

It was the bane of our existence as well until DH put a snip of black  duct tape (we carry a small roll) over the sensor. Problem solved! 🙂

[westcoastsue]

We weren’t bothered by the mini bar light because our bed was on the same wall, but the light in one of the closets kept coming on during the night. Maybe it was due to the motion of the ship.

[zgscl]

13 hours ago, DAllenTCY said:

Which hotel and did you purchase Holland America transfers?

 

This is from our shoreside operation portal.....and it is a week old.

 

As you can see, anyone with transfers to the Sheraton was scheduled to be met by staff and escorted.

 

Ship: KONINGSDAM

Sail date: Sunday, November 14, 2021

Itinerary: 7-Days Mexican Riviera

Hotel: Sheraton Hotel & Marina

 

Shift Sign-up:

Enter your name next to the shift you’d like to work, if it’s available. Split shifts- you will get paid a minimum of 4 hours to take care of those flights.

 

Timekeeping:

Add your start/end times at the end of your shift.

 

Friday, November 12, 2021

Shift	Employee Name	Estimated Shift	Start time	End time	Hours
1		12pm - 2:30pm
		5pm - 6pm

*Split shift - 4 hours min. Pay

 

Saturday, November 13, 2021

Shift	Employee Name	Estimated Shift	Start time	End time	Hours
2 split		7:30am - 8:30am 10am - 11:30am
3	Regina	12:15pm - 3pm	12:30	3:00	4
3	Michele	12:15pm - 3pm	12:00	04:00	4
4	Judi	4:15pm - 6:30pm	4:15	7:15	4

 

David

Thanks David I probably just missed them. I was booked through HAL at the Sheraton but my flight arrived at 2:15 pm. 
 

Kay was fantastic by the way and she did a great job handling the hotel location issue. Please let me know if there is somewhere I should share compliments for her other than the cruise line survey. 

[zgscl]

2 hours ago, westcoastsue said:

We weren’t bothered by the mini bar light because our bed was on the same wall, but the light in one of the closets kept coming on during the night. Maybe it was due to the motion of the ship.

The closet lights keep turning off when I am still using them and I have to wave my arms a lot to turn it back on. 

[zgscl]

5 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

It was actually the op of this thread that was just given a piece of paper. Every time I have used the hal hotel I’ve been met which I feel is important.  I believe the op stayed at the Sheraton.

Thanks this is correct. Nothing st the airport but the HAL rep was at the hotel in the evening. Looks like they were at the airport until 2:30 and my flight got in at 2:15 so I probably just missed them by a few minutes. Thankfully I’m pretty independent 

[zgscl]

19 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I was wondering how to turn off that light too.  Glad it wasn't just.me 🙂

Oh I’m so glad to see that I’m not the only one. I spent at least 10 minutes and went as far as getting on the floor and trying to pull it out. I had just given up and walked across the room to find a towel or pull my suitcase out from underneath the bed when it turned off by itself.

[zgscl]

14 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

The housekeeping staff have been very disappointing this cruise.  Even when they were moving me yesterday he was smashed my suitcase into the wall.  I’d have been more then happy to move it myself and I asked can you please be careful.  That should be a no brainer.  I can’t stand when people lie to me.  I just lose my temper at that point. 

Oh no I’m sorry to hear that! My stewards (who I met Monday AM) have been great so far

[zgscl]

15 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I’ve come to the conclusion that if I want a chocolate I best go buy some.

I brought leftovers from our Alaska cruise. I did get a chocolate and a towel animal last night