Titillating Tidbits...Rotterdam

[bobpell]

Went back to back commencing March 27, 2022. Here are quick comments..

 

Library on deck 2 is beautiful, hope all books are returned, it runs on your honor system

Both pools are painted garish yellowish green, what were they thinking!!

Boarded 11:45am first day

Our one room phone was intermittent, had to book wake up calls through guest services

Masks were only recommended not mandatory, Crew 100%, guests less than 10%

No night light in our suite bathroom

No free lobster, just steak and shrimp. Only saw Lobster in the Pinnacle for a price

Jogging track on deck 11...12 laps for a mile.  I lost track after 7 or was that 8!!

Balcony door bangers are back. Born in a barn 

Only 3 bathrobe Boobs in the Lido, that is an improvement pre pandemic

Virtual tour of bridge and engine room, no full ship tour at a price

Spa charged $175 for reflexology and the tip of $26 was included

Entertainment has degenerated to Carnival cruise line level...Cornhole and game shows are norm!!

No sale of shirts/hats around inside pool

Our room steward was responsible for 27 rooms

Two comedians were on board each week. BBC shows which are available at home were main stage entertainment!!

 

Sad to be back home

Bob

 

 

 

[Cuttersmom]

We noticed the same thing about the bathrobes! Thank goodness! They were hidden on the bottom shelf in the closet and we didn’t notice them til the last day. Keep hiding them!

[ski ww]

4 hours ago, bobpell said:

Went back to back commencing March 27, 2022. Here are quick comments..

 

Library on deck 2 is beautiful, hope all books are returned, it runs on your honor system

Both pools are painted garish yellowish green, what were they thinking!!

Boarded 11:45am first day

Our one room phone was intermittent, had to book wake up calls through guest services

Masks were only recommended not mandatory, Crew 100%, guests less than 10%

No night light in our suite bathroom

No free lobster, just steak and shrimp. Only saw Lobster in the Pinnacle for a price

Jogging track on deck 11...12 laps for a mile.  I lost track after 7 or was that 8!!

Balcony door bangers are back. Born in a barn 

Only 3 bathrobe Boobs in the Lido, that is an improvement pre pandemic

Virtual tour of bridge and engine room, no full ship tour at a price

Spa charged $175 for reflexology and the tip of $26 was included

Entertainment has degenerated to Carnival cruise line level...Cornhole and game shows are norm!!

No sale of shirts/hats around inside pool

Our room steward was responsible for 27 rooms

Two comedians were on board each week. BBC shows which are available at home were main stage entertainment!!

 

Sad to be back home

Bob

 

 

 

I guess not really that much to cheer about, any way good to get back on a ship. The main thing is did you have a good cruise?

[bobpell]

Overall our 2 week experience was positive

We just wanted to get back on a ship.

We were surprised at the "recommend you wear mask" mandate aboard. Packing 6 people in an elevator with only myself and my BH wearing a mask caused a lack of breathing for a few seconds.

booked for November, hope all goes well from now til then

take care

Bob

 

[VermeulT]

@bobpell  I agree on your assessment.

 

The pool looked gross.  Who wants to jump into green water??

 

I was surprised that masks were still recommended, based on other cruise lines giving them up completely and that we were all supposed to be vaxed.  As Capt Timmers said "it's time we all start to learn with it (Covid threat)".

 

I was overall disappointed with the HAL merchandise.  I did like that there was Inaugural Season items, but that was it.  Very little generic HAL, very little at all, all things considered.  And the "sale" was 2/$40 on the T-Shirts.

 

Entertainment - Interesting that the comedians were in the BB King lounge and not the main stage.  The history of rum and cooking demo in the main stage were weak.  Having to take a pix of the screen behind the demo to get the recipe - no class. Provide paper copies or give us a chance to download it (or put it on the app).  I did love the Orange Party.

 

I had a really good time last week also.  Putting together my thoughts for a review ....

[rkacruiser]

12 minutes ago, VermeulT said:

I did like that there was Inaugural Season items, but that was it. 

 

I purchased two Inaugural Season items during my Nieuw Statendam cruise:  a polo shirt and a t-shirt.  Both were not inexpensive for such items, but, both are quality pieces of clothing.  

[jeh10641]

I bought 4 tee shirts at $15 per for the Rotterdam inaugural season. I really liked them. I bought a a $19.95 watch (still trying to decipher how to use it after 5 months). Loved the free HAL tote bag. I use it for food shopping and more.

 

Jim

[rkacruiser]

2 minutes ago, jeh10641 said:

I bought 4 tee shirts at $15 per for the Rotterdam inaugural season. I really liked them. I bought a a $19.95 watch (still trying to decipher how to use it after 5 months). Loved the free HAL tote bag. I use it for food shopping and more.

 

Jim

 

Value them!  Wear them lightly.  Eventually, they will become valuable commodities for those who collect maritime memorabilia.  

[jeh10641]

Just now, rkacruiser said:

 

Value them!  Wear them lightly.  Eventually, they will become valuable commodities for those who collect maritime memorabilia.  

I use mine as a night shirt. So much for collectors!

[VermeulT]

59 minutes ago, jeh10641 said:

I bought 4 tee shirts at $15 per for the Rotterdam inaugural season. I really liked them

 

I probably would have bought one of each design at that price!

 

[MTAK]

We were on this cruise also and, aside from a few technical difficulties, we had a great cruise. It was the best of the three cruises we've taken so far.

[poinsettiaplate]

For those of you who have been on the new Rotterdam, I have some questions:

1)Was there information available only on the app that was not available in another format for those who choose not to use their electronic devices to provide their own customer service?  Just off the Silhouette where one had no idea what shore excursions were available unless one used the app.

2)Are there desktop computers available for passenger use?  Free with free wifi or for a fee?

3)Is there a clothesline in the shower?

4)Does one need a magnetized card for the safe, as well as the lights?

5)Is there a light on the balcony for night-time reading?

6)Are fixed time diners and at will diners in separate areas of the main dining room, so the same set of waiters are not having to serve both?

7)Was a schedule provided at the beginning of the cruise that indicates the gala nights and has the updated port schedule?

8)Was a daily event schedule and additional info provided in a daily newsletter delivered the night before?

9)Did you find that you had more tender ports, due to the size of the ship?

10)Do I need to bring my ear plugs for the musical performances in the various venues?

11)Were printed copies of newspapers provided?

 

Thanks for any answers.

[VermeulT]

8 minutes ago, poinsettiaplate said:

For those of you who have been on the new Rotterdam, I have some questions:

1)Was there information available only on the app that was not available in another format for those who choose not to use their electronic devices to provide their own customer service?  Just off the Silhouette where one had no idea what shore excursions were available unless one used the app.

2)Are there desktop computers available for passenger use?  Free with free wifi or for a fee?

3)Is there a clothesline in the shower?

4)Does one need a magnetized card for the safe, as well as the lights?

5)Is there a light on the balcony for night-time reading?

6)Are fixed time diners and at will diners in separate areas of the main dining room, so the same set of waiters are not having to serve both?

7)Was a schedule provided at the beginning of the cruise that indicates the gala nights and has the updated port schedule?

8)Was a daily event schedule and additional info provided in a daily newsletter delivered the night before?

9)Did you find that you had more tender ports, due to the size of the ship?

10)Do I need to bring my ear plugs for the musical performances in the various venues?

11)Were printed copies of newspapers provided?

 

Thanks for any answers.

1. not really.  Shore excursions etc are available on HALs website starting several months before departure.  Onboard you can go to the shore excursion desk.  Menu's are avail on the app anytime or in the venue. The daily schedule is on the app for the entire week or you'll get a sheet the night prior on your bed.  You don't NEED the app but info is more accessible through it.

2. I believe so but am not 100%.  Internet outside of a handful of sites will require a fee.

3. yes

4. your room key needs to be inserted to a slot by the door for the lights to work. Safe works with a combo that you set.

5. yes

6. yes

7. you can inquire/ confirm with guest services on any itinerary changes.

8. yes

9. just HMC for us, which is a tender port for all.

10. that's a personal preference.  If you want to enjoy the music, there are places to sit that are less loud than others.

11. no.

 

[Cruise Suzy]

11 minutes ago, VermeulT said:

4. your room key needs to be inserted to a slot by the door for the lights to work.

 Or any card that size will work.

 

We save the cardboard "credit cards" we get with offers to enroll and outdated membership cards that are that size. Also, if you forgot to turn in a hotel room card, that will work. Or a business card. 

[Overhead Fred]

2 hours ago, Cruise Suzy said:

 Or any card that size will work.

 

We save the cardboard "credit cards" we get with offers to enroll and outdated membership cards that are that size. Also, if you forgot to turn in a hotel room card, that will work. Or a business card. 

I always bring my room key card from the previous cruise for the lights!

[Seasick Sailor]

In regards to balcony lights, we had neighbors that always left their outside lights on. The lights illuminated our room and we would have to close the curtains. More importantly,  we wanted to sit on our balcony to have a nightcap and enjoy the beautiful moonlight, but that was not possible. Luckily they were only onboard a week of our 30+ days.

 

We loved Rotterdam and already booked another 34 day holiday cruise on her.

[kentuckycruiser]

In the main showroom, the dancers performed two nights and it was very low budget. Sort of something to do for 45 minutes and it wasn't packed in there. The Lincoln Center group was great, we went to about 6 performances. I especially recommend when they accompany the BBC planet earth show. 

We struggled to find a venue that was quiet. Music is piping in every nook and cranny of the ship. 

The Vista Suite was tight for 4 people. Bathroom was very small but the shower was nice.

I really like that the balcony chairs have an ottoman and the chair tilts back. Very user friendly.

I feel like the in room breakfast is not promoted. We had to call for the form. 

There were two nights that were smoke free in the casino.

Getting off was super quick. We had a 1 p.m. flight so we took our time, carried our own luggage and zipped off.

 

[Roz]

@bobpell, I was on the cruise before yours on the Rotterdam.  Do you go to the casino?  I don't but my sister does.  We both noticed how small it is on this ship.  My sister said she often had to wait for a slot machine and when she was able to snag one, there would be people standing behind her waiting.  Not a very relaxing experience.  Since the casino is a money generator, I don't understand why it's undersized.

 

We found the items in the shops to be very expensive.  Not much in the way of mid-range merchandise. 

[Wakepatrol]

Well it’s apparent we need Chip and Joanna Gaines on the next cruise to make the cabins and the casino bigger. I hope he does not get held up boarding with his skill saw

[bobpell]

Alas we are not casino gamblers.

We too found items in the shops very expensive. No Ophra items!!

Hopefully down the road the sale of HAL t shirts, hats, etc. around the inside pool on a sea day will return

Bob

[Tidalmist]

On 4/11/2022 at 9:37 AM, bobpell said:

Went back to back commencing March 27, 2022. Here are quick comments..

 

Library on deck 2 is beautiful, hope all books are returned, it runs on your honor system

Both pools are painted garish yellowish green, what were they thinking!!

Boarded 11:45am first day

Our one room phone was intermittent, had to book wake up calls through guest services

Masks were only recommended not mandatory, Crew 100%, guests less than 10%

No night light in our suite bathroom

No free lobster, just steak and shrimp. Only saw Lobster in the Pinnacle for a price

Jogging track on deck 11...12 laps for a mile.  I lost track after 7 or was that 8!!

Balcony door bangers are back. Born in a barn 

Only 3 bathrobe Boobs in the Lido, that is an improvement pre pandemic

Virtual tour of bridge and engine room, no full ship tour at a price

Spa charged $175 for reflexology and the tip of $26 was included

Entertainment has degenerated to Carnival cruise line level...Cornhole and game shows are norm!!

No sale of shirts/hats around inside pool

Our room steward was responsible for 27 rooms

Two comedians were on board each week. BBC shows which are available at home were main stage entertainment!!

 

Sad to be back home

Bob

 

 

 

Hi, on board the Rotterdam now and agree with your opinions. Why has HAL degraded to Carnival type cruising. Cutbacks are rampant. The second Gala Night, we were offered jumbo shrimp cocktail and steak with shrimp! 
Every food.item is from bulk supplies from butter to cereal. Very tacky! And baseball hats and jeans in the dining room just don’t do it for me.

[Florida_gal_50]

1 hour ago, Tidalmist said:

Hi, on board the Rotterdam now and agree with your opinions. Why has HAL degraded to Carnival type cruising. Cutbacks are rampant. The second Gala Night, we were offered jumbo shrimp cocktail and steak with shrimp! 
Every food.item is from bulk supplies from butter to cereal. Very tacky! And baseball hats and jeans in the dining room just don’t do it for me.

They haven’t had lobster on the shorter cruises since the start up.

[bobpell]

Hi Florida-gal50

What did you think of the painted color of both pools? I called it pee yellow, my wife thought HAL was pulling a joke!!

Bob 

[RuthC]

4 hours ago, bobpell said:

Hopefully down the road the sale of HAL t shirts, hats, etc. around the inside pool on a sea day will return

Hopefully it won't. 
Leave shopping in the shops, where it is logical, and leave the pool area for relaxing, reading, swimming, and other Lido pool type activities. 

[rkacruiser]

14 minutes ago, RuthC said:

Hopefully it won't. 
Leave shopping in the shops, where it is logical, and leave the pool area for relaxing, reading, swimming, and other Lido pool type activities. 

 

During the final at sea days on my most recent cruises, there has always been a shops display/sales at the forward end of the mid-ship's pool.  HAL logo items for sale at that time?  That, I don't recall.