LIVE from the Koningsdam Holiday Sailing - Dec. 17th - Jan 7th - exploring my first Pinnacle Class ship 🤞

[Seasick Sailor]

1 minute ago, Sea42 said:

Are they requiring people to sign for drinks? I've seen reports that they are on some ships. If when presented with the slip to sign for drinks or specialty restaurants, and the charge is wrong, can you just refuse to sign the receipt?

 

We are currently on the Rotterdam for 45 days. Til Jan 25th

 

From day one I refused to sign the checks. you are not required to do so and you can refuse it.

[albingirl]

3 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said:

 

We are currently on the Rotterdam for 45 days. Til Jan 25th

 

From day one I refused to sign the checks. you are not required to do so and you can refuse it.

I agree.  And, to add, do you really want to touch a pen that dozens of others have handled?  No thanks.

[Sea42]

1 minute ago, Seasick Sailor said:

 

We are currently on the Rotterdam for 45 days. Til Jan 25th

 

From day one I refused to sign the checks. you are not required to do so and you can refuse it.

Thanks!

[0106]

@Seasick SailorDo you have the HIA package?  Good info about refusing to sign the check.  I was planning on carrying my own pen but now I will refuse to sign too.  If I have a favorite server/bartender, I discreetly give them cash.  Would never us the tip line.  
 

Looking forward to the warm Caribbean weather cruise on the Rotterdam, my first Pinnacle class ship, in February.  I’m not looking forward to a sold out cruise.  Any tips for avoiding the crowds?  I appreciate the insights you and @kazu are providing.

[Seasick Sailor]

@kazu

 

Jacqui, I was told by our Guest Services manager if you are 4 or 5 star you can stand in the Club Orange line. I asked along the line if they were CO or 4/5 star and none were. Go boldly sister!

[Seasick Sailor]

3 minutes ago, 0106 said:

@Seasick SailorDo you have the HIA package?  Good info about refusing to sign the check.  I was planning on carrying my own pen but now I will refuse to sign too.  If I have a favorite server/bartender, I discreetly give them cash.  Would never us the tip line.  
 

Looking forward to the warm Caribbean weather cruise on the Rotterdam, my first Pinnacle class ship, in February.  I’m not looking forward to a sold out cruise.  Any tips for avoiding the crowds?  I appreciate the insights you and @kazu are providing.

 

Yes, we have HIA. A note.. Soon as servers know you, you no longer get the receipt. Some servers will give you a pen and the receipt and stand there. Just say no thank you and they move on. 

 

Our Sommelier told us when Westerdam tested the system (supposedly because people were disputing the charges and signatures for helpful)  low and behold tips were added to the receipts and HAL decided to spread it wide...

[seagarsmoker]

Jacqui, I have enjoyed reading your posts and I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year!

[Seasick Sailor]

10 minutes ago, 0106 said:

@Seasick SailorDo you have the HIA package?  Good info about refusing to sign the check.  I was planning on carrying my own pen but now I will refuse to sign too.  If I have a favorite server/bartender, I discreetly give them cash.  Would never us the tip line.  
 

Looking forward to the warm Caribbean weather cruise on the Rotterdam, my first Pinnacle class ship, in February.  I’m not looking forward to a sold out cruise.  Any tips for avoiding the crowds?  I appreciate the insights you and @kazu are providing.

 

Tips for avoiding crowds:

 

If you are early risers eat in the main dining room,  if not go down and sit in the Canaletto and eat from Lido. 

 

Play games/trivia/reading in the library, Crow's Nest, Billboard area and there's an area outside Club Orange that has chairs/tables looking out at sea.

 

Note children are now allowed to swim in aft pool area with parental presence. There's no place to hide in pool areas now!

 

Pool hogs are still present. If you go to Lido, tell any server the chairs are not used over 30 minutes and they will remove the towels. Be bold! I had a Bozo tell us he bought Dollar Store books and glasses to put on the chairs to hold them!

 

If I think of anything else I will let you know

[vino100]

3 hours ago, kazu said:

 

Here are some pics of Club Orange when it is empty:

 

 

 

These are the tables I think would work for you - the 2  four tops beside each other and in front of the other.

 

thanks for taking the time to take pictures. I think we could at least be close together. This is a family cruise and love eating together. 

[vino100]

1 hour ago, *Miss G* said:

 

Thanks for the pictures.  I always loved the look of CO on the Koningsdam.  So bright and serene.  Also, I’ve seen the 4-tops on both sides of the room (in your pictures) turned into 8- and 10-tops.  Was never bothered by any noise from them because my favourite table is the one in the back corner.  😊

that is great news that some tables can be combined. 😀

[*Miss G*]

29 minutes ago, 0106 said:

Looking forward to the warm Caribbean weather cruise on the Rotterdam, my first Pinnacle class ship, in February.  I’m not looking forward to a sold out cruise.  Any tips for avoiding the crowds?  I appreciate the insights you and @kazu are providing.

 

Have lunch in the Grand Dutch Cafe at embarkation before everyone else discovers it.

 

Lido Deck (9) will fill up quickly.  Go up one deck to Panorama (10) for lots more seating over the pools.  There may also be additional seating up on Sun Deck (11).

 

The window seats alongside Club Orange on Plaza Deck (2) are seldom used and very quiet between breakfast and dinner.

[oaktreerb]

49 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said:

@kazu

 

Jacqui, I was told by our Guest Services manager if you are 4 or 5 star you can stand in the Club Orange line. I asked along the line if they were CO or 4/5 star and none were. Go boldly sister!

Not according to Club Orange stated amenities.  Your room key shows that you are in Club Orange if you bought CO or are in a  NS/PS.  If  4* and above have priority at the CO line it would negate priority access since a lot of HAL cruisers are 4* and above.  

 

What ship were you on when the GSM told you the CO line was for 4 and 5 star?

[BetsyS.]

Jacqui - Thanks for your pics and reporting. Sorry about bingo yesterday, but 

glad you had luck at casino. I wish you and your friends a Happy and healthy 

New Year!!  🥂😊

[kazu]

5 hours ago, bennybear said:

Happy

new year! 

 

And a very happy New Year to you and yours Brenda 🙂 

 

4 hours ago, *Miss G* said:

 

Thanks for the pictures.  I always loved the look of CO on the Koningsdam.  So bright and serene.  Also, I’ve seen the 4-tops on both sides of the room (in your pictures) turned into 8- and 10-tops.  Was never bothered by any noise from them because my favourite table is the one in the back corner.  😊

 

When we looked at the bases - it looked like they were affixed and couldn’t be moved.  That’s great if they can 👍 

 

3 hours ago, Sea42 said:

Are they requiring people to sign for drinks? I've seen reports that they are on some ships. If when presented with the slip to sign for drinks or specialty restaurants, and the charge is wrong, can you just refuse to sign the receipt?

 

Yes most times.  I’ve been on long enough that those that know me don’t make me sign.  The newbies do.  I just do initials.  

 

3 hours ago, 0106 said:

@Seasick SailorDo you have the HIA package?  Good info about refusing to sign the check.  I was planning on carrying my own pen but now I will refuse to sign too.  If I have a favorite server/bartender, I discreetly give them cash.  Would never us the tip line.  
 

Looking forward to the warm Caribbean weather cruise on the Rotterdam, my first Pinnacle class ship, in February.  I’m not looking forward to a sold out cruise.  Any tips for avoiding the crowds?  I appreciate the insights you and @kazu are providing.

 

There have been some good tips already - I have noticed that sans children, the Sea View Pool can be quite a peaceful spot.  It always has been.  And it’s good for whale watching 😉 

 

3 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

@kazu

 

Jacqui, I was told by our Guest Services manager if you are 4 or 5 star you can stand in the Club Orange line. I asked along the line if they were CO or 4/5 star and none were. Go boldly sister!

 

Nope.  CO is only for CO - it’s quantity controlled.  4 and 5* cannot get in.  If they could, my other friends who are 5* would be joining us.  

Believe me, It’s CO only.  Perhaps it changes if it’s not sold out?  It’s sold out here and is on most Pinnacle Class ships I was told.

 

3 hours ago, seagarsmoker said:

Jacqui, I have enjoyed reading your posts and I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year!

 

Thanks and a very Happy New Year to you and yours 🙂 

 

2 hours ago, *Miss G* said:

 

Have lunch in the Grand Dutch Cafe at embarkation before everyone else discovers it.

 

Lido Deck (9) will fill up quickly.  Go up one deck to Panorama (10) for lots more seating over the pools.  There may also be additional seating up on Sun Deck (11).

 

The window seats alongside Club Orange on Plaza Deck (2) are seldom used and very quiet between breakfast and dinner.

 

Fair warning - the window ships alongside Club Orange are fully used on this cruise and the ones before I have been on.

 

52 minutes ago, BetsyS. said:

Jacqui - Thanks for your pics and reporting. Sorry about bingo yesterday, but 

glad you had luck at casino. I wish you and your friends a Happy and healthy 

New Year!!  🥂😊

 

And a very happy New Year to you and yours and thanks for the kind words.

[kazu]

And here is the Lido menu:

 

Dinner:

 

 

 

 

 

 

And lunch:

 

 

[highland cruiser]

Happy New Year Jacque,

hope your day in Cabo went well. We flew out from there yesterday after spending a week with family in Los Barriles.  Had great weather. 
I am enjoying all the pictures and comments about the ship. Thank your so  much for all the posts.  Enjoy the New Year’s dinner. 
 

[Traveling Dot]

@kazuHappy New Year🎉 Jacqui!  Just found your Live Posts and just caught up.  Glad you brave enough to travel on your own.  I have been doing it for almost 7 years now since Jack passed, but I still travel with Jack the Bear to keep me company. 😎

 

[Seasick Sailor]

5 hours ago, oaktreerb said:

Not according to Club Orange stated amenities.  Your room key shows that you are in Club Orange if you bought CO or are in a  NS/PS.  If  4* and above have priority at the CO line it would negate priority access since a lot of HAL cruisers are 4* and above.  

 

What ship were you on when the GSM told you the CO line was for 4 and 5 star?

 

We are currently on Rotterdam for 45 days.

[Seasick Sailor]

Hold the phone on my text about Club Orange!

 

I said in the Guest Services desk where the rope is they accept 4 and 5 star. NEVER mentioned the CO Dining.  I wouldn't want to dine in there anyway.

Edited January 1, 2023 by Seasick Sailor
Misspell

[Sea42]

5 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said:

 

We are currently on Rotterdam for 45 days.

Never mind😊

Edited January 1, 2023 by Sea42

[Sharon in AZ]

2 hours ago, kazu said:

 

6 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

@kazu

 

Jacqui, I was told by our Guest Services manager if you are 4 or 5 star you can stand in the Club Orange line. I asked along the line if they were CO or 4/5 star and none were. Go boldly sister!

Expand  

 

Nope.  CO is only for CO - it’s quantity controlled.  4 and 5* cannot get in.  If they could, my other friends who are 5* would be joining us.  

Believe me, It’s CO only.  Perhaps it changes if it’s not sold out?  It’s sold out here and is on most Pinnacle Class ships I was told.

Jacqui, Joy was talking about the CO line at Guest Services, not the CO dining venue. However, I’m surprised someone told her 4 & 5 star could use that line. That’s one of the big perks about having CO added. I always have my key card out so they can see the orange. 
 

I glad you had a great day in Cabo. It sounds wonderful. Happy New Year!  I hope you can post a few pictures of the party tonight. 
 

 

Edited January 1, 2023 by Sharon in AZ

[mcrcruiser]

Yes Jacqui we also will appreciate any pictures you can post about the New Years Eve party .😃

Cliff

[REOVA]

On 12/31/2022 at 12:14 AM, kazu said:

 

 

Yes, I call the accounting stupid and i have no time for stupid or patience to trust them to give it back 😉 

We must check our statement daily and get things fixed asap before end of cruise. Once off....crickets from HAL. We've been charged for excursions we didn't take, drinks already paid for w/HIA, not refunded for prepaid 5* Mariner dinners or cancelled excursions (and that was all just the past 6 months). It's amazing they are still sailing. 

 

 

 

On 12/31/2022 at 12:14 AM, kazu said:

 

 

For what my word is worth - I WOULD NOT give up CO. MDR is a mess.  CO is civilized as dining should be.   I was happy with the MDR on the Oosterdam but would not be happy here every night based only on 2 experiences and line ups at both. 

Yes. But unfortunately HAL will become known as "pay for service" cruise line. If you want nice dining and quick service on Pinnacle ships....pay for CO  (even if you are 5*) sadly 😥.  And it's not a COVID issue. Our KDam cruise in 2019 was the same. We never do MDR on the newer ships now. 

On 12/31/2022 at 12:14 AM, kazu said:

 

I sent a messenger on the app on the 2nd segment about the same shore excursion issue.  It was never acknowledged nor fixed so I ended up in a line up to get it fixed.  Front desk couldn’t do it.

I didn’t waste time with it this time and just dealt with it.
 

 

Was this in the "Let Us know" section of the app? They are usually responsive there but going to the EXC desk is quicker ( and of course paying extra for CO makes service quicker). 🙄

[kazu]

21 hours ago, highland cruiser said:

Happy New Year Jacque,

hope your day in Cabo went well. We flew out from there yesterday after spending a week with family in Los Barriles.  Had great weather. 
I am enjoying all the pictures and comments about the ship. Thank your so  much for all the posts.  Enjoy the New Year’s dinner. 
 

 

It was very good 👍 

 

12 hours ago, REOVA said:

We must check our statement daily and get things fixed asap before end of cruise. Once off....crickets from HAL. We've been charged for excursions we didn't take, drinks already paid for w/HIA, not refunded for prepaid 5* Mariner dinners or cancelled excursions (and that was all just the past 6 months). It's amazing they are still sailing. 

 

 

 

Yes. But unfortunately HAL will become known as "pay for service" cruise line. If you want nice dining and quick service on Pinnacle ships....pay for CO  (even if you are 5*) sadly 😥.  And it's not a COVID issue. Our KDam cruise in 2019 was the same. We never do MDR on the newer ships now. 

Was this in the "Let Us know" section of the app? They are usually responsive there but going to the EXC desk is quicker ( and of course paying extra for CO makes service quicker). 🙄

 

Yes I did the navigator app and used LUK - no luck

 

20 hours ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Jacqui, Joy was talking about the CO line at Guest Services, not the CO dining venue. However, I’m surprised someone told her 4 & 5 star could use that line. That’s one of the big perks about having CO added. I always have my key card out so they can see the orange. 
 

I glad you had a great day in Cabo. It sounds wonderful. Happy New Year!  I hope you can post a few pictures of the party tonight. 
 

 

 

I don’t have much but I am catching up.

 

20 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Hold the phone on my text about Club Orange!

 

I said in the Guest Services desk where the rope is they accept 4 and 5 star. NEVER mentioned the CO Dining.  I wouldn't want to dine in there anyway.

 

Your service on the Rotterdam must be a LOT better than on the Koningsdam in the MDR.  I ‘ve done one dinner in there and one lunch.  One and done - I will take the far superior service in CO any day on this ship.

 

21 hours ago, Traveling Dot said:

@kazuHappy New Year🎉 Jacqui!  Just found your Live Posts and just caught up.  Glad you brave enough to travel on your own.  I have been doing it for almost 7 years now since Jack passed, but I still travel with Jack the Bear to keep me company. 😎

 

 

Thanks Dot.  I learned from you and have my bear too 💔 

 

On 12/31/2022 at 11:49 AM, Sea42 said:

Are they requiring people to sign for drinks? I've seen reports that they are on some ships. If when presented with the slip to sign for drinks or specialty restaurants, and the charge is wrong, can you just refuse to sign the receipt?

 

Yes they are giving slips to sign.  Sometimes they do (for me - I’ve been on a bit) and sometimes not.  Sometimes if I am in the mood I say to the newbie “I don’t sign”.  LOL.  And I don’t.  but normally I just go with the flow.

 

On 12/31/2022 at 11:26 AM, oaktreerb said:

@kazuI’m sorry to hear of your issue with the Club Orange line at the front desk.  There should be a roped off area at the far end of the CS desk indicating Club Orange and if no one is waiting there the desk clerk will assist others.  If you stand in the Club Orange roped off area you become priority and someone will come to assist you.  Even if they are short of personnel at the desk, you are priority.  

 

It sounds like there are too many “guests” onboard, compounded by too many issues and inexperience of staff.  The K will soon be sailing to Hawaii, hopefully fewer kids will be onboard and the crew will have time to adhere to a “tight ship” service mentality.  I’ll be on the second of the Hawaii sailings.  I sure hope they get their act together before I get there!

 

 

Thanks - issue was at shore excursion desk not the front desk.  

 

Funny one - there will be there taking forever a couple of days ago and the wife came and old me abruptly the line is back there.  I replied no - this is the CO line.  LOL

 

On 12/31/2022 at 10:52 AM, *Miss G* said:

 

Thanks for the pictures.  I always loved the look of CO on the Koningsdam.  So bright and serene.  Also, I’ve seen the 4-tops on both sides of the room (in your pictures) turned into 8- and 10-tops.  Was never bothered by any noise from them because my favourite table is the one in the back corner.  😊

 

That’s good news.  I thought they were affixed and so did my friends.

 

On 12/31/2022 at 10:40 AM, bennybear said:

Happy new year! 

 

 

And to you 🙂 

[kazu]

Wow, I am in huge catch up mode.

 

I had to delete yesterday’s dinner menu due to a faux pas on my part.

 

here it is and yes, there was lobster:

 

 

 

Overall, it was quite decent.

 

the hats and crowns were on the table for the night :

 

 

 

And if you ordered the right dessert you got an edible welcome to 2023

 

 

The appetizer was delish

 

 

Look what happens when you open up what looks like nothing

 

 

 

The duck

 

 

And filet mignon with the lobster.

 

 

 

I bypassed on the filet and opted for 2 lobster.  Ari said he would check with the chef 😂. I got the 2

 

and added veggies after.

 

the other dessert was posted already and I had ordered the cheese tray.  And OMG there were 3 whole crackers on it.