Talk of The Villages Florida - Cruise Experience on Holland America Rotterdam

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Quote:

Originally Posted by kenoc7 (Post 2032745)

I can't believe all the whining about wearing masks. Get over it people.

I know. Just look at the people in China that have to wear masks (and been doing it for ages) all the time. Mostly for pollution. Just wait until the USA will be doing that permanently. Then what are these whiners gonna do? Move to an isolated island somewhere?
:popcorn::popcorn:

Personally, we spent relatively little time wearing our masks on the Regal Princess. They were not required outside, when dining, in the gym, in most bars and, of course, in our cabin.

The upside was that, with so many reluctant to cruise when any mask-wearing is required, we had a ship that was at one third capacity. No lines; no waiting to be served.

The same happens whenever there is a terrorist incident - many people are scared to travel so the airports/planes are half-empty, yet the heightened security means traveling is safer than usual.

Can you tell me where you got your 48 hr test...we are going in Feb same cruise line thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen Dronsfield (Post 2032685)

Just a correction, the Rotterdam is not a new ship, it's home port is Rotterdam where the original Rotterdam is moored. The Holland America ship has been in service for many years as my wife and I sailed on her 3 years ago out of Tampa to Rotterdam and the Baltic then returning to Rotterdam. Enjoyable cruise, lots to see, great crew.

The Rotterdam is a brand new ship.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtennent (Post 2032456)

We just returned from an 11 day cruise on the Holland America Rotterdam sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale. Here are some of our cruising experiences on this is a brand new ship which did its first cruise starting on October 20th which was a transatlantic crossing. Please realize that this is just a description of our experience on board the ship and is not meant to be a discussion of mask vs no mask or vaccine vs. no vaccine.

1. Vaccination record and negative Covid test within 48 hours of boarding were required by the cruise line and were confirmed before proceeding to check in.

2. Masks were required whenever you were outside of your room unless you were eating or drinking. In fact, each cabin came with 2 masks/person. There was about 99% compliance. Captain reminded folks of this requirement several times during the cruise.

3. There were 4 areas with sinks for washing hands as you came into the Lido dining area. Staff members were there to encourage you in a friendly way. Food was plated and given to you rather than having it open to serve yourself.

4. The muster stations are not on the decks near the lifeboats but rather in areas within the interior of the ship. In part, this is due to the change in design where the life boats are on the same level as the Promenade Deck which reduces the width of that walkway.

5. Staffing seemed to be a little short. May have been due to many of the staff being relatively new and were still learning their positions. However, the effort to provide great service was always there. One nice change was the Dining room steward now served the wine so you didn’t have to wait for a wine steward to show up.

6. Excursion tickets are now e-tickets. This requires a smart phone or a tablet to use them. This is part of an ongoing effort to reduce paper on Holland America ships.

7. Each island had its own requirements about getting off the ship.
a. St. Thomas, St. Maarten and St. Lucia allowed everyone to get off the ship and roam freely but took our temperatures as we got off the ship.
b. Barbados only allowed passengers on Holland America excursions and Government approved excursions to leave the port area. They also had disinfectant stations that measured your body temperature. Made me jump the first time I put my hand under the dispenser.
c. Dominca only allowed passengers on Holland America excursions to leave the port area.
d. St Kitts and Nevis only allowed passengers on Holland America excursions and Government approved excursions to leave the port area.

8. They ran shows in two different venues and had music a few different places. Given that everyone was close together, all wore masks.

Overall, the ship is beautiful. We had 1800 passengers on board (2600 passenger capacity). We felt very safe and had an enjoyable trip.

Masks even out in the open air?

Quote:

Originally Posted by gidget72 (Post 2032886)

Can you tell me where you got your 48 hr test...we are going in Feb same cruise line thanks

To which post are you referring - i.e. from which country are you sailing?

We purchased two Covid Antigen Tests from Abbot as backups in case our Orlando CVS tests failed and didn't have to use them. They cost $69 and have an expiration date of Dec. 18. If anyone needs them we will pass them on at no cost rather than see them go to waste. Private message me if interested.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbie0723 (Post 2032693)

For our RC cruise to Cococay you were given armbands if Vaccinated. I noticed very few people without an armband.

They did not require masks outside, on the island or at indoor "vaccinated only" venues.

The cruise was excellent and we had a great time.

Armbands, huh?

Well at least it wasn't a yellow star or a requirement to have "666" tattooed on your forehead

After reading this thread, I am so glad wife and I never had the desire to cruise.
Fancy paying big bucks to 'holiday' under those conditions!:ohdear:

We made an appointment at the CVS on 466. For HAL, the test had to be administered in the presence of someone in a pharmacy or Dr office. The insurance covered the cost. Results were back to us in a few hours time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbie0723 (Post 2032693)

We got off Serenade OTS a week ago. As vaccinated passengers, we found there was a lot of mask on/mask off, mask on/mask off and more of the same. It was a pleasure to hang out in the vaccinated only venues as they are mask mandate free. Any bar that was not for vaccinated only passengers, all the bar stools were blocked off. The only bar stools available were at vaccinated only venues.

I won't cruise again on Royal or any other line that allows un-vaccinated passengers on board, until mask protocols are dropped completely for vaccinated people. We have a cruise coming up on an NCL ship which will be mask free anywhere on the ship as all passengers and crew will be fully vaccinated. I am sooooo looking forward to that cruise experience after being on Royal with un-vaccinated passengers and strict protocols because of those that are un-vaccinated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by allsport (Post 2032716)

Good thing you never chose the medical profession.

As a medical professional, one is paid to wear masks during their work day. When on vacation on certain cruise ships, one is paying for the privilege of wearing a mask.

Not quite the same if you ask me.

[QUOTE=dtennent;2032456]We just returned from an 5 day cruise to Thanksgiving day dinner @ sea on the Celebrity's Summit Holland America Rotterdam sailing out of ,& back toMiami. Here are some of our cruising experiences on this is a brand new ship which did its first cruise starting on October 20th which was a transatlantic crossing. Please realize that this is just a description of our experience on board the ship and is not meant to be a discussion of mask vs no mask or vaccine vs. no vaccine.

1. Vaccination record and negative Covid test within 48 hours of boarding were required by the cruise line and were confirmed before proceeding to check in. yes

2. Masks were required whenever you were outside of your room unless you were eating or drinking. In fact, each cabin came with 2 masks/person. There was about 99% compliance. Captain reminded folks of this requirement several times during the cruise.not rqd of guests- only crew

3. There were 4 areas with sinks for washing hands as you came into the Lido dining area. Staff members were there to encourage you in a friendly way. Food was plated and given to you rather than having it open to serve yourself. yes

4. The muster stations are not on the decks near the lifeboats but rather in areas within the interior of the ship.yes In part, this is due to the change in design where the life boats are on the same level as the Promenade Deck which reduces the width of that walkway. no idea

5. Staffing seemed to be a little short. 802 crew-765 guestsALL experienced crew

6. 7. unsure.

Overall, the ship wss refitted in 2021-celebrity from now on - Oceania never again !

We recently returned from a 4 day trip on Celebrity that left on Thanksgiving day. A very good experience overall.

They did require all guest to be vaccinated (except young children) and also required all guests be tested negative within 48 hours prior to the cruise.

They did not require masks anywhere on the ship at any time. They did install and recommend use of wash stations at several locations including the dining rooms. They also provided masks for any that wanted to use them.

The ports of call required compliance with the local policies. In our case, the Bahamas required masks, only Celebrity sold excursions, and no unvaccinated children off the ship unless on a ship based excursion.

They were by design well under capacity so the service was excellent and there were no lines for anything. First time we were able to arrive at a stage show in the main auditorium right at start time and still get a good seat.

Clearly an individual choice but we felt it was the best "vetted" group of people we have been around in months and now is a great time to cruise IF you are comfortable with it.

[QUOTE=npwalters;2035548]4D ON celebrity's summit thttps://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=2318 terrific dinner @ Qsineyou won't be disappointed if you are send ne the bill/receipt Clearly an individual choice but we felt it was the best "vetted" group of people we have been around in months and now is a great time to cruise AGREE !!!