Just notified of ship & itinerary change for March 2022 sailing. Wonderful up grade to the Rotterdam! All onboard purchases were transferred, but I had booked a poolside cabana. None seen on Rotterdam. What do you suggest?
Excellent tour! Thank you! Perfectly organized and inviting narration We’ll be on this ship in October for the Trans Atlantic, Rotterdam to Ft Lauderdale. Can’t wait to hit the Music Walk, eat sushi, have a few cold Heineken’s (do I get paid for the endorsement?), and swim, swim, swim (if not too cold! I’ve perceived HAL as catering to an older (like me) crowd. Looks like lots of younger folks on your sailing. Off to watch Part Two. Thanks again for this video.
Hi Brad, thanks for watching. You won't be disappointed with Rotterdam. HAL's ships have been attracting younger guests for the past decade since the introduction of the Signature class ships and now the Pinnacle class. More contemporary designs and new amenities are likely more appealing to the "younger" guests, but for me personally, I like HAL as a cruise line and would also cruise on their older vessels. Not saying I'm young or old, just like HAL.
@@TalkingCruise looking forward to the 2nd part... I've photographed her couple of weeks ago when she First dooked in the Netherlands..but that was just from the outside
Encouraged to hear that the experience of “sailing” and the ocean view is a priority for the Rotterdam. December cruise on a mega ship was stunning but no feeling of cursing. Just a huge hotel. Looking forward to March cruise
The choice that's the hardest for me is exactly which cruise to take. I love the idea of the 11-nighter with 8(?) ports. I really want to tour the islands!!! But if this doesn't work for us, my second choice is the 10-nighter. Do you prefer Grand Cayman or The Turks? The 9-nighter drops to just 4 ports, so I'm reluctant to take that. Do you prefer the ABC islands, or the BVIs? We're all about relaxing on beautiful beaches and some shopping, and less about expensive restaurants and zip-lining. Lastly, do you feel the movement of the ocean on the ship? I'd prefer not to take dramamine, but sea sickness could be a problem for me. I'll definitely bring ginger aboard to help with this too. TY!!!
Hi Reene Keenie, I'd go to Grand Cayman first, and definitely try to get to the ABC islands. If you are prone to motions sickness, there are other alternatives like Seabands, they are worn on the wrist and many people say they work without taking medication. They are readily available at most pharmacies.
@@TalkingCruise Thanks! I did hear Grand Cayman is the jewel of the Caribbean, so glad to hear you love it. I like the idea of the band, and thanks about ABCs. 🙂
Thank you so much for the tour of the Rotterdam and HCL! We're considering a S Caribbean cruise from Port Everglades this winter, and there's alot to sift through to make a choice. I appreciate this detailed tour, plus added info to answer my questions. I appreciate your positivity too since I'm pretty set on this ship. Two questions...is the spa included in the price, and do the room windows open?
Hi Reene Keenie, thanks for watching and sharing your comments. Spa is an extra cost, but you can purchase a week long thermal suite pass for a reasonable cost. Windows in cruise ship staterooms never open, you'd be best to seek out a balcony.
@@TalkingCruise Thanks again! Your info is very helpful since I've never taken a cruise before. And at 59, it's about time!!! The food looks very interesting too! 🙂
@@TalkingCruise actually, we did not. This was our 29th cruise but our first on Holland America. We were disappointed in the MDR. We only went to two dinners there. The first night was a disaster. We had their lasagna and it was like eating a square mush. With no flavor. We enjoyed the ship. The ship was absolutely beautiful. But, we always thought since Holland America was a premium cruise line that the food would be out of sight. Which it was not. But, we really enjoyed the Rolling Stones band and BB Kings venue. Going to Bimini Bahamas was a joke but, we enjoyed half moon cay
Hi K-CRUISE THE BEST PRICE, thanks for watching. I use four different cameras including Sony A7siii, Sony NX80, GoPro Hero 9 and my iPhone 13 Pro Max. No gimbals, but I do use a custom rig.
2 Jan for us on Rotterdam. Looking forward to some of the changes Holland has done like putting the string ensemble in main area rather than that long narrow room with church basement chairs. Also looking forward to the R&R room.
@@TalkingCruise It does make me nervous that even with so few passengers that R&R was pretty full. Might be a problem when they fill the ships. Will be interesting to see if R&R draws folks away from BB and they swap them out in the future to give R&R more room.
Hi James, between all of the music venues, the Rock Room was the busiest. I did have a hard time getting seats at times, unless you get there 20 minutes before show. Was surprised Billboard Onboard was not that busy as I've seen on other HAL ships.
@@TalkingCruise I think there is a pent up demand for this. I think the Billboard was crowded because it was basically it or BB and BB is not really the 60+ crowd that R&R will be. I really think they will end up changing venues around or expanding R&R.
Hi Scott, thanks for watching. HAL did have several crews filming onboard including capturing drone footage. I compared rigs with that guy and joked that his was overkill for youtube. He was of course was shooting for promotional videos and b-roll for marketing purposes.😀
As a three star Mariner I've been mostly dissatisfied with the direction HAL has gone. Sailed aboard Koningsdam & hated that ship(i,e. very uncomfortable seating in public rooms, smaller inside cabins, pools too small & shallow, lack of teak promenade deck with views & loungers, changes to Crows Nest, ect.) Service & food standards have declined over the last five years. I've jumped ship to Viking Ocean. Viking is ticking all the boxes for what I expect from a cruise line in terms of ship design, food, service, onboard atmosphere. They are a higher price point initially, but worth it I think. There is no incessant nickle & diming.
Hi Train Attendant, thanks for watching. I understand the point you are making, but as these smaller cruise lines continue to grow, they will inevitably follow the same cost-cutting, reduction of benefits and increase pricing along with everyone else.
Hi Andrea, Music Walk is still a main feature of the Pinnacle-class ships. I rather like it, with the doors between the Rock Room/Billboard and Lincoln Center Stage/BB Kings, it creates some separation.
Don't do it! Bean counters have taken over this brand. Not even close to how good they were. They even cut down all the trees on half moon cay so you have to rent shade..shame!
Hi Jessie, thanks for watching. While I do agree that much has changed with HAL over the years, the same is happening all over the cruise industry. Personally, I've really liked these latest Pinnacle Class ships and think for the most part, it was a move in the right direction.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 87 วันนี้!! คู่เอก "ก้องชัย vs โชคปรีชา"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YN6e7HVnekw/mqdefault.jpg)
Are you planning to cruise onboard HAL's newest Rotterdam? Let us know in the comments.
Just notified of ship & itinerary change for March 2022 sailing. Wonderful up grade to the Rotterdam! All onboard purchases were transferred, but I had booked a poolside cabana. None seen on Rotterdam. What do you suggest?
We went to take the cruise "Under the midnight sun" in July 2023
We are boarding December 12 for 21 days! We have missed HAL so much! Can’t wait to get on board!
Hi Joe, thanks for watching. 21 days sounds awesome, have a great time!
January 23 we will be boarding the Rotterdam for our very first cruise!
HI Kim, thanks for watching. What a way to start cruising, Rotterdam will spoil you, enjoy!
Sailing on Rotterdam February 20th. Can't wait!
Hi Ari, thanks for watching. What a fantastic ship. Have a great time. I really enjoy cruising on HAL!
Excellent tour! Thank you!
Perfectly organized and inviting narration
We’ll be on this ship in October for the Trans Atlantic, Rotterdam to Ft Lauderdale. Can’t wait to hit the Music Walk, eat sushi, have a few cold Heineken’s (do I get paid for the endorsement?), and swim, swim, swim (if not too cold!
I’ve perceived HAL as catering to an older (like me) crowd. Looks like lots of younger folks on your sailing.
Off to watch Part Two. Thanks again for this video.
Hi Brad, thanks for watching. You won't be disappointed with Rotterdam. HAL's ships have been attracting younger guests for the past decade since the introduction of the Signature class ships and now the Pinnacle class. More contemporary designs and new amenities are likely more appealing to the "younger" guests, but for me personally, I like HAL as a cruise line and would also cruise on their older vessels. Not saying I'm young or old, just like HAL.
GREAT PRESENTATION …thank for sharing …I just got home from a Rotterdam Holland Ame trip 🛳
Hi Lili, thanks for watching. Rotterdam is a fantastic ship and I can't wait to go back.
Loved it, we will boarding her next summer for a 14 day cruise to Iceland... Can't wait after seeing all this good stuff
Hi Rai, thanks for watching. That's sound like an awesome itinerary. I'm working on part 2, should be available by end of this week.
@@TalkingCruise looking forward to the 2nd part... I've photographed her couple of weeks ago when she First dooked in the Netherlands..but that was just from the outside
No one does ship tours like chris..great job!!!
Thanks John, I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Boarding with my fam on Dec 22 through the holidays!! So excited to experience cruising with HAL once again!
Hi Alexedits, thanks for watching. I can’t wait to go back myself, have a great time!
Booked for the 7 day Jan 16th 2022 -cannot wait !!!
Hi John, thanks for watching. Beautiful ship, I'm working on part 2 highlights video, which should be available by end of this week.
Encouraged to hear that the experience of “sailing” and the ocean view is a priority for the Rotterdam. December cruise on a mega ship was stunning but no feeling of cursing. Just a huge hotel. Looking forward to March cruise
Hi Monica, thanks for watching. HAL's Rotterdam is right up there as one of my favorite cruise ships that I sailed in 2021. Have a great cruise!
Certainly a stunning ship! I'd love to get onboard. Certainly a contender for Winter 2022.
Hi Ian, thanks for watching. Rotterdam is right up there as my favorite new ship in 2021.
May have to do Seafood restaurant for one of our choices! Thanks for tour as I have looked and looked and first Rotterdam tour I've seen!
Hi Barbara, my pleasure to bring this to you. I highly recommend Sel De Mer specialty restaurant.
Great video thanks will be onboard for Xmas and New Years cruise can’t wait.
Hi Eric, thanks for watching. That will be nice for the Holidays. Have a great time!
Absolutely love the video 💕🌹💕
Thanks Lashawn, I'm working on part 2, hope to have it available by end of week.
The choice that's the hardest for me is exactly which cruise to take. I love the idea of the 11-nighter with 8(?) ports. I really want to tour the islands!!! But if this doesn't work for us, my second choice is the 10-nighter. Do you prefer Grand Cayman or The Turks?
The 9-nighter drops to just 4 ports, so I'm reluctant to take that. Do you prefer the ABC islands, or the BVIs? We're all about relaxing on beautiful beaches and some shopping, and less about expensive restaurants and zip-lining.
Lastly, do you feel the movement of the ocean on the ship? I'd prefer not to take dramamine, but sea sickness could be a problem for me. I'll definitely bring ginger aboard to help with this too. TY!!!
Hi Reene Keenie, I'd go to Grand Cayman first, and definitely try to get to the ABC islands. If you are prone to motions sickness, there are other alternatives like Seabands, they are worn on the wrist and many people say they work without taking medication. They are readily available at most pharmacies.
@@TalkingCruise Thanks! I did hear Grand Cayman is the jewel of the Caribbean, so glad to hear you love it. I like the idea of the band, and thanks about ABCs. 🙂
Looks amazing and I hope everybody have bless day
Thanks Fatimah!
@@TalkingCruise you welcome
Thank you so much for the tour of the Rotterdam and HCL! We're considering a S Caribbean cruise from Port Everglades this winter, and there's alot to sift through to make a choice. I appreciate this detailed tour, plus added info to answer my questions. I appreciate your positivity too since I'm pretty set on this ship. Two questions...is the spa included in the price, and do the room windows open?
Hi Reene Keenie, thanks for watching and sharing your comments. Spa is an extra cost, but you can purchase a week long thermal suite pass for a reasonable cost. Windows in cruise ship staterooms never open, you'd be best to seek out a balcony.
@@TalkingCruise Thanks again! Your info is very helpful since I've never taken a cruise before. And at 59, it's about time!!! The food looks very interesting too! 🙂
We were on that cruise with you. My wife was taking pictures of the dining room at the same time you was.
Hi Tim, thanks for watching. That's cool, did you both enjoy your time onboard Rotterdam?
@@TalkingCruise actually, we did not. This was our 29th cruise but our first on Holland America. We were disappointed in the MDR. We only went to two dinners there. The first night was a disaster. We had their lasagna and it was like eating a square mush. With no flavor. We enjoyed the ship. The ship was absolutely beautiful. But, we always thought since Holland America was a premium cruise line that the food would be out of sight. Which it was not. But, we really enjoyed the Rolling Stones band and BB Kings venue. Going to Bimini Bahamas was a joke but, we enjoyed half moon cay
Thank you. I have Holland America's deco and music.
Hi Wen Mac, thanks for watching.
You're doing a beautiful job with these videos.
Thanks Barbara! Glad you liked the videos. I’ll be doing a full feature tour at some point as well.
Going in March 2022. Really looking forward to it.
Hi JEVS, thanks for watching. I had a great time on Rotterdam, I wish you a pleasant voyage in March.
September for our postponed first HAL!
Hi Barbara, thanks for watching.
WHAT A NICE VIDEO!!
Can I ask you what kind of camera and gimbal you use for your video?
Thank you and I really enjoy you video.
Hi K-CRUISE THE BEST PRICE, thanks for watching. I use four different cameras including Sony A7siii, Sony NX80, GoPro Hero 9 and my iPhone 13 Pro Max. No gimbals, but I do use a custom rig.
@@TalkingCruise THANK YOU~!
2 Jan for us on Rotterdam. Looking forward to some of the changes Holland has done like putting the string ensemble in main area rather than that long narrow room with church basement chairs. Also looking forward to the R&R room.
Hi James, thanks for watching. The music/entertainment venues are amazing and quite spacious for a smaller ships class. Hope you have a great time.
@@TalkingCruise It does make me nervous that even with so few passengers that R&R was pretty full. Might be a problem when they fill the ships. Will be interesting to see if R&R draws folks away from BB and they swap them out in the future to give R&R more room.
Hi James, between all of the music venues, the Rock Room was the busiest. I did have a hard time getting seats at times, unless you get there 20 minutes before show. Was surprised Billboard Onboard was not that busy as I've seen on other HAL ships.
@@TalkingCruise I think there is a pent up demand for this. I think the Billboard was crowded because it was basically it or BB and BB is not really the 60+ crowd that R&R will be. I really think they will end up changing venues around or expanding R&R.
Nice look at the ship! What was up with the guy at the Lido with the giant stabilizer rig? Was he working for HAL?
Hi Scott, thanks for watching. HAL did have several crews filming onboard including capturing drone footage. I compared rigs with that guy and joked that his was overkill for youtube. He was of course was shooting for promotional videos and b-roll for marketing purposes.😀
@@TalkingCruise Thanks, Chris. Haha, yes, it is overkill for YT. Makes more sense that it was HAL.
As a three star Mariner I've been mostly dissatisfied with the direction HAL has gone. Sailed aboard Koningsdam & hated that ship(i,e. very uncomfortable seating in public rooms, smaller inside cabins, pools too small & shallow, lack of teak promenade deck with views & loungers, changes to Crows Nest, ect.) Service & food standards have declined over the last five years. I've jumped ship to Viking Ocean. Viking is ticking all the boxes for what I expect from a cruise line in terms of ship design, food, service, onboard atmosphere. They are a higher price point initially, but worth it I think. There is no incessant nickle & diming.
Hi Train Attendant, thanks for watching. I understand the point you are making, but as these smaller cruise lines continue to grow, they will inevitably follow the same cost-cutting, reduction of benefits and increase pricing along with everyone else.
Wondering if they still have all the music venues in one place. That’s the only thing I didn’t like on Holland.
Hi Andrea, Music Walk is still a main feature of the Pinnacle-class ships. I rather like it, with the doors between the Rock Room/Billboard and Lincoln Center Stage/BB Kings, it creates some separation.
Don't do it! Bean counters have taken over this brand. Not even close to how good they were. They even cut down all the trees on half moon cay so you have to rent shade..shame!
Hi Jessie, thanks for watching. While I do agree that much has changed with HAL over the years, the same is happening all over the cruise industry. Personally, I've really liked these latest Pinnacle Class ships and think for the most part, it was a move in the right direction.