I couldn't see ANYTHING in Bar Harbor, Maine! | HAL Volendam!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ธ.ค. 2024

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  • @MerCruisesSolo
    @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This video is part of a series! If you’d like to go back and watch the first video of boarding day on the HAL Volendam, click here: th-cam.com/video/_Zxu2ucw5Nw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CZl1STRXitG-GlMQ

  • @martyptx
    @martyptx หลายเดือนก่อน

    I really enjoyed all the videos in this series. The quality of your videos are excellent. You are an adventurous young woman, who knows how to tell an interesting story . You are very likable. Hope to see you on a future HAL cruise, Thanks for all your good work. -Marty

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@martyptx thank you so much! So glad you are enjoying this series! 😊

  • @richard5660
    @richard5660 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    On one hand, I wish someone was with you experiencing these amazing adventures because you deserve someone great to share this with. But...on the other hand, it's so nice kind of tagging along with just you, getting your unique take on what you're seeing. Thank you for creating what is now my favorite pastime when I'm down, or tired, and just need an escape from my daily life.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks, Richard! There are certainly moments where I think it'd be nice to share some of my experiences with someone else, but most of the time I'm perfectly content 😊 nothing will keep me from continuing to explore the world!

    • @richard5660
      @richard5660 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@MerCruisesSolo I said to my teenage daughters last night that you're a role model they should pay attention to and learn from. You've decided to see the world and you have the self confidence to do it. You're not waiting for someone to make it happen, and you certainly don't need someone to do it with. No excuses, you just went out there and did it! Seems like you said its my life and I'm in charge of it. It's a great life lesson for my kids. Sorry to get kind of sappy. Lol! I just wish I'd done the same when I was younger! : )

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@richard5660 thank you so much, that’s so kind! I so appreciate hearing that my solo travels can be a positive influence to the younger generations. I truly think travel is one of the best ways to learn about and experience the world that just can’t be taught any other way 😊

    • @richard5660
      @richard5660 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MerCruisesSolo I totally agree! Sorry by the way, Lol! I didnt realize these comments post to everyone! : ) Was treating it like texting. Lol! Sorry!

  • @paulwinge4173
    @paulwinge4173 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    We are loyal HAL cruisers. Once you reach 'Four Star' status (the equivalent of 200 nights), onboard laundry is free. We booked a short Eastern Caribbean itinerary this November to insure we make 4 Stars before a longer British Isles cruise next summer.
    Great series on your HAL experience. I think you did a great job showcasing the cruise line and the itinerary.
    Paul

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks so much, Paul! I really appreciate that - I truly had a fantastic time on HAL and can't wait to try their other ships and itineraries in the future! Good to know about the laundry 😄

  • @davidcoviello1721
    @davidcoviello1721 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Also, the Bar Harbor Inn (next to the little park on the water, with the yellow umbrellas) has delicious lunch.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@davidcoviello1721 I’ll have to try that place next time! 😊

    • @reestyfarts
      @reestyfarts 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Good food is illegal in Maine.

  • @stevengreen4329
    @stevengreen4329 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The weather was subdued but your videography transformed a quiet day into a visual treat that provided a solid overview of the Bar Harbor area…well done!

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@stevengreen4329 thanks so much! It did work out to be a lovely day despite the fog! 😊

  • @chrisdarazsi6325
    @chrisdarazsi6325 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My wife and I really enjoyed this series. Good pacing, quality, content... overall really well done video. We are also sad that you weren't able to do the Puffin and Lighthouse tour but I can understand why, with all that fog. The catamaran moves REALLY fast and with such crappy visibility, it wouldn't be safe at all. I think I commented in one of the other vids in this series that we did almost the same cruise on the Volendam (Boston, Portland, St. John, Halifax, Sydney, Bar Harbor, Boston) and it's so fun seeing you tour a lot of the same sights. We laughed when you said the lobster roll in Halifax was expensive at $22 CAD because we KNEW what the Bar Harbor, Boston, and Portland prices were over $30 USD. We're from Canada so we spent a LOT on lobster rolls! I also don't eat red meat but loved Pinnacle Grill. The scallops were great, and the bacon curtain. You gotta try the bacon curtain. Healthy? no. Yummy? YES!
    Oh, and we've done a few HAL cruises and we're "three star mariners". The free laundry starts at four stars, as I think someone else mentioned in the comments. Free laundry is the perk most loyal HAL cruisers look forward to the most. I think we paid about $30USD for laundry on our last cruise. Stuff the laundry bag as full as you can, flat rate. WAY more economical that paying per item.
    Keep up the great work and content. Looking forward to catching more of your vlogs. I just noticed your Blue Lagoon vid, we'll watch that soon. We were there in Iceland (On the beautiful HAL Rotterdam!) last summer. Anyway, great work.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@chrisdarazsi6325 thanks for all the info, and for watching! Good to know about the laundry, will have to keep that in mind for next time. Excited to check out other ships in HAL’s fleet! 😊

  • @nanaontherun1968
    @nanaontherun1968 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    First. Your mom is a fantastic seamstress!
    Two. What do you do for your full time job to afford and have time to cruise as you Do?
    Really enjoying watching your videos.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@nanaontherun1968 thank you, she is so talented! My full time job is in product management for a telecommunications company. I do plan a lot of my travel around holidays that the company already gives us off to maximize my PTO!

  • @ellensunny9120
    @ellensunny9120 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    There should be a cloth bag in the closet for laundry. HAL has a fill the bag for $25 and the bag stretches and holds a lot.😊

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I saw the laundry bag in the closet, but no notice about a special ever appeared in my cabin! Will definitely look harder for that next time!

    • @martyptx
      @martyptx หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MerCruisesSoloHolland has several laundry options, and they are very fast and do a great job. As mentioned by @ellensunny9120, you can do laundry by the bag. Or, do unlimited laundry for the cruise for a set fee. This works very on a longer, 14 days or more, cruise, especially if you arrive a few days early in the port city, or are staying longer, or doing other traveling before heading home.

  • @georgettenorth2776
    @georgettenorth2776 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    When I was there, it was a crystal clear day and the National Park tour was very enjoyable. Lovely scenery.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@georgettenorth2776 sounds amazing!

  • @gracie65girl21
    @gracie65girl21 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    So excited to see when you drop this video. I've been waiting to see the final day!

  • @johnbuckley8324
    @johnbuckley8324 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    LOL...I can seriously relate to having a terrible sense of direction. I'm toast without my GPS. 🤣 Glad you powered through all the obstacles and provided us with a nice overview of Bar Harbor. This Canada/US itinerary has definitely made it to my must-do list. Cheers and thank you Meredith! 🙂

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@johnbuckley8324 thanks John! This was a truly fantastic itinerary, glad you enjoyed the series! 😊

  • @TravelWithBen121
    @TravelWithBen121 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Such a quirky and cool little town! 22:30 yes, it will always be awkward, yes people will always stare 🤣 It's only for a second and then you're gone! 33:08 That salmon looks AMAZING 🤩

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@TravelWithBen121 eventually I’ll learn to ignore it 😁 that whole dinner was amazing!!

  • @Valerieesquilin
    @Valerieesquilin 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    New video alert !!! Yesssssss!!!!! 🎉❤

  • @MrP19883
    @MrP19883 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Still cruising I see. Excellent

  • @elaineodwyer5455
    @elaineodwyer5455 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love how brave you are travelling solo this is definitely my goal for future!!

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@elaineodwyer5455 thank you! I can’t recommend it enough 😊

  • @Lp259
    @Lp259 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Love the dress your mom made! She is so talented.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Lp259 yes she is, thanks so much! 😊

  • @johndefalque5061
    @johndefalque5061 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I used to live on northern Van Isle where they filmed the movie 'Insomnia'. Foggy there too.

  • @PamConlee
    @PamConlee 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The exact “pea soup “ fog hit us in Bar Harbor on the last day of our HAL 24 day cruise to Greenland and Iceland! Felt really eerie! We also had to cancel our excursion but still enjoyed the town albeit in continued fog! Thankfully it was our second time there so we had already been to Acadia:)

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Acadia is definitely on my list for my next visit to Maine! Even with the fog, it’s such a beautiful place! 😊

  • @northwestman1
    @northwestman1 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Welcome back!! Thanks for sharing another great video 😊

  • @jdb316
    @jdb316 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Sorry your excursion got cancelled. If you want to see puffins, another place to go is the east coast of Newfoundland. Go to St. John's (a nice town in its own right) and you can take puffin viewing tours from the many harbors outside of town.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@jdb316 thank you! I will definitely check into that, hoping to make it to St. John’s on a future cruise! 😊

  • @raquelcontigo
    @raquelcontigo 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I was there in October 2023 and we didn't get this fog on arrival but we did get it at sail away. It was spooky with the fog horn going but beautiful at the same time. It was not this thick though. We did Acadia National Park up to Cadillac Mountain. Amazing views from up there. Was my favorite port of the cruise.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@raquelcontigo next time I’m definitely going to check out Acadia National Park!

  • @angelastokely3217
    @angelastokely3217 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video and series! I’m also a solo traveller and have only salied on HAL. You can send in a laundry bag, I think it was like $35 and you can stuff as much as possible in the bag. The bag does hold a lot of laundry.

  • @lorifisher
    @lorifisher 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    We had the same experience in Bar Harbor....thick fog and constant fog horn. All night long.

  • @Valerieesquilin
    @Valerieesquilin 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I feel like you had a wonderful time in this cruise, and so glad to see and hear that the staff was super kind and fun! I love seeing you relaxing outside soaking in the sun, thats one of many part in your videos that makes me want to book a cruise asap, lol , (cough cough > commissions) lol 😂 cant say much about the laundry, I’ve never use that service anywhere. I usually over pack those pieces i know i use the most and handwash if needed . 😅 yeah, this cruise vlog make me want to HAL a try. Thanks Mer!!!

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I definitely overpacked for this cruise but I'm so glad I did because I almost ran out of certain items by the end! 😂 honestly, relaxing and soaking in the sun is one of my favorite things EVER and that's why I love cruising so much - you can have as much or little of that as you like! ☺

    • @Valerieesquilin
      @Valerieesquilin 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MerCruisesSolo yesss can definitely see cruising something that fits you well, chilling by the pool soaking the sun with a drink and a good book. Also wanted to mention, I’m also not a big fan of packing for disembarkation, that been the last night in the cruise i want to soak it all in and enjoy everything as much as i can, so i find that using packing cubes help me tons to stay organized and quick packing. Have you ever use packing cubes? If so, do you like them? I love them and my friend hates them so i guess is not something that everyone likes, some say it takes space from the laugage. Thanks for the reply!

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@Valerieesquilin yes, I almost always use packing cubes! I have found I can fit WAY more by squishing things into the cubes, so for me they optimize space rather than taking it away!

    • @Valerieesquilin
      @Valerieesquilin 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MerCruisesSolo exactlyyyyy!! I’m glad we share that thought, also i love the extra privacy in case my suitcase gets open during tsa.

  • @glfarwell
    @glfarwell 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video for your first cruise with HAL. Wife and I enjoyed Bar Harbor's cultural shore excursion and can now understand why the port is as standoffish toward cruisers. As for Puffins, we saw them on our cruise around Iceland, sorry for your loss.

  • @Valerieesquilin
    @Valerieesquilin 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My favorite part of this video is your dress!!! You mom did a great job on it. Does she sell them? I will totally buy her a few! 🤩 please send her my greetings and admiration for her wonderful work.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Aww thank you so much! She mostly does woodworking now but her background is upholstery and sewing - I passed along the message and she says thank you!! ☺💜

    • @Valerieesquilin
      @Valerieesquilin 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MerCruisesSolo wow your mom is super cool! I love to see her woodwork, thats something I enjoy along with glassblowing and clay pottery making. If she ever do let me know i will totally support her business 💕

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@Valerieesquilin thanks so much, she and I both appreciate all your support! ❤

    • @Valerieesquilin
      @Valerieesquilin 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MerCruisesSolo my pleasure 🙏💕

  • @deba175
    @deba175 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love you solo videos I been to bar harbor twice in summer it was not foggy

  • @trikynguyen3680
    @trikynguyen3680 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Now we're waiting for your video on Celebrity Beyond😊

  • @davidcoviello1721
    @davidcoviello1721 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    We were there in the NCL Gem in early August. Same fog. Some people call it Fog-ust

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@davidcoviello1721 hah, love that! This video was filmed in early July, but based on the comments here, this kind of weather seems to be quite common for Bar Harbor!

    • @davidcoviello1721
      @davidcoviello1721 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MerCruisesSolo We also spent a week around Bar Harbor/Acadia in August 2023. Zero fog. So weird.

  • @chezellis
    @chezellis 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It's a rarity, but Bar Harbor can get fogged in so bad it's like a Stephen King horror film. Although it's sad to miss all the islands and mountains and the scenery of a crystal clear day, I feel the fog lends a bit of atmosphere and there's still lots to enjoy in Bar Harbor.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I agree! It definitely adds to the mystique and atmosphere of the area! 😊

  • @patricksterling7389
    @patricksterling7389 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    They have a deal where all you could pack in a laundry bag for about $35 i think. I used it a couple times and it worked good.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That's what I kept looking for, and what I've seen on other cruise lines, but nothing like that ever showed up in my cabin!

    • @patricksterling7389
      @patricksterling7389 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@MerCruisesSolo the bag was in the closet on a hanger if I recall correctly with the order form. Maybe the room stewards would have one of it was missing. The worst part though was you missed the puffins.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@patricksterling7389 I saw the bag but the order form was pay per item, I never saw any notice about a laundry special. I’ll look out for it or ask my steward next time though! And yes, such a bummer about missing the puffins!

    • @patricksterling7389
      @patricksterling7389 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MerCruisesSolo yep just means you will need to do another new England cruise. It's a vicious cycle 😊

  • @luvtravel6207
    @luvtravel6207 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Bar harbor has a nice walking path by the water, they also have a cute bakery for a coffee and some great places to get a lobster roll. Last time I was there I did a trolley tour that went to Acadia national Park, so much to do there 🛳️🛳️🛳️

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I would have loved to go to Acadia! But with my original shore excursion plan and that getting cancelled, plus the weather, and my phone not working, it didn't happen this time around... but next time I'm in Bar Harbor or that area of Maine, I am definitely going to Acadia! 😊

  • @trikynguyen3680
    @trikynguyen3680 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you 😊

  • @DieterDoesntDiet
    @DieterDoesntDiet 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video thank you 😊

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@DieterDoesntDiet thanks for watching Dieter! 😊

  • @Lp259
    @Lp259 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I bought the laundry service on Volendam in the spring. I think it was $60 for unlimited laundry.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Lp259 good to know! For a longer cruise that’s a great option 😊

  • @susandiekmann
    @susandiekmann 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Watched 2 of your videos in one day. You do a great job, and I love seeing cruises from a solo perspective. Earlier I re-watched one of your NCL Joy videos to see if you said where you had stayed in New York (if you did) and how you navigated the city pre-cruise. If you explained it, I didn't see it. Would you let me know about that? I'm a little intimidated by traveling solo there, but the Bermuda itinerary I like best starts there. THANKS!

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@susandiekmann thanks so much for watching! I live in Philadelphia so when I cruise out of NYC I take a quick Amtrak train up to Penn Station on the same morning of the cruise and then a taxi to the port. It’s very easy, but there are so many great hotels in the area to choose from that are close to the port!

    • @susandiekmann
      @susandiekmann 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MerCruisesSolo Thank you! I'll have to fly in (mid-westerner here!), so I'll search for a close hotel Appreciate your response, and keep making those great vlogs (even though you get weird stares - lol)!

  • @Carol-uw5et
    @Carol-uw5et 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    When we were in Bar Harbor, we had a very foggy morning. We walked in the quietness, took ethereal photos, and went to a fabulous bakery. I hope you enjoyed this, despite the weather and cancellation.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you, I most definitely did! The fog was so fascinating and as a big fan of Stephen King, felt like the perfect way to experience my first visit to Maine! 😊

  • @johndefalque5061
    @johndefalque5061 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Gos means sour in French, we have a lot of those beers in Quebec but I am not a fan! You would like what the brewery La Souche (the Stump) has to offer. I prefer Noctem in Quebec City. Infusee does a lot of fruit and flower beer without the sour. St Ambroise is bloody damn sour! I also love Dieu de Ciel.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@johndefalque5061 love a good sour! Thank you for the recommendations, I will keep those on hand for next time I visit!

    • @johndefalque5061
      @johndefalque5061 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MerCruisesSolo Oops I meant Infusee does fruit and flower beer without the sour.

  • @howardosden3112
    @howardosden3112 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Dang! We've got a 3 week HAL coming up. Without laundry deals, it could cost us a fortune!

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I agree - it adds up very quickly! I'm surprised they don't run any mid-cruise specials like I typically see on other lines. Definitely something to prepare for, I would be doing sink laundry! 😆

    • @christineE9301
      @christineE9301 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      There is a laundry package you can purchase, price varies for length of cruise. Should be able to find it on the website.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@christineE9301 good to know, thank you! 😊

    • @howardosden3112
      @howardosden3112 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@MerCruisesSolo
      I found the deal. Unlimited laundry for 21 days is $178.50. Does this sound like a good deal?

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@howardosden3112 not to me… but in comparison to paying per individual item it probably would be!

  • @lorrainesherred6458
    @lorrainesherred6458 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Fog on the east coast is quite common.

  • @bobfisher4774
    @bobfisher4774 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice Vlog! Free laundry if you have a Neptune Suite other wise there is a charge.

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Good to know! Guess I'll have to plan for sink laundry on HAL in the future! 😆

  • @GuinnessFL
    @GuinnessFL 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Maybe they stare thinking you are from the Travel Channel or a related show

  • @deba175
    @deba175 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Weard things happen in Maine ! Especially with phones does it say it's a different time that can happen

  • @howardosden3112
    @howardosden3112 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Question: is having downloaded the navigator and accessing the boarding pass there all you need, or must you print out a paper copy of the boarding pass somehow?

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You don’t need to print anything out! The digital boarding pass is all you need 😊

  • @deba175
    @deba175 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Maine two saying about Maine can't get there from here if you ask for directions from Mainers and Maine the way life should be!

  • @mrstoives2444
    @mrstoives2444 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I feel gutted for you, that the excursion was cancelled, but thats the way it rolls. Thoughts of Stephen King’s “The Fog”

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@mrstoives2444 very fitting as that’s where Stephen King is from! Definitely makes sense 😄

  • @AbdulRahim-cu7y
    @AbdulRahim-cu7y 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hii, Do you edit videos yourself or you hired someone? I’m an editor and would love to discuss, if you’re interested

    • @MerCruisesSolo
      @MerCruisesSolo  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I edit all of my own videos!

    • @AbdulRahim-cu7y
      @AbdulRahim-cu7y 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MerCruisesSolo I appreciate your quick response!