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I was not referring to any large group taking over areas but the over charge of certain merchandise on the ships, and the possibility that the merchandise is not what they "advertise". They represent that it's a good deal but you need to know what you're buying. I was just responding and agreeing with post #51 by leerathje. It's just my opinion about the shopping on board. Cherie

Isn't this somewhat the same with everything that is sold onboard? The jewelry? The watches? The purses, etc. But for some reason they do well enough onboard ships to still exist. I'm actually shocked that Park West is successful enough to be able to close the Crows Nest. What is HAL thinking? And this is JMO, Cherie

Thank you both for the replies. Checking both out. Cherie

So what do you do? You feel they have broken the contract. The fine print of the HAL contract allows them to do just about anything. I just don't know what you do. If passengers are advised of these types of situations prior to final payment, there is an option. After final payment...I don't know. The fine print of the contract is sooooooo important. Complaints on the app sound like they are heard, but the disruption to your cruise has already happened. I don't know what the answer is, but those affected have a right to be upset. Cherie

There are so many reputable private guide/drivers that will take you from Santiago to San Antonio. Also, when making your hotel reservations, if you choose a hotel in the Vitacura neighborhood of Santiago you can easily walk at night to restaurants etc. We hired a private guide who met us at the airport and took us to our hotel. We arranged 4 days with him which included Santiago, the Andes, a vineyard, and delivery to the port, but he also offers just airport to hotel and hotel to port if that is all you want. I know that you are interested in a package but sometimes it can be easier when there is no need for shuttles and 3rd parties. This is just my preferred way to travel. You'll have a great time. Cherie

Another way to find out about hotels, transfers, and non HAL excursions is to look at the roll calls for the Oosterdam for January and February cruises 2024. They were very active roll calls and some great info included. I was on the January 7 cruise and got a lot of my info from previous roll calls. Cherie

I will say that there are two cruises in 2025 and 2026 that we are looking at. I will be happy to give HAL a non refundable $4 deposit but not the @3000 for a longer cruise. At the moment a cabin that we would be happy with is not available on these cruises. I'm willing to give HAL $4 for each of these cruises in hopes a cabin opens up. We're not making a deposit on cruises we are not hoping to take, but are happy not to loan HAL $$$. Cherie

I did also and several times booking the $1 deposit was a "Bad Request". We'll see what happens tomorrow.

I love the posts by PC members who never flaunt their status or privileges. I always sort of laugh at PC members who feel the necessity to remind everyone that they can leave the ship anytime they want, just like a Neptune suite passenger. I live and grew up in an area where the person who flaunts their assumed wealth is probably the least prominent person in the room. Often status and success come with humility. I really enjoy the reviews of PC events by members who really appreciate the staff and what is being done for them, they certainly earned it with their loyalty. I did not know that this was not connected with the Star Mariner system. JMO. Cherie

I assume that LonelySaxaphone was notified after final payment. This is a huge problem for me. Disappointing if notified prior to final payment but really horrendous if notified after final payment. For a first time HAL passenger this is not a great start. There must have been other choices for them that include Glacier Bay, including other cruise lines. JMO Cherie

I agree with HappyInVan re room service. If you have a balcony you can enjoy the same menu as the MDR in the evening. I've never tried having room service delivered to another part of the ship, like the Lido Pool area. If you have a TA I would definitely ask for some OBC so you could go to specialty restaurants for dinners. I would be very disappointed. Hope you can work something out. Glacier Bay is one of my favorite memories of our Alaska cruise so totally understand why you picked the date. Cherie

All I can say is WOW!!!! Your posts and photos are amazing. We were on the Oosterdam for 22 days in January and loved it. A Morimoto entree was always offered for extra $ on the MDR and Pinnacle menus, but no pop up. We did not try because of mixed reviews. Will definitely try if we have a chance. I have spent hours today looking for home rentals on Sao Miguel. You made Ponta Delgado look like a must go destination. Just a beautiful island and direct flights from Boston. Jeff Farschman's review and photos are equally stunning. I could spend hours in the market that you walked to. Thank you so much for including us in your cruise, it's just amazing!!! Cherie

I agree with Mary229, post #14. We were on the 22 day Antarctica cruise in January and we loved it. The 4-5 days in a row of scenic cruising were amazing. There were a couple times when there were 2 sea days that were just ocean. It was fun to have days to enjoy the ship, eat, drink, and be merry whenever you wanted, but after 2 non scenic sea days I was ready for an option. We do not get bored easily and love life onboard but if a cruise has more non-scenic sea days than port and scenic cruising days it's not for us. I wish HAL did a one way South Pacific cruise that allows you to fly one way. JMO. Cherie

If you can fit in Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side it's also fabulous. Flying from BA to IGR is really easy. Staying at the Melia Iguazu is amazing. I didn't want to leave. Cherie

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