LocoLoco1

Been on a long HAL cruise lately? Trans-Atlantic Med cruise felt quite ‘spare’. Fellow guests offered this; ‘Is it just me, but THIS isn’t HAL.’ We agreed.

I disagree. Seems HAL is headed for a ‘WalMart’ business model while pretending it’s something loftier. Booking a Penthouse Suite and dining in Pinnacle still doesn’t provide that guest the fuller experience of what it COULD be. In my opinion, they tipped their impoverished hand when they sacked the Librarian and the ‘Yum-Yum’ boy.

Family & friends currently on one of the newest vessels report the Post-Covid guest experience aboard ship is noticeably diminished as regards Piano players, Poolside activity attendants, lecturers, smaller dining entrees, $Pay-to-Dine$ upsells, etc etc. Is parent CCL still that $Broke$ or is the competition pummeling it with Fare cuts?? Somethings afoot, but WHY??

So… WHY has HAL cut back so drastically on things such as Piano Players, Poolside attendants for Water Aerobics…skimpier Dinner entree, etc. Are they still that $BROKE$ or are competitors forcing Fare cuts?? Post-Covid HAL is anemic once you’re aboard and forego Pinnacle Dining and Penthouse upgrades. Whyso??

IXTAPA: I note Zaandam will dock there (and certain other line’s vessels), but not at Acapulco. My son is now in Acapulco area and reports it’s 2023 hurricane damage remains severe and extensive. Heavy police presence in Ixtapa tells me that region has ‘issues’. I used to enjoy Acapulco both as a cruise stop and for extended stays. Hmm.

I have been to those islands. I don’t know your group demographics or abilities. I snorkel & SCUBA and hike. Bora-Bora great for a local 15-16 Pax outrigger boat for a 6-hr day to paddle over coral reefs and swim with Manta Rays then BBQ lunch. Moorea is mountainous and more hotels/developed so is moreso better for getting a coupla locals (Alberts Tours maybe??) w/Vans to go around the beach ring-road and jungle peep and/or laze on a local beach. On Rangiroa, No island tour possible, it is unique as it has no roads per se. It is a narrow ring of sand around a 20/mile lagoon and flat as a board so you will be having local skiffs (Rangiroa Plongee??)take you to a quiet lagoon spot to snorkel near Tiputa inlet with (maybe) Dolphins. No actual urban area there. Don’t go to it’s ‘Pink Sand Beach’ ?? too far(2/hrs) across the lagoon from the pier. I went directly thru the locals…no Viatour, no Expedia. ps I’d skip sunset any tour…’cuz no snorkeling!!Enjoy..

Been there several times. Tenders from ship/shore shuttle back and forth most all hours of daylight at Captains discretion if there’s no storms.

It was a couple from Ohio, USA.

We have 2 Cabins. My 4-star will be for getting table wine. Nice to know I can keep the wine in my Cabin. Our HIA will cover pool-side cocktails.

Thanns. That explains things…

Thanks. So..if we order bottles of lower-tier table wine for meal must it be one of the ‘wine packages’ to get that discount? How about bring glasses of wine into the Dining Rm. every evening?

Upcoming 15-day with 1 4-star and 3-Zero Stars. We All have the HaveItAll deal. What 4-star perks will be usable to us… aside from laundry for the 4-star stateroom?

Well.. It’s gang violence, not a Coup. We motorcycled Ecuador mere days after serious gang issues a while back. No issues if one keeps to daylight activities. Much like sketchy areas in Chicago, Philly, Detroit…don’t wander around at night. Using hire-cars instead of walking, etc etc.

Because it’s for Men

THE VERDICT: Going with 4/gals in 2 adjoining Veranda Cabins. Why? 2 bathrooms.