daboo

...actually, I'm not sure if THIS forum allows private messages. I use others that do allow, so I have included a link below that has the form for you:

 

http://cleditorial.s3.amazonaws.com/article/cruising101/cheat-sheet/gluten/HA-gluten-free-form.pdf

Thanks so much richarduk. I appreciate the information. Cheers! :)

Had a HAL rep tell me a few days ago that the policy of Mariners only at lunch in MDR had been changed because it got too complicated and caused too much ill will. He said everyone was welcome now. We shall see come May 21st when we sail.

Really? That is one of the very few perks that a returning guest has until they have had 30 sailing days with HAL.

From the Mariner Society® Program Benefits page (in part):

Every guest that joins us for any Holland America Line cruise returns as a Star Mariner. It’s our way of saying Welcome Back, and you’ll start feeling the special treatment as soon as you come aboard. Star Mariners receive:

◾Welcome Back Embarkation Lunch in the dining room (from 12:00pm to 1:30pm)

If they take that away, then there's only the Brunch left as a perk for 'entry level' HAL repeat cruisers? :(

That must have been awful for you! And your husband too! Did everything manage to trun out all right?

I agree. I think that part of the vacation is planning the vacation itself. It's a way to keep your spirits up, learn new things, even make new friends. Looking towards the future is a great way to have a positive outlook on life.

I am happy that my DF is happy to let me do everything for the trip. He helps if I ask, but otherwise, he just trusts that it will all happen as it should. *smile* Since I have cruised before (he hasn't), and it's our honeymoon, I keep my eyes and ears open for all advice I can to make the trip that much more enjoyable for him. We still have tons of time before we leave in March 2005, but I find myself coming on here all the time now to see if I've gotten any replies or if I can give any advice to others.

I think I inherited this 'gene' from my father. Whenever we would travel as a family, he was the one reading the brochures/books and asking others all the questions. Now, I have taken over that roll. Even my mom came to expect it - when we went on a Panama Canal cruise together, every morning she would just get up and get ready and then ask, "So, what are we doing today?" And she let me lead her all over the ship and we took part in all kinds of activities - she helped pick the excursions. I guess some of have 'it' and some of us are just happy that 'we' have 'it'. :D

Cheers

Tanya

This is such good news. I was wondering how my DF would do the snorkeling without his glasses (he won't wear contacts) and you have all given me some great things to check out.

Thank you!

Tanya