DomsPaPa

I don't go to the lunches to get the tiles either.  But I do go to the main desk the day of the lunch and ask for one there (after the lunch has occurred).

You can buy awesome pure vanilla extract or beans made/grown in the US ... Hawaii! They have a couple of vanilla farms there.

http://www.hawaiianvanilla.com/

We did the tour with lunch and it was amazing! To see how much effort goes into growing the orchids that produce the vanilla bean was so awesome indeed. I bought two bottles with 3 beans in each and am making my own vanilla. First batch will take 8 months ... patience needed. We learned fat removes vanilla flavouring from the beans the best (cooking/baking etc.) alcohol is second best. Usually clear/flavourless alcohol is used, like vodka! The owner has been experimenting for years now and his favourite (according to his son) is Lambs Dark rum.

I used Grey Goose in one bottle of beans and Crystal Head vodka for the second. Each bottle makes 12 ounce of vanilla. Each bottle with 3 beans cost $30. After 8 months the instructions say to pour out 4 ounces of vanilla, and top up the 12 oz bottle again. In 3 months you can take out 4 oz again, and repeat. You can carry on doing this for over 2 years in total, closer to 3. The growers actually suggest you don't take it out the second time at 3 months if you haven't used the first 4 oz because as it ages it gets better and stronger flavoured!

dh

from another post

What is included in Cabana: The cabana came with 4 sets of snorkeling equipment (each set included flippers mask and blow up vest), a misting fan, 4 beach towels, an air conditioner, a small refrigerator, 3 blue floating mats for the water (I think it was supposed to have 4 but ours only had 3), 2 cushioned and very comfortable lounge chairs, an outside shower, a small table with four wicker chairs, a large cooler filled with ice, 4 bottles of water, 8 cans of soda, an ashtray. It also had a nice spread of snacks which included a tray of sliced fruit (watermelon, pineapple, cantelope and honeydew melon), a tray of veggies, 8 oranges, a bag of Tostitos, guacamole, salsa, veggie dip and sour cream. The back of the cabana is also lined with a huge countertop which has a ton of closed storage space where you can store your stuff and feel a bit more secure if you are in the water or step away from the cabana (it does not lock but at least your stuff would be out of sight). The fridge is also under this counter. I’ve read it asked here before and, no, they did not come around and replenish our snacks but it was enough for us to snack on throughout the day. There was also a hammock in between our cabana and the one next to ours that I believe is free for anyone to use however we did not see anyone using it throughout the day.

that pretty much covers it.

dh

$299.95 now through HAL

I often bring a couple of those pool noodles. After the cruise they are great to pack around the edge (inside of course) of the soft sided suitcase for extra "bumper" protection for the couple (or more) bottles of booze I bring home from the Caribbean or the US (both places have inexpensive alcohol prices compared to the super high premium we pay for it in Canada)

dh

You can book private tours with Bayitours on Roatan. Owners name is Manu, a life long Island resident who is fluent in English. He played on the Honduran volleyball team for a few years I think. Very friendly, knowledgeable person. You can find his company online (Google Bayitours).

My daughter, SIL and myself were on the Island for a week beginning of August and we hired him twice and will do so again next time there.

dh

I first answered this question almost 4 years ago with "Eggs Benedict". Last November I discovered Muesli and was hooked! Now I find myself counting down ... only 85 days until I get to start filling up on Muesli in the mornings for a week lol

dh

They sound like some easy, fun meet-and-greets. I'd like HAL to do this again. Can't cost much. I'll put it into my next cruise comment email.

dh

Just as an example, on my most recent cruise, I spent a day post-cruise in San Diego. I used Uber to get around. Quick, easy, and inexpensive. Not possible without a smartphone and an Uber app.

 

Roz

 

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And your experience was opposite of ours. In San Francisco this summer our son-in-law and daughter who can't leave their iPhones at home had us a competition on getting around, cabs versus Lyft. Convience of getting vehicle went to the cab. There always seemed to be one available all the spots we went. They had to call and wait. Speed went to the cabs in 4 of 5 rides. Perhaps full-time cabbing versus part time Lyfting?

Price went to Lyft. The difference was about $50 for the 5 rides. But as I pointed out we have to also consider the cost of his US phone package, cost of reg 1/2 month plan back home because he won't get that refunded and 1/24 cost of phone because he pretty much gets a new one each year.

Plus we didn't consider the safety difference of a cab that in any large city has to be inspected every 6 months to a year versus a Lyft car that doesn't.

And finally at the border on the way into the States I didn't have to give the US customs a password to my cash (thats all I needed for cabs) and watch them nose around in personal areas like they did to my son-in-laws phone (and laptop).

So no, technology doesn't always win lol.

dh

The Tamarind is our favourite specialty restaurant on the Dam ships! The service and food is just amazing. I wish they served lunches there again!

The Silk Den is a great place to drop into before your Tamarind dinner for a before dinner drink.

Enjoy your cruise!

dh

A large plate of nachos from the Terrace Bar is a nice way spend time on your balcony.

 

Tip: If creating a large plate of nachos for hand-carry to your stateroom, spread some melted cheese on the plate before adding the chips. This will keep them from sliding off the plate while enroute to your stateroom (learned from experience the hard way).

A brilliant, simple tip!

Thank You

dh

Pocket in shorts or shirt

dh

The Dive-in us the 1st place we go on Embarkation day after dropping our carry-ons in our room. Burger and cheese fries with a cold one ... I know the cruise has begun.

dh

Any portion of a beverage card not used by the last night of the cruise will automatically be applied against your onboard bill. I had checked at the main desk on our last cruise in November and was told this is what would happen and in fact is exactly what occurred. Was very convenient.

dh

Good idea, but the Eurodam has USB ports galore - by the end tables and several by the desk

USB ports no doubt provided by lowest bid ;). I prefer using Apple brand charging cube just to be safe. Air iPads aren't cheap and you use their USB charging at your own risk.

Plus the extension cord gives much more range of motion if plugged in but I'm using it. Plugged into the provided USB ports is like a short chain to that port location. You can't lay around the bed as you chose.

dh

I bring my own indoor extension cord with a triple female end in my CPAP carrying case. I know what I'll be using this way (quality etc.) and it comes in handy during the day to plug in iPad, digital camera etc. for charging.

dh

We used the HAL airport transfer to the Port last November 2017. We arrived at approximately 11:00 AM and a HAL rep with a sign was there to meet us and others. We waited in a group for a short time (10 min or so) and then were all walked out to a spot where a bus came and picked us all up. They loaded our luggage into the bottom of the bus for us and off loaded it and gave it to the porters at the Port.

Arriving so early you may ( I'm not sure here) have some time on your hands, but you'll have to keep your luggage with you.

Hope that helps.

dh

In November 2017 on the NA it was $150 per person for the weekly pass. They had a couples special on day 1 for $249 which we took. Worth every penny! That was our first time and my DW says "the start of a new custom" on our yearly cruise.

If I remember correctly they said they had a 32 approx. couple pass limit. We weren't able to purchase online, before the cruise, so went on embarkation day to get the special before they might sell-out.

dh

dinner without planning, shopping, or preparing! What’s not to love in that scenario?

Nothing more needs saying! Perfectly precise :).

dh

Thank You!

dh

We always do Open seating (giving us the most flexible dining options) and I don't believe we've ever had more than a 10 minute wait, which we just see as a chance to meet and chat with our line neighbours ;).

dh

Thanks for the reviews/comments. I'll be on the NA in 3 days time (11/11) and am now looking forward to the entertainment you liked so much. Great to hear the food is excellent also!

dh

Thanks! Was curious to see where NA is.

dh

*-If they can serve flaming coffee, why is it that they can't serve Flaming Baked Alaska or flamed Bananas Foster? I was totally willing to buy into the fact that the flaming desserts ban was a safety thing until I saw the flaming coffee drink being offered.

In all fairness it's not too far of a stretch to expect a dangerous fire might occur from a burning liquid, so people are extra careful ... but an ice cream roll??? Negligent handling of desserts can not be tolerated! There just has to be some limits my good man! :halo:

P.S. thank you POA1 for all your hard work for the CC community.

dh

Thanks for the advice to book quickly upon boarding ... I'll make sure to do this Saturday on the NA! I've never had the PG lunch before ... wouldn't have known it existed if not for the helpful pax on CC

dh