live_to_travel

Contact the cruise line before you book to ask; you knew that[emoji6]. There are some restrictions around which ports and countries you can do that in. There is also the possibility the ship will miss that port for weather or other reasons so have a back up plan too. I hope it works out!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

We flew Air New Zealand SFO to Auckland then Sydney to SFO for about 3k total for 2 in a sky couch last December. I booked less than 2 months ahead. Sky couch was great. You buy a row of 3 seats that makes into a very small bed. Beat sitting up the entire flight.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

We got a change on Maasdam years ago after we boarded and went to our room to find someones suitcases there. Apparently they needed our room type so we got a small upgrade. No big deal but now I know not to count on any specific cabin unless I indicate no upgrade.

Loved the Maasdam. Enjoy!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

We have been able to make up to the first 3 nights of reservations with a staff member in person by doing it right after we board. They are stationed around the ship. After that we are okay with being flexible since back on board times vary by port. Not great but usually not a long wait and I request near a window and any size table.

Shirt and tie definitely okay as gala on HAL. Very few tuxes, more sport jackets and just shirt and tie. Three HAL cruises past 8 months and similar in Europe and Australia/New Zealand.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Just off the Zuiderdam 6/27 and gala night was 3 nights on a 14 night cruise and the 2nd night it was hard to tell it was gala. Very few tuxes. My husband has gone to dress shirt, tie, black pants and shoes and fits in fine. I wear dressy tops and some bling. We used public transportation in Copenhagen and it was very easy including a middle of the night train ride to the airport for a 6am flight. We just wish we hadn't brought the extra small suitcase since it was filled with dressier clothes we didn't wear. We almost could have gotten by with our carry-on each. Our 2nd European and 3rd HAL in 8 months and definitely think the trend is less formal wear, especially in Europe.

Have fun. Nice renovations on the Zuiderdam.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I agree with better earlier than later. We have had good luck boarding as soon as we can, dropping our carry-on in the room if it's ready and for ports close to town getting off the ship and boarding again in time for the life boat drill. We did that in Auckland in December and had time for a sail in the harbor passing right by our ship. If you do go et off make sure you check what time the drill is.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I retrospectively wish I'd complained more and started allergy meds sooner. I now pack them on trips. Even just getting us a new bed cover, pillows and vacuuming our vent might have helped with the dust. We were having such a great time on the trip and paid so little compared to what we usually pay I felt bad complaining. Hopefully on the last dry dock they cleaned out the duct work. It is a great older ship showing her age but still worth trying.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I would avoid an inside cabin or ocean view on the Zandam. Otherwise we loved the ship size, dining, crew and had a great trip. We went on an Alaska cruise tour 2 years ago at a bargain price booked at the last minute. We almost always book balconies for the view and fresh air. The ventilation system was horrible. The room was full of dust. Everytime we moved a blanket or changed clothes the smoke detector went off. No one ever came to check on it, I did mention it, so scary if it had been a real fire. I got an eye infection from my allergies flaring. Never inside again on an older ship for me. I've read since the filters aren't always serviced often enough. There were the most colds on that ship than we've ever seen.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Some offers are not on HAL website but you can find them by searching large travel agency websites. I've seen fares I liked and called and asked HAL if they could match and the answer has been always no. This last cruise the HAL agent said they don't care who we book with just that we cruise with HAL. If you are a member of a large membership store that has a travel agency they may offer OBC. I find it frustrating to have to play the game.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

You can ask for delicate, low heat by writing that on the order form. I was scared about shrinkage but they followed my instructions last fall on the Westerdam.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I saw you booked business class but for anyone interested in a cheaper alternative look Air New Zealand's skycouch in economy. We did in December and it allowed the 2 of us to take turns stretching out. Price reasonable since you basically buy 3 economy seats for 2 people. I have a fused spine with titanium hardware and had a reasonably comfortable long flight. Good explanation of skycouch on Air New Zealand's website.

I often travel carry-on with a small backpack as my personal item. I pack for 5 days only for my cruises and 3 week European trips. I weigh my clothes at home and only take the lightest tops that are wash and wear. Almost all my bottoms are black. Check out Rick Steves' women's packing list on his website. Packing cubes are my friend. On the ship use their laundry service and wash what you can in your sink. A few extra plastic hangers help for drying. In Paris rent an apartment with at least a washer and ideally a dryer. I've done that 3 times in Paris and enjoy settling in and living like a temporary local. Enjoy the freedom of traveling light!

I've done Alaskan cruises 3 times and my among my favorite experiences some have been free. Spending the day bundled up on deck in Glacier bay watches glaciers calf is amazing. In Skagway the National Park Service gives excellent free walking tours. I signed up online in advance for a few dollars to guarantee our spots. In Ketchikan the fish ladder on either creek street or the married man's trail is fascinating to watch. We've also done some very expensive tours that were wonderful and worth the expense. My favorites have been helicoptering up to a dog sled training camp and dog sledding on a glacier and float plane rides. My suggestion is to decide what's really important to you and put your money there then balance with free or less expensive activities. Enjoy and plan to go again sometime even if many years from now.

Ortant