Nola26

We have also booked this, we are on the May 20th cruise. I really want to visit Nugget Falls. Is 90 minutes enough time for this and time in the visitor center? I will have my mother with me who is absolutely capable of doing the walk, but I don't want to feel like I'm rushing her. She loves horticulture so she's interested in visiting the gardens too. TIA

Interesting what people pay on HAL, all about what you're used to. Good information to have for our first HAL cruise to Alaska in May. We sail NCL and they typically offer a half price deal on one day of the 7-day cruise. With that deal we pay about $10/bag. At Latitudes Gold level you can get that half price any day once per cruise. Now that I've reached Platinum we get one complimentary bag of laundry per cruise. Turnaround time is similar to HAL.

I have sensitive hearing so I wear a set of headphones around my neck and put them in to muffle sound when I'm in a loud place like a concert or casino. Sometimes I even play one of my Audible books. I love live music and this helps me enjoy it more. HAL has to try to attract younger travelers who will sail with them for decades as you have done. Otherwise the line will phase out as those traditional customers phase out. In any event I'm looking forward to my first HAL cruise this spring, Eurodam to Alaska. I'm used to sailing on NCL so I'll miss some things but sure I'll really appreciate some of the differences (starting with a retractable roof over the pool in Alaska).

The Free cruise certificates are a wonderful deal. Basically pay taxes and svc charges and you're all set. Any other spending is your choice (travel protection, Wifi, casino play, upcharge dining, excursions, etc.). The deals are really awesome if you sail solo as you only pay taxes for one, no single supplement. NCL let's you have to promos too. I haven't booked with HAL yet, so not sure if current promotions are also available for certificate users. HAL is also offering me a balcony, usually NCL offers me an inside and I have to pay to upgrade to balcony, ouch, but still less than if I outright booked paid the full rate for the cabin.

I have not sailed on HAL yet, but in researching for a likely Alaskan cruise on the Eurodam I noticed Morningstar Frams Veggie links on the dining room breakfast menu. Not something we've ever seen while cruising. Feeling even better about booking this trip now! Thanks for the tip about the Indian menus, I never would have even thought to request that. Is there much Indian food on the buffet? Honestly that station usually my go to on cruise ship buffets. Typically tasty and always has vegetarian options.

I sail on NCL and have been really pleased with them. I sail solo as well as a 3 generation family, we all find our niche. Main Dining room meals are good, on occasion if I didn't like my first choice and made a swap, but that's probably been once or twice in 11 cruises. Solo meet up has been nightly and the host will even make a dinner reservation for the group so you can choose to do your own thing for dinner or join the group. I have cruise buddies from each of those experiences. I recently sailed on Celebrity, lovely cabin but ship not as well kept, crew not as friendly as with NCL. Food was good, but I would give NCL the nod for both variety and quality in MDR and buffet. Only specialty meal was Sushi, outstanding food and experience. Overall I thought NCL had better entertainment, especially the musical talent. The string duo was different than I experienced on NCL and they were quite good. I also appreciated the Solarium: indoor and all adult was quite a treat! I am looking for an Alaska cruise: RT Seattle so NCL is Bliss, Princess is Discovery and HAL is Westerdam or Eurodam, so quite a range. Probably targeting late May. Happy to listen to any advice on those three ships, timing, etc.

Finally sailing this itinerary on Sunday, August 28th. Took my COVID test today and bags are packed. Heading to airport in the morning as we have a one-day deviation. Hoping for smooth travels and a great cruise. We haven't sailed since March 2020. I used Viator to book transportation from airport to hotel then to pier. We also have an Athens tour booked for Sunday prior to heading to the port. NCL excursions for all ports except Mykonos and we'll find something to book once we are onboard. Specialty meals will be LaCucina and LeBistro.