6boysnana

I know it is way out there but I can't wait to see the Fall 2018 listings!! I need an HC cabin and I know I will have to jump right in.

Open Open Open.

Come on Hal, go ahead and make my day. This is a dream cruise and my daughter and granddaughter are talking about going.

Trying to be patient

6boysnana

I had read the long recent thread on "service animals". I think it was on HAL.

The cruiser couple who had fluffy in a stroller and claimed it was a service dog cruised a bunch and played that card with threats of pulling their cruise dollars if confronted.

I just hate it when a pooch has a better cruise wardrobe than me.

6boysnana

The problem isn't the hard working service animals that open the world for their owners it's the same people that think they have to take their mutt to the grocery store.

I am dismayed by seeing dogs in carts barking and snapping at me and seeing a dog in the produce lifting his leg on a box of produce.

I don't want to see a fluffy in a stroller or wearing his cruise outfits. I don't want to hear barking on a cruise.

I have a pet and if I can't find care for her I don't go. I hope we can get control of this situation.

I did comment to the leg lifter mutt owner and she said it was ok because the the dog was a comfort animal! I also told the store manager and the produce staff. Comfort animal!

6boysnana

I am a solo cruiser over 60. I love cruising and the only thing I don't care for in solo cruising is having to pay extra supplements.

I feel if I had a problem that I could get any help I might need and I enjoy the privacy and room in the cabin. If I want company I can find it.

I spend time alone at home and cope just fine. I will continue to travel as long as I am able. I would regret not going. We all need something to look forward to and for me it is cruising.

Happy cruising

6boysnana

I was upgraded from an inside to an obstructed OV on a Princess 28 day cruise. I was used to my orange lifeboat in short time and grateful for the blue sky that was at least half of the view.

One day I looked outside and the orange was gone! My lifeboat had been lowered and a crew was working on the large supports the raise and lower the lifeboats. Soon my boat was back and a crew was working on the boat and supports. It was very interesting to watch them work and I waved to the crew working and closed the curtains if needed.

I think it was not more that two hours of work time (maybe more) and I am glad the lifeboats are kept in working order. I was not on a honeymoon but work goes on and you can always go find a spot to view the waves.

I am sorry that their cruise was not perfect but we have to make the best of life.

It is not everyday that you can wave to someone on the 8th floor of a cruise ship outside your window while at sea.

6boysnana

I was hoping for Vancouver! I am thinking of flying out of Seattle but we dock in Vancouver. I have a feeling I know the answer but do you think I could use the luggage plan?

6boysnana

Thank you so much for a wonderful review. The pictures were inspirational

and your attitude on everything was great. I am going to miss you on line!

Where are you going next? If you are so inclined...what do you do when not cruising? I feel like I know you like a friend and I would like a little background. I am guessing sports blogger, photographer.

Happy cruising

6boysnana

I have serious swelling and all of the ideas are great. I always pack a blow up beach ball to use as a foot stool. Get a largeish one and don't blow it up all the way.

Looks cute in the stateroom and you can just leave it if you want.

Happy cruising and dodge the salt

6boysnana

I am going to bring an alarm clock on my next cruise. It will be small, of course. I debated last cruise and thought I would use the one on tv or phone.

In the middle of the night when I would need to get up I could not see the time in the dark.

It is a bother to change the time but I use an inside cabin and it is dark. I need to know if room service is coming with my tea.

6boysnana

Loved the eagle and owls photos!! OK, also the hawk. OK, loved all your photos.

Where are you going next? I am already looking forward to your next review. No pressure or anything. I like to have something to look forward to and I get very sad when I review I am loving is over.

Thanks for the cruise

6boysnana

Thank you for all the information on the aft viewing area. I will check it out on the Noordam.

I will be bringing a walker with a seat so that might work.

Happy cruising

6boysnana

Hello,

Have any of the experienced HAL cruisers visited the area on the aft of the ships that is very low and close to the wake? On the Noordam it is on the main deck.

It looks roomy but it doesn't look like it has large window areas. Any info would be great. I'm booked on this deck and use a scooter so it looks handy.

The deck plans show tables and chairs and that is always accurate...right?

Thanks to all

6boysnana

WOW, Thank you for a wonderful review. I am enjoying every minute of your trip. I love the first glance of your cruise ship. It makes it real. I shared your joy and excitement.

Thank you for posting all the snow caps,glaciers and clouds. I live in Arizona and it was 104 degrees today. I hope you had a chance to stand in one of the icy streams and you share all the details.

I can feel your love of life, each other and the thrill of travel. I hope to meet you on a cruise some day. Keep up your excellent photography!! Next, the ship!

Thanks again

6boysnana

What is this? I don't know this term. Can you explain further?

If I remember correctly shellbacks are the people on board that are crossing the equator for the first time. King Neptune played a part in the ceremony and we received a certificate following the very messy show.

It was very well attended and fun to watch.

6boysnana

When someone comes here to ask if they "will be bored" taking HAL cruises, it makes me realize a common virtue we sense about HAL passengers is their sense of self-containment. The appear to bring their own interests, curiosity and contentment on board with them already.

 

I agree, it is the welcoming hominess and predictability about HAL ships, okay even their dated dowdiness, that keeps us coming back and what we miss most when we are away for too long. An over-used and exploited term today, but HAL ships are "safe spaces" for us. (Groan)

We don't expect others to entertain us every minute. We are content and happy with good people around us and enjoying the peace and beauty of being at sea and seeing a spectacular part of the world.

I have cruised on other lines but my focus was all about finding that contentment and welcoming hominess so well described.

I don't feel the need to fill every moment with thrills. I treasure the peace and good service we find on smaller ships filled with like minded cruisers. It is kind of like how I used to feel the need to find that perfect trinket to bring home but now I know it is the memories and satisfaction that mean the most.

I wish you were all going on my next Hal cruise so we could enjoy chatting together on board.

6boysnana

I thought of another. Shellbacks from the equator crossing ceremony.

6boysnana

Good morning,

What about the announcement codes you hear like Bright Star? I would like to review those again. I have seen a list before but it has been awhile.

Is there a term concerning the horn blasts usually heard at sail away?

Fun thread.

6boysnana

Good morning,

Thank you for such a wonderful post. I am looking forward to my next HAL cruise and I check everyday to see if my future dream cruise is listed. I agree. I don't need zip lines, rock walls to climb or any of the new fads.

I want to visit the world in peace. I don't need a park in the middle of the ship. To each their own and I hope everyone has a great day at sea.

Have a wonderful day

6boysnana

Do you have a HC cabin? I had one on the Crown Princess and even I was told that the special needs department did not provide elevated seats the wall bars helped a lot.

I loved the shower bench.

6boysnana

have a wonderful cruise

As aforementioned, there's such an easy solution to the buffet issues: eliminate "self-serve."

Not a bad idea. I know it will take extra staff but some people are beyond gross. I will no longer enjoy the buffet after seeing the person (not a lady) push the remaining pasta salad off the serving spoon with her finger. I stood there and waited until a server came by and they removed the whole container. I didn't say anything to the person as I was so surprised at the time.:(

I need to buy some lottery tickets.

Good morning,

I have a couple of quick questions. How much does a soda cost on board? I know they are small but I also wondered if I could have the staff fill my thermal cup? Do you think it would be the usual charge?

Thanks in advance

Boys Nana

I recently had to purchase a rollator. I called a local medical supply store, and got a lot of information about different sizes and styles. I looked everything up online before I chose. Online you can easily see the size and weight limits for each one you're considering.

 

I wound up with an Invacare one. It has a wide seat, and also a cloth strap across as a backrest when sitting. (Some brands have just a metal bar there, which can be quite uncomfortable).

 

One more benefit of a rollator is that in the buffet line, you can put your tray on the seat.

I have this rollator and love it. I use it every day and it will make my cruise much easier.

I can walk a little but standing in line is the worst. See you on the ship.

Have fun

4boysnana