rdf145

Equally HAL's MDR is little different, quality has dropped to rock bottom in the last 18 months. Don't build up your hopes as you will surely be disappointed.................

Can you expound on the quality dropping? I didn't see anything wrong with what I was being served quality wise.

I just got back from a 7 day cruise on the MS Amsterdam and there was no Mariners lunch on the day of boarding. I even asked the lady checking me in and she said that they were not doing it. There was however a Mariners reception in the Crow's Nest with complimentary champagne and mimosas + assorted snacks like sushi, pate, shrimp cocktail by the piece. The lido buffet had panko breaded fried chicken tenders, prime rib & gravy, creamed spinach and a cheddar potato soup.

Pic:

http://i57.tinypic.com/2qb7xoi.jpg

they went a little crazy with the gravy but I didn't mind because it was delicious. EDIT: no pics I guess

Thank you every one for your responses!

And glorialagos we are going 7/5-7/12. Have a good trip!

Thanks StacyH270! I will be packing a few pairs of slacks to wear in the MDR and bring jeans in case we dine in the Lido. Have a great trip!

Hi All!

Firstly I would like to say that from lurking for a few days, I really have never witnessed such helpful, friendly and informative posts on an internet forum. The class and respect people show one another is fantastic.

I did have a couple of questions about booking excursions through HAL or just doing it on your own when you reach port.

Schedule is as follows: First 3 days on the boat, then Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria before returning to Seattle. 7/5 to 7/12.

For Juneau I have read that the Mendenhall glacier is a must see, but I wanted to clear up if I need to go through HAL to get shuttle tickets, or if this is something that can be accomplished cheaper on my own. Also want to check out the Alaska Beer Brewery, can I get there easily from the glacier via shuttle or taxi?

For Sitka, the Bear/Birds/Barnacles tour seems awesome and there is another combination of Sea Otter boat ride/Bears but they are very pricy. Can this be planned without booking through HAL or is it exclusive to HAL passengers?

For Ketchikan, we are up in the air if we should try dry suit snorkeling, a nature boat ride/crab feast, or go exploring in Tongass National Forest. This again mostly comes down if we can plan/pay for this on our own and not book through HAL.

It seems like the main question is if it is absolutely necessary to book excursions through HAL or if you can just do it yourself when you reach port. I have only been on one cruise, and that was to the Caribbean where we just disembarked and caught a cab to the closest inclusive beach resort ourselves.

Last question, sorta unrelated, but where can I find out which night is formal dinner night? I tried looking on the HAL website but I could not find it. Also, am I allowed to pack a Gatorade or two/1.5L water bottle in my luggage that I check with HAL? Will they confiscate the Gatorade?

And any other tips or suggestions or anything else about Alaska is always appreciated. It seems that this community is quite knowledgeable so I cant wait to hear what you all have to add.

Thank you! So a 32 oz Gatorade bottle or two would be ok or no?

Thank you CStorm/SJSULIBRARIAN! I will go over to the Alaska forum and look around.

As for my HAL specific questions, for a 7 day cruise when is the formal dinner night? Also what is their policy on having a Gatorade bottle or 1.5L water bottle in your luggage?

I am going on HAL Amsterdam 7/5 - 7/12. Would a polo shirt & jeans be appropriate for non formal nights or should I be wearing slacks w/ a tucked in polo or dress shirt?

Hi All!

Firstly I would like to say that from lurking for a few days, I really have never witnessed such helpful, friendly and informative posts on an internet forum. The class and respect people show one another is fantastic.

I did try to look around the Newbie thread and use the search function but I did have a couple of questions about booking excursions through HAL or just doing it on your own when you reach port.

Schedule is as follows: First 3 days on the boat, then Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria before returning to Seattle.

For Juneau I have read that the Mendenhall glacier is a must see, but I wanted to clear up if I need to go through HAL to get shuttle tickets, or if this is something that can be accomplished cheaper on my own. Also want to check out the Alaska Beer Brewery, can I get there easily from the glacier via shuttle or taxi?

For Sitka, the Bear/Birds/Barnacles tour seems awesome and there is another combination of Sea Otter boat ride/Bears but they are very pricy. Can this be planned without booking through HAL or is it exclusive to HAL passengers?

For Ketchikan, we are up in the air if we should try dry suit snorkeling, a nature boat ride/crab feast, or go exploring in Tongass National Forest. This again mostly comes down if we can plan/pay for this on our own and not book through HAL.

It seems like the main question is if it is absolutely necessary to book excursions through HAL or if you can just do it yourself when you reach port. I have only been on one cruise, and that was to the Caribbean where we just disembarked and caught a cab to the closest inclusive beach resort ourselves.

Last question, when is the formal dinner night? I tried looking on the HAL website but I could not find it. Also, am I allowed to pack a Gatorade or two/1.5L water bottle in my luggage that I check with HAL?

And any other tips or suggestions or anything else about Alaska/HAL is always appreciated. It seems that this community is quite knowledgeable so I cant wait to hear what you all have to add.