Kathyfromstl

In ports all over the world I have never had anyone question bringing bottled water off the ship, in fact in most places the cruise lines encourage it by selling (or giving it to you on the luxury lines) bottled water at the gangway.

Thanks. I was hoping that was the answer.

First thing we do when we get on the ship is check where our table assignment is located in the dining room and then check in with the maitre d' in the Explorers Lounge on embarkation day if we want to change it. Never been disappointed.

 

One cruise we had reservations in the Pinnacle the first night, then changed tables after the second night and it never really clicked with our dining stewards on that cruise when we settled in on the third night. I think they never knew who was going to be sitting there or for how long after that rocky start. It was also a shorter cruise.

 

So we now join the crowds that back up on the first night in the main dining room being guided to their tables, or skirt around them if we already know where our table is located. And it has always again gone very smoothly with our dining crew. Never saw such fast service as we did on our last Amsterdam cruise - under one hour easily. Left too much time to kill for us before the 10pm shows so we missed a lot of them as we headed to bed instead after our long days in port. Who thought there would be complaints now about too "fast service"?

How do you check your table assignment? Is the table number in your room when you arrive?

A little off subject but about tours in Alaska. When you leave the ship at a port, say Juneau, can you bring bottled water with you? I know I've read you can't take food off the ship but can't recall if anyone asked about water.

I'm a newbie on HAL...after dinner drink?!?!? Complimentary, or not?

No, but part of the SBP.

We have given up on MDR- too iffy and to loud and crazy. We still love our HAL and opt to eat in PG every night. the extra cost is worth our serenity.

Can you tell me if the after dinner drink that is on the MDR menu each evening is also available in the PG?

I assume you need cash for the shuttle bus.

I booked my first cruise with a large online TA going to Alaska this summer. Not knowing that I should shop around for the best rate/OBC, assumed the rate was fixed. For a $4300 cost (not incl taxes, port fees and insurance) I received $150 OBC. I was happy until I started reading here that people are receiving 5 -9% back as OBC. Does the amount depend on the itinerary? Alaska cruises seem to be in more demand so they don't need to give as much OBC to get your business? Should I change to a different big box TA if I decide to do a second cruise in the future?

Can I ask a question about your comment on boarding? When you mention Suite does that include Signature Suite? Do they board differently?

Great pictures. Looks like you had a warm sunny day too. Thanks for sharing.

Shouldn't that be 3 hrs earlier? 6 am Alaska would be 9 am CT.

Anyone who has taken the whale watching tour in Juneau, are the waters very choppy? I tend to get sick in a small boat if the water is a little rough.

I have the same question for the Westerdam going to Alaska this summer.

Can the SBP be used in the MDR to order wine, soda or even a mixed drink?

Thank you.

Speaking of emergencies, if there is an emergency at home is there a HAL phone number someone can get a hold of you on the ship?

Being new to cruising can ask a question on the thread? Wasn't sure where to ask it. I have the Explore 4 package for my Alaskan cruise this summer. There is no way I'm going to drink the allowable number of drinks each day. I see on the MDR menu there is an after dinner drink in a souvenir glass. Does anyone have a picture of this glass. Is it worth getting this each evening and saving the glass as a souvenir?

Lizzie, I'd be interested in the outcome. Thanks.

Our TA recommended starboard side for the trip.

I'm booked for a July 2016 cruise to Alaska in SY category room. I just checked prices for next July and this category is $1500 pp higher next summer without E4 and OBC. Wonder if all the groups booking is causing prices to rise for the remainder of the rooms. I also noticed that the Westerdam is not going to Alaska next summer. Will it be in dry dock next summer getting it's upgrades?

How do you know which rooms have a steel railing?

Are slippers in Signature Suites too or just Neptune and Pinnacle suites?

Hot chocolate from the Chocolate Seduction is included in the SBP. Here is the menu:

 

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/here/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_0756.pdf

Thanks, that was what I was wondering. The specialty hot chocolate drinks look good and will taste good the day we're at Glacier Bay.

Is the hot chocolate included in the SBP?

Had about 4 inches of snow overnight in St. Louis. Still lightly snowing. Well, it is still winter!

If an area is closed (like for a M&G), is it listed in the daily On Location Report for the day so other passengers can plan around it?