Mary229

For enrichment you will need to sail HAL’s longer cruises, not B2B. That is when they shine. The longer voyages attract a unique type of cruisers who are indeed travelers for the most part giving the social interactions a special flavor. Their ships are overall smaller and more mature and sedate than NCL. HAL’s entertainment is so so, the food is good, the service is outstanding. The ships are clean and well run. It has been a while since I sailed on NCL which was formerly my favorite line. I left them only because they sold their smaller ships and did not replace them and because they don’t offer many unique itineraries I repeat it is all about the itinerary

I don’t see the problem. Now if someone is speaking loudly whether talking in person or on the phone that can be an issue. Why does it make a difference that they are on the phone? Loud talk - bad, quiet conversation - good

This is another one I wouldn’t be bothered by, I grew up directly next to the Mississippi River and close to the fog horn, to me it is a lullaby. It is funny how we all have different experiences that is what Cruise Critic is excellent to uncover all of the issues

But it is only a 4 hour nonstop to Boston😉

Two years! You are an advanced planner, for sure. I haven’t read the whole thread but if no one has suggested there are two websites worth clicking about, both done by avid HAL cruisers. They contain photos, menus, floor plans and more halfacts.com and https://rogerjett-photography.com

I visited my neighbor who had that room in January. It is a nifty room and quite spacious as all of the Ks are, not quite as spacious as Js but the real estate location is wonderful. I love quirky rooms. Other fascinating rooms are the high forward OV cabins on the Pinnacle ships

Just so you don’t stress - On my recent cruises I have not had trouble getting the time and day I wanted once onboard. I no longer book beforehand and usually wait until I see the daily menus before booking specialty restaurants. YMMV depending on the length of cruise

Check the port of calls board. I used the ship’s excursions since most of the sites are some distance. I would not rely on walk up service so either use the ship or hire a private excursion in advance. I liked Azores very much and did not experience bad weather, it was sunny and mild. There is abundant natural beauty

I agree that the door sound is not loud or frequent. The door is heavy and can’t be banged shut. On busy glacier days we had trouble with people leaving it cracked open letting in a draft. It is infrequently used except on scenic cruising days. I think most of the sports people come up from the back of the ship at the steps on 9, it just seems that way. I was quite surprised that you hear nothing from the crow’s nest.

I just learned about the Oak Room so I guess my answer is no😉

@BermudaBound2014 I often use HAL tours particularly in remote locations. On this cruise I had HIA plus a large OBC. I ended up canceling two tours based on my early tours. I did like the McBride Botanical Gardens but only because that garden is only by tour - they do not allow private entry. I also liked my crater tour in Papeete but I think this would be better as a private tour. We managed to enjoy the other tours but I would choose not to do them again. As a group these tours were lacking and as I said I usually like the HAL tours I select. These were not to the standard I have come to expect

I have never noted a problem but I am not prone to motion sickness.

Rarely. You can buy AARP gift cards to purchase and save 10%. Of course you can take those gift cards onboard to pay.

All of the 10th floor K’s are nice. There are so few cabins up there it does truly develop a neighborhood feel. Plus you are a few steps to the coffee, the crow’s nest and a few steps to the outside walk and sports.

I read some of that thread. I think the most affected rooms will be the new family rooms on the Pinnacle class ships which have always been difficult to buy unless you were a triple. For other rooms and this policy - I will believe it when I see it.

Never book any cruise less than 12 days. 12 days seems to weed out the families and the booze cruisers. Even a full 30 day voyage is more peaceful than a 7 day half full voyage

Transatlantic? Then no, there is no difference. Except you likely will gamble a lot more😉

Restatement the website gibberish is always superseded by the cruise contract. The current contract states: No Guest under the age of 21 may purchase, possess or consume alcohol on board during the Cruise. No Guest under the age of 18 shall be permitted to engage in any gaming activities on board any vessel or to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products. On some sailings the minimum age for alcohol is under 21 and each Guest agrees to abide by whatever alcohol age restriction is in place on the vessel during the Guest’s cruise. Indoor areas on board the vessels are non-smoking and smoking is only permitted in designated sections. Outdoor smoking areas are clearly posted throughout the vessel. Smoking is prohibited in Guest staterooms and on balconies. Violations to the onboard smoking policy will result in a $250 cleaning fee for each occurrence, which will be charged to Your stateroom account. Repeated violations may result in You being disembarked prior to the end of the Cruise without any refund and at Your cost. The use of electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems is allowed within the confines of the Guest's stateroom (balcony not included) and within designated smoking areas only.

As to San Diego I stayed downtown at the Westgate last fall (2023) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt comfortable walking to Little Italy and the harbor. I did not feel comfortable walking to the Gaslamp quarter last month I stayed near Shelter Island and had a wonderful time. We walked and walked in multiple directions never feeling unsafe

Down south we call them snowbirds when they fly here perhaps we should call the cruisers penguins

We are just off a 35 day South Pacific cruise. We were not bored with any aspect except one and enjoyed the cruise but would not do it again. We are daily exercisers and the gym and promenade are not our style. I like to wander in the great outdoors, ambling about. After 8 days straight at sea I felt like an albino cave slug.😂. It is something to consider for those who enjoy an active physical lifestyle

Well the norovirus was in mid February so why all of the sinister insinuations. HAL has gotten a bit overly concerned about bumpy seas lately. I was surprised on my prior cruise when I was asked to leave the promenade - I had to ask why and was informed that is was “rough”! I think HAL’s clientele is prone to bumps and falls as I witnessed on my most recent cruise. (I am loyal to HAL’s itineraries, I just call it like I see it, neither a cheerleader or detractor)

The norovirus outbreak was early in the 35 day voyage and was handled long before the return to San Diego. It was likely the weather.

Only occasionally is the have it all package offered onboard. The beverage packages are offered onboard. The price is consistent

Check your invoice for your tour designation and you will find much of the information here. My TA was sure to provide me with these links and some details. Most Denali tours include the NPS tour. In Anchorage you are on your own usually but “shore excursions “ are offered - check your “Manage your cruise” page on the website https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/alaska-land-sea-journey-cruise-tours?xid=EXTHPS20230106M5HJB39D31&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnv-vBhBdEiwABCYQA4TXjkNYujhdrKNRGKo8YxnXNA9U9MRpRPppAuPtGP-irk_cgl6IoBoCcjoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds