Mary229

Restatement the website gibberish is always superseded by the cruise contract.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

It is likely unique to your itinerary. Every time I sail South America they collect passports for the duration.

I assume by the title of your thread you are considering the economic value I consider buying a Neptune on Holland (without an upsell value ) equivalent to buying the most expensive house in the neighborhood. @Hlitner makes a case for the more sound principle of buying the low priced house in the neighborhood. The only caveat is that HAL offers unique itineraries and that could affect your economic decision.

My same experience this past month. I had lunch there quite a few times with tablemates enjoying a beer

Unless you eat 3 hearty meals a day it is better to pay as you go. No experience with laundry at hotels

Depends on the ship. I can enjoy a large interior for over a month at a time but a small, poorly placed interior is hard to abide for even a night

Since you do like vegetables, as we do, you will be happy to hear there is now a new menu item - vegetable of the day. Since we both order them we are given a large bowl served family style for our table for 2

I scan the menu and put together my meal, protein from one dish, vegetable from another and starch from another. If it is on the menu you can order it, you do not have to take the entree as laid out on the menu. It is not clear to me your level of expectation - a pork chop is not going to become a lobster tail😉

Seriously, I take my agent out to a very nice dinner once a year. As experienced as I am in arranging my own travel I know she is good and has save me thousands of dollars over the years. Good service above the call is rewarded by me no matter if it is a professional or not. I agree with @LetItSnow that better are letters of commendation, superior social media reviews and so on but if they are in direct personal contact I do reward financially with tickets, dinners or other token gifts of appreciation.

My research with my insurance provider says that is not true. But that is only a single insurance company

I don’t think so. The Pinnacle is generally pretty good but I have been disappointed in both the Tamarind and Canaletto this cruise on the Koningsdam. I think the best value and quality is the Pinnacle Grill lunch

Yep!! I am on K right now and eat there regularly and have a cooler full of the cookies. Food menu items are free

You will rarely find a domestic rate worth using flight ease for but they sometimes have exceptional fares for international flights. There is some refundability through the airlines - do your homework. It has paid many times for us to watch Flight Ease rates. Btw they do have a guaranteed get you to the ship clause which in the past was a dubious claim but recently I have personally observed them getting people to the ship at great expense that FE took care of

Google flights explore https://www.google.com/travel/explore

Also check google flights. There they will tell you who flies there so you can know who to cross check once flights become available. Be sure to check them for a date 9 months out also. They also have a feature where you can say “United States” to Singapore to show you multiple options. one last comment - your flight is considered busy holiday season travel, an unfortunate mistake I have made recently. Live and learn, next time I will reconsider flying the earliest part of January.

Not to worry. I am enjoying my travels but I would just prefer to be on another ship. I am having dinner tonight with two Princess cruisers who want to air some complaints and I will probably not be able to deny any of their misgivings at least there are no dogs onboard

@Haljo1935 I have to say after 3 weeks on the Koningsdam I can still say it is my least favorite ship in the fleet. There is just something intangible that is off about this ship and crew. I don’t want to point any fingers but it is just a little off. It is not the ship that is going to convert any sailors from other lines to sail Holland frequently.

What you have is correct. That would be the same when booking with any consolidator. You are good to go