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I will go back to my records and let you know. I just happened to be looking at the HAL site for something about our cruise and it popped up. My TA thought it was a good deal. Cherie

We were on a 21 day cruise in January, did not purchase HIA when booking, and there was a sale prior to the cruise. It was substantial enough that we decided that the HIA would be worth it. Cherie

Sometimes Viator is a good start to looking for tours but if you can contact the tour company directly you may have more options and a better price. Cherie

There are different categories of Neptune Suites? I did not know that. We booked a Neptune Suite, did not see different prices, and did not do anything to have access to the CO entree on the dinner menu in the MDR. This was on the Oosterdam which does not have a separate CO venue. And, like CruiseBruce did, we did not get a CO tote bag, just the HAL 150th tote. Didn't even know there was a CO tote. Our reason for booking a Neptune suite was for an aft wrap balcony and we were happy with whatever came with it. We have booked another for 2026. Cherie

I was not referring to any large group taking over areas but the over charge of certain merchandise on the ships, and the possibility that the merchandise is not what they "advertise". They represent that it's a good deal but you need to know what you're buying. I was just responding and agreeing with post #51 by leerathje. It's just my opinion about the shopping on board. Cherie

Isn't this somewhat the same with everything that is sold onboard? The jewelry? The watches? The purses, etc. But for some reason they do well enough onboard ships to still exist. I'm actually shocked that Park West is successful enough to be able to close the Crows Nest. What is HAL thinking? And this is JMO, Cherie

Thank you both for the replies. Checking both out. Cherie

So what do you do? You feel they have broken the contract. The fine print of the HAL contract allows them to do just about anything. I just don't know what you do. If passengers are advised of these types of situations prior to final payment, there is an option. After final payment...I don't know. The fine print of the contract is sooooooo important. Complaints on the app sound like they are heard, but the disruption to your cruise has already happened. I don't know what the answer is, but those affected have a right to be upset. Cherie

There are so many reputable private guide/drivers that will take you from Santiago to San Antonio. Also, when making your hotel reservations, if you choose a hotel in the Vitacura neighborhood of Santiago you can easily walk at night to restaurants etc. We hired a private guide who met us at the airport and took us to our hotel. We arranged 4 days with him which included Santiago, the Andes, a vineyard, and delivery to the port, but he also offers just airport to hotel and hotel to port if that is all you want. I know that you are interested in a package but sometimes it can be easier when there is no need for shuttles and 3rd parties. This is just my preferred way to travel. You'll have a great time. Cherie

Another way to find out about hotels, transfers, and non HAL excursions is to look at the roll calls for the Oosterdam for January and February cruises 2024. They were very active roll calls and some great info included. I was on the January 7 cruise and got a lot of my info from previous roll calls. Cherie

I will say that there are two cruises in 2025 and 2026 that we are looking at. I will be happy to give HAL a non refundable $4 deposit but not the @3000 for a longer cruise. At the moment a cabin that we would be happy with is not available on these cruises. I'm willing to give HAL $4 for each of these cruises in hopes a cabin opens up. We're not making a deposit on cruises we are not hoping to take, but are happy not to loan HAL $$$. Cherie

I did also and several times booking the $1 deposit was a "Bad Request". We'll see what happens tomorrow.

I love the posts by PC members who never flaunt their status or privileges. I always sort of laugh at PC members who feel the necessity to remind everyone that they can leave the ship anytime they want, just like a Neptune suite passenger. I live and grew up in an area where the person who flaunts their assumed wealth is probably the least prominent person in the room. Often status and success come with humility. I really enjoy the reviews of PC events by members who really appreciate the staff and what is being done for them, they certainly earned it with their loyalty. I did not know that this was not connected with the Star Mariner system. JMO. Cherie

I assume that LonelySaxaphone was notified after final payment. This is a huge problem for me. Disappointing if notified prior to final payment but really horrendous if notified after final payment. For a first time HAL passenger this is not a great start. There must have been other choices for them that include Glacier Bay, including other cruise lines. JMO Cherie

I agree with HappyInVan re room service. If you have a balcony you can enjoy the same menu as the MDR in the evening. I've never tried having room service delivered to another part of the ship, like the Lido Pool area. If you have a TA I would definitely ask for some OBC so you could go to specialty restaurants for dinners. I would be very disappointed. Hope you can work something out. Glacier Bay is one of my favorite memories of our Alaska cruise so totally understand why you picked the date. Cherie

All I can say is WOW!!!! Your posts and photos are amazing. We were on the Oosterdam for 22 days in January and loved it. A Morimoto entree was always offered for extra $ on the MDR and Pinnacle menus, but no pop up. We did not try because of mixed reviews. Will definitely try if we have a chance. I have spent hours today looking for home rentals on Sao Miguel. You made Ponta Delgado look like a must go destination. Just a beautiful island and direct flights from Boston. Jeff Farschman's review and photos are equally stunning. I could spend hours in the market that you walked to. Thank you so much for including us in your cruise, it's just amazing!!! Cherie

I agree with Mary229, post #14. We were on the 22 day Antarctica cruise in January and we loved it. The 4-5 days in a row of scenic cruising were amazing. There were a couple times when there were 2 sea days that were just ocean. It was fun to have days to enjoy the ship, eat, drink, and be merry whenever you wanted, but after 2 non scenic sea days I was ready for an option. We do not get bored easily and love life onboard but if a cruise has more non-scenic sea days than port and scenic cruising days it's not for us. I wish HAL did a one way South Pacific cruise that allows you to fly one way. JMO. Cherie

If you can fit in Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side it's also fabulous. Flying from BA to IGR is really easy. Staying at the Melia Iguazu is amazing. I didn't want to leave. Cherie

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Oh please. We are happy to provide any and all documentation to those that ask for it. No problem. You do not think that we should but that's now how we roll. Now you want a doctor's diagnosed disability? And the dog trained to perform a task? really? We have both. Happy? Handicap placards are not issued in our state unless necessary. We have one. Happy? We're way ahead of you!!!! But thanks. Cherie

Thanks TRLD, I did not say "require documentation" but I did say "provide documentation." You are so correct, as I have also stated, you do not need documentation, but if you have it...why not? It helps those who are not educated re the ADA. Our American Staffordshire Terrier is now looking forward to his first cruise. My husband lost sight in his left eye this year, has no peripheral vision, so instead of me being his left hand we have our wonderful self trained service dog. We will have documentation, because it will make it so much easier for those processing us thru airports and cruise terminals. And, if anyone questions it we will have a copy of the ADA regs which I suggest anyone who needs them have in hand. Is bringing our trained pet with us necessary? no. But you make it sound like why not? Why should we pay $1000 a week to have someone stay at the house when we're good to go? We won't even be lying. Thank you for misunderstanding my posts re documentation and traveling with a copy of the ADA regs that educate staff in airports and cruise ports. Zion is awesome. When he walks people ask us to wait a second so they can get him his treats. I don't think we will bring the dog stroller and bring him into the dining room because that may be inconsiderate to guests but he thanks you. Cherie

Wrong. In post 270 I did recommend carrying a copy of the ADA regs and please read post #264. Cherie

No one is asking for what you suggest in your first paragraph. Please. Let's agree to disagree about whether someone does or does not want to make it easier for staff to accommodate them. Carrying a copy of the ADA regs only helps to educate and does not divulge personal medical information. Cherie

You and I have very different experiences with service animals. Happy cruising, Cherie