cccole

Should there possibly be a new thread re the changes in service/or not? I hope the Op has received some good answers to this thread. It's been interesting to read and such different opinions. Thanks to those that were on the cruise that responded!! Just because you've cruised this inside passage before and it was foggy does not really matter for this cruise. Just because you would prefer to cruise on the west side of the island doesn't really matter or make the Op and those who planned on cruising the east side of the island think "wow" I never thought of that. There have been some very good responses re whether the compensation is fair. JMO Cherie

Absolutely not, if you read the U.S. government rules, many apply to foreign airlines flying in or out of a U.S. airport, this includes delays, changes, and cancellations. I have personally experienced and used the U.S. Department of Transportation rules with 3 foreign airlines flying to/from the U.S., with no problems. You and I will not agree on this so let's just let people enjoy their cruise and air travel and do the best research they can on what to do if something happens. If you are not booking directly with an airline, which has published policies, ask your TA for written details of how they will help you. Happy cruising, Cherie

The cruise and cruise segments are also on the HAL site. Some of the segments look amazing, for those of us who cannot do the entire cruise. Cherie

It's always good to familiarize yourself with FlightsRights.gov, and the US Department of Transportation Aviation Protection Rights. They are good sources of info as to what is and is not required by government of airlines and travel agents. What is not required of an airline or travel agent can always be asked for and requests may or may not be accommodated. Cherie

Have you thought of getting a cruise TA that will help? We did this for our 21 day HAL cruise and it was fabulous. We cannot name TA's on CC but you can pm those who have good TAs. One other post today said that they got 4 different answers from 4 PCs. I think the HIA is pretty detailed as to what is included when you book a cruise. Our HIA is different for our 2026 cruise than it was for our 2024 cruise. There are awesome CC members who can recommend a good TA or PC to help you. Enjoy 47 days cruising. Cherie

Mary229, That has not been my recent experience and unfortunately I have been at the airport when those who booked with a 3rd party were last to be helped or told to contact their 3rd party. I have had good friends experience this also. I am happy that you were able to work things out for your sister. What I am saying has been true for me and others I personally know. Cherie

But if you have the HIA it's not that hard to stop by a bar or two and take glasses of wine to your stateroom. Put the wine or other beverage in a container if you want. I like golden rum and tonic so would get cans of tonic from the bars and double shots of golden rum. Took it back to our cabin and enjoyed it. They would also give us limes. Hope you have a great cruise. Cherie

One other thing we realized a few years ago is that if there is a problem with flights the airline will help you if you booked directly with them, otherwise you need to go thru your 3rd party. Have a great cruise. Cherie

I would never do that. I hope your flights work out for the price you are hoping for and you have a fabulous cruise. Cherie

I totally understand a price looking great, but I no longer go thru a 3rd party. Many times booking with the airline direct gives you the same price. There have been good and bad experiences posted with Flight Ease. If I am going on vacation and know my itinerary I do not want a 3rd party deciding when I get to my destination and how many stops I make. Vacations and cruises are expensive and peace of mind is important. You're going to have a great cruise and will decide on the flights that you are comfortable with. Cherie

BadgerRedux, I just looked at Skyscanner.com for flights from DTW to ANC on July 18. United has several combinations listed but none that match your details, United definitely has flights from DTW to ANC on the 18th, possibly just not thru ORD now. Of course skyscanner does not list all flights but I use it as a start. Hope you work it out soon so you can relax and enjoy the planning. I would probably book my own flights unless you are obligated to Flight Ease. JMO. Cherie

0106, I'm with you on minimizing our footprint on the world and support your post #7. But if there is already a paper charge slip but you will not sign...how does this stop the charge slip from being printed? It won't be signed and the bar tenders deal with it but it does not eliminate the paper printed. Hopefully HAL will figure this out. Cherie

LAFFNVEGAS - when will we next be invited to your dinner table? Such a fun thing to look forward to. Cherie

We're like you and were able to bring some nice wine on in Chile for the cabin. I think the question has been asked if you can substitute so many drinks a day for a bottle of wine. Can't remember what the answer was, I'm not 35 any longer. Have a great cruise. Cherie

I don't remember. All I remember are posts about how horrible it is so we just put it in the closet. It might have been fine for adding to OJ in the morning for a mimosa. But, in a Neptune Suite, the mimosas are complimentary. Sorry I cannot help you more. I think on our next cruise we will request a white, rose(not sure if this is an option), or red. Cherie

I have read that we could request this but with the HIA we just left our sparkling wine in the closet when we left. Next time we'll do that. Cherie

0106 - I respect both of your reasons for not signing. I hardly ever carry a purse, if it doesn't fit in a pocket I don't have it. And a good solution for not using a common pen is putting a plastic glove in your pocket. This comes in handy in many situations on a cruise ship. The HAL staff, including the bar staff, are always happy to accommodate passengers' preferences. It is amazing how wonderful they are. Cherie

We did a drift snorkel on Taha'a and loved it. Are you close to the coral? Yes. Should you just float and enjoy the ride, yes. I think a very large person may have to be careful. Just our experience. Cherie

It wasn't a big deal to us in January. Sometimes we signed and sometimes we did not. It just wasn't a big deal. And as previously posted this inconsistency has been talked about so we were prepared. If I didn't want to sign with a "common" pen I would have had one in my pocket. Inconsistency was just part of the cruise for us. Cherie

But...if your goal is to be invited into the President's Club your free or discounted cruises apparently do not qualify. They may give star status but not President's Club status. Cherie

I understand that, but if it's a goal to achieve why worry about why or how anyone else has it? Just enjoy it. If it's a casino cruise and HAL is benefiting somehow from this and makes your cruise price more reasonable, who cares. Let them lose money in the casino and benefit everyone else. As has been said on this thread numerous times... casino freebees are not really free for most. As has also been said, why would you know how much someone pays for their cabin? Cherie. p.s. I agree that free laundry is HUGE.

I just read this interesting thread. There was also a recent thread about passengers who were not invited to join the President's Club because their days were not fully paid HAL days. Apparently casino and other discount fares did not qualify. I also thought the casinos were another company, like the spa and art store, and all money spent there does not go to HAL. VMax1700 There are also slot tournaments that are organized by passengers and are not $25,000. Yikes, that's serious $. mcrcruiser I have two coffee mugs from the Sands Hotel that my parents brought home when I was a child. Las Vegas was really a glamorous place. I don't really care what someone pays for their cabin and I think we overpay because we want specific cabins. But we also get the same benefits of those with 5 star status without 5 star status. Who cares who is a 2, 3,4, or 5 star? JMO. Cherie

Thank you 0106. Love your great photos and personal report. I think we all would expect fresh fish to be resting on ice. I had scallops one night in the Pinnacle so they may offer other fish, but others may be considered shell fish. I really should have tried more fresh fish options. Cherie

RuthC, If you do not get a pass for the entire cruise can just one in the cabin purchase a day pass? I understand if you do not know the answer. Thank you, Cherie

Is this case if they do not cancel, just don't show. I assume no notice given to HAL prior to the cruise. I have no idea. Cherie