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These links provide the costs https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/onboard-packages/beverage-packages.html https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/onboard-packages/cruise-ship-wifi.html The level of the drinks/internet included in HIA do at times change but is most often Signature and Surf. I believe an 18% service charge is added for the packages but not to the cost of HIA.

In my experience you can access bookings for excursions/dinners via Navigator way before a cruise is due to sail. In fact, I have not noticed any timing difference with access to bookings via the app or the website.

Wrong sequence possibly???? For me, and I have a Samsung, I uninstalled the app, reinstalled and only then cleared both data and cache for the app. The white screen did not reappear and I was able to log in and it all works. I realise this makes no sense but who knows, it might work for you as well.

Just as "Canada centric" as well, but even more apt is "misleading for many". Could not agree with you more on the need to double check.

The itinerary I received from HAL for this cruise lists several ports as "Visa required for some" but not the one for Egypt. I will trust the "advice" in the itinerary (and that provided above).

Did some more digging around on the bus website and managed to confirm that the X96 stops at the Piraeus Metro station so its over a 2km walk with luggage. I expect we will be get a taxi or book WelcomePickUps.

I have read both your responses on this topic which have been very useful. I am hoping you can provide some information on the X96 express bus from the port to the airport. Using the O.A.S.A. website I have determined that the cost one-way to the airport is 5.50 euro and that it takes about 90 minutes with a bus about every 25-30 minutes. However I can't find the location of the pick up points at the port on that site. The map posted by Cruisemom suggests it could be a 2km walk to the bus stop which will not wash with The Boss. Any additional detail you could provide would be much appreciated.

Its about 10 non-alcoholic drinks (mocktails, coffees, water) a day every day to break even. If you are happy with tap water (which is fine for me) and, even if you are not, for most people pay as you go would be better value. For me on my own, (alcoholic) drinks packages work but The Boss doesn't drink as much as me so we pay as you go on P&O.

Start by looking at HAL excursions which will give you an idea of the most popular things to do in a particular port. You can find HAL offerings by going into your booking on their website. I then search on Google for "cruise ship tours from Naples" and scroll past all the Trip Advisor, Viator results to find those offered by the local tour companies. I narrow my options by cost/interest and then check Google or Trip Advisor or Viator ratings of the providers. Most descriptions of the tours, including those offered by HAL, will advise on the amount of travel time. As CruiserBruce has said, the vast majority of tours commence at the port but it can be a short or very long drive to get to where the tour proper begins.

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I believe the policy is corkage is paid for all bottles irrespective of where you drink them, even if in your stateroom. There is no specified limit other than not excessive. Guests may bring Wine and Champagne onboard, however a corkage fee of USD $20.00 (which is subject to change without notice) will be applied to each bottle (max 750 ml in volume or less). Limitations apply. Wine brought in quantities deemed to be excessive by the vessel or security will be refused. from https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/faq/know-before-you-go.html

Have you considered doing the train ride up and hiking down by yourself? I am sure you could source a hiking trail map via the internet.

Not overly, about 9.30 from memory.

Never heard of Orange Bar Crawl but HAL used to do a bar crawl. I thought they had stopped but could be wrong. The Orange Party is held in one of the larger bar areas such as BB Kings. You are encouraged to wear Orange, as much or as little as you like. Chocolates and finger food is provided. Dinkers and staff won't notice or care what you drink or don't drink.

Great Northern - Imp pint $10:00 NSW schooner $9:50 Aussie Bottled beer/ VB cans - was $9 or $9:50 (not sure what Crown lager was) Sommersby cider Imp pint $10:50 (this was in March)

I always check before booking what I am getting from my travel agent and what I would get dealing directly with HAL. My agent has in several cases suggested I do not book the package his company is promoting but to get him to just book the cruise and air separately. That is clearly "code" for he knows it is not a good deal for me. If you want to know what extras you might get with Inspirations just ask them to spell them out. You can't get reliable confirmation here, talk to Inspirations.

The K currently has BB Kings, Rolling Stone Rock Room and the Billboard On Board (dual piano players/singers). The Lincoln Center Stage will have gone from the music walk by November but is supposedly moving to the main theatre for a show or two on most (?) sailings.

Beer is typically $9:50 - $11:00. My go to drink, Great Northern imperial pints are $10.

I assume you can call back to Australia or do you need to use data with something like FB Messenger calls?

Have to agree on all that you wrote. All sorts of conspiracy theories were posed for the "real" reasons the fiords and Wellington were missed. Only thing I was disappointed in was breakfast in the Pantry. Yes I could have arose earlier and breakfasted in the Waterfront, which was good, but I like to sleep late and still get a hot breakfast, cool - slightly warm eggs doesn't cut it. A minor issue for sure. We met some great and interesting people and I was very impressed with Matt the ex cop who had some very interesting stories about his days as a police officer - he is an excellent speaker.

P&O cancelled Wellington as well last week and the Fioordlands the week before.

Holland America currently has drinks, wifi, $200 shore excursion credit, 2 speciality dining dinners for $AUD70/day on select cruises for 14 days or more with $300 excursion and 3 dinners if 21 days or more.

Not half priced according to https://www.hollandamerica.com/blog/whats-new/why-to-join-holland-america-mariner-s ociety-loyalty-program/

Netherlands vs Belgium is a red herring. The issue is that a beer advertised as being available was not, its nothing to do with the origins of the beer or the name of the cafe.

Good call arxcard, as it turns out the hull was cleaned this morning. We got a message this afternoon from P&O to say its all done and we are allowed into NZ ports, but still not the fjords.