Wishinonacruz

The capris and top would be all right on a smart casual night; not so much on a Gala night.

In a hot climate, perhaps a flowing skirt would feel cooler? Although inside at night is a comfortable temperature.

Thank you. Yes, I forgot to clarify I was referring to smart casual nights, not Gala nights.

Sailing in a few days and I’m second guessing what I’m packing for the MDR. Are linen capris with a short sleeved shirt ok? This is a Panama Canal transit and it will be hot, so I’m not excited about long pants. I don’t want to be stuck with no pant in my suitcase.

When we originally booked our upcoming 15 day Panama Canal transit (we leave in 11days) the HAL agent asked if we wanted to be eligible for automatic upgrades. It was my understanding that we wouldn’t have a say in the cabin location. We opted out because I am particular about the location of my cabin. Now I’m worried that this may have eliminated the possibility of any upgrade offers. Does anyone know anything about this? I think I’d better call them.

I'm excited for this transit through the Panama Canal. I've never been out if the US other than a cruise port in Victoria Canada. That hardly counts. Lol This is all very new to me. It's been a dream of mine for a long time. Now that it's two weeks away I'm getting really nervous not knowing what to expect, so I really appreciate your kind help.

Thank you soo much. You addressed my conserns so well. I had looked at Reflextions as an option, but wasn't sure if anyone could go there, or if there was a fee. I like the idea of it being a at a restaurant. I don't want to swim, but I will want to walk along the water and wade in it a bit. I was concerned about big waves. Can you tell me more about Reflextions? Is there an entrance charge? How exclusive is it? I'm a larger person. Are normal people there or only beautiful beach people? LOL I assume there is a fee to rent chairs and umbrellas?

This is the email we received. We'll just enjoy the city a little longer than we planned.

"Please be advised that ms Oosterdam is scheduled to undergo a routine US Coast Guard Drill requiring participation from all crew members, which must be completed before our guests can embark the ship. Consequently, we are unable to provide early embarkation for this sailing from Fort Lauderdale. Instead, check-in will begin at 1:00pm and embarkation will begin shortly thereafter.

In order to enhance the check-in and boarding experience for all guests, please arrive at the check-in time indicated on the progressive boarding schedule below as there is limited seating and facilities at the terminal. We regret any inconvenience this may cause; we appreciate your cooperation and look forward to welcoming you aboard.

1:00pm - Deck 7 & Deck 8 (Rotterdam & Navigation)

1:45pm - Deck 4 & Deck 10 (Upper Promenade & Observation)

2:30pm - Deck 5 (Verandah)

3:15pm - Deck 6 & Deck 1 (Upper Verandah & Main)"

We have to wait until 2:30 to board because of a Coast Guard inspection or something. It’s disembarks from Ft. Lauderdale on Nov 17.

After two HAL cruises we finally figured it out and were going to enjoy the embarkation lunch on our upcoming Panama cruise next month but were informed we cannot board until 2:30. Seriously?! LOL Just our luck. We don’t cruise that often. It will be several years before our next opportunity to enjoy time at sea.

I've searched the thread for days researching for our first visit to Aruba. Our ship will be in port on Nov 20 2017 from 8 am to 6 pm. We would like to do a little shopping, visit the museum, spend a little time on the beach and go to the butterfly farm. I've narrowed it down to Eagle beach, I think, but where on Eagle beach? I need to be close to a bathroom and perhaps food. My mobility is ok, but not great. It looks like anywhere on Eagle beach it's a walk to the water, so that's a drawback. I like Arashi beach because the water is close, but it's more of a drive, and are there bathrooms and food there?

Has anyone used JulioTours for the Banana Plantation tour that he offers in the nearby city of Posoltega. I have been unable to locate any information about this place/tour ANYWHERE (Internet, trip advisor, cruise critic etc.) outside of Julio Tours website.

 

Thanks for any information.

We are on a HAL ship next month (Nov). If we do a tour this is one we are considering with Julio tours. They have a good reputation, but I don't know a lot about this specific tour.