FantasticalFroggs

Thank you for sharing! It will be very helpful. I travel on a very tight budget so I do lots of research but didn't have a spreadsheet for it.

 

As to the motion of the ship - it really depends. We were on the Oosterdam in Dec an the seas were a bit rough, but nothing REAL bad, and we were in an aft cabin! Just to be safe, try to end up in the middle of the ship if motion bothers you. Also, do your homework on the various sea sickness remedies and be prepared. Onboard they give out free motion meds (front desk or doctors office) and have foods (green apples. crackers, soup, etc.) that many people find helpful.

 

By the way, the last day of our cruise was the calmest (like being on a lake), so you never know how the seas will be.

Last month on the Eurodam, my roommate had to purchase seasick meds from the front desk. No freebies there.

We booked a fishing trip with Oasis Alaska Charters in Ketchikan. It was a great experience. They gave us good info on a taxi to get there. Would definitely do it again.

We were on the Eurodam Dec. 10-17. Had a great time. No complaints about the ship or staff at all. The food was excellent. Shows were good --comedians were very funny. We did an excursion at all ports and glad we did. The choices were somewhat limited due to hurricane damage but that was OK since we found good alternatives to the canceled ones. The excursion staff were very helpful. My first HAL was the Noordam to Alaska. It was also an excellent experience. I did like the Eurodam a little bit better for minor reasons.

How do you get the offer and is it a specific percentage they offer across the board? Do they email you? HAL calls you? How much time do you have to make up your mind? Am so surprised this was offered after your first cruise -- good for you!

It was via an email specifically to me and it was a very low rate. In 4 days, there weren't any interior rooms left but there were still rooms available in other categories at increasing amounts. Got a blocked view window room for just a little more. I don't think there was an expiration other than while rooms available on specific cruises.

We went mid August 2017. Rained several days but we still had the time of our lives. We chose August for the longer days. We fished, panned for gold, went to an old cemetery, etc. All in the rain. Highs in the mid 50's most days. We did get sunshine when we were at Glacier Bay. This was our trip of a lifetime so we made the best of each of our 7 day cruise. Sure, there would have been different experiences at another time but what mattered to us was we got to go.

MY DH is disabled but mobile. His stamina is very limited. I talked him into a 7 day Vancouver to Seward. (He didn't want to go on a cruise). We went on the Noordam, midship balcony by the elevators. Easy to access dining, etc. We picked one big excursion, half day fishing through a private charter as that was important to him. Everything else was low key, short shore trips, lots of time on the balcony. He was ok with me doing things without him while he rested or sat on the balcony. As I wanted to do a lot more, striking a balance and good communication was important. We always wanted to go to Alaska so this was our trip of a lifetime. Doesn't really address your questions but thought maybe something here could be of value. Oh... We did fly to Seattle and took Amtrak to Vancouver. It was a nice ride. We both loved the cruise!!

I went on my first HAL cruise in August and in Oct. Was offered a dirt cheap casino rate on any eastern Caribbean cruise before the new year. I spent minimal time at slots. Spent $20. Made $20, lost it all. I thought maybe the deal was based on other factors. Building loyalty. Getting ships filled and going back to hurricane affected areas. So went in Dec. And had a fantastic time.