Buckett

Ok cool, thanks Laura! I will try that. :)

Just curious, as this has happened to me several times over the years...if you start a roll call, does it get removed if no one posts to it? For example I started my most recent one a couple of months ago and now I don't see it. Has anyone else had this experience?

I bought the week long pass when I cruised the Splendor a few years back, and really liked it! I do have a question though, does anyone know if it matters in which order you do the steam/sauna stuff in the thermal suite? Do you start with cool and work your way up to the hottest or vice-versa? I've always been curious about that.

Thanks for this info! I just added one to my signature. :D

Great review, thanks! I have never been on the Dream but it sounds nice.

Can ONLY be booked on the ship. You can go to the Shore-X Desk when they open and/or some ships the Purser, err I mean Customer Service but they will be VERY BUSY during embarkation with people setting up cash accounts, getting extra room keys etc.

 

They actually put you on a list, take your information. Unlike some other excursions bought on board you DO NOT get your tickets when you sign up. They will be sent to the cabin. There are usually two groups of 16 MAX last sea day hence the list as they want to balance the groups.

From what I'm told.

FWIW

Thanks for the info! Will definitely check it out once on board.

I take it this tour can only be booked on board, and not online ahead of time? It really does sound interesting. Will look to do it when I'm on the Splendor next year! :)

Thanks for the info! I am looking at booking the Splendor in March 2015 and the itinerary includes a stop at Nassau. Junkanoo Beach, and JYAH in particular, sounds like something my bf and I would enjoy. We like to get the local feel for a place so I think this would work. :)

Great! Thanks for all the suggestions, guys! :D

No worries! Cool app anyway! 😊

I installed the ship mate app on my phone, but don't see a countdown widget to actually put on my phone.

I'm looking for a cool countdown widget for my phone, maybe one that would have a picture of a cruise ship with it, any recommendations? My search in the google play store isn't bringing up what I want. argh

I have stayed at that Marriott, and found it to be very nice! It was walking distance to the Quarter but not in the thick of it, so that was nice.

A couple of fun places I like in the Quarter for a drink are Pat O'Brien's for their Hurricane, and Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop for the purple slushie...just one will do ya though so beware! :D

Thanks everyone, can't believe it's almost here! We fly up to Seattle on Saturday morning and I have reserved a car to take us straight to the ship. :D Plus my TA got us a wonderful upsell from a VF balcony to an SS suite which I am keeping as a surprise to my niece!

I'm curious about the weather. I know to be prepared for anything! :) Sailing with my niece in just over 3 weeks and we are talking about our packing lists.

we booked by phone with HAL. Last night they said all unobstructed views were booked but we are definitely on the up gradable list.

 

Also asked about the beverage card but since we have ~125/OBC which would be lost, the card wasn't worth it. The customer service person mentioned to Mary that there would be some kind of "special" purchasing the card once we checked in. She didn't question what kind of special or what card - so now I'm curious....typically the card is a straightforward purchase from what I"ve read,. but what the heck - in 59 days I'll know, while I'm indulging in the drink of the day!!!

I'm wondering if they meant the beverage value card, where you pay $25 but you get $50 worth of soda. You can also buy that online through the HAL website.

OP, are you talking about the thermal suite package? My understanding is you can't buy it ahead of time, only on board. So as long as you get there on boarding day I think you would be fine. :)

For me, this boils down to what size ship do you prefer? I just sailed the Veendam last month and would not be interested in doing so again. I have sailed the Oosterdam about 4 times, which is the sister to the Westerdam which I will be sailing in June and I can't wait! :D

I can only speak for myself, but I prefer slightly larger ships. I love the thermal suite on the O and will definitely buy the week long pass on the W. I just felt the Veendam was too small with not much going on. Staff was nice, liked my cabin, food was fine so no complaints there.

Thanks for the chuckle OP....my late hubby was a cop and 5150 is the term they use for mentally unstable people. Thought perhaps you had an encounter with a crazy CHOG on the Pride! :D

Dear Sail, you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband. I hope the memories of all the fun times you had together help you get through. RIP Robert.

These things never to happen to me, but I am always happy when it works out for other people! :)

I asked this very question yesterday via the chat function on HAL's website and I was told yes, you can buy it on board too.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

I have done the thermal suite package on the Oosterdam many times, and just love it. I use it every day, so it's definitely worth it to me. I will be on the Westerdam to Alaska in June and one of the first things I will do once I get on board is go straight to the spa and buy that pass. :D

crewnews, I imagine it might be fun for kids too, am I right? I am looking at this excursion for my niece and I when we cruise there in June. She is 10. Thanks for any info.

OP this will be my first time to Alaska, and I am noticing that excursions in general are much higher than what I'm used to, as I usually do Mexico or the Caribbean.

Even my good friend Webster let me down on luddites:eek:and relh:confused::D

Hunt, a Luddite is someone who is opposed to modern technology. Comes from a group of people back in the 1800's who were against some new textile machinery if I'm not mistaken.

OP meant to type "reply" but accidentally hit the h at the end, I think.

OP sorry I can't answer your question, as I have never bought internet on board. I usually try to get free wifi when in port.