weeislayman

I agree. The most memorable piano entertainment that I recall was Barry. His interaction with the audience made it more than a bunch of tunes.

Well, he could have skipped the solo at the end. That would have saved a day or two...:)

Yes, Barry was really good. While he declined my suggestion that he do 'Free Bird', he did a lot of songs that were suggested,

Thanks 0106.... So, the fares on email are the 'Private' ones? makes sense. many thanks...

From time to time, HAL sends us an email, with 'Exclusive' or 'Private' fares. Email says we need to log on to see them. When I log on, the fares on the HAL website are same as before - no discount showing. Is there a way, once logged on, that I can find these fares? Thanks in advance.

Nice...! We go home to Scotland most years. On the way back to Ottawa, we do something on the ground in Europe, followed by a TA to Florida. Don't mind flying over to Europe, but the boat ride back is quite relaxing.

This is the price they pay by catering to those who don't want to fly to and from the US. Two Trans Atlantic portions take up a lot of days. There probably is better value in a Repositioning Trans Atlantic, preceded by a couple of Med cruises.

I am glad that you were able to catch the game and some of the fans. There are Celtic Supporters clubs all over the world. We watched the game in Ottawa, at the Ottawa Celtic club. The Celtic v Rangers rivalry is probably bigger than any other sporting event. Not always safe, but usually good fun.

That was quick... I don't see them on the HAL website. Did you do it through your TA?

I second that. great stuff, Pete. One question...any info on the dates of the Pole to Pole? Ronnie

We got the YF vaccine for the recently completed Volendam Amazon cruise. This was on our doctor's advice, mostly due to the fact that we were doing an overnight excursion in the jungle. As is always the case, my (and other folks) experience is of no relevance. Talk to your doctor and take it from there.

On a westbound transatlantic, the aft cabin was fabulous. Every morning the pre-sunrise glow woke us. Fabulous. Also from the aft cabin, you can see Gibraltar and the lights of North Africa, all at the same time. Makes the world seem small....

We just completed an Amazon cruise on the Volendam. Epic...! Truly amazing... There is a benefit in doing the Amazon in a boat the size of the Zaandam or the Volendam. They get into places that bigger ships don't. That said, no matter the ship, I am sure you will have a memorable trip.

We love these aft balconies. However, fuel smell and soot is real. It depends on a number of factors, wind speed and direction, etc.

It all depends on what floats your boat. New, big, glitzy, they are not, that's for sure. They don't have many balconies, and their short supply pushes up the prices. That said, having just spent 35 days on the Volendam, I am reminded of how much I enjoy being on that class of ship. My wife and I enjoy the unique itineraries that HAL offers...and these have often been on the wee boats. Having a proper walking deck is great, unlike the maze that is on the likes of the K-dam. The wee community that grows among the lanai people, and of course, that ability to go to places that don't allow big ships. When HAL does finally get rid of these 2 ships, I'm not sure that we will hang around. Maybe look to Azamara or the like... So, it depends on what your priorities are.......