Blackduck59

The $400.00 OBC had nothing to do with "Mariner status" that was probably part of another promotion. I think every cabin has the canvas bag, ours did.

I really don't know the ins and outs of the whole "Mariner" thing works. After we finished our first 11 day cruise with HAL we were suddenly "2* Mariners". We really don't care about "status" we will appreciate any perks that it brings but other than that, who cares? We came aboard as new guests so I guess if we get anything for being a 2* it will be on our next cruise. If it works out the same as last cruise we will actually have 3* "status" when we complete that cruise.

That works for you because of your 5* "status". The OP asked about HIA and how it worked with the mini bar, the simple answer is it doesn't. Like others have posted use the HIA drink package to get included beverages at the bar and bring them to you cabin, putting them in the fridge that you asked the steward to clear for you.

There seems to be a common thread here. We like the HIA package and understand the limitations of the beverage portion of that package. Like others have said get the steward to empty the "mini bar" set up. Keep track of your beverage count and at the end of the day grab some water, pop, beer or cider and stock you personal HIA mini bar.

I just logged on to our cruise 14 day unlimited is $119.00 on our Westerdam cruise in Australia/New Zealand. This is per cabin not per person.

are we in Alaska?

We found that a lot of tge 2 tops are right at a serving station. Wait staff sorting trays of food, lids on lids off. We have had good luck sharing a few times, others not so much.

@bundtkate I'm with you on the wine thing. My only thought is "does it taste good to ME", that should be the only criteria.

Thanks Mic. I don't really follow football, it was more about Christine leaving team Canada. I believe she will play one more year with the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Super League. Hopefully team Canada will continue to play at a high level even without her leadership on the pitch. It was a poignant moment when she left the pitch and passed the Captain's arm band to another player. While football is becoming more popular here I dare say the only reason these games sold out in short order was because Christine was retiring. Actual attendance last night was more than 48,000. Hopefully these matches were beneficial to both sides as they prepare for the Olympics.

Under no circumstances should you use a "cab" in Boston (I know you are asking about Montreal) but wanted to put it out there that cabs in Boston are terrible. Go with Uber or Lyft.

As a note to international sport between our nations. Team Canada came away with victories in both matches of a friendly series played here in British Columbia. The first match was played in front of a sold out crowd about 4 km. from my house; it was the penultimate game in international play for Christine Sinclair. Canada won by a score of 5, nil. In the other match played tonight in BC Place Stadium (re-named Christine Sinclair Place for this event) to a sold out crowd of 45,000, Canada won again with a score of 1, nil. Christine has been a legendary competitor for team Canada. Her career spanned 24 years with 331 matches played and a world record (men and women) of 190 goals scored. She will be missed as she retires from international play.

Well I think this is all going to take time to play out. Like others, I'm not sure there is a need for 2 Asian themed extra cost restaurants. If they are going to move on from Rudi's then whatever they put there should have a wide appeal, people will pay extra for unique tastes beautifully presented. Everything on the menu should be included in the cover charge, no upcharge items. I mean really, they are charging extra for lobster or steak or anything else on top of a $55.00 cover charge? You can get a lobster in the MDR for $25.00? a "Pinnacle" steak for $20.00. Our only HAL cruise didn't have Rudi's or Tamarind and if Pinnacle wasn't part of our HIA package I would have been totally underwhelmed at what we received if we had paid the normal cover charge. If you are charging $50.00 or more per person (above and beyond the meal in the MDR included in the fare) for a specialty dinner you better be able to cough up an outstanding meal with impeccable service. What exactly are you getting for the cover charge? Do they pay the staff more? Do they use better ingredients? (wouldn't those be covered in the cover charge?). There comes a point in time when the meal served should reflect the upcharge, if it doesn't you end up with empty restaurants.

That is a very appetizing presentation (hold the cilantro for me). This is the type of presentation we should expect in what is supposed to be a "fine dining" restaurant. People shouldn't have to pay extra for a specialty restaurant to get memorable food. Of course if they raise the bar in the MDR then they will have to up the game in the specialty restaurants. Dare we hope that HAL is listening and starting to realize that if they don't up their game people will shift to a different line with a better product.

It looks like they are shifting Rudi over to Princess which may be a good thing. Maybe there will be something new and exciting (one can live in hope?). There are a lot of HAL regulars who seem to be getting bored with the current state of the food service on HAL. We have only been on HAL once and the food was good but certainly not outstanding. Perhaps a new vision will bring something new for the regulars and something memorable for people new to HAL who may become regulars if HAL can re-establish the thing that made all the others regulars.

Just so you know when you quote someone they are informed they were quoted. Many of us will respond when quoted, especially when they feel the quote wasn't used in a way that furthers the discussion. At this point in time this old thread was long dead and you chose to take an old quote and accuse someone of being against people with disabilities. I think people are against lame people claiming their pet is a "support animal" which makes it hard for people with properly trained animals to go about their lives without getting the side eye. Everyone leave your pets at home. Those who have challenges that a trained assist animal can help with, you should be made welcome and your animal should be a positive reflection on your partnership.

@Mary229 I was rather surprised that @sweetp0618 chose to drag a 4 year old quote forward. I think this subject deserves discussion but they should start a new thread. I read part of that old thread and the general tone was that actual service animals were amazing and helpful. The problem was when the entitled few who need to bring their ill behaved and untrained pet on the cruise, claiming they are a service animal. By the way my personal feeling is seeing eye dog yes, emotional support ferret, or ostrich or snake or whatever, not so much.

That's a bit of bad news Mic, do take care while you wait for the surgery. It would really suck if something happened while you are away from home. Be safe and take care. Cheers, Lyle & Lynn

If they plunk a whole lobster down in front of you it's pretty hard to mistake the difference between the two varieties. Being the topic is steak it's easier to distinguish "prime" from "choice" when it's raw. Once it's cooked the flavour and tenderness should be apparent. Depending on preference, a well done "prime" steak is also going to be a well done steak, just as bad but more expensive.

Part of the difference could be the size. I'm guessing the regular MDR steak is 8oz the other is 12. I wonder if the MDR steak is perhaps "choice" grade and the other "prime".

I think silent disco is a Celebrity thing. I've never heard of it on HAL.

I checked my booking and the Elite beverage package that was part of my early booking have it all package doesn't even show up. It does however have an option to purchase it. The wording is different than what we were told when we booked. Not that we have ever reached the 15 beverage limit, it does feel like a bait and switch to sell a package one way (15 alcoholic drinks and unlimited soft drinks) then switch to a 15 total drinks limit. We are still 473 days from embarkation so I'm sure the wogs in head office will change their minds at least a dozen times before then.

I don't have a clue either. You will find people will give hints; some are obvious others quite cryptic.

Just to help you understand the game. Whoever guesses the location of the photo in play gets to post the next photo. So the photo in play from Mic of some ancient artifacts. Feel free to guess and if you're right then you post the new photo. Be aware if you guess correctly you should post the new image in a timely fashion. You also have to verify the correct guess. I know complicated but that's the only way to know what image is in play. Welcome to the game and enjoy.

We are sorry to hear of Rob's condition. Hopefully he will have a speedy recovery and little or no difficulty with the rehab as he learns walk with his altered foot. Take care and try to take it easy while Rob recovers. Best regards, Lyle & Lynn Duck

I regret I am unable to attend. I will however be there in spirit. 😉