Blackduck59

Were you in Spain?

I thought for a moment it was somewhere in Saskatchewan with all those Deeres lined up, then I saw the Utes (our pick ups aren't like that). I did a google search and got a name that I think I recall from a show I watched. I will let the game play out to see if it was correct. Maybe I'll be able to guess the next one.

We normally pack 2 checked bags and 2 carry ons. But on our last cruise we discovered the outstanding laundry service on HAL. We found with that we had way more stuff than "needed". I think for the "great Australian meet and greet tour" we will try to pack less. We have booked places with laundry facilities in the suite for the 4 weeks of land travel, and we will get the unlimited laundry package for the 43 day cruise home. I suspect we will be bringing more stuff home than we left with.

Is that the "Yacht Club" where In Rod we Trust keeps his tinny?

I think if the Cruise line is charging me full fare for a cruise, I have an expectation that I will be able to use the amenities that come with the booking. If the cruise line decides that some group who may or may not have paid full fare should have exclusive use of amenities they just rented to me (in my full fare) I'm going to be looking for compensation. I really don't care that the contract says "we (the cruise line) can do whatever we want; all contracts are based on a "meeting of the minds" as it were and if at the time of my booking you said that amenities such as the Crows Nest or anytime dining are included in my fare. Then Bob's Book club shows up with 600 passengers (most likely with discounted fares) and I (full fare booked well in advance) is now excluded from these things, well they have broken that contract.

Well I'm hoping to get back to work tomorrow. I can move without too much pain, although coughs and sneezes are a reminder of my clumsiness. I just spent a bit of time sorting pictures and uploading images from SD cards and portable hard drives. So next time I get a turn on "where was I", I have a folder of images to make a quick choice from.

I find the great "Steak & Lobster" debate interesting. It seems everybody likes lobster when it is "included in the fare" (it was NEVER "free") but find they really don't think it is that great if they have to pay extra for it. Those who do like it pay the tariff. I like lobster well enough but not enough to pay extra. I literally laugh when those pushing Oceania or Regent or... mention the "free" lobster. News flash it's not "free" but included in your inflated fare, paid by all guests whether they eat lobster or not. I think that with the advent of the gas grill the majority of people can prepare a very good steak at home. Assuming they know how to select a steak from the butcher shop or grocery store (this is the most important part). So if you like lobster pay the tariff for it on HAL, I suspect that even if you paid for it every day you probably wouldn't come close to the fare for one of those "included in the fare" brands.

Kurort Rathen is the place. We spent several days with friends who lived outside of Dresden and they showed us many things we never would have seen as typical tourists in the former East Germany.

Big clue, it is on the Elbe

Sorry Mic, not there. I wish I could give a direction but am having trouble finding Mainz on the map

I'm sorry but I must go to bed. I will be back in the AM PDT

The area was once behind a curtain.

East of there

I was in Germany but it's a big country could we get a little closer?

Close but not Austria

Sorry for the multiple guess routine. I knew it looked familiar but couldn't recall for sure, We ended up in Antwerp as a result of a power problem on our train, It was a bit of drama that put us in Brussels 5 hours late. We arrived to an empty station and were very luck to find our gate for the overnight train to Berlin. Let's see what I can find

Or even Brugge. We have been to all 3.

Oops wrong place make that Antwerp

I'm going with Brussels,

Does anyone have a very famous heritage hotel in their town, or in a port you visit? I do, the world famous Empress Hotel (Built by Canadian Pacific) now run by "Fairmont" I can tell you that "The Empress" aint what she used to be and never will be again. To sit and pine for what was is a fools errand. There have been changes but to suggest that HAL has come to an end because they have eliminated the "Yum Yum man", really? They stopped demeaning some crew member by putting them in a monkey suit, and that is reason for finding a new cruise line?

Steak and mushroom pie for me And a snag on a bun for Lynn

I have always thought the "keys in the mail box idea to be fraught with problems. I much preferred the get your card at check in. Of course that slows down check in as they have to find your boarding package at the back counter. In any event even if the cabin isn't "ready" you can grab the key, drop your carry on gear and carry on. Of course there are those who fail to read their boarding pass or check to make sure they have the right cabin, they are in a special class of cruiser often discussed on these boards.

I think the $1.00 deposit is a great idea...for cruisers. I know there are some who book a whack of cruises with no intention of taking all of them. I also think the majority of those who use the $1.00 deposit to book a cruise they would definitely take, many would even make the regular deposit. The sale just means they get to keep that money in their account until final payment. Holland America gets the booking they want, the cruisers get the cruise they want, it's a win win. I think some members seem to be jealous that they missed "The Deal", or their special needs cabins are all sold out to others who pulled the trigger first. Whether it is fiscally responsible for HAL is irrelevant to those making the bookings. If the line goes down oh well they lost 2 bucks. Of course those of us that paid full deposits would be screwed. I'm hopeful HAL has it right and all is well. For those that got in on the deal, good for you, those that missed out, better luck next time.

Yes, Victoria has a vibrant brewery scene. I'm not sure which breweries are on the tour, but there are many to choose from. We also have 3 different beer festivals, you can check the Victoria Beer Society for more details. Beer is a thing here.

Perhaps @richwmn could help with this as they recently completed a similar voyage.