SeaCapt

But if you do want to use the spa, get a haricut, or whatever, wait a few days for the coupons to show up in your cabin mail. We usually get something like a "$70 off any service" coupon, and with men's haircuts less than that, it means you get a freebie. For my wife, it means the onboard prices are about the same as a salon at home.

Ah, the endless debate. I do remember HAL enforcing the required men's tie at dinner many years ago. My brother wore a bolo tie, and the Maitre'D said sorry, you need a "real tie". He had to go back to the cabin and get one before he could be seated for dinner in the MDR. Love 'em or hate 'em, those were the days...

Got the surveys, they were legit. Generic questions about your preferences for destinations and favorite ships.

Wear it if you like. Its no different than all of the frequent flyer tags you see on carry on bags and suitcases, announcing everyone's status with the airlines. I see plenty of people who spin the tag around when they stand up to make sure it is showing out and others can see it...

As noted in post #12, prices were $49 to $79 for men, depending on length of hair and what you wanted done.

We book and pay in advance, and the Mariner discount has always been automatically applied to the onboard account right after we dine.

It's been been hit or miss- for us: Koningsdam last October, no ceremony Rotterdam this March, no ceremony Koningsdam this June, yes ceremony, but no parade to lunch Zaandam this Sept, yes ceremony, no parade

One thing I'll mention is that we always seem to get Spa coupons delivered to the cabin 3 or 4 days into a cruise, for something like $80 off anything. Using a coupon, as a male, I get a free haircut, as they are priced from $49- $79. (Yes, I still tip) My wife uses one to get a whole hair package for about half price, which makes is comparable to services at a salon at home. And we both love the service and quality of the cut and care.

This is one of those situations where your status can make a difference. We were initially waitlisted for late seating on the Rotterdam earlier this year. About a week after booking, still 6 weeks before sailing, I contacted HAL and asked to be confirmed for late seating, requesting a table for two. Agent commented on 4-star status and switched us to confirmed late seating, which showed up immediately when checking the booking online. And we were seated at our preferred table for two along the balcony rail.

First HAL cruise in 1987 at 24 years old. It was 2001 before I made 2 star, as we cruised a lot of different lines back then. Made 3 star in 2002, then 4 star in 2007. Took a 10-year break from HAL, restarted in 2019. Received the Silver Medallion last year, but probably another couple years before 5 star.