TV Dad

I'm going to offer a completely different take, but I have to admit I'm a bit of a wine snob, so forgive me. The packages are fine and each has very drinkable wines. But, none have truly outstanding wines. I prefer high end Cabs, Bordeaux's and champagne. None of them are available with any of the wine packages. So, we purchase by the bottle at dinner each night. We always get exactly what we want, but admittedly we usually spend $80+ per bottle. All three packages have very drinkable wines and are great values. However, if you want the best the ship has to offer, you won't find them in any of the packages. If you are worried about cost and value, the packages are the way to go!

Thanks Kstings1. Quick question: Was there enough time to do the dolphin swim and make it back to the beach party for caviar in the surf? Did they drop you off at Carambola Beach? Or did you have to return to the ship first? Thanks, in advance, for your guidance.

In my opinion, you will LOVE Holland America. The cabins are gigantic, compared to NCL. The Main Dining Room menu is far superior to NCL. The entertainment is designed for folks your age. You will not be disappointed.

I know it is up to the captain's discretion but, we will be cruising in March, 2025. Does anyone know where to expect Caviar in the Surf? We went in 2015 and it was in St. Kitts. So, I'm guessing Carambola Beach, St. Kitts again Has anyone been on that route recently? Can you help? Thanks, Don

I cruised Viking Sky last October and enjoyed myself. But after reading this report, I will never cruise Viking again. The crew's incompetence put people's lives at risk. Totally unacceptable.

Cunard and Regent offer great entertainment on an upscale ship. So do Silversea and Seabourn.

See, how easy it is to make a mistake. I wasn't bragging. I was confessing.

A great idea would be to join the Roll Call thread and se if anyone wants to share a table. Also, ask the Maitre 'd if you could dine with an officer one or two nights. Those are fun!

I feel just terrible for you. 🤪

I am speaking from 30+ years of experience in cruising (35+ cruises) and smuggling booze on board. When I first started cruising, I could barely afford the cruise, let alone a corkage fee. I would routinely smuggle on board rum, vodka and wine. Never got caught. Never felt bad about it. I justified it to myself by saying the cruise line is still making a profit on me. Eventually, I could afford cocktails in the bar and stopped smuggling booze. I still brought wine, because we were often gifted wine, pre-cruise by travel agents and hotel managers. Back then, you could bring aboard wine for room consumption at no charge. There was a corkage charge in the restaurant. However, I was never charged because when I brought wine into the restaurant at night, I told the waiter/sommelier I would be "most appreciative" if he could open our wine for us. That meant he got a nice tip and he/she never charged corkage. Now I'm retired, comfortable enough to order the higher end wines that are not included with wine packages. I still am " most apprecitive" the first few nights with additional gratuity. Service is always excellent. My point in all this is every passenger has a different reason for what he/she does to get the most out of cruising. Let's not criticize each other.

Taste in food is subjective. So are reviews! People are more likely to write a review when they've had a bad experience. I have 30+ cruises of experience. I find the food in HAL's Main Dining Room (MDR) the best among the mainstream cruise lines (Carnival, RCCL, NCL, Princes, Disney, etc..). And I hope to enjoy that experience when I sail for my ninth time on HAL in May. HAL is not as good as Silversea, Regent and Seaborn. But those are luxury all-inclusive ships and you pay a whole lot more for that experience. The best dining we've experienced was in the Queen's Grille on Cunard. Go and enjoy yourself. Here's a tip: If your meal is not up to your standards, mention it to your waiter and head waiter. I'll wager they will do their best to make it right for you.

YES! Cellar three entitles you to all three levels of wine.

We always take advantage of the laundry package. On our 11-night cruise, the price is $115. Since we have four days pre-cruise planned, this was a no-brainer for us. We'll have a full bag of laundry on day 1.

See answers above, in bold caps. If you're going solo, you probably will have enough room in a regular cabin. I have done Neptune suites on multiple occasions. The best perk for that class is breakfast in a cozier place, the Pinnacle Grille and the Neptune Lounge'

1. Yes, they will exchange the bottle for you. Ask your room steward or the concierge in the Neptune Lounge. 2. I also like the idea of bringing the bubbly to dinner to chare with table mates! What a great way to begin new friendships!

People come on this message board for help, not to be lampooned by fellow cruisers. Simple answer is NO to the leatherman. because of the blade and the saw! Leave it at home.

Does anyone know when Voyager is scheduled to go into dry dock? What improvements/changes are planned?

I am a 3-star Mariner cruiser, about to take my 9th HAL cruise in May. I got the Elite drinks package "included" as part of my cruise purchase. My wife will still find a way to crave a drink (usually champagne) that is not included. First world problems. However, my biggest gripe is the upcharges in specialty restaurants. Pinnacle Grill, is already an upcharge restaurant. Then they upcharge again for many of the menu items! Canaletto also upcharges for lobster.

On our honeymoon cruise 35 years ago, we befriended the couple in the owner's suite. After a night of much eating and drinking the gentleman decided he wanted to play the piano at midnight. So. . . . . . He called the butler and asked him to bring a piano to his suite. He was quite upset when the request was turned down. Next port of call, my wife and I found a toy store and bought our new friend a toy piano. Yes, he played it for us that night.

First step is grab a champagne and explore the ship. We search out all the bars and restaurants. Then we head to the gym and spa. Check out the equipment, book a massage (if we haven't already pre-booked) Finally we check out all the other public areas before heading to lunch.

I don't really like pina coladas. However, I find every time I board a tropical cruise, I crave a pina colada with a Myers rum floater. Only one and I am satisfied. But for some reason my tropical cruise isn't complete until I have had one pina colada with a dark rum floater.

In the Queen's Grill of any Cunard ship, everything is off the menu. The head water greets you at lunch and asks you what you want. If they have the ingredients, they will make it for you. On smaller upscale lines, like Regent, Seabourn and Silversea, you can order off the menu by asking the head waiter a day ahead of time.

Most suites on Holland America have spa tubs in the bathrooms. I have used them frequently.

We always bring a foldable hanging shoe rack. It takes up very little space in the suitcase, but gives us lots of extra storage space in the tiny,cramped closets. It holds shoes, belts, underwear, sun glasses, socks, binoculars, etc..

Wash your hands often! Hand sanitize every time you think of it. We also do a wipe-down of the cabin with sanitizing wipes when we get into the cabin. My wife refuses to touch any railing. I have no problem with railings.