mchell810

The automated system was just to make the deposit payment. I don't know when HAL started the using this method but I have seen it mentioned by others on this board.

Like you I booked direct with HAL (last month); however, the agent on the phone processed my room upgrade in the same call. She passed me to the automated system to pay the deposit (including CO), once the system returned me to the agent she put me on hold while processing the room change. I immediately received the email showing my desired room. I've read here a number of people having to call the inventory department (or whatever it's called) but that was not the case for me.

🤣 🤣 🤣 It's gonna be a fun week 😀

@jpalbny Years ago I had a cat that looked a lot like your Dora

All the cat photos are lovely and making me miss having a cat. My last darling, Maya passed in 2 years ago and I decided it was best not to have pets as I travel so much. Looking at these beauties makes me want to rethink that decision. Maya

I hope they can correct the problem bc those shoes are really cute!

Naturally, every cruise line has connecting rooms; however, some do have suites where you can book the connecting (regular) room to create a 2-bedroom suite. Silversea has this option; I believe some Celebrity ships offer the same setup. Silversea would be considerably more expensive than NCL but it's a small ship experience (maximum 600--700 passengers depending on the ship).

I used the automated system a few weeks ago to make my deposit and Club Orange payment at the same time. I was leery but the system worked well. Once I was returned to the agent she was able to upgrade my room based on the Club Orange benefit. Edited to add: I did this on a Sunday, so I don't think it's anything to do with any specific office having to be open.

@lincslady and @Lois R I have to agree other forms of travel come 2nd to cruising. I have done quite a lot of road trips around the US and Canada. There is stunning beauty to be found all around; yet, it's the sea that moves me the most (and the pampering on SS cruises 😉)

Mysty: How did you know my exact thought for today? I've had family staying with me for the week. They left last night and I've got to put the house back in order, but it's not happening today!

You house looks lovely! All the hard work has paid off. Looking forward to reading all about our voyage.

I made a booking Feb of this year and final payment was at the usual 120 days before sailing. My guess is SS made the change to 150 days when they introduced the 3-tier pricing in mid-March.

Yes, I have no doubt this is the best way to see this part of the world; I just don't know if I am up for it. Beyond the rigamarole of putting layers on and off, I firmly believe I will be the one in a million passenger to somehow land in the water instead of a zodiac. Yes it's irrational but it's how my mind works. I have however, put Arctic cruising on my "you must consider this" list. 😀 I am glad you had such a wonderful experience. Thanks again for sharing.

@Port Power I have been really enjoying reading about your voyage. I have to admit expedition cruising has not really been on my radar -- the thought of riding in the zodiacs instills nothing but fear for me. However, between the description of your days, and beautiful photos, plus @jpalbny posts on his Kimberly cruise, I may need to rethink my anxiety about zodiacs. Thanks for taking us along on your cruise.

Not elitist at all ... you handled the situation perfectly!

@GenerationX In the end, did you have to put your hanging items in a suitcase?

Lovely photos!

I'm guessing this would be your last solo trip if that video were made & posted on YouTube. 😜

Enjoying the photos very much. Thanks for sharing your voyage with us.

As always you two seem to find the best foods -- 100 kinds of tiramisu! I'll be looking for that whenever I get back to Rome.

I thought it was about time for you to be cruising again 😜 Looking forward to all your adventures with your gal pals.

As others have noted your pictures are awesome! Thanks for sharing your trip with us Now excuse me while I update my bucket list 😄

I also mostly travel solo; just as @Lois R and @jollyjones have noted Silversea treats solos very well.

SS has been making changes to many early 2026 sailings. My trip on Whisper was for South America and I believe there are changes to Japan cruises as well.

This morning while speaking to my SS rep (in the US) regarding adjusted plans for the Whisper he mentioned the new itineraries for the Moon and Nova are now scheduled to be released on June 10th. Ofc the original date was the 5th so we shall see.