prescottbob

If interested, I’ve used this outfit for tux stuff, e.g. new slacks, tails, dinner coats, cummerbunds, accessories, etc. in the past and was always satisfied with the quality and pricing. True, formal wear is “dying or evolving” most everywhere, or so it seems. Not for me. Weight- wise, not much difference with that silk stripe on a pair of dress slacks or lapels on a dress / sport jacket. Shirts and cummerbund, well, no biggie. https://www.uniformalwearhouse.com/mens_notch_tuxedos Be well. Bob

Hey Pete, Regarding a positive pre-embarkation Covid, aka the “Wu”, test you might want to check out the Zaandam roll call, 71-day Grand Africa, page 177, post #4417, regarding joining the ship after a 10-day “isolation”. I don’t know if that helps or accuracy of the information since things ‘evolve’ Covid-wise seemingly on a weekly, or less, basis. Best to Judy. Be well. Bob

For sure. The luggage transfer / direct folks utilize DHL, FedEx and UPS for their services. Depends on one’s location, needs and timing. All works fine regardless of transport agent(s). Be well. Bob

Hello, Most of the Grand Voyages, which includes the WC, Grand Africa, Grand SA (and used to be Grand Asia, Grand Europe, etc. on HAL) also uses Luggage Forwarding services (pickup from residence to port, return luggage from port to residence). As part of the marketing, the upper categories of cabins are given "free" luggage transfer services (like Seabourne and other cruise lines) which is usually included in the pricing anyhow (nothing in life is free, no?). But even if one is not included in the "free" luggage transfer service it's usually still available for anyone. You just pay out-of-pocket for the same service. Here's a link for Luggage Forward, if interested or applicable to your situation: Luggage Forward® - Shipping & Luggage Delivery Worldwide Since 2005 Have yourselves lots of fun & enjoy! Be well. Bob

Hello, Just a quick mathematical formulation, assuming you do not get the 50% Mariner discount on packages: 1. Haul a case aboard @ $125 / 12 bottles + pay $ 20 / bottle corkage = $ 365 = $34 / bottle. 2. $189 / 4 = $47 / bottle (if Mariner discount is not applicable). So, you’d be saving $13 / bottle I suppose. Personally, I’ve never been concerned about the pricing on packages with the Mariner stuff or otherwise outside the HAL realm. And, as mentioned, any bar / restaurant on the planet needs to mark up liquor sales to survive ever since I been able to enjoy commercial ambiences & services over the past 50 years or so. Hey, I’m out and, more importantly not cooking and enjoying company. Be well and Enjoy. Bob

Have fun John. I look forward to your port reports. Now stop reading this and get back to your better half. Be well. Bob

Welcome! Memories of specific “”Chef’s Table” dinners remind me of Princess and Cunard trips of the past ( you needed to sign up quickly on embarkation day or they would be gone, reservation-wise). Many moon ago, if I recall, Chef Table dinners were available on HAL without the appetizers & tour of the kitchen, like Princess, but in a small room near the MDR. With that said, HAL created the PG (and the Canaletto sometime later) and specialty/ so-called Chef’s dinners are:/ were pretty much held at the PG. New names were Cellar Master dinners, Visiting Chef dinners (we’re talking longer voyages here), Mystery dinners (& lunches) Sommelier Tasting dinners, etc. As time progressed, Rudi seafood special dinners “popped up” and became a specific venue as did the Tamaraud (sp?) dinners. I’m probably missing a dining venue ( we haven’t been on the newer, larger ships), but I’ll think you’ll find good food regardless of specialty dinner naming. I can only suggest that, if time permits, during embarkation day, you go to the PG, speak with the manager, & sign up for all specialty dining adventures available during your cruise. You will not see the dinners available on the web site and the dinner reservations are always cancellable if cancelled with a day or so. Bon Appetite! Be well. Bob

Nope, just adding my 2 cents for having tests while traveling and using as sort of a pretest for "official" testing for cruises, airlines, land tours, specific country entry requirements, etc. HAL and other entities require, for now at least, utilizing the approved internet proctored testing, local certified pharmacy, various labs, local pop-ups (e.g., Europe), etc. 72-houra prior to cruise line embarkations (cruise greater that 5-day itineraries now, I believe). There was a posting / thread last week regarding have some tests, not necessarily "official" ones that an individual with minimal symptoms could use in their stateroom, hotel room, etc. they could use and if positive they would call the infirmary, or in the case of land touring, go to an official testing facility to confirm the positive test prior to isolating. While we're at it, has anyone heard from HAL regarding the Grand Cruises outcomes as of late (e.g. Africa, SA, WC) if one tests positive prior to boarding? Isolate for 5-10 days USA, test negative and then flown to the next port? Let you aboard and isolate on-board (especially the Grand Africa which is a TA crossing) and then "join" the cruise? Or are they going to turn you away and give you FCCsa for the following year edition? Inquiring minds would like to know 🙂. Be well & Safe Travels, Bob

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests (usps.com) 8 tests / pp. Rec'd ours last week two days after ordering. Be well. Bob

USPO is also offering "free" tests (8 / pp), Medicare not needed: Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests (usps.com) Be well. Bob

True, GV-wise, however, for any other bookings just apply. As mentioned, it never ‘hurts’ to apply / submit the form.We’ve had both a positive credit and a non- applicable notice sent to us within 24 hours of application. No worries… Small change to some perhaps. Nice touch for responders & other active & retired vets. Go for it. Be well. Bob

https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada#determine-fully

Hmm… Interesting reply. Be well & safe travels. Bob

Hello, Depending on the ship (pre-Covid) and, well, voyages such as the Grand Voyages, would have a “special of the day” (off menu, you needed to ask). Usually it was something creative utilizing ingredients that needed to be used, I.e. spinach and lobster in a small cup with a cooked egg on top, or small pancakes drenched in fresh fruit, etc. I also recall on the WC’s having Sunday brunches on sea days that would have a menu consisting of various small portions of various delights. Without a doubt, the regular offerings in the MDR and Lido are more than adequate. Be well. Bob

Thanks for the reports. I've re-read the postings and viewed pictures you provided, and it appears the cabins electrical outlet configurations, TV and DVD players have not changed from pre-Covid days. Is this correct? With that in mind, does the CS desk still handle DVD loaner movies? Non-grounded power strips available? Breakfast in MDR with specials now a thing of the past? Afternoon wine tastings and "sip and savor" pre-dinner gatherings also no mas? I was just curious. I apologize if you have already answered some of these queries & I missed your responses. Thanks again. Be well. Bob